US drops resolution seeking war crimes protection

Facing strong opposition, the United States has announced it is dropping a UN resolution seeking a new exemption for American peacekeepers from international prosecution for war crimes.

Deputy ambassador James Cunningham made the announcement after a US compromise that would have limited the exemption to one final year failed to win support from key Security Council opponents.

“The United States has decided not to proceed further with consideration and action on the draft at this time in order to avoid a prolonged and divisive debate,” Cunningham said after a closed council meeting in New York.

Before the meeting, Spain and China said they would abstain if the resolution was put to a vote and Philippines Ambassador Lauro Baja, the current council president, said he doubted that the United States had the minimum nine yes votes needed to adopt it.