ThessISMUN Daily Issue 1 23/04/2009
Bring Your ThessIS To the WORLD!
Friend of the UN
Editorial Each story has two sides. Like when you toss a coin: it’s either heads or tales. You choose the side you like. Same applies for Thessis, too. It’s a game you yet it can also be the best practice you may ever have as far as international organizations are concerned. This is what we‘re going to cover as the journalist team of Thessis MUN Daily. It’s a game for us too. We want to and intend to have
fun. Our aim is to issue a paper that will interest you, will prove helpful and above all, informative. But we’re also here to criticize you, be against or in favor of some of you. It’s really up to you. Can you handle the truth? The truth, you know, also has two sides. Mr. Fatouros, you’ll read more about him later, told us that this is one of the most important things that a student must learn while in Thessis. According to Mr. Fatouros, understanding that true and genuine is what your country believes is the most important lesson not just for future diplomats, but for everyone. We are all citizens of this world and we should all act and think as diplomats. Wish you all the best for the Thessis 2009. Have “sensible” fun. Because we‘re going to be there and cover it! The whole story! Michael Asikopoulos The Journalists of ThessISMUN Daily: Daniel Dagris: 1st Committee Manos Rantidis: 2nd Committee Marios Poullados: ECOSOC Olga Sioka: EU Parliament - CFA Christos Politis: EU Parliament - Environment Karolos Floros: North Atlantic Council Maro Lazarou: 3rd Committee Athena Nona: Security Council Sofia Kosma: EU Parliament - Environment
General Assembly Don’t Forget Your Flags! A great opening ceremony took place yesterday at the main amphitheatre full of well dressed delegates ready to have their first Thessis experience. This year a total of 374 students are taking part and 25 chairs and co-chairs are responsible for them. There are also 63 volunteers working as staff. In total, about 450 students from different universities all over the world are present. From Greece, there are students of Aristotle University, University of Macedonia and of Peloponnese, Democritus University of Thrace,National and Kapodistrian University of Athens,Uiniverstity of Piraeus,Panteion University,Athens University of Economics and Business,National and Technical University of Athens,University of the Aegean,University of Grete and American College of Thessaloniki. Also, many professors represented the universities mentioned above. It’s a great honor that this year students from abroad are also taking part. Students from countries like Romania, Egypt, Turkey, USA, the Netherlands, Germany and many others are ready to surprise with their diplomatic skills. Mrs. Perraki welcomed the honorable guests and delegates. After her speech, Demetrios Fatouros took the floor and talked about Thessis and MUNs in general and their importance. He had only good things to say about Mr. Roukounas which he later awarded him as an official friend of the UN. The rector of UOM, Mr. Elias Kouskouvelis also welcomed everybody and expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Perraki for organizing Thessis all these years. “This UN model is one of the best activities this university has to be proud of” he said. After a short coffee break, the General Assembly started (many guests were absent though) with all delegates making an opening speech representing the countries. Among the speeches that attracted attention was the USA’s that was pure Obama’s rhetoric declaring that the States are ready to change. Countries such as Vietnam and Greece gave a message using famous songs lyrics. Vietnam chose ‘Get up stand up for your right’ (Bob Marlely) causing the crowd to applaud. ‘United we stand divided we fall’ (Pink-Floyd-Hey you) ended Greek delegation’s speech. There were some questions about Cyprus’s failure to mention the problem of divinity that plagues the island since 1974. Maybe she wanted to show good faith since the talks between the two sides have started in order to find a solution. Furthermore, F.Y.R.O.M ’s ambassador called his country by its constitutional name but the president of the G.A. called him to order and reminded everyone that the official names are the ones recognized by the UN. ‘Bhinneka Tuggal Ika’ was the motto used by delegation of Indonesia meaning Unity in Diversity, inviting all in a debate based on this principle.
