Latvian Current Events: A Dynamic Perspective by Hope Coulter

(Source: Getty Images)
Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis

Latvian Current Events

This past month, Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis (Greens and Farmers party) expressed his continued support for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the European Union and Canada. Although opposition to the deal is concerned that it will allow multinational companies an unhealthy amount of power and put the EU’s environmental and consumer protection standards at risk, Kucinskis emphasized ways in which the agreement will benefit Latvian business, by providing a new foreign market for Latvian agricultural industries and entrepreneurs. CETA talks scheduled for Thursday may be blocked by a socialist region of Belgium, the only EU country that has not been able to officially support the talks. (The Baltic Times, Reuters, BBC News) 

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso (born Lhamo Thondup) has just returned home from his tour of five European states, during which he spent two days speaking in Riga to a crowd of supporters from a number of Baltic States and Russia. The Dalai Lama encouraged Buddhists in the region to unite across political and cultural differences to focus on their shared beliefs. Meeting with Tibet supporters from the Baltic States, he drew parallels between the oppressive experiences of Tibet and the Baltic States. During his visit the Dalai Lama also met with 15 parliamentarians from the Baltic states, including 10 from Latvia. (Tibet Post International, Phayul, EIN News) 

(Source: Dinamo Rīga)
Former Latvian Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis

Latvian Person of Interest

Former Latvian Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis was elected as President of the Latvian Hockey Federation (LHF) in early October. Kalvitis is also the chairman of natural gas company Latvijas Gaze, Chairman of the Board of alcoholic beverage company Latvijas Balzams, and co-owner of Latvian KHL team Dinamo Riga. After serving as minister of agriculture (1999-2000) and minister of economics (2000-2002) Kalvitis became the Prime Minister of Latvia from December 2004 to December 5 2007.

As Prime Minister, Kalvitis led a coalition government made up of the People’s Party, New Era Party (now a defunct party), Union of Greens and Farmers, and Latvia’s First Party. Kalvitis stepped down from his position in response to popular disapproval of his dismissal of the head of the anti-corruption bureau. 

(Source: Baltic)
The results of the latest Latvian election

Political Parties in Latvia

Latvia has a multi-party system, in which no individual party is powerful enough to gain power on its own. Each party must cooperate with other parties and form a coalition government, in which parties are forced to build consensus across party lines in order to achieve a majority vote on issues in the Saeima (Latvia’s parliament).

There are eight major parties and nine minor parties. Major parties in Latvia, in order of most MPs in the Saeima to the least MPs, are as follows: Harmony, Unity, Unity of Greens and Farmers, National Alliance, Latvian Association of Regions, For Latvia From the Heart, Who Owns the State?, and the Latvian Russian Union.

Minor parties in Latvia are Christian Democratic Union, the Fatherland Union, For Native Language!, Latvian Development, Latvian Social Democratic Labour Party, Our Land (Party), People of Latgale , Reform Party, and the Socialist Party of Latvia

Food for thought: Given Latvia’s geographic location (neighboring Russia, between Lithuania and Estonia, bordering the Baltic Sea), which issues would you expect to be most difficult for the parties of Latvia’s coalition government to achieve consensus on?

Are the Tensions in the South China Sea Decreasing the Chance for International Nuclear Disarmament? By Hope Coulter

(Source: MindaNation)
Rodrigo Duterte speaking with Shinzō Abe

Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte spent three days in late October visiting Japan, where he held two rounds of talks with Japan’s Prime minister Shinzō Abe. During talks which focused on military and economic policy, Duterte expressed support for Japan’s continued naval presence in the South China Sea. Abe commended Duterte’s efforts to improve the Philippine-Chinese relationship, easing the tension that Duterte’s pursuit of an economic relationship with China had put on Philippine-Japan relations. The two heads of state signed a number of agreements which included Japan’s provision of coast guard boats and military trainer aircraft to strengthen Philippine maritime security, and commitment to support economic development in the Philippines through agricultural promotion projects. (Japan Today)

