UN General Assembly agrees to refer Kosovo's case to ICJ

United Nations, Oct 9 (PTI) The U.N. General Assembly has
agreed to Serbia's request of seeking non-binding advisory
opinion of the International Court of Justice (I.C.J.) on its
"breakaway province" Kosovo's unilateral declaration of
independence.

India joined 77 countries in voting for the resolution
and only six member States led by the U.S. opposed it. As many
as 76 nations abstained and among them were members of the
European Union (E.U.), who have recognised Kosovo as an
independent nation.

Serbia believes its "breakaway province" has acted
illegally by declaring independence and the court case would
deter other nations from recognising it. The U.S. and several
of its allies have recognised Kosovo's independence.

Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said that the court
case would help reduce the tensions but some of the European
diplomats disagreed.

The Hague based I.C.J. mediates disputes between the
States and diplomats said the reference would present a
particular challenge as it is a case of secession and not
independence from a colonial power.

Should the Court rule against Kosovo's independence, it
would be an embarrassment for the United States and its
western allies even if it does not change the realities on the
ground.

Forty-eight countries, including 22 of 27 members of the
European Union, have recognised Kosovo but 144 U.N. member
States are yet to do so.

Thus, diplomats said a vast majority of nations are now
expected to wait until I.C.J. gives it opinion and that could
have effect on their decision to recognise Kosovo. PTI D