Kosovo's self rule is legal, UN court says
Source: Agencies |
July 24, 2010, Saturday
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THE United Nations' highest court has ruled that Kosovo's declaration of independence was legal, dealing a blow to Serbia, which vowed never to accept its former province as a separate state and warned the ruling could embolden separatist movements around the world.
Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci hailed Thursday's ruling as a "historic victory" and "the best possible answer for the entire world," while Foreign Minister, Skender Hyseni, said in The Hague, the Netherlands, outside the International Court of Justice: "my message to the government of Serbia is 'Come and talk to us.'"
With a population of 2 million, Kosovo declared independence in February 2008 after years of fruitless talks with Belgrade about its desire to break away.
Issuing the nonbinding advisory opinion, International Court of Justice President Hisashi Owada said international law contains "no... prohibition of declarations of independence" and thus the declaration "did not violate general international law."
In the capital, Pristina, ethnic Albanians honked horns and waved Kosovo and US flags to celebrate the ruling.
"What happened today is the greatest joy for Kosovo since the declaration of independence," said ethnic Albanian Shpresa Gosalci. "It is something that has sealed our status forever."
Kosovo's independence has been accepted by 69 countries so far. UN diplomats say they expect the court's decision to spur recognition of Kosovo as an independent state. After more than 100 countries grant such recognition -- more than half the 192 UN member states -- a senior Western diplomat said it will in effect have achieved "full statehood."
Serbia's diplomatic campaign to prevent recognition of Kosovo has left the fledgling nation in limbo and cut off from international organizations and European Union membership. Serbia's stance is likely also hampering Kosovo's attempts to join the EU, as the bloc insists member states have friendly relations with neighbors.
Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci hailed Thursday's ruling as a "historic victory" and "the best possible answer for the entire world," while Foreign Minister, Skender Hyseni, said in The Hague, the Netherlands, outside the International Court of Justice: "my message to the government of Serbia is 'Come and talk to us.'"
With a population of 2 million, Kosovo declared independence in February 2008 after years of fruitless talks with Belgrade about its desire to break away.
Issuing the nonbinding advisory opinion, International Court of Justice President Hisashi Owada said international law contains "no... prohibition of declarations of independence" and thus the declaration "did not violate general international law."
In the capital, Pristina, ethnic Albanians honked horns and waved Kosovo and US flags to celebrate the ruling.
"What happened today is the greatest joy for Kosovo since the declaration of independence," said ethnic Albanian Shpresa Gosalci. "It is something that has sealed our status forever."
Kosovo's independence has been accepted by 69 countries so far. UN diplomats say they expect the court's decision to spur recognition of Kosovo as an independent state. After more than 100 countries grant such recognition -- more than half the 192 UN member states -- a senior Western diplomat said it will in effect have achieved "full statehood."
Serbia's diplomatic campaign to prevent recognition of Kosovo has left the fledgling nation in limbo and cut off from international organizations and European Union membership. Serbia's stance is likely also hampering Kosovo's attempts to join the EU, as the bloc insists member states have friendly relations with neighbors.
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