THESSISMUN DAILY NEWS
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Editorial Committee reports UN news center headlines Figaro Time!!! Crisis in Security Council Dr. Miltiadis Sarigiannidis interview! I put a Spy on you!!!
Editorial…
Journalist Team
Honorable MUNers…. •
It seems like that Sessions come to the end, but still the majority of you has so much work to do… so, do not get too loose! Besides, Figaro, yesterday, was like an energy drink to you… Thanks to my Spies and my beloved Journos, we’ve got much more documents, details, rumors blah blah blah…than yesterday, so be prepared! And be aware that “No One escapes from a journalist’s pen!” Finally, we’d like to wish to Vassilis Paligiannis and Andreas Efthimiou, our beloved Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General respectively, have a good recovery…please, get well soon!!!
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contre la Torture •
Viktoria Kanata: Council of Europe
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Rafaella Tsertsidou:Human Rights Council
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See you around, Alexandra …xOxO
Mary Basdeki:1st Committee Vangelis Oikonomidis: CoEditor Stamatis Zachariadis: NAC Christina Chelioti: 3rd Committee Maria Oproglidou: ECOSOC Theodora Karakechaidou:Security Council Ziaka Alexandra: 2nd Committee Eleanna Psomiadou: Le Comité
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Alexandra Chatzopoulou: Editor Fotis Telloglou: our beloved Paparazzi and the Co-Co-Editor!!!
It’s happening today: UN News Centre • UN Human Rights Council calls for investigation into alleged abuses in Syria • DPR Korea: UN agencies begin emergency operations to feed 3.5 million people • Security Council and Secretary-General deplore deadly bombing in Morocco • As constitutional deadline looms in Nepal, Ban urges all sides to show flexibility • Ban presses for end to issue over name of former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia • Fighting near Libyan-Tunisian border leaves refugees at risk, according to the United Nations refugee agency It’s happening today: the world’s headlines • USA The New York Times: U.S. takes serious steps over crackdown by Syria • ASIA Xinhua News: Chinese, Indonesian leaders vow to boost bilateral cooperation • MIDDLE EAST Aljazeera: Fresh violence hits Syrian town • MIDDLE EAST The Jerusalem Post: Hamas official denies group leadership leaving Damascus • BURKINA FASO Fasozine: New Prime Minister, new social measures • SPAIN El País: Spain touches 5 million of unemployed • PORTUGAL Jornal de Negócios: Portuguese will learn to live with IMF • GREECE I Kathimerini: IMF-ECB-Commission troika is ready for a red card
1st Committee International Law Courses and Voting Results Liability The second day of the sessions is over; debates are even more heated, as the member States try hard to come up with a final resolution concerning the nuclear weapons issue that has been “torturing” the 1st Committee of the GA for two days now. During a moderated caucus, the ambassador of the Russian Federation announced that he would doubt the intelligence of the international community in case they did not approve of his proposal. Is Russia bullying Europe again? In case that his proposal does not pass, does that mean that we will be freezing for another winter without their gas? An anti-Russian wave came from the West culminating in France's accusation of the Russian Delegate's lack of knowledge in international law. In conclusion, the Russian Federation took the heavenly role of the angel of reason and refused the resolution, as it does not want to be “fooled” by Washington and Paris. Is the Russian Federation that just or are they just jealous for not fooling them first? Ironically or not, the Iraqi delegation was pushing for a non-nuclear Middle East, however not mentioning the fact that the Arab world does not cooperate with Israel -the only country that has a fully functioning nuclear program in the Middle East. A joint draft resolution was submitted by the US and France calling upon the EU and Arab countries to join in. In addition to the call, they reminded the Arab countries to stick with every aspect of their draft resolution. Concerning the voting procedure for a final resolution, the first round of voting resulted to 27 votes in favour and 27 against the first draft resolution by the US and France, a fact which means that either with the simple majority or with the 2/3 majority rule, this resolution fails. After an unpleasant argument arose between the board and the delegates, not only regarding the proper use of the rules of procedure by the chairlady, but also the credibility of the voting results, another round of voting followed, in which 28 member States voted in favour of the US/France submitted draft resolution. So was there actually a need for all these unpleasantries? By Mary J. Basdeki
