Serbia urges UN to prevent new “secession model”
Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic warned that the consequence of a failure to agree on Kosovo would be the establishment of a universally applicable precedent that provides a ready-made model for unilateral secession.
“Serbia is committed to working with the international community to prevent such a disastrous scenario. What we seek is an equitable outcome that both sides can embrace,” Jeremic said.
Jeremic said that the UN Court has left the Kosovo matter up to the UN General Assembly to manage the political repercussions of their advisory opinion.
As a result, Serbia has submitted a draft resolution to the UN General Assembly.
The resolution says:
“The demand that the International Court of Justice issue an advisory opinion on whether the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo was in accordance with international law”
The General Assembly, Guided by the principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations,
Given its functions and authority based on the Charter of the United Nations, Recalling its resolution 63/3 of Oct. 8, 2008,
Aware that agreement has not been reached between the sides involved on the consequences of the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo from Serbia.
Taking into account the fact that unilateral secession cannot be an acceptable manner of resolving territorial issues, 1.
Acknowledges the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice issued on July 22, 2010 on whether the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo was in accordance with international law, 2.
Calls on the sides involved to find a mutually acceptable solution to all open issues through peaceful dialog, in the interest of peace, security and cooperation in the region, 3.
Decides to add to the temporary agenda of the 66th session the point titled: “Further activities after the presentation of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on whether the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo was in accordance with international law.”
Jeremic noted that the UN Court ruling on Kosovo failed to approve a right of secession from Serbia, or any purported right to self-determination for Kosovo’s Albanians.
“Instead, the court chose to narrowly examine the language of the unilateral declaration of independence. This strictly technical approach made it possible to say that the text of the declaration itself did not violate international law,” Jeremic said.
This may produce extensive and deeply problematic consequences for the international community, Jeremic pointed out.
“Ethnic minorities across the globe could take advantage of the opportunity to write their own declarations of independence according to the Kosovo textual template. This would put them in a position to plausibly claim that such texts sufficiently legitimize their respective acts of secession, and for their proclaimed independence to be in conformity with international law,” Jeremic said.
July 30, 2010
SERBIANNA
Tanjug
