Australia ratifies war crime court

Australian PM John Howard is insisting on legal safeguards for the ICC

CANBERRA, Australia (CNN) -- The Australian government has decided to back plans for an International Criminal Court, despite strident opposition to the move from within its own ranks.

Prime Minister John Howard announced the decision Thursday, saying the court would "make a valuable contribution to the future punishment of persons who commit acts of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes".

Senior government figures in Australia have been championing the court proposal in international forums, to the chagrin of many other members of Howard's conservative coalition administration.

Howard said Australia's ratification of the court will contain stipulations which ensure the nation's sovereignty is not compromised.

Under those stipulations no Australian will be able to be arrested on a warrant issued by the international court without the consent of Australia's attorney-general.

CNN.com Asia More news from our Asia edition

"Additionally, the declaration will provide that it is Australia's understanding that the offences of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes under the International Criminal Court Statute will be interpreted and applied in a way that accords with the way they are implemented in Australian law," he said.

The United States withdrew its support for ratification of the treaty in May amid concerns within the U.S. military that its soldiers could be prosecuted for war crimes even if Washington did not believe a crime had been committed.

It was thought Australia might follow the U.S. lead given the strong opposition to the court in some sections of the government.

"I am satisfied, and the government is satisfied, after very careful examination, and particularly in the light of these stipulations, that there will be no compromising of Australian sovereignty," Howard told a media conference.

The court is expected to begin operating next year in the Netherlands' capital The Hague.