US praises ICC's decision to reject Afghanistan probe

By Michael Hernandez</p> <p>WASHINGTON (AA) – The U.S. on Friday hailed the International Criminal Court's (ICC) unanimous decision to reject a prosecutor's request to probe alleged crimes against humanity that could have involved American forces. </p> <p>The court said in a statement that judges who declined to open the inquiry determined doing so &quot;would not serve the interests of justice&quot; after a prosecutor requested the matter be taken up in November 2017. </p> <p>The court cited, in part, a lack of cooperation from parties involved, including the U.S., Taliban and Afghan government, which it said was likely to diminish if the case was approved. </p> <p>&quot;This is a major international victory, not only for these patriots, but for the rule of law,&quot; U.S. President Donald Trump said in a statement following the court's decision. &quot;We welcome this decision and reiterate our position that the United States holds American citizens to the highest legal and ethical standards.&quot;</p> <p>The Trump administration has taken a tough line against the ICC, which it is not party to, and threatened to deny visas for individuals responsible for investigating American forces. </p> <p>The U.S. warned it would carry out tougher measures if the case went ahead, including imposing economic sanctions on the court.</p> <p>Secretary of State Mike Pompeo welcomed the court's decision, saying it is &quot;a victory for the rule of law and the integrity of the ICC as an institution, given the United States is not subject to the ICC’s jurisdiction.&quot;