Annan Slams U.S. Bid to Limit Global Criminal Court

[Spazito]

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan (news - web sites) sharply criticized the United States Thursday for seeking another exemption from the International Criminal Court, particularly in light of the Iraqi prisoner scandal.

The blanket exemption is wrong. It is of dubious judicial value and I don't think it should be encouraged by the council," Annan told reporters.


The Bush administration, for the third year, is seeking to renew a Security Council resolution that would exempt from the court's prosecution military and civilian personnel "related to a UN-authorized operation" such as that in Iraq (news - web sites).

snip

such an exemption, given the prisoner abuse in Iraq, " Annan said. "It would discredit the council and the United Nations (news - web sites) that stands for rule of law."

more

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=564&e=5&u=/nm/un_court_usa_dc

[truthspeaker]

1. Well, since the war in Iraq ISN'T a UN-authorized operation...

then the exemption wouldn't protect our torturers anyway.

But I'm still opposed to this exemption. I'd like to see Cheney on trial in the Hague.

[Just Me]

2. That's right, Annan; the UN and council MUST stand for the rule of law.

No more equivocating when confronting bullies no matter who they may be. Otherwise, the possibility of justice is unachievable.

[Kagemusha]

3. Some details about prosecutions.

For the ICC to have jurisdiction, not only must a violation of international law such as a war crime need have been committed, but it must be clear that the country that has jurisdiction will not prosecute and punish that crime.

Like, say, Rumsfeld's keeping a prisoner of war secret from the Red Cross and being backed on it after the fact by the President of the Untied States.

Which just happened.

[struggle4progress]

4. Annan really exhibits integrity!

[Just Me]

5. I agree.

Although he cannot control the human element,...he is always true to his word. He is consistent even when disappointed by circumstance.