Message
from
H.E. Dr Boutros Boutros-Ghali Roukounas
to
Professor
MUN is a unique experience for students, an institution that I wholeheartedly supported in my capacity as the sixth UN Secretary General. The idea of honouring a prestigious personality of Greek nationality that has served the institution of the UN is exceptional, given the fact that students, from all over the world, have the unique opportunity of meeting those great people who have contributed so much to the development of international law. Professor Roukounas’ contribution in the international field began since the early 1970s when he started taking part in a number of diplomatic conferences. In 1974 Professor Roukounas participated in the Diplomatic Conference on Humanitarian Law and later on he participated in the Conference on Security and Cooperation and Europe and the World Conferences against Racism and Racial Discrimination. By the early 1980s his career took off as he became a member to various UN Committees as well as to other Committees of regional organizations. He has been a member of the Bureau of the Steering Committee on Human Rights of the Council of Europe since 1979. Between 1980 and 1999 he served as a member of the Greek delegation in the UN General Assembly. He was a member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination between 1983 and 1985. He was a member of the International Law Commission from 1985 until 1991. He was a member of the Group of Experts of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe for the Balkans between 1991 and 1992 and of the Group of Experts of the EU for Central America from 1992 to 1999. Between 1993 and 2005 Professor Roukounas was a member of various expert committees and observer of the CDDH in the Steering Committee on Bioethics. In 1993 in my capacity as Secretary General of the United Nations, I appointed him as an independent Jurist for Africa. He served this post with loyalty till 1999, and I wish to express my gratitude for the excellent work he did. In 2005 he was elected by the 46 Member States of Council of Europe to participate in a small group, called ‘Group of Wise Persons’, with the mandate to make proposals for the future of the European Count of Human Rights. The very same year he served as Rapporteur of the Council of Europe’s seminar on Human Rights and Terrorism. He has many professional and academic associations related to his background in law, among them, his membership in the Court of Judiciary in 1991 and the Supreme Court of article 100 of the Constitution of Greece in 1992, the Institute of International Law in 1993, the Academy of Athens and Chair of Public International Law in 1997, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2001. Since 2000, Professor Roukounas has been an Emeritus Professor of Athens University and in 2005 he was elected President of the Academy of Athens. To conclude, I should like to express my sincere wish that Professor Roukounas pursues his action in favour of peace, democracy, development and the protection of human rights in conformity with the rules of International Law. Boutros Boutros-Ghali
Emmanuel Roukounas CV Mr. Emmanuel Roukounas was born in 1933. Professor of International Law, Athens University (1970), Greece; Emeritus Professor (2000); President (2005) and Member (since 1997) of the Academy of Athens, Chair of Public International Law; First Vice President (2007) and Member of the Institute of International Law (1993); Member, Permanent Court of Arbitration (2001); United Nations International Law Commission (1985-1991), United Nations Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (1983-1985). Elected in 2005 by the 46 Member States of the Council of Europe in a small “Group of Wise Persons” with the mandate to make proposals for the future of the European Court of Human Rights. Appointed by the Secretary General of the United Nations “Independent Jurist for Western Sahara” (1993-1999). Group of Experts of the European Union for Central America (1992-1999); Group of Experts of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe for the Balkans (1991-1992); UNESCO International Bioethics Committee (1994-2003). In the Council of Europe, Member and twice Member of the Bureau of the Steering Committee on Human Rights (CDDH) since 1979; Member of various expert committees and observer of the CDDH in the Steering Committee on Bioethics (1993-2005). Rapporteur of the Council of Europe’s Seminar on Human Rights and Terrorim (2005). Member of the Supreme Court of article 100 of the Constitution of Greece (1992-1995) and of the Court of the Judiciary (1991-1993). Member of the Greek delegation in the General Assembly of the United Nations (1980-1999) and in a number of diplomatic conferences, in particular the Diplomatic Conference on Humanitarian Law (1974-1977), the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes) and the World Conferences against Racism and Racial Discrimination. Director of the Bureau of International and Constitutional Institutions of the Academy of Athens (since 1997). Lectured at the Universities of Athens, Thessaloniki, Paris I, X and XIII; University College, London; Universities of Aix-en-Provence, Bordeaux and Rouen; Universities of San Sebastian and Castellon. Institut des Hautes Etudes Internationales (Paris). The Hague Academy of International Law (1987, 1997); In 2008 at the Universities of Baltimore, Berkeley, City University of New York, Yale, Virginia. Judge ad hoc at the International Court of Justice, the Hague (since 2008). Published nine books and over 100 articles on General International Law, the Law of the Treaties, the Law of the Sea, Human Rights, Humanitarian Law, Bioethics, Diplomatic History, European Unification.
