HUNGARY: The EU countries published a joint statement in light of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) warrant to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin. The EU application was, however, blocked by Hungary on Monday.
An arrest warrant was issued against Putin on March 17 by the ICC. The presidential commissioner for children’s rights, Maria Lvova Belova, was also given an arrest warrant on charges of “illegal deportation” of Ukrainian children.
Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian leader, asserted, in light of this, that the overpowering of the ICC was not welcomed by Moscow. The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, also mentioned, with respect to the information attained from The Hague, that the ICC meant nothing to Russia and therefore any legal arrest warrants are void by default.
The EU head of foreign service, Josep Borrell, was forced, due to Budapest’s action, to issue a statement for himself, considering widely the decision of the ICC, as per reports. The stance of Hungary with respect to the warrant for the arrest of the Russian President might catch a significant spotlight and “may be expressed” at the upcoming EU summit that would take place in Brussels on March 23-24. However, no comment or information has been given out yet concerning Hungary blocking the application by the EU Foreign Services.
According to sources, Borrell’s draught declaration included similar language in the statement. Sources in the agency revealed that certain European leaders might have to use stronger language to contradict the ICC’s decision by the Russian authorities.
The Justice Ministers of 26 European countries put out a statement to show their support for the investigation by the ICC. As per reports, the Hungarian Representative did not sign the statement.
Also Read: Putin Makes Surprise Visit to Russian-occupied Mariupol in Wake of ICC Warrant
