If Kosovo is allowed by the UN to declare its independence unilaterally, then this has huge implications for the rest of the world. There are tons of countries around the world with separtist movements, Quebec and the Basque Country in Spain being two of the most high profile. In the Caucasus there are about four breakaway states yet to be fully recognised. I am sure the East Timorese would have preferred their independence by declaration rather than the bloodshed they endured.
Unilateral succession is one of the most touchy areas of public international law, and whatever happens with Kosovo is going to have a precedential impact for the rest of the world.
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Shot down in Flames!
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