GENERAL ASSEMBLY and SC BRIEFING BOOKLET
Delegate:Mohammed Fakhral-Deen
Event: CACMUN 1999
GENERAL ASSEMBLY and SC BRIEFING BOOKLET
Delegate:Mohammed Fakhral-Deen
Event: CACMUN 1999
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Political Structure: Russia is a federal republic that is made up of 89 subdivisions, which have their own legislative bodies. They consist of 49 regions, 21 republics, 10 autonomous areas, 6 territories, 2 federal cities, (Moscow and St. Petersburg), and 1 autonomous region. Non-Russian peoples inhabit the republics, autonomous areas, and autonomous region. Under the constitution of 1993, Russia has an elected president with a parliamentary form of government. The State Duma and the Federation Council make up the Federal Assembly (parliament). The highest court for civil and criminal cases is the Supreme Court of Russia. The highest authority on the constitutionality of laws, presidential decrees, and treaties is the Constitutional Court of Russia. Today, the Russian president Boris Yeltsin tends to have more power than the State Duma, (the parliament). Geography: Russia has several geographical features. Russia, save the Kaliningrad Oblast (which is an isolated Russian region separated from Russia proper), borders on 12 countries. These countries, (counterclockwise from the south), are North Korea, China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Norway. The Baltic Sea, Lithuania, and Poland bound Kaliningrad. Russia’s physical geography has two characteristics that stand out above all others. First of all, it is the world’s largest country, covering 6,592,840 square miles (17,075,400 km2). It is nearly the size of the continent of South America, and almost twice the size of the United States. Secondly, Russia occupies an extremely northern location. Most of the country is within the same latitudes as Alaska and Canada. Being far north and away from the tempering influence of the ocean, most of Russia has a severe continental type of climate. It is greatly affected by the intense heating of the Eurasian landmass in summer and by the extreme cooling of the landmass in winter. With few exceptions, the climate is marked by long, bitterly cold winters; short, warm to hot summers; and little yearly precipitation. Natural Resources: Russia has varied and abundant natural resources; it depends on few foreign sources for raw materials. It is also probably the most self-sufficient industrialized country in the world. However, many of its resources are only partially developed. Vast areas remain undeveloped due to their remote location and the lack of transportation. Today, Russia ranks first in the production of natural gas and is among the world’s top five producers of crude oil, iron ore, nickel, gold and diamonds. One of Russia’s greatest natural resources is waterpower; the amount of hydroelectric power produced is exceeded only by that of equatorial Africa. Characterized by the types of plant and animal life they support, Russia may be divided into three large regions: the tundra, the forest, and the steppe. The tundra is a cold, treeless area bordering the arctic sea. The forest region is south of the tundra, and spans the country from east to west covering about 800 to 1,600 miles in width; the forests of Russia are the most extensive in the world. The steppe is a vast area similar to the prairies of North America, it is made mainly of grasslands and scattered deciduous forests. The major crops are grains for food and fodder, whereas the leading grain produced is wheat, which is raised throughout the Russian steppe. Despite the previous, not all of Russia’s requirements are met by the total grain production. Large amounts of imported grain, (and especially wheat), are needed. This is mainly because of two reasons: short growing seasons, or inadequate rainfall. Cultural Factors: Although the Soviet constitution guaranteed the freedom to affirm or not affirm religious beliefs, in practice, the government severely limited religious activities until the late 1980’s, when restrictions were relaxed. The government abolished all restrictions on religious activities shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It also began returning church property that had been confiscated by the communists. It is estimated today that 40 million people belong to the Russian Orthodox Church. Other religious groups include Baptists, Roman Catholics, Muslims, and Jews. Ethnic groups and nationalities account for about 1% of Russia’s population. About 82% of Russia’s people are Great Russians. Tatars and Ukrainians account for about 7% of the population.
Economy: During 1990-91, the Soviet government approved a variety of measures aimed at gradually introducing a market-based economy. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia continued to accomplish economic reforms and abolished most price controls; economic development during the Soviet era was pursued at the expense of the environment, this caused many environmental problems for Russia. In the Soviet agricultural system, there were three types of farm production units: collective farms, state farms, and personal slots. After the Soviet Union collapsed, some farms continued to be state-owned, but many were transferred to a private ownership. Russia usually ranks among the world’s top five fishing nations. It has many large, modern fishing vessels that operate on seas throughout the world. The Soviet era witnessed the main Russian industrial development. During this era, great attention was paid to the development of heavy industries, (iron, steel, machinery, and electric power). Little attention was given to light industries, (clothing, household goods, and processed foods). Russia's economy is a bit shaky. Its industries have outdated factories. Most Russians don't even buy Russian products, and unemployment is high.
