Country
Page
Email address submitting
Italy
1
rchanyinhong@gmail.com
Zimbabwe
2
stichlover@hotmail.com
Norway
3
salina9582@hotmail.com
Israel
4
mei_tsui_sammy@yahoo.com.hk
Nigeria
5
lingene@gmail.com
Australia
6
lingene@gmail.com
Singapore
7
rachael_chung@student.aishk.edu.hk
Tibet (observer)
8
michael_leung@student.aishk.edu.hk
Saudi Arabia
9
nina.rossiter@dc.edu.hk
Russia
10
16775@student.gsis.edu.hk
France
11
sundakaramgm1@webmail.sis.edu.hk
PRC
12
11clachersmj1@student.wis.edu.hk>
Germany
13
10chungh1@rchk.edu.hk
Spain
14
obert.wilson@carmel.edu.hk
Somali Republic
15
tangchihojustin@ymail.com
USA
17
aine12@lpcuwc.edu.hk
Italy Italy is a European Union country. Italy supports the democratic development in all the three mentioned regions. Italy supports the independence of Kosovo and Tibet, while does not support the independence of Taiwan. Kosovo is situated in the Balkan region, which is near Italy. Kosovo has declared independence on 17 February 2008. Italy recognized it on 21 February 2008, four days after Kosovo’s declaration. Kosovo was controlled by the United Nations after the bombing by the NATO in 1998. Italy has always supported the country of Kosovo in its road to becoming a separate state from Serbia. As the problem of Tibet, Italy supports the independence of Tibet. China is a communist country and does not allow any type of religion. Tibetan people had long established a type of Buddhism in its own land. Communist government does not support the freedom of religion. As a result, there are many disputes and demonstrations. The Chinese government even forbade the spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama to visit China. The delegate of Italy believes in and supports the idea of religious freedom and does not appreciate the actions taken by the Chinese government to suppress it in the region of Tibet. Therefore, Italy supports the independence of Tibet. Italy has long established a friendly diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Even though there is a good diplomatic relationship between the two states, Italy does not support the independence of Taiwan (otherwise known as Republic of China). Taiwan is unique in nature. The United Nations does not recognize Taiwan as a member state, but it is a region where a separate government is set up and elected democratically. Italy has ceased to recognize Taiwan in 1970 and will not recognize Taiwan in the near future. Yet, diplomatic relations will still remain. In conclusion, Italy supports the independence of Kosovo, Tibet but not Taiwan.
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe was a British colony before 1980 when it became an independent state. We understand how crucial it is for a state to become independent and able to determine its own course. We support Taiwan to become an independent state, though under the UN’s definition, that is” to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples.” Based on recent years of trade with Taiwan, we believe with Taiwan’s sound economic foundation, stable politic environment, well developed judiciary system, good relationships with different countries and its unique culture, there is no doubt that Taiwan can in every way successfully become an independent state. However, Taiwan and China obviously need some negotiation to follow a path towards peace. Taiwan must respect China and stop purchasing large quantities of weapons from other countries, especially the US. Taiwan’s armed forces not only pose threats to China (which is not necessary) but also threaten international security. Maintaining a peaceful relationship is very essential for both Taiwan and China. The countries need to respect each other more and stop building up formidable armed forces. We also believe that signing trade treaties that benefit both can help improve their relationship. Therefore, we support Taiwan to become an independent state in a peaceful way. To become an independent state, having well developed infrastructure, stable national income and an intelligence government is very essential. We admire Tibet’s unique religion and religious leaders but we are concerned about one very important question: Does Tibet have the ability/ quality needed to become an independent state? From what has been observed throughout history, Tibet has been developing its tertiary industry but the progress is too slow. We believe Tibet will not achieve a better future if it breaks away from China so we do not agree that Tibet should become an independent state. Lastly, as a civilized state ourselves, we would not tolerate any people supporting the Tibetan or Taiwanese independence movements that damage the integrity of China.
