G20 foreign ministers concluded talks in Atlanta without a joint communiqué
European diplomats objected to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation, prompting the United States to cancel the G20 group photo; some threatened to boycott or walk out, diplomats said. Rubio issued a chairman’s statement after ministers failed to agree on a joint communiqué. Diplomats said Russia maintained unyielding positions on Ukraine and Poland's G20 membership.
More context
G20 foreign ministers wrapped up two days of talks in Atlanta without a joint communiqué, amid divisions over Russia and other issues. Rubio also canceled the traditional group photo after European diplomats objected to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s participation and threatened to boycott or walk out. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who hosted and chaired the meeting, had opened Friday with an appeal for unity. Instead of a communiqué, Rubio issued a chairman’s statement summarizing the discussions, according to LawStreet. Diplomats who attended described the opening session as cordial but said Russia’s position on Ukraine and its opposition to Poland’s G20 membership were unyielding. Other points of contention included the administration’s exclusion of G20 member South Africa, which drew objections from fellow participants. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said he was not surprised the meeting failed to reach consensus.
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Reporting
- Nation Path India — G20 Atlanta Meeting: US Cancels Group Photo Over Russia Dispute | Nation Path India
- PBS News — G20 foreign ministers in Atlanta meeting head to an ending without consensus on key issues | PBS News
- lawstreet.co — G20 Foreign Ministers End Atlanta Meeting Without Consensus on Key Issues | LawStreet
- newindianexpress.com — G20 foreign ministers to end Atlanta meeting without consensus on key issues
- etvbharat.com — Consensus Looks Elusive At G20 Talks After European Objections To Russia Cancel Group Photo
Verifier’s note
LawStreet, New Indian Express, Nation Path India, ETV Bharat and PBS report the Atlanta meeting’s lack of a joint communiqué and/or the canceled group photo over objections to Russia’s presence. The reports are consistent with the proposed event and its timing.