THESSISMUN DAILY NEWS
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Editorial Honoring Dr. Constantin Economides Opening Ceremony Dr. Perrakis’s Interview Welcome Dinner Party Committee News
Editorial
Journalist Team
Honourable MUNers, welcome! In its 10th anniversary, ThessISMUN celebrates its birthday and the Daily News is here to cover the party! New friends, social events, heated debates are all here, promising sleepless nights and unforgettable moments… For those who join the party for the first time, cheers buddies!! As long as you’re able to stand on your feet in the daily roll-call, no worries… Don’t forget to speak up, it’s time for you -yes, YOU!- to take the floor and make your voice heard! And once meetings are adjourned, time to relax, eat something and then straight to the social events… For those who have participated before –and they t h i n k they know- ThessIS is here to surprise you again! Indulge yourself in halllara: the essence of Thessaloniki, its core value and philosophy, impossible to translate it in English (ask a Greek friend to explain); sit back, relax and enjoy life. Yes, you’re a true Thessalonikian, A TRUE ThessISMUNER!!! Dear friends, have fun! And be aware, anywhere you go, anything you do, a journalist is there to spy on you! See you, Alexandra
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Mairi Basdeki:1st Committee Vangelis Oikonomidis: CoEditor Stamatis Zachariadis: NAC Christina Chelioti: 3rd Committee
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Maria Oproglidou: ECOSOC Theodora Karakechaidou:Security Council Ziaka Alexandra: 2nd Committee Evaggelia Psomiadou: Le Comité contre la Torture Viktoria Kanata: Council of Europe Rafaella Tsertsidou:Human Rights Council Alexandra Chatzopoulou: Editor Fotis Telloglou: our beloved Paparazzi and the Co-Co-Editor!!!
Vangelis Oikonomidis is studying (or just claims so!) at the Department of International and European Studies, University of Macedonia. Fond of languages, he has decided to make a turn in his career in ThessISMUN 2011, pretending this time to be a… journalist :) Maria Basdeki is a graduating student at the Law Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has already attended several UN Models, mostly in Europe, but this is her second time as part of the press team and her first time in ThessIS. Rafaella D. Tsertsides comes from Thessaloniki. She is studying in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Faculty of Law. She is in the third year of studying and she is really interested in Public International Law. Journalism has always been something intriguing for her, as she has always been keen on researching about the latest global events. That’s why she chose to be a journalist in Thessis MUN 20011.
It’s happening today: from the UN news centre
• Syrian army carrying out 'major military operation' against key city, according to UN official • UN rights expert urges Algerian Government to probe killing of political activist Christina Chelioti is very excited to participate as a • Libya: UN human rights panel journalist at this year’s ThessISMUN. She is studying begins investigation into abuses Law in Democritus University of Thrace. She is inter- • UN increasingly using social ested in the field of international relations and diplomedia to publicize its work, senior macy. official says • Sexuality education costMaria Oproglidou is studying Law in Democritus University of Thrace and she’s from Thessaloniki and effective when mandatory and integrated, according to UN study wishes you “Have Fun!!!” • UN official urges greater effort Ziaka Alexandra:is studying Faculty of Law in the by private and public sectors to National and Kapodistrian University of Athfight corruption ens.Furthermore,during the previous summer she attended a three-week course in the youth enterpnership • Progress on key UN resolution school,which is a programme organised by the the de- impeded by Lebanon’s political crisis, says Ban partment of administrative science and technology of • Developing economies emerge the economic univeristy of athens. as main source of foreign direct Theodora Karakechaidou: is studying Journalism in investment, according to UN report Aristotle’s University of Thessaloniki and she has par- • UN cites urgent need to boost ticipates in many MUNs. humanitarian aid in aftermath of Ivorian crisis Alexandra Chatzopoulou: is studying Law in Aris• Armed groups in Central Afritotle’s University of Thessaloniki an hopes that can Republic continue to recruit ThessisMUN is going to ROCK! children, says UN report Sri Lanka: UN rights chief urges further probes into reports of war crimes
The welcoming speech of ThessISMUN 2011 was given by Professor P. Naskou-Perraki, Chief Academic Officer and “mother” of Thessaloniki’s MUN. In her speech, Professor Perraki expressed her joy for that ThessISMUN, in its 10th anniversary, welcomes more than 400 students from all universities of Greece and from 28 foreign universities. She also mentioned the support of ThessISMUN to new Student Models in the region. Professor Perraki finally reminded us the “sideeffects” of ThessISMUN, saying that “I am in favour of love affairs between participants”, which once even made possible an alliance between Iran and the US…
Then it was the turn of the Rector of the University of Macedonia, Mr. Yannis Hajidimitriou, to welcome this year’s participants. Mr. Hajidimitriou considers ThessISMUN to be a unique experience for the better understanding of the world of international organisations. He also added that it helps create fruitful relationships between participants…
