Political Quotes

“I say for my myself, whether or not one supports the concept of an international criminal court, it is not appropriate to offer a blanket endorsement from Congress at this time. There is currently a draft statute for an international criminal court before the U.N. Sixth Committee. This draft statute was put forth this summer by the International Law Commission. Numerous issues of concern to the United States remain. Because the United States has remaining concerns over the scope, jurisdiction, system for appointment of judges, and other issues associated with the establishment of a permanent international criminal court, a blanket endorsement from Congress would be counterproductive to the U.S. negotiating position. Furthermore, the United States is already actively working with the members of the Sixth Committee of the United Nations in examining the issues relating to the establish of an international criminal court. Therefore, it is not beneficial for Congress to preempt these discussions with a sense of Congress resolution endorsing the establishment of a court.”