EU parliament welcomes court ruling on Kosovo

MEPs have warmly welcomed the International Court of Justice's ruling on Kosovo's independence - despite fears that secessionist regions around the world could be encouraged to press for more autonomy.

The non-binding but clear-cut verdict by the court on Thursday, that Kosovo's February 2008 declaration of independence "did not violate general international law" has dashed Serbian hopes of a return to the negotiating table.

The decision prompted calls by MEPs for the EU's five remaining member states, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Romania and Slovakia, to recognise the fledgling state.

Commenting on the ruling, Greens/EFA group foreign affairs spokeswoman Ulrike Lunacek said, "The advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legality of Kosovo's independence is clearer than many had expected."

Lunacek, who was parliament's rapporteur for Kosovo added, "This clear opinion should pave the way for the remaining five EU member states to recognise Kosovo's independence.

"This would also enhance the credibility and efficiency of EU policies in Kosovo."

Fellow Greens deputy Frieda Brepoels called on Belgium, the current EU council presidency holders, to press the five EU member states that have not recognised Kosovo to do so.

"Unfortunately several nations seem to fear that recognising Kosovo's independence would set a precedent for other regions and stateless nations seeking greater autonomy or independence," said Brepoels.

"This is no reason not to seek the best solution for Kosovo, including the prospect of EU membership.

"It is high time that the five remaining EU member states move swiftly to respect Kosovo's right to self determination and recognise their independence."

Annemie Neyts, who speaks on foreign affairs for the parliament's ALDE group echoed Brepoels' view, saying, "This decision will help bring more clarity and certainty to the region.

"The EU's new high representative [Catherine Ashton] should now encourage those member states that have not yet formally recognised Kosovo to do so and then work with Serbia to facilitate a more constructive approach to the dispute in the broader context of deeper EU relations."

Jelko Kacin, the assembly's standing rapporteur on EU-Serbia, warned that the court's ruling "must not remain a moment in the history of troubled relations between Belgrade and Pristina".

Parliament president Jerzy Buzek said the international community must respect the court's opinion, but added, "Ultimately, reconciliation will be achieved fully not through court rulings, but rather when peoples in the Balkans will be able to live, move and trade freely and peacefully."

Doris Pack led the reaction from parliament's EPP group, again calling for the five remaining EU member states to recognise Kosovo's sovereignty.

The German deputy added, "Serbia, which sought the ICJ ruling in the first place, must now accept this result and aim for good neighbourly relations with Kosovo.

"After this ruling, there is no reason for other countries to refuse to recognise Kosovo.

"This is especially the case for the five EU member states which have not recognised Kosovo so far."

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