April 22, 2009

Serbian President Boris Tadic expressed belief that Serbia has international law on its side regarding the unilateral proclamation of Kosmet’s independence and that international legal experts and teams of various governments will stand on the side of Serbia in this case.  After the presentation of the national program for the fight against cancer, Tadic told the press in the Palace of Serbia that Serbia continues to fight with the diplomatic and legal means to preserve its integrity.  Mirjana Nikolic has more.

We are facing a new phase in the work of the International Court of Justice and we are approaching the moment when we should see the effects of our strategic decision to move the whole process of resolving the future status of Kosovo before the world's highest legal institution, said Tadic.
"It is not of the crucial importance  how many countries will present their submissions to the International Court of Justice, but what their quality will be. We are confident that the international law is on the side of Serbia, when it comes to Kosovo and that the legal experts and legal teams of different governments will stand on the side of Serbia in this case and say that unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo opposes international law."  The Serbian President  said that it is possible to expect that the International Court of Justice will work on the advisory opinion in the case of Kosovo for at least a year.  There should not be any dilemma that there will be political pressures, but we are convinced that the Court of Justice will show the highest possible level of independence and legal approach to this issue, added Tadic.
"We are also convinced that self-proclamation of Kosmet’s independence  as a drastic act of unilateralism, not only undermines the integrity of Serbia, but the international order as well.  Such an act extremely endangers the stability of many regions in the world.  Therefore, this issue is not only an issue of the Balkans or Serbia, this is an issue of other continents.  There are many "Kosovos" not only in the Black Sea region, which is close to us, but also in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and therefore, this issue is of global significance.  By treating the Kosovo problem in diplomatic and legal way, Serbia also offers to many other countries facing similar challenges, the course and method of resolving conflicts, which have been so far resolved through wars, violence, and murders.  Therefore, with such action in the field of international law, Serbia is also the country that makes peace. Serbia is not giving up on its rights and its own integrity.  This in no way jeopardizes the rights of Albanians, or others. "
The President pointed out that patience is now needed. He told the citizens of Serbia that with the international initiative, Serbia raises potentials and chances for the preservation of our integrity.  "Therefore, our citizens in Kosovo should know that this action is of great importance for their future and security, as well," Tadic concluded.