In phone call with South African President, Ban expresses hope country will 'reconsider' decision on ICC withdrawal

In a telephone conversation with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon regretted the country's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court and expressed hope that it would reconsider the decision before the withdrawal takes effect.

In a telephone conversation with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon regretted the country's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and expressed hope that it would reconsider the decision before the withdrawal takes effect.

In a readout issued by his office, Secretary-General Ban recalled the key role that the Government of South Africa had played in the negotiations that led to the adoption of the Rome Statute of the ICC and as one of its first signatories.

Mr. Ban also noted his appreciation for the continued and unwavering commitment of the South African Government to justice and accountability and expressed hope that it would reconsider its decision before the withdrawal takes effect in twelve months' time.

Further in the conversation, he also acknowledged South Africa's leading role in addressing pressing global issues, particularly those related to peace and security in Africa as well as the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The Secretary-General also expressed his preoccupation with the situation in the South Sudan, and urged South Africa's support in calling for an end to hostilities and a return to an inclusive political process, the readout added.