Position Papers 2001

The Balkan Peninsula has been the stage for tensions throughout this century. The roots of these conflicts lie deep in history: since the decline of the 400 year Ottoman rule of the area started in the late 18th century, the disposition of its spoils, the so-called "Eastern Question," has been a major bone of contention between the great European powers. In the 20th century, the rivalries continued and were fought out in the First and Second Balkan Wars. In 1912-13, Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece and Montenegro, united in the Balkan League, fought and won against the Ottomans. The second war was fought in 1913 by the remaining members of the League against Bulgaria over the disbursement of the territory of Macedonia. Then the conflict continues until today.

The war in Yugoslavia is one of the most horrible events of the twentieth century--"genocide" and "ethnic cleansing" are terms describing actions that everyone thought could never reoccur in Europe after the atrocities of World War II. Yet the grim newspaper headlines and TV reports brought into millions of homes the story about the death of the nation in Yugoslavia. However, this conflict extends further by the existence of the Paramilitary groups in the geographic region known as Yugoslavia.

The spread of terrorism and intimidation is the primary purpose of these groups. Unfortunately, They are consisted of irresponsible people, disobeying the government rules and regulations purposely causing constant clashes between people.

Cuba strongly believes in the disarmament of these paramilitary groups for the purpose of maintaining peace in that region. Cuba feels that the government should be in control for its better qualifications to fulfill that purpose. Therefore, Cuba urges the United Nations to act instantly on this case.

Being surrounded by countries of great size creates an enormous disadvantage for Armenia over many other countries. Armenia has to make sure all its boundaries are secure and no foreign invasion started, especially conflicts over Nagorno-Karabakh with Azerbaijan. Thus, Armenia feels that if they could defend one current vulnerable part of its resources and information, more thought and money may be devoted to other possible security issues. Armenia strongly supports any moves for creating a secure information and telecommunication pathway for the future.

Despite a decline in Armenia's economy during the beginning of the 1990s after the declaration of our independence from the former Soviet Union, our economy has boosted dramatically since then, with our GDP growing at a high of 5% a year. This growth is a direct reaction of a modernizing economy that uses every efficient aspect of today’s business standards, including computers. Due to this growth of what may look like a third world country is a perfect model of the world’s future: eventually every country’s economy and system in general will function with the help of computers.

Armenia understands this and wishes for every country to realize the impact of computers on their futures. Armenia also believes that problems exist in many different aspects of this new modernization. The problem with which the new computer age is plagued with is lack of a universal understanding between UN delegates of computer terms, due to the non-universal of the terms’ definitions. Armenia wishes for a board to be set up between countries to solve this problem, in which a universal “language” of computer terms will be made in order for every delegate to interpret the use of technical terms the same.

Armenia is nervous about security of the whole computer age as well. This is one of the growing concerns between the world’s leaders, for, as seen with viruses such as the ILOVEYOU bug, the simple program may be built by any individual user and may result in a worldwide disaster. Armenia believes every country should be disturbed by this topic, and should thus support a board to be made up specifically to fight off hackers and secure each country’s systems to specifically fight off such a disaster from happening. This is the vulnerable part that Armenia believes we can patch up with a conglomeration of each nation’s smartest programmers working together, and eventually leading to an improved trust in computers. Armenia believes that if we were to create this trust in computers, the use of them worldwide would expand, creating efficiency and therefore a better economy for every country involved in this new revolution.

Armenia gladly supports any policy created by the UN that would expand the use of computers and create a universal belief that computers are not risky. The future of this world is heavily relied on computers, but without a more secure system our bright future ahead may not come at all. Armenia strongly thinks such proposals as were made are not hard to achieve as long as every UN nation works jointly in achieving security and universal computer terms for all to understand.

The workings of a democratic state without the blessing of the state’s national government. Institutions such as the U.N. are present in order to resolve conflicts between national bodies, and to provide assistance when asked by the people of a state. Only when a state is under the control of a dictatorial or imperial government regime does the United Nations have the right to interfere with the government, and only on the behalf of the general populace of the state. The U.N. has no legal authority to institute the ideologies of foreign nations upon popularly elected governments.

Throughout history, nations have invaded others and imposed their will upon foreign peoples. Such activities have always led to situations where governments have abused their powers, and where the governments of foreign nations were able to freely oppress alien states without criticism from their own distant populace. In modern times, the United Nations exists to help nations protect their own national rights to self-government. States may now be guaranteed the ability to maintain control over their own affairs without interference from nations who may claim that greater productivity is equivalent to the ability to dictate the domestic policies of other nations.

The Republic of Armenia believes that a state has the responsibility to provide democratic resolutions to internal differences, and the right to decide its own course of action in the resolution of internal conflicts, free of the opinions of other nations. While other nations may have their own viewpoints regarding an issue, they may not impose those views on a foreign state. We believe that the United Nations should respect and protect the sovereignty of each state, and our country will not support any action in which the United Nations violates that sovereignty.

The Republic of Armenia believes that the population of each and every state has the right to self-government. By instituting democratic systems of governing, the people of a nation may have their opinions expressed in the federal government. Armenia has created a constitution which protects personal freedoms. The United Nations has no place in deciding the actions taken by a sovereign elected body within the borders of a state. The sovereignty of a state is sacred. Conflicts which arise from groups within a nation should be handled by the governing officials.

The Constitution of Armenia recognizes the rights of every citizen to popular sovereignty and self-government. In the Republic of Armenia, people may exercise popular authority through elections and referenda. Each person is guaranteed the right to an equal, secret vote for all elected governing officials from the local to federal levels. By instituting a democratic republic, Armenian citizens are able to express their opinions through their government.

Armenia believes that any crisis which may arise within a nation should be handled primarily by the elected officials of that nation. Properly elected officials should be trusted to determine the proper course of action for government within the state. The purpose of a democratic process is to elect federal officials with power entrusted to them by the people. Therefore, only the elected officials have the right to exercise authority in determining solutions to intra-national issues.

International organizations such as the United Nations or NATO are not popularly elected bodies. Thus, such organizations have no right to interfere within a sovereign country. Therefore, the United Nations may not pre-empt the decisions of a freely elected government.

Institutions such as the U.N. are present in order to resolve conflicts between national bodies, and to provide assistance when asked by the people of a state. Only.

The Republic of Cuba, acknowledging its foreign debt of over nine billion dollars, believes that in order to recover from its faltering economic status, it must increase foreign trade. Cuba already trades with Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, Canada, Spain, France, China, and the Russian Federation. The Republic of Cuba, however, is struggling with adjusting to the capitalist markets in the world. Despite increased income from exports, the value of Cuba's imports still exceeds the value of its exports as a result of the high cost of oil imports and Cuban dependence on imported food.

Cuba believes that its trade and economic status would drastically improve should the United States of America lift its trade embargo placed on Cuba in 1960 by then President Eisenhower. Then, rather than focus its efforts on adjusting to a capitalist world, Cuba would focus on improving its trading ability with capitalists. The Cuban economy will improve once America resumes trade with Cuba. It would be able to export more goods to America, such as nickel, cement and other building materials, sugar, rice, coffee, and potatoes. Trading between the two countries would be extremely beneficial for both sides. The trade between the United States and Cuba now has an estimated value of $3 billion, with that amount increasing to $7 billion, although that figure may be somewhat lower now that foreign businesses have already taken advantage of trade with Cuba. Cuba would purchase $90 million of US medical supplies, as well as 20,000 tons of cotton and 5,000 tons of polyester and rayon fibers. The US could attain 60% of Cuba's nickel export, and the US could save up to $6.5 million a year by purchasing Cuban sugar.

Cuba recognizes that it is having trouble adjusting to capitalist markets because it is indeed not a capitalist market; it is Communist. While Cuba is not willing or ready to change either its government or economy entirely, it is willing to adjust its economy to be able to trade with the capitalist markets of the world. Cuba realizes that such a transition would be difficult but is optimistic of the results. Cuba is considering the best interests of its citizens in this matter. The embargo and the trade deficit both put an extreme strain on Cuba's resources and ability to support its citizens.

