Athens has backed calls for the United States to reconsider sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis told parliament on Friday, stressing that the court must operate independently and that international law must be applied consistently.
Responding to a question from leftist party leader Zoe Konstantopoulou, Gerapetritis said the ICC had not been discussed during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the latter’s recent visit to Athens.
“The issue was not discussed between me and the American secretary of state; it was not raised even in passing,” Gerapetritis said, adding that Greece firmly supports the court’s impartiality, effectiveness and the implementation of international law and its decisions.
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis.
He said this position was reflected in a statement issued by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on behalf of the bloc’s foreign ministers, following Washington’s announcement of sanctions against the court.
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The EU reaffirmed its commitment to the international order based on rules, describing the ICC as an integral part of that system. It said international criminal justice played a crucial role in holding accountable those responsible for the gravest crimes under international law.
The EU also pledged to continue supporting the court and protecting its personnel and those cooperating with it. It said it was prepared to take the necessary measures to ensure the ICC could continue operating effectively and fulfilling its mandate.
EU Council to address sanctions
In his follow-up remarks, Gerapetritis said the European Council’s conclusions, expected to be adopted later Friday, would express concern over the US sanctions and call on Washington to reconsider them. He said the text would specifically address restrictions on financial services and reaffirm the EU’s support for the international legal order.
Gerapetritis also cited Greece’s position at the United Nations Security Council, where the country has advocated support for the ICC and its founding treaty, the Rome Statute. He described international courts as an essential component of the international system for upholding the law.
“International law either applies in its entirety, or it is not international law,” he said, reiterating Greece’s commitment to international justice.