G20 photo opportunity scuttled amid diplomatic tensions with Russia
A planned group photograph of foreign ministers at a G20 meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, was canceled by the United States on Friday morning. The cancellation occurred after the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and several other European counterparts declined to participate alongside Russia’s envoy Sergei Lavrov.
The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly made the decision to avoid what he believed would be a distracting controversy. According to a Western diplomat, roughly one-third of the participants, including Australia and Canada, voiced their opposition to being photographed with Mr. Lavrov.
Sergei Lavrov serves as a key ally to President Vladimir Putin. The incident highlights the persistent strain in international relations stemming from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.
“In no case will there be a family photo with European partners and Mr Lavrov together because… there is no normalcy with Russia,” stated German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul prior to the meeting’s opening session. A source within the UK government confirmed their stance, stating, “We were not going to take part in any official picture with the Russian foreign minister.”
The UK maintains a policy of avoiding direct engagement with Russian officials since the invasion, a policy they have no intention of altering. The Foreign Secretary is currently in Atlanta focusing on global issues impacting citizens.
Source
“G20 photocall cancelled after Ed Miliband and other foreign ministers refuse to be pictured with Russia's Sergei Lavrov”
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