(Source: UN)
Prime minister speaking on the possibility of abstaining from the outlawing of nuclear weapons

Japanese political sources have stated that Japan will not be supporting a United Nations resolution urging negotiations in 2017 to outlaw nuclear weapons. It is not yet known whether Japan will abstain from voting or will vote against the draft. The United States, with whom Japan shares close diplomatic and economic ties, has urged Japan to vote against the draft. The Japanese Foreign Ministry opposes the resolution, stating that it does not account for the importance of nuclear deterrence. (Japan Today, Kyodo News)

US Flexes in South China Sea by Thomas Brown

(Source: Reuters)
US Navy image shows China circling the heavily disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea

On Friday October 21^st, 2016 a US destroyer sailed through the South China Sea to exemplify the abilities of the US under International Laws of the Sea from the UN, according to the White House spokesman Josh Earnest. This action was also meant to show a signal to China that the international sea is not open for their claims. 

Over the past few years, China has been actively forming man made landmasses for military use in the South China Sea. These new formed islands are for naval supply ports and air force landing bases, felicitating China’s interests of asserting dominance in this region. The US has responded to these movements by supporting territorial allies, and exercising our rights to sail in the South China Sea. The Chinese Defense Ministry responded to these events by calling them a serious breach of law, however did not use physical means to express a threat. 

As tensions rise between the US and China grow increasingly tenser, movements in this sea will determine how future actions will be responded to. Will China continue to build artificial islands and military strongholds that threaten other countries and their rights in the South China Sea? Only time will tell. 

(Source: US-China Institute)
The many facets of the disputes in the South China Sea

Getting to Know Nobel Peace Prize Winner Dr. Ira Helfand's Views of Nuclear Disarmament by Mariana Topich and Makena Hulme

Some of our lucky delegates meeting Dr. Ira Helfand after his keynote speech at the 2016 Sacramento UNA Dinner

On Sunday, October 23, 2016, The United Nations Association of Sacramento and the Sacramento Physicians for Social Responsibility chapter hosted a dinner in honor of United Nations Day. The theme of this event was a celebration of the successes of the Sustainable Development Goals and how we can prevent nuclear warfare.

There were numerous prominent speakers present, including the United Nations Youth Observer, Nicol Perez. Nicol discussed her role in the UN and how important youth voices are in the international policy. Not only do they have unique perspectives on how to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals targets, they have innovative thought processes for preventing warfare and increasing empathy in the global sphere. She also spoke on how exhilarating her life has become and what an honor it is to represent the global youth when speaking to leading members of nation-states.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Ira Helfand, the esteemed co-president of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War. Dr Ira Helfand won the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize for his work within the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, particularly for encouraging multilateral communication about the prevention of future nuclear wars. By having Soviet and American physicians and experts work in the international sphere to prevent further nuclear warfare, Helfand demonstrated excellence in his capacity to give international relationships a quality of unity rather than conflict. His contribution can therefore be seen as a step on the way to a bilateral and controlled disarmament.

In Helfand’s keynote speech he talked of the dangers of limited nuclear war as well as large-scale nuclear war. In the event that a large-scale nuclear conflict arises due to increased hostilities between the U.S. and Russia and the proxy war in Syria, it is possible for the largest nuclear war that the world has ever seen will ensue. In this case, the climate will be disrupted and the land from up to 62 miles from the bomb will be entirely sterilized of all life. In the case of a limited nuclear war between India and Pakistan, the damage to the climate could cause mass casualties and a food storage so severe that our world would quickly use up the 90 day food storage and people would starve to death on an unprecedented scale. Ultimately, Dr. Helfand adopts a constructivist viewpoint in regards to nuclear weapons when he states, “Nuclear weapons are not a force of nature, or an act of God. It’s something we as humans have created.” Meaning, nuclear weapons are something we created with great minds, and with those same great minds, we can disarm the world of nuclear weapons. He also highlighted the danger of vulnerabilities in cyber security and underscored the fact that the US Pentagon is hacked around six times a day. If our cybersecurity continues to be vulnerable, then the world is vulnerable to the devastating possibility that outside nonstate actors or other states could potentially hack into the safeguards protecting nuclear weapons in any nation and create global chaos and mass death.

