Serbian govt schedules extraordinary session for Friday

BELGRADE, July 22 (Tanjug) - Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic scheduled an extraordinary session of the Serbian government for Friday, which is to analyze the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

The Serbian government will consider further resolution of the Kosovo-Metohija issue, the prime minister's office released.

Biden confers with Tadic

WASHINGTON, July 22 (Tanjug) - U.S. Vice President Joe Biden conferred with Serbian President Boris Tadic on Thursday and reiterated the United States' commitment to Kosovo's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the White House released in a statement.

The two leaders discussed the upcoming issuance of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Kosovo's declaration of independence.

On the occasion, the U.S. vice president affirmed the United States' full support for a democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo and reiterated the unwavering commitment to Kosovo's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also urged the Serbian government to work constructively to resolve practical issues with Kosovo to improve the lives of the people of Kosovo, Serbia and of the region, the statement said.

Biden affirmed the strong and deep ties between the United States and Serbia, and praised the bilateral cooperation between the two countries on a wide range of issues, the statement reads.

Germany's FM calls on Belgrade and Pristina to focus on EU

BERLIN, July 22 (Tanjug) - Germany's Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle appealed Thursday to Serbian and Kosovo officials to focus on their European future.

The future of Serbia and Kosovo is in the EU, said Westerwelle after the International Court of Justice decision on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence, and he appealed to Belgrade and Pristina to focus on their European future and tackle the issues of everyday coexistence in a pragmatic and constructive way, working in the interest of their people.

Thursday marked the end of a legal process, Westerwelle noted, adding that politicians and dialogue were now needed.

EU: ICJ opinion opens new phase

BRUSSELS, July 22 (Tanjug) - The advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has opened a new phase, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton stated in Brussels on Thursday, adding that the future of Serbia and Kosovo lies in the EU.

The EU has welcomed the publication of the ICJ advisory opinion and is studying it with great care, reads Ashton's statement filed to Tanjug.

“The focus should now be on the future,” the statement said, adding that good neighborly relations, regional cooperation and dialogue are the foundations on which the EU is built.

“The EU is therefore ready to facilitate a process of dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. This dialogue would be to promote cooperation, achieve progress on the path to Europe and improve the lives of the people. The process of dialogue in itself would be a factor for peace, security and stability in the region,” the statement said.

The ICJ stated Thursday that the declaration of the interim government in Pristina regarding Kosovo's independence does not constitute a violation of international law given that it does not ban such declarations.

Government to hold emergency meeting on Friday

BELGRADE, July 22 (Tanjug) - Serbia's Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic urged Thursday all of Serbia's citizens, especially those in Kosovo, not to respond to any potential provocations.

"Serbia's stand is that a solution for Kosovo can only be found through dialogue, which will lead to a lasting and stable peace in the area," said Cvetkovic.

The prime minister announced an emergency meeting by the government for Friday, adding that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) opinion regarding the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence demanded a thorough analysis.

"The government feels that the ICJ opinion demands a thorough analysis, and we will launch a diplomatic initiative to prepare Serbia for the UN General Assembly debate as well as possible," Cvetkovic's cabinet announced.

Tadic comments ICJ decision

BELGRADE, July 22 (Tanjug) - Serbian President Boris Tadic stated Thursday that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence fell heavily on Serbia, but added that it is clear the ICJ did not take a stand regarding the issue of Kosovo's right to secede.

The ICJ transferred the Kosovo issue to the UN General Assembly that way, said Tadic, underscoring that Serbia would continue to fight for Kosovo using legal and peaceful means.

"Defending Serbia's interest in Kosovo is a national task, involving all citizens and government institutions, as well as all political parties," Tadic told reporters, adding that it must not be used as a cheap political tool.

Serbia has a clear plan of diplomatic activity, according to Tadic, who announced that the country will send envoys to 55 countries during the weekend. They will carry Tadic's message to those countries' presidents and prime ministers.