Cuba notes that one of the main reasons for the embargo and other acts on Cuba are because it is a Communist country and because of the alleged human rights offenses. Cuba would like to point out the glaring hypocrisy in the United States logic. China is a Communist country as are Vietnam and North Korea. The United States maintains civil trade relations with all three aforementioned countries, but not with Cuba. Cuba has far fewer alleged human rights violations than China, but since China is a world power, the United States seems to think that the violations don't matter anymore. President Clinton protested, "The best way to promote change is through peaceful relations." Apparently, the same idealism does not apply to Cuba.

The legal standards being maintained by United Nations Peacekeeping Forces are being questioned especially in regards to a nation’s right to national sovereignty and to non-interference by outside powers involving internal affairs One solution to the dispute would be to limit the power of the United Nations by restricting the use of armed forces in peacekeeping operations organized by the United Nations and, more often, resort solely to negotiation. Instead, strict limitations could be set on the jurisdiction held by United Nations Peacekeeping Forces limiting violent force used in the peacekeeping operations, in addition to stricter limitation of the use of United Nations Peacekeeping Forces as a solution to conflict. However, the legal standards could be ignored, and the United Nations, being the most powerful governmental organization in the world, could be given the right to take any necessary force against any citizen of the world who is a threat, direct or indirect, to their mission of creating and maintaining peace in the world. The government of Cuba firmly believes that the world deserves peace, but are concerned that countries legal rights to national sovereignty and to non-interference by outside powers regarding internal affairs are being sacrificed by some United Nations peacekeeping operations, so they strive to enforce that United Nations Peacekeeping Forces stay strictly within their mandate.

The United Nations was formed to unite the strength of individual nations in an attempt to strengthen “peace-loving” nations ability to maintain international peace and security. The founding members of the United Nations hoped to make a collective effort to prevent and removal all threats to peace and to suppress all acts of aggression and braches of peace “in conformity with the principles of justice and international law.” They required all member nations to settle internal conflicts internally without threatening peace in outside nations and to refrain from threatening or using force on any nation. The Security Council was granted the right to take action through the implication of armed forces, United Nations Peacekeeping Forces, only after economic sanctions, interruption of communications, and avoidance of diplomatic relations prove inadequate in an attempt to maintain or restore peace and security.

The Cuban government strongly believes that United Nations Peacekeeping Forces must remain within their mandate and respect nations’ rights to national sovereignty and to non-interference by outside powers in internal affairs. The Security Council must take extreme caution in selecting nations in which to organize peacekeeping operations and where United Nations Peacekeeping Forces will be deployed. They must also respect the territory and independence of countries where they are deployed. The Security Council should never implement United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in an attempt to solve conflicts or to prevent potential conflicts or in place of negotiations. The Security Council should only deploy United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in attempt to prevent or maintain peace when no other means of prevention proved adequate.

As an emerging democratic Eastern European nation, Armenia finds stabilization in the Caucasian region and of the world of great importance. Through recognition of UN Resolutions and the creation of laws under its own sovereignty, Armenia is prepared to undergo an intense demilitarization. However, this demilitarization can only come with the realization that every nation has a right to defend itself, and has the right to keep the means necessary available to do so. Keeping this in mind, demilitarization in Armenia will only occur when a withdrawal of troops from Armenian territory, by the nation of Azerbaijan is completed.

Through involvement in The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Armenia has shown its willingness for stabilization within its own geographic region. On May 15, 1992, Armenia signed the Treaty of Collective Security with seven other nations. This treaty called for the proportioning of 875 heavy army units (per nation), to each signing nation. Armenia has also worked for stabilization and demilitarization by joining the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the UN.

The people of Armenia are tired of the economic strife brought upon them by the need to maintain a large army. In a country where money needs to be spent in order to get the civilian economy going, there simply is not money to be spared on the threat of war. However, the people of Armenia will use any legal measures necessary, despite economic cost, in order to insure safety of their borders. Through a 66% increase in the size of its army over the last seven years (from 30,000 military personnel to just under 50,000), Armenia beliefs it will be able to stop attacks from aggressive nations on its borders.

Armenia looks strongly for help from the UN Security Council to bring stability to the world through peacekeeping efforts. Armenia particularly looks for peacekeeping aid from Russia, with its strong political ties to every nation in the Caucasian region it should be able to provide a strong peacekeeping force until the many new upstart nations in the region come up with the capital to bring about their own defense mechanisms. The Russian army has played a minor role in bringing peace to this region, however, it does not have a strong enough force in the region in order to truly scare a nation from aggressive action.

Stabilization can only occur with the absence of military threats in a region. Armenia needs aid in order to force invading troops from Azerbaijan out of its territory. Once this has been completed, the Armenian government will be in a far better position to negotiate stabilization and to stop militarization within its geographic region. However, Armenia does look for stabilization as an achievable goal for the world, and will support movements towards this goal. Through global stabilization a long term world peace may be established.

The Republic of Cuba believes it is a good idea to help industrialize post-colonial nations and societies. It would have only positive influences to continue to put money and supplies towards industrializing these countries who are not up to the level of which they are capable. Industrialization will increase the output of goods and decrease the amount of suffering people in these countries. This includes people who cannot pay to take care of their families and people who can not support others in their economy as well. Help form a foreign power through capital or goods while the post colonial nations industrialize is a good idea, Cuba thinks, because it enabled the country to slowly join their smaller farms together and get more people to begin the industrialization of the country.

Along with other nations in South and Latin America, the Republic of Cuba believes that it is important to begin industrialization so that small cultivators are able to join their farms and lands to begin to cultivate more and produce more while others go into the settled parts such as cities to begin the amount of export goods which will give more money and goods in return. This will also bring about a change in the poorer population as they begin to work for the good of the people in the factories and warehouses.

As the Republic of Cuba sees it, industrialization can only produce positive effects on the underdeveloped country. People who work in the factories could support those who work on farms, and those cultivating the land could help support those working in factories. It will take some time for the industrialization to begin to flourish, but with the help of those who are working for the good of the rest of the people in the country, it will not be as hard to start. Having new factories and warehouses too, will help provide jobs for people who are unable to make money to support themselves and their families.

Of particular relevance to Cuba is the fact that trade will begin to grow for these underdeveloped countries. Trade is a strength and asset to Cuba as we control a lot of it with free trade routes from our key location as an island. These never before noted nations who begin to export goods will affect how trade changes. Cuba wants to be present to recognize it as we control much of foreign trade.

As a suggestion, however, the Republic of Cuba along with other countries and republics in their bloc, thinks that it would be good to keep a committee to evaluate how well the industrialization process works. This will also promote openness among nations and show that there is a common trust within the industrialization process among those involved (whether it is by providing capital or goods to speed along the process of industrialization). This is relevant to Cuba because a common trust would help in our trade as well, and open some new routes along with enforcing some old ones as well.

There exists a very serious problem with some nations of the world. They are unable to provide for themselves due to a plethora of reasons, ranging from lack of natural resources to civil unrest to recently breaking with a providing country. These environments are poor for capitalism, which in turn breeds a poor economy. One of the economic results of a poor economy is the currency of that nation becoming unstable. Right now, the Ruble and Peso are prime examples of this disease at work, the exchange rates fluctuating day to day. Another example of an unstable currency is the Armenian dram.

The Armenian dram’s stability has always been doubtful since it officially broke from the Soviet Union in the 1991. Because of this break from a nation that essentially acted as a parent, it has lost its guarantees for cheap energy, semi-finished goods, and raw materials to manufacture into machine building equipment and electronics. This loss of an essential lifeline has left the small country floundering in the sea of today’s international markets. The loss of materials has left people jobless, with unemployment officially recorded as being around 9.0%, but estimated at 20%. Inflation is rampant, once 13.9%, but now slowed to 2.5% in 1998. Also on this heap of problems is deep-rooted corruption. These factors have caused the quality of life to plummet in Armenia. The currency must be stabilized so that people can enjoy a life consisting of something more than living in poverty.

