Moscow To Seek Clarification Of S. Africa's Position On Its ICC Membership

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists that Russia will seek a clarification of South Africa's position on its membership in the International Criminal Court, which earlier this year issued an arrest warrant against President Vladimir Putin, TASS news agency reports.

• Peskov noted that "bilateral communication will take place" ahead of the BRICS summit hosted by South Africa in August, to which all leaders of participating nations have been invited.
• Kremlin Spokesman said that Russia has been and will continue to be actively engage in the group's work" and "will participate in the summit that South Africa will host." Note that BRICS envoys are wrapping up a summit on the MENA region today.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday suggested that South Africa could withdraw from the ICC, but his statement was later retracted, while experts signalled that it would not immediately remove the legal obligation to arrest Putin.