Situation in Cote d'Ivoire

Topic: Situation in Cote d'Ivoire
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Delegate Name: Jackson Peebles
School: Mattawan High School

Bosnia and Herzegovina is strongly supportive of international democratic values, and therefore supports on the ongoing mission of the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire. As we strive to gain membership to the European Union as well, we support their calls for the immediate release of the presidential runoff election results from November 28. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina also agrees with the position of the Secretary-General: the elections must be fair and nonviolent. At this time, there is evidence to the contrary, but the United Nations and, if its non-partisanship can be confirmed, the Independent Electoral Commission must evaluate whether or not this violence had a sufficient impact to alter the end result of the presidential runoff elections.

Bosnia and Herzegovina does applaud the substantial progress that has been made in the trouble past decade. It is of the utmost importance that all future violence and civil disobedience be stemmed while simultaneously maintaining Cote d'Ivoire's democratic principles. For this reason, Bosnia and Herzegovina strongly advocates increasing the quantity of United Nations peacekeeping forces in the region. Furthermore, we advise other committees to promote and pass resolutions investigating the current election results, and, depending on its findings, encouraging newer, safer, and more accurate elections that are monitored by the international community or, if it is deemed valid, ensuring the peaceful transition of power to Cote d'Ivoire's new leader from the current administration.

The United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire is an integral part of Cote D'Ivoire's progress towards becoming a truly democratic nation, and its continued presence in the region is absolutely necessary until peace and stability are restored to the region. Bosnia and Herzegovina strongly advocates for its continued indefinite, and perhaps increased, funding and operation, with a possible surge of staff and peacekeeping forces until a later date of withdrawal is established when such a time becomes appropriate.

Topic: Situation in Cote d'Ivoire
Country: Brazil

The Federative Republic of Brazil is committed to the endurance of peace and security in Côte d’Ivoire and to the stabilization and amicable ascension of a government freely elected by the people of Côte d’Ivoire. We are first happy to congratulate the citizens of Côte d’Ivoire as well as the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire for the success of a run-off Presidential election verified by the Independent Electoral Commission.

However, we would like to call upon the Constitutional Council of Côte d’Ivoire to expedite their process of verifying the results and proclaiming the winner, and to ultimately respect the will of the people of Côte d’Ivoire when making their determination. We would also like to call upon the candidates and their supporters to refrain from any acts of violence or any actions that may obstruct or disrupt the electoral process or the success of democracy. The Federative Republic of Brazil also emphasizes that in order for Côte d’Ivoire to begin to flourish as a nation and a government, the legitimate results of this election must be respected by all candidates and supporters, and that no action should be taken by any candidate or their supporter that would endanger the peaceful outcome of the election and formation of the subsequent government, jeopardize the safety or human rights of the citizens of Côte d’Ivoire, or interfere with the mandate of the UNOCI or the duty of the Secretary General’s Special Representative in Côte d’Ivoire.

UNOCI must also work within its mandate to assist the IEC and Ivorian government in facilitating a fair and transparent election to its fullest abilities. Additionally, UNOCI should be cognizant of the current social unrest caused by the election contention and continue its duty to protect the citizens of Côte d’Ivoire and disseminate humanitarian aid.

Topic: Situation in Cote d'Ivoire
Country: France
Delegate Name: Julia Prisby
School: Saline High School

France welcomed the Independent Electoral Commission’s announcement of the results of the election and prepared the President of the Security Council’s press statement congratulating the country. France was glad to see that the long-awaited elections were peaceful. However, France is surprised and deeply concerned to hear today that the Constitutional Council overturned the results of the election and declared president Gbagbo the winner on the basis that the New Forces rebels rigged the votes in the areas of the North they still control.

France strongly rejects the claim of Mr. Gbagbo’s supporters that France favors the rebels. However, France along with its fellow members of the Security Council has been and is committed “to take the appropriate measures against those who obstruct the electoral process and, especially, the work of the IEC, as set out by paragraph 6 of Resolution 1946.” Since the news of the Constitutional Council’s decision is so recent, France has yet to develop a plan of action to deal with the results.

Meanwhile, France maintains its support of the sanctions, specifically arms embargo, that have been put in place by the United Nations Security Council in resolution 1946. Furthermore, France will continue the presence of its own troops in the Cote d’Ivoire in the interest of peacekeeping. France reaffirms the importance of the UNOCI and its mission in the Cote d’Ivoire. It hopes that Ouagadougou Political Agreement will be upheld and that violence will not ensue. France urges the African Union and the United Nations to escalate peace keeping efforts in the region. In the upcoming session of the Security Council, France would like to work towards reaching a decision about the status of the government and politics in the nation.

