ICJ Kosovo

ICJ Kosovo: (Voice of America) — The top United Nations court, said the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo from Serbia in 2008 is consistent with international law.

This non-binding opinion of the International Court of Justice, issued on Thursday in The Hague sparked street celebrations in the Kosovo capital, Pristina. In Washington, the visit of Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci said the ruling “the best possible response for the entire world.”

U.S. Department of State also praised the decision, saying it is time for Europe to unite behind a common future. ”

10-4 The court’s decision is expected to clear the way for more countries to extend formal recognition to the government in Pristina.

Sixty-nine countries including the United States and more than 20 European Union governments have recognized the declaration. Serbia and traditional ally of Russia – a permanent member of the Security Council of the UN – have led opposition to it.

The Belgrade government requested the 15-member tribunal to rule on the statement, and argued last year, undermining the world order. Serbian lawyers told the court the statement that, if confirmed, would set a dangerous precedent and encourage separatist movements elsewhere in the world.

However, the ICJ President Hisashi Owada, who read the sentence aloud long on Thursday, said international law does not contain prohibitions against such statements.

Hours after Thursday’s ruling, the Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic warned of tough time ahead, and said his country will continue battling for control of its former province through peaceful means.

Prior to sentencing, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said U.S. support for the independence of Kosovo, in telephone conversations with Serbian President Boris Tadic. Biden urged the Serbian government to work constructively to solve practical problems in Kosovo. He said such cooperation to improve the lives of people in Kosovo, Balkans, Serbia and more.

Kosovo was placed under UN supervision in 1999 after a bombing campaign of the 78-day NATO halted a deadly crackdown by Belgrade, in what was then a Serbian province. Pristina government formally declared its independence on February 17, 2008.

ICJ

ICJ:Today, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague issued a nonbinding advisory ruling on the question of the independence of Kosovo.

The court ruled that the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence did not violate international law. the independence of Kosovo, in other words, it was considered by the court to be legal.

Yesterday, Marc Weller, University of Cambridge International law scholar, said the following to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty about the expected result of the failure: “anything that is not a clear condemnation of Kosovo is perceived, rightly or wrongly, as a vindication of the claim of independence of Kosovo. ”

Weller went on to predict that Kosovo would see a wave of recognition by other countries (in addition to the 69 countries now recognize Kosovo) following a decision that the country obtained its illegal status.

After today’s ruling, Kosovo undoubtedly find it easier to attract foreign investment. Serbia should also benefit from increased trade and investment out of this decision with an easier path to EU membership.

In accordance with expected increase in foreign investment, Kosovo should see some development as a tourist destination. Several of the nation’s largest cities (Pristina, Prizren and Peja) have tourist potential as well as beautiful Kosovo Serb Orthodox monasteries Visoki Decani and Gracanica.