Question NW2853 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
22 September 2023 - NW2853
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether, in view of the statement by the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, on 3 September 2023 that the panel investigating the allegation that Lady R was in the shores of the Republic to collect weapons for the Russian Federation have cleared South Africa of all wrong doing, the Government intends to take any steps against the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Reuben Brigety, for making false allegations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3272
Reply:
Following the allegations made by US Ambassador Reuben Brigety, he was dèmarched by the department. During the meeting between the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and Ambassador Brigety, South Africa expressed deep disappointment and displeasure at the manner in which the allegations were made, especially since there are prescribed diplomatic protocols which should have been used to convey any grievance/concerns of the US Government in relation to the Lady R vessel.
In the wake of the release of the outcomes of the Investigation Panel into the Lady R, the Department will, after thorough consultation, decide on a course of action in respect of the US Ambassador, should this be deemed necessary, taking into account the overall impact on our bilateral relations with the US and the foreign policy interests of the country.