Copenhagen – DanMUN 2013 Autumn 2013

The InforMUNt 2013 The Official DanMUN 2013 Newsfeed

Index

Pages 2-3 UN Security Council

expectations: stance

of nine of the fifteen delegations.

Pages 4-6 A personal interview:

President of the UN

General Assembly.

Page 7

“Democracy is the worst form of

government, except for all the others” – Winston Churchill

DanMUN 2013 is here! Following six successful yearly conferences, our

objective has been to create an atmosphere for international students in

which they can receive and share knowledge with regards to global issues

and events.

This year, the main focus of debate is the Syrian crisis, and the reactions

of the international community with regards to the usage of chemical

weapons on civilians. Security Councils with members of all fifteen

delegations are held to determine how various countries perceive and

hope to solve the crisis.

Including mock sessions, social and formal events, notable lectures from

individuals with personal/emotional connections with Syria, DanMUN

2013 is sure to be an unforgettable adventure!

The Gala Night: view

& suggestions of the

event taken from the

personal experiences and beliefs of all.

Page 1 Introduction

Page 8 Acknowledgments –

About us.

NOTE: The press is not corruptible or weak-willed in any manner. We extend our wish to the

delegations of Guatemala, Morocco, Pakistan, and the United States that, while we admire your

insistence and perseverance, to please refrain from further attempts of enticement and/or bribery

before Saturday October 19th. If you desire information, we refer you to request it from us in person.

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Anticipating the Security Council – What do the

delegations believe in?

Argentina – This delegation believes in a non-interventionist peacekeeping,

hoping the main forces involved in the Syrian crisis can come to an agreement

that will improve the overall situation in the country.

France – This delegation believes in intervening in Syria alongs ide the US

and has been acting as their main ally in the desire to remove President Assad,

whom they perceive as the main problem in the Syrian crisis.

Guatemala – This delegation believes in taking a strong position in the crisis,

emphasizing human rights as a cornerstone of their foreign policy, and is the

only South American country to consider military intervention due to its ties

with the US and responsibility to protect the Syrian people.

Morocco – This delegation believes in taking a stronger stance in the Middle

East by promoting peaceful negotiations, urging a no-fly zone in the process.

People’s Republic of China – This delegation believes in peace in Syria, and

seeks diplomacy over military. They believe in a respect of each country’s

sovereignty. Their main goal will be to make a proposal; all the while, they

hope an international agreement is made.

Republic of Korea (South Korea) – This delegation believes in resolving the

Syrian crisis by all means necessary as they find the use of chemical weapons

deplorable, backing the United States as a main ally in doing so.

Russia – This delegation believes it is not a matter of choosing sides, but of

protecting civilians, through negotiation with the Syrian opposition and armed

forces, and not military intervention.

United Kingdom – This delegation believes in no military intervention, but

rather in donating money to UN bodies (e.g. humanitarian aid, etc).

United States of America – This delegation believes the Security Council

will recognize the peacekeeping efforts made between the United States and

Russia in the disposal of chemical weapons by the international community.

Mock Sessions and Necessary

Informalities - Opinion

Mock Sessions are exactly what they sound

like; conferences during which delegations focus on mocking and jeering each other, all

the while following the most basic of rules

and regulations. These “informalities” are

nevertheless necessary, as they not only help

ease pressure and anxiety amongst the rival

countries, but also contribute to ensure that rules are followed intently.

The following section is based on informal interviews with members of nine of the fifteen delegations and the President of the United Nations General Assembly.

It is our wish to extend most heartfelt apologies to the following delegations: Australia, Azerbaijan, Luxembourg,

Pakistan, Rwanda, Togo and the United Kingdom. They could unfortunately not be

reached for comment. We hope the following page will make up for that.

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Criticisms – Unexpressed yet implicit solutions

Despite their complete cooperation and willingness to resolve the Syrian crisis, many nations offered no alternatives or solutions as to how they would proceed if a change in leadership were to occur

“The purpose of the United Nations should be to protect the essential

sovereignty of nations, large and small” – Nikita Khrushchev

Argentina – Argentina offers no solutions as to the massacre of Syrian

citizens, citing the main problem as the use of chemical weapons and not the

two-and-a-half year civil war itself.

France – France could not explain how, without an approval by the United

Nations or the international community as a whole, an interventionist policy

would improve the situation in Syria.

Guatemala – Even after having suggested a united opposition, Guatemala did

not explicitly state how the international community would organize and bring

about new leadership in the war-ridden country.

Morocco – Morocco, even after having given many valid suggestions, did not

mention how they hoped negotiations would be struck.

People’s Republic of China – China was vague on Assad’s removal and

potential solutions for future leadership, saying they do not want “the

international society to intervene with each country’s choice of leader”.

Republic of Korea (South Korea) – Very few criticisms, apart from their

justif ication on military intervention solely being based on the fact that they

are an ally of the United States.

Russia – Russia accurately stated that negotiations between the Syrian

opposition and armed forces must be held; yet, they did not explain how these

negotiations would be orchestrated or arranged without intervention.

