ICC gets support after 3 withdrawals, but Kenya is critical

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Many countries pledged support for the International Criminal Court on Monday following the announced withdrawal by three African nations, but Kenya, which the tribunal is investigating, was sharply critical and questioned its long-term survival.

Many in the General Assembly called for talks between the ICC and the African Union in hopes of addressing the continent's concerns and reversing the decisions to leave by Burundi, South Africa and Gambia.

The ICC has been accused of bias by some African leaders because since the Rome treaty came into force in 2002, only four people have been convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The ICC indicted Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on charges of crimes against humanity for 2007 post-election violence in which more than 1,000 died.

[...] he expressed hope that in the coming year, before the withdrawals take effect, "there is room for meaningful dialogue on a potential resolution and to provide for a pathway back to the court."