Some things about the actual United Nations Once upon a time there were the dinosaurs...and then humans started dominating the world. From the very beginning of what we could call humanity people always tried to find a way to communicate with each other so as to cooperate and sort things out for each and everyone’s best interest. First it was the screaming and the caves, then came the language and then came the war. Of course the last communication system had not the sufficiency of the past two and therefore people realized that the world needed another solution that would help people understand and benefit from one another and that happened during the First World War when the League of Nations was conceived. The League of Nations is the forerunner of what we today call United Nations, and was established under the treaty of Versailles “to promote international cooperation and to achieve peace and security”. Nevertheless, since people are strange creatures once again they did not manage to successfully work with each other and as a result Second World War came up and League of Nations ceased its activities after failing to prevent it. However, no matter how strange our “species” is it is even more stubborn: during World War two the United Nations was established when the representatives of 26 nations pledged their governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers. The godfather was the President of the United States Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the name was first used in the “Declaration by United Nations” of the 1st January 1942 and this time everybody hoped that the future was hiding more peaceful days. As you can easily understand a name was not enough to fulfill this times expectations and thus in 1945, the representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nation’s Conference on International Organization to draw up the United Nation’s Charter. The Charter was signed on 26th June 1945 by the representatives of the 50 countries. The United Nations officially came into existence in 24 October 1945, when the Charter had been ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom the United States and a majority of other signatories. United Nation’s Day is celebrated on 24 October annually. Today the United Nations have got 192 member states and although they have achieved World peace they have offered help and solutions in most cases needed and yet always seek and believe in what was stated in that first declaration: “The only true basis of enduring peace is the willing cooperation of free peoples in a world in which, relieved of menace of aggression, all may enjoy economic and social security” “It is our intention to work together, and with other free peoples, both in war and peace, to this end.” Athena Nona
Interviews Dr. Roukounas - Emeritus Professor, Member of the Greek Academy We had the chance to meet Mr. Roukounas right after the opening ceremony and managed to ask him a couple of questions. Mr. Roukounas seemed really moved by the dedication of this year’s Thessis MUN. “I really enjoyed the surprises” he said. Especially, the letter from his Excellency Boutros Butros Ghali and the beautiful words that everyone said about me, for instance my personal friend, the rector Mr. Ilias Kouskouvelis”. He strongly believes that Thessis gives hope to this university and the Greek academia in general. “ All students have the chance to learn more about the global radiation of the International Organizations and the way things work.” He also stressed that the students should take great advantage of the opportunity of mingling with fellow delegates coming form other countries. “I have to thank Mrs. Perraki, a very dynamic and inspiring person but also a very successful and important scientist. You should all read her new book!” Fatouros Dimitrios - UN Information Officer for Greece and Cyprus (UNRIC) It’s the 5th time Mr. Fatouros is visiting Thessis. “Every year it gets better and better. It’s been 8 years since the first one but instead of declining, Thessis seems to get even stronger every year. Considering the economic recession, this is quite an achievement.” Mr. Fatouros, an indispensable part of Thessis, stressed out that this MUN is a unique experience due to the fact that students from all over the world, have the chance to meet the honorable guests and learn more about their work, they learn what compromising really means and how it works. “In my opinion, what is really valuable is the task that the delegates have to serve a random country’s interests. They understand that truth has always two sides and you choose one depending what serves your country best. Pure diplomatic practice.” Demetrios Fatouros believes that it is high time Thessis MUN becomes a tradition. “Mrs. Perraki, who seems younger than all of us, has managed to make it real. It’s up to the ones coming to continue her great work!” Katsios Stavros - Associate Professor of International Law Mr. Katsios was really impressed by the number of delegates of this year’s Thessis. “I think that this year, Thessis has more delegates than ever before. I also believe that they are more enthusiastic than ever. The whole Thessis seems really well organized ensuring that the delegates will give their best” “It’s a great experience for everyone, especially for Greek students. This MUN gives them the chance to break their fish bowl and get in touch with different cultures and ideas. Broaden their minds. I strongly suggest that everyone takes part in the Thessis coming in the future”. About Mrs.Perraki, Mr. Katsios chose to say nothing. “I won’t do her justice. She’s just great!”
