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'' Get ready for a major diplomatic row between the Bush administration and much of the rest of the world over an issue that will make headlines in coming weeks: the upcoming creation of an International Criminal Court to try war crimes.
Despite strong opposition by the Bush administration, three new countries ratified the United Nations convention to create the court last week. This brings to 55 the number of nations whose congresses have already approved the court, only five short of the 60 needed to formally set it in motion.[....]
The treaty calling for creation of the The Hague, Netherlands-based court has been signed by 139 countries, including the United States, which adhered to it during the last weeks of the Clinton administration. But the Bush administration has refused to send it to Congress for ratification, and according to well-placed sources in Washington, may declare the document signed by Clinton null and void.[....]
How can the United States preach human rights around the world and not agree to abide by the rules of an international court that is supported by virtually all modern democracies? How can the United States find itself in such unholy company as China, Cuba and Vietnam in opposing the court? critics ask. ''
Original: Bush Admin to Nix Int'l Court