Group of Seven leaders on Saturday grappled with how bluntly they should criticize China for committing human rights abuses in their upcoming joint declaration, Politico reports.
Why it matters: President Biden hopes to present a united front against Beijing before the end of the summit, but other countries, such as Germany, hope to strengthen financial connections with the Chinese in the long term.
The state government of São Paulo fined Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro around $110 for not wearing a mask while leading a motorcade rally through the streets of São Paulo, according to AP.
Why it matters: Bolsonaro, who contracted the virus last July, has repeatedly flouted coronavirus restrictions meant to control its spread despite surging cases and deaths from the virus in the country.
The United Nations' high commissioner for human rights on Friday condemned the ongoing military build up in parts of Myanmar, warning that escalating violence between the military junta and armed minority groups threatens to produce an "even greater loss of life."
Why it matters: Michelle Bachelet said the junta, which came into power by overthrowing Myanmar's democratically elected government in February, is “singularly responsible” for the “human rights catastrophe” unfolding across the country.
Indirect nuclear talks between the United States and Iran resumed on Saturday in Vienna with the chief coordinator saying he believes a deal will emerge during this sixth round of negotiation, Reuters reports.
First lady Jill Biden spent part of Saturday meeting with British veterans, first responders and their families on the sidelines of the G7 summit, according to pool reports.
Why it matters: The first lady has prioritized participating in military-focused events during the trip to highlight her Joining Forces initiative.
U.S. President Biden and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron were all smiles and handshakes during their first formal, in-person meeting on Saturday, with Macron telling pool reporters "it's great to have the U.S. president part of the club."
Why it matters: Biden has made rebuilding the United States' global leadership central to his foreign policy, frequently touting, "America is back."
Moscow's mayor ordered some workplaces to take a week off and imposed new restrictions on many other businesses on Saturday to help curb a surge in new coronavirus cases, AP reports.
Why it matters: The city reported 6,701 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, and new cases nationally have more than doubled over the past week.
Separate bombs killed at least seven people in a mostly Shiite neighborhood in Kabul on Saturday, according to an official within Afghanistan's Interior Ministry.
Why it matters: Violence has escalated since President Biden announced the planned withdrawal of all U.S. troops by Sept. 11 of this year.
Saudi Arabia announced Saturday it was barring foreign visitors and limiting this year's hajj pilgrimage to 60,000 people from within the kingdom due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Why it matters: It's the second year the pandemic has forced the country to restrict the annual pilgrimage, which typically draws 2 million Muslims from around the world. The hajj last year was limited to about 1,000 people.
