Senators Voinovich and Shaheen Statement on Kosovo Ruling

Statement

U.S. Senators George V. Voinovich (R-Ohio) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today released the following statement on the International Court of Justice's ruling that Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence did not violate international law:

"Today's ruling by the International Court of Justice is non-binding but helps provide a peaceful opportunity for all parties in the region to work constructively together on a creative solution to improve the lives of all people in Southeast Europe. The people of Southeast Europe share a common interest in regional stability and economic prosperity. We urge all parties to refrain from violence, to protect and preserve the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region, and to pursue a pragmatic approach on Kosovo that enables Southeast Europe to continue on the path towards Euro-Atlantic integration."

Sens. Voinovich and Shaheen made an official congressional visit to the Western Balkans in February 2010, where they met with high-level officials in Serbia, Kosovo, Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia and Bosnia.

As a former five-year member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Voinovich played a key role in the expansion of NATO membership to include Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. He joined President Bush in 2002 on an official U.S. delegation trip to the NATO summit in Prague where membership was formally extended. He continues that fight today to ensure the door to NATO remains open for all of the captive nations.

Sen. Voinovich, one of the Senate's leading experts on Southeast Europe, has worked passionately to promote freedom and improve people's lives throughout America and the world. He has continuously supported NATO because he believes it plays a crucial role in promoting peace, stability and freedom around the world. His commitment to serving his fellow man has not only benefited his direct constituents in Ohio, but has transcended international borders.

Sen. Shaheen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs and is responsible for oversight of U.S. policies in the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe. She has made the integration of the Western Balkans into NATO and the European Union an important priority for her Subcommittee and is committed to helping the people of Southeast Europe turn the page on a difficult past and achieve a new, shared future in Euro-Atlantic institutions.

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