Breaking news : ICJ says Kosovo independence did not violate international law
22/07/2010
THE HAGUE, Netherlands -- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled Thursday (July 22nd) that Kosovo's declaration of independence did not violate international law. According to the non-binding advisory opinion, read out by ICJ President Hisashi Owada, international law contains "no prohibition on declarations of independence".
Both Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic and Kosovo's top diplomat, Skender Hyseni, attended the session. Hearings at the ICJ on the case were held on December 1-11th. In all, 36 states have filed written or verbal arguments regarding the case.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. A total of 69 countries have recognised it as a sovereign state so far. (RTS, Reuters - 22/07/10)