The South African presidency has “clarified statements” from its President, Cyril Ramaphosa that the country would be “exiting” the International Criminal Court (ICC).

During a state visit by the Finnish President on Tuesday, Mr Ramaphosa had declared that the governing African National Congress (ANC) had resolved to quit the ICC over “unfair treatment”.

However, the presidency in a statement today noted regrettably that Mr Ramaphosa had made an error – assuring that the country remains a signatory to the Rome Statute.

The South African government is under pressure to take a decision on Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is due to visit the country later this year.

The ICC has issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with the Ukraine conflict.