At the end of his speech there was a Q&A segment where guests could submit questions pertaining to this issue. The question that was received most often was, “How can we as normal citizens, and not policy makers, take a stand and become involved nuclear disarmament?” Dr. Helfand urged the audience to call and write letters to the White House’s toll free number and urge them to spend less money updating nuclear weapons and warfare and instead prioritize the health of the world and our nation. In the 1980s a large civil movement renouncing nuclear war was successful in reducing the nuclear capacities of every nation in the world. We as a nation and as global citizens can make a difference if we unite against the perils of nuclear war. The public comment line for the White House is 202-456-1414.

Quick and Easy Policy Statement Outline by Hope Coulter

What is a policy statement?

1.      A place for delegates to synthesize their research

2.      A tool to use during conference

3.      A measure of a delegate’s knowledge

What is a policy statement composed of?

·         A policy statement consists of a header and 3 paragraphs

·         Concise, factual language mixed with the names of resolution, conventions, and treaties

How does one format a policy statement?

·         The total length should be close to, but not exceed one page single-spaced

·         The header consists of the country’s official name, committee, and topic; each on a separate line

o   EX:      Kingdom of Denmark

            General Assembly

            Restructuring the Security Council

·         An additional space between the header and first paragraph and then each subsequent paragraph

·         Use a formal tone throughout your writing. Imagine as if you are presenting this as an official, circulated document to the United Nations.

What should the three paragraphs include?

1.      Present and define the problem as your country views it

a.       International history from your country’s perspective

b.      Historical action (and inaction) by the UN and International Community

c.       Summary of the issue book

2.      Illustrate how your country handled/remedied the problem in the past

a.       Current status and aspects of the issue

b.      Mention and explain 4-5 ways in which your country interacted with the issue

                                                              i.      How has your country dealt with the issue internally?

                                                            ii.      How has your country dealt with the issue globally?

c.       Longest paragraph

3.      Present the official policy of your country

a.       Proposed solution directed towards the international community (think resolution)

b.      Reasons your country supports this position

c.       Oftentimes, you will use your country’s internal policies and previous actions to generalize about its foreign policy

Where should my research come from?

·         UN Mission websites, government websites, bilateral agreements, internal policies, speeches, etc.

·         Actions taken by your government in regards to the issue

·         Conventions, Resolutions, and Treaties that your country is party to

·         UN Action that your country has supported (or opposed)

Formatting the Policy Statement and Resolution for MUNFW by Hope Coulter adapted from MUNFW

