Pandor denies govt at loggerheads about SA response to Russia-Ukraine conflict
Updated | By Nokukhanya N Mntambo
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor has denied claims that government is divided on the country's response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
This follows mixed messages from the South African government in the wake of Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in late February.
Since then, scores of civilians and soldiers have been killed, while dozens more have been displaced.
The ripple effect for the global community have also been far-reaching, with economies across the world feeling the pinch.
South Africa has come under fire from some quarters for refusing to call on Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia to withdraw from Ukraine.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has instead adopted a diplomatic approach, saving face with both Russia and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Meanwhile Pandor hasn't shied away from a sterner tone.
"Our non-alliant position doesn't mean we condone the military intervention of Russia in Ukraine. We believe that this intervention is in violation of international law," Pandor told media in Pretoria on Friday.
But Pandor denied she and Ramaphosa were singing from a different hymn book.
"Unfortunately, the foreign minister and the president work closest together in any country and if they don't, then you have real problems, and we work very closely together.
"I do seek the president's advice on all matters, where necessary.”
On Thursday, the UN General Assembly voted to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council as punishment for the invasion of Ukraine.
"We did speak and agree on the position that we would take so there is no difference of opinion and I really don't know where that comes from,” said Pandor.
Pandor says she stands by SA's decision to abstain from Thursday's vote, and raised concern about the implications of Russia's suspension.
"I think when a country that is party to such conflict and hostility is placed at the margins of international bodies, the level and opportunity for increased lack of accountability is too open for us.
"We are very concerned that the more marginal you become, the worse the offences might be," said Pandor.
Watch Pandor below:
#RussiaUkraineConflict | Pandor denies that she and President Cyril Ramaphosa are singling from a different hymn book on how to respond to the conflict. pic.twitter.com/iQKyMs4hVz
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) April 8, 2022
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