The Republic of South Africa (SAR) is mindful and aware of its legal obligations to the International Criminal Court (ICC). This was stated by the press secretary of the Head of State Vincent Magvenia, referring to the warrant issued by the ICC for the “arrest” of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his upcoming visit to the BRICS summit.
“However, ahead of the summit, we will continue to engage with various relevant stakeholders,” Magvenia was quoted as saying by Reuters.
The South African President’s press secretary noted that South Africa is committed to a peaceful and speedy settlement of the situation in Ukraine.
On March 17, ICC Pre-Trial Chamber II issued arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights of the Russian Federation. Russian President’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin sees no legal basis for such ICC decisions and therefore does not recognize them.
South Africa says it understands legal obligations to ICC if Putin visits BRICS