Support from Germany to the ICC: Call for US Withdrawal Rejected

"This is part of the rules-based order. It is part of the history of our civilization. It is absolutely clear that we stand with the International Criminal Court," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in a statement to public broadcaster Deutschlandfunk.

Stating that he could not understand the US President's call to "withdraw from the ICC", Wadephul said, "Of course we will not do this. To be honest, I do not understand the essence of this call. This is one of the areas where we really have a sad difference with the policy of the American administration."

The German Minister emphasized that the ICC is an important institution in terms of protecting international law and human rights and holding accountable those who commit war and crimes against humanity, and said:

"We have very recently seen how the atrocities committed in the Western Balkans and the most serious violations of international law and human rights are addressed with past and present judgments and decisions. Naturally, we continue to need this judicial mechanism at the international level."