United Nations, Jul 7 (AP) An informal UN Security Council meeting to mark the 20th anniversary of the statute that created the International Criminal Court was boycotted by the United States, which is not a party to the world's first permanent war crimes tribunal.

There is no requirement that the 15 council members attend informal meetings, but it is rare for a member to boycott. Russia, China and other council members that don't support the ICC attended today's meeting and spoke.

A US official told The Associated Press that the Trump administration decided not to participate "after careful consideration." The official said: "We recently noted concerns about any potential ICC investigation of US personnel related to the situation in Afghanistan. Other aspects of our policy are under review." (AFP) AQS

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