On August 14 2008, Serbian foreign minister Vuk Jeremic left for New York to submit to the United Nations Serbia's official draft resolution demanding that the UN General Assembly asks the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a consultative opinion on the legality of Kosovo's unilaterally proclaimed independence, the Serbian foreign ministry said in a statement.

The regular session of the General Assembly that will look into the resolution is to be held in September.

While voicing his hope that most countries at the assembly would support Serbia's initiative, Jeremic told Pink TV, as reported on the Serbian government's website, that the short-term goal of the move was to stop the process of Kosovo's recognition, since no country would decide to recognise Kosovo as long as the ICJ was considering the issue.

"[In] the long run, after the ICJ states its position, and we believe that the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo-Metohija is against international law, space will be created for both sides to get back to the negotiating table," Jeremic explained.

In the meantime, on August 13 Kosovo president Fatmir Sejdiu said, as reported by Tanjug news agency, that Serbia could not influence on the recognition process on Kosovo and that it would continue.

Serbia's statements should not be taken into consideration and the recognition process will continue as Serbia cannot influence it, Sejdiu said. Kosovo will continue lobbying for recognition, he said.

Sejdiu and foreign minister Skender Hyseni are both scheduled to participate in the 63rd session of the UN general assembly in September, Serbian news agency Beta reported, quoting Sejdiu's spokesperson Xhavit Beqiri.

Kosovo declared independence on February 17, but has spent more than eight years under UN administration, outside Belgrade's control. So far, 45 countries have recognised the break-away province, including 20 of 27 European Union member states, according to website kosovothanksyou.com.