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ICJ: Kosovo Independence is Legal

VOA News 22 July 2010

The top United Nations court says Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008 conforms to international law.

That non-binding opinion from the International Court of Justice, issued Thursday in The Hague, sparked street celebrations in Kosovo's capital, Pristina. In Washington, visiting Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci called the ruling "the best possible answer for the entire world."

The U.S. State Department also hailed the decision, saying it is now time for Europe "to unite behind a common future."

The 10-4 court 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 Russia -- a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council -- have led opposition to it.

The government in Belgrade asked the 15-member court to rule on the declaration, and argued last year that it undermined world order. Serbian lawyers told the court the declaration would, if upheld, set a dangerous precedent and encourage secessionist movements elsewhere in the world.

However, ICJ President Hisashi Owada, who read the lengthy ruling aloud Thursday, said international law contains no prohibitions against such declarations.

Hours after Thursday's ruling, Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic warned of difficult time ahead, and said his country would continue to fight for control of its former province by peaceful means.

Ahead of the ruling, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden affirmed U.S. support for Kosovo's independence, in telephone talks with Serbian President Boris Tadic. Biden urged the Serbian government to work constructively to resolve practical issues with Kosovo. He said that kind of cooperation will improve the lives of people in Kosovo, Serbia and the greater Balkans.

Kosovo was placed under U.N. supervision in 1999, following a 78-day NATO bombing campaign that stopped a deadly crackdown by Belgrade in what was then a Serbian province. The Pristina government formally declared its independence on February 17, 2008.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.