DA+NEWT

newt's research for acamis mun

North Korea stuff:In October, 2006, North Korea conducted an underground test of a nuclear weapon. Soon after that, the Security Council placed sanctions on the country: no trade in any materials that could be used to make weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons. At this link, you can[| read the speech] given by the person in charge of the committee that makes the sanctions happen.

Draft of Resolution on Middle East Crisis

Here is a direct link to the [|BBC special report]on the middle east crisis. Be sure to understand the relationship between Fatah and Hamas. Hamas is based in Gaza and was the reason behind Israel's attack last January. The repercussions of the Gaza war are still being felt; reconstruction of the city has essentially been blocked by Israel.

In this recent summary of the [|Security Council's actions and decisions in 2009], you can see that the topic of the Middle East, especially the effect of the Gaza war, kept the Sec. Council busy last year. We should find out how Russia voted on each of these resolutions. You can search for[| Sec Council press releases here.]

Last December, the Security Council also sent out a very detailed [|press release] summarizing the recommendations of its special envoy to the peace process. Some key debate points and important actors are identified in this press release. For example: the Quartet is mentioned. Russia joins the US, EU, and UN as part of the quartet, four nations or organizations that have a special historic interest in the state of Israel. Hope in solving this crisis rests with the quartet. Of course, wikipedia can give you [|more information about the Quartet], but as a primary resource the press release from the Security Council is the most important to understand. It is also good to note the name of Robert Serry, the UN's Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. What comes from his mouth will be the official UN policy. An entertaining moment comes at the end of the press release, where the delegate from Libya gives a parting shot on the topic as Libya ends its term on the Security Council. He is quickly rebuffed by Susan Rise, the ambassador of the US to the UN.

In an earlier Sec Council press release, from January, 2009, you can read the summary of a meeting that the Sec Council held [|during the Gaza conflict.] This document includes statements made by diplomats from the various countries. You can read the actual words of Alexander Yakovenko, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Quotes like these will help you understand Russia's policy towards the Israel-Palestine issue. These quotes can also help you learn the language of diplomacy. The quote is located about 4/5 of the way down the page.

[|russian leader visits israel 2005] russia and israel want to strengthen ties. israel buys most of its oil from russia. russia was thinking about selling missiles to syria. more importantly though, russia and iran are in a nuclear cooperation thingy.

russia is the number 1 supporter of iran using nuclear power on the security council.

Hillary Clinton has spelled out the Obama administration's [|new plans] for mid-east peace. Recently, the administration has launched a second attempt in this direction. It will be interesting to watch this process unfold over the next few months. It would also be important to know Russia's position about Palestinian borders and, especially, Israeli settlements.

russia wishes to make peace as quickly as possible in the middle east. russia also wishes for north korea to slowly become a democracy, while making north korea happy.