United Kingdom – The United Kingdom, while one of the only delegations to

emphasize the importance of UN bodies, was quite vague in its decision to

remove Assad, not taking as much of a stance as they had on Saddam Hussein

during the Iraq war.

United States of America – The US spoke of ways to maintain diplomatic

relations with Syria, but did not say whether or not they truly believe that the

removal of chemical weapons from the international community will solve the

general Syrian crisis, giving no suggestions as to how Assad’s removal as

leader would impact the country.

Unlike the well-known United Nations

Security Council Room, DanMUN

2013 is organized as a square, thereby

encouraging delegates not to talk in circles.

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Legend has it that “That is very much in order” were Anders Hansen’s

first words. In the beginning of the DanMUN you were told about the great power of the president to control and lead the debate of the Security

Council. Since he apparently holds so much power, it was interesting to get to know the person behind this position and whether he is open or not

to favoring certain delegations. We met him for a brief interview and might reveal that, despite his moral intention of not favoring any delegation, he is a rather interesting person who is passionate about

MUN’s but never loses face in front of the Security Council.

In the following interview, we will plunge into how Mr. Hansen became President of DanMUN, and what the main motivators for his presidency

were.

Imperative Message from

Madame Secretary General

Maja Felicia Falkentoft

“As the Secretary General, it is my job

to inform the council of the threats to

international peace and security.

However, I am now in a situation

where I have to warn the council not

only about material threats to the

international community, but also

about more abstract immaterial

threats; namely, such questioning and

challenging the very legitimacy of the

council. More specifically, I am

referring to the current situation,

which the council is experiencing: a

situation of non-collaboration. In such

situation, the council has already

passed and agreed upon a law. The

problem is hence not one of agreeing,

but one of finding the appropriate

response and consequence to those not

adhering to the law that was passed. I

am of course referring to President

Bashar al-Assad. By not adhering to

the law passed by the council, he is

challenging both the authority and

legitimacy of the council as the highest

international body. Please, do not let

your authority and legitimacy be

spewed upon, but find instead a

meaningful and consequent response

to those who spew, thereby showing

both the authority and legitimacy you

preside as a council. Assad must feel

the consequence for not adhering to

the laws passed in this forum. He is

one man against a unified community.

Please, let us not be spewed upon.

Please act in unified response to this disgrace.”

An interview – Anders B. M. Hansen

Anders Bang Mønster

Hansen, President of

DanMUN 2013 presiding

over the United Nations

Security Council simulations

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Q. Has it always been your dream to become the president of the MUN? A. I have always found that the most interesting part of MUN’s is the debate forum and using the rules of procedure to form this forum and the frame of the negotiations so aiming for the presidency felt very naturally to me. Q. What do you see as your most honorable duty as President? A. I would definitely say it is to support all delegates in reaching a viable conclusion. Q. What has your long time experience taught you about UN? A. I think the UN is very necessary for the world. As has been said before it might not be the best working organization, but it is the best we have. Without it, the world would lack a forum where speaking together and finding peaceful agreements is encouraged. Then of course, you might argue that the UN needs some reforms because the constellation of power in the international society has changed since World War II, and therefore the G5 should be reconsidered. For example, is Russia really big enough to hold their position? Why are France and the UK represented, but not Germany (who at the moment has the major control over the EU)? And don’t get me started on the lack of representation from Africa. However, it’s difficult to make these reforms, since how do you make people with veto rights vote in favor of getting less power without another World War? Q. Do you believe that you could easily be swayed this scenario? A. No! Q. What makes DanMUN 2013 specifically interesting? A. To be honest, I have not been following the conflict that much because I’ve been on paternity leave. Q. But shouldn’t that mean you have more time to follow the news? A. Yes, that’s what my wife says as well! But returning to your earlier question, the topic is definitely both current and relevant; the combination of speakers is phenomenal, as they are so different and varied in both their opinions and experiences, which highlights the scenario from many angles and helps the delegates discuss on a higher and more knowledgeable level. Q. What do you expect from DanMUN 2013? I am truly impressed by the participants this year. It was great seeing that nobody was afraid to speak during the mock sessions, and that all delegation members were active and involved; when the real Security Council begins, I can only imagine it will get better and the anxiety in the air will have eased. Q. Which opening speeches do you look most forward to hear? Why? A. Well of course it will be interesting to hear the G5 (Group of Five), but I’m also looking really much forward to hearing the countries representing the African Union, as it can be interesting to hear the perspectives of countries you

wouldn’t normally associate with the crisis.

