Brussels, 23/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 26 July 2010, EU foreign ministers will try to draw positive conclusions from the recent ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the validity of Kosovo's declaration of independence, while respecting the views of the five EU member states that refuse to recognise the state of Kosovo that unilaterally declared itself independent in 2008 (Spain, Cyprus, Greece, Romania and Slovakia). The ministers will discuss the issue at the Foreign Affairs Council (see related article) but are not expected to produce any written conclusions document, explained diplomats on Friday. Recognising or refusing to recognise other countries is “an issue for member states” explained sources close to Catherine Ashton on Friday. The fact that the EU does not agree on the status of Kosovo will not prevent it “speaking with a single voice” on important decisions for the future of the people of Kosovo, like the ending of an EU rule of law mission (EULEX) or the granting of the possibility of joining the EU in the future, explained the same source. Immediately after publication of the ICJ ruling on 22 July 2010, Ashton set the tone by distancing the issue from the EU's view of Kosovo's status. In a statement backed by all 27 member states, the high representative said that the ICJ ruling “opens a new phase. The focus should now be on the future. The future of Serbia and Kosovo lies in the EU. Good neighbourly relations, regional cooperation and dialogue are the foundations on which the EU is built. The EU is therefore ready to facilitate a process of dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade” in order to promote cooperation, progress on the road towards European integration and improving people's standards of living, added Ashton. The important thing is to establish constructive dialogue on practical issue of common interest to improve the living conditions of everyone living in Kosovo irrespective of their ethnic origin, and to improve the prospects of Serbia and Kosovo joining the EU, added the acting head of the General Affairs Council, Belgium's Steven Vanackere. (H.B./transl.fl)