In order to balance the currency of a nation, the economy must be given new life. There are various ways of doing this. The World Bank could step in and help remove some of Armenia’s external debt of around US$826.7 million. However, just because the nation is receiving money doesn’t necessarily mean that the nation will prosper. The people must be working in order to continue the benefit gained by the intervention of the World Bank. Another possibility is the involvement of the private sector, essentially placing a failing nation into receivership of another. Currently, the United States is funding a program to revamp the economy of Armenia. It is attracting new companies into the area, which generates new jobs in manufacturing. These jobs of course reduce unemployment, but they also produce items, which can also help slow inflation. The United States is also trying to increase the interaction of the Armenian people with their government. If the people are involved in the goings-on of their country, and they want their nation to succeed, they will also not allow corruption to have as strong a hold as it currently does.

We the people of Cuba believe that due to our limited exports resources and our country's dictatorship we are limited in open free trade with the world economy.

The currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso. There exists three types of money in Cuba. The Cuban Peso which is the national money. The Convertible Peso which is used as Dollar and de USD itself as the third used type. The convertible Peso and Dollar are called divisa or "Fula", too. You can change the Convertible Peso into USD at the airport before leaving the country, because it doesn't have value out of it.

There is an extensive literature on the Cuban sugar industry in the island and abroad. The reason is obvious: sugarcane has been, and continues to be, the dominant crop in Cuba's economy, and sugar the main source of foreign exchange. Data published by the Cuban government portray the sugar industry as the source of employment for almost 400,000 persons who, with their families, make up perhaps one-sixth of the Cuban population. It also accounts for about one-third of the total means of production used in Cuban industry. Sugar represents 80% of the value of Cuban exports and the industry as a whole contributes 10% to Cuba's Global Social Product.

In fact, experts suggest that open trade with Cuba could have more long-term impact on Florida agriculture than the 1995 North American Free Trade Agreement -- widely blamed for wiping out Florida's once thriving tomato industry

Prior to the revolution of 1959, the United States and Cuba had been major trading partners and sugar was Cuba's most important export to the United States. Until 1960, Cuba provided over one-third of the total U.S. sugar requirements, playing the role of an "ever-normal granary" for U.S. sugar needs. One aspect of the preferential treatment it received in return is contained in the Sugar Act of 1948, which allocated to Cuba an import quota equivalent to 98.64% of the difference between U.S. consumption requirements and the sum of the fixed tonnage quotas for the domestic areas and the Philippines, with the remaining 1.36% going to other foreign countries. This arrangement allocated substantially all of the increases in U.S. consumption requirements to Cuba. The 1951 amendment to the Sugar Act set Cuba's share at 96%. The 1956 amendment enabled domestic producers to participate in the growth of the U.S. market; i.e., any growth in U.S. consumption beyond 8.35 million short tons was shared 55% by domestic areas and 45% by foreign areas. The July 1960 amendment provided for presidential actions under which sugar import quotas from Cuba were suspended. Explicit in the legislation was the intention of restoring Cuba's quota at the time of its return to the free world. The Cuban sugar quota was allocated to domestic areas and foreign countries.

The 1962 and 1965 amendments to the Sugar Act reallocated the Cuban sugar quota. The 1965 amendment distributed the 50 percent Cuban share of the U.S. sugar requirements (remaining over the allocations to domestic sources, the Philippines, and other exceptions) on a pro-rata basis to other quota-holding countries. Not included in that quota, however, was Cuba's share arising from consumption requirements in excess of 10 million short tons, which would be prorated among members of the Organization of American States.

Cuban exports of sugar to the United States amounted to 2.94 million tons in 1959. Until July 1960, when the Cuban quota was suspended, Cuba had exported 1.95 million tons of sugar to the United States.

In July 1960, the Soviet Union rapidly announced its readiness to purchase the former U.S. Cuban sugar quota. Cuba, who had sold over 50% of its sugar exports to United States for many years, redirected its sugar exports to the Soviet Union, China, and Eastern European countries. In 1959, only 5.5% of the 4.95 million tons exported went to the U.S.S.R., while the remaining 94.5% was exported to other countries, including the United States. Those figures changed dramatically in 1960 when Cuba sent 28.1% of its sugar exports to the U.S.S.R., 8.5% to China, 4.1% to Eastern Europe, and 59.3% to other countries. By 1965, the U.S.S.R. was purchasing 46.2% of Cuban sugar exports while other countries (not including China and Eastern Europe, with 7.5% and 12.7%, respectively) imported only 33.6% of the total.

Forecasting the future direction of Cuban sugar exports is not an easy task. Politics played the major role in the redirection of Cuban sugar trade that took place in the early 1960s, and continued to do so afterwards. However, it is possible to describe potential scenarios for the 1990s by looking at the current status of the Cuban sugar industry, the new trend of Cuban sugar exports developing since the late 1980s, and the legal and political environment of U.S.-Cuba future relations.

The process of Cuba's reinsertion into the world economy during the nineties has been officially conceived by the Communist Party as part of a larger effort to "introduce the necessary transformations in order to sustain the continuity and further development of the Revolution and the preservation of its socialist essence, in conditions of efficiency and adaptation to the realities imposed by the international context" (Granma, November 7, 1997).

Almost ten years have passed since the beginning of the process and therefore we can now engage in an assessment of its results, including its shortcomings and limitations. In this paper we will address first the strategies and observable results of reinsertion during the nineties and then present a summarized outline of the main problems faced by the process.

During the seventies and eighties Cuba was a very 'open' economy but that openness was basically related to the interaction with countries of the former Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, and particularly with the former Soviet Union. In 1989 the share of Cuba's total trade with socialist economies was 80%. Relations with the capitalist world were very modest and obviously were not perceived as either 'fair' or 'advantageous' in comparison with Comecon patterns of trade and credit with Cuba, which had built-in mechanisms for transfer of profits (i.e. preferential prices, 'soft' loans, and arrangements for the 're-exportation' of oil in hard currency).

After the abrupt collapse of socialism in Europe, the challenge for Cuba in the nineties was perceived as finding ways of 're-linking' to the world economy. The relative 'step back' in the openness of the country during the early nineties was an historical accident, not a deliberate decision. Even in the worst moment of the crisis the Cuban economy sustained a high degree of openness.

The process of reinsertion has been vigorously obstructed by recent U.S. policy. The economic embargo imposed on Cuba since the early sixties was not only tightened in the nineties regarding new restrictions for U.S. businesses but also has been expanded to incorporate extra-territorial clauses that have affected Cuba's relations with the rest of the world.

U.S. citizens have a constitutional right to travel. The outdated, counterproductive U.S. embargo against Cuba should not be used by the government as an excuse to violate our rights. We believe that communication and dialogue across borders is a positive, non-violent way of resolving differences among nations. If the U.S. and Cuban governments do not talk to each other, then we -- the citizens -- must lead the way. As conscientious citizens, we follow the hallowed tradition of protesting unjust laws and standing up for our civil liberties.

Note: This position paper conflicts with that of fellow delegate Andrew McMahon regarding this topic in the Economic and Financial Committee. Upon arriving at MUNUC, they will determine which of the two positions they will follow.

The Republic of Cuba believes that free trade should be open to all countries around the world including trade between the United States and Cuba. The Republic of Cuba believes that is treated unfairly because of the United States embargo against us. The embargo was placed against us forty years ago for allying ourselves with the Soviet Union and for asking them for help as opposed to the United States. The Republic of Cuba holds high interest in trade with the United States and an instant eradication of the embargo that is currently in place.

We believe that with open trade with the United States, a definite world power located only ninety miles off our north coast, would be beneficial to not only Cuba but also to the United States. The Republic of Cuba stands to be the only country in the Western Hemisphere that is not a member of The World Trade Organization. If the United States embargo were to be lifted from Cuba, we would be readily accepted into the WTO and open to vital trade routes.

