UN Seeks Court View on Kosovo

Norway voted 8 October for a resolution in the United Nations to request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on whether the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo is in accordance with international law.

”Our vote is an expression of support to the moderate forces in Serbia who seek for a peaceful development in the region and a Serbia who joins European institutions”, says Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway, at the same time, made it clear that the vote in UN dos not in any way change our recognition of the republic of Kosovo as an independent state.

Explanation of vote by P. R. Ambassador Morten Wetland:

Mr President,

We believe that requesting an advisory opinion from the ICJ is acceptable and can serve to stabilize the region, even if there also are sound arguments against engaging the ICJ in a matter regarding a new state, as most peoples enter statehood under difficult and often turbulent circumstances.

Nevertheless, we believe that the initiative taken by the Government of Serbia has the better potential, over time, to bring stability to the region and bring its countries into European institutions. That is why we have chosen to support the proposal by Serbia. Our support can, however, not be interpreted at being incompatible with Norway’s recognition of the republic of Kosovo as an independent state.

We trust that the Court will proceed according to the established principles of judicial fairness and will be hearing and assessing all relevant arguments from all sides, including the Government of Kosovo.