Pompeo announces visa restrictions over international investigation into U.S. military
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Friday the U.S. will restrict visas for International Criminal Court (ICC) personnel probing U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan. The U.S. has refused to cooperate with international investigators, claiming they violate U.S. sovereignty.
Pompeo, making the announcement at a State Department briefing Friday morning, added the U.S. is ready to take additional steps, including sanctions, if necessary. It's unclear how many are affected by the decision.
The Trump administration has strongly criticized and questioned the International Criminal Court. One of national security adviser John Bolton's first speeches was about the ICC, condemning its investigation into U.S. personnel.
On Friday, Pompeo also condemned the attacks on mosques in New Zealand that left 49 dead.
"My condolences to the grieving families of the victims in Christchurch, New Zealand. No one should have to fear such violence in their place of worship. The American people mourn this tragedy together with our friends in New Zealand," Pompeo tweeted ahead of his briefing.
It's been a busy few days for the State Department, which announced Thursday that all diplomats have left Venezuela and the administration continues to apply pressure to the regime of Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela has experienced widespread blackouts in recent days, inflicting hardship on an already struggling country.
Pompeo is dining with President Trump Friday afternoon.