The Kremlin has said that Vladimir Putin is to decide whether or not to attend a BRICS conference in South Africa in August “closer to the time.”
BRICS is an acronym for five leading economies, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa which aims to promote peace, development, cooperation and security.
The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) top lawyer, Karim Khan KC who is the chief prosecutor is responsible for ensuring charges are brought against Putin as he oversaw the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine in March this year.
Moscow has hit back saying that they do not recognise the ICC, but non the less should Putin set foot on anyone of the 120 nations he will be arrested irrespective claiming diplomatic immunity.
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South Africa has maintained very good relations with Russia and under the BRICS agreement they are legally required to arrest the Russian President as a party to the ICC.
Asked at a regular briefing whether Putin the president would attend the BRICS conference, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked at a briefing if Putin will attend the BRICS conference in South Africa, he said, “…appropriate decisions will be made closer to the time.”
“But in any case Russia will actively take part (in the conference),” he added that BRICS is “a very important association”.
Khan told the Sunday Times in March, that the ICC can use another mechanism known as “confirmation in absence” which is used who “thumb their nose at justice,” or “flee jurisdiction or wantonly refuse to surrender.”
South Africa is a signatory and recognises the ICC and under the warrant issued by the Hague the Russian leader would have to be arrested.
Vincent Magwenya, the spokesman for President Cyril Ramaphosa said, “We are, as the government, cognisant of our legal obligation.
“However, between now and the summit we will remain engaged with various relevant stakeholders.”
He added, “We note the report on the warrant of arrest that the ICC has issued.
“It remains South Africa’s commitment and very strong desire that the conflict in Ukraine is resolved peacefully through negotiations.”
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