World Court rules Kosovo secession lawful
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Kosovo's unilateral secession from Serbia in 2008 did not violate international law, the World Court said on Thursday in a case that could have implications for separatist movements around the world, as well as Belgrade's stalled EU membership talks.
The ruling is likely to lead to more countries recognising Kosovo's independence and move Pristina closer to entry into the United Nations. The International Court of Justice (ICJ)'s non-binding ruling addresses Serbia's 2009 claim that Kosovo's declaration of independence secession was a "flagrant violation" of its territorial integrity. (Reuters)