The speech of Mr. Constantin P. Economides, to whom ThessISMUN 2011 is dedicated, was read by Mr. Stelios Perrakis, Professor at Panteion University. Professor Perrakis first gave a cheerful call to young participants, reminding them that future lies in their hands, before proceeding with a creative mix of languages and the bold reading of Mr. Economides’ speech. After the opening addresses of the Secretary General Mr. Vasileios Paligiannis and of the President of the General Assembly Ms. Konstantina Tsiki, it was time for the G.A. to formally begin its works with the speeches of the ambassadors of member states. The overall quiet presentations were interrupted by moments of tension… Highlights: • The US delegation’s reply to Iran: “We won’t accept any other wanna-be nuclear powers. OK???” • One more episode in the row between Greece and FYROM, the latter “forgetting” to use its official name. • A minor lapse made Turkmenistan a member of the United States…
Dr Constantin Economides, a member of the International Law Commission between 1997 and 2001, and between 2003 and 2006, gave us yesterday a very inspirational speech over the Draft Articles on State Responsibility, which was adopted in 2001 by the Committee. In his speech he claims that over this Draft Articles there are Positive and Negative aspects! As far as the Positive aspects are concerned, the Draft Articles: A)Codifies rules of Customer International Law and facilitates their implementation. B)Points out the meaning of the obligations of states vis-a-bis international society as a whole. However the international obligations vis-à-vis the international community as a whole are those which are of obligatory nature, jus cogens, such as, the obligations of Article 40 which are owed to the international community as a whole. C)The peremptory norms of international law (jus cogens). These norms are an indivisible part of the international legal order and the obligations that arise from these they are legally superior. They also eliminate every other international obligation, conventional, customary, institutional or of any other nature. D)The special regime of responsibility for serious breaches of obligations which arise from the jus cogens rules. This regime, according to which all states bear special responsibility vis-à-vis the victim state and the responsible state, we believe that it is the most important innovation of the Draft Articles E)The system of responsibility ceases to be a separate system; a system of specific responsibility for serious breaches adds to the general regime (moving from the “individual” to the “collective”). F)Provides that “a breach of international law by a State entails its international responsibility”. This provision, which is amazingly clear and simple, is relevant from all points of view for a number of reasons. As far as the Negative aspects are concerned, Dr. C.Economides believes that there is no provision on the obligations of means and the obligations of results. In particular: A)The prevalence of unilateral action as countermeasures with regard to the obligation of dispute-settlement. B)The lack of procedures for the settlement of disputes which arise from the interpretation or the implementation of its provisions shows another weakness in the Draft Articles 54-60 (accompanied by 2 Annexes), which are dedicated to dispute-settlement and they were not adopted in the final text. In the end of his speech Dr. C. Economides concludes that although Ten years have been passed from the beginning of Draft Articles, the General Assembly still has not adopted it. So he urges them not to make any changes to the Draft Articles, but to adopt it and to promote three special duties: a. to draft the text of the preamble, b. to draft the final provision of the Convention, c. to develop a dispute-settlement mechanism.
Do the International Organizations promote their interests and the interests of the member states? To what extent does the agenda of international organizations overlap with the agenda of member states? Indeed, the agendas of both international organizations and member states should be balanced. However, it seems to be that there is a contradictory element between the principles and objectives of international Organizations and member states’ interests. In state practice this is far more evident. As the international community evolves and international organizations become more functional, i.e. majority voting decision-making, international organizations are able to decide and to provide guidelines on certain issues; thus, member states’ interests may water down. On the other hand, member states are a priori subject to control by international organisations’ institutions or mechanisms, i.e. these mechanisms monitor whether member states comply with their obligations. For example, the UN Convention on the Prohibition of Torture (1984) has established a Committee which monitors the fulfillment of member states’ obligations through country-visits, receiving states’ reports, and the examination of individual and interstate communications. So, in essence states’ agendas, whether they like it or not, have to be in accordance with the agendas of international organizations. Please note, that international organizations are a constitutive part of international community. And therefore, international organizations and their mechanisms/institutions commit member states to a mutual promotion of interests.
Mr Perrakis, you are the plenipotentiary of Greece’s intervention in the case of International Court of Justice between Germany and Italy! Any comments on the subject? Well, this case concerns war crimes (holocaust, genocide, etc) which were committed by German officials during the World War II against Italian and Greek nationals and the compensations that Italy has requested from Germany. In this case, Greece has intervened on behalf of the descendants of the victims of the famous ‘Distomo’s Massacre’. Due to political complications in the past the victims did not file a complaint. And I believe that the victims of the German atrocity must be compensated, even in this way.