Norway The Kingdom of Norway, as a constitutional democratic country, believes that Taiwan and Tibet should be given back the right to self determination. The right to self determination is perhaps the most fundamental right granted to a people. It is the right of a people to determine their own methods of governance and relations with the rest of the world. For various reasons Taiwan and Tiber are still separated from the mainland. Unless and until this state of affairs is brought to an end, the trauma on the Chinese nation will not be healed and the Chinese people's struggle for national reunification and territorial integrity will continue. Meanwhile, given that Taiwan has been capable of governing themselves peacefully in the past decades, considerable social, economic and cultural advancement in Taiwan was achieved as a result, the Kingdom of Norway believes that Taiwan will be able to maintain its current strength if it is to be given the right of self determination. It is worth to note that China is not a democratic country. China’s political system today is dramatically different from Taiwan’s, then and now. And therefore, Taiwan had better maintain its sovereignty and avoid politically Sinicized. What the majority of the population of Taiwan, or Tibet, wants in the future is probably a relation with the People’ Republic of China comparable to the relation between the United States and the United Kingdom: close ties reflecting history, language, and culture, but separate national identities and sovereignties. Dalai Lama has also recently stated that he wishes only for Tibetan autonomy, and not separation from China, under certain democratic conditions, like freedom of speech and expression and genuine self-rule. And this is the case too in Taiwan. The Kingdom of Norway believes that if the right of self determination is granted to Taiwan and Tibet, they will be able to further develop their economy, political process, and the body of trained personnel, within the Chinese world but free of Peking's control. The Kingdom of Norway sees that there are worthy points to discuss about over the issue of self determination, and we will do every possible thing to achieve the best possible solutions while we support peaceful settlement of disputes. Taiwan and Tibet deserve international support.
Israel To start with, the State of Israel would like to take herself as an example. Israel has been seeking self-determination all these years, as the State of Israel declared independence in 1948 and attempted self-determination by self-governing the territory. Therefore, Israel sees the importance of self-determination. Back to the point, when the issue is discussed under the principle of One China Policy, Israel believes that the autonomy of Tibet and Taiwan should be respected in all aspects in a coordinated manner, which means there should be no violation of the principle at the same time. Israel sees the need of Taiwan and Tibet being self-determined, and appeals to China that the two regions should be granted with the right to seek self-determination. According to People’s Republic of China, Tibet has been stated to be an inextricable part of China many centuries ago and will always continue to be. Nonetheless, it is trusted that Tibet has the right to seek self-determination as Tibet constitutes mostly Tibetans which are generally accepted as an ethnic minority with distinct cultural difference with the Han Chinese. As a consequence, the State of Israel perceives that clearly, a race is to self-govern the territory. Likewise, a currently contested region like Taiwan is deemed to possess the right to selfdetermination, as seen today, Taiwan has a sound system of politics, law and education, which is reputed internationally, thus it shows no inability to govern herself. Self-determination refers to the independence of a region to decide their sovereignty and international political status without being affected by external coercion and interference. It is highly related to a state’s sovereignty and international status, explaining why self-determination means much to a state. Self-determination is generally accepted by nations as the cardinal right granted to a people, race and nation, and Israel is no exception. The State of Israel will assist any regions in need if all parties are willing to negotiate and cease violence, and hereby wishes for a peaceful negotiation.
Nigeria The Federal Republic of Nigeria deeply believes we share a mutual agreement to the members of United Nation, and that is our goal to maintain the well being and safety of our global community. And we stand by this notion regarding our view on this issue.
Unfortunately, we believe Taiwan will almost certainly face the possibility of war once
the independence is declared. For China is very much more advanced in military in terms of resources compare to Taiwan, we shall not recognize its independence for now. As we mentioned previously, the last stage of situation we wish to arrive to be the shatter of the peace and security we already have as a global community.
Although Tibet has been ruled by China by hard hand over the past years, we would urge
delegates that the recognition of Tibet’s independence is not encouraged; Tibet still undeniably depends on the support of China economically, which is associated to Tibet’s relative development over the past few years. We believe Tibet deserves to continue the development and simultaneously increase the well being of people, which certainly require China’s assistance. Without the aid of China, Tibet is unable to survive on its own as a nation, especially when it would be possible to find itself in similar situation as Taiwan in terms of hostility against China.
