Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Keenan Smith
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All South Korea position papers GLIMUN 2013 committees
As is evident, the historical context in which the conflict in Syria presents itself draws attention to the importance of this issue. The supposed “democracy” that exists within the Syrian Republic is supposed if we are being generous, and non-existent is we are being accurate. The Assad regime has actually existed for somewhere around 40 years, with power actually transferring from father to son like a monarchy. Regardless of these facts, the Syrian government has decided to wage an all-out war against its people who are calling for democratic reforms in their Republic. What began as a peaceful protest has turned into a bloody civil war, with over 100,000 deaths since the open conflict began in 2011.
Since the open-conflict began, the Republic of Korea has remained relatively quiet on the issue. Our support, however, is for the Syrian Opposition. Their calls for democracy are admirable and, as the United Nations firmly believes, every person has the right to self-determine. It has risen to our attention that through international negligence, the Syrian government under Assad has received aid from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, as well as other nations who are ignoring the atrocities that Assad’s regime is imposing, in the form of various weaponry and, in rare cases, even personnel. Our nation has spoken out about this time and again. The fact that far removed nations such as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea would feel the need to go to such lengths to continue the violence that is occurring in Syria leaves the Republic of Korea worried. In addition, the wide spectrum of nations which have become involved in this conflict make it essential for the Republic of Korea to speak up and voice our belief that Assad should not be supported or allowed to remain in power.
Therefore, we are of the belief that the United Nations Security Council should act quickly to curtail the Syrian government’s destructive behavior towards its populace. One of the primary ways to do so would be to discourage any shipping of weaponry or technology to Assad’s government, as many of this regime’s allies are armed with the same chemical weaponry they claim to be giving up. Though this may not be well received by some members of the Council, some equal concessions should and could be made in order to achieve the situation in which this conflict can finally come to an end. One other possible solution would be to call for a cease-fire with a leading group of the opposition, such as the Syrian Opposition Coalition, meeting with representatives of the Assad regime to discuss a peace settlement. In the meantime, the United Nations Security Council must pressure the Syrian government to open up to humanitarian aid at the least, as this is critically essential if we hope to ever see the Syrian government retain its sovereignty.
