New York - Serbia on Wednesday asked the UN General Assembly to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the legality of Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence.

Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic told the 192-nation assembly that sending the request to the ICJ at The Hague would "prevent the Kosovo crisis from serving as a deeply problematic precedent in any part of the globe where secessionist ambitions are harboured."

The assembly held a formal meeting, at the request of Belgrade, to debate the issue.

Kosovo declared independence on February 17, seceding from Serbia, which continues to claim the territory as its province. Kosovo has been recognized by at least 48 countries, including the United States and a majority of European Union members.

Jeremic said an advisory opinion by the ICJ would provide "politically neutral, yet judiciary authoritative guidance" to countries that are still hesitant to recognize Kosovo. (dpa)