Cape Town — The Presidency says its intention is to resolve the issue regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s possible visit to South Africa before the country hosts the BRICS summit in August.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes in Ukraine.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the summit was being overshadowed by the controversy over Russia’s invasion of the country, EWN reported.
With the arrest warrant being issued, SA has come under pressure to take action against the Russian president.
ALSO READ | Arresting Putin is not simple – Pandor
However, Magwenya said that the country’s main objective was to enhance the future growth and development of the country as well as to strengthen relations between the BRICS nations.
“We have run into danger equating the summit to one country that’s facing particular challenges with respect to the International Criminal Court,” he was quoted as saying.
“All other issues that may seem to threaten this summit will be addressed and resolved prior to the summit in order for SA to host a successful and a memorable BRICS summit,” Magwenya added.
Meanwhile, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor said that arresting Putin in accordance with an arrest warrant by the ICC was complicated.
“There are so many issues that one needs to take into account. It’s not simply a matter of arresting,” Pandor said.
International Relations Minister Dr Naledi Pandor tells @XoliMngambi that arresting Russian President, Vladimir Putin, in accordance with an arrest warrant by the ICC is not simple. She says many factors complicate the issue.
Watch: https://t.co/2kPwiW94pO pic.twitter.com/JAy6fFxsCx
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 1, 2023
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Twitter/@CyrilRamaphosa
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
