Honest Opinion

I realize that SFU MUN has been over for a number of days now, and our minds are already elsewhere and disinterested in this blog. For those though who have a bit of nostalgia left after what seemed like a too quick three days, I couldn't resist throwing this out into the blogosphere.

As my first time attending a MUN conference I’d just like to say it was an amazing learning experience, and I am sure even the most veteran of munsters continue to learn. The combination of high school students, graduate students, science majors, engineering majors, and those polisci and is/ir people, made for an interesting dynamic. I wish everyone who took part in this diverse conference the best of luck!

Don’t forget, if you want Vancouver to be next year’s World Mun visit:

http://vancouver2012.org

Alina Anghel

SFUMUN Feedback Survey

Don't forget to let us know what you thought of the conference.
This will constantly be at the top of this page so do not forget to scroll down to view the news.
Click here:

Survey

A marvelous conference brought to an end

RunTao Gong- Fox News

The excitement and enthusiasm of SFUMUN 2011 were finally brought to an end. Both delegates and the secretariats really enjoyed the conference and it was truly a remarkable experience for all as the dais of the security council quoted, "filled with fruitful discussions."

Organizers of other MUN's also came and gave their words about SFUMUN and advertised for their MUN s. In general, there's many more opportunities to be exploited and the spirit of Model UN will not end.

USG Basak Kalkavan came and gave her words of encouragement. "we can be the leaders of tomorrow because everything is at our hands." She talked about the current situation in Egypt and Tunisia and stressed the importance of changing the world through every single individuals' efforts. She also commended on the delegates' excellence, commitment, and professionalism throughout the weekend. It was truly fantastic.

Then came the awards. Followed by waves of applauses and cheers. Maybe that is always the most exciting and nerve cracking moments of MUN.

That was the true genius of MUN. It truly inspire every single one of us. As the young diplomats leave SFUMUN 2011, they will carry the things that they've learned throughout the week and utilize their newly-developed skills and better serve our community.

SFUMUN News Bloopers - Viewer Discretion is Advised

Screw ups by Adam, Mike, and Aaron.
Corse Language - Viewer discretion is strongly advised.

Are The Internet And Social Networking Sites Essential to Democratic Movements Such as in Iran, Egypt, and Tunisia. The general Assembly Nearly Says No.

Charles Arthur-The New York Times

In closing moments of the SFUMUN, the General Assembly nearly agreed to give states authority to shut down internet in the event of a crisis similar to the protests that many Middle Eastern countries have experienced. Media democracy activists have responded with outrage at this attempt to stifle the democratic potential of digital media and social networking sites.

Israel Still on the Map?

Ahmadinejad is confused by talks of a two-state solution

Ticking Clock as WTO Comes Closer to Finalizing Papers on Multinational Corporation Regulations

Syntyche Smith

Argentina and Brazil discuss MNC regulations












After having tabled the discussion of MNC regulations at the beginning of deliberations, the WTO came back to the topic as of yesterday afternoon’s session. After two days of successful deliberation with one resolution passed yesterday, the discussion now revolves around finalizing and passing two papers to address the issues surrounding MNCs.

U.S. Saudia Arabia and Russia Delegates
The first paper represents a set framework for dealing with MNCs and is supported by China, Brazil and Japan. The ten core principles propose to address human rights, anti-corruption and environmental responsibilities of MNCs. The second paper sponsored by the The U.S., Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Russia sets forth necessary incentives to encourage MNCs to follow the principles described in the first paper. The proposed incentives include tax benefits, credit systems and seals of approval. Together, both papers seek to establish guidelines as well as a system of adherence and enforcement.

Although France is content that there is a motion towards a basic framework, it finds no satisfaction with the proposals of the first paper, as it is “not comprehensive enough.” Hungary, Greece and surprisingly Iran-who continues to bring up the irrelevant issue of sanctions- supports this view, and in the last moments of deliberation, appear to be working towards an interesting coalition.

With less than 10 minutes before the ending of this final session of the WTO deliberations, the passing of a resolution requires rapid, effective communication and swift voting.

Progress taking place in WHO

RunTao Gong - Fox News

The committee of WHO moved on to discuss the topic of combating HIV/AIDS. Good progress is being made right now and open and candid conversation is taking place. During the unmoderated caucus, delegates gathered to discuss and communicate with each other, in search of a compromise and a common ground.