The people of our beloved Cuba want to become open to every country for trade because Cuba’s economy greatly depends on other countries and their willingness to trade. At one time, the United States was our largest customer of tobacco products. After the Soviet Union broke up, we lost exhuberant trading opportunities due to economic distraught. Our economy prospers off the trading with other countries due to our lack of self-sufficient resources. What resources our country does contain is far from dwindling, we simply must trade for materials that we cannot produce in our country and we feel that the United States would be a wonderful nation to trade with being so close and so large. We have an abundent source of nickel deposits on our island as well as numerous sugar cane plantations.

The Republic of Cuba would like to request a removal of the forty-year standing United States embargo to further the movement of globalization in the world. We insist that the United States drop the embargo to benefit free trade and the Republic of Cuba. We hope that lift of the embargo over Cuba will greatly promote Cuba’s economy in the future. Free Trade is a serious and local problem for Cuba and it is hoped that together we can make our world work.

Note: This position paper conflicts with that of fellow delegate Scott Stewart regarding this topic in the Economic and Financial Committee. Upon arriving at MUNUC, they will determine which of the two positions they will follow.

The concept of communism is that people do there share for the good of the community. Often times it has fall over the past century though out the world and has not prevailed due to the greed of capitalist taking advantage of me and my fellow Cubans are being led away from our way of life. In China we see our comrades slip further and further away from the ideals that we where both founded on. Americans are doing this by trading and allowing capitalist to use their nations workers for there own need. That is why we feel that free trade is a threat to our way of life. In two ways, we will loose internal productivity and we will be forced to change our ways to soot those that we are trading with. There are two things that we well benefit us, and that is better medical resource and ending the food shortages.

In several countries in clouding the United States they find them selves using other countries products such as Shoes and Clothes. The importing of these items may destroy our market. For example if Nike comes into the market with shoes of hire quality and at the same price our companies will no longer be able to serve us because of the lack of need for Cuban shoes. Then we will have citizens unable to contribute to the community and to the nation as a hole.

We want to keep our way of life. Cuba is a communist state and we prefer to stay that way. Over the past few years the Americans have been convincing China to change the way they do business, in many ways to change there culture. We do not want many other countries. Use of free trade between capitalist and communist will not work. The two systems of economics will be in a tug a war until one side gives in and changes or the rope will break and the relations that we have belt between the two are going to fall. A world that historically is controlled by those who are stronger in this case capitalist we as a nation will loses it way of life and there for we feel that it will destroy us as a sovereign nation. We will not be forced to be a puppet for further developed nations.

There are some good things that will help Cuba and other lesser-developed countries. The major benefit will be medical advances. Cuba like all nations have people that suffer from a variety of illnesses including HIV, Malaria, and several others. These victims of daises are in need of medical care that our current facilities cannot provide. We support the trading for the good of this ill Cubans. My Little brother contracted Chicken Poxes as an infant and spent six weeks in a hospital before he died. Now I believe that if he had ascent to the medical technology that country such as Canada and the United Kingdome that he will be alive today. If we a cure for a dieses that they do not we will trade to allow the ill a better chance for recovery.

Cuba also supports Ending hunger by trading food. For example if Canada is in a middle of a famine and Cuba produces an excess of food then we will trade food for resources such as timber or coal. On the other hand if we need food we will trade tobacco, petroleum or nickel, for food. If a nation has no water to drink because of drought Cuba and other nations should help out. These two ways will benefit more then just Cuba it will benefit all of our trading partners and any nation in a crises.

To conclude, free trade of goods such as shoes and other manufactured goods will hurt the Cuban economy, but the trade of vital things such as food, water and medical needs. We would also like to keep our clutched instead of becoming just like all other nations. This is our position on free trade.

Educating the people of Armenia about AIDS and its effects does not play a significant role in the development of Armenia nor in the preservation of its culture. Armenians do not feel that the UN should have any role in the education of its people on such a subject, and at the very least should allow them to resolve other conflicts before confronting one of such little importance to the nation.

Armenia is currently involved in a military struggle with Azerbaijan over disputed land that was assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s. The fight escalated in 1991 when both countries attained independence. In 1994, a cease-fire was called, and Armenia still held the land that was rightfully Azerbaijan’s. The disputed land is currently occupied by Armenian forces, though the land belongs to Azerbaijan. This continued use of the military is becoming a drain on the economy, and debt continues to mount.

Due to this current drain on the economy, the funds are not available for an extensive program that would educate the people about AIDS. The AIDS problem in Armenia is not extensive enough to consider allotting a substantial amount of the national budget for education programs regarding AIDS. Even if funds were available, other things still exist that are more pressing.

Also factoring into Armenia’s seeming apathy towards the international AIDS problem is the religion of the country. 94% of Armenians are Armenian Orthodox, and since preservation and protection of life is of vital importance, most methods of birth control that would be used in the prevention of AIDS would be opposed by 94% of the nation. Spending the money just so the educators can be rejected would be a massive waste of money and effort. There would be no problem with these programs if there were some way for them to show how to prevent AIDS without the use of contraceptives such as condoms, diaphragms, birth control pills, etc. Intravenous use of drugs is not a large problem in Armenia. Large amounts of cannabis are produced for domestic use, and hashish and opium are trafficked through Armenia to Western Europe and the US. There is not a large amount of drugs such as heroin which involve the use of needles. Therefore, spreading AIDS through shared needles is not a large problem.

One other thing that takes priority over AIDS in Armenia is the recognition of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. A bill was recently introduced to the US House of Representatives that would recognize the genocide of 1915 in which Turkish forces raided Armenia and killed between an estimated 1.5 million to two million people. The bill was voted down in October, but many Armenians still continue to fight.

AIDS may not be as prevalent in Armenia as it is in places such as Africa, but it still has a social and cultural impact that is felt by all Armenians. However, due to the military run government, funding for AIDS education is not likely to soon be approved. Armenia still supports the education of AIDS in other countries, but prefers to preserve their own cultural heritage and land before tackling a problem of seeming insignificance to the nation of Armenia at this time.

Position Paper

Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee

Topic A: The Social and Cultural Impact of AIDS

The Republic of Cuba

Seretha Curry, Delegate

In the Republic of Cuba, AIDS is not as major of an issue as in other countries, especially among Caribbean nations. Cuba has a very low rate concerning the contraction of AIDS. Only .02 percent of the population has contracted AIDS in the Republic of Cuba. Our country does recognize that AIDS is a worldwide epidemic and should be responded to accordingly.

Due to the nature of our medical system, each person receives the amount of care he or she requires. In Cuba, clinics and hospitals give the best care to all our citizens. However, more sophisticated detection techniques and medical aide is appreciated, and we of Cuba believe all knowledge concerning the prevention and treatment of AIDS should be shared within the worldwide community.

The Republic of Cuba understands the nature of the spread of the AIDS disease. Illegal drug abuse, sexual activity and a general lack of knowledge concerning the AIDS virus contribute to the growing fatality rate in our nation. Culturally, our people need to better understand the disease in order to combat it. Medical and educational programs must emphasize the nature of the disease and its transmission, as well as instruct our citizens on how to prevent transmission of the virus. We also recognize that the AIDS epidemic has dropped the life expectancy in the Republic of Cuba, which, beforehand, had been on a general rise. Cuba also realizes that HIV and AIDS are responsible for 73.5 percent of the deaths in the Caribbean nations.

Although communication is welcome, we believe that our country can deal with the outbreak of AIDS. Because the contraction rate is low in our republic, we do not have the major financial or social troubles of some countries, even some of our neighbors in the Caribbean. The key to defeating this epidemic on a worldwide scale is the equal distribution of knowledge and medical expertise throughout the nations. Each and every country should be willing to share medical supplies, techniques, and expertise with each other in order to cease the needless loss of life and to combat this disease more effectively. Free trade and contact with all nations is pivotal to the gradual defeat of AIDS.

Article 3 in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights speaks specifically about this, "Everyone has the right of life, liberty, and security of person.", In order to secure the basic right to life the international community must make every effort to subdue a threat to life, whether it is an artificially created biological weapon or a naturally occurring disease made by nature. The Republic of Cuba will do all in its power to assure that her citizens receive equitable medical care.

