The presidency has launched a scathing attack against the Democratic Alliance (DA). He claims the party is spreading disinformation regarding international relations.
The DA claimed that Washington, DC, deemed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to the United States, Mcebisi Jonas, unwelcome.
Ramaphosa dismissed the claims, saying they were a deliberate attempt to “embarrass” the envoy.
DA CLAIMS US DENIED JONAS’S DIPLOMATIC VISA
In a statement, the DA, a member of the Government of National Unity (GNU), claimed that the US denied Jonas’s diplomatic visa in May this year. The DA also claimed that the US government rejected Jonas’s credentials, and Ramaphosa was urged to appoint an alternative envoy.
In response, the Presidency clarified that special envoys do not present diplomatic credentials to host countries in the same manner as formally designated Heads of Mission or other accredited diplomats.
The presidency also clarified that Jonas’s outreach does not supersede the leading role played by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Ramaphosa criticised the DA’s remarks, stating that the party tried to embarrass and belittle the country and Jonas.
PRESIDENCY ACCUSES DA OF EXPLOITING CRITICAL ENGAGEMENT
The presidency further accused the DA of trying “cheaply but dangerously” to exploit a critical engagement between SA and the US. Ramaphosa suggested that the party’s actions may be in protest of the recent removal of DA Member of Parliament Andrew Whitfield as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
He also accused the DA of aligning itself with right-wing interests, saying the party insults foreign governments and international organisations. According to Ramaphosa, should the DA succeed in undermining international relations, it would endanger local businesses and the livelihoods of those whose jobs depend on global trade partnerships.
DO YOU THINK PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA IS RIGHT TO TAKE A TOUGHER STANCE AGAINST THE DA’S CLAIMS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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