We propose to encourage the recognition of Kosovo as an independent state, for we
believe the conflict between Kosovo civilian and Serbia is required to be addressed. Nigeria believes not only Kosovo is ready to become an independent state, but also it is an opportunity to reach certain extent of negotiation and compromise between the two. We consider such movement acceptable under current circumstances regards such solution applicable.
Australia The question of self-determination still exists among countries: Kosovo, Tibet and Taiwan, and Australia has its own views towards this matter. The reason why they are in question of selfdetermination is to debate if they are fully independent or not. Some are recognized internationally, but not recognized by the hosted country. Like Taiwan (Republic of China) and the PRC (People’s Republic of China). Our decline to join NATO is due to us helping Kosovo’s refugees. As we maintain a very good relationship with Kosovo, we continue to strengthen our alliance by sending aid and support to the nation. Our ambassador at Pristina had even called a vote for legality of Kosovo against Serbia at the International Court of Justice. We support Taiwan’s development, as Taiwan is our 10th largest merchandize-trading partner. However Australia has a government policy towards Taiwan that is based on the Joint Communiqué with the People's Republic of China (PRC) as of 21 December 1972. Australia has a strong view towards a one-China policy. We recognize the Government of the PRC as the sole legal government of China, which thus, does not enable us to have any kind of diplomatic relationship with Taiwan. Our Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has urged Beijing to tackle "significant" human rights problems in Tibet, in a speech in China. Australia, like most other countries, recognizes China's sovereignty over Tibet, but still the rough treatment China has given Tibet and the situation over there has been a concern for the majority of the Australians. But this however does not concern us, as we are also increasingly important as trading partners with China, such as the 2008 Olympic torch relay scheduled to stop in Canberra; we will not let the trouble in Tibet ruin our relationship. We believe that Ancient territories are not one of the solutions for today’s border creations. Fully supported from our allies, we recognize Kosovo as an independent nation and we also believe that Taiwan and Tibet should be recognized as Special Administrative Region like Hong Kong and Macau, due to ongoing political conflicts.
Singapore Singapore is engaged in the process of self-determination for Tibet and Taiwan. Singapore has been self-governing since 1959 and an independent state from Malaysia since 1963. Despite its confined size, Singapore continues to upkeep a strong economy and is the leading country in several industries. Although Singapore understands the desire for independence, it believes that the road to self-determination will be difficult for two regions who have gained limited recognition as a separate entity from the People's Republic of China.  Singapore recognizes Tibet as having originated from China since its occupation by the Qing Dynasty and thus believes that Tibet currently pertained to PRC. If Tibet wishes to terminate its relations to China, it necessary to first partake in peaceful negotiation with Chinese authority. Singapore regards the Central Tibetan Administration as not yet experienced nor wellestablished enough to rule a country. Singapore believes it would be reasonable for Tibet to remain in its status until negotiations have been settled and until such time, affirms that Tibet can prosper under Chinese ruling. Due to the chaotic history of occupation in the region of Taiwan and the current dispute between its own people, Singapore is uncertain whether or not it should continue to be dependent on China. Singapore accepts Taiwan as being capable of functioning independently despite the concerns in infrastructure, agriculture and rural development. Singapore also invites Taiwan to use Singapore as a model country in order to improve itself and abolish its flaws. Singapore approves of Taiwan’s motion to gain independence but will fully understand if China does not reciprocate the intention. Singapore hopes that this resolution will give Tibet, Taiwan and other such regions the opportunity to be self-determined. Singapore looks forward to working with other delegates in achieving a mutually peaceful solution.
