Takaichi condemns US sanctions on the ICC as ‘incompatible’ with Japan’s position
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she was deeply concerned by Washington’s decision to place the International Criminal Court on its sanctions list, calling it incompatible with Japan’s position. Bloomberg reports that Takaichi will continue pressing the US and supporting the court, while Japan and seven European countries joined a statement opposing the move.
Bottom line — A six-month grace period leaves room for negotiations, but Marco Rubio warned Washington would keep trying to dismantle the ICC.
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The Japan Times reports that the sanctions could financially punish any entity doing business with the court.
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The US State Department says the six-month period is intended to allow ICC member states to pursue diplomatic and legal resolutions.
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Rubio said Washington expects allies in the court to rein it in; he threatened to dismantle it “brick by brick,” according to The Japan Times.
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The Japan Times reports that the US had already sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and a senior trial lawyer.
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Japan’s foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are to remain in close communication, Bloomberg reports.
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Japan joined Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK in opposing Washington’s decision, according to Free Malaysia Today.