Some of the proposed actions include implementing education regarding these detrimental diseases and raise public awareness. Many factors leading to these diseases include "unprotected intercourse and the lack use of condoms," as noted by the delegate of United Kingdom.

At the same time, the committee is also looking forward to a short term resolution. The delegate of India proposed to implement a surveillance system before taking further actions.

While the regular business is all taking place, there are some events occurring behind the stage. Apparently, the honorable delegate of Russia sent a note to the delegate of Uganda, saying "Poor you." This was obviously offensive and the Uganda delegate later remarked as being "deeply insulted."

Without a doubt, the spirit of unity and cooperation will always precede division and separation. And accordance must be achieved before any meaningful progress can be made.

The Popes Statement On Condoms May Change HIV AIDS Prevention In Catholic Countries And The WHO

Charles Arthur-The New York Times

In a UN summit overshadowed by the Small pox crisis, many discussions were tabled. In the WHO HIV AIDS is being addressed with very little time left and will likely not yield results. The recent statement by Pope Benedict XVI that it is acceptable for prostitutes to use condoms to prevent HIV may induce the support of Catholic nations for an HIV prevention program focused on providing condoms for prostitutes in aids ridden countries.

The delegate from Columbia said that the development will have a definite effect on his nation’s ability to take a supportive position on any resolution containing condoms as an HIV AIDS preventative tool. The delegate from Mexico, another Catholic country with a less conservative stance on these issues than some other Latin American countries stated that she believed the change in Vatican policy will have a positive effect on HIV AIDS prevention.

Protests in Israel against a Two State Solution

Israeli protestors voice their displeasure. (Haaretz Photo)

Shlomo Blechmann

Due to the speed of social media, Isralis have heard the news of the Security Councils agreement for a two state solution. People are leaving their offices and food stalls to protest this decision. There are rumours the military may join in on these protests.

Call for 1967 Borders

Shadyar Shirmast, Pravda News- Russia




"If a man steals 100 oxen and offers to return 50 to you- those are not 'concessions', that is 'half-theft'."





The PLO expresses its concerns over the "window-dressing" that Israel has offered in the form of economic developments along the West Bank and Gaza in its negotiations with the Palestinean Authority. Though these negotiations are considered to be a welcome step according to the PLO, it would consider concessions such as the removal of the Israeli West Bank Barrier as truly "meaningful". Above all a call for the 1967 borders have been made and remains among the most important goals of the PLO.

Supporting international aggression by the Egyptian military with American money

Blatant Egyptian unilateralism retroactively approved by the Security Council

Mitch Kelsey, Al Jazeera

The Security Council has affirmed the legitimacy of the Egyptian military's intervention in Gaza. The discussion that preceded this resolution saw opposition only from the special representative of the PLO, the permanent and elected members of the council recognized this unilateral action after it happened. Although the PLO representative was apprehensive, he did mention that Palestinians would prefer Egyptian occupation than Israeli especially if it leads to the recognition of a Palestinian state.

AP Photo Collection: 12 February

The Associated Press has just uploaded a collection of photographs from the second day of SFUMUN 2011. Head here to view the highlights of the Opening Ceremony, and meetings of the Security Council, WTO, and evening press conference at the Blarney Stone.

The goings-ons at the General Assembly

Charlotte McQuillen, BBC News

The first part of today’s committee session in the General Assembly was devoted to discussing draft resolutions concerning secessionist movements. Two papers were originally brought up, one sponsored by the United States of America, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, and the other sponsored by Madagascar and Malaysia.

As the draft from the USA, UK, and UAE was presented, there seemed to be a general dislike of the paper from the rest of the General Assembly. Many commented that it seemed “too idealistic”, and several countries felt the draft did not respect the sovereign right of the mother nations. Despite many amendments being made to the paper, during voting the draft was failed.

The draft from Madagascar and Malaysia was not introduced, as the sponsors felt that the issue was too complex for one paper to solve everything.

Sometime after voting, a motion to censure the United States was brought up on the grounds of belligerence and a threat of the invasion of Canada. This motion did not pass.

Following three attempts to set the agenda, the General Assembly has moved on to the topic of Internet Sovereignty.

