Archives

UNITED NATIONS, Tuesday (Reuters)-The United States is asking the U.N. Security Council to adopt a resolution on Thursday renewing the exemption of U.S. peacekeepers from prosecution by the new war crimes tribunal, diplomats said. Despite misgivings on the controversial resolution, the measure will easily be adopted, with members wary of another bruising fight with the Bush administration after refusing to authorize the invasion of Iraq. Unclear, however, is whether Germany and possibly France, will express opposition by abstaining instead of voting "yes." Last year's vote was 15-0 after the United States threatened to veto U.N. peacekeeping missions, one by one.

Four key proponents of the court that do not have council seats - Canada, Jordan, New Zealand and Switzerland - have asked for an open debate on the International Criminal Court, which may also happen on Thursday but was not yet decided. "We would like to have the opportunity to register our support for the court," said Canadian U.N. Ambassador Paul Heinbecker. "We see it as bringing accountability to the worst tyrants and the perpetrators of the crime."

The United States on Monday introduced the same resolution as adopted last year. This would shield from prosecution personnel from nations in U.N.-backed peacekeeping ventures if these countries have not ratified the statutes of the ICC.

www.crescat.com

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries

Produced by Lake House
Copyright © 2003 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager