Van Helsing
My glass is half empty.
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2004
- Messages
- 1,390
The UN secretary general has urged the Security Council not to renew an exemption from prosecution for US troops on UN peacekeeping duties. Kofi Annan said the exemption, passed for two years running and due to expire on 30 June, would discredit the UN's claim to represent the rule of law.
America fears its troops could be prosecuted on war crimes charges for political reasons.
Mr Annan said abuses in Iraq made the issue particularly relevant.
"For the past two years, I have spoken quite strongly against the exemption and I think it would be unfortunate for one to press for such an exemption, given the prisoner abuse in Iraq," he told reporters on Thursday.
"Blanket exemption is wrong. It is of dubious judicial value and I don't think it should be encouraged by the council."
The US is among 139 nations to sign the Rome Treaty setting up the International Criminal Court in July 2002.
UN diplomats say America may find it difficult to get the necessary nine votes to pass the exemption resolution in the Security Council, the BBC's Susannah Price reports.
The Americans drew up the resolution in May and then postponed the vote saying they wanted to get the resolution on Iraq's handover dealt with first.
They say they are determined to ensure the perpetrators of abuses in Iraq are prosecuted despite the exemption.
However, human rights groups say the US should demonstrate that it will abide by international standards.
UK Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell said his country, a Security Council member, is prepared to consider extending the US exemption because a defeat could harm peacekeeping operations around the world.
"We need American support... when the need for those operations has never been greater," he said.
SHAME ON THE UK
The UN should show the world that NO Country is above the law, and they should REJECT the exemption!!!!!!!!
America fears its troops could be prosecuted on war crimes charges for political reasons.
Mr Annan said abuses in Iraq made the issue particularly relevant.
"For the past two years, I have spoken quite strongly against the exemption and I think it would be unfortunate for one to press for such an exemption, given the prisoner abuse in Iraq," he told reporters on Thursday.
"Blanket exemption is wrong. It is of dubious judicial value and I don't think it should be encouraged by the council."
The US is among 139 nations to sign the Rome Treaty setting up the International Criminal Court in July 2002.
UN diplomats say America may find it difficult to get the necessary nine votes to pass the exemption resolution in the Security Council, the BBC's Susannah Price reports.
The Americans drew up the resolution in May and then postponed the vote saying they wanted to get the resolution on Iraq's handover dealt with first.
They say they are determined to ensure the perpetrators of abuses in Iraq are prosecuted despite the exemption.
However, human rights groups say the US should demonstrate that it will abide by international standards.
UK Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell said his country, a Security Council member, is prepared to consider extending the US exemption because a defeat could harm peacekeeping operations around the world.
"We need American support... when the need for those operations has never been greater," he said.
SHAME ON THE UK
The UN should show the world that NO Country is above the law, and they should REJECT the exemption!!!!!!!!