Tibet Tibet strongly urges for its liberation from the People’s Republic of China and its international recognition as an independent nation-state. September 9th, 1951 marks the day when thousands of Chinese troops marched into Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and occupied the area. They were followed by waves of destruction to Buddhist temples and monasteries, widespread arrests and the massacre of innocent civilians, including women and children. Today, Tibetans are misplaced from their homes, unemployed, some seeking political asylum overseas, and faced with a rapid erosion of Tibetan culture. It is imperative that Tibetans take the reigns over the region’s administration and repair the damage the Chinese have already inflicted upon Tibet’s environment and its culture. Currently, China is further exercising military control over Tibet in preparation for Losar, the Tibetan New Year. At least twelve security checkpoints have been set up from the town of Dram at the Nepal-Tibet border en route to Lhasa, and connections to outside Tibet via internet access and phone lines have been cut off. Tibet urges for foreign journalists to be allowed in the region to confirm reports of fatal shootings, clashes between Tibetan protestors and Chinese police and the unnecessary death toll which was a consequences of such clashes. Regarding the latest wave of self-immolations by Tibetan monks and teenagers, his Holiness has called for a cease of such practice, declaring that self-sacrifices are not worth over an independence movement that can be, and will be won. His Holiness has also called for peace between Chinese police and Tibetan protestors in recent clashes and scuffles in the past week. The immediate withdrawal of Chinese troops and military presence is of best interest to Tibet, and Tibet is resolute in its decision to gain its independence through peaceful democratic talks with the Chinese government. The international society would not expect any signs of threat, aggression or violence from either side during the development of a mutual understanding between China and Tibet.
Saudi Arabia
The delegate of Saudi Arabia is honored to be present at this caucus today and wishes for an opportunity for each participant to raise their opinion on the situation. Taiwan had been unsuccessful in 15 previous attempts to gain either membership or non-member status in the UN and its affiliates such as the WHO. Beijing and Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia are in one key way alike, in that both seek to take advantage of economic globalization without endangering their political status quo. Beijing was the first stop on King Abdullah's Asian tour symbolized China's growing profile. The Chinese government has worked hard to improve its relations with Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter. Although Saudi Arabia believes Taiwan should be given a membership into UN, Saudi Arabia does not wish to complicate any beings with People’s Republic of China, therefore hopes to formulate a resolution that views the situation from all perspectives in order to ensure lasting peace and progression into the future.
Russia We as Russia believe that Kosovo had, in 2008 when its declaration of independence was made, at best a highly controversial qualification to become independent. It is clearly a part of Serbia and its partially recognised independence was only made possible by military intervention backed by foreign powers. The region of the Balkans still has the danger of being greatly destabilised by the potential of ethnic violence and refugee movement, and we as Russia see the threat and would urge no precedent to be set for Tibet or Taiwan. Russia will refrain from any intervention in a country’s basic sovereignty in the near future, and we would like to ask all other countries to do so the same. Kosovo is clearly not a truly independent state, and it should not be treated as so. The constitution underpinning Yugoslavia and China is similar to that of the former Soviet Union, and clearly rules out such unilateral independence. While Russia acknowledges the struggle of Tibetans, we join Beijing’s well-founded stance in that Tibet is firmly a non-negotiable part of China. As for Taiwan, as our Prime Minister has recently said, we have always supported on China on such sensitive issues, and will continue to do so. Russia will not support the independence of Kosovo, Tibet and Taiwan. However we will support efforts to relieve political and social tensions in these regions, and are especially ready to aid in talks between Beiijing and the Dalai Lama. As long as a country’s sovereignty is not called into question.
France France has supported Kosovo since it declared independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008. France wholeheartedly supports liberty and in this case, Kosovo should be given full sovereignty and recognition as a separate state. As a member of the contact group, France has played a key role in securing Kosovo’s independence and it will continue to provide assistance to Kosovo. However, Tibet should not become a separate state. China is a rapidly growing economic, political, and military power and Tibet will develop into prosperous area provided it is helped and led by China. Divided from China, Tibet will lose the economic advantage that China provides. Taiwan and China should continue to pursue economic ties and increase trade. France supports China on the issue of Taiwan and France acknowledges that Taiwan has been unreasonable in past negotiations. In the future, France hopes that Taiwan and China pursue a common goal of reuniting. United we stand. Divided we fall.
China The People’s Republic of China remains undeniably resolute in our irrefutable claim over the regions of Taiwan and Tibet. China has and will continue to propose Taiwan take on a similar governance as Hong Kong to become a Special Administrative region, with the promise for Taiwan to remain an autonomous government under the Chinese state. However, we continue to uphold the standards of the Anti-Secession Law of 2005, in which any occurrence that would lead to the separation of Taiwan from China in any name would result in all actions of peace tol be dissolved. The region of Tibet remains, in the eyes of the China, both an integral and inalienable part of China. Since the 13th century China has strived to develop this region under her sovereignty, and in most recent history has helped built up the local infrastructure as well as improving the economy of the region. China continue to express serious concerns over Kosovo’s proclamation of Independence and remain  in total support of Serbia. We strongly urge the implementation of peaceful negotiations to resolve the current situation.
