EU foreign chief Josep Borell criticises members' double standards on ICC rulings: Video
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has called out what he describes as double standards in the application of International Criminal Court (ICC) rulings.
His comments come on the back of the ICC issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials, which has triggered a debate within the EU about compliance and consistency in upholding international law.
At a G7 foreign ministers meeting near Rome, Borrell emphasised on Tuesday, November 26, the importance of EU member states adhering to their commitments under the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.
He pointed out the inconsistency in applauding the ICC's actions against Russian President Vladimir Putin while hesitating to support similar actions against Israeli officials.
"All member states of the European Union have signed the Rome Convention. And it is not something that you can pick and choose. You cannot applaud when the court goes against Putin and remain silent when the court goes against Netanyahu," Borell told reporters. "Like it or not, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a court, as powerful as any national court. And if the Europeans don't support the International Criminal Court, then there will not be any hope for justice."
The ICC on Thursday, November 21, issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defence chief Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict.
However, Hungary has expressed dissatisfaction with the ICC's ruling, suggesting it will not implement it.
According to Euronews, the country's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called the warrants "outrageously impudent” and “cynical”. He further announced he would rather invite Israel's Netanyahu to travel to Budapest.
