UNITED NATIONS, July 2: The United States came under severe criticism from the world community and human rights groups on Sunday as it threatened to end its mission in Bosnia because the UN Security Council refused to grant the small contingent of Americans serving there immunity from prosecution by the International Criminal Court.

“It would be most unfortunate if the premature termination of (the UN mission’s) mandate were to set back this process,” Annan said. “The world cannot afford a situation in which the Security Council is deeply divided on such an important issue, which may have implications for all U.N. peace operations.”

Human rights groups in the United States and diplomats in Europe said they think Washington is motivated by the fear that American policymakers, not just soldiers, could be held accountable before the court, said a report in the New York Times.