G7 summit ends with stalemate over Paris climate deal, as US President Donald Trump promises ‘final decision’ within the week
German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticised what she called “a very difficult, not to say very unsatisfactory” discussion with Trump on the issue
US President Donald Trump said that he would make a decision this week on whether his nation would abide by the 2015 Paris agreement on cutting global carbon emissions.
The dramatic announcement came as a summit of G7 leaders in Sicily wrapped up in deadlock on the issue, with US partners voicing frustration at the president’s failure to commit to the deal aimed at tackling global warming.
Trump tweeted: “I will make my final decision on the Paris Accord next week!”
No further comment was expected from the US leader, who was due to fly home without giving the customary close-of-summit press conference.
Officials said the meeting’s final declaration would reflect a stalemate between the US and the six other participating countries.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticised what she called “a very difficult, not to say very unsatisfactory” discussion with Trump on the issue.
“Here we have a situation of six against one, meaning there is still no sign of whether the US will remain in the Paris accord or not,” she said.
France also confirmed the stalemate, a senior official telling reporters: “The United States is evaluating its policy with regard to the climate, so the six other G7 countries will reaffirm their commitment [to the Paris accord] while taking note [of the US position].”