Contradictory Approaches to the Right of Self Determination: Examining the Written Statements of States in Kosovo Case (Request for advisory opinion

Different statements by several states in Kosovo Case show that there are at least three approaches regarding the right of self-determination in the cases outside the colonialism. Some of the States (especially Asian and African) believe that outside the special context of colonial self-determination, there is no right of unilateral independence for ethnic groups, then in accordance with the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity, any unilateral  independence is condemned. On the other side, some countries (specially the United States) believe that there exist not any serious condemnation for unilateral independence in contemporary international law unless at the time of independence by unlawful use of force. The last group of States, having faith on the illegitimacy of unilateral independence, does not reject the possibility of unilateral independence under the theory of remedial secession in a situation of the gross violation of rights and apparent use of force by central government. While the first group did not recognize the independence of Kosovo as a lawful act and the latter did, there was a sharp break among the idea of the members of the third group, which will be discussed in detail.