He noted that the ICJ decision would have "dangerous implications for separatist movements all over the world" if it was indeed what Pristina claimed it was.

Commenting on the ICJ decision, Tadic said that the court gave an opinion only on the "technical content of the independence declaration," while avoiding to take a stand on the crucial issue, which was secession.

"The declaration text in itself does not violate international law, because it has nothing to do with it. The court let the UN General Assembly draw a political conclusion, which opens an opportunity for Serbia to fight for its view at the assembly's autumn session," said Tadic.

According to him, the government would invest maximum effort for the UN to adopt Serbia's resolution proposal.

"Serbia will never recognize Kosovo's independence, and we have a clear plan of diplomatic activity for the coming days," said the president.

There will be a lot of pressure on many countries to recognize Kosovo before the UN General Assembly convenes, but Serbia is going to do everything to keep the number of those recognitions as few as possible, Tadic stated.

It is crucial to preserve peace and stability in Kosovo right now, said Tadic, who called on the citizens not to respond to any potential provocations.

Serbian govt schedules extraordinary session for Friday

BELGRADE, July 22 (Tanjug) - Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic scheduled an extraordinary session of the Serbian government for Friday, which is to analyze the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

The Serbian government will consider further resolution of the Kosovo-Metohija issue, the prime minister's office released.

Serbian govt schedules extraordinary session for Friday

BELGRADE, July 22 (Tanjug) - Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic scheduled an extraordinary session of the Serbian government for Friday, which is to analyze the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

The Serbian government will consider further resolution of the Kosovo-Metohija issue, the prime minister's office released.

Sejdiu: ICJ opinion backs Kosovo's independence

PRISTINA, July 22 (Tanjug) - Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu stated in Pristina on Thursday that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion is positive and in favour of Kosovo's declaration of independence.

The opinion gave a positive answer which in every aspect recognised the rights to freedom and self-determination of the people in Kosovo. The opinion gave a strong confirmation that the declaration of independence of the Republic of Kosovo was in keeping with international law and rights of the people in Kosovo, Sejdiu stated at a press conference after the ICJ released its advisory opinion on Kosovo's unilaterally declared independence.

Sejdiu called on Serbia to join, as he said, the common vision of the countries in the region which believe in the better future and quick Euro-Atlantic integration.

Ban calls for restraint and dialogue

NEW YORK, July 22 (Tanjug) - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged all sides in Kosovo to restrain from provocations and engage in a constructive dialogue.

Ban's spokesperson Martin Nesirky told journalists on Thursday that the secretary-general urged all sides not to respond to provocations regarding the advisory opinion on Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence delivered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday.

“The secretary-general urges all sides to avoid any steps that could be seen as provocative and derail the dialogue,” Nesirky said.

ICJ's stand does not affect Russia's view, Moscow for talks

MOSCOW, July 22 (Tanjug) - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion stating that Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence did not constitute a violation of international law does not affect Russia's refusal to recognise the independence of Serbia's southern province, official Moscow stated on Thursday.

Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Andrei Nesterenko stated that the government stand not to recognise Kosovo remains unchanged.

Russia believes that the solution to the Kosovo issue lies only in the continuation of negotiations between the interested parties, which would be in keeping with Resolution 1244 UN SC, Nerestenko pointed out.

He added that Russia is willing to continue providing active support.

According to Nesterenko, it is of key importance that the ICJ delivered an opinion which refers only to the declaration of independence and that the Court did not discuss the wider context of Kosovo's right to a unilateral secession from Serbia.

In its advisory opinion, the ICJ did not take a stand on the consequences of adopting this document, such as whether Kosovo is a state and whether the countries which recognised Kosovo had a legal right to do so.

Rally cancelled, peaceful situation in Kosovska Mitrovica

KOSOVSKA MITROVICA, July 22 (Tanjug) - Following the delivery of the advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in respect of Kosovo's independence, around 1,000 Serbs gathered at the central square in Kosovska Mitrovica, but the rally that was scheduled earlier was not held.

