Dutch PM Jetten calls U.S. sanctions on ICC "highly regrettable," seeks dialogue

The Netherlands stands "fully behind the ICC,” and the U.S. sanctions against the court are “highly regrettable,” said Prime Minister Rob Jetten. It is “crucial” that the sanctions do not take effect immediately, Jetten said, as that would provide room for dialogue with the American government. Overall, the functioning of the court will be “seriously affected,” Foreign Minister Berendsen said.

Jetten said that recent diplomatic efforts ensured that the sanction would not take effect straight away. “That means we now have the next six months to reach a suitable solution with the United States and other countries and to ensure the ICC can contribute to its important work.”

Berendsen said he is pleased that the U.S. is leaving space for a discussion. “I think we really need to use that diplomatic track.” The aim of the talks is for the court to continue functioning and for the sanctions to be taken off the table, he said.

If the talks yield nothing, the European Union has the anti-boycott regulation in reserve, which can be used to circumvent the sanctions. But that is a “last resort,” and Berendesen cannot yet say whether it will be used. “But we need every available means to protect the functioning of the court,” he said.

The minister said he “absolutely regrets” the new American steps and has conveyed his concerns to the American ambassador. It is a “new and unwanted escalation.” According to Berendsen, the ICC is “crucial for international law.” In recent months, there has been “very intensive contact” with the Americans in an attempt to prevent the sanctions.

The Hague Mayor Jan van Zanen said he wants to protect the court, which is based in his municipality. According to the mayor, The Hague must “continue to stand up for what is just.” He added that he wants to defend international law, as well as the people and organizations that protect it.

As far as Van Zanen is concerned, The Hague will “continue to do everything within its power to support the safety and well-being of the Criminal Court and of the people who work there every day for international justice.”

Berendsen will speak Monday with his European counterparts. The punitive measures against the ICC are also on the agenda. “We will see in what way we can best protect the court.” More than 120 countries are members of the court; the United States is not.