Germany The Federal Republic of Germany, as a staunch supporter of human rights, welcomes discussion on the topic of a people's right to self-determination. Germany has readily demonstrated this in the past, being one of the first nations to formally recognise the Republic of Kosovo's declaration of independence from the Republic of Serbia.In the case of Kosovo, the province's history of "conflict, ethnic cleansing and humanitarian catastrophe" in the 1990s by Serbia made it an exemption to the EU Charter barring the recognition of the alteration of international borders, pursuant to the relevant clauses in the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514.However, it must be noted that questions of self-determination must be treated on an individual basis. To do otherwise would be to ignore the nuances in the geopolitical situation of each specific region, such as those in Taiwan and Tibet. In this light, Germany encourages further discussion on what constitutes a "self-determining people" and the role of the international community in these matters.
Spain:
As one of the members of the European Union, Spain is fully aware of the situation between Taiwan and China. Taiwan is looking to become autonomous, while China desires a unified empire. Taking into account that Taiwan is a well developed country - that they also have a stable economic system, a good government, and in particular the people of Taiwan have the right to vote for their own president - the Kingdom of Spain believes that the people and country will should be fully respected. We believe that Taiwan is more then capable of maintaining an independent and sustainable autonomous body.
On the issue of Tibet we, Spain, believe that people of Tibet are indeterminately correct in choosing independence. As a Catholic country, we strongly believe that all men have the right to choose religious freedom. China denies them this right and therefore the pursuit of governmental independence is justified. Tibet has clearly spoken out: they have chosen self-determination. We strongly recommend our ally, China, to reconsider opposing
On February 18, 2008, we, Spain, had made it very clear that we are not recognizing Kosovo as an independent country. The reason is because the statement of independence did not respect international law. Therefore the kingdom of Spain does not admit Kosovo as an independent country
Somalia Kosovo, Tibet and Taiwan are three regions in which people have demanded recognition from members of the United Nations (UN). Kosovo, a region which was originally a province of the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia’s (FRY), declared itself as an independent country with the name ‘Republic of Kosovo’ on the 2nd of July, 1990; it was officially recognised by Albania alone. After the Kosovo War ended, the UN intervened in 1999 by setting up the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), which established the Joint Interim Administrative Structure (JIAS) in order to replace the old institution. This officially terminated the existence of this Republic in 2000 as the UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1244 took effect, which granted Kosovo autonomy within the FRY and thus affirming the territorial integrity of FRY. These rights were transferred to the Republic of Serbia (RS) when the FRY disintegrated. On the 17th of February, 2008, UN-monitored Kosovo declared independence from the RS and reassumed the name the Republic of Kosovo. As of the 30th of December, 2011, 86 UN states have recognised the country. Tibet, which existed as a political power in the first half of the 20th century, had poor diplomatic relations due to its low international recognition. On the 6th or 7th of October, 1950, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) invaded the region and the Tibetan Government succumbed to the Seventeen Point Agreement made on the 23rd of May, 1951. The Tibetan Government was disintegrated in 1959. To this day, the Tibetan Government in exile claimed sovereignty over the region as Greater Tibet, while the PRC refuses to accept this and considers Tibet to be one of its provinces. The Tibetan unrest in 2008 renewed clashes between the Tibetan and Chinese people. Taiwan comprises the main body of the Republic of China (RC), a country claimed by the Kuomintang (KMT) to be representative of the whole of China, a similar claim made by the PRC, which governed the Mainland. With the victory of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the Civil War against the KMT, the latter was forced to retreat to Taiwan in 1950. For a few decades, all diplomatic relations ceased between the two sides, and they were not reopened until the 1980’s, when tensions lessened and interaction between the two regions increased. However, the PRC still refuses to accept a second Chinese government, and calls the Republic of China an illegitimate nation, whereas the KMT insists on a separate Chinese authority from the Mainland. The Somali Republic has always been concerned about the situation which is commencing in the fore-mentioned regions where disputes over sovereignty prevail, and is convinced that if these disputes are not settled in an effective manner, they may pose as triggers to potential humanitarian crises such as war. Therefore, although the Somali Republic agrees with the UN establishing the UNMIK in order to stabilise the situation in Kosovo, it would like to plead the UN to hand governmental power back to the local citizens once it feels that the time is appropriate (for example, when diplomatic relations between the RS and Kosovo has neutralised). This is because foreign, particularly Western, intervention will only heat up the debate on the issue at hand, and will make the distance to an ultimate goal of reaching compromise longer and more treacherous. In consequence, the Somali Republic believes shortening UN presence will ease the tension in the Baltic and make negotiations easier.
