Topic: Situation in Georgia
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Delegate Name: Sanel Mahmutovic
School: Forest Hills Northern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Bosnia and Herzegovina position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
On the evening of August 7, 2008 the Russian Federation and the Georgian Republic engaged in a bestial war. A territory dispute over South Ossetia sparked the conflict which would claim the lives of thousands and displace even more from their homes. Many of the residents carry duel passports and have close relations to Russia. Russia claims that the citizens desire to become part of the Russian Federation and that they have the right to self determination. Both sides are pointing the finger at each other. The Russian Federation claims that the Georgian military had moved into South Ossetia and began to use inhuman measures to suppress the region’s desire to secede. Georgia claims that Russia invaded its borders without any provocation and that they did not abuse human rights prior to the Russian invasion. Which side is right we cannot be sure of, though it is quite clear what needs to be done.
Bosnia and Herzegovina strongly disapprove of the conflict currently raging between Russia and Georgia. Bosnia is in full agreement with the European Union. An immediate ceasefire needs to be implemented and both sides must withdraw their military forces. Thousands upon thousands of people’s lives have been destroyed due to the recent conflict, and if immediate actions are not taken soon, many more lives will be devastated. In order for success to be achieved, both sides must be willing to sacrifice a little in order to gain much more.
There are no recent UN resolutions dealing with the conflict between Russia and Georgia due to the fact that Russia holds the power to veto any resolution. However, Resolution 1808 passed on April 15, 2008 states that immediate actions are needed to quell the violence between the two countries. It also stresses that urgent economic development is required in Georgia. Bosnia supports this resolution and understands that an immediate ceasefire is needed and it supports any resolutions aimed at solving this problem.
Bosnia and Herzegovina firmly believes that the six-point ceasefire agreement signed on 15-16 August, 2008 needs to be implemented immediately. Russia must withdraw all their military personal from Georgia with the exception of any peacekeeping troops stationed there before the war broke out. All the violence against the different ethnic groups needs to cease immediately. Bosnia also supports the immediate return of all newly displaced people and refugees to their homes.
"Resolution 1808 (2008)." 15 Apr. 2008. 20 Nov. 2008 <http://www.unomig.org/data/file/973/080415_SC_resolution_eng.pdf>.
