South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expects a comprehensive report from the expelled Ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, following his return to South Africa. The U.S. deemed Rasool unacceptable after comments he made about the Trump administration during a webinar. Ramaphosa characterized the expulsion as a minor setback and confirmed ongoing engagements with the U.S. government.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Monday that the recently expelled Ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, would return to South Africa to provide him with a briefing on ongoing developments. The U.S. State Department has deemed Rasool as unacceptable, prompting this return. Ramaphosa expressed his intention to await a comprehensive report from Rasool upon his arrival.
At the Bana Pele Early Childhood Development Leadership Summit in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa underscored South Africa’s dedication to maintaining strong relations with the U.S. He characterized Rasool’s expulsion as a minor disruption in the broader context of bilateral relations.
The ambassador’s expulsion followed remarks made during a recent webinar hosted by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, in which Rasool criticized the Trump administration. He stated, “What Donald Trump is launching is an assault on incumbency, those who are in power, by mobilizing a supremacism against the incumbency at home and I think I’ve illustrated abroad as well.”
Ramaphosa acknowledged the concerns expressed by the United States regarding Rasool’s comments, affirming, “We have noted the displeasure of the United States with regard to remarks made by Ambassador Rasool. Engagements with the U.S. government are ongoing.”
In summary, President Cyril Ramaphosa is addressing the implications of Ebrahim Rasool’s expulsion from the U.S. by seeking a full report following Rasool’s return to South Africa. The president reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to engaging with the U.S. and regards the expulsion as a minor setback. Ongoing dialogues focus on resolving concerns raised by the United States regarding Rasool’s remarks.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
