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EU vows to protect ICC from US sanctions as governments rally behind court
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<span class="field field-title">EU vows to protect ICC from US sanctions as governments rally behind court</span>
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<p>The European Union on Friday condemned US sanctions on the International Criminal Court as “deeply regrettable” and pledged to take “any necessary measures” to ensure The Hague-based tribunal can continue its work.</p>
<p>In a statement, the European Commission said it would work closely with the ICC to safeguard its operations. It added that the six-month delay before the sanctions take effect offered “room for dialogue”.</p>
<p>The ICC called the sanctions "an assault on the rule of law and on the very foundations of the international legal order", warning that "history will judge this moment".</p>
<p>Several governments have also voiced support for the court.</p>
<p>Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said Norway and other countries were assessing how to protect the ICC and prevent the sanctions from taking effect.</p>
<p>Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Prevot strongly condemned the measures, while the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the UK issued a joint statement on the ICC.</p>
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