Latest news with #GovernmentofNationalUnity
IOL News
34 minutes ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Ramaphosa accuses DA of 'cheaply' exploiting engagements between SA and US
The Presidency has accused the DA of being part of a right-wing nexus that seeks to use a foreign state to effect changes to democratically developed national policies in South Africa. Image: GCIS IN YET another sign of deep divisions between Government of National Unity (GNU) partners, the ANC and DA, the Presidency has accused the DA of being part of a right-wing nexus that seeks to use a foreign state to effect changes to democratically developed national policies in South Africa. This was in response to a statement DA international relations spokesperson Emma Powell issued on Tuesday claiming that President Cyril Ramaphosa had been fully aware that his 'Special Envoy' to the US Mcebisi Jonas was not welcome in Washington D.C. She also claimed the US government had rejected Jonas's credentials and informed the Presidency that he would not be recognised as South Africa's official interlocutor. 'The Ramaphosa administration was explicitly advised on multiple occasions that Jonas was not acceptable to Washington and was urged to appoint an alternative envoy. Despite these clear and repeated communications, the Presidency continued to mislead the public by insisting that Jonas remained the President's special envoy to North America, responsible for leading the charge in repairing bilateral relations between our two countries.' Powell said the Presidency owed South Africans an explanation as to how it can justify having doubled down on the appointment of a rapporteur whose credentials have been officially rejected by the host government. 'The DA will take all necessary steps to demand the immediate appointment of a credible envoy, capable of repairing the immense damage that has now been done,' she said. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ In a statement Tuesday night, the Presidency accused the DA of spreading disinformation on matters of international relations and diplomacy as official government policy. The DA's latest effort to embarrass President Cyril Ramaphosa's Special Envoy to North America, Mr Jonas Mcebisi, involves claims - in the DA's framing – that the United States has rejected Mr Jonas's 'credentials' and that Mr Jonas is therefore unable to perform his role as Special Envoy. 'The DA seeks to add sensationalism to its claim by suggesting President Ramaphosa and Mr Jonas face a crisis in view of the United States' pending implementation of trade tariffs announced several days ago by President Donald Trump. The facts around this matter include the reality that Special Envoys do not present diplomatic credentials to host countries in the way designated Heads of Mission or other diplomats are.' Jonas's outreach does not in any way supersede the leading role played by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in trade negotiations with the US, or in diplomatic relations with this longstanding partner. 'The Presidency is therefore concerned about the Democratic Alliance's persistent campaign against South Africa's national interest and its posture of trying to embarrass and belittle our country and in this specific circumstance, Mr Jonas. This campaign has its origins in a Democratic Alliance visit to the United States earlier this year, to advance an ideological agenda rather than our national interest.' The Presidency said the DA was trying 'cheaply but dangerously' to exploit a critical engagement between South Africa and the US to protest Ramaphosa's removal of Andrew Whitfield as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. 'The DA's pronouncements and insults against countries and international organisations – such as the Republic of Cuba or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees – offends South Africa's international relations and posture. 'If the DA were to succeed in undermining South Africa relations with various nations or institutions, the party would harm the viability of businesses and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of South Africans who work in sectors that depend on the expansion of our trade relations with the world.' Cape Times
Libya Review
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
UK Media Confirms Attack on British Diplomatic Convoy in Tripoli
British media have revealed that a UK diplomatic convoy was the target of an armed attack in Tripoli earlier this month, shedding new light on a previously unreported security breach that raises serious concerns over the safety of foreign missions in Libya. According to reports published this week, the incident occurred while the convoy was returning from Mitiga International Airport in the Libyan capital. In the Gurji area, a white Toyota Land Cruiser approached at high speed, rammed into one of the convoy vehicles, and then opened fire. Two embassy cars were damaged, but all personnel escaped unharmed and reached a secure location. The British Embassy in Tripoli, while confirming the attack, downplayed suggestions that it was a targeted assassination or kidnapping attempt. Nonetheless, it condemned the incident as a serious violation of diplomatic security. The embassy has formally requested a full explanation from Libyan authorities and demanded that those responsible be brought to justice. The revelation comes amid a deteriorating security situation in Tripoli, where armed groups operate with relative impunity and the central government struggles to exert control. In recent months, embassies and international agencies have expressed increasing concern about the risk posed by unchecked militias and frequent violent incidents. This latest attack, although not previously disclosed, fits into a broader pattern of rising insecurity that is now threatening diplomatic engagement and foreign cooperation in Libya. Despite some efforts by the Government of National Unity to stabilize the capital, the presence of competing armed factions continues to challenge any meaningful progress. Tags: Armed AttackBritishConvoylibyatripoli
Libya Observer
13 hours ago
- Business
- Libya Observer
Dbeibah reviews with Greek Foreign Minister enhancing cooperation, resuming flights
The Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, received on Tuesday Greece's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georgios Gerapetritis. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between Libya and Greece, particularly in economic and service sectors. The two sides also addressed the possibility of reopening Greek airspace to Libyan air traffic and resuming direct flights between the two countries. They emphasized the importance of maintaining direct dialogue that ensures respect for national sovereignty and strengthens good neighborly relations in the interest of the Libyan and Greek peoples. Earlier Tuesday morning, the Greek Foreign Minister arrived in Tripoli on an official visit to Libya, where he met with the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Taher Al-Baour. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the visit falls within the framework of strengthening friendly and cooperative relations and discussing bilateral issues between the two countries. The Greek Foreign Minister's visit comes just days after Libya had submitted a diplomatic protest to the United Nations over Greece's claims regarding maritime boundaries south and west of the island of Crete. Tags: Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah Greece
Libya Observer
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Greek Foreign minister begins official visit to Libya
Greece's Foreign Minister, Georgios Gerapetritis, arrived in Tripoli on Tuesday for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties with Libya. He was received by Taher Al-Baour, the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Libya's Government of National Unity. According to a statement from the Libyan Foreign Ministry, the visit marks the beginning of renewed efforts to bolster friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Talks are expected to focus on bilateral issues of mutual interest, including regional stability, economic collaboration, and diplomatic coordination. News Tagged: Libya Greece relations
Libya Observer
a day ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Libya launches national initiative to improve English language education with UK support
Tripoli witnessed Monday the signing of an agreement to implement a national initiative aimed at improving English language education in educational institutions. The signing was overseen by the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, as part of the government's efforts to enhance the quality of education and align it with international standards, according to a statement by GNU's media office. The agreement was signed by Acting Minister of Education Ali Al-Abed and the British Council, in the presence of UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, and the British Ambassador to Libya. The agreement aims to enhance the level of English language teaching in Libyan schools and universities by reviewing and developing curricula for both basic and higher education, and updating academic programs in English language faculties to meet student needs and labor market demands. The initiative also includes the implementation of specialized training and qualification programs to improve teachers' competencies, based on the latest educational methodologies and under the supervision of certified experts. The implementation plan includes a comprehensive assessment of educational needs, the development of modern training programs, and mechanisms for continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure the achievement of the intended goals. Through this initiative, the GNU seeks to create a modern educational environment that strengthens students' skills and raises the academic standard of English language education across Libyan institutions. Tags: Government of National Unity the United Kingdom English language
