South Africa (South Africa) said on the 12th (local time) that the United States has apologized for raising allegations that it provided arms to Russia.
According to the BBC and The Straits Times, the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the US Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Bridgetti, who raised the suspicion, apologized for raising the suspicion.
The Foreign Office said Ambassador Brigitte “admitted that she had crossed the line and offered frank apologies to the South African government and people”.
Ambassador Bridgetty also tweeted: “I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with South African Foreign Minister Naredi Pandor today and to correct any misunderstandings left by my public remarks.”
The previous day, Ambassador Brigiti met with reporters in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa, and disclosed, “I am certain that the Russian cargo ship that docked at the Simontown Naval Base in Cape Town between December 6 and 8 of last year was loaded with weapons and ammunition before returning to Russia.” did.
He went so far as to say, “We are convinced that the ship was loaded with weapons and I will risk my life for the accuracy of this claim.” “This shows that South Africa is not neutral in the war with Ukraine,” he said.
The Russian ship that Ambassador Bridget pointed out is ‘Lady Are(R)’. It is a cargo ship that the U.S. Treasury Department added to the list of sanctions for weapons shipments in May last year. The U.S. noted that the ship, which normally docks at a civilian port, stayed at a naval base in early December last year.
Ambassador Bridget’s revelation caused a stir.
The South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Ambassador Brigitte on the same day to protest. Foreign Minister Pandor also said he would talk about the matter with US Secretary of State Tony Blincoln.
White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby pointed out in an interview with Sky News that day that it was a “serious problem.”
“We have consistently and strongly urged Russia not to provide any assistance to the war,” Kirby said. “No one should make it easy for Putin to kill innocent Ukrainians.”
South Africa has also entered into contact with Russia. The Kremlin said on the same day that Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss strengthening relations. According to the Kremlin, the call was made at the suggestion of the South African side.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.