Bush waives aid limits tied to world court

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US George W. Bush on Friday waived a restriction on US aid to 14 countries in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa over their membership in the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Bush's decision, in a memorandum released by the White House, affects monies for Bolivia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, Kenya, Mali, Mexico, Namibia, Niger, Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, South Africa, and Tanzania for one year.

Under US law, money from the multi-billion-dollar US Economic Support Fund aid budget cannot go to countries that are parties to the ICC but have not signed agreements to give US citizens immunity from prosecution.

Countries that sign and ratify a so-called "Article 98" agreement protecting US citizens are eligible.

Washington...