G-20 Communique Draft: “Consensus Difficult” On WTO Reform, Climate Change, Migrants & Mulitlateralism

Following the ‘failed consensus’ diplomatic disaster at APEC, it appears G-20 negotiators are desperate to avoid a repeat and, for now, have agreed on a draft declaration that includes a commitment to the “rules-based international order” and pledges to tackle the sources of refugee movements and reform the WTO.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the communique will include a commitment to multi-lateralism:

“I think the word multi-lateralism will appear [in the text],” Merkel said at the sidelines of the summit.

“This has to be fought for, but we are doing that.”

She added that the participants agree reform of the World Trade Organization is needed.

“Everyone is in agreement that the WTO (World Trade Organization) should be reformed. That is an important agreement,” Merkel told reporters.

Finally, Merkel noted – somewhat snarkily, that

“We will send a clear signal – in any case, most of us” for the success of global climate talks starting in Poland on Sunday.

The US stood by its decision to withdraw from the Paris climate deal.

Additional draft communique headlines include:

  • *G-20 COMMITS TO IMPROVE RULES-BASED INTERNATIONAL ORDER: DRAFT

  • *G-20 REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHENING GLOBAL SAFETY NET

  • *G-20 URGES IMF TO IMPROVE MONITORING OF PRIVATE, PUBLIC DEBT

  • *LARGE MOVEMENTS OF REFUGEES A GLOBAL CONCERN: G-20 STATEMENT

The draft communique now goes to the G-20 leaders for approval…

Finally we note that Trump, having cancelled his planned press conference, said he would proceed with the main event – the planned dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping – but added that the death of Bush “really puts a damper on it.”

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