President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing media in Ukraine. Image:Twitter @PresidencyZA
Poland defends detention of SA journalists and Presidential security
“Dangerous goods were on board the plane, which South African representatives did not have permission to bring in”-Poland Foreign Affairs
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing media in Ukraine. Image:Twitter @PresidencyZA
The Polish government has defended their decision on preventing passengers aboard a charted SAA flight to disembark at Warsaw’s Chopin International Airport. In a statement from Polands’ Foreign Affairs Ministry they squarely placed the blame on South Africa as they ‘failed to comply with standard entry procedures required by the Polish side’.
ALSO READ: President Cyril Ramaphosa’s security STUCK in Poland
JOURNALISTS AND PRESIDENTIAL SECURITY PERSONNEL SPEND 24HRS ON A PLANE
Members detained on the plane include Ramaphosa’s security detail and journalists. After more than 24hours on the plane, they were allowed and taken to a hotel, however were not take any luggage.
Ramaphosa is currently was in Eastern European nation along with other African leaders on their peace mission to negotiate a de-escalation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
ALSO READ: South African plane in Poland allowed to leave – report
ALSO READ: African Leaders to meet Putin after Zelensky rules out negotiations with Russia
WEAPONS ABOARD PLANE LACK REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Poland says despite various consultations, they were not notified of additional people that will be on board. In addition, weapons which are used for the security of the President did not have the required documentation.
ALSO READ: WATCH: President Ramaphosa meets President Zelenskyy in Ukraine
“Three consultation meetings had been held and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remained in constant contact with the South African advance team of President Ramaphosa’s Office and the South African Embassy in Warsaw. The South African side had been informed of all formalities necessary for the delegation’s entry into Poland and the required transport permits.”
