Tuesday, June 18, 2013

South Africa Urges Britain to Probe Spy Allegations

SA urges UK to probe spy allegations

Wednesday, 19 June 2013 00:00

CAPE TOWN. — The South African government yesterday urged the British government to investigate allegations that British intelligence agents spied on South African delegates attending the 2009 Group
20 meeting.

This followed reports by the Guardian newspaper that documents leaked by former US spy Edward Snowden showed that South African, Russian and Turkish officials, among others, were targeted by British intelligence agents who used state of the art surveillance equipment to acquire retrieved documents, including briefings for South African delegates to G20 and G8 meetings.

The South African government has noted with concern various reports, Department of International Relations and Co-operation spokesperson Clayson Monyela said.

“We do not yet have the full benefit of details reported on, but in principle we would condemn the abuse of privacy and basic human rights particularly if it emanates from those who claim to be democrats,” Monyela said.

“We have solid, strong and cordial relations with the United Kingdom and would call on their government to investigate this matter fully with a view to take strong and visible action against any perpetrators,” Monyela said.

— Xinhua.

No comments: