G20 Photo Op Canceled Amid Diplomatic Tensions
European objections to Russia's presence disrupt Atlanta meeting, raising questions about consensus on contentious issues.
Callum Smith
The United States canceled plans for a photo with top G20 diplomats.
US officials confirmed G20 participants threatened to walk out of the summit if the photo opportunity proceeded. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband had already planned to boycott the 'family photo,' requesting a separate photograph with close allies.
Russia's foreign ministry complained about issues securing visas for its delegation. Maria Zakharova stated these complications created the impression that "not everyone in Washington is happy" about Mr. Lavrov attending.
Not everyone in Washington is happy.
Ukraine did not receive an invitation to the Atlanta G20 meeting. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband pledged to urge partners to strengthen support for Ukraine; former chancellor Rachel Reeves pressed Brussels to seize control of £175 billion in frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio chairs the gathering. Ian Kelly described the situation as "cranky" and politically "boneheaded," adding, "It will definitely take away from the message that at least the Western members want to send."
The main G20 summit will take place at President Donald Trump's Miami golf club. It remains unclear if Russian President Vladimir Putin will accept Mr. Trump's invitation to the December summit in Florida.
US allies in Europe remain uneasy with Russia's presence. This follows Mr. Trump pushing ties with Ukraine to new lows by waiving fresh sanctions on Moscow and temporarily limiting logistical and intelligence assistance. South Africa's absence from the meetings was not voluntary, Phindile Kunene confirmed.
Little chance exists for the group to reach a consensus on many contentious issues. The photo cancellation protests Russia's Sergei Lavrov's attendance.