South Africa asked to mediate in Ukraine crisis
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that South Africa has been approached to play a mediation role in the conflict in Ukraine “based on our relations with the Russian Federation and as member of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)”.
President Ramaphosa said he spoke to Russian President Vladimer Putin on Thursday. “I outlined our position on the conflict that has unfolded as well as our belief that the conflict should be resolved through mediation and negotiation between the parties and – if need be – with the help of agencies that can help bring a solution to the conflict,” Ramaphosa said.
South Africa’s decision to abstain during a United Nations General Assembly motion to reprimand Russia last week has angered Ukraine and many other countries.
Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, on Thursday said Pretoria decided to “err on the side of caution” because “the matter is complex”.
In another significant development, the Western Cape provincial government has broken with Pretoria by strongly condemning the Russian Federation for its invasion.
It said it considers the move a violation of international law “and we call for an immediate ceasefire and for a full withdrawal of their armed forces from Ukraine”.
The provincial Cabinet said it will meet with the Ukrainian Ambassador to South Africa to communicate this position unequivocally and no Russian Embassy or Consulate official or their staff will be invited to any event or meeting organised by the Western Cape Government.
“We cannot and will not remain silent in the face of an international crisis that threatens the very foundation of our liberal international order,” said Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.
-0- PANA CU/MA 11March2022