2nd Committee Third session of the second committee finally started at half past nine. Firstly the delegates decided through a voting procedure to start with the first topic area which concerned the fragmentation of legal regimes as far as underwater cultural heritage (UCH) is concerned. Then, the debate began and in comparison with the second session, more delegates took the floor. During the lobbying, the majority of the delegates agreed with the statements of USA, which believes that we should apply to the UNCLO and the Convention that was signed by UNESCO in 2001. Additionally, USA claims that delegates should follow two main principles a) the preservation of UCH b) the prohibition of the private investments with some exceptions. However, as far as UCH is concerned, the delegation of Iran considers a UN’s priority the division of the Caspian Sea, in order to settle the international disputes, and also stated that Iran truly respects the values of UNESCO and UN’s treaties. After lunch time, USA and Iran decided to make a motion for a roll call vote for the two draft resolutions on the second topic area (the division of the Caspian Sea). After a brief debating of the clauses the majority of the delegates (32 nations) voted in favor of USA’s resolution. I have to mention that the atmosphere was rather friendly, as the delegate of Azerbaijan said that Russian’s Federation policy is extremist and communist. Once again, USA eventually misled other delegates, in order to “break” the socalled Russian’s Federation monopoly in the Caspian Sea. Now that the democratic measures proposed by Iran, Russian Federation and their allies were rejected, USA will be able to intervene in regional matters and eventually the other littoral countries won’t be benefited. By Alexanadra Ziaka izvestia
3rd Committee “Watch where you put your Signature…!” The second day of the committee’s session started with all the delegates present and -despite their night out- ready to discuss, amend and vote upon the first topic’s draft resolution. The debate soon got interesting as the two resolutions sponsored by USA and Iran divided the States as nuclear energy, international conventions and the role of the private sector were the “hot potato” issues for the third committee’s diplomats. Iran’s resolution was withdrawn, but the tension remained as certain states seemed to forget their country’s policy while others stated that the resolution proposed was “a proof to the belief that UN diplomats’ only role was to have coffee breaks and fill in empty pages” …However, despite all difficulties, the states introduced 17 amendments and finally, with 47 votes in favor, 8 against, approved the resolution. After giving their warm wishes to the UK for the wedding of its Royal Couple, the states moved on to the discussion of the second topic Area “Genetically Modified Food and the Right to Food”. As the diplomats were announcing their policies on the new topic, the third committee welcomed two unexpected visitors: the former Secretary General, Thekla Christina Zaharia and the former Chair of the Security Council, Christos Kiriakopoulos, who represented France and Israel for the last two sessions! The two MUN veterans gave a lesson of diplomacy while the committee discussed whether GMFs could be the solution to the global hunger problem or other ways could be a better alternative to the problem. Will tomorrow’s session be as interesting as today’s? Stay tuned and you’ll soon find out! By Christina Chelioti
Council of Europe We finally got it!! The Council of Europe counts its second day of “painful” negotiations. Once more, the Council was debating the topic of Roma and discrimination. In today’s session, France made clear that “healthcare for Roma is the most important issue to be discussed”, while Italy and Ukraine both proposed the registration of Roma. Meanwhile, Switzerland made an excellent remark by underlining the priority of informing Roma about their rights to healthcare. Furthermore, during this session, an important voting took place: voting for the Sponsor of the Recommendation, in which Finland was selected. As it was expected, on the way to the Recommendation, some amendments were proposed. Firstly, Russia, Slovenia and Finland suggested the creation of a new foundation for Roma, the development of public perceptions of Roma through activity programs, as well as the functional promotion of Roma political candidates. Secondly, Spain, Sweden and the Czech Republic supported the creation of an institution which would be able to promote Roma culture. Finally, Belgium, Luxemburg and Germany (with the consent of other countries) proposed some limits concerning the incoming of Roma flows, so as to improve their living conditions. A product of long discussion, the Recommendation of the Council of Europe was a reality, the decision taken by consensus! Despite the “triumph”, the Council managed to concentrate and start discussions on the second topic, “Disability and discrimination”. Go on, Council of Europe!!! By Viktoria Kanata
