Statement by Secretary Clinton on Release of International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Kosovo’s Declaration of Independence

July 22, 2010

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

The International Court of Justice today issued its advisory opinion and decisively agreed with the longstanding view of the United States that Kosovo's declaration of independence is in accordance with international law. This is the view we set forth in the briefs we submitted to the Court and in the oral proceedings that it held last December.  Kosovo is an independent state and its territory is inviolable.

We call on all states to move beyond the issue of Kosovo's status and engage constructively in support of peace and stability in the Balkans, and we call on those states that have not yet done so to recognize Kosovo. 

Serbia and Kosovo are both friends and partners of the United States.  Now is the time for them to put aside their differences and move forward, working together constructively to resolve practical issues and improve the lives of the people of Kosovo, Serbia, and the region.  This is the path toward their future, as part of a Europe, whole, free, and at peace, and we welcome the European Union's efforts to assist both countries in realizing their European aspirations. 

See also:

• U.S. Welcomes International Court Ruling on Kosovo's Independence
• Readout of Vice President Biden's Call to President Boris Tadic of Serbia

The transcript of Thursday's briefing at the Foreign Press Center with U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo Christopher Dell, and the Department's Legal Advisor, Harold Koh.