As for Taiwan and Tibet, the Somali Republic discourages the intervention of the UN, due to the fore-mentioned reasons. However, the Somali Republic welcomes the existence of sovereign powers which best suit the situation in those particular areas and condemns any act of colonisation and invasion by a country to another. To address the problems which Kosovo was facing, the UNSC introduced Resolution 1244, in which the FRY (and afterwards the RS) was requested ‘an immediate and verifiable end of violence and repression in Kosovo’, and ‘member states and relevant international organisations’ are authorised and encouraged to ‘establishing a secure environment in which refugees and displaced persons can return home in safety’. Regrettably, the Somali Republic finds this Resolution inadequate and ineffective and tackling the tension between Kosovo and the RS. At present, northern parts of Kosovo are directly influenced by the RS, and are de facto independent from southern influence; the atrocities the UN is supposed to kerb is still plaguing the area – from bombs to attacks, many Albanian expatriates are afraid to return due to the safety risks which exist. As a result, Resolution 1244 has proven ineffective in addressing these problems. I.
Particulars
The Somali Republic sincerely recommends a review on the role the UN is playing in Kosovo. Right now, the RS feels that the UN is being too much of a presence in Kosovo, and is harming their territorial integrity by fanning a break-off of Kosovo from the RS, even though it is to be an autonomous province of the latter’s. Therefore, the UN should seriously consider whether it is more beneficial for both parties if the UN leaves the region once and for all, or it continues with its present approach. The Somali Republic also implores the General Assembly (GA) to learn from the failure of UN intervention in Kosovo, and avoid such an action on the PRC with reference to the regions Taiwan and Tibet. Instead of jeopardising local safety by allowing foreign infiltration, the GA should draft Resolutions which cater for each of the problems in these two regions. In these Resolutions, the Somali Republic suggests the GA to vow for non-militarised approach on both parties (Tibet / Taiwan and PRC) and to encourage them to start negotiating talks instead of being stuck in diplomatic deadlock.
USA The United States of America, as a nation committed to freedom of choice, freedom of expression and freedom of the people, stands firmly committed to the achievement of self-determination for all peoples around the world. The question of self determination is admittedly a complex one, and one without clear demarcations. As set out in the United Nations Charter, all people have the right to self determination-- the right to determine their political status and to pursue the formation of a nation state. This has been recognized by the American government, reflected in their support for UN Resolution 1353 and increasing accordance of autonomy to the Native American people of the United States. The United States calls on fellow member states to pledge the same support for territories such as Israel, Egypt, Tibet and Taiwan. With regards to the latter territories, the United States stands unequivocally in their support. China and the United States share a chequered past, and the United States urges careful consideration on the part of China in regards to Tibet and Taiwan. Former actions in this regard has provoked unease with regards to these issues, but with a commitment to bilateral negotiation and compromise the United States hopes that continued progress can be made. As pledged by American President Barack Obama, the USA supports change which furthers self determination-- the ‘chance to make of life what you will’, and as such stands for the accordance of autonomy to the Tibetan and Taiwanese people as they desire. The United States looks forward to increased vigour to this effect. Meetings with figures such as the Dalai Lama have aided our administration in gaining a deeper understanding of the conflicts, wishes and desires of the Tibetan region. The US has supported efforts made by the Taiwanese government to be accorded status in the United Nations, as recognition from an international forum is important in a country’s efforts to develop. The United States hopefully awaits an oppurtunity to work with other member states towards a day in which all peoples can be assured of freedom of choice, and in which collabouration and co--operation between nations is an accepted aspect of international relations, rather than a mere goal.