14/07/26 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 14 July, the EEAS spokesperson, Anouar El-Anouni, reiterated the EU’s “unwavering” support for the International Criminal Court and the principles set out in the Rome Statute. The previous day, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, launched a campaign to weaken the ICC, which could include new sanctions and pressure on states to withdraw from the ICC and cut their financial support. “We respect the Court’s independence and impartiality. [...] Attacks or threats against the Court, elected officials, natural persons or persons co-operating with the Court are simply unacceptable,” Mr El Anouni emphasised. When questioned by Members of the European Parliament about the possibility of invoking the EU Blocking Statute, Irish Minister Helen McEntee said that Mr Rubio’s remarks had to be analysed carefully “and a course of action determined, should the United States take any measures”. (CG)