The authorities of the Republic of South Africa (South Africa) are considering postponing the meeting of the BRICS leaders to China so as not to arrest Vladimir Putin.
Reuters writes that at present, the relevant minister and officials are considering various options for a way out of this situation. The final decision will be made after the country’s leadership hears their reports and after Russia gives a final answer whether Putin will participate in the summit.
One way out of the situation is to contact China with a proposal to host the summit, a source in the South African government told the publication.
The Kremlin, in response to a question about Putin’s participation in the meeting, so far replied that “Russia will take part in it at the proper level.”
Former President Thabo Mbeki, whose views on foreign affairs have a strong influence on current officials, had previously suggested that the summit was unlikely to take place in South Africa.
Due to our legal obligations, we have to arrest President Putin, but we cannot do that,” Mbeki said, without explaining his own position.
On Monday, South Africa granted diplomatic immunity to all participants in the August meeting and the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in Cape Town this week. However, this immunity does not take precedence over an ISS warrant, which could have been issued against any participant in the conference.
Recall that after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for Putin’s arrest, South Africa said that they had taken this fact into account and were aware of their legal obligations. At the same time, as the media wrote, the government of the country is actively consulting on this matter and is considering all options in order to avoid fulfilling its obligations. Part of the media wrote that South Africa is asking Putin to take part in the summit virtually.
ISS Prosecutor Karim Khan is confident that South Africa will “do the right thing” if the Russian president visits.
Source: Racurs
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