Defense: Russia's strategic forces are suffering from the same descending budgets and lack of resources that afflict the rest of the Russian military. In addition, the military's other deep-seated problems include suicide, alcoholism, criminality, resignations, and low morale continued throughout 1998. Training has suffered and equipment is not being maintained. There has been a small descent since last year in the number of operational strategic warheads, (to slightly below 6,000). This was mainly due to the removal of weapons once deployed in Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Belarus. There were modest changes in the composition of the ICBM, (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles), force over the past year. The strategic warheads once deployed in other republics of the former Soviet Union have been withdrawn and returned to Russia. Russia's ballistic missile submarine force is slightly smaller than it was in 1997. The status and future of the Russian bomber force is unclear. At the end of 1998, Russia had about 70 strategic bombers, but due to a lack of funds, not all were operational. Therefore, Russian military power is somewhat weak and suffers from certain disabilities that might play important roles in refraining the nation from defending itself properly and preparedly. Views on World Problems: First of all, Russia is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States, (CIS), and the United Nations, (UN). Russia is not a communist country. In fact, it doesn’t support communism, and it even condemns it. This may drive some to say that Russia would not support a communist country, say like… China; that is not entirely true, you see, according to Nixon, "In politics, there are no permanent friends, and no permanent enemies, just permanent interests". This explains the clear point of sheer interest, and no real relations between countries. In general, when it comes to taking sides, Russia is almost always against the US, not even the Kosovo crisis was an exception; for Russia publicly stated that it supported the Serbs, even though the US was supporting Kosovo and NATO powers in bombing Serbia. Russia supported Serbia and helped it in different ways during the Kosovo crisis. In fact, Ralmost got to the point of fighting NATO powers. Even though Serbia’s a country, the real interest in this issue for Russia is financially and politically, for Serbia is much richer and stronger and more politically, financially, and technologically advanced than Kosovo. This point, although already crystal clear, has been clarified even more, just for the sake of avoiding confusion. Russia is worried and cares about its influence, especially in countries that are very close to them, (physically). The Serbs are also fellow Eastern Orthodox Christians, whereas the Kosovars are Muslims. This is exactly why pre-Communist Russia fought against Turkey, and the Serbs fought against the Austro-Hungarians (who are Catholics). History: In 1894, the last of the Russian czars, Nicholas II, succeeded his father Alexander III, to the throne. He carried on the oppressive rule of the previous regime. There was a lot of activity among peasant organizations and the working class. One organization that was very active indeed was called the Social Revolutionary Party. All these peasants and workers and many more began strikes, showed disapproval, and opposed to many things. Some of these were the bad and unhealthy working conditions, the low pay, the bad treatment, and many more. On Sunday, the 9th of January 1905, 200,000 workers and citizens went to the Winter Palace, leading them was a Russian Orthodox priest called Father George Gapon. Troops panicked, killing hundreds, making that Sunday known as "Bloody Sunday". The nation was in a mess, terrorists struck down government officials, peasants seized private estates, and large-scale strikes took place in many cities. At the urging of his finance minister, Nicholas consented to the adoption of a constitution, and the election of a parliament. As can clearly be seen, communism was very harsh in the days of the czars, and some people replied to communism with even harsher methods. Prior to this, Russia's government was best described as harsh and inconsiderate for the tough ways of life that the peasants and other such workers faced, for they gave no attention to the people and their opinions and concerns.
The rest of the population is made up of about 100 different ethnic groups and nationalities. Armenians, Bashkirs, Belarusians, Chechens, Chuvash, Kalmyks, Ossetians, and Udmurts live in European Russia. Altays, Khakass, Tungus-Manchurians, Tuvinians, and Yakuts live in Siberia. In a recent explosion in a Moscow apartment building, the death toll reached 69, many Russian officials said that this was the work of terrorists, but the cause is yet to be known. The population in Russia is gravely decreasing, for the population growth rate is –0.31%. The birth rate is 9.57 births/ 1,000 population, and the death rate is 14.89 deaths/ 1,000 population. The net migration rate is 2.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population. Birthrates are also very important to Russia, especially in neighbors such as Kosovo and former Soviet bloc countries. For Russia fears that the increase in the population of its neighbors will force many people to migrate to it. This issue concerns Russia on the ground that it will suffer financially, (more than it is already), and it will be blamed for not caring for refugees. It worries about the Muslims in parts of Russia, and it also worries about the possibility of some refugees being deliberately sent to Russia as spies or such. That’s why Russia is worried and concerned a lot about birthrates.
Considering transportation, about a third of Russia’s freight is shipped by rail. Rivers and canals provide navigable inland waterways in some parts of the nation, but they’re of limited use due to the long winter freeze. Roads and highways in Russia are generally of poor quality. Today, petroleum and natural gas pipelines crisscross much of Russia, forming one of the most extensive pipeline systems in the world. International service is provided mainly by Aeroflot Russian International Airlines (ARIA), which is owned by the government. Russia has just a few good ports; most are frozen during the long winters. In the 1980’s, some freedom was allowed in the media, before that, all forms of communication were owned by the government; after the collapse of the Soviet Union, some of the media, (and especially newspapers), became independent. The economic reforms of the Soviet era, together with generous amounts of foreign aid, have begun to bring Russia into the world’s free markets.
The big year came when the czar and the czar tradition were overthrown. Alexander Kerensky led Russia briefly during 1917. In May, he became the minister of war, which was several months after Czar Nicholas II was overthrown from the throne. For he went to take command of the armies and left the throne to his wife and an old holy man. The old man was murdered by some nobles in 1916, and the quality of the government did not improve, in fact it became worse. Many incompetent and inadequate ministers were chosen to run the government during the reign of the czar’s wife and the holy man, (known as Rasputin).