ECOSOC “And the two become one”- A story about newlyweds and working papers. An unmoderated caucus is never enough. A zillion unmoderated caucuses can do the work. One working paper was introduced and the two parties met halfway. Let’s put it the Chile way: “The 1st working paper is Kate, the 2nd is William and we have the wedding of Kate and William. Long live the couple!” Touching... Ecuador stated that this working paper started from a wrong basis and that they were not satisfied. Venezuela requested functional amendments. Pakistan looked to the future with optimism regarding the right to strike, Canada was completely satisfied with the reconciliation of both sides (by the way, Kate and William had split up and then reconciled). The at that time working paper later on became a draft, including clauses on special arbitration, security staff and several restrictions for workers when it comes to the right to strike. Chile expressed agreement with all countries “except of course the usual suspects” pointing at Ecuador. Delegation of Ecuador’s reaction was shocking! “We can’t cooperate with nations that have enforced dictators in our countries!” Canada believed there was room for even China to vote for this draft, but China had a different viewpoint (“This debate was useless!”). ECOSOC then moved to topic area A (International Health) but then again... back to the right to strike. There was a draft to vote on. Unfriendly amendments were considered such due to their more specific character that countries like USA, Canada and Pakistan stood against. However, Chile’s amendment passed regarding “bargaining that should only take place between workers and labour union of only their company” (left me wondering how will it be possible to have a national strike). 2 abstentions, 3 No and 40 Yes later, delegates were applauding on the final resolution of ECOSOC. International health is next in the agenda. Hopefully, they will reach consensus and I will cut down on these tranquillizers. By Maria Proglidou
HRC In the Human Rights Council the Islamic world firstly did not support the working paper submitted by the delegation of USA and expressed doubts about it, whilst the topic of the moderated caucus was Education and Intercultural Policy. The Republic of Chile stressed that everybody had to be creative and cooperative in order to find practical solutions for these substantial issues. Furthermore, the delegation of Bangladesh mentioned that they were ''open'' to intercultural dialogue and stressed that every single thought can be discussed in order to move forward and not backwards. Besides, the delegation of USA sponsored a draft committee report about this subject, which was strongly supported by the delegation of Brazil, the delegation of Spain and the delegation of Poland, who mentioned that the resolutions sponsored by the USA was a product of cooperation between the member-states. Furthermore, the delegation of Belgium expressed its satisfaction about the initiatives that the resolution sponsored by the delegation of USA offered. This resolution was unanimously passed. Then the HRC discussed about the Freedom of Religion and Intercultural Policy and the delegation of UK and Jordan submitted their working papers. The delegation of Jordan expressed its deep concern for those countries, which do not give to some people the freedom to express their religion, such as the fact that Muslim women are forced not to wear the burke in public, because this is a kind of discrimination. For the same topic the delegation of Qatar stressed that unfortunately they had not any rights for women because of the religion and that they wanted to change this situation, while the delegation of Maldives mentioned that the official and dominant religion in Maldives is Islam and as a result the freedom of religion is restricted. Finally, the delegation of Bangladesh underlined that they are facing problems by the extremists, which they are trying to solve, and in conclusion the draft committee report, which was sponsored by UK, clearly passed. By Rafaella D. Tsertsides.
Le comité contre la torture Le comité a très bien travaillé lors des séances matinales et celle de l’aprèsmidi, dirigé par la baguette magique du Président et de la Présidente. Le travail a continué même pendant toute la soirée, quand le comité a prouvé de disposer les meilleurs danseurs…Même les experts venus de Paris, ayant déjà une réputation à la danse classique, ont excellé au tsifteteli… De surcroît, un sujet tel que la torture peut parfois entraîner des amours…car l’amour est sans doute une forme de torture…Vous pouvez imaginer les autres ! Passons maintenant aux choses sérieuses : à l’ordre du jour, le comité a étudié la situation actuelle au Djibouti concernant l’application de la convention contre la torture et autre peines ou traitements cruels, inhumains ou dégradants. Le comité, tenant compte de la situation actuelle dans le pays : A) Propose que la torture constitue une infraction absolue de sorte, qu’elle soit sanctionnée à la peine maximale. B) Supporte l’élimination des actes ou décisions arbitraires de la part de la gendarmerie, de la police nationale et des forces armées par le biais des campagnes lancées par des ONG afin de sensibiliser le public en matière de droits de l’homme et de respect de la dignité de l’individu. Voilà quelques unes des clauses à retenir. Une remarque finale : le communiqué final a été voté à l’unanimité. Par Eleanna Psomiadou.
