G7 leaders agreed on a one-page joint statement, devoted almost exclusively to the international situation: in addition to Iran (see EUROPE 12313/1), the text returns to Ukraine, Libya and Hong Kong. The declaration, at least in terms of its size, but also in terms of its content, highlights the minimum convergences between the major powers. International issues were the subject of the G7 opening dinner on 24 August.
Ukraine. In front of the press, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that a summit of leaders in Normandy format (France, Germany, Ukraine and Russia) would soon be held. Mr Macron had called for such a meeting after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 19 August (see EUROPE 12311/1). He also met by telephone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "France and Germany will hold a summit in Normandy format in the coming weeks to achieve concrete results", the G7 statement said. Mr Macron said that "the conditions were right for a useful summit" and that concrete progress was possible.
Libya. The G7 statement also refers to Libya, for which the leaders support "a truce that can lead to a lasting ceasefire". "We believe that only a political solution will ensure the country's stability", the G7 stated. It thus calls for an international conference "well prepared, involving all stakeholders and regional actors concerned by this conflict". In addition to this conference, which the leaders hope to convene "as soon as possible", according to Mr Macron, the G7 is supporting the work of the United Nations and the African Union in order to set up an inter-Libyan conference. The discussion on Libya was extended to the African countries present (Egypt, Burkina Faso, Senegal, South Africa), but also to representatives of the African Union and the United Nations.
Asia. As demonstrations continue in Hong Kong, the G7 reaffirms the "existence and importance of the 1984 Sino-British Declaration", calling for violence to be avoided. In front of the press, the French President also reviewed the situation in North Korea, underlining the G7's commitment to the complete and verifiable denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. According to Mr Macron, during the discussion, the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzō Abe, also stressed the importance of human rights, including the issue of kidnapped persons, which must be addressed.
Syria. Similarly, while Syria is not mentioned in the final declaration, the French President reiterated the leaders' concern about the situation in Idlib and the need to protect the population, humanitarian workers, rights defenders and journalists. He recalled the G7's support for the political process under the aegis of the UN. In his view, stability will only be sustainable if Syria is peaceful and more inclusive and if the proposed reforms are voted on by the Syrians present in the country, but also abroad. Mr Macron also recalled that a return of refugees will only be possible when their safety can be fully ensured.
See the text of the declaration: https://bit.ly/2Pasvh9 (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)