Boris Yeltsin was the main opponent of Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev during the late 1980’s. Yeltsin was elected president of Russia by the Russian parliament in 1990. He became the first popularly elected president in Russian history in the national elections that took place in 1991. Virtually all of the Soviet Union’s republics had declared independence by November 1991. In December of the same year, Russia became a founding member of the Commonwealth of Independent States, a loose confederation of former Soviet republics. Upon independence, Russia was tormented by several problems. It faced widespread economic hardship, Russia’s relations with the Ukraine became strained. A new union treaty was signed in 1992 between Russia and most of its autonomous political subdivisions. During 1992-93, Yeltsin struggled for power against leaders in the Russian parliament. In a national referendum in April 1993, the majority of those who voted showed that they supported Yeltsin and his economic policies. In late September 1993, Yeltsin dissolved the parliament, (which obstructed his programs). A rebellion took place in Moscow between the two sides’ supporters in early October, which was crushed after two days of armed conflict. The Communist government is best described as a failure and a problem causing and nowhere near intact government. It always faced troubles caused by the Communists and the Communist government itself. There was no freedom as well, which made it just like the Czar’s government.
A new constitution was approved by the majority of the voters in a referendum in December 1993. In parliamentary elections, groups that were opposed to Yeltsin won a majority. Russian forces invaded the Chechen Republic in December 1994, (which had declared its independence from Russia in 1991). Russian forces captured Grozny, (the capital of Chechen), in February of 1995 despite inaugural setbacks. Although a truce was signed in July, it collapsed in December. When Chechen groups recaptured Grozny in early August 1996, Russian forces suffered a major defeat. A truce was negotiated later that month and Russian forces began withdrawing in September. Meanwhile, in parliamentary elections in December 1995, the Communists won more than a third of the seats to the Duma. Yeltsin was reelected president in July 1996.
ISSUE #101:The Question of the Condition and Treatment of Refugees
Russia used to be almost always open to refugees. That was the main idea of a statement made in the past. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 left over 65 million people, (originating from the former Soviet Union), outside their country, including 25 million ethnic Russians living outside the Russian Federation. People were compelled to leave their homes for reasons of civil war, ethnic tension, oppression and insecurity. The previously strict Soviet border has now become more or less relaxed, giving way to large numbers of refugees from beyond the former Soviet Union. Russia is currently strueconomically and somewhat governmentally; these two extremely important points have been ignored and have not been referred to when this issue was put to discussion. It is for the good and well being of the refugees to not take refuge in Russia since it will have trouble supporting them, and most likely Russia will not be able to support them by any means.
The Russian Federation committed itself to the principles of international refugee law on the 2nd of February 1993. It did this by agreeing to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, (the Refugee Convention), and its 1967 Protocol. In doing so, Russia took certain obligations towards people seeking protection from serious human rights violations in their country. Amnesty International warmly welcomed this commitment.
Russia may have partially failed in living up to this commitment, but it is still for it. The very clear and reasonable explanation for this partial failure is the internal political, governmental and other such problems that the Russian Federation is struggling to deal with. As a result, Russia states that other countries that have committed themselves to the international refugee law should welcome more refugees from the former states of the Soviet Union. This would be in the best interest of the refugees themselves regarding Russia’s somewhat rusty state in several aspects, (including politics, economy, etc…). In conclusion, Russia would like to call upon the financially successful countries of the world to welcome more refugees from former Soviet bloc countries into its vast lands. This is in consideration to the fact that the US’s economy is successful, meaning that the US will face no trouble in supporting these helpless refugees.
Bibliography: http//:
www.amnesty.it/ailib/aipub/1997/EUR/44600397.htmCountries likely to take same position in regard to this issue: All countries that have committed themselves to the principles of international refugee law and are facing political, economic, and other such problems are likely to take the same position the Russian Federation is taking.
ISSUE #102:The Question of the Role of Regional Organizations in Settling International Conflict
Russia does not approve of the interference of regional organizations in international conflict, (unless the conflict becomes unsolvable by negotiations and other such peace talks). The problems with this can clearly be seen in NATO’s interference in conflicts of former Soviet bloc countries (such as Azerbaijan). Boris Yeltsin, the Russian government, and Russian people, (votes have been taken), do not approve of NATO’s eastward expansion. (As for the votes, 40% were somewhat confused and were not sure whether or not NATO’s moves would weaken Russia, 23% said that it would cause Russia problems, (such as military and defense problems), putting the nation at a grave disadvantage).
Russia is concerned about the deployment of NATO troops and weapons, and the setup of facilities in former Soviet bloc countries. Russia feels that it should have a statement regarding this serious matter, especially since, in doing the previous, NATO would be too close to Russian frontiers and to the Russian Federation. Russia states that NATO should only be that close to its frontiers if it is planning to return to Russia what rightfully belongs to it. The former Soviet bloc countries should be Russian ground, and should, therefore, not be considered as independent states. In here, the interference of NATO powers would be necessary, since negotiations and such didn’t have any positive effects on the situation.
Bibliography:
- Owen, Elizabeth. "Russia Reacts". http://www.pathfinder.com/time/reports/nato/frame.html
Countries likely to take same position in regard to this issue: Chile, Panama, China
ISSUE #103:The Question of the Growth and Implementation of Information Technology on Global Communication
The Russian Federation is a nation that lacks a few important points in the perfection of the area of global communication, and many other countries are that close to being fully intact in the field of global communication. It, and several other world countries, are somewhat behind in the aspect of technological information. Advancement in Russia’s technological information and knowledge is the main need here; the same goes for the foreign countries that suffer the same problems as Russia in this matter. Russia may have experts and college and university graduates that have studied and completed the study of technological information and global communication, but it doesn’t have enough of them to accomplish free and easily accessible communication with the rest of the world. Some countries of the world also don’t have what it takes.
