G20 summit - yet another diversionary meeting - COMMENT

The two-day summit of the governments and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union (EU) in Osaka, Japan, has come to an end. Nevertheless, the results of the summit and the positive impact that may be expected in the world are being discussed. Undoubtedly, more interesting and anticipated were the meetings of US President Donald Trump with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Saudi Arabia's Prince, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

So, after the events in Ukraine in 2014, relations between the United States and Russia have aggravated.

In particular, the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and the separatist activity in eastern Ukraine caused tension between the parties. The Russian factor in the election of Donald Tramp is still under investigation. Moscow says it never intervened in this political campaign. The issue is being studied in US and will undoubtedly continue. It can make a film about this as well. The fact that the US does not support Russia's position on Iran is also one of the problems of the two sides. Moscow's opposition to the US policy in Syria, Moscow's position in Venezuela constitute the factor that aggravates the White House-Kremlin contradictions.

Certainly, there are many problems between the United States and Russia. These are just the main issues raised by the leaders. The meeting between the parties in Osaka lasted for an hour and 20 minutes. At the end of the meeting, Vladimir Putin invited Donald Trump to the event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War on May 9, 2020. Trump has met with Putin 4 times since 2017 and held a telephone conversation nine times. After the meeting, the sides agreed to continue discussions on arms control in the 21st century. Trump has accused Bashar al-Assad of committing a crime in Idlib. The US leader said that the ‘slaughterhouse’ was created as a result of Assad's actions in this Syrian region.

He called on Russia to stop bombing Idlib.

In fact, it is no secret that Russia will not give up its policy on Ukraine. This means that Washington's anti-Russian sanctions will remain in effect. Russia still refuses to stop supporting the authorities in Iran and Venezuela. Or at what price may Moscow compromise Tehran and Caracas to Washington? There is still no serious agreement between the parties on these countries. It seems that the agreement failed due to the weight of contractual terms. And Russia's position on Venezuela, Ukraine, Syria and Iran is one of the foundations of Moscow's policy. Any mitigation or discrimination in these areas reduces confidence in Russia. Thus, it is possible to suppose that the Trump-Putin talks are more focused on disclosure of positions.

By the way, since Turkey, like Russia, is a neighbor of Azerbaijan, and the meeting of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Donald Trump was also watched with great interest in the importance of relations between the two countries. Because they are allies the tension between Turkey and US can be paradoxical. US imposed sanctions on Russia and took restrictive measures against Turkey. From this point of view Ankara and Washington may agree more quickly. Turkey has almost never acted against US policy in the region. The main disagreement between the parties comes from the fact that US supports PKK / YPG-PYD terrorist group and the Syrian Democrat Forces, who want to disrupt the territorial integrity of Turkey and provide them with weapons and ammunition. Washington accuses Turkey of cooperating more with Russia, especially with the threat of sanctions because it receives S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems. This is also the main topic of discussion betwenn Erdoğan and Trump.

Meanwhile, Donald Tramp said that this problem was caused by the fact that the Obama administration did not allow Patriot missiles to be purchased earlier by the forerunner: “They did not allow to purchase Patriots that Turkey needed. Therefore, Turkey had to buy another missile system. Turkey is a friend of US and important trade partner. The US discusses a number of options for solving the issue of Turkey's withdrawal of S-400 missile systems from Russia. " He emphasized that Turkey had not been treated fairly: "Erdogan is a leader with whom I have friendly relationships ".

Nevertheless, Donald Trump did not exclude sanctions against Turkey regarding S-400 issue and also plans his visit to Turkey in the near future. Erdoğan in turn said they are strategic partners with the United States and expressed his hope that solidarity will continue in bilateral relations: “In my opinion, the meeting with the US President at the G20 Summit may play an important role in strengthening and solving unsettled issues in bilateral relations. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan commented on Turkey's withdrawal from F-35 fighter project with the United States: "We paid $ 1.25 billion for F-35 fighters. If they take this step, that is not true, then we will appeal to the international court to return the funds we spent." The trade turnover between the US and Turkey amounts to $75 billion. Trump stressed the importance of bringing this figure to $100 billion. US-Turkish normalization can have a positive impact on stability, security, anti-terrorism and economic development in the region. Because, unlike Israel, Turkey is governed by democratic principles, as well as a Muslim state. Therefore, it can be assumed that the US will again take into account this particular policy that Turkey will pursue in the future. Trump’s visit to Turkey at the end of July is likely to build closer relationships.

Of course, the meeting of the US leader with the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been closely monitored in view of the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. It was also the first meeting of the Crown Prince with the world leaders following the incident. Trump discussed human rights, threats from Iran. At the same time Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping lasted for 80 minutes. The parties discussed the settlement of disputed economic and trade issues between them. The US leader said before the meeting: "If Xi Jinping does not come to the summit of the G20 leaders, we will immediately apply new tariffs."

Notably, the government of China said it would not participate in the event. Another remarkable meeting was between Prime Minister of UK Theresa May, who resigned on June 7, with Vladimir Putin. Relations between London and Moscow have been aggravated for a long time. These tensions were also seen at May-Putin meeting in Osaka: "It is impossible to normalize our bilateral relations when Russia continues irresponsible and degrading activities."

As it can be seen, the G20 leaders did not agree on major problems of the world. Leaders have agreed that corrupt officials will not be granted asylum in their countries. This can be regarded as a positive outcome of the meeting. G20 summit is important in terms of resolving world problems through negotiations.

Finally, because the G20 is not official, a final document is not signed at the end of meeting. The impact of this summit can be proven in the future or expected incidents in Iran, Syria, Venezuela and Ukraine. In all cases, when formal international organizations such as the UN, the OSCE, the Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe, the European Union, NATO are unable to resolve the world's conflicts, it is naive to expect something from G20.