Topic: Situation in Georgia
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Dylan Jenks
School: Forest Hills Northern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Nigeria position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
The violence that broke out on Georgian soil on the 7th of August 2008 has been a topic of debate in world politics due to the controversy of Russia’s involvement. The conflict was originally a civil uprising within the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Georgian military forces occupied the regions and attempted to bring its citizens under control. In response to this action the Russian Federation sent ground forces into both areas and blockaded the Georgian coast as well, claiming that they were acting to protect the large population of Russian citizens that live there. Russian military forces launched attacks on the Georgian army, and aided the local militias in pushing the Georgians out of the regions. Russian forces later moved further into the interior of Georgia, capturing 2 cities. The fighting has killed thousands of civilians, and left many more wounded, and forced tens of thousands from their homes. The means used by the militaries involved are under speculation and according to a report by the Human Rights Watch the “Georgian military used indiscriminate and disproportionate force resulting in civilian deaths in South Ossetia. The Russian military also used indiscriminate force in attacks in South Ossetia and in the Gori district.”
With all of the above stated, the Federal Republic of Nigeria maintains that no matter the actions of the Georgian government, the Russian Federation had no right to retaliate in that manner. The fact is that these regions were not independent countries, and therefore, were not allies of Russia. As part of the country of Georgia, every piece of its land is subject to Georgian jurisdiction just like any other country. The federal government of any sovereign state holds the right to its own sovereignty.
We now need to focus on a peaceful solution. The six-point peace plan proposed by President Medvedev outlines an agreeable beginning to the peace process. Nigeria urges any and all governmental organizations to send humanitarian aid to those affected by the clash. Non-governmental organizations contributing would also be beneficial to the humanitarian situation. The six-point peace plan must be followed unconditionally so that peace talks may be conducted productively. The UN Observers Mission in Georgia must continue to subsist and verify compliance with further agreements and the six-point peace plan. Accordingly, the Federal Republic of Nigeria offers its support in ending the violence and bringing a peaceful resolution to this crisis.
