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Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen declined to deny that talks are under way on curbing International Criminal Court powers. Dutch MPs asked whether the Netherlands is discussing restrictions that could shield Israeli and US officials from prosecution. Middle East Eye reported the exchange on Thursday, and no details of any proposed restrictions were given. In parliament on Wednesday, Berendsen said diplomatic discussions were taking place but would not say whether proposals to shield national leaders or restrict the court's jurisdiction were under consideration. Democrats 66 MP Hanneke van der Werf asked about immunity for heads of state and government, excluding nationals of non-member countries, and weakening the court's role when national authorities fail to prosecute. The reports followed claims by the Dutch rights group The Rights Forum, citing anonymous diplomatic sources, that the Netherlands was negotiating restrictions in response to US sanctions. Berendsen said he would write to MPs next week on the Netherlands' position ahead of the Assembly of States Parties, which meets in The Hague from 30 November to 7 December. The Dutch foreign ministry told The Rights Forum that no concrete proposals were before the Assembly.