Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the ICJ advisory opinion on Kosovo's independence

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has delivered today its advisory opinion on the question “Is the unilateral declaration of independence by the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government of Kosovo in accordance with international law?”

The Secretary-General will be forwarding the advisory opinion to the General Assembly, which had requested the Court's advice and which will determine how to proceed on this matter.

The Secretary-General strongly encourages the parties to engage in a constructive dialogue. The Secretary-General urges all sides to avoid any steps that could be seen as provocative and derail the dialogue.