The EU urges the US to lift new sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and says it stands ready to take all necessary measures to ensure that the Court can continue to operate effectively and fulfil its indispensable mandate.

High Representative Kaja Kallas made this statement in a statement on behalf of the EU, in which Brussels expressed "deep regret" over the US sanctions on the ICC but "welcomes the US's willingness to discuss its concerns with the States Parties to the Rome Statute and takes note of the American decision to postpone the entry into force of the latest measures."

This "creates space for diplomacy, with the aim of achieving the rapid lifting of sanctions and preventing further measures aimed at undermining the independence and integrity of the Court. Attacks or threats against the Court, its elected representatives, staff, and those who cooperate with it, including civil society representatives and service providers, are unacceptable," the EU emphasizes, reiterating that the ICC "must be able to operate independently, free from external pressure or interference."

The announcement of the US sanctions came, not coincidentally, shortly after the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Navy Pillay, a former judge of the court who had accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.

(Unioneonline)

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