FM rejects changes to ICJ text

Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic says that opponents of Serbia's ICJ initiative are trying to change the proposed resolution through amendments. Belgrade, Jeremic told the BBC, finds this "absolutely unacceptable". FM rejects changes to ICJ text According to him, pressure is growing on those countries that have not yet taken a stand on this resolution, due for voting at the UN General Assembly in early October. Serbia is seeking support to ask the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for an opinion on the legality of the Kosovo Albanians' unilateral declaration of independence. Speaking in New York today, Jeremic also specified that no amendments to the text have been officially proposed thus far. "At this point, it's an idea, but the text of our resolution is exceptionally clear and precise, which, it seems to me, pains many, because it's hard to make an objection to it." "Highly likely, it is also difficult to imagine a situation where the ICJ would make a judgment in any other way than [to state] that the independence is what it is, in other words, illegal," the foreign minister continued. Jeremic reiterated during the interview that there is "no room for maneuvers", concerning the wording of the document. Also in New York, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Daniel Fried met with Kosovo's President Fatmir Sejdiu, and Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni to reassure them that the Serbian initiative "will have no effect". Pristina daily Koha Ditore is today quoting the U.S. diplomat as saying that "any Serbian initiative to turn back the process of Kosovo's statehood will have no effect". "Independent Kosovo is irreversible and an issue closed forever," Fried said. He also added that "the importance of Kosovo's independence for the region will become clear, especially when it is recognized by the neighboring countries". Fried also said it is "Kosovo's task to have good neighborly relations with these countries". Vuk Jeremic (FoNet)

FM rejects changes to ICJ text

According to him, pressure is growing on those countries that have not yet taken a stand on this resolution, due for voting at the UN General Assembly in early October.

Serbia is seeking support to ask the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for an opinion on the legality of the Kosovo Albanians' unilateral declaration of independence.

Speaking in New York today, Jeremić also specified that no amendments to the text have been officially proposed thus far.

"At this point, it's an idea, but the text of our resolution is exceptionally clear and precise, which, it seems to me, pains many, because it's hard to make an objection to it."

"Highly likely, it is also difficult to imagine a situation where the ICJ would make a judgment in any other way than [to state] that the independence is what it is, in other words, illegal," the foreign minister continued.

Jeremić reiterated during the interview that there is "no room for maneuvers", concerning the wording of the document.

Also in New York, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Daniel Fried met with Kosovo's President Fatmir Sejdiu, and Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni to reassure them that the Serbian initiative "will have no effect".

Priština daily Koha Ditore is today quoting the U.S. diplomat as saying that "any Serbian initiative to turn back the process of Kosovo's statehood will have no effect".

"Independent Kosovo is irreversible and an issue closed forever," Fried said.

He also added that "the importance of Kosovo's independence for the region will become clear, especially when it is recognized by the neighboring countries".

Fried also said it is "Kosovo's task to have good neighborly relations with these countries".