The Republic of Cyprus has said that the argumentation used by the International Court of Justice on its advisory opinion as regards the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo, differentiates the issue of Cyprus from that of Kosovo.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is stated that Cyprus` position on the matter is a position of principles and reaffirms its unwavering position of respect to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, which includes the Kosovo and Metohija province.

The Cyprus Republic calls upon both parties, the Republic of Serbia and Kosovo under UNSC Resolution 1244/99 to relaunch dialogue for finding a mutually acceptable solution to the issue of Kosovo, enabling thus stability and peace to prevail in the region.

The statement says that the Republic of Cyprus notes Thursday`s announcement by the International Court of Justice of its advisory opinion on the unilateral declaration of independence by the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government of Kosovo, which was requested by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 63/3 of 8 October 2008.

``We consider this long legal process to have been a very challenging exercise in international law in which Cyprus has taken part`` it is added.

It is also stated that the advisory opinion is currently being thoroughly studied by the Legal Service of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the Foreign Ministry.

``The Republic of Cyprus preliminary notes that the argumentation used by the Court differentiates the issue of Cyprus from that of Kosovo`` the statement concludes.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.