Formatting

	Policy Statements Policy statements are to be based upon the knowledge that the delegation has acquired of its country.  A country’s general policies are frequently found in speeches presented to the General Assembly during general debate; these are usually summarized in Monthly Chronicle.  The embassy or information office of the country in question might be able to supply such data; a list of these information sources is located here. The statement must be typed, 1 inch margins, single-spaced and each paragraph is separated by a single-space.  It must have the country’s name in the upper left corner followed by the committees name on the next line and the agenda topic on the third line: THE REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA SECURITY COUNCIL UNITED NATIONS SUMMIT: RESTRUCTING THE SECURITY COUNCIL It must consist of three paragraphs and contain the following: The first paragraph: Background of the main elements of the problem or concern (e.g. brief historical                    overview of the issue) from your country's perspective. The second paragraph: Current aspects of the issue and how your country is involved or affected by it. Include current action or resolutions by the UN (i.e. current or last session of UN). The third paragraph: Your country's official policy positions on the issue and proposed solutions. Main reasons that support your country's point of view or position on the issue. Strongest reasons favoring opposition and strongest points of rebuttal. The proposed solution should be directed toward the international level and not toward the selected country’s internal policy. Heading-- 1st Paragraph Background from your   country's point of view. 2nd Paragraph Current status Current Action 3rd Paragraph Your country's point of view or position ARGENTINE REPUBLIC SECOND COMMITTEE FOLLOW-UP TO THE RIO+20 CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT With still one in four people likely to live in scarce water resources by 2050, and one in five people currently living without access to modern electricity, the need has arisen for countries to transition to a much more robust level of infrastructure and to investigate methods of sustainable development. At the Rio+20 Conference in the summer of 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, participants gathered to discuss different methods of achieving sustainable development, as well as the inauguration of various methods to measure, communicate and assess progress being made toward these goals. Precipitating this conference was the United Nations' adoption of Agenda 21, which stressed the importance of meeting the basic needs of all individuals, improved standards of living, regulated ecosystems, and called for the creation of a global partnership among participating entities in order to cooperate in undertaking such an ambitious endeavor. Argentina has ratified the Rio Declaration, the Agenda 21 program and the Johannesburg Plan of  Implementation, the latter calling for a specialized framework within which to pursue sustainable development. Argentina has also been a party to other resolutions dealing with sustainable development, including draft resolution A/67/437, which called for the promotion of new sources of energy to replace conventional energy sources; resolution A/67/437, which stressed the importance of the conservation of nature and natural resources; and co-sponsored A/C.2/64/L.21/Rev.1, which, among other things, called upon Member States and relevant United Nations organizations to make greater strides in the development of sustainable development technologies, pressed for the inclusion of marginalized men, women, and youths, and drew attention to the ever-important role of women in the implementation of strategies for sustainable development. As a member of the Group of 77 (G-77), Argentina was included as a co-sponsor for A/C.2/67/L.3/Rev.1, a resolution which requested that the Secretary-General of the United Nations include in his report to the General Assembly “an updated overview of the major international economic and policy challenges for equitable and inclusive sustained economic growth and sustainable development and of the role of the United Nations in addressing these issues,” in addition to ways to overcome issues arising from the existence from these challenges. All of these resolutions reflect Argentina's internal policies and practices on the matter, as evidenced by the United Nations 2011 Human Development Index, wherein Argentina was ranked as a “Very High Human Development” country. Argentina would continue to support resolutions that stress the importance of continued  implementation of sustainable practices and development. Also, Argentina would support resolutions and policies that encouraged the participation of oft-ignored groups in the execution of any policy changes. Argentina believes that it is the responsibility of Member States to make determined efforts toward the improvement of infrastructure in order to raise the standard of living for all human beings. Because of the dire importance of this issue to those living below an acceptable standard of living, Argentina believes that due diligence is required, and that progress must remain monitored and communicated so as to investigate any possible means to expedite the change necessary to effect sustainable development.   Resolution A resolution is a formal statement of opinion or recommendation to be presented to the summit.  Armed with a full understanding of its country’s stand on an issue, a delegation can draft a suitable resolution on the issue.  A resolution must be directly concerned with the agenda item and must accurately represent the position and national policy of its author and sponsors. Resolutions are the basic decisions or statements of the constituent units of the United Nations. While drafted by individual states, they declare the official policy for the particular organ or body.  While resolutions have a standard format, they may serve different purposes.  Most resolutions state or reaffirm Assembly policy on a particular item.  Some resolutions include an entire treaty, declaration, or convention, making it available for state accession. Some resolutions may give directions, requests, or suggestions to other UN bodies, other international bodies, or specific funds and programs.  They may condemn the actions of a state, urge collective action, and, in the case of the Security Council, require compulsory compliance. If the proper format is followed, resolutions are easy to construct.  Each resolution is one single sentence.  The subject of the sentence is the organ making the statement, in this case, Restructuring the Security Council.  The remainder of the resolution is divided into two parts: preambular and operative. The preambular phrases are the justifications for action.  They denote Charter authorization for action, past resolution precedents, and statements about the particular problem.  They are similar to the given in a logic proof.  All actions taken in the resolution should be deducible from or supported by the preambular phrases. The policy portion of the resolution is composed of operative paragraphs.  Each of these starts with a verb. Taken as a whole, the operatives should deal thoroughly with one complete idea and should be arranged in logical progression.  They should not be a collection of unrelated thoughts or statements on a broad topic.  Instead, the resolution should deal as completely as possible with a given aspect of a topic. In doing so, more states can become involved in the resolution process, the quality of the resolutions will improve, and the overall treatment of a topic will be more detailed and specific. - Is the resolution in the proper form? Use 1 inch margins and follow the heading format below. - In the preambular portions, is there legal justification for the actions taken in the operative paragraphs? - Do the operatives form a coherent whole, and are they fully developed (i.e., if a new program is established, how is it to be funded; if a committee is created, what will be its membership, means of selection, scope, and time of reporting)?   Sample Resolution
Heading ----------- Sponsoring Country Title: all caps---------- Address, the Security Council Body -------------- Preambular Clauses: 1. Indent first line; 2. Underline first word/phrase; 3. Commas after each clause. Operative Clauses: 1. Always numbered; 2. Indent first line; 3. Underline first phrase; 4. Semi-colon (;) after each clause and a period (.) after the last clause.		SC/15/1/Res. 1 Security Council Special Summit Syrian Arab Republic RESTRUCTURING THE SECURITY COUNCIL The Security Council,         Stressing the importance of the Holy City of Jerusalem for mankind,         Deeply alarmed by the repeated escalation of violence in the Middle East,         Affirming the inadmissibility of military territorial acquisition,         Reaffirming the commitment to the Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 252 (1968), 338 (1973), 478 (1980), and 672 (1990),         Strongly emphasizing the necessity to ensure a just and comprehensive peace in the region,         1. Urges the sides involved in the conflict to cease fire;         2. Demands that Israel withdraw all its military forces from territories occupied since 1967;         3. Expresses its full support for the creation of a Palestinian State with official capital in Jerusalem;         5. Strongly supports the competent national authorities in safeguarding and preserving cultural property;         6. Authorizes ECOSOC, the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, and UNESCO to coordinate the monitoring process on the implementation of the points of this resolution;         7. Reaffirms its commitment to the peacemaking process in the Middle East.

