Politics Talk

How to read a joint communique: a lawyer's cheat sheet

I read these for work, so here is my unofficial guide. You're welcome.

'Welcomed' = we like it, we will not pay for it.
'Noted' = we read it and do not like it.
'Will explore' = there is no plan.
'Reaffirmed commitment' = we said this last year and did nothing.
'Agreed to' = the only verb that means anything. Look for it. It is rare.

Also, check what is missing. If last year's statement mentioned something and this year's does not, that is your headline. Lawyers read silence very carefully.