| Tadić calls for UN backing |
| 11 September 2008 | 16:30
| Source:
B92, FoNet, Tanjug |
BELGRADE --
President Boris Tadić has asked UN member-states to back Serbia’s bid to seek the ICJ’s opinion on Kosovo's independence.
 | Boris Tadić (FoNet)
|
In a letter to UN members, Tadić states: “Serbia will propose the adoption of a draft resolution at the upcoming 63rd session of the UN General Assembly. It seeks the advisory opinion of the UN’s highest body, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), on the question: Was the unilateral independence declaration by the temporary self-government institutions in Kosovo in line with international law?
“On behalf of the Republic of Serbia, I would like to call for the support of your country to include the said item on the agenda of the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly. I am also calling for your support during the vote on the draft resolution itself in the General Assembly.”
“The opinion of the ICJ as to whether Kosovo’s unilateral independence declaration was in line with international law is the most suitable track of activity in this specific case,” the letter continues.
“The impartial advisory opinion is considered to be the most deserving interpretation of the principles of international legal order. The opinion of the ICJ would significantly contribute to easing tensions created as a consequence of the unilateral declaration of the independence of Kosovo, it would prevent unfavorable developments in the region and facilitate efforts for agreement between all the sides involved,” Tadić says in the letter, sent to all UN members.
He underlines that by referring to the ICJ, the UN General Assembly will render the Kosovo issue a symbol of the renewed determination of the international community to respect the rule of the law.
The president reiterates that Serbia’s view is that Kosovo’s unilateral independence declaration constitutes a violation of the UN Charter and other key documents of the international legal system and is contrary to UN Security Council Resolution 1244, which says that all member countries are obliged to respect Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He points out that the Republic of Serbia continues to rule out the use of force and the introduction of economic sanctions in keeping with this country's commitment to the peaceful resolution of Kosovo’s future status.
“We believe that the most legitimate, most reasonable way of overcoming the potential destabilizing and fatal consequences of Kosovo’s unilateral independence declaration would be to transfer the matter to the legal sphere,” Tadić’s letter concludes.
|
search b92.net
B92 live 
"You don't need to have any sentimental attachment to Europe whatsoever to understand that to tackle these problems we need the scale and clout that only Europe gives. This has nothing at all do
... 
Where does the line get drawn? The passing of Patriarch Pavle, for whom all the respect paid to his memory was and is well deserved, allowed for some rather questionable decisions on the side of the government
...