NAC On Friday the committee introduced the Draft CommuniquĂŠ on the topic of cyber warfare. The debate was focused on whether Russia and China should be considered as the states that are most likely to pose a cyber threat. The debate was endless until the French delegate cried out ''Why not Africa??''!!! Additionally the delegate of the UK came against his Italian counterpart asking him to reveal his source of knowledge over the Chinese and Russian informatics. After overcoming the last obstacles and through several amendments NAC succeeded in being the first committee to pass the CommuniquĂŠ. Moving on to the introduction of the second topic on the Environmental Security, the Secretary General called the delegates not to over expand on the issue. During an unmoderated caucus the delegate of Belgium managed to gather all the proposals from the delegates and came up with a working paper ensuring lifetime gratitude from the Council with every delegate thanking her personally........how touching!!! In the meantime Greece nearly caused a diplomatic episode with Turkey bringing up the issue of the exploitation of the Aegean Sea. All indicators show that the last day will be glorious. By Stamatis Zachariadis
Security Council I’m back! Missed me? The beginning of the third day of the session began really unexpected. A crisis occurred by 10:40 in the morning and was about a bomb attack to a hospital in which some diplomatic staff of UK, USA and France had find temporary shelter. An hour later and while the discussions were on concerning this matter, the delegates saw a video from BBC news which informed them a little bit more about the subject. The delegates invited to the council the delegate of Syria so as to give some further information concerning crisis. When the delegation arrived, there was an obvious and direct attack against him by some delegation, as it was expected, especially when the delegate of Syria stated “we condemn every nation which interferes to other nations by sending secret agencies as Israel did”. After the Syrian ambassador left the procedure continued normally and they focused on the crisis occurred. At 6:00 pm another crisis came into the house and announced to the delegates that officers of the Syrian Government proceeded to the execution of the alleged secret service agents from USA and Israel who were arrested earlier that afternoon. The Syrian delegation came again into the house, after it was requested, and when the delegate of UK asked him what is the reason of this action (execution), he answered “If you are looking for the reason you should look next to you (USA) or next to me (Israel)” considering the involvement of their secret agencies to Syria’s national subjects. Let’s see what the next plan is…. By Theodora Karakechaidou
The first day of ThessISMUN 2011 included, among others, the introduction of each committee's topics. Mr Miltiadis Sarigiannidis, Lecturer in International Public Law at the Law Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, briefly introduced the topics to be discussed during the 1st GA Committee sessions. He was very willing to answer to all the questions the delegates might have and they were very interested to listen to his statements. Below there are the comments Mr Sarigiannidis made about the 2011 Conference and the DISEC's topics. -How would you describe ThessISMUN, an institution which already counts ten years of existence? -In my view, Professor Perraki's initiative to establish such an important academic institution has proved to be, not only very successful in terms of participation, but also beneficial for every student who is interested in international issues and wishes to learn the procedures and function of the UN organs. I must admit that I wish I had also been given the opportunity to participate in a United Nations simulation, as a university student. In fact, I have already proposed Professor Perraki that a Security Council simulation takes place, with the participation of academic professors as delegates, since many of the Members of the Academic Board of THESSisMUN share my enthusiasm and would absolutely enjoy being part of a UN simulation even for an afternoon session. -What is your opinion concerning the two topics which DISEC (1st GA Committee) is going to deal with in this year's ThessISMUN? -Starting with the 2010 review of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, I have to admit it is a “hot” issue, but, to be honest, what I expect to come out of its discussion is the revision of what State parties have already discussed in the past, without any important clue addition or removal. Furthermore, the request of certain States to be recognized as legitimate holders of nuclear weapons (eg Pakistan) would result to the understatement of the NPT and, at the same time, to the political upgrade of their status, even though they have violated a treaty. So given that the nuclear powers are not willing to challenge the balance of power by sharing their nuclear oligopoly, I do not expect any major shifts. As far as the second topic is concerned, the flotilla incident of May 2010, I am very optimistic about the hard debating on it. It is not only an issue that engages Israel and Turkey. On the contrary, it is the motive for the beginning of the discussion over matters, such as the “Mavi Marmara” humanitarian intentions, the legitimacy and practices of the Hamas authorities at the Gaza Strip, the overall regime of the Palestinian occupied territories, and of course the Israeli “land for security” policy. By Mary J. Basdeki
