EU reacts to U.S. sanctions on ICC

Pars Today – The European Union’s foreign policy chief expressed deep regret over the U.S. decision to sanction officials of the International Criminal Court.

Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC). In a statement criticizing the ICC’s mandate, the U.S. Secretary of State claimed: “The International Criminal Court continues to disregard national sovereignty and facilitate judicial processes by attempting to investigate, arrest, detain, and prosecute U.S. and Israeli nationals.”

Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, said in a statement released by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU’s diplomatic arm: “The European Union once again expresses deep regret over the decision to impose sanctions on two ICC deputy prosecutors and two judges.”

Kallas, emphasizing the EU’s “firm” support for the ICC, stressed that increasing “support and engagement” to ensure the protection of the Court and its staff from external pressures or threats is now on the EU’s agenda. / ISNA