One of the two best ways to deal with this would be to bring or provide experts in the previously mentioned fields from around the world to educate and teach students in Russia. (It would be even better if this was applied not just in Russia, but also where it is needed around the world). An even better alternative to the preceding would be to actually send college and university student groups to worldwide colleges and universities to get them well-educated and prepare them for aiding and providing valuable assistance for their country in this no doubt vital and very important matter.
The most important element that has to be considered is the financial support, for global communication isn’t just a matter of knowing what you’re doing. It’s a matter of creating links between countries that are globally communicable, and communication facilities in others that aren’t; all this and much more require a lot of financial support. The source of the financial support has to be verified, the UN and some of its organizations could pay from their income, and other donating organizations could volunteer with the money and donate it. The amount of financial support required has to be calculated. The providers of the money have to clarify and set a date for the return of the loan. (It may not have to be a loan, some countries might volunteer; yet, everything still has to be put into consideration). The other non-globally communicable countries have to start thinking about this as well. As can clearly be seen, this complicated issue has many aspects and areas involved, but it could improve relationships between the Russian Federation and other world countries with a little help from each country that enjoys financial well-being; and the world never lacked such countries.
Believing that allowing the interference of regional organizations in international conflict would put many countries in positions of grave disadvantage;
Taking into Account the dangers the interference of regional organizations will hold for the countries neighboring those that are suffering from the international conflict;
Bearing in Mind NATO’s eastward expansion, and what problems this movement will cause Russia, problems such as: political problems: it could have a big and bad impact on Russia’s relationship with other countries, military problems: a. Russia might have to assemble troops, etc…on the Russian frontiers and borders to insure protection, this will pull military powers away from other military and important activities, assignments, and other such important routines, b. financial problems: both (a) and (c) would be very likely to result in big money problems, which would put Russia at a great financial loss;
Aware of the fact that votes taken in countries that neighbor the countries suffering from the coindicate the unwillingness of the country’s president or head, the country’s government, and its people for regional organizations to send troops and powers across their boundaries and enter a nation;
Recalling the trouble that NATO’s bombing brought onto the almost Defenseless Yugoslavian state of Serbia, which lead to approximately 2000 deaths;
Keeping in Mind the fact that the interference of regional organizations in international conflicts has often lead to severe injuries and countless deaths;
Further Recalling the many deaths and injuries in Serbia that were the work of NATO, especially the 2000 deaths, of which defenseless children formed 40%;
Taking into Consideration the need for countries neighboring the countries that are suffering from the international conflict to issue civil statements and to have big roles in making decisions and such in regard to this serious matter;
Deeply Concerned about the military interference of regional organizations in international conflicts, (such as the deployment of NATO troops and weapons, and the setup of facilities in former Soviet bloc countries);
Affirming that negotiations and other such peace talks play a role and be given one in international conflicts before any military or other actions are taken;
Noting with Deep Concern that in doing the previous, regional organizations would be too close to the frontiers of neighboring countries;
Approving of regional organizations being that close to neighboring countries’ frontiers if they plan to work on helping and aiding the neighboring countries;
Welcoming and Encouraging NATO to deploying troops and weapons, and setting up facilities in former Soviet bloc countries if: a)it is working on and intending to return Soviet bloc countries to their rightful homeland, the Russian Federation, b)it has already tried negotiation and peace talks and neither worked; c) a vote has been taken by NATO or another regional organization in favor of action and Russia: i)agrees to allow the use of force, ii)is given the option of deploying its own troops as part of the force sent under the command of Russian officers;
Further Affirming that countries have a right to claim all ground within their borders, even if that particular ground has stated its independence, and that this ground should never be referred to as an independent state; Reaffirming that former Soviet bloc countries should be Russian ground;
Emphasizing that former Soviet bloc countries should not be referred to as independent states;1.Affirms the presence of several criticisms, holes, weaknesses, and, most importantly, human rights violations in the actions, decisions, and movements of numerous regional organizations;
2.Further Affirms the presence of criticisms in NATO, such as: a)a big dependence on violence and the use of force, which is shown through: i)the increased used of weaponry, ii)the vast use of bombings, (especially against Serbs and Serbian forces during the Kosovo crisis), iii)the co-operation of too many countries in this alliance, (NATO), b)the failure in solving and going through problems and crises peacefully, (a great example here would be the Kosovo crisis), c)being the cause of the deaths of many innocent Serbian nationals;3.Notes that the deployment of troops and the use of weaponry and military and weapon facilities would only make situations, (such as the previously mentioned), worse and more violent by: a) increasing the number of injuries and deaths, which would: i)greatly affect the countries population birth, growth, and death rates, ii)greatly decrease the country’s human working power, thus decreasing its human resources and causing the country big financial and economical losses, iii)decrease, (and possibly destroy), the possibilities of reaching a peaceful resolution;
4.Further Emphasizes the many deaths that will follow the deployment of troops and the setting up and use of weaponry and weapon facilities;
