ANC calm over DA overture

MOKONYANE: REFRAINS FROM ALLUDING TO HARDLINE STANCE AGAINST PARTNER IN THE GNU

- Brian Sokutu

» Minister Ronald Lamola reportedly annoyed by US trip.

Although the week-long visit by the DA delegation to Washington, to stabilise diplomatic relations with Pretoria, has annoyed International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, the ANC yesterday refrained from taking a hardline stance against its government of national unity (GNU) partner.

Despite DA spokesperson on international relations and cooperation Emma Louise Powell confirming that the trip was not sanctioned by the GNU, ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane dismissed any suggestion that the party was "stabbed in the back".

Mokonyane said such a perception was "not necessarily true".

This came after Lamola had declared: "Representing SA's foreign policy is the preserve of the executive."

Mokonyane said the trip would not have any political implications for the GNU unity.