PM Takaichi Says Japan Takes U.S. Sanctions on ICC Chief Seriously

Tokyo, Aug. 25 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tuesday that her government takes U.S. sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane very seriously as the measure is not compatible with its stance. The Japanese government’s response to the sanctions is “not weak,” Takaichi told reporters after it was criticized by domestic lawmakers for only saying that the U.S. action was “very unfortunate.” Japan had urged the United States not to impose sanctions on Akane, a Japanese national, Takaichi said. “I share Akane’s sense of crisis and concern. We will continue to provide necessary support” for her, Takaichi said. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said at a press conference that Kazuhiko Nakamura, director-general of the Foreign Ministry’s International Legal Affairs Bureau, has met with Akane in the Netherlands. “We are keeping in close touch” with her, Motegi said. Takaichi said Japan consistently supports The Hague-based ICC to ensure the rule of law. “We need to protect the institution as the largest financial contributor,” she said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]