Jakarta:The Netherlands will maintain its support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) despite the recent announcement of US sanctions. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen expressed the country's commitment to ensuring the court's continued operation.

According to Anadolu Agency, Berendsen described the US sanctions as an "undesirable new escalation" and expressed regret over this development. He emphasized the Netherlands' strong backing of the ICC, noting the nation's role as the court's host country and a state party to its founding treaty.

Berendsen highlighted that the sanctions would not be implemented immediately, which allows service providers to keep working with the ICC. He welcomed the six-month delay before the sanctions take effect, viewing it as a chance for dialogue.

He also mentioned plans to engage with other countries that are parties to the court to explore this opportunity for dialogue. These statements came in response to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's warning to "end the ICC" if it continued with what he described as threatening actions. Rubio also called on US allies to control the court's activities.