G7 Leaders Discuss Covid Lab-Leak Theory, Call For Renewed WHO Probe
President Joe Biden signed onto the communique asking for a "timely, transparent" investigation by the World Health Organization into the origins of the covid pandemic.
Politico:
G-7 Nations Call For Thorough Probe Of Covid Origins In China
The G-7 nations on Sunday called for a “timely, transparent, expert-led, and science-based WHO-convened” investigation into the origins of Covid-19, including in China. “Strengthening transparency and accountability, including reiterating our commitment to the full implementation of, and improved compliance with, the International Health Regulations 2005,” the countries said in a joint statement. “This includes investigating, reporting and responding to outbreaks of unknown origin. We also call for a timely, transparent, expert-led, and science-based WHO-convened Phase 2 Covid-19 Origins study including, as recommended by the experts’ report, in China.” (Ward, 6/13)
The Hill:
G7 Leaders Call For Investigation Into Coronavirus Origins | TheHill
President Biden joined the leaders of the U.K., Italy, Germany, Canada, Japan and France in signing a joint communique that addressed the group's commitments on the pandemic, climate change, ransomware and corruption. ... Focus on the virus' origins has become a point of interest in the United States as lawmakers and some public health experts have started to seriously entertain the possibility the virus originated in a lab in Wuhan, China. But Republicans in particular have criticized any WHO involvement, arguing the organization is unable to fully and fairly investigate China, especially when Beijing has refused to cooperate. (Samuels, 6/13)
Politico:
Pompeo Insists Covid-19 Leaked From A Chinese Lab
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo insisted on Sunday that Covid-19 originated from a Chinese lab. “There’s a pile of evidence a hundred feet high,” Pompeo said on “Fox News Sunday,” without offering specifics. Asked directly by Fox host Chris Wallace whether he believed the coronavirus had leaked from a Chinese lab, Pompeo declared flatly, "I do." (Reingold, 6/13)
In other summit news —
CBS News:
Biden At G-7 Summit: "America Is Back To The Table"
President Biden on Sunday declared that "America is back to the table" after leaving his first Group of Seven summit, where world leaders vowed to confront China, boost global infrastructure and donate 1 billion vaccine doses to the rest of the world. "I conveyed to each of my G-7 counterparts the U.S. is going to do our part. America is back to the table," the president said in a press conference at the conclusion of the meeting with U.S. allies. "The lack of participation in the past and full engagement was noticed significantly, not only by the leaders of those countries but by the people in the G-7 countries." (6/14)
The Guardian:
Concerns Grow In St Ives Over Covid Cases Linked To G7 Summit
Concerns are growing that St Ives may face a spike in Covid cases as the G7 summit winds up with hospitality venues, police officers and a protest camp all reporting cases of the virus. At least five venues in St Ives, the town closest to the main venue summit, Carbis Bay, have closed or are limiting their operations because of cases. (Morris, 6/13)
