(MENAFN) The US Embassy in Pretoria has clarified that Leo Brent Bozell has not yet been officially appointed as the US ambassador to South Africa, following recent media reports. The embassy emphasized that no one can assume the ambassador role until the US Senate completes the nomination process.

In a statement released on Friday, the embassy outlined the constitutional procedures involved in appointing a US ambassador. These procedures include the president formally nominating a candidate, a review by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and a vote by the full Senate. Only after the Senate confirms the nomination can the ambassador officially take office and present credentials to the host country.

The embassy reiterated that Bozell, the founder of the Media Research Center and a known media critic, cannot serve officially until the process is complete. His potential nomination has sparked a variety of reactions, with some supporters viewing his media expertise as a benefit for US-South Africa relations, while others criticize his controversial stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.

The embassy assured the public that it would provide updates to ensure transparency as the nomination process moves forward.

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