Blanar: Slovakia Backs ICC Independence Amid Growing Political Pressure

New York/Bratislava, 24 September (TASR) - Protecting the integrity and independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC), as well as preserving its credibility, were the main issues discussed at Thursday's meeting of the Informal Ministerial Group on the ICC in New York, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, with Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar underlining Slovakia's long-time support of the court and the Rome Statute system. TASR learnt the news from the ministry's press department on the same day. "Slovakia is running not only for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, but also for a seat on the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court. We want to be an active partner and use our principled position on upholding international law for the benefit of the international community, including at a time of growing political pressure," Blanar said. The minister considers respect for international law, accountability for the most serious international crimes and the independence of international judicial institutions essential to ensuring a rules-based international order. mf