Topic: Situation in Georgia
Country: Zimbabwe
Delegate Name: Emily Caponi
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Zimbabwe position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
In early August of this year the ever-present tensions that have existed between the countries of Georgia and Russia for many years finally reached a turning point. On the seventh day of the month hostilities spewed over and resulted in the use of arms. The reason for this unfortunate need for violence is none other that an intertwined past. The country of Georgia was part of the former U.S.S.R. and broke away from the mother country after the fall of the Soviet Union. Territorial disputes remain between Russia and Georgia over the regions known as South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The citizens of these areas claim dual passports and have a strong relationship with Russia. Wishing to secede from Georgia, the South Ossetia’s attempts were hampered in July 2008 when the military of the Georgian Republic immersed itself in the region in order to suppress any opposition. Russia deemed it necessary to intervene with the illegal and inhumane methods used by the Georgian Republic’s military against the citizens of South Ossetia and thus invaded Georgia to prevent the situation from escalating.
Zimbabwe, being a third party to this disagreement wishes only for peace and stability to reign in the Caucasus region. We do not believe however that this situation requires the aid of UN peacekeepers and that the resolution should be created by the combined effort of the two nations without the influence of outside nations. The best way to resolve this problem is to work out the issues directly.
Zimbabwe acknowledges that Russia was in the right, acting on a situation that harmed persons whom claim allegiance to Russia residing in South Ossetia. Zimbabwe grants that Russia was doing what considered was in the best interest of its people. Zimbabwe will align itself with countries of similar beliefs but will not be unwilling to listen to those who wish for the greater good.
In reference to the six point plan which many countries will undoubtedly assert as the a outline for any solution we draw up, Zimbabwe feels that while this document contains some redeeming qualities, it is not altogether the best resolution we can come up with.
