Annan hits out at US over court immunity

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has rebuked the US for trying to get another exemption from prosecution by the new International Criminal Court and urged the Security Council to oppose the measure.

Next week, more than 40 nations are scheduled to debate the measure in a public meeting, at which time US abuse of prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan is bound to be mentioned.

"The blanket exemption is wrong. It is of dubious judicial value and I don't think it should be encouraged by the council," Mr Annan told reporters.