5.Supports regional organizations in interfering in international conflict if: a)they have already tried peace-talking the countries or states involved in the conflict and negotiating with them and that had no effect on the countries’ or states' positions, b)they are planning to help neighboring countries in 9) some minor conflicts, and to support them and provide the necessary and required aid;
6.Further Supports NATO if it is planning to and working on returning Soviet bloc countries to Russia;
7.Further Requests the utilization of peaceful methods such as negotiations and peace talks before the deployment of troops and weaponry and before the use of force, which will avoid: a)the deaths of hundreds, possibly thousands, of innocent civilian people, b)the appliance of the alternative of having to use force, weaponry, etc…, c)huge possible financial and economical losses for the country;
8.Expresses its Sincere Hope that the use of violence and that violent activity in the world and amongst countries, (internally and externally), will reduce;
9.Further Reminds the world of the many deaths that occurred in Serbia due to: a)the unneeded use of bombings and weaponry and other such forces on behalf of NATO, b)NATO going directly to the use of force before giving negotiations and peace talks their best shot;
10.Further Requests international organizations to lessen their use of weapon facilities and weaponry;
11.Urges countries and international organizations to increase their negotiations and peace talks amongst themselves in order to: a)not have to resolve to the use of force, b)decrease deaths and killings in the world,
12.Has Resolved that countries and both regional and non-regional organizations will work on reducing violence in the world by: a)decreasing the manufacturing and industry of weapons unless these weapons are needed by a certain country direly and immediately; b)working on signing peace treaties amongst themselves and going higher up the ladder of creating world peace, c)the co-operation of international organizations, regionalorganizations and countries all together to accomplish peace in the world;
13.Further Resolves that regional organizations should not interfere with international conflict unless: a)peace talks and negotiations played no role in improving the situation of the international conflict, b)they have already discussed matters with neighboring countries and took their point of view on all issues both directly and indirectly related to the country, c)peace attempts have been made by neighboring and also non-neighboring countries that are all willing to bring an end to the international conflict.
Zdravstvuite, (pronounced ZzDRAST-vet-yah), that’s hello in Russian, Good Morning,
Honorable judge, fellow delegates, the Russian Federation is a peace-seeking nation, it is seeking world peace. That is the main reason of its presence here. For it is seeking world peace. It is seeking what is in the best interest of all, and what benefits all. Ladies and Gentlemen, Russia would like to emphasize on its hopes of holding a great CACMUN event, and it would also like to have great conferences all throughout the event. It wants and wishes for all countries taking part in this event to fulfill their goals, and complete their tasks, and reach the desired positions. Russia wishes all its fellow delegates good luck and inspires them to do their best. Russia feels that there is a dire need for attention to be given to this undoubtedly vital issue.
During the run of the speech, Russia would like to introduce to the humble listeners the issue of the question of the Role of Regional Organizations in Settling InternationalConflict, (ISSUE #102).
Russia does not approve of the interference of regional organizations in international conflict, and neither should any country sitting in this conference hall, (unless the conflict becomes unsolvable by negotiations and other such peace talks). This can clearly be seen in NATO’s interference in conflicts of former Soviet bloc countries (such as Azerbaijan). It would put many neighboring countries at grave disadvantages. Another important point in this issue is the discussion of the international conflict with countries neighboring the countries that have the conflicts. Russia believes that this is indeed a very vital detail and matter that has to be taken into consideration and carried out, before any military or otherwise similar actions are taken by any international organization. Russia sincerely hopes that its point has been well clarified and thoroughly explained and will be given all the attention it needs, deserves, and requires right away, especially since this is an issue that should concern all world countries, especially those who neighbor conflicted countries.
Thank you for listening, and Russia hopes everyone enjoys a good conference.
ISSUE #1:The Question of the Impending Crisis between Russia, Chechnya, and Dagestan
Russia has a no doubt extremely big role in the influence on the imminent crisis in the not independent Russian State of Chechnya. Russia may have been bombing Chechnya for a long time, (it keeps increasing, so I don’t know how much it’ll be by the time of the CACMUN conference), but the bombings are only aimed at providing protection and security for Russian civilians from Chechnyan guerillas. For these guerillas have been developing over the weeks and have now started to form a threat on The Russian Federation. Russia can’t help but defend itself and provide the necessary shield protection and carry out safety and protection procedures for the sake of the well being of its people.
These bombings are also, incidentally, for the benefit of the Chechnyan State itself. For The Russian Federation can support an extra state amongst its own and is able to provide the necessary supplements for the advantage of Chechnya. This is clearly true, and Chechnya is unable and incapable of securing its people and protecting, supporting, and aiding them. Whereas Russia is currently providing help for Chechnyan refugees who have fled the state to the northern state of Ingushetia. Further more, Chechnya is originally a Russian state, all the more for it to declaim its independence and stop its worthless and illogical attempts at independence. Even more, Chechnyan Islamic militants have been bombing several apartment buildings and trucks in Russia, which is clearly a reasonable explanation for the bombing of Chechnyan guerillas.
The North Caucasus region remains the main focus of concern for Russia. Russia recently crushed an invasion by Muslim rebels into the region of Dagestan, which had been led by field commanders from the neighboring republic of Chechnya. But the guerrillas are said to be massing their forces again on the Dagestan border. Russia accuses the commanders, who are not under the control of Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov, of organizing the wave of bomb attacks in Moscow and other cities.
