RAMALLAH, Monday, December 14, 2020 (WAFA) - Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister Riyad Malki said that we must protect the ability of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to fulfill its responsibilities with integrity and strength.

Malki's remarks came during his virtual participation in the nineteenth session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) opened today at the World Forum Convention Center in The Hague, The Netherlands.  The session, which will be held remotely due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, is scheduled from 14 to 16 December in The Hague and from 17 to 23 December 2020 in New York.

During his address to the states parties, Malki referred to the threats issued by the US administration, through which it seeks to undermine the court and its independence, and the absolute support this administration provides its ally; Israel, the occupying power, which he stressed confirms beyond any doubt that the United States is fighting all legal and diplomatic endeavors to deprive the victims of the Israeli occupation of justice and protection, and provide impunity for the Israeli war criminals.

He stressed that the Prosecutor of the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) still has to ensure that the process she started is not left pending for an indefinite period; because "Justice delayed is justice denied."

"I am here today to unequivocally declare Palestine's steadfast and unwavering commitment to supporting the work of the International Criminal Court, and the rule of justice by ensuring the implementation of the Rome Statute and the application of international law, which is the permanent guarantee of peace," said Malki during his speech.

T.R.