Cape Town – The Western Cape government says it has resolved that no Russian embassy or consulate official or their staff will be invited to any event or meeting organised by themselves, nor would they attend any events or meetings organised by the Russian Embassy and its consulates.
In a statement on Wednesday, Premier Alan Winde said during their fortnightly meeting the provincial cabinet had discussed several matters.
“One issue of concern that was discussed was the illegal invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and the ambiguous position taken by our national government in response to it.
“It was, accordingly, decided that the provincial cabinet would adopt a clear position on this conflict.
“While doing so is not common for a province, it was viewed as essential to make clear to our own residents, to the people of Ukraine, and to the rest of the world that we cannot and will not remain ‘neutral’ in the face of such a cruel attack on the democratic values that we all hold dear,” Winde said.
He said the provincial government had resolved to strongly condemn the government of Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
“The provincial cabinet further resolved that I will seek to meet with the Ukrainian ambassador to South Africa to communicate this position unequivocally.
“No Russian Embassy or Consulate official or their staff will be invited to any event or meeting organised by the Western Cape government, and the Western Cape government will not attend any events or meetings organised by the Russian embassy or any of its consulates,” he said.
He acknowledged that many Russian citizens were standing up and protesting against this war, and thousands had been arrested as a result.
“This anti-democratic clampdown also requires condemnation in the strongest terms.
“I repeat again: we cannot and will not remain silent in the face of an international crisis that threatens the very foundation of our liberal international order,” Winde said.
Cape Times