Topic: Situation in Cote d'Ivoire
Country: Gabon
Delegate Name: Gabrielle Vuylsteke
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

The Gabonese Republic quotes the 1933rd resolution of the Security Council, which stated, “the last presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire were held on 22 October 2000, and expresses its deep concern at the continuing delays in the electoral process… and stresses that the events of February 2010 showed how fragile and unstable the situation remains.” Despite the time lapse since the first signals of instability, Cote d’Ivoire is still dangerously unsecure.

The Gabonese Republic believes that it is the United Nations’s responsibility to assist Cote d’Ivoire in its path toward political stability. Gabon supports the help which has been provided to Cote d’Ivoire by the Security Council and UN, along with the aid given by France. Gabon believes that this support made possible the election that took place on October 31st, 2010. Gabon reiterates the statement that concludes many of the Security Council’s resolutions concerning Cote d’Ivoire, “Decides to remain actively seized on the matter,” and strongly believes that the international community must continue to support Cote d’Ivoire in its need for continued stability. Gabon encourages the continuation of relief and support funds, as well as

the presence of peacekeeping troops in the area to protect civilians.

The Gabonese Republic is extremely pleased with the success of the success of Republic of Cote d’Ivoire in the completion of their first election in ten years. However, we firmly believe that the UN must continue to support the nation with funds and peacekeeping troops in order to ensure sustained stability.

Topic: Situation in Cote d'Ivoire
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Sam Lazar
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

In recent years, civil unrest and grandiose displays of violence have rocked the Ivory Coast as a result of unstable political power. Time after time, elections have been set up and then delayed. Finally, in October, the elections took place, 5 years after President Gbagbo’s term had expired. However, even now, many people are claiming that the polls were unfair and are demanding a recount. This on top of the already deteriorating political infrastructure in the country has greatly weakened Cote d’Ivoire.

The nation of Japan knows that a great deal of cooperation and effort is going to be needed to fix the failing systems in Cote d’Ivoire. If a recount is demanded on the recent election, then UN supervisors must be there to carefully observe the process. If the election results are held as they are, the UN must still be present for a certain period of time to ensure lasting stability in the government. If a stable government can be installed, then a stable economy and population will follow. A stable government is the first step in creating order out of the mass chaos that is Cote d’Ivoire today.

As far as the civil unrest goes, blockades should be set up to cut down on the ability to transport and smuggle small arms throughout the country. If small arms trade can be reduced, the conflict overall will be made smaller. But not only should our committee be concerned about stopping the conflict right now but ensuring stability for years to come which goes back to the installation of a solid government.

Topic: Situation in Cote d'Ivoire
Country: Lebanon
Delegate Name: John Cotton
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The Republic of Lebanon recognizes the difficult hardships and conflicts that the Ivorians have faced over the past ten years. Lebanon has had similar hardships within our own country so we can understand the situation in Cote d’Ivoire. The Republic of Lebanon has seen fighting, violence, and rebellion within its borders within the past ten years also. Any country that has had civil war or national conflict within its own borders can understand and sympathize with Cote d’Ivoire. Cote d’Ivoire has come a long way from a failed coup in 2002 and now are looking forward to gaining peace and stability following the November 2010 presidential election. The violent conflict has ceased tremendously and a peace accord has been signed between Cote d’Ivoire and rebel group called the New Forces. The peace accord was signed in 2007 and since then Cote d’Ivoire has named the leader of the New Forces rebel group the Prime Minister. The current 2010 presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire is a historic milestone for them. The Republic of Lebanon recognizes the story in Cote d’Ivoire as an ongoing success and looks to see continued progression with the help of United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire. The operation has been underway since April of 2004 and should continue. Cote d’Ivoire should remain a priority for the Security Council because the country will continue its peaceful development into a stable state with the help of the United Nations.

The Republic of Lebanon believes the Cote d’Ivoire major conflict has ceased and that the Ivorians are making strong progress. The Republic of Lebanon anticipates Cote d’Ivoire to continue its progress with the help of the United Nations. The United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire has been a significant contributor to the Ivorian success. UNOCI as of October 31 of 2010 has 9,080 United Nations personnel including 7,572 troops, 192 military observers, 1,316 military police, 389 international civilian personnel, 736 local staff, and 267 United Nations volunteers deployed in Cote d’Ivoire. Lebanon believes those personnel levels should remain at consistent until 2011. In 2012 the United Nations can look to begin to slowly withdraw personnel from Cote d’Ivoire. UNOCI personnel were crucial for maintaining peace during the first round of the presidential elections. Following the final presidential election between Ouattara and Gbagbo, Cote d’Ivoire should experience stabilization of their state and the United Nations must remain present in order to assure this stabilization.

