UK submits motion on Serbian initiative 7 October 2008 | 16:33 | Source: B92, Beta, Tanjug *SKOPJE -- The UK has sent a motion to the UN GA to the effect that, should Serbia’s ICJ resolution be adopted, its question on Kosovo independence should be more precise.
*In the event of the adoption of Serbia’s initiative to seek the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) opinion on the legality of Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence, London wants the UN General Assembly to take into consideration the broader context of Kosovo Albanians' proclamation. Britain has also asked for the question posed to be formulated more precisely. In a letter to General Assembly Chairman Miguel d’Escoto, British Permanent Representative to the UN John Sawers said that in this instance Kosovo must be allowed to take part in the proceedings and argue its case. However, it is added that Britain does not see the benefit of the proposal to seek the ICJ’s opinion, nor does it feel that certain issues that it considers important are being presented in a suitable manner. The UK does not believe that the opinion of the ICJ on this divisive legal issue is essential, if the consequences of such an approach have no clear purpose or practical benefit for the body that is seeking its opinion. The UK does nevertheless recognize that the draft motion pertains to a series of important issues in international law and acknowledges the sensitivity of the issue in terms of the Serbian domestic political scene. Stressing its strong support for the ICJ, the UK says that nothwithstanding its clear position on Kosovo, should the issue be brought before the Court, it will be prepared to participate constructively in the debate on the matter. Sawers points out that the UK “supported the consensus” for Serbia’s motion to be included on the agenda of the General Assembly session, which, he states, reflects its practice to support the inclusion of issues that merit debate.
