Britain, Italy and American seek total immunity

Britain and Italy indicated last night that they may sign a bilateral immunity deal with the US during talks on the international war crimes court.

However, both countries have agreed to wait until the 15 nations involved have forged a common position on the legal admissibility of such pacts before taking action. It is thought that such individual pacts could affect the credibility of the War Crimes Court.

America has already sought and won a year’s immunity from prosecution under the laws of the court. It threatened to remove its troops from UN peacekeeping missions if its demands were not acceded to. It now says it wants total immunity.