Head of the Kosovska Mitrovica District Radenko Nedeljkovic shortly addressed the citizens saying that the ICJ opinion proved that there is no justice and truth.

While a KFOR helicopter flew over the square, Nedeljkovic called on unity, adding that Serbs in the north of Kosovo will not allow anything to be changed in the field.

After that, Nedeljkovic urged citizens to go home, and explained to journalists that at the moment, peace is the most important.

Sharply at 17 p.m., bells tolled in the Orthodox temples for the beginning of a prayer for peace in Kosovo, while the gathering in the downtown was secured by the Kosovo Police Service (KPS).

The police stepped up presence in the city on Thursday morning. The KFOR soldiers are deployed at several locations in Bosnjacka Mahala, an ethnically-mixed district of Kosovska Mitrovica, and all day long, groups of international forces representatives are touring round the city.

Serbia's FM: ICJ said nothing about right to secede

THE HAGUE, July 22 (Tanjug) - Serbia's Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic has said that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) avoided Thursday to take a stand on whether Kosovo Albanians had the right to secede from Serbia.

Jeremic stated that the ICJ chose to deliver nothing more than a technical opinion about Kosovo's declaration of independence.

There was no mention of whether someone has the right to a unilateral secession from a sovereign country, said Jeremic, adding that it constituted a political issue that would be discussed in political forums, one of them being the UN General Assembly.

According to Jeremic, the ICJ decision will soon be presented to the UN General Assembly, which will then deliver a political opinion on the issue.

The next step in the process is the discussion in the UN General Assembly, which will be held in New York in September, Jeremic noted, adding that he was convinced Serbia's stand would be backed up during the vote.

The foreign minister stated that Serbia's policy has not changed.

It is a peaceful policy based on the principles of international law, said Jeremic, adding that the ICJ opinion on Thursday said nothing about anyone having the right to secede. That is a topic for a political debate, and it will obviously take place in the UN General Assembly, Jeremic stressed, adding that Serbia would never recognize Kosovo's independence.

Serbia has to continue its policy and peaceful diplomatic struggle to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Jeremic remarked.

Hard times and great hardships are ahead of Serbia, but that is not the first time, said the foreign minister. It is paramount that peace and stability are maintained throughout Kosovo, Jeremic noted, calling on Serbs in Kosovo not to respond to any potential provocations.

According to Jeremic, it is also extremely important for Serbs to keep their calm, persistence and determination and to stay united throughout the struggle.

When asked about Serbia's response should more countries recognize Kosovo after the ICJ decision, the foreign minister noted that it is each country's sovereign right to decide its course of action on the issue.

However, Jeremic stated that he did not expect any changes regarding the most important international factors or the most powerful countries after such a decision by the ICJ.

Tadic comments ICJ decision

BELGRADE, July 22 (Tanjug) - Serbian President Boris Tadic stated Thursday that the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) fell heavily on Serbia, adding that it is clear that the ICJ did not declare its stand regarding the issue of secession.

Tadic said that in the manner, the ICJ transferred the Kosovo issue to the UN General Assembly, and underscored that Serbia will continue to fight for Kosovo through legal and peaceful means.

Tadic said that Serbia has a clear plan of diplomatic activities.

Patriarch Irinej served public prayer in St. Sava Cathedral

BELGRADE, July 22 (Tanjug) - Serbian Patriarch Irinej served in the St. Sava Cathedral in Belgrade on Thursday a public prayer for peace and positive solution of the final status of Kosovo-Metohija, the cradle of the Serbian people.

Patriarch Irinej appeared at a platform in front of the temple at 16:55 p.m. when the bells announced the beginning of the prayer on the occasion of the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

The ICJ stated that Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence does not constitute a violation of international legal norms.

A prayer for peace in Kosovo was served in all Orthodox temples in Serbia and Republika Srpska (RS) and bells tolled for five minutes.

NATO: ICJ stand does not change KFOR's mandate

BRUSSELS, July 22 (Tanjug) - NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen released on Thursday that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence does not influence the activities and mandate of the international forces in Kosovo.

