Fed: Aust soon to sign international court statute

00-00-0000
Fed: Aust soon to sign international court statute

CANBERRA, April 12 AAP - The federal government would bring in a bill backing Australia'ssupport for an international criminal court as soon as possible, Attorney-General DarylWilliams said today.

Mr Williams said the government was awaiting a committee report on the proposal beforeit would introduce legislation, probably soon after the May Budget.

The court will permanently investigate and prosecute war crimes once it comes intooperation, probably next year.

Today 10 nations formally ratified the statute for the court, ensuring that it will be set up.

Despite the United States having signed the treaty for the court, it has met with strongopposition in the Congress over fears US soldiers could face prosecution over frivolousor ideological claims in future conflicts.

The court is prevented from trying war crimes retroactively.

Mr Williams said the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties should report to the governmentshortly, and once that occurs, the legislation required to ratify the court would followsoon after.

"We hope (the committee) will report before parliament resumes in May, and we hopethen that legislation can be passed quickly so that Australia can then be among the earlyratifiers," he told reporters.

"It is very pleasing that the statute has such extensive support in the international community.

"Although the US has signed, it appears not to support it."

AAP sw/daw/cjh/de

KEYWORD: UN COURT WILLIAMS