JETTEN AT UN: “HANDS OFF THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT”

NEW YORK — Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten used his first address as premier to the United Nations General Assembly to defend the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague against pressure and possible new sanctions from the United States.

Without mentioning President Donald Trump by name, Jetten declared: “Hands off the International Criminal Court and all other institutions that protect the international legal order.” His remarks drew applause from the hall.

Trump has strongly criticized the ICC, describing it as an anti-American tribunal. His administration opposes, among other things, the court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and investigations concerning the actions of U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan.

Jetten warned that new sanctions against the ICC would not only affect the court but could also weaken the international legal order and place further strain on relations between the United States and Europe. He urged the European Union to prepare to respond quickly if Washington imposes additional sanctions.

Jetten also called for so-called “middle powers” to play a greater role in international cooperation. He argued that countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa should have more influence, including stronger African representation on the United Nations Security Council.