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Q. Are you allowed to have an opinion? A. Actually, that’s a good question, since the rules don’t particularly say anything about that. I like to see myself as an impartial moderator. And as mentioned before, I do not favor any delegates, but sometimes it is necessary for the President to push things in a certain direction if the Security Council is losing direction. Q. Do you think the rules of procedure play a sufficient part of the discussion in the UN? A. The rules should support the discussion. But the discussion does not work without the rules, which help to create a framework around the debate. So even though they might sometimes drag out the meetings, they are basically the alternative to chaos. Q. What has been your most challenging Security Council session so far? A. The biggest challenge is really how to keep track of all the substance, and be aware of all the delegations at one time, since they expect you to know exactly what is going on everywhere, anytime! Sometimes, they try to challenge you by correcting or asking many questions, but I try to never let the pressure get on me. I don’t know every rule, but then I make something up; most important is to never! Q. What has been the best MUN you have attended? A. I attended my first MUN in 2005 in Bergen, Norway, and it was was the best conference ever. All the delegates were staying in the same hotel in the middle of Bergen and this is also where I met my current wife. I have also participated in FinMUN, which was a very cool conference, because as we were simulating the UN, an actual UN meeting was going on at the same time in Finland due to the 2008 Georgia/Russia conflict, so we were surrounded by UN spirit everywhere. After I became a chair, I did DanMUN 2006 as Vice-president, and then afterwards I’ve been the President. Q. Where should we look for you tomorrow at the gala?

A. On the dance floor!

Can you/should you: - Talk about politics? Given it is a UN gala this subject is of course relevant and applicable , but you should only discuss it at a level that is understood by all at the table. Also, be careful which areas of politics you discuss, as certain subjects might create unpleasant debate, which you would not wish to stir up at a gala table. - Make jokes on behalf of other countries beliefs or costumes? NO! - Tell the person sitting opposite to you that he/she has something in between his teeth? Yes, but please be discrete, as no one likes to be embarrassed in front of their gala dates. BONUS INFO: You should not talk more than two rows away and always include also the person in the middle. If you have a cross over conversation it is also only polite to talk to the three persons in front of you. - Untie or allow someone to untie you bowtie? You are not allowed to untie your bow tie before the dessert is finished and people rise from the tables, but it would then actually be rather fashionable to untie it and casually let it hang around your neck. This is DanMUN fashion (however, should you be invited to the real UN or the White House, you will not untie it during the entire gala). - Place your elbows on the table during dinner? Never. You must also be quite aware of not taking up too much space, in order for everyone at the table to feel comfortable. BONUS INFO: The cutlery is not allowed to touch the table it is lifted. It must always be put on the plate after usage. - Use the President’s front name when speaking to him? No, you should always address the President by either sir, miss, or madam (where applicable) followed by their title. - Converse in another language than English? No this is impolite unless you are at the gala as a translator. - Make a speech when you are drunk? You should always be able to stand when holding a speech; however, it is preferable if you drink sufficiently to loosen the nerves. - Talk during a speech? As is the case for the Security Council, you may whisper quietly during a speech, but not so that it prevents other from hearing it. Also, it is absolutely polite and necessary to acknowledge the speaker’s jokes by laughing loudly and spreading the laughter to the table. - Close your eyes during a speech? No. Duh. - Hit on one of the organizers? In the language of the President himself, that is “most absolutely in order”. - Not finish your meal? You should always attempt to finish your meal, but it is acceptable to leave small bits. This is also culture dependent as in some countries finishing your meal send the host the impression of not having provided sufficient food. - Dance on the tables? As the tables will be removed after the dinner this is not an option. During the dinner, it would be preferable that no one dances on the tables. - Strip? After the dessert this is allowed; but you should be certain that a correct applicable music must be played at the team (e.g. music that is at least a decade old). * Last but not least we kindly remind you that you do not represent the Italian Mafia. In other words, do not place the napkin in your collar!

Thank you so much, and we look forward to seeing all of your in your most formal robes tonight.

Please remember to find a gala partner.

Even though we have had a very nice presentation of etiquette and how to behave for the gala dinner, it

has also given rise to many up following questions. For example, if not for the Vice-President’s strong insistence, the location of one’s fish knife on an individual’s table set might have gone unknown. We in

the press here give you suggestions with regards to what to do and what not to do to become the perfect participants at the gala. Following an interview with the expert on this area (Jonas S. H. Holmberg),

we will now offer you all the information we have gathered on the matter.

Gala Night suggestions This section is based on individual

experiences of past MUN’s and general

perceptions of the event in question.

Acknowledgments

About us

We would formally like to thank the many parties without whom this newspaper would not exist, including the many skilled and notable speakers who were able to attend, the President and Vice-President of the DanMUN 2013 and UNSC simulations for their time, the members of the fifteen Honorable Delegations

themselves, and evidently the organizers of the event in question, to whom we dedicate this newspaper.

Karl-Henrik Smith was born in San Francisco, California. After returning from France and constantly being hailed as a child prodigy, he developed a true passion for journalistic activities, including photography, writing, and editing. He went on to study International Business & Politics at CBS at the mere age of 18, stupefying all those who criticized or bullied him over the years. Once a friend of his sent him a DanMUN 2013 application over Facebook, he thought to himself “sure, why not”, showing his clear enthusiasm and

eagerness to get started.

Klara Kubiak, 20, was born in the heart of Denmark (Aarhus), but after a crushingly normal upbringing, decided to rebel and move to the notorious city of Copenhagen. Due to her overprotected childhood, she here found that she had missed out on the world situation; she then dedicated herself to worldwide journalism to rebuild the long depleted bridges between Copenhagen and the rest of the globe. From having fulfilled this mission, she was rewarded with two Oscars, four Emmys, a Golden Globe, as well as a personal private handshake from James Bond himself.

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