By Fakir Hassen :
JOHANNESBURG :
IN A strong message, the G-20 on Saturday said that
all states must refrain from the threat or use of force
to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial
integrity and sovereignty or political independence of
any state.
A Declaration, adopted with consensus by the heads
of state attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit despite US
attempts to stop it, also said that states should develop friendly relations among nations, including by promoting and encouraging
respect for human rights and
for fundamental freedoms for
all without distinction as to
race, sex,language, or religion.
The declaration also
acknowledged the impact of
risinggeopoliticalandgeo-economiccompetition,saying that
solidarity, equality and sustainability are key pillars of
inclusive growth.
Energy security, climate
action and disaster resilience
andresponsewerealsoprominently mentioned in the 39-
page document.
Inaclearreference toRussia,
Israel and Myanmar, without
naming them, the declaration
said that in line with the UN
Charter,“all statesmust refrain
from the threat or use of force
to seek territorial acquisition
against the territorial integrity
and sovereignty or political
independence of any state...”
Generally, the adoption of
the declaration happens at the
end of the Leaders’ Summit.
This time it happened at the
start of the meeting.