**BREAKING NEWS** An Agreement for a Two-State Solution is decided

Alina Anghel

Israel has stopped thinking, has received intelligence reports and a drastic change in foreign policy in the last week has lead it to accept a two-state solution. They are tired of the conflict in the region, and tired of having their citizens living in fear. A draft resolution is being created. India has changed its stance and now supports the two state-solution backing Israel.

On request of clarification from Turkey about the future on the ground, the terms will be that Egypt will remain in the Gaza Strip and that there is no longer a need for a Referendum. The 1967 borders will be re-instated, but this is yet to be fully agreed upon. Israel has yet to state their stance on this issue.

The PLO after a 30 minute delay has arrived at a key moment, right after the decision to create two states. The PLO pointed out that Palestinians have also been living in fear and poverty, and have already been recognized as a state by 120 countries since the 1980ties. PLO also mentions to be wary of letting Egypt have too much of a say in the creation of Palestine but accepts their presence in the region.

The PLO has also said:

"If a man steals 100 oxman, and offers to give back 50 that is not a concession that is only returning half of the theft."

Confusion

Egypt-brokered peace negotiations moving forward, but not all parties happy

Mitch Kelsey, Al Jazeera

For a second day, the United Nations Security Council has welcomed the special representative of the Palestine Liberation Organization to speak with them regarding the settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Although discussion has been fruitful, it has not been without tension. After the Israeli representative expressed her nation's interest in ongoing negotiations with the PLO, she was corrected by the sitting representative, who stated that "if a man has one hundred oxen, and you steal them all and give back fifty, that is not a concession". The Israeli state has in fact been negotiating with the more lenient, American sponsored Palestinian Authority, something the PLO seems to have taken some umbrage to.

If the demands of the PLO are addressed by the council, including full recognition of a Palestinian state with 1967 borders and an internationally affirmed, democratically elected government--rather than the muted opposition of the Palestinian Authority--perhaps we will actually see tangible, credible change. There has not yet been discussion of Syrian-Israeli or Lebanese-Israeli peace negotiations at this time, two issues that continue to have ongoing significance in Middle Eastern affairs.

AP Photo Update

VANCOUVER -- The delegate from the Palestine Liberation Organisation addresses the Security Council on Sunday morning.

Hamas “Regrets” That Ethics In Modern Warfare Was Not Debated In UNSC.

Charles Arthur-The new York Times

On the agenda for the Security Council during this summit was a discussion of ethics in modern warfare. With recent trends towards asymmetric warfare, tactical decisions by militaries and insurgent groups have drifted away from ethical guidelines set forth by the Geneva Convention. The presence of the United States, Israel, Egypt, and the United Kingdom, all countries that have been implicated in supposed “unethical practices” in the “war on terrorism” such as rendition, assassination, and “enhanced interrogation” would assuredly have had to engage in a complex debate on this issue.

When asked by The New York Times if the issue should have been addressed the delegate from Egypt to the UNSC is quoted as saying “I think the issues at hand are more urgent”, and “the topic of ethics in warfare is a complex and philosophical issue”. In a rare difference of opinion the representative from Hamas, an organization which has often accused Israel and the United States of human rights violations in warfare was asked the same question and expressed “regret” that the issue will not be raised in this summit.

When asked if ethical considerations have changed in the context of the “war on terrorism”, the United Kingdom’s representative to the Security Council responded by saying that “the United Kingdom must do anything possible to protect its citizens from terrorists”, and in response to the Hamas quote “We will consider discussing this with Hamas when they stop using human shields, and suicide bombers”.

Ethics in Modern war is clearly a contested issue that has changed in the eyes of nations as war itself has changed, and will certainly appear on the agenda in future UN summits.

A Victory for Both the WHO and the People of Israel

Today, people throughout Israel mourn those who have tragically passed away since the unfortunate release of the smallpox virus. Due to the hard work and resolution passed by the WHO, smallpox in the area of Israel is on the decline. With airports shut down and many roads blocked off, it has been confirmed that the infected people have been quarantined. Face masks as well as many of preventative devices have been and currently are being handed out to civilians. Vaccines are being distributed in various temporary facilities from schools to local hospitals and this virus is no longer a threat of being a pandemic.

AP Photo Update

VANCOUVER -- The Greek delegate to the World Health Organisation addresses her colleagues on Sunday morning.