The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, further dealings with China and human rights violations in Iran: the need for discussion among the seven leading industrialized countries has seldom been more urgent. Since Germany will hold the presidency of the G7 until the end of the year and is therefore responsible for organizing conferences, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will hold the final press conference.
In Münster, the foreign ministers of the G-7 countries sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin. Baerbock accused him of attacking “international law” and the “international global order” with his war. The nuclear threat from Moscow is “unacceptable” and any use of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons will have serious consequences. In view of the aggression, it is a priority “to build an even stronger transatlantic relationship for the 21st century,” said the Green politician. The partnership with the USA is an insurance for peace and democracy.
The Iranian government is threatened with further sanctions; on the one hand because of the arms deliveries from Tehran to Moscow, on the other hand because of the action taken against the protests that have been going on for weeks. They condemn “the brutal and disproportionate use of force against peaceful demonstrators and children” and call on the Iranian authorities “to ensure that the perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses are held accountable”.
Japan in particular expressed its concerns about China. The government in Beijing must “live up to its responsibilities as a great power,” said Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi. The G7 called for “a peaceful solution to the problems existing between China and Taiwan”. However, it was also pointed out that “effective cooperation” with China is possible within the framework of the rules-based international order.