Clinton expresses regret that US hasn’t joined international war crimes court
By APThursday, August 6, 2009
Clinton suggests US could join war crimes court
NAIROBI, Kenya — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says it is a “great regret” that the United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court.
Clinton spoke Thursday in Kenya during a seven-nation tour of Africa.
The court is the first permanent institution authorized to try individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes when national courts are unable or unwilling to do so.
The U.S. formally rejected U.S. participation in May 2002. A main concern was that American servicemen hunting down terrorists abroad might not be safe from politically motivated prosecutions.
Clinton said it is “a great regret but it is a fact that we are not yet a signatory. But we have supported the court and continue to do so.”
Tags: Africa, East Africa, Fact, Kenya, Nairobi, North America, United States, War Crimes
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August 6, 2009: 7:33 pm
Ms Clinton deserves praise for the powerful case she presented for the war against impunity in Kenya, and Africa generally. First, the US would cooperate with the ICC and international actors to ensure that those who organised, masterminded or financed the barbaric killings in Kenya are brought to book. We Kenyans have no confidence at all in local courts. The corrupt leaders here fixed the elections and can fix prosecutions. It is clear from their opposition to an independent tribunal that meets international standards. Hillary reaffirmed today America’s desire to see real justice in Kenya. Needless to say that her pronouncements resonated so powerfully with public opinion here. |
John Onyando