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Foreign Minister appeals to Belgrade to react with a sense of proportion and realism |
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Spindelegger on ICJ advisory opinion on Kosovo: „Belgrade and Pristina must now leave the status issue behind them“
Vienna, 22 July 2010 - „The advisory opinion of the ICJ now available
confirms the legality of Kosovo’s declaration of independence. It
therefore also confirms the rightness of the Austrian decision to
recognise Kosovo as an independent country“ said Foreign Minister
Michael Spindelegger in a first reaction to the advisory opinion of the
International Court of Justice on Kosovo published today.
„The opinion should clear the way for further recognitions, and thus
significantly facilitate the inclusion of this young state into the
international community. I hope that the European Union will soon reach a
new agreement on this issue and can further expand its engagement in
Kosovo” the Foreign Minister continued.
„The opinion offers no reason for triumphant calls from one or the other
side. Instead, the opinion should be taken by Belgrade and Pristina as
an opportunity to open a new chapter in the relations between Serbia and
Kosovo“ emphasized Spindelegger. First, it is necessary to develop a
„modus vivendi“, and to embark on the solution of urgent practical
problems. Open issues in areas such as the return of refugees, energy,
transport, customs, jurisdiction, or the protection of cultural goods
can only be solved through dialogue and are of immediate importance for
the people concerned. „Belgrade and Pristina must find the way to a
constructive and direct dialogue; only then can coexistence function in a
lasting and peaceful manner.“
„I appeal to Serbia to react with a sense of proportion and realism.
Belgrade and Pristina should now leave the status issue behind them and
concentrate all their efforts on reforms, economic development, and
progress toward the EU. Austria shall use its best endeavours to support
them“, the Foreign Minister concluded.
For more information, contact:
Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs
Mr. Alexander Schallenberg
Press Officer of the Foreign Minister
Tel.: ++43 (0) 50 1150-3265
Fax: ++43 (1) 535 50 91
Email: kabbm(at)bmeia.gv.at
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