By: Vesla Centurion Kals
South Africa is currently exploring the possibility of relocating the BRICS summit, scheduled for August, to China, reliable sources have said.
This move is being considered in order to avoid the legal predicament of having to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin, should he visit South Africa.
As a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), South Africa is obligated to act on the ICC’s warrant of arrest for Putin, who is accused of war crimes.
While the BRICS foreign ministers have remained tight-lipped on the matter, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed his contempt for the idea when questioned about it after a meeting of the BRICS foreign ministers in Cape Town on Thursday.
Lavrov dismissed the notion, citing a report in a British tabloid, which he claimed not to have read.
Despite the lack of discussion on the matter by the foreign ministers, South African officials have confirmed that the possibility of moving the summit to China is being seriously considered.
Alternatively, the summit could be held virtually, with all five presidents of the bloc, including China, India, Brazil, and Russia, participating remotely.
While South Africa seeks to navigate this delicate situation, it remains to be seen how the issue will be resolved; it is clear that Pretoria is committed to upholding its obligations as a member of the ICC, while also maintaining its diplomatic relationships with its BRICS partners.
