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The Hague-The Intl. Criminal Court |
The United States will not in any way cooperate with the
International Criminal Court, national security adviser John Bolton
announced in a speech to the Federalist Society on Monday, blasting the
ICC as an unaccountable, bureaucratic body that runs counter to the U.S.
Constitution and is "antithetical to our nation's ideals."
The International Criminal Court is an intergovernmental
organization and international tribunal located in The Hague, Netherlands.
In his
first speech as national security adviser, Bolton made the case that
the ICC's authority is invalid, subverts American sovereignty, and
concentrates power in the hands of an unchecked authority in a way that
is "antithetical to our nation's ideals." In November, the ICC
prosecutor asked to investigate crimes allegedly committed by members of
the U.S. military who served in Afghanistan.
Bolton called those claims
unfounded. The national security adviser said it was no coincidence he
made his speech on the ICC one day before the anniversary of the Sept.
11, 2001 terror attacks.
"Today, on the eve of September 11th, I
want to deliver a clear and unambiguous message on behalf of the
President of the United States," Bolton said. "The United States will
use any means necessary to protect our citizens and those of our allies
from unjust prosecution by this illegitimate court.We will not cooperate
with the ICC," Bolton said. "We will provide no assistance to the ICC.
And we certainly will not join the ICC. We will let the ICC die on its
own. After all, for all intents and purposes, the ICC is already dead to
us."
Note EU-Digest: How much deeper can the US Trump Administration
sink on the International scene. The ICC has prosecuted numerous
murderous dictators and other international criminals, who have
committed genocide. The Organization is a "beacon of hope" to many
oppressed people around the world, that sooner or later, those who
commit crimes against humanity, will be caught and prosecuted.
Read More: John Bolton says U.S. will not cooperate with International Criminal Court - CBS News