October 21, 2008 10:51 AM
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands-The International Court of Justice in The Hague
asked U.N. member countries on Tuesday to say whether they believe Kosovo's
declaration of independence is legal.
The United Nations' top legal body requested written statements by April
17, and countries will then have until July 17 to comment on each others'
submissions.
The court also invited Kosovo to submit its argument.
Earlier this month the U.N. General Assembly asked the court for its
opinion on the legality of Kosovo's declaration in February separating
itself from Serbia. The court's opinion is not legally binding, however.
The legal body's schedule published Tuesday made no mention of oral
arguments before the 15 judges, although the tribunal could decide later
to hold open hearings.
About 50 countries, including the United States and European Union members,
have recognized the independence of Kosovo. That has infuriated Serbia,
which always has wanted to maintain control over the former Serbian province.
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