In a statement, South Africa said that while no evidence has been provided to date to back up such allegations, the Government is committed to launching an independent inquiry led by a retired judge.

It is public knowledge that a Russian ship (known as Lady R) docked in a South African port, which generated some accusations about this purpose.

In recent engagements between the South African delegation and U.S. officials, the Lady R issue was discussed and both sides reached an agreement that an investigation will continue and that U.S. intelligence services will be allowed to provide any evidence in their possession. Therefore, it is disappointing that the U.S. ambassador has taken a counterproductive public stance.

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