Iraq Pulls Out Of International Criminal Court

Baghdad, 2 March 2005 -- Iraq's interim government has revoked its decision to adhere to the International Criminal Court, which it had announced just two weeks ago.

State television says that Iraq pulled back from the court today. It offered no explanation.

The ICC, based in The Hague, is the first permanent court mandated to try charges of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. It began operating in July 2002.

Several members of the former regime of Saddam Hussein, including the ousted president himself, are due to face trial in Iraq for war crimes.

Almost 100 countries have ratified the Rome treaty recognizing the ICC. A notable exception is the United States, which opposes the court.

(AFP)