Finland discusses US sanctions against ICC

The President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy on Wednesday discussed various issues including the current situation in Ukraine, UN peacekeeping operation UNIFIL, sanctions imposed by USA on the ICC and artificial intelligence in foreign policy, said an official press release.

The committee at a meeting discussed the current situation in Ukraine, including recent efforts to achieve peace, and the need to continue to provide strong support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia.

The meeting also discussed the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), whose mandate will end by decision of the UN Security Council at the end of this year. With the end of the mandate, Finland’s long-term participation in the UNIFIL operation will also come to a close. Finland has participated in the UNIFIL operation since 1982.

The committee discussed the institutional sanctions imposed by the United States on the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions against the ICC, saying the measures would ban transactions with the court, cut off its resources and cripple its ability to operate.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and foreign ministers of eight countries criticized the U.S. announcement of sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an institution.

Finland also expressed disappointment over the sanction imposed on ICC, said the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

“Finland deeply regrets the sanctions imposed on the ICC. We strongly support the Court’s work, autonomy and independence, and remain fully committed to supporting institutions that uphold international law. We stand firmly in support of the ICC’s personnel,” the Ministry wrote in a post on its social media platform X.