KFOR will continue carrying out its mandate and protecting security in an unbiased way throughout Kosovo, Rasmussen stated.

KFOR will act to the benefit of all communities in Kosovo, treating the majority and minorities in the same way, the release reads.

USA: ICJ opinion confirms legality of Kosovo's independence

WASHINGTON, July 22 (Tanjug) - The United States of America supports the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence, U.S. Department of State released on Thursday.

The ICJ advisory opinion is a strong confirmation of the legality of Kosovo's independence declaration, and we support this decision. It is time for Europe to unite towards a joint future, State Department Spokesperson Philip Crowley stated.

Owada: ICJ authorized to deliver advisory opinion (rpt)

THE HAGUE, July 22 (Tanjug) - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) stated Thursday that it is authorized to deliver the advisory opinion on Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence upon a request of the UN General Assembly.

ICJ President Hisashi Owada from Japan stated Thursday that the question whether Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence is in keeping with international law is a legal issue, which is in accordance with the ICJ Statute and the Charter of the United Nations.

Owada explained that the question is simple and concrete - is Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence in keeping with international law?

According to him, this means that the ICJ should not deal with the consequences, particularly regarding whether Kosovo has achieved statehood.

The ICJ is also considering the validity of acts of recognition of Kosovo's independence that occurred in the meantime, Owada said.

The Court will not be guided by political motives and is not interested in political implications. The ICJ is authorized to answer the UN General Assembly by delivering the advisory opinion, while the question of the Assembly was clearly formulated, Owada said.

Radojicic: ICJ opinion is disappointing

BANJA LUKA, July 22 (Tanjug) - Chairman of the Republika Srpska (RS) National Assembly Igor Radojicic assessed on Thursday that the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague regarding the Kosovo parliament declaration on the self-proclaimed independence is disappointing.

“The ICJ opinion is disappointing and represents the dominance of international politics and interests over international law,” Radojicic said.

He believes that the opinion was created by political influences and that it will cause situations which could disrupt global interests.

Radojicic said that this opinion has nothing to do with international law and that it represents a precedent, adding that he now expects each country to individually assess what to do next.

When it comes to Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH), Radojicic said that RS will not change its position and that BiH should continue to respect the territorial integrity of Serbia (with Kosovo).

Hiseni expects Serbia to consider Kosovo as sovereign state

THE HAGUE, July 22 (Tanjug) - Foreign Minister at the Kosovo interim government Skender Hiseni stated in Pristina on Thursday that he expects that the Serbia will treat Kosovo as a sovereign state given that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stated that Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence does not constitute a violation of international law.

I expect that Serbia will approach us and be ready to discuss issues of common interest and importance, but such talks may be conducted only as the one between sovereign states, Hiseni stated after the ICJ session.

Serbia's FM: ICJ said nothing about right to secede

THE HAGUE, July 22 (Tanjug) - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) chose to provide nothing more than a technical opinion about Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia, practically avoiding to take a stand regarding the main issue, which is whether Kosovo had the right to secede in the first place, Serbia's Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic has said.

The ICJ decision will soon be presented to the UN General Assembly, which will then provide a political opinion, said Jeremic.

Most judges from countries that have recognized Kosovo

THE HAGUE, July 22 (Tanjug) - The advisory opinion on Kosovo at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was given by 15 judges, nine of whom come from countries that have recognized the unilaterally declared independence of the southern Serbian province, including the ICJ President, Japanese Hisashi Owada.

Hisashi Owada was elected ICJ president in February 2009, and besides him, the composition of judges comprises ICJ Vice-President Peter Tomka of Slovakia, Abdul G. Koroma (Sierra Leone), Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh (Jordan), Thomas Buergenthal (United States of America), Bruno Simma (Germany), Ronny Abraham (France), Kenneth Keith (New Zealand), Bernardo Sepulveda-Amor (Mexico), Mohamed Bennouna (Morocco), Leonid Skotnikov (Russian Federation), Antonio Augusto Cancado Trindade (Brazil), Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf (Somalia), Christopher Greenwood (United Kingdom) and Shi Jiuyong (China).

