Brussels:Belgium has expressed strong condemnation against the new US sanctions imposed on the International Criminal Court (ICC), urging the European Union to take action to safeguard the court’s independence and those supporting its operations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot issued a statement on the social media platform X, denouncing the US actions. He emphasized that the sanctions undermine the court's ability to deliver justice to victims and allow those responsible for severe crimes to evade accountability.

Belgium has initiated discussions with EU partners to back the ICC, with plans to address the issue on Monday and at the upcoming European Council meeting. Prevot stressed the importance of ensuring the court's independence, regardless of whom it investigates.

Prevot also advocated for the activation of the EU Blocking Statute to shield the ICC and its supporters from these sanctions. He underscored the necessity for Europe to defend its capability to uphold international law independently of foreign pressures.

The Belgian foreign minister’s comments were in response to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement of the new sanctions, where Rubio warned of ending the ICC if it did not cease its perceived threats.