The Belgian Foreign Affairs minister Didier Reynders issued a press release about the sanctions America announced it will hand the Internation Penal Court (IPC) on Saturday.
In it, he spoke of his “deep concern about the unprecedented sanctions the United States have said the they will hand the International Penal Court”. Washington revealed it would deny an American visa to anyone who was linked to a potential investigation into American soldiers who had served in Afghanistan or elsewhere on Friday.
“Belgium would like to confirm its unwavering support to the Court, in its quality as an independent and impartial judicial institution”, Mr Reynders’ press release said. He revealed that the IPC “represents the international community’s efforts to develop the rule of law at international level”. Belgium “wants to preserve the integrity and independence of the Court and its officials”.
The press release also highlights the fact that the United States are the United Nations current host nation, which gives them particular responsibilities. “Court member states visiting America are one of the responsibilities the Court is given by the United Nations Security Council”, the press release says.
“Belgium will contact its partners as soon as possible to look into the possible consequences this announcement could have”, it says.
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The Brussels Times