A third of the judges of the present composition are professors, and the rest are career diplomats.

American judge Buergenthal and Chinese Shi Jiuyong recently resigned to their ICJ positions, but they still had to participate in the ruling.

One of the provisions of the ICJ Statute envisages that the judges have the obligation to rule on a case which was opened before they resigned, and both Buergenthal and Shi Jiuyong were present at the first hearing on Kosovo.

When it comes to the election of ICJ judges, there is an informal agreement among states according to which the countries with permanent seats in the Security Council - the United States, Russia, Britain, France and China - should always have a representative in the ICJ. The judges must possess the qualifications required in their respective countries for appointment to the highest judicial offices, or be jurists of recognized competence in international law.

ICJ: 10 judges rule declaration is not breach of law

THE HAGUE, July 22 (Tanjug) - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague completed a session at which 10 judges ruled that the declaration on Kosovo's independence does not constitute a violation of international legal norms, while four judges had the opposite opinion.

The ICJ delivered Thursday a compromise solution saying that the declaration of the interim government in Pristina in respect of Kosovo's independence did not breach international law given that it does not ban declarations.

In the manner, the ICJ did not recognize the Kosovo Albanians' right to secession, while the further process of resolution of the Kosovo issue was handed over to the UN General Assembly.

The advisory opinion was read by ICJ President Hisashi Owada from Japan.

ICJ opts for compromise in decision on Kosovo

THE HAGUE, July 22 (Tanjug) - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) opted for compromise on Thursday when it announced that the independence declaration made by Kosovo's provisional authorities back in 2008 did not constitute a violation of international law.

That way the ICJ avoided recognizing Kosovo Albanians the right to secession and transferred any further decisions about the Kosovo issue to the UN General Assembly.

The court's opinion on Thursday was an answer to the question whether the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo's provisional authorities on February 17, 2008, was in accordance with international law.

The question was posed by the UN General Assembly in October 2008 at Serbia's request.

The ICJ, however, avoided giving a direct answer, saying that the declaration was neither in line with nor in breach of international law.

The court states that the declaration does not violate international law because the law has no provisions about that.

International law has no active provisions that limit declarations of independence, therefore Kosovo's declaration of independence from February 17, 2008, does not violate international law, says in the ICJ decision.

The court stated that it did not discuss the right to self-determination or secession.

The ICJ has in fact opted to stay within the framework of its mandate, which states that it can decide disputes between countries, and to accept that international law neither recognizes nor denies separatist movements the right to secession.

This way the case of Kosovo has been sent back to the UN General Assembly, giving Serbia the opportunity to prove its policy in New York come autumn.

Owada: ICJ due to deliver advisory opinion

THE HAGUE, July 22 (Tanjug) - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) stated Thursday that it is due to deliver the advisory opinion on Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence upon a request of the UN General Assembly.

ICJ President Hisashi Owada from Japan stated Thursday that the question whether Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence is in keeping with international law is a legal issue, which is in accordance with the ICJ Statute and the Charter of the United Nations.

Independence declaration not in breach of international law

THE HAGUE, July 22 (Tanjug) - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has announced that Kosovo's declaration of independence does not constitute a violation of international law.

International law does not have an active provision that limits independence declarations, therefore Kosovo's declaration of independence is not in breach of international law, the court said.

The ICJ stated that it did not discuss the right to self-determination or secession.

Peace Palace filled almost to last seat

BELGRADE, July 22 (Tanjug) - The main courtroom of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where the reading of the advisory opinion on the legality of Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence is currently taking place, is now almost filled to the last seat.

Besides the Serbian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic and a delegation from Pristina, the reading is also attended by representatives of all five permanent member countries of the Security Council, as well as officials of the UN General Assembly.

According to ICJ First Secretary Andrey Poskakukhin, the Kosovo case attracted the greatest interest ever recorded in the ICJ history.