BREAKING NEWS: CRISIS IN SYRIA! The whole world is keeping its breath as an unprecedented crisis is unfolding in the Security Council. It all began yesterday morning, while SC was in session discussing sanctions against Iran. A news report from Reuters was distributed to the members of the Council, saying that a bomb blasted at a hospital in demonstrations-ridden Syria. The hospital was bearing the Red Cross emblem, treating wounded anti-government protestors and offering shelter to foreign journalists and diplomatic staff from the embassies of USA, the UK and France. Immediate condemnations of the attack were issued by the Secretary-General of the UN, foreign governments and the EU, putting the responsibility on the Syrian government. Syria, with tacit support from Iran, responded by arresting American and Israeli citizens, accused of spying against the government and having organised the attack. With the debate heating up, shocking news of the execution of the alleged secret agents came in. ThessISMUN Daily News has the exclusive statements of the delegates of two of the main actors, Iran and Israel. IRAN “[…] As the only proposal in the Security Council [on the issue of sanctions against Iran] was submitted by Russia, China, South Africa, India and Lebanon (with the support of Iran), a bomb blast occurred in Damascus killing numerous foreign citizens. The Syrian authorities capture the responsible people who belonged to the secret agencies of the United States and Israel. After a fair trial the terrorists were executed making the debate in the Council to be even more heated. The session yesterday was finished with the Security Council states interviewing the ambassador of Syria. No major breakthrough was achieved in the end however signs of a military intervention were mentioned. The reply from Tehran was more than clear- in case that the Western powers and the Zionist regime decide on invading another Muslim state, the Iranian government will step in militarily and defend them from more suffering. Nemanja Shukalo-Ambassador of Iran”
ISRAEL “The Jewish State of Israel condemns the bombing attack in the Hospital and expresses its deep condolences to the families of the victims. This act was one of the many attempts of the Syrian Presidents to remain in power. The Israeli civilians captured by the Syrian authorities were under no circumstances associated with the military or intelligence agencies of Israel. They were just tourists returned home from Damascus due to the violent suppression of the democratic protests by President Assad and his tyrannical regime. Those innocent Israeli civilians were subjected to tortures, they were denied access to food and water and despite the fact that the Jewish State of Israel requested their IMMEDIATE release; the regime decided to host an undercover fake speed trial and convicted them to death. Israel strongly CONDEMNS the execution of innocent civilians and the propaganda of the Syrian regime and the CLEAR violation of human rights and humanitarian law. Nikos Papadopoulos, Ambassador of Israel
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•Which is the most female dominated committee? The 3 ??!! Lucky you, Chairs!! •Last night, delegates’ approach to certain Chairs was very direct and definitely not
for committee reasons..!! •Many dance talents were discovered… especially the PGA!!! •The honorable Chair of the CoE burnt the dance floor… along with the respectable chair of the HRC!!! •Figaro in the rhythm of Syrtaki… •Which one of the Co-Chairs was in a flirty/drunk mood last night? Alcohol did its job pretty well… •“Draft resolutions preparation is a committee work and not homework, honorable delegates.” The 3rd Committee Chairperson tried to make himself clear… •The HRC’s Chair photo which was published in the yesterday’s paper was a success, since his mobile phone wouldn’t stop ringing… •Facebook and SC’s board have a very close tie. •After all, the sessions are very tiring. CoE’s Delegation of France is looking for a massage…. •Last night, Spain and Switzerland negotiations in Figaro club came up promising for further diplomatic relations between the countries… •Another type of motion was incorporated in Council of Europe’s rules of procedure, the Macarena dance motion. So in order!! Thank you, Delegate of Turkey for introducing it! nd •The Delegate of the UK in the 2 Committee declares loyal in his relationship. rd •Making out outside the 3 Committee’s room is in order. “Keep walking…” •Honorable Vice-Chair of the HRC, being late is not in order, you now have to buy your Chair a bar of chocolate!! •Stylish and unique was characterized the Russian Delegate’s look. Security Council fashionista!! •Iran bribed their allies with candy and rainbow to avoid sanctions impose. •Beauty contest among working papers. The Delegation of Germany thinks the SC’s working paper is pretty… :-) •France: We do not understand why the Delegation of Iran participates that much during the sessions. •Iran: The fact that I am talkative is just called having a good defense. Sorry for caring too much according to you for our people. If you would like to enhance your diplomatic skills then I recommend attending the summer diplomatic school in Tehran! nd •2 Committee’s staff member seems to be very helpful with a specific delegate. Sweet discrimination… st •Czech Republic in the 1 Committee in the role of Casanova, especially in the third committee..: «Nikos, nice to meet you…”
FOLLOWING THE ADVICE OF MS. Perraki!!!!!!!