Greece and Cyprus are among the 79 UN member states that supported the initiative of Slovenia, Luxembourg, Mexico, Sierra Leone and Vanuatu and signed a joint statement, confirming their strong support for independence, impartiality and impartiality Integrity of the International Criminal Court (ICT), following the sanctions imposed by the US.

Countries’ statement condemns measures imposing penalties on the ICC, officials, staff and affiliates, as “such actions threaten the court’s ability to fulfill its mission within the Rome Statute”.

These sanctions, refer to the text of the statement, increase the risk of impunity for serious international crimes, undermine the rule of law and endanger the victims, witnesses and the staff of the ICC. In addition, they could lead to the closure of the Field Offices of the ICC, blocking ongoing investigations.

Signatories express their commitment to protect the ability of the ICC to function effectively and independently.

They emphasize the critical role of the court in promoting justice, accountability and human rights worldwide, calling for continuous support to ensure its smooth operation against any attempt to undermine it.

The UN Member States signed the support statement by the International Criminal Court:

Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Kampo Verde, Canada, Chile, Komorares, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Croatia, Belgium, Belize, Afghanistan, Albania, Andoria, Antigua, Antigua Democracy, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Jordan, Latvia, Lesoto, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Lithuania, Lithuania, Lithuania Namibia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Northern Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Moldovan Republic, Romania, Agios Kits and Nevis, Agia Lucia, Agios Vicentios Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Palestinian state, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tunisia, Tunisia, Uganda, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vanuatu.

Following is the text of the joint statement:

“We, the signatory states in the Statute of Rome of the International Criminal Court (ICT), reassure our continued and uninterrupted support for the independence, impartiality and integrity of the ICC. Accountability for the most serious international crimes and the administration of justice to the victims.

Today, the court is facing unprecedented challenges. Measures that impose sanctions on the court, his officials and staff, as well as to those who work with it, have been adopted in response to a court that executes his order in accordance with the Rome Statute.

These measures increase the risk of impunity for the most serious crimes and threaten to erode the international rule of law, which is vital to promoting world order and security. In addition, sanctions could endanger the confidentiality of sensitive information and the security of those involved – including victims, witnesses and judicial officers, many of whom are our nationals.

The sanctions would seriously undermine all the situations under investigation, as the court may be forced to close its offices in the field. Promoting the vital work of the ICT serves our common interest in promoting accountability, as evidenced by the support provided to the court by both the Contracting States and the non -contracting.

As powerful supporters of the ICC, we are sorry for any attempt to undermine independence, integrity and court impartiality. We are committed to ensuring the operational continuity of the ICC, so that the court continues to perform its functions effectively and independently.

As we are fighting collectively to defend international justice, we emphasize the necessary role of the ICC in the end of impunity, promoting the rule of law and promoting continuous respect for international law and human rights. “