Arresting Russian president will be tricky, Pandor says

DEPARTMENT of International and Cooperation (ICC) Minister Naledi Pandor has reiterated her stance that the country should adopt a cautionary approach to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the country later this year.

While speaking with Xoli Mngambi on Newzroom Afrika on Monday, Pandor said arresting the president in accordance with an arrest warrant by the ICC would not be a simple matter as there were many other factors that complicated the issue.

Putin is due to arrive in August for the BRICS Summit set for Durban.

“With respect to the ICC, this is a very difficult international situation. I do think we need to fully consider what the implications might be. It is very correct that there is a special team that Deputy President Paul Mashatile has put together looking in depth at this matter to ensure we take a decision that represents the best interests both of South Africa and that of BRICS as well, which has been an increasingly important body for us as South Africa,” she said.

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed his deputy to lead an interministerial committee to look at options for the country before the visit. Putin’s visit continues to draw conflicting messages, with the Cabinet on Friday saying South Africa was still a member of the International Criminal Court and was bound by its statutes.

On Monday, the leader of political party Xiluva, Bongani Baloyi, told the SABC: “If South Africa were to effect an arrest on the sitting president of another country, it would be tantamount to a declaration of war. I don’t think

South Africa can afford to make such a declaration of war. It would mean we would be directly declaring war on Russia.” |