International
Seventy-nine countries sign a declaration of support for the ICC after US sanctions
Seventy-nine countries, including many Latin Americans, signed this Friday a joint declaration of support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) at a time when it is attacked by the sanctions of the Government of the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
“Today, the Court faces unprecedented challenges: measures of sanctioning the court and its officials, as well as those who cooperate with it, have been adopted in response to the Court carrying out its mandate in accordance with the Rome Statute,” the statement reads.
However, neither the US government nor its president Donald Trump is mentioned by name, who on Thursday signed the executive order to announce financial restrictions and restrict the obtaining of visas to travel to the United States (where the UN headquarters is located) to individuals of the ICC, as well as their immediate family (partner and children), who collaborate in court investigations against US citizens or Washington allies.
“These measures,” says the joint statement, “increase the risks of impunity for the most serious crimes and threaten to erode the rule of international law; even more, sanctions can endanger the confidentiality of sensitive information and the safety of those affected, including victims, witnesses and members of the Court,” the text says.
“We regret any attempt to undermine the Court’s independence, its integrity and its impartiality (and) we emphasize its irreplaceable role in ending impunity, promoting the rule of law and fostering lasting law for human rights.”
Most Latin American countries sign the declaration, but the names of Argentina, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Paraguay or El Salvador are missing.
Among the signatories of the declaration there are also several European countries such as Spain, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Poland or the Netherlands, but not Italy or Hungary; there are also US allies such as Canada, but not Australia. Numerous African or Asian countries close to Russia are missing.
In signing his executive order on Thursday, Trump stressed that the ICC has taken “illegitimate and unfounded actions against the United States” and Israel, defined as a “close ally,” and has “even more abused its power by issuing unfounded arrest warrants” against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Galant.
The United States has never recognized the jurisdiction of the ICC, nor has Israel, China or Russia. In total, there are 124 countries that recognize the ICC, but not all have signed the joint declaration.
The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, demanded that the ICC be allowed to work “with full independence”, after the executive order signed yesterday by Trump, to sanction the court.
“International criminal law is an essential element in the fight against impunity, which is unfortunately widespread in today’s world. The CPI is its essential element and must be allowed to work with full independence,” Deputy Secretary-spokesman Farhan Haq said at his daily press conference.
When asked about the possible impact of these sanctions on the visit of senior officials to the UN headquarters, located in the United States, Haq said he hopes that “any restrictions adopted against individuals will be applied in a manner consistent with the obligations of the host country” and “under the agreement relating to the UN headquarters.”
In his executive order, Trump said that the ICC has taken “illegitimate and unfounded actions against the US.” and Israel, defined as a “close ally,” and has “abused even more of its power by issuing unfounded arrest warrants” against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Galant.
International
U.S. reinforces southern border with additional military personnel
The U.S. military has announced the deployment of more than 600 additional troops to the Mexico border, reinforcing President Donald Trump’s efforts against illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
According to the U.S. Northern Command (Northcom), the new deployment includes 40 Air Force intelligence analysts and 590 Army engineers. This move will increase the total number of troops currently stationed or scheduled for deployment at the southern border to approximately 9,600.
The decision aligns with the administration’s broader border security strategy, emphasizing intelligence gathering, infrastructure development, and operational support for law enforcement agencies.
International
New ‘Bitcoin Bonds’ could save U.S. government $554 Billion, says investor Andrew Hohns
Andrew Hohns, renowned investor and founder of Newmarket Capital, recently introduced his ‘Bitcoin Bonds’ at the Bitcoin for America event. This innovative mechanism combines traditional U.S. Treasury bonds with investments in Bitcoin, aiming to lower federal debt costs while building a strategic Bitcoin reserve for the government.
Hohns’ plan proposes issuing $2 trillion in bonds, allocating 10% to Bitcoin purchases and 90% to other government expenditures. These bonds would offer a significantly lower interest rate of 1%, compared to the current 4.5% on 10-year bonds—potentially saving the federal government $554 billion over a decade.
A unique feature of these bonds is that investors would not only receive the standard 4.5% annual interest but also share profits from Bitcoin’s value appreciation with the government. Additionally, Hohns advocates for tax exemptions on capital gains and interest earnings from these bonds, making them an attractive option for American families looking to hedge against inflation.
“This plan doesn’t just cut debt costs—it provides American families with a new savings tool,” said Hohns.
International
Pedro Castillo suffers health crisis, rushed to hospital
Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, who has been on a hunger strike since Monday, was hospitalized after suffering a health crisis, the court handling his trial announced on Thursday.
The 55-year-old was rushed to the Vitarte Hospital, the nearest facility to the presidential prison where he has been detained since December 2022. Judge Norma Carbajal stated that Castillo experienced a decompensation just hours before his trial resumed. However, medical reports confirm that he is now stable and out of danger.
Despite a request from Castillo’s public defender to suspend the hearing, the court decided to continue with the proceedings.
U.S. reinforces southern border with additional military personnel
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Pedro Castillo suffers health crisis, rushed to hospital
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