The United Kingdom envoy to Rwanda has said that the relationship between Rwanda and his country has not changed despite the fact that Rwanda’s head of intelligence, General Emmanuel Karake Karenzi was arrested and detained by British metro police at Heathrow airport this June.
Ambassador William Gelling was addressing a press briefing today at the embassy offices in Kacyiru, just a few hours after the arrival of General Karake at Kigali international airport this morning of August 13, 2015.
This comes at a time when President Paul Kagame has also demanded a full explanation on the arrest of the country’s spy chief, even when Kagame expressed that he was happy to have Karake back home.
Asked if the British government will be able to answer some lingering questions about the motive behind the arrest of Gen. Karake, Ambassador Gelling said that his government will give definite answers and response to this as soon as possible.
“The UK only responded to a European arrest warrant and this is a must, whether they agree or don’t agree with the motive. The UK government acts independently from judicial and police organs, but certainly there was no political motive to Karake’s arrest”
On the issue of the closure of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) services (great lakes services) in Rwanda after the agency released a documentary on genocide in Rwanda (the untold story), the envoy said that it was a regrettable move.
Ambassador Gelling was however positive that the BBC services may resume its services on Rwandan airwaves and there are plans to have this settled.
“Every media has its own editorial policy, of which they do as they please, but I do recognise the problems it caused and regret the closure of BBC service. I am sure the service will be back on air as soon as possible” Gelling said.