Dutch MPs seek assurances over ICC as US sanctions talks continue

Dutch MPs have asked the government to rule out restrictions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) as talks continue over US sanctions against the court, which is based in The Hague.

Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said the government could not agree to a weakened court, but could say little while negotiations were under way, Dutch news agency ANP reported.

During Wednesday’s foreign affairs budget debate, Kati Piri of the PRO alliance asked whether the government would reject any proposals that restricted the court’s powers. She sought a clear commitment to its existing powers, the independence of its judges and its arrest warrants.

Christine Teunissen of the Party for the Animals asked Berendsen to rule out agreements affecting existing warrants, investigations, future prosecutions or the independence of the prosecutor and judges.

The Rights Forum, an advocacy organisation, reported that the Netherlands was involved in talks about possible restrictions on the court, citing anonymous diplomatic sources among others. In a response published by the organisation, the foreign ministry said no concrete proposals were before the Assembly of States Parties, the body representing countries that have joined the court. That statement concerned the assembly rather than discussions elsewhere.

In written answers to MPs, Berendsen said the Netherlands remained committed to supporting the court and limiting the impact of existing sanctions. He said independent courts and tribunals must be able to carry out their mandates without obstruction. The court’s member states are due to meet in The Hague from 30 November to 7 December.