US steps up challenge to a new global court http://www.independent.co.uk/news/World/Americas/2000-06/uschallenge050600.s html By Rupert Cornwell 5 June 2000 The United States and Europe are on a collision course over American efforts to undermine the authority and independence of the new International Criminal Court (ICC) ahead of a conference to codify the court's rules of procedure on 12 June. The aim of Washington's massive diplomatic campaign, featuring both the State Department and the Pentagon, is to obtain a guarantee that no American citizen accused of war crimes, genocide or crimes against humanity could ever be brought before the ICC. Under the rules sought by the US, the state of which the suspect is a citizen will have to give its approval for a prosecution or, in extreme cases, authorisation would be required from the United Nations – meaning that the US would have the right of veto through its permanent seat on the Security Council. The European Union, however, is resisting the pressure, arguing that such an exemption would reduce the court to toothless impotence. It claims that measures already in place provide more than enough assurance that ICC rules will not be manipulated to persecute American nationals. The ICC, launched under the aegis of the UN and whose founding treaty was approved by 120 countries in 1998, is seen by human rights groups as the most important advance for the cause of international justice since the creation of the UN. Almost 100 states have signed the treaty, including the entire EU, most central and south American countries, and 27 African countries. Apart from the US, the most notable dissidents are Russia, China and the Middle East countries with the exception of Jordan. But Washington's hostility is what matters most, forcing a choice between a strong court actively opposed by the most powerful country in the world and a much feebler version that America would tolerate. In a recent letter to European Union foreign ministers, the US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, implied that if her country did not get its way, it could withdraw from international peace-keeping and humanitarian missions. Pentagon officials in the past have gone even further, suggesting that Washington might consider pulling its forces out of Europe. The ostensible US objection is that it might be subject to "frivolous" prosecutions by its foes as the world's pre-eminent and thus most resented power. The more likely reason is entrenched American suspicion of the UN and all its works. news | World | Americas <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html <A HREF="http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html">Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/">ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
