Takaichi says Japan takes U.S. sanctions on ICC chief seriously
The Japanese government's response to the sanctions is "not weak," Takaichi told reporters after it was criticized by lawmakers for saying the U.S. action was "very unfortunate."
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dismissed concerns that Japan's response to U.S. sanctions against International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane was insufficient. In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, Takaichi stated that Japan had taken "behind-the-scenes efforts" to prevent Washington from targeting Akane. "I do not believe the 'weak-kneed' criticism is justified," she asserted.
Tokyo, according to Takaichi, "pressed the United States at various levels until the last moment" not to designate Akane for sanctions. The Japanese leader emphasized that Japan has consistently supported the ICC, describing the U.S. action as "incompatible with Japan's position" and a matter the government "takes very seriously."
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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