Broken tradition of G-20 summit, proposal passed even after America’s boycott; Strong message to Trump from South Africa

The countries participating in the G20 summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa have passed a historic declaration on climate change. Despite America’s protest and boycott on the declaration by the group of G20 countries, unanimous agreement has been reached. This step taken by the G20 group is being described as a departure from tradition, because the leaders of the world included in the G20 passed a joint declaration on climate change in the absence of America.

Actually, America has boycotted the G20 summit held in Johannesburg. America’s diplomatic differences with host South Africa have been cited as the reason behind this. According to Reuters report, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that America has objected to the wording of the joint declaration. However, he stressed that the declaration passed on climate change cannot be renegotiated. This statement given by President Ramaphosa has highlighted the ongoing tension between Washington and Pretoria.

Declaration passed at the beginning of the summit

Delivering his address at the summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the broad consensus for the joint declaration and said, ‘We must accept the declaration at the very beginning of this summit.’ Ramaphosa’s spokesman Vincent Magwenya said the declaration was accepted unusually early in the summit proceedings and that the move was prompted by the overwhelming support it had received.

According to news agency AP, Magwenya said that usually the declaration is accepted at the end of the proceedings, but we felt that we should take the initiative to pass the summit declaration earlier.

South African officials also confirmed that US President Donald Trump had put pressure on Pretoria not to accept the declaration of the G20 leaders in his absence. At the same time, spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said that we have worked all year to accept this manifesto and the last week has also been very strong.

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