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US Top Diplomat Blinken Urges All ICC Members to Comply with Putin Arrest Warrant

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on President Biden's proposed budget request for the Department of State for fiscal year 2024, on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, March 22, 2023. (Reuters)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on President Biden's proposed budget request for the Department of State for fiscal year 2024, on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, March 22, 2023. (Reuters)
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US Top Diplomat Blinken Urges All ICC Members to Comply with Putin Arrest Warrant

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on President Biden's proposed budget request for the Department of State for fiscal year 2024, on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, March 22, 2023. (Reuters)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on President Biden's proposed budget request for the Department of State for fiscal year 2024, on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, March 22, 2023. (Reuters)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday urged all members of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to comply with an arrest warrant that the court issued for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Last week, the court accused Putin of the war crime of illegally deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine. The legal move will obligate the court's 123 member states to arrest Putin and transfer him to The Hague for trial if he sets foot on their territory.

"I think anyone who's a party to the court and has obligations should fulfill their obligations," Blinken said when asked by US senator Lindsey Graham at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, if he would encourage European allies to "turn over" Putin.

Although the United States is not a party to the ICC, US President Joe Biden said on Friday that Putin has clearly committed war crimes, adding that the ICC warrant was justified.

Moscow has repeatedly denied accusations that its forces have committed atrocities during its one-year invasion of its neighbor and the Kremlin branded the court decision as "null and void".

Neither Russia nor Ukraine are members of the ICC, although Kyiv granted the court jurisdiction to prosecute crimes committed on its territory. The tribunal has no police force of its own and relies on member states to make arrests.

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Araghchi in China to Discuss Nuclear Program, Sanctions and Regional Challenges

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
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Araghchi in China to Discuss Nuclear Program, Sanctions and Regional Challenges

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that the issue of Iran's nuclear program and efforts to lift Western sanctions will witness a new dynamic in the new year, noting that more consultations with China are needed in this regard.
Araghchi traveled to China on Friday at the invitation of his counterpart, Wang Yi.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Beijing, the FM said, “For years, we have consistently maintained close consultations with China on all regional and international matters,” according to Iran’s news agency, IRNA.
“Iran and China have maintained close communication on regional and global issues over the years. The current situation is highly sensitive, with escalating tensions in the region and numerous international challenges,” he said.
Araghchi highlighted the need for increased consultations with China regarding Iran’s nuclear program and efforts to lift sanctions.
He noted that 2024 would mark a new phase pertaining to these issues, requiring close dialogue with China.
The Iranian FM reiterated that the timing of this visit was ideal, as it aligns with the beginning of the new year, a period when both countries will prepare to face upcoming challenges, particularly in regional affairs, international relations, and Security Council matters.
Shortly before his visit to China, Araghchi said in an article published in the People’s Daily, that the trip marks the beginning of a new chapter in the strategic partnership between both countries.
“My trip to meet old friends in China follows successful meetings of Iranian and Chinese leaders on the margins of the BRICS Summit held in Kazan,” he said.
Separately, IRNA reported on Friday that a full-scale radiological emergency response exercise was conducted at the Bushehr nuclear plant with the aim of improving the preparedness of rescue teams and training villagers near the power plant when facing radiation and nuclear incidents.
The maneuver included a hypothetical accident at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. The governorate was alerted and initial clarifications were offered to the concerned institutions.
The pollution rate increased, triggering an evacuation order during which residents were evacuated by sea.
Arsalan Zare, governor of Bushehr province and chairman of the Crisis Management Committee, said on Thursday, “Safety training drills are usually conducted at the site of the nuclear power plant and its surroundings to prepare for real emergencies.”