Mashatile Says S. Africa Is Trying To Persuade Putin To Skip BRICS Summit

Local media run comments from South Africa's Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who said that the government is still trying to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin not to come for the BRICS summit next month, with South Africa legally obliged to arrest him.

• "Of course, we cannot arrest him. It's almost like you invite your friend to your house, and then arrest them. That's why for us, his not coming is the best solution," Mashatile said. "The Russians are not happy, though. They want him to come."
• Mashatile heads a panel tasked with exploring the options for Putin's attendance. It has become apparent that the panel advised against hosting Putin in person and proposed alternative solutions, none of which has been approved.
• According to Mashatile, the strategy now is to try to talk with Putin. His upcoming meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Russia-Africa Summit later this month is seen as an opportunity for a last-ditch attempt.
• Mashatile said that there has been no decision to disinvite Putin. According to the official, such a move would be tricky, given that Russia is one of the founding members of BRICS, while South Africa joined later.
• President Ramaphosa yesterday said that the August BRICS summit will be held in person and hosted by South Africa, while the leaders won't shy away from discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine.