The representatives of Azerbaijan and Belarus supported Serbia's position on Dec. 3 during the public hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, where discussions are held for the question of the legality of unilateral declaration of independence by the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government of Kosovo, Austria supported the independence of Kosovo, RIA Novosti reported.
The Albanian government of Kosovo declared independence from Serbia unilaterally with the support of the U.S. and several EU countries on Feb., 17 2008. The public hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague will last by Dec. 11.
The delegations of Austria, Belarus and Azerbaijan had 45 minutes to present their positions. Representatives of other states who will make speeches in The Hague in coming days will have the same time.
According to Azerbaijan's permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Agshin Mehdiyev, the region declaring the secession in violation of domestic laws of the state can not be regarded as a state.
Mehdiyev remembered that the UN opposes against the violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. He added that since 1945, the UN has not recognized any unilateral declaration of independence, against which the state protested.
"Azerbaijan believes that respect for international law is essential for the maintenance of international order and peace," said Mehdiyev.
