President Cyril Ramaphosa said there was “overwhelming consensus” for adopting a joint declaration.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday said most nations attending the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg want the meeting to adopt a declaration at the end of the two-day gathering.
“In discussions with a number of delegations here, there has been overwhelming consensus and agreement that one of the tasks we should undertake right at the beginning is to execute the task we have come here for, which is by overwhelming consensus to adopt our declaration,” he said.
Moments later, Ramaphosa was approached by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, who whispered that broadcasting cameras were still recording the event live.
“I’m told that the cameras are still on. They should be off. I don’t know why that is so,” Ramaphosa remarked.
In a diplomatic communication delivered to Pretoria on November 15, Washington said it would not take part in preparatory meetings before the summit or in the gathering of world leaders.
According to Bloomberg News, which reviewed a copy of the document, the US informed South Africa it would not support any declaration described as a consensus G20 position. The note reportedly said Pretoria’s priorities for the summit were at odds with Washington’s policy stance.
“The US opposes issuance of any G20 summit outcome document under the premise of a consensus G20 position, without US agreement,” the communication stated. “If a deliverable is issued under your presidency, it will be framed solely as a chair’s statement to accurately reflect the absence of consensus.”
Despite Washington’s opposition, South Africa has continued efforts to secure a joint declaration when the summit concludes on Sunday. Securing a declaration is a top priority for Pretoria, which has sought to build on the agenda advanced by recent G20 hosts from the Global South — Indonesia, India and Brazil.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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