Professor Anil Sooklal.
PRADEEP Ramlall, chairperson of the Hindasa Foundation, defends High Commissioner of South Africa to India, Professor Anil Sooklal's adherence to diplomatic protocols during Jacob Zuma's visit to India, amidst criticism regarding his associations.
“Ambassador Sooklal did not act unilaterally or improperly. He received written instructions from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) headquarters to receive Zuma. As a career diplomat and South Africa's representative in India, he was dutybound to follow these official directives.
“Criticising ambassador Sooklal for executing instructions from his own department is misplaced and the inquiry should focus on whether the instructions themselves were appropriate, not on an ambassador performing his mandated duties,” he said.
Ramlall said standard diplomatic protocol for former heads of state retain certain privileges and immunities under international diplomatic conventions.
