"WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. economic aid could only flow to countries that have agreed not to surrender Americans to a world court for prosecution of war crimes, under a measure the U.S. House of Representatives approved Thursday."

"If these countries want to receive money from the United States, it's simple" - sign an agreement not to turn over Americans, said Representative George Nethercutt, a Washington state Republican, the provision's sponsor.

Ninety-four countries have ratified the treaty that created the court, including Canada and all members of the European Union. The court has jurisdiction over war crimes committed in any country that has joined the court.

The United States, Russia, China, Israel, Iraq and many Arab countries have not joined. Under international law, the UN Security Council or non-member countries may ask the court to intervene in a case.
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/world/040715/w071572.html