All nations should be in favor of extending UNOCI until the final round of the presidential elections has ended. With only one more month before the end of the year UNOCI should maintain their reputable presence in Cote d’Ivoire to assure peace and stability. The Republic of Lebanon would like to thank all UNOCI personnel who have aided in the repair and restoration of peace in Cote d’Ivoire. The Republic of Lebanon has had its own civil conflict and can understand and appreciate the United Nations aid.

The Republic of Lebanon would like to urge any country that is thinking about or supporting the idea of termination UNOCI to reconsider. UNOCI has played a crucial role in the recovery in Cote d’Ivoire and will remain to do so. Considering the upcoming final round of the presidential election now is an imperative time to have United Nations personnel on the ground to prevent any outbreaks of violence or chaos. The Republic of Lebanon believes following the presidential election we may look to give Cote d’Ivoire its full independence again.

Topic: Situation in Cote d'Ivoire
Country: Mexico
Delegate Name: Kevin Yam
School: West Ottawa High School

Mexico is glad to hear that there were elections held after a long period without any. However there still seems to be some unstable parts in the government of Cote d'lvoire. A country with out a stable government is soon to fall again. This issue will effect many citizens that are in Cote d'lvoire and might cause chaos among them. Mexico hates to see the people of Cote d'lvoire suffer. We support the United Nations in stepping in and helping out the government.

It is the United Nations job to step in and help find a long lasting solution and help over see it. Mexico will send soldiers and supply necessary to help out the citizens until the government is stable by itself. The country of Cote d'lvoire has experienced two coups and that shows a sign of poor government. In order to ensure that a coup will not happen again a more stable form of government needs to be formed, with a strong leader that the people can believe in and trust. Many policies and things need to be changed with in the system. Mexico will give its full support until a strong government is finally formed.

Mexico understands that the people of Cote d'lvoire has been suffering for a long time and survived two coups and many government changes. The road to a more stable government will be difficult but Mexico will continue to step in and support Cote d'lvoire in their efforts. Peace is once again needed. Peace in this struggle country will bring the world a step closer into unity.

Topic: Situation in Cote d'Ivoire
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Malcolm Bean
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

Africa is a tumultuous continent, it is plagued by racial, national, economic, and social strains that would collapse even the most stable of nations. Cote d'Ivoire is an example of that stable nation that fell to these titanic pressures and is incapable of rebuilding itself. With failed attempts by the United Nations there must be an attempt to address not only the issues that are prevalent now, but those that are the root of the issue such as a civilian lack of trust in the government, and the feeling of alien invasion. Henri Bedie created an incredibly xenophobic atmosphere before fleeing his country like the rat he claimed the Muslims were. The real problem are the Rebels that crashed the idea of security citizens had come to expect, these are armed terrorist that no amount financial aide can dissuade. The only way to fix this is by creating a stable of government which will be able to regulate the state back to stability.

However there are many dangers inherent within that plan, any government that the United Nations would obviously be a puppet and could never be accepted by the citizens or, more importantly, the rebels. So there would be a need to create a system wherein the citizens could create their own government free from threats of the rebels. This might take the form a simple plebiscite protected by military strength or a more long drawn out process where the U.N. spends time educating the citizens of Cote d’Ivore and protecting certain areas where safety can be guaranteed. These are only a few options and Russia looks forward to intense discourse that this issue will create.

Topic: Situation in Cote d'Ivoire
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Jeremy Gloster
School: Roeper School

The Republic of Turkey would like to congratulate Côte d'Ivoire on the transparent, open elections the nation held on October 31, 2010, and the run-off presidential election held on November 28. After the presidential election was consecutively postponed for the past five years, we see this year’s elections as a positive step towards a stable democracy and a stable nation.

The Republic of Turkey has been a part of the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) since the mission began in 2004. We opened a Turkish embassy in Abidjan last year, and see this step as the beginning of strong diplomatic relations with the West African nation. We would like to offer further support to Côte d'Ivoire, until they have the stable, democratic government that they are currently pursuing. Côte d'Ivoire has endured two coups d’états and a civil war in the past decade, and Turkey would like to grant the nation time to rebuild and strengthen its political infrastructure. Recognizing global interdependence, this body must encourage a stable political system in Côte d'Ivoire to ensure regional stability and global peace.

Turkey recognizes that any success in bringing democratic elections to Côte d'Ivoire was a direct result of UNOCI’s efforts and presence. Despite our optimism, we must also note that Côte d'Ivoire will continue to face obstacles in becoming a stable, democratic state; three citizens died during November’s run-off election despite attempts by the UNOCI and the current government to ensure security, and a majority of citizens are still concerned about election fraud. This is a contentious issue in Côte d'Ivoire and can only be solved through global involvement.

