The government must first discuss the arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to South Africa’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Naledi Pandor.
At the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) conference in August, Mr. Putin is expected to visit South Africa.
On March 17, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for Mr. Putin’s arrest for alleged war crimes committed in Ukraine.
South Africa is required by law to hold Mr. Putin and try him as a signatory to the Rome Statute.
According to Ms. Pandor, the Russian side would be consulted before the South African authorities over the warrant.
Despite criticism from the West, South Africa maintains close ties with Moscow.
