President Cyril Ramaphosa expects a full report from expelled Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool upon his return to South Africa. Ramaphosa regards the expulsion as a minor setback in U.S.-South Africa relations and stresses ongoing diplomatic engagement despite U.S. concerns regarding Rasool’s remarks critical of the Trump administration.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, who has been expelled from the United States, will be returning to South Africa to provide a briefing on recent developments. Ramaphosa stated, “Ebrahim Rasool will be back soon. The U.S. State Department has ruled that he is no longer acceptable in the United States. I will wait for a full report from him.”
During his address at the Bana Pele Early Childhood Development Leadership Summit in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa stressed South Africa’s commitment to maintaining relations with the U.S., referring to Rasool’s expulsion as a minor setback. He indicated that the incident would not hinder diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
The expulsion followed Rasool’s remarks during a recent webinar hosted by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, in which he 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 U.S. government’s concerns regarding Rasool’s comments, asserting, “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 anticipates a comprehensive report from Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, who has been expelled from the United States. Despite this setback, Ramaphosa reaffirms South Africa’s dedication to its diplomatic relations with the U.S. He acknowledges the situation and the concerns raised by the U.S. government regarding Rasool’s recent comments.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