Russia supports Dagestan and fully aids it in any ways it possibly can. Henceforth, Russia is in a good position of possessing the capabilities that gives it the support it needs to uphold and aid its states. This is clearly reasonable considering the fact that Chechnya, as tiny a state as it may be, is putting its people, government, militants, and powers all at stake for independence. This is an extremely dangerous alternative to simply putting itself under the safe authorization of the Russian government and its protection. For this action on behalf of Chechnya just comes to show how politically weak it is and how willing it is to sacrifice itself instead of just going for the much more reasonable alternative. This alternative is crystal clear, and is the action of declaiming so-called independence for the good of all. It would save Russia, Chechnya, Dagestan, and all neighboring states a lot of trouble and danger.
Bibliography -http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/europe/9909/23/russia.blast.01/ -http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/europe/9909/17/russia.blast.01/ -http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/europe/9909/28/chechnya.refugees.reut/
Countries likely to be Supportive of this:
-Dagestan, France, The United Kingdom, China
ISSUE #2:The Question of the Ongoing Issue of Peacekeeping and UN Involvement in East Timor
The Russian Federation feels that the UN should not continue interfering in the East Timor crisis in Indonesia. It feels that the UN shouldn’t have any part in this issue, especially since it would be interfering in the international sovereignty of Indonesia, and the international sovereignty of a country should be respected and should not be violated. For this issue does not requires the attention of the UN. This issue has many sides involved; it involves the violation of national sovereignty. And the killing of Indonesian troops and people due to the fact that they are protecting there country by affirming their power over the East Timorese region. (For it is Indonesian and shouldn’t have the right to declare its independence without strict agreements with the Indonesian government, and if there were any agreements, then nothing is going as planned). There are also several other critical details. Russia feels that Indonesia has the capabilities that helps it in handling this situation, and it feels that this is none of the UN’s concern.
By sending Australian-led troops to Dili, the East Timorese capital, the UN has done nothing but cause more trouble in the aspect of starting to work on fixing this conflict. The best proof of this is the fact that several hundred-college students protested outside the Australian embassy in Indonesia, and if it weren’t for the Indonesian police, there would’ve been no more Australian embassy in Indonesia. This is a perfect first step in the wrong direction, for many of the protesting students suffered severe injuries. The UN peacekeeping process in this matter should have nothing to do with this issue, and they should not have interfered. All they can do now to fix this situation would be to instruct their Australian-led troops to retreat. In the end, Russia believes that the UN’s engagement in this vitally dangerous affair should be terminated and should not continue growing and it should stop interfering in this delicate issue because it is causing nothing but more trouble and it is increasing the tensions between the two opposing sides.
ISSUE #3:The Continuing Crisis in DR Congo and Surrounding States, (there has been a call by peace-broker Mr. Frederick Chiluba, President of Zambia, for UN peacekeeping in DR Congo)
In 1998, a war took place in Southern Africa. The former African State of Zaire was invaded by guerillas from the African nation of Congo. When the invasion of Zaire was completed, Zaire no longer existed. The guerillas and other groups from Congo who have invaded it have named it DR Congo. For these mere groups of people overthrew the government of a whole African Nation, (and a big one mind you). Recently, rebels have been increasing, riots have become much more widespread, and DR Congo is in very bad political, financial, and economical state. Neighbors such as Zaire have been complaining about the chaotic state of the newborn country, (DR Congo), and how it could well have a big, huge, and effective role in influencing and impacting its neighbors. It was for this reason that Mr. Frederick Chiluba, the current President of Zambia, has requested the interference of United Nations peacekeeping forces in this conflict, and their deployment in DR Congo.
Russia is totally against this request. For it is an interference in the national sovereignty of DR Congo, and the national sovereignty of a nation should not be messed around with and twisted for another country’s concerns. For if President Chiluba was so concerned, then he would have interfered or called for an interference from the start, when the guerillas were starting to invade Zaire. But it is too late now, for now, international sovereignty plays a role. Russia thinks that the UN peacekeeping forces should not interfere and should respect DR Congo’s national sovereignty. It also condemns President Chiluba for his request and it asks him: How would you feel if you had troops and soldiers from all over the world in Zambia, killing your people and your civilians for mere protests?
ISSUE #4:The Question of Ongoing Issues in Kosovo
Russia feels that Kosovo has brought all the trouble to itself, it has been putting itself in Serbia’s way. Serbia has been bombed by NATO not long ago. This is the perfect way to look at this issue. For everybody’s feeling sorry for Kosovo, but no one is giving as much as an rusty dime to Serbia. Serbia has been ignored for the past few months. Kosovo has been the center of attention, even though Serbia was the one who needed help the most. It may have attempted war against NATO, but that was only a form of defending itself and protecting its people.
There have been several attacks and attempts on Serbians from Kosovo. Attackers from the KLA, (the Kosovo Liberation Army), have attacked a busy outdoor market in Kosovo Polje, a Kosovan city not far away from Pristina. The attackers used grenade lauand, in their attack, killed two Serbians and injured several others. It is in situations such as these that Russia is forced into the criticism of Kosovo, and the support of Siberia. Only conscience and humanity give a country such a position. This attack and many others have been the causes of the deaths of many Serbians, (especially those living in Kosovo). And the United States branded the KLA a terrorist organization just a few moths ago.