Preambular Clauses

Acknowledges Acknowledges with deep gratitude Affirming Alarmed and concerned Appreciating Appreciating highly Aware Basing itself Bearing in mind Also bearing in mind Believing Calling attention Cognizant Commending Concerned Conscious Considering Continuing to take the view Convinced Deeply alarmed Deeply appreciative Deeply concerned Deeply conscious Deeply disturbed Desirous Determined Dismayed Distressed

Encouraged Expressing concern Expressing deep concern Expresses its appreciation Expressing its mounting concern Expressing its regret Expressing its particular concern Expressing its satisfaction Expressing its support Firmly convinced Gravely concerned Guided Having considered Having examined Having heard Having received Looking forward Mindful Noting Noting also Noting with appreciation Noting with concern Noting with gratitude Noting with satisfaction Paying tribute Profoundly concerned Reaffirming

Realizing Recalling Recalling further Recognizing Reconfirming Re--emphasizing Regretting Reiterating its appreciation Reiterating its conviction Reiterating its dismay Seriously concerned Solemnly declares Solemnly proclaims Stressing Stresses its desire Strongly emphasizes Strongly supporting Supporting Supporting fully Taking into account Taking into consideration Taking note Taking note also Taking note with satisfaction Underlining Welcoming Welcoming also Wishing

