Statement of the Republic of Cypus on the Kosovo unilateral secession
Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus on the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo.
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, The Guardian) Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The Republic of Cyprus expresses its grief on the unilateral declaration of independence by the majority in Kosovo, which constitutes a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia.
We believe this secessionist act falls outside the framework of international legality, and is therefore legally null and void, in violation of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and of Resolution 1244 of the Security Council (1999), which affirms the adherence of UN member states to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia.
The Republic of Cyprus, consistent with its principles, has supported and continues to support the view that international problems should be solved on the basis of the UN Charter and relevant Security Council Resolutions. We are convinced that an agreed solution between the two parties on the final status of Kosovo can and should be found in the framework of a dialogue and negotiations, and should next be approved by the Security Council, the body which has the primary role in preserving international peace and safety.
