Japan's top govt. spokesperson expresses support for ICC

Japan's top government spokesperson has told a group of nonpartisan lawmakers that the government supports the International Criminal Court. The ICC's president and other officials have been sanctioned by the United States.

Kihara Minoru made the remark in the Diet on Tuesday when he met with members of the Nonpartisan Parliamentary Association for Reconsidering Human Rights Diplomacy.

The lawmakers are urging the government to request that US President Donald Trump's administration swiftly drop sanctions on ICC President Akane Tomoko, who is Japanese.

The group handed a letter of requests to Kihara on Tuesday.

The letter says they condemn the US sanctions in the strongest terms. It urges Japan's government to lodge a clear protest against the sanctions and demand their immediate withdrawal.

The group also calls on Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to express Japan's support for the ICC in a speech she is scheduled to deliver at the United Nations General Assembly later this month.

Kihara responded that the government consistently supports the ICC because it ensures the rule of law.

The co-leader of the group, former Defense Minister Nakatani Gen, told reporters that it is necessary for Japan to fulfill its duties and protect the ICC, since it is a country that upholds the rule of law.