ASSESSMENTS

Kosovo: Consequences of the ICJ Opinion

Jul 22, 2010 | 20:41 GMT

ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images

Summary

A July 22 ruling from the U.N. International Court of Justice affirmed the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia. The Kosovar government will use the ruling as a mandate to strengthen its sovereignty over the whole of the country, while the government in Belgrade will attempt to continue its diplomatic fight for Kosovo in the United Nations as a way of winning over nationalists in the country's electorate. These moves will lead to increased tensions — and possible violence — in the region.

A ruling affirming the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia will have long-term political effects on both Belgrade and Pristina....

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