PODGORICA, Montenegro-Montenegro says it will support Serbia's bid to question legality of Kosovo's independence at the International Court of Justice.

The move is apparently designed to ease tensions in relations with Serbia, its traditional ally, caused by fears that Montenegro will recognize Kosovo's statehood.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February. The United States and most EU nations have recognized the new state, but Serbia refuses to do so.

The U.N. General Assembly will vote Wednesday on Belgrade's request that the Netherlands-based World Court rule on whether the secession was legal.