So, the challenge in case is whether the extraterritorial responsibility of a state can be upheld or not given the evolution of the concept state immunity in contemporary international law! As far as this case is concerned, we must submit a memorandum until 6th May in reply to Germany and Italy’s statements concerning Greece’s intervention. The ICJ will consider whether to allow for Greece’s intervention. If so, it remains to be seen what arguments Greece will put before the Court, and what the political cost of this intervention will be. I wish the best for the outcome of this case. Would you like to give any advice to ThessisMUNers? The only piece of advice that I could offer to our beloved ThessisMUNers is that all participants should enjoy MUN with the full warmth and enthusiasm of their youth in order to be rich in experience and knowledge! You should keep in mind that every single one of you can work in UN! It is an organization that offers many opportunities to all of you! The only thing that matters is your goals: to move on in your life! Because without goals you can’t accomplish anything in your life! You’re the stamina of humanity…you will define your fate!
Thessaloniki, 27 April - 1 May 2011 Congratulations on taking part in the Model United Nations. This experience will give you a full taste of the complexity of international relations - the intricacies of negotiating among diverse peoples and perspectives, the challenges of achieving consensus, the patience required to win progress. These skills will help you in whatever course you choose in life.
I trust you have all heard the saying, “united we stand, divided we fall”. That adage captures this moment in international affairs. No single country or group, no matter how powerful, can take on the major issues of the day alone. In an era when challenges spill over borders and have global reach, our future depends on how well we work together. We must unite to overcome climate change, and create a greener, more sustainable world for all. We must work in unison to defeat extreme poverty and build a more just and prosperous world. And we must stand up for human beings in crisis -- people caught up in war or disasters, or those whose fundamental rights are being infringed. You are an important part of the solution. The world needs your active engagement. I urge you to use the knowledge and skills you gain from this Model UN and other pursuits to advance the objectives of the United Nations. After all, you will soon be the government officials who will negotiate peace… the community leaders who will help feed and shelter the vulnerable … the entrepreneurs and innovators who will get carbon emissions under control … the lawyers and human rights defenders who will fight injustice, impunity and intolerance. But, of course, your influence is already making a difference. Recent events around the world demonstrate once again the power of young people to take the initiative and turn the tides of history. Technology, awareness, activism and a commitment to social justice are all combining to provide young people with a voice like never before. The world must take account of those voices and the legitimate aspirations of young people everywhere for opportunity and dignity. Please keep working with us, pushing us and inspiring us. Above all, help shape our world for the better; help us meet the collective tests of our times; and help the United Nations deliver what the world needs at this crucial moment. Please accept my best wishes for a rewarding Model UN.
BAN Ki-moon
1st Committee:Mock session's topic in 1st GA committee was of course “Who is going to pay on the first date?”. Many countries stated their positions, among them, Cuba, who stated that a new constitution is established instead of dating, that is just having sex. Canada was wondering who is going to pay when a couple of the same sex dates, whereas Egypt and Iran were totally against dating, as marriage is the only accepted step for a couple. By Mary Basdeki 2nd Committee:Finally, the first day of ThessISmun conference began. Second committee was gathered for its first session and, as usual, the jitters and giggles of the delegates began. Mrs Zervaki presented the two quite challenging topics of the committee. The first one has to do with the protection of underwater cultural heritage of coastal states and the second one is related to the division of Caspian seas resources between littoral states around the region. Then on, she wished delegates an interesting and productive debate. Afterwards, delegates played an ice-breaking game which entertained us all. Chairs confessed their weakness (chocolate) and gave delegates a bribing idea. Finally, the funny part of the first day was when delegates decided to debate on the matter ‘Justin Beiber Vs Mily Cyrus’! By Alexandra Ziaka 3rd Committee:The first session of the third committee started in a friendly atmosphere ,with the Chairs ,who welcomed the delegates and briefly introducing the topics : Renewable Energy Sources and Sustainable Development as well as Food Crisis : Distribution of Genetically Modified Food and the right to Food. Dr. Kalliopi Chainoglou, commented that she hopes the committee will achieve “the drafting of a resolution witch will address the right to food of all people, including the right of indigenous peoples and poor people; a draft resolution which will incorporate the outcomes of the Advisory Group on Energy and Climate Change –namely, universal access to modern energy sources, a 40% increase in energy efficiency”. After an individual introduction of the delegates, the Chairs gave their own a creative finale to the committee’s session by presenting a slide