Operative Clauses

Accepts with deep appreciation Acknowledges with appreciation Adopts Affirms Affirms its confidence Again expresses its special alarm Again urges Agrees Also notes Also notes with satisfaction Also welcomes Appeals Appoints Appreciates deeply Approves Authorizes Calls Calls for Call upon Calls once more upon Categorically condemns Commends Also commends Commends and encourages Concurs Condemns Congratulates Considers Decides Declares Declares its firm opposition Declares its solidarity Demands

Demands once more Denounces Deplores Determines Drawing attention Draws the attention Emphasizes Emphasizing Encourages Endorses Expresses concern Expresses grave concern Expresses its appreciation Further expresses its appreciation Expresses its conviction Expresses its deep concern and condemnation Expresses its full support Expresses its gratitude Expresses its profound concern at and unequivocal condemnation Expresses its satisfaction Expresses the desirability Fully supports Highly appreciates Invites Insists Notes Notes with appreciation Notes with interest Notes with satisfaction Once again urges Places on special record Proclaims

Reaffirms Reaffirming its deep concern Recalls Recommends Rejects Reiterates Reiterates its appeal Reiterates its call Reiterates its firm support Reminds Renews its appeal Renews its invitation Renews its request Requests Also requests Further requests Shares the concern Stresses Also stresses Strongly condemns Suggests Supports Takes note Takes note with appreciation Takes note with satisfaction Thanks Underlines Urgently appeals Urges Welcomes Welcomes also Welcomes further Welcomes with satisfaction

Source:  Adopted from the MUNFW.org

Policy Statements Are Coming! By Makena Hulme

As a delegate in Model United Nations it is crucial to know the policy of your nation in order to write excellent policy statements and resolutions for the conference. This intensive and formal research process is also vital for successes in the conference because knowing your nation's policies will guide your actions and all your speeches in conference.

Conferences are a daunting task. You are in a new hotel that you have never been to around hundreds and sometimes thousands of college students and professionals that you have never met before. You are only speaking of policy and have to speak in third person and work with people you've never met to write resolutions in committees. In addition, you will have to learn how to communicate with the dais and use the P-rules to your full advantage.

For all of these reasons, it is my responsibility to lead our group with the help of my PRs and cabinet to great success in conference by helping them conduct accurate research and write a total of two policy statements and one resolution per committee in each nation.

I remember writing my first policy statement last year and feeling a bit lost, as did most of the cabinet members. This year we are doing absolutely everything possible to ensure your success in writing magnificent policy papers that will be incredibly useful in your conference experience. 

The first step of the process is creating wonderful country profiles. I am so incredibly proud of the amazing country profiles that all of our teams compiled in such a quick amount of time. The absolute most important part of the country profile is the last paragraph that includes how your nation acts in the UN and what policies it carries out.

In order to get ready to write our country profiles, it was vital that we take another look at the committees' roles inside the UN and how the pursue their nation'n UN goals and their foreign policy. To do so, each delegate was assigned a foreign policy prompt wherein they described the position of their nation in foreign policy and how their committee in the UN helps their nation attain its foreign policy goals.

The next step are the policy statements. These three paragraph documents are absolutely essential to creating a winning team in conference. For simplicity sake, we are breaking up the due dates for each policy statement. The first part of the policy statement that will be due is the background paragraph that introduces the committee the delegate is on.

In conclusion, our academic writing journey for the conference is as follows:

1. Country Profile

2. Committee Foreign Policy

3. Policy Statement Introduction Paragraphs

4. Policy Statement 2nd and 3rd Paragraphs

5, Resolution

6. Integrative Conference Plan

We have successfully completed two of the six academic writing prompts and I am confident that we will create wonderful documents in time for the conference in April.

Hope has created an outline for writing your first policy statement and has adapted the official guide for policy statements and resolutions from MUNFW. They will be in the following posts.