PRESIDENCY RESPONDS TO CLAIMS OF WEAPONS SUPPLY TO RUSSIA MADE BY THE US AMBASSADOR

Thu 11 May 2023:

Statements made by US ambassador in South Africa Reuben Brigety alleging that the African nation supplies weapons to Russia undermine the spirit of Pretoria-Washington relations, the South African Presidency said on Thursday.

The Ambassdor’s remarks undermine the spirit of cooperation and partnership that characterised the recent engagements between US government officials and a South African official delegation led by National Security Special Advisor to the President, Dr Sydney Mufumadi.

It is public knowledge that a Russian vessel known as Lady R docked in SA. Allegations have since been made about the purpose of the voyage. While no evidence has been provided to date to support these allegations, the Gov has undertaken to institute an independent enquiry.

It is therefore disappointing that the US Ambassador has adopted a counter-productive public posture that undermines the understanding reached on the matter and the very positive and constructive engagements between the two delegations.

South Africa, which was among the first of a few countries to abstain from voting against a UN resolution decrying Russia’s attack on Ukraine, has consistently refused to take sides in the war.

South Africa hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for talks in January, and a few weeks later Russian warships joined the local and Chinese navies in drills which it said at the time would “strengthen the already flourishing relations between South Africa, Russia and China”.

South Africa said the drill had been planned a year before Russia invaded Ukraine.

South Africa is also under pressure to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is expected to join other leaders in the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) bloc for its Summit in Johannesburg in August.

The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against Putin for alleged war crimes involving the abduction of children from Ukraine.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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