Kosovo's independence legal, says U.N. court

[sinkingfeeling]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/07/22/kosovo.independence.court/index.html?hpt=Sbin

(CNN) -- Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia in February 2008 was legal, the International Court of Justice ruled in a 10-4 vote Thursday.

Serbia maintains Kosovo's move for independence was illegal and it remains a part of the Serbian republic.

Thursday's verdict was an advisory opinion, not a judgment, a court spokeswoman said. Advisory opinions have no binding effect and the General Assembly will remain free to decide what action to take.