The Republic of Cuba supports legislation aimed for the strengthening or relationships among the international community geared toward the sharing of knowledge concerning AIDS. All citizens in all nations whether rich or poor, should be given fair and just medical service with no respect to persons, also spoken y the Declaration of Human Rights. AIDS, a worldwide problem not restricted to any nationality, region, or economic position, should be dealt with as such‑a major problem for international solutions.

The Republic of Armenia fully recognizes and understands the importance of eliminating all forms of racial discrimination. As people entering the next century, Armenia believes that things have to be changed, and have committed ourselves to creating a better planet on which to live. Our interests are not ethnocentric. We genuinely believe that for us to be able to create a better world, to achieve long lasting peace and prosperity, we must create harmony among all the peoples of the world and respect each other’s rights.

Armenia has an unyielding commitment to the human rights and defense of its citizenry. Armenia guarantees its citizens, regardless of national origin, race, sex, language, creed, political or other persuasion, social origin, wealth or other status, all the rights, freedoms, and duties established by the Constitution and the law. Because of its past, Armenia is extremely sensitive to the plight of the oppressed, and has formed its policies in agreement with these beliefs. In support of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the government of Armenia guarantees the protection of human rights and freedoms based on the Constitution and the law, in accordance with the principles and requirements of international law.

Armenia is a small, homogenous country, with only an estimated six percent minority population. Still, the ethnic groups in Armenia live in harmony and their rights are greatly respected. The bitter historical experience of Armenia, repeatedly subjected in the course of our history to oppression, murder and genocide, has produced in our country a wholehearted feeling of respect for national minorities. The Republic of Armenia strongly believes that it is important to maintain this harmony and pursues a policy of prohibiting all acts or manifestations of racial discrimination directed against individuals, groups, or institutions.

Citizens belonging to national minorities are entitled to the preservation of their traditions and the development of their language and culture. However, there are no organizations in the Republic based on ideas or theories of the superiority of one race or group of persons of one color or ethnic origin. Armenia harshly criticizes policies and principles that provoke racial hatred or any form of “ethnic cleansing,” considering them to be completely incompatible with human rights and universal freedoms. Armenia also condemns the former practice of forcible resettlement of peoples, national minorities and individual citizens of the former USSR as incompatible with the aims of the struggle against racism and racial discrimination and contrary to universal humanitarian principles.

The Republic of Armenia has taken major steps in creating policies that reflect the countries views racial discrimination and hold the good of the people at heart. Because of these measures, Armenia has been successful in creating and maintaining harmonic relations between ethnic groups. Armenia would like to see further advancements made by the United Nations to aid countries in intra- national racial conflicts. Along with these, Armenia believes that extra steps need to be made by the United Nations to ameliorate international racial conflicts, also.

Armenia unreservedly condemns all forms and manifestations of racial discrimination. The elimination of this is a topic of serious nature, which needs to be discussed and considered by the United Nations. Our country will not support any resolution that gives way for racial discrimination on any level, in any form, to take place.

Cuba has treated the introduction of HIV/AIDS into the country as a public health emergency, and has subsequently instituted traditional public health control measures to contain the spread of the disease.

In 1986, Cuba introduced a national screening program using domestically produced kits. Over 19.5 million tests for HIV/AIDS have been preformed, and many Cubans consider getting and HIV test a part of routine health. As a result of this program, Cuba has an extremely low HIV/AIDS infection rate of approximately .02%.

Cuba believes that everyone has a right to access to medical care. Those infected with HIV/AIDS are given the option of staying at home or living in a sanitarium. Sacrifice to the community is a vital part of Cuban society. Cuba regards the sacrifice of personal freedom as a vital part of preserving public health and safety. Therefore, 70% of those afflicted with HIV/AIDS choose to life in free, government‑run sanitariums where they are provided with high calorie diets, free medication, a partial salary, and care from a medical staff.

However, US economic sanctions have made the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS extremely difficult. American companies produce a majority of HIV/AIDS lab tests and pharmaceuticals. US economic sanctions forbid these companies to sell to Cuba. Consequently, vital HIV/AIDS medications are virtually nonexistent, and condoms are also extremely difficult to come upon.

Cuba believes that regardless of the justification of the US economic sanctions, there is no reason for depriving the people of Cuba access to purchase medication for those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. Cuba hopes for the passage of the "Cuban Humanitarian Act", which would exempt humanitarian goods, such as food and medication, from the US embargo.

Cuba believes in the right to health care for all and will support legislation that promotes equal health care and distribution of medication. Cuba will oppose legislation and economic sanctions that will interfere with the equal treatment of those afflicted with HIV/AIDS.

The Republic of Cuba is fully aware of racial discrimination problem in this world and wishes for every country to realize the impact racial discrimination has on human lives. We urge all of the countries to acknowledge this problem and act on it, and by doing that help make this world a better place to live in for every human being.

The Republic of Cuba believes that every individual is equal without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, language or religion. Cuba has a firm commitment to human rights, and we believe that discrimination and the rights of all people in this world are serious issues that must be acted upon by the United Nations, and we urge the UN to do everything in their power to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination in the world. Our country shall not support any resolution that should dictate any discrimination based on race, color, sex, language or religion.

We proudly state that 51% of our population is mulatto, while 37% is white, 11% is black and the remaining of 1% is Chinese. It is our belief that our country, as a whole, has outlawed racial discrimination and acts of racism, and we are ready to help fight every form of discrimination in this world. Our people do not identify themselves in terms of race, but as Cubans, and that is what Cuba believes every country should relate to or at least try to aspire to.

Although Cuba, like all countries, still has a variety of problems, and racism, as in many other countries, still exists among some members of the population, we are also ready to do everything in our power to stop that. Racial discrimination is not a crisis in Cuba, even though racial prejudice has not disappeared altogether. It still exists in a section of the older generation in particular. But such views do not receive much attention, and since racial discrimination is no longer institutionalized in laws or the economy, the absence of these material bases for the prejudices that hang over from the past means they will wither away.

The Republic of Cuba believes that it is very important for the United Nations to promote international awareness of this particular problem and teach the citizens of the world about how cruel, inhumane and degrading racial discrimination is, and also teach the people of the world that an individual should be recognized for his ability of mind, and quality of his thinking, rather than color.

The Armenian government believes that Tuberculosis is a global threat to health and the health of those in Armenia. The rate of TB infections in the Southeast Europe region has increased twenty five percent in the past 4 years. Armenia believes that the World Health Organization should continue to implement the Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course plan to combat the disease. This program of treatment is cost effective and emergence of drug resistant TB is prevented. Armenia believes that rapid implementation of the program described above is imperative to world health since it is so effective, but is only used to treat five percent of the cases world wide. It is ninety five percent successful in all areas and only costs eleven U.S. dollars to use.

Armenia is committed to stopping the spread of Tuberculosis within its own borders. Since the fall of the Soviet Union Armenia has worded diligently to establish an effective health care system to provide care to all, this program is slowly coming online and is hampered by the economy. As this program comes online Armenia hopes to improve health care in general and begin a program of immunization and treatment of Tuberculosis. Armenia is also committed to improving conditions in prisons to help slow the spread of Tuberculosis through the prison system, a current source of Tuberculosis outbreaks.

Armenia believes that it is the World Health Organization’s responsibility to help nations where tuberculosis is present to help start program such as Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course. Armenia also believes that a program of observation of Tuberculosis patients should be implemented to prevent its rapid spread around the world via the airplane.

Armenia believes in health care for all. The World health Organization is obligated to help provide assistance to countries in need. Our country will support any resolution designed to effectively and economically treat tuberculosis and end this global emergency.

