AA / Johannesburg / Hassan Isilow
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation said late Friday that US Ambassador Reuben Brigety had apologized to the government and people of South Africa for his statements the day before.
Brigety said on Thursday that the United States was convinced that despite its claimed neutrality, South Africa had supplied arms to Russia.
The diplomat said a Russian freighter, the Lady R, which docked at Simon’s Town naval base in Cape Town from Dec. 6-8 loaded weapons and ammunition before heading back to Russia.
The South African presidency said on Thursday that it took note of these statements with concern and that it would launch an independent investigation led by a retired judge to shed light on these allegations.
The Foreign Office summoned Brigety on Friday and expressed the government’s strong dissatisfaction with his conduct and statements alleging that South Africa had sold arms to Russia.
“Following today’s meeting, Ambassador Reuben Brigety admitted he had overstepped his bounds and offered an unqualified apology to the government and people of South Africa,” the ministry said in a statement. communicated.
Brigety said on Twitter: “I was grateful for the opportunity to speak to Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor tonight and dispel any misconceptions raised by my public statements”.
And to add: “During our interview, I reaffirmed the solid partnership between our two countries and the priorities that our presidents have set for us”.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has asked the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria to use diplomatic channels to raise concerns, or seek clarification on any misunderstandings that may arise in relations with South Africa.
The ministry said South Africa was known around the world for having one of the most rigorous procedures when it comes to arms sales on the international market.
“This process is managed by the National Arms Control Convention Committee (NCACC), which was established by an Act of Parliament, the National Arms Control Convention Act 41 of 2002 (NCAC Act), and by the Constitution,” the ministry said.
US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met on Friday with Naledi Pandor, South African Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, and stressed the importance of the strategic partnership between the United States and South Africa. He also reaffirmed willingness to cooperate on shared priorities, including health, trade and energy, according to a statement from US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
*Translated from English by Mourad Belhaj
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