22 july 2010, Dojce Vele. Just moments after the advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on the legality of Kosovo’s declaration of independence, the President of Kosovo, Fatmir Sejdiu, expressed the gratitude of the people of Kosovo and its state institutions. He said the opinion clearly reconfirmed the strong and unassailable arguments presented by Kosovo and its supporters worldwide.
“Kosovo has always been convinced of its natural right to live freely, and its people, regardless of ethnicity, deserve the same. Kosovo did not request an opinion from the Court; it was the Republic of Serbia that requested it, and the response has been given. The Court’s ruling is not a compromise judgment but a wise opinion based on arguments. We always knew Kosovo’s arguments were unassailable, and I repeat: ‘Even the mighty fall silent before these arguments!’ This opinion finally removes all doubts that countries not yet recognizing Kosovo may have had.”
Sejdiu: “July 22 – A Blessed Day for Kosovo”
The ICJ decision demonstrates that Kosovo’s case does not set a precedent for any other case in the world, but clearly affirms the international law right to live freely and independently, paving the way for Kosovo’s further progress, said President Sejdiu. He also called on the Republic of Serbia to join the regional vision for a brighter future and faster Euro-Atlantic integration.
“We call on the Republic of Serbia, President Tadić, and his government to abandon the current approach. The shared path of the two countries and the region lies in the European Union and NATO, ensuring security, peace, and stability for all citizens. We urge them to lift pressure on Serbian citizens in Kosovo and adopt a new approach that brings both sovereign countries into reciprocal cooperation for the benefit of all citizens,” said President Sejdiu.
He expressed gratitude to all countries supporting Kosovo’s journey to freedom and independence, particularly the USA, EU, and NATO, and praised the ICJ’s support: “This is a blessed day for Kosovo!”
Krasniqi: Kosovo – A Worthy Partner Among Peaceful Nations
The advisory opinion of the ICJ reaffirmed that the declaration of independence on February 17, 2008, reflected the will of the people of Kosovo. Its leaders responded to the citizens’ call for building a society that respects human dignity and affirms their pride and aspirations, said Jakup Krasniqi, Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly.
“The clear opinion of the ICJ will assist all countries, especially EU members, in recognizing and accelerating recognition of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state. We express our sincere willingness to establish good relations with the Republic of Serbia, for the benefit of both peoples and for regional political, social, and economic stability. We strongly call on states that have not yet recognized Kosovo to do so, confident that they will find a reliable and worthy partner among the family of peaceful nations,” said Jakupi.
Thaçi: ICJ Opinion – A Boost for Kosovo’s Statehood
Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Hashim Thaçi, during an official visit to the USA, called the ICJ opinion “a historic and highly significant act for the further consolidation of Kosovo’s independent state.” He emphasized that this opinion is a victory for all regional states, particularly Kosovo, and serves as a strong incentive for increased commitment, directly contributing to the consolidation, development, and strengthening of Kosovo’s independence.
The ICJ opinion in favor of Kosovo’s independence was also welcomed by citizens, who view it as a step closer to Kosovo’s aspirations.
“I am happy and overjoyed… we feared the opinion might favor Serbia!” said Qamil Sopi from Mramori.
“We are extremely happy. Hopefully, other countries will now recognize us too, in the UN and Europe,” said Ismet Gashi from Hajvalia.
Meanwhile, Serbs in northern Kosovo, who had previously prayed for an ICJ opinion favoring Serbia, protested at 17:30 in the main square of northern Mitrovica against the legality of Kosovo’s independence.
Kosovo’s independence, declared on February 17, 2008, has so far been recognized by 69 countries, including the USA and 22 EU member states. Serbia contested this independence and requested a review by the ICJ, which on July 22, 2010, issued an opinion in favor of the legality of Kosovo’s independence.
Author: Ajetë Beqiraj