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ISSUE #5:The Question of the Redefinition of the UNSC Involvement in Human Rights/Humanitarian Issues
The Russian Federation feels that the United Nation’s Security Council should have a bigger impact and a more effective role in taking decisions and issuing resolutions regarding human rights issues. These issues are extremely sensitive and require dire and direct attention from the UNSC, regardless of their privacy. For even if there are human rights violations that are restricted to one country in itself, these violations need and deserve the alert of the UNSC. The UNSC is the most important committee in the UN, and that is why it should be involved in an issue that embodies the violations of human rights.
The UNSC may be caught up in other international issues that are of great importance, but it should have a big part and it should issue policy statements and pass resolutions concerning human rights, their violations, and their violators. Russia does notice the UNHRC, (the United Nations Human Rights Committee), as being in charge of the previously mentioned documents and such; but it feels that the UNSC, with its greater power and implementation on the UN, should have such discussions, talks and debates that concern human rights issues. Russia feels that this issue requires the dire attentions of the UNSC, and the UNHRC immediately, especially in reference to its delicacy and great and vital importance. Despite the dire need for the two associations above, their control over such situations should be limited to peace talks and negotiations.
ISSUE #6:The Question of Instability in South Asia, (Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India), possibly including the issue of the nuclear threat to peace and stability and/or State sponsored terrorism
Russia feels that the increasing conflicts in South Asia are beginning to form bigger and more international conflicts throughout the region neighboring the conflicted countries. It recognizes the original political government of Afghanistan, and not the present so-called Taliban militia government. Russia feels that the Taliban militia has been abusing the Afghani people and has been using Islam as an excuse. For if Islam and its teachings were as cruel as they seem to be in Afghanistan, then all Islamic countries would be in situations as sinister and chaotic as Afghanistan, and that isn’t the case. Russia, as one of eight countries chosen to bring peace to Afghanistan, feels that it is responsible for returning peace to this region of the world. It also condemns Pakistan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates for being supportive of the Taliban government and for recognizing it as the official government of Afghanistan.
Looking at the issue of the current conflict between India and Pakistan over the ownership of the land of Jammu and Kashmir, Russia feels that India is the rightful owner of Kashmir as it owns two-thirds of it. First of all, Pakistan has poor financial and political statuses. This is a very vital point in this issue, for Pakistan might no be able to support other ground aside to its own, therefore, it is not strong enough to uphold the state of Kashmir. On the other hand, India has been the rightful owner of two-thirds of the region for a long time, and there has been no conflict on that. For these two effective reasons and for the sake of avoiding the use and deployment of nuclear weapons and their severe and acrimonious results, Russia believes that the rightful ownership of Kashmir belongs to India. It also sincerely hopes that this just and fair point of view will be claimed, supported and practiced by most world countries.
ISSUE #7:The Continuing War in Ethiopia and Eritrea and Resulting Regional Instability
The Russian Federation feels that Eritrea has been fooling the whole world by its "defense-less" play in the media and in the news. Through means of extensive search on the Internet, Russia has seen both Eritrea’s and Ethiopia’s points of view, and Russia is happy to say that it has not been tricked by Eritrea’s child’s play. Russia believes that the border over which Ethiopia and Eritrea are fighting is rightfully Ethiopian property, and not Eritrean. For, in history, Eritrea declared its independence from Ethiopia in 1993; so it was originally part of Ethiopia. Making the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea originally Ethiopian, so it should belong to Ethiopia.
Russia feels that Eritrea has been somewhat troublesome towards other countries aside from Ethiopia. Russia believes that the current border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea could have a great impact on neighboring countries such as Sudan and Djibouti. It feels that Eritrea should give the border back to its legitimate owner, Ethiopia. By doing the previous, Russia thinks that Eritrea will save Sudan, Djibouti, and many other countries a lot of trouble, and it would also be doing the right thing, since the border is, in fact Ethiopian. Eritrea, it seems to Russia, is only being arrogant towards the fact that Ethiopia has owned that border long before Eritrea ever existed. So, it feels that Eritrea should give up this dangerous war before it develops and turns into something much bigger.