In addition to the Serbian and Kosovo media, the reading of the opinion is also attended by journalists from BBC, CNN, Reuters, AP, ITAR-TASS and other media houses.

Court President Hisashi Owada from Japan is delivering an advisory opinion on the question whether the unilateral declaration of independence by the provisional institutions of self-government of Kosovo is in accordance with international law, which was requested from the Court by the UN General Assembly on October 10, 2008, upon Serbia's initiative.

The Court's advisory opinion will have no binding effect for the states, but will, according to law experts, have significant legal, but also political and moral weight.

Kosovo's independence not in breach of international law

THE HAGUE, July 22 (Tanjug) - The International Court of Justice stated Thursday that Kosovo's declaration of independence did not constitute a violation of international law.

Release of ICJ advisory opinion on Kosovo begins

HAGUE, July 22 (Tanjug) - The release of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning Kosovo's unilaterally declared independence has begun in The Hague on Thursday at 3 p.m.

The advisory opinion is being read by ICJ President Hisashi Owada from Japan.

Fourteen ICJ judges should provide an answer to the question whether the unilateral declaration of independence by the provisional self-government institutions in Kosovo on February 17, 2008 is in keeping with international law.

This is the first time in ICJ's history that the Court is to render an opinion on an attempt of secession.

The question of legality of the unilateral act by the Kosovo interim institutions was brought before the Court by the UN General Assembly on October 10, 2008, upon Serbia's initiative.

The reading is being attended by Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic and Serbia's team of lawyers, as well as over 300 diplomats, state officials and journalists.

Foreign Minister at the Kosovo interim government Skender Hiseni is also attending the reading of ICJ's opinion in The Hague.

ICJ to deliver advisory opinion on Kosovo on Thursday

BELGRADE, July 22 (Tanjug) - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will deliver its advisory opinion on Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence at the Peace Palace in The Hague on Thursday, and this will be the first time in the Court's history to give its opinion on an attempt of secession.

ICJ President Hisashi Owada from Japan will begin reading the advisory opinion at 3 p.m. The reading will be attended by Serbia's Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic and legal team, as well as more than 300 diplomats, state officials and journalists.

Foreign Minister at the Kosovo interim government Skender Hiseni will also attend the reading of ICJ's opinion in The Hague. Hiseni will head the Pristina delegation which will be present in the ICJ under the name 'author of the unilateral declaration,' as the self-proclaimed state of Kosovo is not a UN member.

ICJ judges will issue the advisory opinion on the issue of accordance with international law of the unilateral declaration of independence by the provisional institutions of self-government of Kosovo, brought before the Court by the UN General Assembly on October 10, 2008, on Serbia's initiative.

The advisory opinion is not binding for the states, but according to experts, it will have a great legal, political and moral significance.

Kosovo interim government unilaterally declared independence of the southern Serbian province on February 17, 2008.

Kosovo's independence has been recognized by 69 out of 192 UN member states.

Biden: U.S. supports Kosovo's independence

WASHINGTON, July 22 (Tanjug) - U.S. Vice-President Joseph Biden issued the assurance of U.S. support to Kosovo in a meeting with visiting Kosovo Prime Minister Hasim Taci, the White House released in a statement.

The U.S. vice president reaffirmed Washington's full support for an independent, democratic, whole and multiethnic Kosovo whose future lies firmly within European and Euro-Atlantic institutions. Biden also reiterated U.S.'s firm support for Kosovo's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the statement reads.

Biden and Taci also discussed the forthcoming ICJ's opinion on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence. Biden welcomed the progress that the Kosovo government has made in carrying out essential reforms, including steps to strengthen the rule of law and successfully integrate minority communities.

Patriarch Irinej: We should remain gathered and unique

BELGRADE, July 22 (Tanjug) - Serbian Patriarch Irinej called on the Serbian people to remain gathered and unique and to contrubute in harmony to Serbia's efforts in the peaceful defense of the holy land of Kosovo-Metohija.

