20 August
Discussion about the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice concerning Kosovo
On 20 August 2010, the discussion on the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning Kosovo independence case took place at the Riga Graduate School of Law. The debate gathered academia representatives, researchers of international law as well as State institution representatives, - around 20 discussants. In her introductory speech Prof. Ineta Ziemele introduced the discussion participants with the content of the Advisory Opinion and encouraged them to share views on the content of the right of self-determination after the ICJ Advisory Opinion.
The participants of the debate elaborated on several important conclusions stipulated in the Advisory Opinion, for instance, consequences of the promulgation of declarations of independence in international law, State formation in international law, the UN institution interplay, as well as the UN Security Council resolutions as sources of international law. Next, the participants discussed the methodology and analysis of the ICJ in elaborating on the obligation to provide legal assessment on the question posed by the UN General Assembly and the role of the UN Charter use of force law in solving the issue.
Further, the debate engaged the discussants to express their views on the issues that are of particular importance for Latvia light of the present Advisory Opinion. The debate participants compared the similarities and differences of the Kosovo declaration of independence with the Latvian situation in 1990. Special attention was paid to the discussion of the drafting process and content of the Latvian position to the International Court of Justice.
Photo by Arvids Dravnieks
In conclusion, Prof. Ineta Ziemele invited the debate participants to introduce new topics for discussion at the regular meetings hosted by the RGSL that would thereby contribute to the development of consequent Latvian tradition in international law.
Arvīda Dravnieka foto
More information:
Ludvigs Švarcs. Diskusija par Starptautiskās tiesas konsultatīvo viedokli Kosovas jautājumā
Jurista Vārds, 31 August 2010