Some world leaders have expressed mixed reactions over the United States’ (US) decision not to participate in the G20 Summit.
Several nations have also supported South Africa’s (SA) effort to obtain a joint statement at the summit.
This includes Germany, the United Kingdom and France.
The French Ambassador to SA, Lesotho and Malawi, David Martinon says, “That is quite unusual. I’ve never seen that. Yeah, we have mixed feelings in a way. It means that they are eager to continue the good work and assume the presidency next January. So that’s good news.”
Martinon adds: “However, not participating in the G20 summit is bad news because obviously they will not participate in any attempt to make progress.”
Meanwhile, the US has sought to clarify its position on whether it has had a change of mind regarding attendance at the summit.
The White House has released a short statement saying its chargé d’affaire’s in Pretoria will attend the declaration handover ceremony as a formality.
—SABC—
