All states must refrain from threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition: G20 declaration
Johannesburg (PTI): 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 rising geopolitical and geo-economic competition, saying that solidarity, equality and sustainability are key pillars of inclusive growth. Energy security, climate action and disaster resilience and response were also prominently mentioned in the 39-page document.
In a clear reference to Russia, Israel and Myanmar, without naming them, the declaration said that in line with the UN Charter, "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..."
Generally, the adoption of the declaration happens at the end of the Leaders' Summit. This time it happened at the start of the meeting.
"We understand our interconnectedness as a global community of nations and reaffirm our commitment to ensure that no one is left behind through multilateral cooperation, macro policy coordination, global partnerships for sustainable development and solidarity,” the declaration read.
The document acknowledged the impact of rising geopolitical and geo-economic competition and instability, heightened conflicts and wars, and deepening inequality, increasing global economic uncertainty and fragmentation.
“In the face of this challenging political and socio-economic environment, we underscore our belief in multilateral cooperation to collectively address shared challenges,” it said.
The declaration reaffirmed “unwavering commitment to act in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations and its principle of peaceful settlement of disputes.”
Disaster resilience and response came under the spotlight as well in the text.
“We highlight the need to pay special attention to those already disproportionately impacted by disasters and that cannot afford the costs of adaptation, disaster mitigation, preparedness and recovery, in particular, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs),” it said.
With the high level of debt as one of the obstacles to inclusive growth, the declaration said: “In many developing economies, (this) limits their ability to invest in infrastructure, disaster resilience, healthcare, education and other development needs.”
The G20 acknowledged that energy security remains fundamental to national sovereignty, economic development, stability, and global prosperity. “We commend the G20 South Africa Presidency’s Voluntary Energy Security Toolkit as a practical resource for countries to strengthen their national systems.
“The Toolkit has been developed to support countries in adopting integrated approaches to energy technologies and innovation, risk identification, regional interconnectivity, infrastructure resilience, energy deficiency, emergency preparedness, and workforce development, with particular relevance for developing countries.”
The declaration emphasised that sustainable industrialisation is a cornerstone of sustainable development and energy transitions, as it noted the High-Level Voluntary Principles for Sustainable Industrialisation Hubs to support the equitable sharing of the benefits of industrialisation.
It also welcomed the G20 Critical Minerals Framework, which is a voluntary, non-binding blueprint to ensure that critical mineral resources become a driver of prosperity and sustainable development.
On food security, the G20 recognised the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger as it affirmed that political will to create the conditions to expand access and affordability to safe, healthy and nutritious food is needed.
The potential of digital and emerging technologies, including AI, for good and for all; needed to be unlocked and shared equitably, the Declaration said.
The critical role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in driving poverty reduction, economic growth, and development across client countries was acknowledged.
Other major issues highlighted in the declaration include climate change actions; preventing and fighting corruption and enhancing whistleblower protection mechanisms; and supporting migrant workers and refugees.
The declaration lauded the decision to convene the G20 Social Summit in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the G20 as an initiative that provided non-government stakeholders a unique opportunity to voice their views on fundamental issues of the international agenda.
The declaration ended with a reiterated commitment to the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation and its continued operation in the spirit of multilateralism, on the basis of consensus, with all members participating on an equal footing in all its events, including Summits, in accordance with international obligations.
South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola described the adoption of the declaration as "a great moment", saying this will revolutionise the African continent.
Asked about the US’ stance on not participating and trying to stop the declaration in its absence, Lamola said that the G20 would continue with or without the US.
"The G20 cannot be paralysed on the basis of the absence of someone who was invited. The multilateral platform must function. It has served good since the second World War, so that is the message that South Africa was sending across in all the engagements to say we have to move with the Declaration," he said.
"This G20 is not about the US. It is about all the 21 members of the G20. We are all equal members of the G20. What it means is that we need to take a decision. Those of us who are here have decided this is where the world must go and that is what is going to happen,” Lamola said when asked about how this would affect bilateral relations with the US.
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Shivakumar clarifies on Cartier watch, hits back at BJP leader
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday hit back at senior BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and clarified with records on the expensive Cartier wristwatch he had submitted in the affidavit to Lokayukta.
Claiming that he is a "transparent person", he asked whether he or Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should not have the right to wear a watch of their choice.
His clarification came a day after Narayanaswamy, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, had questioned about the expensive watches.
"Mr Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, please take a moment to review the affidavit I submitted to the Lokayukta," Shivakumar said in a post on 'X', with documents of assets declared with Lokayukta on October 28, which mentions Rolex watch worth Rs 9 lakh and two Cartier watches worth Rs 23,90,246 and Rs 12,06,000 respectively.
The Deputy CM said, "As someone in a position of responsibility, speaking falsehoods for convenience is not only wrong but also undermines your (Narayanaswamy) integrity."
"I am a transparent person and have shared the truth openly. Do I, or even CM Siddaramaiah, not have the right to wear a watch of our choice? I urge you to refrain from making baseless remarks and exercise your constitutional authority wisely and responsibly," he said, adding that all the details are on record, and if the BJP leader wishes, he is welcome to visit the Lokayukta office and verify the affidavit himself.
Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar reportedly wore similar Cartier watches when the former visited the latter's residence for breakfast on December 2, and the opposition BJP has been critical of the expensive watches and has raised questions about it.
Pointing to reports that both the CM and Deputy CM were wearing expensive watches from the same company, Narayanaswamy on Thursday had accused Shivakuamar of not mentioning about the watches purchase to the Election Commission.
He said that Shivakumar's affidavit submitted to the Election Commission only mentioned a Rolex watch worth Rs 9 lakh and a Hublot watch worth Rs 23,90,246, but does not have any mention of a Cartier watch.
"Where have you (Shivakumar) declared a Cartier watch", the BJP leader had questioned while adding that the watch is currently valued at about Rs 47 lakh, including taxes.
Questioning whether the Cartier watch was stolen or purchased, Narayanaswamy accused Shivakumar of lying to the people by stating that he had purchased it using his credit card, and had demanded him to release the documents about the purchase.
The opposition leader, citing that the CM is a "watch lover", pointed out that Siddaramaiah, during his earlier tenure as CM, was embroiled in a controversy over a Hublot watch, which he had subsequently handed over to the Assembly secretariat, declaring it as state property.
Reacting to Shivakumar's post, Narayanaswamy on Friday, while stating that it is a well-known fact that the Deputy CM has the ability to buy and wear watches worth lakhs of rupees, asked him, "As you (Shivakumar), yourself have said, you have a Cartier watch that you bought 7 years ago, why did you not declare it in your 2018 and 2023 election affidavits?"
In a post on 'X', he said he has only put a legitimate question before Shivakumar to seek clarification. "It is up to you (Shivakumar) to answer in the right way or ignore it," he added.
Hitting back at Narayanaswamy, Shivakumar, speaking to reporters, said, anyone could check his Lokayukta affidavit and that he was ready to resign if he had lied. He also challenged the opposition leader whether he was ready to resign if proven wrong.
"Narayanaswamy lacks experience, I have filed (declaration of assets) before Lokayukta and wherever I have to. I have my watch with me. If I'm lying I'm ready to resign today itself. Is he ready? One should have basic common sense and should not speak just for publicity. I behave more responsibly than him. He should learn to work with responsibility. Let him go and see the Lokayukta affidavit that I have filed this year," he said.
