US cuts aid over ICC immunity refusals
The United States has cut military aid to 35 countries over their refusal to exempt US troops from prosecution by the new International Criminal Court (ICC).
The US, which is not a signatory to the ICC, has asked nations that recognise the court to exempt Americans from its provisions over fears they could be subject to politically-motivated prosecution by the court.
US officials says the suspension affects US allies like Brazil, Colombia and South Africa, the Baltic states as well as NATO hopefuls such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia and Slovenia.
White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says the US government will never accept the court.
"It's important to protect American service men and women and others in government," Mr Fleischer said.
Our Washington correspondent John Shovelan says the decision to punish countries that have refused to exempt US troops from prosecution is the latest in a series of attacks on the court by the Bush administration.
The US initially signed on to the court but later rescinded the agreement.
02/07/2003 10:35:01 | ABC Radio Australia News
Current Events » in reply to Troops gone mad. Theft and vandalism at airport were conducted largely by victorious American troops, according to U.S. officials. $100 million in damages.
Bush Admin want immunity from International Criminal Court to protect troops from prosecution.