Germany reaffirms its support for the International Criminal Court

Berlin, Sept 28 (KUNA) -- German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reaffirmed on Monday his country’s support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) amid pressure and sanctions imposed by the US administration on the court and its officials. The German News Agency (dpa) quoted Wadephul as saying during his visit to the court’s headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, that Germany would continue to contribute to ensuring the ICC’s ability to carry out its mandate despite the pressures it faces. The German minister stressed that the strength of international rules depends on countries’ willingness to defend and adhere to them, adding that international institutions are facing growing skepticism, which calls for Germany and its partners to stand by them. During his visit, Wadephul is scheduled to meet with ICC President Tomoko Akane and will visit the court alongside Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. US pressure on the court has escalated recently, with the US administration announcing sanctions against ICC President Tomoko Akane, accusing her of participating in proceedings targeting officials from countries that do not recognize the court’s jurisdiction, including the United States and the occupied Israeli entity. Germany is the ICC’s second-largest financial contributor; the court has 125 member states. (End) A.N.J. / N.S.A.