Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On September 14, 2009, Russia handed over International Court of Justice The UN has notified of its intention to participate in the oral stage of the proceedings in the case on the legality of the unilateral declaration of independence Kosovo.
At the end of July this year International Court of Justice announced that the hearing of the case on the General Assembly's request for an advisory opinion on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence would begin on 1 December.
Following the Assembly's request, the Court invited UN Member States to submit written opinions on the matter by 17 April 2009. Thirty-six countries, including Russia, responded. They were then asked to indicate by 15 September whether they wished to participate in the Court's hearing.
During the open court hearing, UN representatives and interested UN member states will be able to orally present their views and arguments on the matter. Delegates from Kosovo are also expected to be heard at the hearing.
As a reminder, on October 8, 2008, the General Assembly, at the initiative of Serbia, requested the International Court of Justice to render an advisory opinion on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence. The Assembly approved a resolution on this matter, proposed by the Serbian delegation. It was supported by 77 states, 74 abstained, and 6 voted against. The Assembly's question is as follows: "Is the unilateral declaration of independence by the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government of Kosovo consistent with international law?"
On February 17, 2008, Kosovo's Provisional Institutions of Self-Government declared independence from Serbia. However, Serbian authorities and many other countries consider this move illegal.
“We believe that the unilateral actions of the Kosovo Albanian authorities are contrary to both general international law and Resolution 1244 "The Security Council, which remains the key document defining the parameters of the Kosovo settlement," Russia said in a statement regarding the notification sent to the Court.
The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the UN. Its jurisdiction includes the consideration of disputes between states and the rendering of advisory opinions on any legal question at the request of the General Assembly or the Security Council. The Court consists of fifteen judges elected regardless of their nationality.
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