Human rights groups are condemning a decision by the Belgian government to withdraw a law that gave Belgian courts the power to try any war crimes case in the world.

Recently re-elected Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt said the law would be scrapped and a new bill would be put forth that only covers cases involving Belgian citizens or residents.

The U.S. had heavily pressured Belgium to rescind the law. Washington recently warned that it would block further funding for Nato’s new headquarters in Belgium unless the law was thrown out.

Among those targeted with war crime charges under the Belgian law include Israeli Prime Minister Gen. Ariel Sharon, President George Bush and U.S. General Tommy Franks.