Rio De Janeiro: During a press conference on Thursday (Mar 28), French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the importance of consensus among G20 members, including Russia, before extending an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the group’s summit in Brazil in November.
Speaking alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasília, Macron highlighted the significance of unanimity within the G20. “The essence of this club is the necessity for consensus among the 19 others,” he stated.
Read More: UN Panel Monitoring North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Ends as Russia Exercises Veto
Macron indicated that coordinating a collective decision regarding Putin’s participation would be a task for Brazilian diplomacy, given Brazil’s current leadership role within the G20. He emphasized that if deemed beneficial, such a meeting “must be done,” but cautioned that discord on the matter could jeopardize any potential invitation to Russia.
Why the G20 Must Decide on Putin’s Participation: Macron’s remarks come in the wake of previous statements by Brazilian President Lula, who, in September 2023, declared that Putin would not face arrest if he attended the Rio de Janeiro meeting of the bloc.
Read More: US Implements Further Measures to Curtail Technology Flow to Russia Amid Weapon Concerns
Putin faces an active arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations of war crimes, including unlawful deportation and transfer of children during the Russo-Ukrainian War. This warrant, also targeting Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova, was issued in March of the previous year.
As a signatory to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, Brazil is obligated to detain and transfer individuals subject to ICC warrants if they set foot on Brazilian territory. Putin’s absence from last year’s G20 summit in New Delhi was seen as a precaution against potential political controversy and the risk of criminal detention.
Read More: France to Boost Military Support for Ukraine with Advanced Weaponry
However, President Lula later clarified his stance, stating that any decision regarding Putin’s arrest would be determined by the justice system rather than the government. “If Putin decides to come to Brazil, it will be up to the courts to decide whether or not he will be arrested, not me,” he asserted.
