Germany has been a staunch supporter of the International Criminal Court from the outset and is its second-largest contributor. The ICC is an absolutely vital institution in the fight against the impunity of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. We are working to ensure that the Court can conduct its activities in an independent and impartial manner. The possible sanctions against the Court decided on by the United States may lead to its work being seriously impeded. As a supporter of the Rome Statute, we are concerned that these sanctions will damage an indispensable institution in the fight against impunity. We therefore call upon the United States to reconsider these measures.