With the Summit now finished, we’re taking a look at what was discussed on Twitter around the G8 on the final day of the Summit.
As was the case on day one, Russia and Syria were among the most discussed issues on Twitter yesterday. One of the most popular tweets – posted by the BBC’s Norman Smith (@BBCNormanS) pointed out that Russia was the only G8 country not to host a live streamed press conference.
Looks like the Putin press conference at #g8 will be the only one that won’t be televised live. Curious and curiouser.
— norman smith (@BBCNormanS) June 18, 2013
There was also great speculation – led mainly by a tweet from Russia Today (@RT_com) – about Russia blocking any mention of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the official G8 communiqué.
BREAKING: Russia blocks any mention of fate of Syrian President Assad in final #G8 summit communique #news
— RT (@RT_com) June 18, 2013
Russia is blocking mention of #Assad‘s fate in the #G8 summit communique. It will B interesting to see if his name even appears.
— Bill Neely (@billneelyitv) June 18, 2013
Other tweets implied that the G8 – including Russia – had come to some sort of consensus on Syria and will work to end the violence.
G8, including Russia, to cooperate to end #Syria bloodshed . #G8 calls on all parties to achieve political solution
— CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) June 18, 2013
As the final G8 communiqué showed, both sides were right: the G8 has called for an end to the bloodshed in Syria and for peace talks to be held as soon as possible, but there was no mention of Assad directly.
Other key issues discussed included the signing of the Lough Earne Declaration, counter-terrorism, and – as is always the case – the G8 family photo.
PICTURE: Controversial new cast for Snow White and the Seven Dwarves revealed #G8 pic.twitter.com/uXD7ZXth4H
— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) June 18, 2013
We’ll be back soon with our complete review and analysis of the Twittersphere’s reaction to the 2013 G8 Summit.