Global General

Kosovo Albanian hails ICJ verdict; Serbs protest

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-07-23 02:32

PRISTINA - Kosovo leaders welcomed Thursday the ruling of International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Kosovo's independence from Serbia did not violate international law.

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"This is a blessed day for Kosovo and its citizens,"said President Fatmir Sejdiu in a press conference in Pristina after the ICJ ruling.

All national TV stations broadcasted live the ruling session of the ICJ, roads in Pristina were empty and the Kosovo government officials gathered in the government meeting room to watch the ICJ ruling.

President Sejdiu was optimistic that ICJ ruling will help those countries hesitating to recognize Kosovo's independence.

He asked those countries to recognize it claming "ICJ decision shows that Kosovo is not a precedent for any other case in the world."

Serbs in Kosovo waited with concern the decision. They announced a peaceful protest in Serb-dominated northern part of Mitrovica. Kosovo and international police have increased their presence there and in other mixed areas in Kosovo to avoid any kind of destabilization.