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US: International Criminal Court flawed

THE United States yesterday maintained its opposition to the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying it was flawed.

Deputy US Ambassador to Port of Spain Albert Nahas reiterated the US position on the Court at a seminar dealing with the ICC at the Convocation Hall, Hall of Justice, in Port of Spain yesterday.

"The US believes that the ICC is built on a flawed foundation. Those flaws leave it open for exploitation and politically motivated prosecution.

"The US believes its citizens are at special risk for prosecution by the ICC because of the unique US role in global politics and US participation in military operation and peace-keeping process."

Any American prosecuted by the ICC will under the Rome Statute be denied procedural protection to which all Americans would be entitled under a US Court, such as a right to trial by jury.

The US diplomat said that the ICC undermines the UN Security Council.

He insisted that the United States would continue to be among the most forceful advocates for the principles of accountability for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. He said the US had historically a strong record of support for prosecution of war criminals.

—Richard Lord

Trinidad and Tobago News

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