1st Committee After the introduction of the special guest Dr. Miltiadis Sarigiannidis (Lecturer, at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) he took the spotlight with gusto. Beginning with words to inspire openness, enthusiasm, creativity and above all a sense of respectful candor, Dr. Sarigiannidis moved right to the imperative nature of the issues to be handled by this committee. He articulated the importance of moving beyond the coffee shop conversations we may each have experienced concerning the threat of nuclear terrorism, terrorism in general, and the seemingly hopeless condition of many Middle Eastern situations. “Where is Lebanon and Syria?! Sarigiannidis inquired. “Where is Iran? Where is North Korea? We need nuclear terrorists!” In the construction of the resolutions by this committee he emphasized the importance of knowing not only one’s own country’s position, but the needs and conditions that drive the choices of surrounding, opposing, and other vested countries. Middle Eastern issues followed, especially focused on Lebanon. ”It is a mess over there… and in the Middle East; it is a standard mess since the creation of the Israeli state or even before, since the British decided to leave the place”. Finally the gauntlet was thrown down, “for those who are the professionals, it took them 60 years and they made a mess”, this leaving the 1st Committee in the position of, in a matter of days, proving that through mutual respect and appreciation for each country’s position a successful resolution can be reached.
2nd Committee In this first opening day, everybody seemed to take great joy in the events taking place in the university, which included apart from the speeches of great personalities, such as Dimitris Fatouros and Emmanouil Roukounas, during the opening ceremony, coffee as well as cocktail breaks. In the second committee, the one having to do with economic and financial issues, Dr. Emmanouela Doussi made a small introduction about the subjects that are going to be discussed the next days by the delegates and she then answered to some of the students’ questions. The day ended with the welcome dinner, which took place at 21.30, and pleased all students, and gave some relief in spite of the fatigue that was obvious in everyones’ face. Despite that, the atmosphere seemed to be calm and they enjoyed the dinner. As it was the first day of the UN Model, it was more than clear that students from other countries and universities tried to get used to the new environment. This was successful up to a point, next attempts tomorrow, Tuesday will be quite difficult for everyone…
3rd Committee Day 1 for the 3rd Committee today, but before reporting what took place, I would like to welcome each and every one of you to ThessISMUN 2009. May this model be a unique experience for all! The introductory session of the 3rd Committee was inaugurated by Dr. Nikos Zaikos, Assistant Professor of the University of Western Macedonia, who stretched out the role of the Committee in dealing with human rights and human culture. He then referred to the history of the Committee, highlighting some of the most important steps it has made in the field of society, humanitarianism and culture. At the end of his speech, he asked the delegates to introduce themselves, giving them a chance to break the ice. Later on, the delegates posed some questions to him concerning the Millennium Development Goals for persons with disabilities and the right to development with respect to the environment, subjects which are included in the agenda of the Committee. During the introduction, the delegates of USA and China made quite an impression. Shall we expect hard negotiations during the sessions of the 3rd Committee in the days to come? We al hope so…
ECOSOC The first session of ECOSOC was finally accomplished yesterday 22/4/09.University of Macedonia was full of coloured flags representing countries from each corner of the world. Enthusiasm but also a cautious optimism was the main feeling all over the place. 5.00 pm and delegates of ECOSOC gathered outside Amphitheatre 7. Students who participated for the 1st time were revealed because of their anxious looks. After entering the amphitheatre I noticed the first hesitating conversations between the delegates who represented the same countries. The starting speech was made from Dr.Stavros Katsios associate professor of the University of Ionio . He presented the main axes that ECOSOC is going to deal and discuss the next days which are 1) The action against corruption and bribery in International Commercial Transactions ,current status and collaboration with other intergovernmental organizations especiall y the OECD 2) Intellectual Property Rights versus Human rights, the role of pharmaceutical companies in Africa ,the experience from pharmaceutical companies in Latin America and India At the end of the first meeting of ECOSOC committee delegates were asked to talk about themselves briefly.Trying to break the ice when it was my time to talk I mentioned that I am a journalist and anything they say will be used against them. A small penformance of laughter made things better and promised a constructive continue.
