Statement by the Foreign Ministry on the Advisory Opinion of the ICJ on the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo
The Republic of Cyprus notes today's announcement by the International Court of Justice of its Advisory Opinion on the unilateral declaration of independence by the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government of Kosovo, which was requested by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 63/3 of 8 October 2008. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers this long legal process to have been a very challenging exercise in international law in which Cyprus has taken part. The Advisory Opinion is currently being thoroughly studied by the Legal Service of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the Foreign Ministry. The Republic of Cyprus notes that the argumentation used by the Court differentiates the issue of Cyprus from that of Kosovo. On this occasion, Cyprus would like to reiterate its position of principle on the issue of Kosovo and reaffirm its unwavering position of respect to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, which includes the Kosovo and Metohija province. The Republic of Cyprus calls upon both parties, the Republic of Serbia and “Kosovo under UNSC Resolution 1244/99” to relaunch dialogue for finding a mutually acceptable solution to the issue of Kosovo, enabling thus stability and peace to prevail in the region.
