U.S. House wants aid cut to countries that hand Americans to war crime courts 07:14 PM EDT Jul 16 WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. economic aid could only flow to countries that have agreed not to surrender Americans to a world court for prosecution of war crimes, under a measure the U.S. House of Representatives approved Thursday.
The 241-166 vote by the Republican-controlled chamber expanded the current prohibition on military aid to such countries. The target of the amendment was the International Criminal Court, which began operating last year in The Hague, Netherlands. It is a permanent court that is supposed to enter cases involving genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity when the countries involved cannot work out a solution on their own. "If these countries want to receive money from the United States, it's simple" - sign an agreement not to turn over Americans, said Representative George Nethercutt, a Washington state Republican, the provision's sponsor. Nethercutt received backing from House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a longtime critic of the court. DeLay called the tribunal "Kofi Annan's kangaroo court," a reference to the United Nations secretary general. DeLay said the court is "a clear and present danger to the war on terrorism and Americans fighting it all over the world." The provision was added to a $19.4-billion foreign aid bill. Representative Nita Lowey a New York Democrat, said the proposal would have "a sweeping and devastating impact." She and other opponents warned if enacted, the prohibition would eliminate or curtail aid to many countries, including Jordan, Turkey, South Africa, Kenya, Mexico and Peru. "I don't see how that helps us in the war against terrorism," said Representative Jim Kolbe, n Arizona Republican. About 90 countries have signed agreements with the United States, pledging they will not surrender Americans to the court. The U.S. administration has been a steady foe of the court, arguing enemies could use it to prosecute captured Americans. Ninety-four countries have ratified the treaty that created the court, including Canada and all members of the European Union. The court has jurisdiction over war crimes committed in any country that has joined the court. The United States, Russia, China, Israel, Iraq and many Arab countries have not joined. Under international law, the UN Security Council or non-member countries may ask the court to intervene in a case. -------------------------------------------- This service is hosted on the Infocom network http://www.infocom.co.ug
