Riyadh Prepares For G20 with Decisive Decision, Bold Measures

 Riyadh will host the G20 leaders’ summit on Nov.21-22 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Riyadh will host the G20 leaders’ summit on Nov.21-22 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Riyadh Prepares For G20 with Decisive Decision, Bold Measures

 Riyadh will host the G20 leaders’ summit on Nov.21-22 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Riyadh will host the G20 leaders’ summit on Nov.21-22 (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Few days before the annual summit of the leaders of the world’s largest economies, Riyadh is finalizing draft-decisions and recommendations that would be submitted by the G20. Those will be aimed at developing efficient solutions and bold action plans to enhance recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and restore growth to the global economy.

According to information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, the G20 secretariat's high-level meetings concluded that great efforts should be exerted to make the Riyadh summit “decisive” and capable of restoring hope and reassurance to the peoples of the world through a set of brave measures.

Work is currently underway to issue a strong and approved final statement for the G20 leaders’ summit, which would include commitments and pledges and underline the importance of solidarity and international cooperation to coordinate a unified response for the G20 members.

According to the information, the Saudi G20 presidency will hence highlight the following vision: “The health and economic challenges facing the world cannot be managed separately by every country. The world is interconnected, so there is a need to work together, while respecting the different views, circumstances and traditions.”

Riyadh will host the G20 leaders’ summit on Nov. 21-22, after a busy year that witnessed 180 conferences, including senior ministerial meetings and two summits.

Moreover, the Saudi Presidency of the G20 has taken rapid and unprecedented measures to protect the most vulnerable.

The G20 members have contributed nearly $21 billion to support health systems, develop a vaccine, and provide more than $14 billion to alleviate the debts of developing countries. This year’s presidency also saw the pumping of about $12 trillion to protect the global economy.



Iraqi Foreign Minister: US Forces Are Not Occupiers

 Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (AP)
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (AP)
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Iraqi Foreign Minister: US Forces Are Not Occupiers

 Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (AP)
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (AP)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani discussed ending the US-led coalition’s mission in Iraq with a coalition official, while Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein asserted that US forces are not occupiers.

These talks come as Sudani’s government successfully brokered a truce between the US and armed groups aiming to drive American troops out of Iraq.

A recent joint operation by US and Iraqi forces in Anbar province, which killed 15 ISIS militants, highlighted ongoing cooperation between the US-led coalition and Iraqi forces against the terror group.

The US reported that seven of its soldiers were injured in the raid.

“The remnants of ISIS no longer pose a threat to the Iraqi state, as they have become isolated groups hiding in remote areas to avoid capture,” Sudani’s office cited the premier as saying during the meeting with coalition commander US Maj. Gen. Kevin C. Leahy and US Ambassador to Baghdad Alina Romanowski.

Sudani’s meeting with Leahy and Romanowski also discussed the coalition’s future role in Iraq, cooperation in training Iraqi security forces, and intelligence collaboration.

On his part, Hussein asserted that the US presence in Iraq is not an occupation.

“We are working hard to keep Iraq away from the threat of war,” said the top Iraqi diplomat in a TV interview.

Hussein explained that the Iraqi government is focusing on both internal dialogue with armed groups and external efforts to reduce tensions.

He emphasized that decisions on war and peace are the responsibility of the government and parliament, according to the constitution, and that the government is focused on Iraq’s own situation, not regional conflicts.

While Iraq stands in solidarity with Palestine, this support does not extend to armed conflict, as Iraq is still dealing with the aftermath of its own wars.

Addressing the frequent meetings between Romanowski and Iraqi officials, Hussein clarified that these do not breach diplomatic norms.

He reiterated that the US presence in Iraq is not an occupation, noting that “many issues need further discussion.”

Hussein also confirmed that talks are ongoing for the withdrawal of US troops, and that Iraq has formally requested their exit.