Believing that Chechnya is not an independent state and should not be considered as one, and that it is an integral state/part of Russia;
Bearing in Mind that Chechnya is originally a Russian state, clarifying the reason for it to declaim its independence;
Further Noting that Chechnya should stop its worthless and illogical attempts at independence for the following reasons: a)it is originally a Russian state, b)it has brought a lot of harm upon its government and people, c)it would save Russia, Dagestan, bordering states, and most importantly itself, a lot of political, financial, economical, and military trouble;
Taking into Account that Chechnya has been incapable of supporting the many refugees that have fled Chechnya to the Northern state of Ingushetia;
Taking into Consideration the vital fact that Russia is currently providing help for Chechnyan refugees in Ingushetia;
Realizing that Chechnya is unable and unqualified for securing its people and protecting, supporting, and aiding them;
Further Realizing that The Russian Federation can support an extra state amongst its own and is capable of providing the necessary supplements for the advantage of Chechnya;
Fully Alarmed that Chechnyan Islamic militants have been responsible for the bombings of several apartment buildings and trucks in Russia;
Noting with Deep Concern that Chechen president, Aslan Maskhadov, has no control over Chechen guerrilla commanders;
Fully Condemning the Chechen President for having no control over his own troops;
Noting with Deep Regret that, due to the commanders’ freedoms, Muslim rebels led by these field commanders have recently attempted an invasion on the neighboring state of Dagestan;
Showing and Giving its full support for the Russian state of Dagesta;
Expressing its Appreciation towards the Russian militants that have crushed this invasion in an attempt to save Dagestan;
Reaffirming the disabilities faced by Chechnya, which put it at a foul disposition for independence, and these disabilities are: a)the state’s President has no control over his own military and defense troops, b)Chechnya does not posses the capabilities that qualify it for the big responsibility of taking care of its own people, a clear example here is Chechen refugees in Ingushetia, and how Chechnya couldn’t support them), c)the willingness of Chechnya to put its people, civilians, government, and army militants at grave danger;
Desiring and Expecting no help or aid from the UN in this issue, especially in reference to the following: a)Russia’s responsibility and its common sense in taking care of all of its states, b)Russia’s willingness in helping Chechnyan refugees in Ingushetia even though Chechnya has been causing Russia a lot of problems lately, (esp. the apartment buildings’ bombings);
Noting that the United States itself and other countries have, in the past, denied independence to provinces that attempt to unilaterally declare independence from the country, and that these have been put down sometimes by force in: a)the American Civil War, b)the British efforts to retain Northern Ireland, c)the Chinese continued efforts to suppress independence movements in Tibet, d)the French efforts to suppress independence movements in Algeria, Vietnam, and other places and in their incorporation of certain former colonies as "Departments of France";
Reminding the states of the GA and the SC of the general principles of national sovereignty that include: a non-interference in the internal affairs of fully-functioning states, b)the non-division of sovereign states, even those suffering from independence movements, such as that in Kosovo whose KLA was branded by the US government a "terrorist organization;
1.Affirms that Chechnya is a Russian state, and not an independent one;
2.Emphasizes that Chechnya should stop its failed attempts at independence;
3.Further Condemns the Chechnyan President for lacking all control over his armed troops;
4.Regrets the fact that Chechnya doesn’t know what it is putting itself up against when it is demanding independence, and it is going to face: a)economic and financial deficiencies, b)political and governmental insufficiency and weaknesses, c)shortages in food and crops, d )many possible deaths due to the following: starvation, lack of shelter, and potential large-scale military and army attacks;
5.Congratulates the Russian military and defense on its success in maintaining the well-being of the Russian state of Dagestan by crushing and stopping the attempted invasion on Dagestan under the control of Chechnyan field commanders;
6.Supports the Russian state of Dagestan and all other Russian states in their conflicts and hardships;
7.Expresses its Hope that the UN will not interfere regarding the status of Russia’s states and their well-being and regarding the fact that Russia is capable of handling this situation, (as with many other situations);
8.Expresses its Hope that Chechnya will understand the reality of the consequences of its independence and will, henceforth, declaim its independence and stop its attempts at independence;
9.Further Reminds that Chechnya is not an independent state, so it should not be referred to as one, and that it was originally, and still is a Russian state;
10.Has Resolved that Chechnya will end its efforts at independence and will reclaim itself a Russian state, which would be for the good of all;
11.Further Resolves that this situation will be under the complete control of Russia and Russian troops and mercenaries, and that the UN will have no involvement whatsoever in this Russian-controlled matter.
12.Resolves that Russia will solve its own problems on its own with no interference whatsoever from any organizations whatsoever.
Zdravstvuite, (pronounced ZzDRAST-vet-yah), that’s hello in Russian,
Good Morning,
Honorable judge, fellow delegates, the Russian Federation is a peace-seeking nation, it is seeking world peace. That is the main reason of its presence here. For it is seeking world peace. It is seeking what is in the best interest of all, and what benefits all. Ladies and Gentlemen, Russia would like to emphasize on its hopes of holding a great CACMUN event, and it would also like to have great conferences all throughout the event. It wants and wishes for all countries taking part in this event to fulfill their goals, and complete their tasks, and reach the desired positions. Russia wishes all its fellow delegates good luck and inspires them to do their best. Russia feels that there is a dire need for attention to be given to this undoubtedly vital issue.
During the run of the speech, Russia would like to introduce to the humble listeners the issue of the question of the Role of Regional Organizations in Settling International Conflict, (ISSUE #102).
Russia does not approve of the interference of regional organizations in international conflict, and neither should any country sitting in this conference hall, (unless the conflict becomes unsolvable by negotiations and other such peace talks). This can clearly be seen in NATO’s interference in conflicts of former Soviet bloc countries (such as Azerbaijan). It would put many neighboring countries at grave disadvantages. Another important point in this issue is the discussion of the international conflict with countries neighboring the countries that have the conflicts. Russia believes that this is indeed a very vital detail and matter that has to be taken into consideration and carried out, before any military or otherwise similar actions are taken by any international organization. Russia sincerely hopes that its point has been well clarified and thoroughly explained and will be given all the attention it needs, deserves, and requires right away, especially since this is an issue that should concern all world countries, especially those who neighbor conflicted countries.
Thank you for listening, and Russia hopes everyone enjoys a good conference.