Particle.news
Download on the App Store

G20 Sherpas Finalize Summit Text as U.S. Seeks Ceremonial Access, Drawing South African Pushback

The United States plans to skip negotiations, with its embassy requesting entry only to the 23 November chair-transfer ceremony.

Overview

  • Sherpa negotiators from G20 members have formed the draft leaders' communiqué, which awaits formal approval at the Johannesburg summit on 22-23 November.
  • White House press secretary Caroline Levitt said the United States will not participate in official G20 negotiations in South Africa.
  • News24 reports the U.S. Embassy asked to accredit seven staff led by chargé d'affaires Mark Dillard solely for the final-day handover.
  • South African presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya said President Cyril Ramaphosa will not pass the G20 chair to a U.S. chargé.
  • Under G20 protocol the outgoing chair hands a symbolic hammer to the next chair's delegation and participants deliver brief remarks during the ceremony.