Topic: Situation in Cote d'Ivoire
Country: Uganda
Delegate Name: Rob Soltesz
School: Mattawan High School

After achieving its independence from France in 1960 the Ivory Coast, or Côte d'Ivoire, became a model of political stability and economic prosperity, avoiding many of the pitfalls that plagued other African nations experiencing the difficulties of sovereignty. The country, which was divided religiously between a predominately Muslim north and predominately Christian south, was united under the strong leadership of Felix Houphouet-Boigny. During his presidency from 1960 to 1993, Houphouet-Boigny cultivated close political ties with West that insulated the Ivory Coast from the turmoil associated with the military uprisings and Marxist experiments that characterized the region. By maintaining an environment of stability, the Ivory Coast was able to develop its economy, attracting foreign investment and becoming the world’s largest producer of cocoa.

After Boigny's death, the Ivorian situation deteriorated rapidly due to an ongoing civil war that resulted from a number of military coups. However in March 2001, the current opposition leader Ouattara and current President Laurent Gbagbo met for the first time following the violence between their supporters and agreed to work together towards reconciliation. Local municipal elections later in March 2001 were conducted without violence and with the full participation of all political parties. The RDR, who had boycotted the presidential and legislative elections, won the most of the local seats. The problems have been with the presidential elections that have been postponed and disputed until earlier this week, when definitive election results were produced and withheld from the people by the Gbagbo government.

The Republic of Uganda condemns the actions of the Gbagbo government in not releasing the election results and stresses the need of the Ivorian government to release said results. The Republic of Uganda would like to see economic growth and stability in the region and hoping it serves as an example to other struggling African nations looking to establish a stable government.

Topic: Situation in Cote d'Ivoire
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Katie Bollman
School: Williamston High School

The United Kingdom recognizes efforts by Cote d’Ivoire to build a stable government and effective economy, and congratulates Cote d’Ivoire on its substantial improvements since the 2002 failed coup. For these reasons, the United Kingdom advocates for an extension of the aid provided to Cote d’Ivoire by the UN Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI).

Cote d'Ivoire has been plagued by many internal issues, culminating in attempted coups and disputed election results. However, Cote d'Ivoire has successfully inserted itself into international trade through its exportation of cocoa beans, coffee, and palm oil. Cote d'Ivoire's cocoa bean exportation in particular is among the greatest in the world.

Cote d'Ivoire has historically expressed a deep interest in world affairs and peace, despite not finding this peace within itself. Cote d'Ivoire is a member of numerous oragizations, including th Organization of African Unity, and the Nonaggression and Defense Agreement. Due to its clear interest in a peaceful world, the United Kingdom fully supports Cote d'Ivoire.

The United Kingdom supports maintaining UNOCI peacekeeping troops in Cote d’Ivoire until such a time that the country has established a history of political stability. Currently Cote d’Ivoire is making great strides in this area by implementing an open election to determine its leadership, yet progress must still be made before the United Kingdom can support removal of troops. As Cote d’Ivoire is an associate member of the European Union, the United Kingdom is additionally concerned with the development of political stability in this region, and will support UNOCI in this allowing for an environment that can foster this stability.

Topic: Situation in Cote d'Ivoire
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Cody Colvin
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The United States is sympathetic to the violent coup d'états that Côte d'Ivoire's people have had to withstand in the recent decade. At the time when the Ivory Coast had control over itself before the violent rebel usurping, they showed the United States considerable and loyal support in the United Nations General Assembly. We are also sympathetic to their desire to regain a functioning democracy and economy, and the United States will continue in the international aid to overcome the Coast’s current crisis.

Our country has and will also continue providing modest economic support fund assistance to help promote democracy within the country. It is very saddening to see all the men and women along with their children have to live in a country without stability. The Coast has been a friendly country to the United States and we will ensure that they get everything they possibly can in return.

We are working to maintain our active cultural exchange program. We have been acquainted with prominent Ivoirian officials, representatives, scholars, educators and many more citizens of their country. The Coast is a major beneficiary of US assistance in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and remains to be one of the 15 focus countries under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). It also benefits from our West African programs.

The United States has also funded over a quarter of the funding for the United Nations peacekeeping mission that helps to maintain the ceasefire in the country. We strive to put as much money and manpower as we can spare into the Ivory Coast’s funds and aid, even though Ivoirian eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity act is no longer in place after the 2002 rebellion.

In short, we will continue to provide help and make sure we can offer any assistance necessary to rebuild Côte d'Ivoire and encourage a new democracy with help from the United Nations.