THE EDITOR, Sir:
I STAND in solidarity with the decision recently taken by CARICOM leaders for all member-states to jointly ratify the International Criminal Court (ICC) treaty. As a body of democratic states, CARICOM owes it to the international community to show its commitment to the principles of the ICC, which include the promotion and protection of the human rights, prosecution and possible punishment of individuals or groups that are found to have committed crimes against humanity.
It is, however, not very surprising that the current Bush administration has withdrawn US support from the court and has launched a massive anti-ICC campaign. The sad truth is that since this administration came to power, the US has violated several international treaties and agreements and has replaced diplomacy with a kind of hawkishness and belligerence.
The passing of the American Serviveman's Protection Act in the US which says the US President can take "All necessary means to secure the release of any American detained by the court" poses some level of threat to the future of the ICC. This implies the use of military action.
The US decision to cut military aid to 35 countries that have not signed the treaty granting immunity to American citizens from the jurisdiction of the ICC is a perfect example of the excesses of this administration. One cannot help noticing that only poor countries are being targeted in these muscle-flexing exercises. All countries identified as "major US allies" have being given a "free pass". This attack on poor countries is nothing short of economic terrorism.
There was a time when many small states (and individuals) viewed the US as a "voice for the voiceless", a champion for the... oppressed and the impoverished. Today, all this has changed. To remain in its good books and qualify for its handouts, countries must yield to its "whims and fancies". The harsh reality is that until we become economically independent, and stop being paupers, we really don't have much of a say.
I am, etc.,
CALBERT GRAHAM
calbert_g@yahoo.com
Kanagawa, Japan
Via Go-Jamaica