Currently, genetic engineering does not play a pivotal role in The Republic of Armenia. The more pressing issues concerning Armenian people right now revolve around land disputes with Azerbaijan. Since 1988, Armenia and Azerbaijan have been fighting over a primarily Armenian-populated exclave that was assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920's by Moscow. By May 1994, Armenian forces held a significant portion of the Azerbaijani land. The persisting conflict has consumed most of Armenian concern; the inability of the two sides to make substantial progress toward a peaceful resolution continues to hurt the Armenian economy.

With said damaged economy, it is not feasible for Armenia to fund any programs designed to forward genetic engineering studies. With over 45% of the population below poverty line, the Republic of Armenia does not have the financial ability to risk participating in funding such programs without the guarantee of a proportionally beneficial outcome. Because of Armenia’s inability to fund such programs, Armenian officials have not yet found adequate reason to explore the possibilities of genetic engineering studies.

Also factoring into Armenia’s inactive approach to genetic engineering is the role of Christian Orthodoxy. 94% of Armenians are Armenian Orthodox, thus protecting life at all costs is of valid concern. This especially pertains to genetic engineering for human disease. From a strictly Armenian Orthodox perspective, genetic engineering is morally wrong and thus should not pursued if, as it is in most cases, the developing genetic process is tested on animals or humans in a way that jeopardizes their health. However, if somehow genetic engineering can be ensured to produce conditions that actually improve the health of an individual without having destroyed life while being developed and tested, then there would be no moral opposition. Essentially, if genetic engineering aids and strengthens life, without harming life in the process of doing so, it would have the support of the majority of Armenian people, if Armenia actually had the funding to enable access to it.

The role of Christian Orthodoxy has considerably less impact in regards to genetic engineering in agriculture. Developing genetic engineering in Armenia is again irrelevant when considering its possibilities with agriculture, also. If Armenia had the money to fund studies to explore its benefits in agriculture, and granted it was in coordination with the population’s moral views, Armenia’s lack of arable land would ensure that the subsequent profits would be disproportional. With only 17% of their land arable, and only 3% therein comprised of permanent crops, and bearing in mind Armenia is diminutive (slightly smaller than Maryland) to start with, pursuing such expensive and risky experiments is illogical.

Assuming that the results of genetic engineering will soon offer wonderful improvements in both the arenas of human disease and agriculture, Armenia should not be disqualified from its benefits simply due to its economic inability to risk spearheading such programs. Although moral approval, and thus Armenian backing, of the practices is yet undecided, the Armenian population, as humans entitled to basic rights, deserves an opportunity to explore its possibly of offering a better standard of living. Hence, if more economically stable countries, which can afford the risks involved, develop processes beneficial to all humankind, they should thus be shared with all humankind, even those not fortunate enough to economically aid the initial development, such as Armenia.

The Republic of Armenia would gladly support the development of genetic engineering in agriculture, provided it were not harmful to people or the environment, but does not currently have the finances for such support. Consequently, Armenia can't support research and development of it within it's own country, but encourages countries with the ability to support such research to do so.

As far as genetic engineering in regards to disease, Armenia could not in good conscience support it, even if Armenia did have the finances, due to the religious beliefs of the majority of Armenians. Armenia is over 90% Christian Orthodox, and those Christians do not condone anything that would harm human life. While there is potential for genetic engineering in disease to be greatly helpful to the general populace, there are no guarantees that it will, and the testing of such technology would be harmful. Armenia does not support, nor could it ever support anything that is harmful to human life, thus it does not support the said engineering.

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most pressing health issues in our world today. It is a contagious bacterial infection that effects primarily the pulmonary system and other tissues systems, This disease causes the formation of granulose (cellular growths) in the infected tissues, which causes the tissues to slowly degrade, It is considered to be one of the world's deadliest diseases killing about 3 million people annually. About 20 years ago Tuberculosis was thought to have been eradicated. However, over the last 20 years or so Tuberculosis has become increasingly prominent. Because of this recent emergence of the disease proper methods for preventing and treating TB are not available to many countries.

TB is a concern for all countries. It is found‑in the most developed and underdeveloped countries around the world. It continues to creep through developing countries. TB infects people of all ages, races, and background , The most susceptible to TB are those who are of lower classes. These people are most likely to be living in overcrowded and poorly ventilated ‑areas where Tuberculosis thrives, These conditions facilitate the transmission of TB. Many of these people cannot afford proper health care and treatment; therefore the spreading of TB is even more of a risk. Others at risk are pregnant women, elderly, infants, children, malnourished individuals, and refugees.

South East Asia and Sub‑Saharan Africa are the two regions of the world that are most affected by Tuberculosis, In these countries nearly 3 million people a year ‑are contracting TB. Seventy‑Five percent of the world's Tuberculosis cases can be found in these two regions. A major reason for this disease‑being so prevalent in these regions in the high rates of HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus.) This prevents the body's immune system from fighting disease or virus such as TB, This is called the TB/HlV
Co-epidemic.

TB is the number one killer for HIV patients in‑the world. HIV attacks the immune system and increases a person’s chances for contraction the active form of TB. The immune system is important at the two major points of TB transmission: 1) the primary infection, and 2) the latency period of the disease. A healthy person would be able to fight off the M. Tuberculosis before it cause a primary infection while someone with HIV wouldn't be able to fight off U. Tuberculosis and would contract the active form.

Cuba is a communist nation that believes that everyone should be provided for and cared for. Cuba sees the need for action in the prevention and treatment of Tuberculosis. As a communist nation Cuba feels that the government should provide for their country, this includes health care, preventative measures, and treatment, Cuba wishes to establish a TB prevention program that can keep the TB epidemic out of their region.

Cuba proposes that the previously organized DOTS (Directly Observed
Short-course Treatment) program be implemented on a much more global basis. It was proven that the DOTS program was the most effective in the treatment and prevention of TB. Cuba suggests that if a government or country does not have enough money that a wealthier country should assist that poor country, Cuba feels that there should be one, central Global Facility to oversee the prevention and treatment of TB and dictate the standards and means of operation.

Cuba very much supports genetic engineering in both agriculture and disease. They are very involved in genetic engineering. In fact, they are one of the leading countries involved in the field.

Cuba has put a lot of stock in genetic research. In the past ten years it has invested one billion dollars into genetic research. As a result of this, it would be very non-supportive of any type of resolution that would restrict their ability to perform genetic engineering. A resolution like that would severely hurt Cuba’s economy.

Cuba has already made great strides in fighting disease through genetic engineering. It created a way to fight cancer by bonding a naturally occurring protein called EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) with a bacterial protein called P64k. The EFG that exists in a person’s body feeds tumors. When the bonded EFG and P64k is introduced into the person’s body it gets rid of the EFG, thus stopping the food supply for the cancer. If Cuba wasn’t able to genetically engineer this protein, cancer treatment wouldn’t be where it is today.

One problem that faces Cuba today is getting their genetically engineered drugs into foreign markets. Getting their drugs into the United States market is impossible because of the embargo that the United States has set against it. Also, the Helms-Burton Act caused problems for Cuba. The Helms-Burton Act is penalties imposed by the United States on companies in other countries that deal with Cuba. The only exception is Smith Kline Beecham, which can develop and market the Cuban vaccine against meningitis B.

Armenia believe that individual counties that are not apart of Asia and the Pacific should not have to provide funds to help people with disabilities. The united nations should not ask countries outside of Asia and the Pacific to give aid when other countries are in need that are not apart of Asia and the Pacific. Armenia thinks that some of the richer counties that have less people with disabilities should try to provide funds to help out the other poorer countries.

Armenia has a strong commitment to human right and that people should be treated fairly and equally. Armenia wants to fix their countries problem before they try to help any other country. Armenia has started programs to help disabled people in their society.

Under the theme "accessibility is freedom" the department of public information office in Armenia and international federation of red crescent societies delegation, in Armenia organized programs to initiate the integration of disabled persons into Armenian society. there are approximately 100,00 disabled people in Armenia. The majority of their disabilities were caused as a result of the 1988 earthquake.

Through out education you can help your country except people with disabilities. Armenia thinks other countries should use programs like theirs to help people with disabilities and help people learn how to deal with people with disabilities.

