UNITED NATIONS, Dec 3 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Ongoing discussions at the UN have made it apparent that despite the opposition of the United States, the International Criminal Court (ICC) will achieve the ratification by 60 countries that is required for its implementation. The ICC remains an ominous proposal since, despite strong opposition to it from various nations, the ICC claims universal jurisdiction. Thus, as the Washington Times reported today, “Even if the United States does not ratify the treaty, American citizens will be subject to arrest and trial as the treaty document is now drafted.”
David Scheffer, assistant secretary of state for war crimes issues, told the Times that the US would be under intense pressure to accede to the court since many of its allies are strong supporters.
Scheffer said he expects the ICC treaty to come into force within two years and perhaps even next year. According to UN meetings on the court, 5 countries have already ratified that treaty, the entire European Union is expected to approve the statute by the end of 2000 and Canada said it will complete ratification next year.