Netherlands vows continued support for ICC after US sanctions announcement

The Netherlands will continue supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) despite newly announced US sanctions, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said Friday, pledging to help ensure the court's continued operation.

"The announced sanctions against the International Criminal Court are an undesirable new escalation. I deeply regret this new step," Berendsen said in a statement.

"We stand firmly behind the Court," he added.

Berendsen said the Netherlands would continue doing its utmost to ensure that the court functions properly, both as its host country and as a state party to its founding treaty.

He said the sanctions would not take effect immediately, allowing service providers to continue working with the court.

The minister welcomed the six-month period before the sanctions enter into force, saying it provided an opportunity for dialogue.

Berendsen said he intended to explore that opportunity seriously with other countries that are parties to the court.

His remarks followed a statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio threatening to "end the ICC" unless it stopped what he described as its "threats."

Rubio also urged US allies to "rein in the court."