Armenia believe that people with disabilities should get help but not at the expense of other countries. Our country will not support a solution to help the disabled people in Asia and the Pacific.

Noting that Cuba is also a communist country; every citizen is subject to equal opportunities. The Republic of Cuba believes that all citizens are equal. This means that women are recognized as well as men. The UN cannot enforce equal human rights in Afghanistan due to the difficulty of sending aid to Afghanistan. Recognizing that Cuba is a totalitarian state, Cuba believes that the sole rulers of a country should enforce all laws set by the country's leaders. Having a government under communist rule, the Republic of Cuba firmly believes that women are equal to men and therefore the same human rights. Due to the unstable governments, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations in Afghanistan have found it difficult to assist Afghanistan with their humanitarian needs.

Cuba does not isolate and refuse to grant women equal opportunities that are also available to men. Unlike in Afghanistan, before the Taliban took control, women were allowed to work and take advantage of jobs that men were able to employ themselves in, Women in Cuba are subject to the same job opportunities as men. Ever since the Taliban has taken complete control of Afghanistan, women have been neglected from their civil rights. Before Taliban rule, women were allowed to work they were not denied humanitarian rights. Cuba believes that a leader of a country should make the decisions and represent what the country stands for, but in deciding what's best for the country, a certain sex should not be discriminated against.

The UN may not be able to control what currently occurs in Afghanistan because the Taliban firmly stands for what they think is just. Cuba would support Afghanistan in firmly running a country under complete rule, but would disagree with the Taliban singling women out and denying them civil rights. Women's rights and men's rights should not be looked upon separately. For women's rights to be taken away leaves them vulnerable and a target for inhumane crimes.

Rape is a big issue in Afghanistan Many women have been abducted, raped, beaten, and even murdered. In Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights it declares: “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” Women are being denied the right to live. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states in Article 3: “Everyone has the right to life; liberty, and security of person.” It remains clear that the Taliban has taken that right from the women of Afghanistan.

Looking at the issues at hand, the Taliban would disagree and say that women do have human rights. But women are being denied everything that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says that they should be subject to. The only way to find a solution to the problem would be to reason with the Taliban. At the moment it is difficult, so a solution is probable, but not likely. Afghanistan is a part of the United Nations, but they are not honoring the regulations that the UN has set. Being a part of the UN means supporting and following the rules. If one country feels they do not have to follow the rules, then other countries may feel the same. So if one must follow all must follow.

The Republic of Cuba feels that the United Nations has the right to step in when they feel that the people's human rights are not being met. Since 1996 the United Nations has reported twenty-one new regulations for women under the Taliban rule. The rules confined women to wearing full-length veils, no wearing of fragrances and no traveling without a male escort. When these rules are not carried out women are beaten, stoned to death murdered, raped, beaten or abducted. These things are clearly against everything the UN stands for and it should not be tolerated.

If Afghanistan is as committed to the UN as they say, then human rights should be honored and represented in their country. Cuba represents human rights by exercising equality among all citizens. The question is should one sex have control over another? And the answer is no. Cuba is a firm believer in equal rights and feels that the Committee on the Status of Women should come up with a solution to stop violence against women.

The Federation of Cuban women would be willing to lend a helping hand to these Afghan women in their time of suffering. Too many innocent lives have been taken and it has to stop. Cuba will back the UN on whatever decision that is made. The Committee on the Status of Women should think hard and long about the decisions they make because a difference can be made. Concerned about countries who represent the UN and do not support all the rules and regulations of the UN. The mistreatment of women in Afghanistan shall not be tolerated.

Cuba feels that all humans should have equal rights. Not one person or sex should be looked down upon. There is a problem and the problem is with the Afghan government and their rules. Cuba feels that United Nations has every right to step in if they feel that the people's human rights are not being met. In Cuba there is no problem with the equal rights among the sexes. That type of behavior would not be tolerated and shall not be tolerated in any culture. Cuba feels that the silence should be broken and this problem should be recognized and stopped immediately. What the United Nations should do is strip Afghanistan of whatever aid it receives until they can cooperate with the human rights that they know and should recognize'.

The Republic of Cuba feels that gender discrimination shall not be tolerated in any shape or form. This is an issue that affects everyone. If this issue were not to be resolved and looked over by countries that thought this topic was of know relevance it would be a disgrace to the Declaration of Human Rights. Cuba Eels that the rights of women should be honored and respected. Cuba will not support Afghanistan if the mistreatment of women continues to happen. Cuba is only for equality and will only support a resolution that bands the Taliban from making rules nut put these women lives in danger.

Cuba believes that the condition of women's education in Latin America is based on the roles and status of women and men in society. For decades women have been trying to reach an equitable education. Why does this sexist attitude take place? Is there going to be an end to gender discrimination as we head towards the new millennium?

Many factors can come into play for reasoning why so many women in Latin America are illiterate. An immediate reaction would be the difference between men and women in access to schooling. Also, the differences between students according to social class can come into play. Cuba believes that educational problems in Latin America concern social class not gender.

A study recently done in Cuba found that teachers penalize students attempts to move into less stereotyped identities. Most teachers in Cuba are women. Many teacher are poorly paid. Why do teachers have to penalize students for attempting not to be in there situation?

In terms of gender equality, Latin America shows very small gaps in enrollment and completion with the largest gaps at the university level. The most recent statistics show that women repeat less than men at the primary level in 12 out of 13 Latin America countries and in 2 out of 7 countries at secondary level. A study by the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean found that women need to have four more years of schooling in order to compete for similar salaries as men.

Does Cuba's communist ways factor into gender discrimination? Do where you live factor? If there should be equality would that make Cuba feel like there moving towards a democracy? Whether or not gender discrimination still exists and it's one of the problems we need to face.

The Republic of Armenia sympathizes with the problems faced by the Roma people, both in the past and now. As pursuant to the statement issued by OSCE at the Istanbul Summit in November 1999, Armenia will abide by the commitment to equality within its borders. However, the United Nations cannot compel other member nations to enact regulations ensuring that the Roma be accorded all due rights and privileges that would infringe on the nation’s sovereign rights. Armenia believes that nations should act in accordance with the UN Declaration of Human Rights and that through greater education and communication, peaceful resolutions to the problems can be reached.

Armenia has a long history of preserving its unique history and culture. Against great adversity, Armenia has continued to assert its identity and national heritage. In this spirit, the Armenian government supports the Roma efforts to establish a presence in today’s world. These efforts have already gained the Roma representation on the United Nations Economic and Social Commission and a presence in OSCE. The Roma’s non-violent actions should be commended and duly noted.

At this time, the status of the Roma is of concern in Armenia. Unlike the rest of Europe, Armenia’s geography makes it unique. The nation lies within the assumed migration path of the Roma from India and Asia. The population of these people within the country has been both tolerated and accepted into Armenian society. This integration happened centuries ago and the Armenian government feels that the racial injustice faced by these people is completely unjustified and unacceptable. It feels that the discrimination against the Roma is cause for international attention and feels that promotion of awareness is in order.

Because the issue is one of matters of possible oppression, Armenia feels that OSCE has reason to be concerned and therefore, must devise a solution accordingly. This solution, however, must be in accordance with prior treaties, commitments etc. It cannot infringe on national sovereignty. The solution must be logical, economical, and reasonable.

Armenia is therefore prepared to discuss and support actions that lead to greater understanding while maintaining its and the United Nation’s policy of observation. Armenia is proud of its long history of cooperation with the Roma. It does not support discrimination in any form and believes that the Roma have experienced undue hardship throughout history and the present.

Armenia is concerned about the situation of the Roma in the OSCE region. We recognize that the Roma face violence and segregation in their host countries. Past documents that have recognized the persecution of the Roma have failed to work to improve their situation.

Armenia will continue to show good will to the Roma, known as the Bosha and the Lom, in our country. Following our past actions, we will continue the acculturation of our two ways of life. We hope that other member states will strive to imitate this understanding and blending of two cultures.

