US CANCELS G20 GROUP PHOTO AFTER EUROPEAN DIPLOMATS OBJECT TO POSING ALONGSIDE RUSSIA’S LAVROV

The United States has cancelled a planned group photograph involving foreign ministers attending the G20 meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, after several European diplomats reportedly objected to being photographed alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The decision was taken on Thursday, October 29, ahead of the opening of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting on Friday, October 30, after European representatives reportedly threatened to walk out of the photograph session if Lavrov was included.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is chairing the two-day diplomatic gathering, decided to scrap the traditional photograph after concluding that the disagreement would become a major distraction from the discussions, according to two US officials who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The group photograph is a longstanding tradition at major international diplomatic gatherings, usually providing an opportunity for participating foreign ministers to appear together at the beginning of official meetings.

However, the disagreement over Lavrov’s participation highlighted continuing tensions between Russia and Western governments following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Several European countries have maintained strong opposition to Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine and have supported sanctions and other measures aimed at pressuring the Russian government to end the conflict.

Russia’s presence at the Atlanta meeting had already generated objections from some G20 participants before the disagreement over the photograph emerged.

Lavrov’s attendance was particularly sensitive because he has made relatively few visits to NATO member countries since the beginning of the Ukraine war and the introduction of extensive Western sanctions against Moscow.

The Russian foreign minister’s arrival also followed difficulties experienced by the Russian delegation in securing visas to attend the meeting. Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, said the delays created the impression that not everyone in Washington welcomed Lavrov’s participation.

Zakharova nevertheless maintained that the Russian delegation intended to use the meeting to advocate reforms of global economic institutions and promote Moscow’s position on building what it describes as a multipolar international order.

The G20 meeting in Atlanta is intended to prepare the groundwork for a leaders’ summit scheduled to take place in Miami, Florida, in December, which will be hosted by US President Donald Trump.

The discussions are expected to cover several major international issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions involving Iran, international trade disputes, energy security and freedom of navigation across strategically important waterways.

The Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, the Black Sea and the South China Sea are among the waterways expected to feature in discussions concerning international trade and maritime security.

US officials have identified freedom of navigation, energy security, food supplies and the protection of critical mineral supply chains as important priorities for the Atlanta meeting.

However, the disagreement over Lavrov’s presence has raised questions about the ability of participating countries to reach common positions on some of the most pressing international challenges.

Former US Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly warned that Lavrov’s attendance could complicate efforts by Western countries to present a united position on Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Kelly also noted that the Russian foreign minister’s visit could create political difficulties for the Trump administration, particularly with US midterm elections approaching and some Republican lawmakers expressing dissatisfaction with the president’s approach towards Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The controversy has also drawn attention to the absence of South Africa, the only African country in the G20 and a founding member of the international group.

South Africa was not included in the invitations to the Atlanta meeting despite its membership of the G20. The country’s government said its absence was not voluntary.

Phindile Kunene, spokesperson for South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, said Pretoria had consistently maintained that it had not chosen to stay away from the gathering.

South Africa also welcomed support from other G20 members that had expressed reservations about its exclusion and said it remained prepared to participate on equal terms when Britain assumes the group’s presidency next year.

Ukraine, which is not a formal G20 member but has previously been invited to participate in some meetings, was also excluded from this year’s Atlanta gathering. US officials said the decision was based on an approach of inviting only formal members of the group.

The absence of South Africa and Ukraine, alongside the controversy surrounding Russia’s participation, has added to concerns about divisions within the international forum.

Despite the cancellation of the photograph, the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting is scheduled to proceed, with participating countries expected to discuss areas where cooperation may still be possible despite their disagreements.

The development illustrates the diplomatic challenges facing the G20 as major economies attempt to coordinate responses to wars, trade disputes, energy pressures and other international crises.

Street News Reporters will continue to monitor the G20 meeting in Atlanta, including diplomatic reactions to Russia’s participation, discussions on the Ukraine conflict and preparations for the December leaders’ summit in Miami.