Topic: Situation in Georgia
Country: Spain
Delegate Name: Ian Magenta
School: Saline High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Spain position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
Abkhazia and South Ossetia are regions in Georgia with extensive ties to Russia. The ties to Russia are so extensive in South Ossetia that many of the people there carry dual passports. Russia claimed that this area wished to be part of the Russian Federation. Russia also claimed that Georgian forces moved into South Ossetia, killed 1,600 of its residents, and used other inhumane methods to prevent the region from seceding. Russia responded my moving its own forces into Georgia.
Georgia claimed that Russia invaded its borders without any reason at all. Georgia also claimed it did not violate any international norms of human rights in South Ossetia prior to Russia’s invasion. Russia greatly outnumbered Georgia’s military forces and was able to push within thirty-four miles of Georgia’s capital before peace was negotiated.
Spain has been actively involved in the international community’s efforts to achieve a ceasefire and to settle the conflict between Georgia and Russia. Spain has strongly backed the European Union in the matter and will continue to do so throughout the course of this conflict. Spain will also carry out any missions or tasks the European Union asks of us. Spain also backed French president Nicolas Sarkozy’s six-point peace plan which both Russia and Georgia agreed to. Spain hopes that Russia will continue to contribute to stability through dialogue and understanding.
Spain has donated 500,000 euros to the Red Cross to help people affected by the conflict. On August 26, 2008 Russian president Medvedev recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states. Spain highly condemns this notorious action because it violates Georgia’s territorial integrity and it violates resolutions passed by the United Nations Security Council. France recognizes Abkhazia and South Ossetia as integral parts of the territory of Georgia.