show of “5+1” tips of what the delegates should do and avoid during an MUN conference! They encouraged them to be diplomatic, speak up, and be formally dressed, not to interrupt the speakers and above all, enjoy and have fun during the sessions. By Christina Chelioti Council of Europe:During today’s first Committee Session the main topics that are going to be discussed were settled. Firstly, this year the delegates of “ COUNCIL OF EUROPE ” will discuss about disabled people and the situation of Rom in Europe,focusing especially on the discrimination both those categories of people face. The purpose is to find solutions and make the dream for a better and fair world become the tomorrow’s reality. As Mrs Kandylaki mentioned those two topics have a common point : “the discrimination and the need of a great effort in order to face it.” ,underlining that the emphasis should be given to education : “If we want to have equality we should first develop an inclusive education” By Viktoria Kanata
ECOSOC: The first day of ThessISMUN started full of energy and in the spirit of hard work. ECOSOC for this year is going to face two very important and crucial topics in her agenda! The first agenda topic is relevant to the ‘Global Public Health’ and the second one to ‘Financial Crisis and Right to Strike: is it an Abuse or not?’ This year ECOSOC hosted Dr. Stavros Katsios, Associate Professor of Ionion University. Dr. Katsios, mainly, focused on the second agenda topic and he claimed that Financial Crisis is something global, a social crisis, which must be faced with long-term policies, in order to find efficient and effective solutions! As far as the Right to Strike is concerned, Dr. Katsios supported that the Right to Strike is a human right and any problems, which are relative to labor rights, are concerned as domestic problems, which must be faced with the prospective of Development. By Alexandra Chatzopoulou Human Rights Council:In the Human Rights Committee Dr Nikos Zaikos Assistant Professor in the University of Western Macedonia. According to Dr. Zaikos the obligation of the Human Rights Council at present is only to make recommendations and adopt decisions and resolutions. But the most crucial function of this organ is double, to protect the notion of the states interest and to participate in an international forum in order to reach a certain goal. All these efforts must be based on Good Faith, according to the statements of Dr Nikos Zaikos , if we are to achieve such goals. In conclusion, all the participants introduced their selves and their countries and posed some questions to the board in order to understand and clarify the whole procedure a little bit better. By Rafaella Tsertsides NAC:The guest speaker urged the delegates to be accurate and pragmatic over the discussion on the topics. He underlined the asymmetric threat posed by cyber warfare and pointed out that adversaries don't have to purchase expensive devices to threaten the Alliance and that they can interrupt the operational capability of the Alliance's missions. He also stated that some governments have already the capacity to disrupt the intelligence networks of the Allies and that cyber warfare is used primarily for espionage. He suggested that industry and the commercial sector may contribute valuably to NATO's efforts in countering cyber attacks. Lastly, the Alliance must strengthen its human capital and deepen or even institutionalize its cooperation with rising powers. By Stamatis Zachariades Security Council:During the committee gathering, chairs and delegates introduce their self’s to each other and let us know some of their hobbies. The chairs of the S.C., Miss Kosmidou and Miss Anja Novak welcome to the Council Mr Kouskouvelis who is a professor at the University of Macedonia. He introduced his self and he said a few things about his UN career. His knowledge concerning the UN and especially the S.C. really impressed us. To begin with, he claimed that this Council “is where the power lies” and justified that sentence saying that after its establishment, S.C. had some really important issues to face and of course that the main deference between S.C. and the other Committees is that its decisions are obligatory. After that, he continued with explaining some really important rules of procedure from the U.N. Charter. He also made clear to the delegates how to use the right of veto and when it can be put. Finally, Mr Kouskouvelis was open to questions and the delegate of China asked if the right of Veto is concerned as an advantage or disadvantage and the answer was that it is depending on the side each one sees it. By Theodora Karakechaidou
Le Comité contre la torture:Le Comité contre la torture a commencé ses travaux avec une adresse de M. Charalambos Goussios, Professeur Assistant au Département des Etudes Internationales et Européennes à l’Université de Pirée, suivie par une brève présentation des participants. M. Goussios a commenté que “C’est la première fois qu’un comité de ThessISMUN se déroule en langue française. Ainsi, une vingtaine d’experts et d’observateurs de par le monde entier sont appelés à débattre pour les quatre jours à venir un sujet à la fois très important et d’actualité: celui de la torture. Les travaux de la première journée étaient productifs: la présidence du comité, après avoir explique les règles de procédure, a procédé a une brève étude de cas, juste pour briser la glace. Son sujet était de savoir si les homosexuels peuvent adopter un enfant.” Après la discussion et un caucus immodéré de courte durée, les deux groupes formés ont présentés leurs positions, le manque de temps empêchant la rédaction d’un communiqué commun. Par Vangelis Oikonomidis