S. Africa Recalls Its Envoy to U.S. ‘for Consultations’
The government today recalled its ambassador-designate to the United States “for consultations,” a Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
Relations between the United States and South Africa have been sorely tested recently with increased demands in the United States for an end to its “constructive engagement” policy with Pretoria since South Africa declared a state of emergency in certain areas more than a week ago and detained more than 1,200 people.
The spokesman declined to give reasons for the recall of Herbert Buekes, who was posted to the United States recently and is not yet formally accredited, as he has not presented his credentials.
The United States recalled its ambassador to South Africa, Herman W. Nickel, last month, also for “consultations” and has given no indication when he will return.
Nickel was recalled after a lightning South African raid into neighboring Botswana against what the Pretoria government said were terrorist bases.
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