Japan Expresses Concern and Reaffirms Support for ICC Amid US Sanctions
Tokyo (ANTARA) — The Japanese government has reaffirmed that it will continue to support the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing its strong commitment to upholding the international rule of law.
Japan also expressed “deep concern” over the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on the international court.
On Sunday, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the unilateral US sanctions were “contrary to Japan’s official position”.
His remarks echoed those made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shortly after the US announced the sanctions on Friday (9 October).
Although Japan has voiced its concerns, it appears to be proceeding cautiously and refraining from sharply criticising the US or directly calling for the sanctions to be lifted, in order to maintain a balance in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“Japan has consistently upheld the rule of law in the international community and supported international justice, including the ICC,” Kihara said on a television programme.
Japan’s official position was also conveyed by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a telephone call on Saturday (10 October). The two agreed to maintain close communication on the issue.
The US is intensifying its efforts to target the ICC and undermine the Hague-based institution, which it has accused of being a “fraudulent” organisation.
The latest round of sanctions against the court came shortly after former ICC judge Navanethem Pillay, who was born in South Africa, was named this year’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
The US had previously imposed individual sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national, and Abdoulaye Seye, a senior prosecutor at the court from Senegal.
In response to the pressure, the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC on Saturday (10 October) called for the sanctions to be “revoked immediately”. It described the unprecedented coercive measures as “deeply regrettable”.
The Bureau, which oversees the court’s management and legislative functions, reaffirmed its support for the ICC and its officials and called on the international community to “stand firm” in defending the court’s independence. It comprises 21 states elected from among the ICC’s 125 member states, including Japan.