S. Africa accepts Australia's retraction of gov't official remarks

JOHANNESBURG, April 2 (Xinhua) -- South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Lindiwe Sisulu on Monday welcomed the retraction of remarks by the Australian Home Affairs Minister, Peter Dutton, on the South African land redistribution process.

There was a diplomatic row after Dutton offered to assist the "persecuted" South African white famers, resulting in Pretoria demanding a retraction.

Sisulu called the Australian representative in South Africa and demanded that there be a retraction. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Foreign Minister Jullie Bishop then retracted the remarks.

"We welcome the assurance by the Australian government as reported in the media that the comments made by their Home Affairs Minister are not in line with Australian immigration policy," Sisulu said.

She also stated that South Africa's diplomatic channels are always open to those who may wish to seek clarity on the country's policy positions. Enditem