"Today, Serbia leads one of the greatest battles in its history to save its soul and defend its Holy Land Kosovo and Metohija," Patriarch Irinej stated at the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) Patriarchate in Belgrade.

He pointed out that the momentous question is being resolved in the Hague on Thursday, adding that Serbia has to face with more hard days and that this trial is not the last one.

"Whatever the solution is going to be enacted, we must carry on our fight that with the negotiations we come to the most appropriate solution for Kosovo and Metohija, which will be acceptable for both Serbs and Albanians, in order to live together in peace and prosperity and have a safe future," Patriarch Irinej underscored.

Only with such a resolution, the exiled will be able to return to their centuries-old homes and renew burnt sanctuaries in Kosovo and Metohija, he stressed.

IMF approves EUR 108.9 million for Kosovo

WASHINGTON, July 22 (Tanjug) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Board of Directors has approved an 18-month Stand-By Arrangement for Kosovo to the amount of 92.656 million Special Drawing Rights (SDR), or about EUR 108.9 million euros, it was stated in a release on the financial institution's web portal.

Pristina will be able to immediately withdraw the amount of SDR 18.760 million (EUR 22.1 million), while the rest will depend on the quarterly audits.

Kosovo became the 186th member of the IMF on June 29, 2009, it is noted on the website. Before that, the IMF staff provided technical assistance and advice to the United Nations Mission in the southern Serbian province.

KiM citizens should peacefully express views on ICJ ruling

PRISTINA, July 22 (Tanjug) - KFOR Commander Markus Bentler stated on Wednesday that the NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo-Metohija (KiM) is ready for every situation which may ensue from the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legality of Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence.

There are no signs of any threats, Bentler told the journalists in Pristina. However, KFOR will be prepared. We are ready to handle any type of violence, he added.

ICJ will deliver it advisory opinion on the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo on Thursday.

KFOR's presence will be visible, Bentler said. We do not intend to make any threats, but we are ready to deal with any type of violence, Bentler said, calling on Kosovo citizens to peacefully express their political views regarding ICJ's ruling.

KiM citizens should peacefully express views on ICJ ruling

PRISTINA, July 22 (Tanjug) - KFOR Commander Markus Bentler stated on Wednesday that the NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo-Metohija (KiM) is ready for every situation which may ensue from the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legality of Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence.

There are no signs of any threats, Bentler told the journalists in Pristina. However, KFOR will be prepared. We are ready to handle any type of violence, he added.

ICJ will deliver it advisory opinion on the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo on Thursday.

KFOR's presence will be visible, Bentler said. We do not intend to make any threats, but we are ready to deal with any type of violence, Bentler said, calling on Kosovo citizens to peacefully express their political views regarding ICJ's ruling.

ICJ to deliver advisory opinion on Kosovo on Thursday

BELGRADE, July 22 (Tanjug) - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will deliver its advisory opinion on Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence at the Peace Palace in The Hague on Thursday, and this will be the first time in the Court's history to give its opinion on an attempt of secession.

ICJ President Hisashi Owada from Japan will begin reading the advisory opinion at 3 p.m. The reading will be attended by Serbia's Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic and legal team, as well as more than 300 diplomats, state officials and journalists.

Foreign Minister at the Kosovo interim government Skender Hiseni will also attend the reading of ICJ's opinion in The Hague. Hiseni will head the Pristina delegation which will be present in the ICJ under the name 'author of the unilateral declaration,' as the self-proclaimed state of Kosovo is not a UN member.

ICJ judges will issue the advisory opinion on the issue of accordance with international law of the unilateral declaration of independence by the provisional institutions of self-government of Kosovo, brought before the Court by the UN General Assembly on October 10, 2008, on Serbia's initiative.

The advisory opinion is not binding for the states, but according to experts, it will have a great legal, political and moral significance.

Kosovo interim government unilaterally declared independence of the southern Serbian province on February 17, 2007.

Kosovo's independence has been recognized by 69 out of 192 UN member states.

Back to events