Armenia feels that every effort should be made for the peace and prosperity of this people, in the spirit of the United Nations. Armenia is willing to work in cooperation with the other members of the OSCE and the Roma in order to solve the problems facing the Roma. We feel that the problems facing the Roma are pertinent and must be settled.

Armenia would agree to the formation of a committee to work on solutions for this problem. The committee would then deal with discrimination and violence, education, international representation, and the union of Romani communities.

Particular attention should be paid to member States wherein. citizens are causing violence and hindering the progress of the Roma. These states should have attention paid to them as an effort to stop the violence and racial discrimination.

The education of the Roma should teach Romany and other cultural traits of the Roma, recognizing their own culture, and the language of the host country and a general knowledge about their way of life. With the teaching of the other culture, the Roma may be able to continue further in their education and be more prepared for the world.

Effective steps have already taken place for political representation. Some examples are the formation of the International Rome Committee, the meetings of the World Romany Congress, and other granted statuses in the United Nations and the Council of Europe. However, these steps need to be furthered and additional steps need to be made.

Armenia encourages nations of Western Europe and North America to. reevaluate the number of Roma seeking asylum that they allow into their country. We encourage them to grant the requested asylum to more Roma. Therefore, extracting them from prejudicial mistreatment of other citizens of their host country.

Armenia has accepted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations and has incorporated it into the national Constitution. Thus, citizens of Armenia are given in their Constitution the right to life, freedom of speech and opinion, the right to peaceful and unarmed assembly, and the freedom of thought and religious belief. It is also required in the Constitution that each person uphold the rights and freedoms established there in, and violent violations of those rights are outlawed. The Constitution also provides that certain rights and freedoms may be limited by law if “necessary for the protection of state and public security, public order, public health and morality, and the rights, freedoms, honor and reputation of others.” Another point of the Constitution is the prohibition of torture and unusual or cruel treatment and punishment.

These rights and freedoms apply to all Armenian citizens regardless of their “national origin, race, sex, language, creed, political or other persuasion, social origin, wealth, or status.” The government also guarantees the protection of these rights “in accordance with the principles and norms of international laws.” Because of the article stating that citizens may not violate the rights set forth in the Constitution in any violent manner, the government of Armenia outlaws all terrorist acts. Even though the people of Armenia may sympathize with some of these so called freedom fighters, national laws ban violent acts against the state and the rights of the people. Terrorism is wide-spread in Europe and also occurs in Armenia. In the disputed area of Nagorno-Karabakh, the rights of many have been violated. Some would call this a terrorist attempt by the Armenian government, however it is viewed as merely a territorial dispute with Azerbaijan. Thus, it would be thought that Armenia would be more likely to allow terrorist actions.

However, the Christian people of Armenia, in keeping with their faith, are morally and ethically opposed to all forms of human rights violations, including those committed by their own government. It is imperative that all terrorism come to a stop in Europe, and also on a global scale. The best way to allow this would be to eliminate exceptions to legislation. These exceptions would cause nations to act in their own best interests only. Also it would be beneficial to create a secure economic atmosphere in the region. It has been shown that areas with stronger economies have less terrorist action.

Armenia believes strongly in universal human rights and that these rights may not be infringed upon at any time. We, as a country, feel that it is important to put a final definition on terrorist acts and to create a secure way of communicating problems between countries and committees within the peace keeping organizations. We believe there is also a need for a common form of punishment to be established for crimes defined as terrorist acts. We will not back any legislation that does not require each country to comply.

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

The Republic of Armenia realizes that there is a growing problem with terrorism in the region overseen by the OSCE. The occurrence of terrorism is an all-common event in Armenia, especially with the Nagorno Karabagh conflict and the destabilization of the Armenian government. Thus it has shown through Armenia’s support of several proposals to deal with terrorism that Armenia will not tolerate terrorism.

One example of the increasing problem regarding terrorism is the event that occurred on October 28, 1999. On that date The Minister of Privatization of Armenia Pavel Kaltakhchian, who was present in the session of the parliament, was wounded during the act of terrorism in the session hall of the Armenian parliament. The Chairman of the parliamentary commission for social issues, health and environment protection, Secretary of the Central Commission of the Communist Party of Armenia Gagik Tadevossian were also wounded and were taken to the same hospital.

First and foremost Armenia must ensure that the Armenian population of Karabagh continues to enjoy its security within its own lands. The recent memories of vulnerability and insecurity make it impossible for Armenia to accept anything less than the inalienable right of the people of Karabagh to have their freedom. Armenia understands this and is actively engaged in pursuing, in every possible forum, a resolution of the conflict with Azerbaijan, that would achieve peace without endangering the hard won and legitimate rights of our people to live in secure dignity and freedom.

Armenia supports and commends the U.N.’s efforts to minimize acts of terrorism throughout the OSCE region. Since 1992 the OSCE has played a key role in finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabagh. It has been actively involved, through the various resolutions and proposals of various documents, such as the Lisbon Document 1996 and the Helsinki Final Act, to define the elements for a durable peace and stability in the region of the Trans Caucasus. Armenia is committed to pursue every possible and credible attempt to resolve the conflicts that linger in the region. It is committed to explore every avenue for peaceful relations with all its neighbors; relations based on mutual respect and recognition. The OSCE and its Minsk Group stand ready to further advance the peace process, including by providing all necessary assistance to the parties.

Armenia also approved the Helsinki Document (1992) which states, “We restate our unreserved condemnation of all acts, methods and practices of terrorism. We are determined to enhance our co-operation to eliminate this threat to security, democracy and human rights. To this end, we will take measures to prevent in our territories criminal activities that support acts of terrorism in other States. We will encourage exchange of information concerning terrorist activities. We will seek further effective avenues for co-operation as appropriate. We will also take the necessary steps at a national level to fulfill our international obligations in this field.” This shows a small portion of the commitment that Armenia has to decrease the threat of terrorism in southwest Asia.

In a speech by the Foreign Minister of Armenia at the OSCE summit in Lisbon he stated several points. “As Armenia actively defends and pursues Nagorno Karabagh people's right to self-determination through peaceful means, we also sympathize with and support all other just self-determination claims in other parts of the globe...We also commend the role that the United Nations has played in organizing and supervising the popular consultation...Regional conflicts, the growth of aggressive nationalism and separatism, international terrorism continue to be the real menace to the peace, progress and development in our region...Most nations, including Post Soviet nations and nations of the Caucasus became involved in the bloody wars, accompanied by mass killing of the people, ethnic cleansing, millions of refugees and the occupation of the territory of independent states. Therefore much remains to be done by the OSCE to provide common security of the European Continent...Minsk Group of the OSCE established in 1992, has made considerable efforts to regulate Armenian-Azerbaijan conflict peacefully. Thanks to its activity and with the active participation of the Russian Federation in May of 1994 the Agreement on cease-fire has been achieved...We totally supported the decisions of the OSCE's 1994 Budapest Summit aimed at speedy settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijan conflict and establishment of multi-national OSCE forces to support the peace...After the Budapest Summit the negotiation process within the frame of the Minsk Group has been intensified. We also worked out the channel of the direct bilateral negotiations with Armenia on the level of the representatives of the Presidents and carried out mutual exchange of the military prisoners and captives...The joint statements of the Presidents of Armenian and Azerbaijan Republics in Luxembourg, in April of this year became a main step in the settlement of the conflict. That in fact is regarded as the first joint Armenian-Azerbaijan document of its kind. It demonstrates the determination of the parties to put an end to the armed conflict on the ground of international principles and norms.” This speech illustrates some of the points that the Armenian government supports on issues regarding terrorism and the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

As a final note, the government of Armenia applauds the efforts of the U.N. regarding terrorism in the Southwest Asia portion of the OSCE region. Through the creation of the Minsk Group advances have been made in the cooperation of Armenia with states that were formally known as enemies. Armenia condemns terrorism in any form and when conducted to violently overthrow an established authority. Thus Armenia fully supports any and all efforts of the U.N. to become involved in helping to monitor and control terrorism in the OSCE region.