European Parliament Committee on Environment In the pre-last committee of the first day, the main speaker was Dr. Despoina Anagnostopoulou, Assistant Professor in the university of Macedonia. During the speech she made an introduction about the unnatural character of industrial agricultural production, with its continuous, intensive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and heavy machinery, affects soil composition, ground water supplies and the ecosystems in which such agriculture is practiced. Environment is going through problems. Single European 1987 recently became 22 the early 1990’s focused on for the planet products by With a tiny flower as its logo, ucts more attractive to the days people remain afraid of As a conclusion, she mengetting our young generation to improve their life quality. Environmental issues are really imally fruitful sessions of this committee. Keep
very serious and dangerous Action, which was founded in years old.The Parliament in the safest and most harmless using the ECO label on them. they attempted to make prodconsumers But Even nowagenetically modified food.. tioned the huge importance of into new nutrition habits in order portant nowadays and we seek to reyour fingers crossed. We will…
Committee on Foreign Affairs The First Session of the European Parliament Committee took place yesterday afternoon, where the representatives of the four parliament parties (PSE/ALDE/EPP/GREEN) talked about the two main topics of the Committee, the Foreign Affairs issue and the Environment issue. . Dr. Anagnostopoulou Assistant Professor in the University of Macedonia, gave a brief description of the structure, the strategy, the authorities, and the responsibilities of the European Parliament in general and she afterwards highlighted the main tasks of both the Committee on Foreign Affairs and on Environment. She mentioned that the Committee on Foreign Affairs acts as a branch of the European Parliament. The Committee ensures that EU policies on foreign affairs are being properly implemented. Therefore, the Committee’s responsibilities mainly focuses on the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and the European security and defense policy (ESDP); relations with other EU institutions and bodies; the relations with other international organizations; ways to strengthen political relations with third countries; the process of accession of European States to the Union; and the issues concerning human rights, the protection of minorities and the promotion of democratic values in third countries. The main issues that are going to be discussed the next days are the Migration and Development of the countries where the immigrants come from and also the E.U. Neighborhood Policy. After the end of Dr. Anagnostopoulou’s speech there was a Q&A session and after that, the board of the Committee as well as the representatives of the four parties, introduced themselves and then raced each other to the main lodge for a huge cup of coffee to keep them energized for the rest of the day!!
North Atlantic Council Sharp 18:00 and the delegates started gathering in the North Atlantic Council room on the third floor. Every one of them, elegantly dressed received a flag and the name of the country they represented printed. The official guest of the committee was Mrs. Barbora Maronkova. She is the Information Officer for Slovakia and Slovenia at the NAC Public Diplomacy Division in Brussels. Everybody sat down, Mrs. Maronkova greeted everybody and after introducing herself, she began talking about the schedule of the day and then started a dialogue with the delegates about the Security Council itself and its role. Although the conversation was limited in the beginning (most of themwere shy I guess) it slowly evolved into a lively conversation, with interesting points and questions made by the delegates representing Canada, Portugal and few others. Mrs. Maronkova was impressed by the well informed delegates and went on with emphasizing the political role of the NATO and briefly analyzed the form and the way it is organized. In the latter thirty minutes the Information Officer analyzed the committee’s two topics, crisis in Caucasus and naval strategies. I was trying really hard not to be distracted by the intense pink dress a middle-aged woman sitting next to me was wearing, in order to take some notes. I’m sure some of you spotted her in the Opening Ceremony. Anyhow, after concluding Mrs. Maronkova thanked everyone and wished them all the best of luck with their pursuit of their dream jobs. How inspiring is that?
Security Council When stepping into the Security Council, the so called heart of the United Nations , one faces bright delegates looking anxiously forward to a merciless debate just by taking a look at them. This year will probably be of top interest as it seems since the crisis in Caucasus is a rather hot issue , that dates back decades ago and was climaxed on the 7th of August , 2008 , when the Georgian military forces entered South Ossetia in an attempt to take control of the border town of Tskhinvali. It was a matter of time for Russia to react and therefore a situation was created in which the world community should pick a side. It will be very interesting to see how will the United States of America handle the issue those four days and if their way of practicing politics has changed along with their Presidency. What are the alliances going to be and what are the mostly discussed issues on the table of the Security Council ? you will find out in the next issue and since international relations never end we hope that the latest news will be internally remembered.
Gossips 1. It seems that in the far east they found the way to save the environment! The solution is having sex... 2. A commissioner had a seat waiting for him at dinner last night... A mediterranean girl kept it for him... 3. There were various compliments about how beautiful the delegation of Congo is... 4. One of the delegates of Moldavia should sleep more before the last General Assembly...
Thank YOU! ThessISMUN would like to thank: - The Greek Ministry of Education - The Rectorate of the University of Macedonia - Martinos Family for their every year donation in memory of their daughter, Athena - Boutaris Wines for supplying us with their wines - Kritiki publications - Consulate General of Cyprus - Michalis Kavouklis - Constantinos Spiliakos - Magda Tsakiri for making it all happen