German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul rejected US President Donald Trump's call for countries to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Wadephul stated that Germany would support the court in The Hague.

In a statement to public broadcaster Deutschlandfunk, Wadephul said, "This is part of the rules-based order. It is part of the history of our civilization. It is absolutely clear that we stand by the International Criminal Court."

Stating that he could not understand the US President's call to withdraw from the ICC, Wadephul said, "Of course, we will not do that. To be honest, I don't understand the essence of this call either. This is one of the areas where we truly have a regrettable difference with the policy of the American administration."

The German Minister emphasized that the ICC is an important institution for protecting international law and human rights. He also noted that it is necessary to hold those who commit war crimes and crimes against humanity accountable.

Wadephul stated, "We have very recently seen how atrocities committed in the Western Balkans and the gravest violations of international law and human rights were addressed with past and present judgments and decisions. Naturally, we continue to need this judicial mechanism at the international level."

US President Donald Trump had previously described the ICC as "a malicious group of people" during UN General Assembly discussions in New York. Trump had said, "I call on all ICC member countries to immediately officially withdraw from this rogue institution."