The Westphalian Diplomat4th April 2014

“This needs yourimmediate attention,”interrupts the Chair the SC’ssession before showing avideo of Chechen terrorists,which are demandingindependence for Chechnyafrom the Russian Federationin a 48-hour referendum,following the Russianannexation of Crimea.Chechnya, after being anindependent state for eightyears after the Cold War, was brutally invaded by theRussian Federation in 1999. Ever since, numerousterrorist attacks by Chechen separatists took place all overRussia.The Secretary General joins the SC to give the delegate a

deeperinsight intowhathappenedinChechnyajust a fewhours ago.The

situation is serious: Islamic fundamentalists are claimingChechnya for themselves and condemn everyone who ison the side of the Russian oppressors. The severity of thesituation is underlined when the Russian President, Mrs.Vlada Putina, joins the SC to support the Russiandelegation. “Terrorists are entering our county and aretrying to destroy Russian sovereignty,” states Putina whenshe addresses the Council in a very emotional way,strongly demanding the member states’ support to regaincontrol over Chechnya. The Russian delegation isconvinced, that the majority of Chechnya’s population isnot seeking independence from Russia. “Will this be the

same kind of referendum likeyou conducted in the Ukraine?”asks a concerned delegate of theUnited States, referring to theRussian annexation of Crimea.Most of the SC member statesare very concerned aboutRussia’s reaction to theChechnya crisis, especially afterthe US delegation is receivingintelligence information aboutRussian aircrafts being sent toChechnya.

The situation tightens when information about anexplosion at the Russian Embassy in Paris reaches theCouncil. It turns out thatChechen people, whowant to demonstrate theiranger about the Russianoppression, wereresponsible for this attack.In the eyes of somecountries that mightindicate a big interest inindependence fromRussia in Chechnya, thusleading these delegationsto sympathize with theefforts of the “Islamicfreedom fighters”, how the Republic of Chad addressesthe separatists.Voices are raised to send observers to Chechnya tomonitor the Russian actions in Chechnya and to avoidviolations of human rights. However, the SC has to agreeto compromises in order to avoid a veto by Russia in theirfinal resolution. Once again, the powerful position of theSecurity Council’s permanent members weakens itsdecision-making.

By Susan Goessling

Crisis in Chechnya:Another front for the Russian Federation

MUIMUN page 2 | Committees page 3-7 | Timetable page 8 | Panorama page 8

B r e a k i n g News

1.TheunderwatersearchformissingMalaysiaAirlinesflightMH370begins–locatorsontwoships start looking for the black box

2. 24 hours before Afghanistan’s presidential election – high securitymeasures are taken3. After 32 years in business – David Letterman’s retirement announced

2 Friday 4th April 2014 - TheWestphalian DiplomatMUIMUN

The Many Faces ofMUIMUN:Scholar Kateryna Kostiuchenko

A MUIMUN without the Scholarswould not be the same. Youprobably have met them in yourcommittee or during the socialevents and they are a bigenrichment for the conference andall of us. The Scholarship programis unique in Europe and one of theprestigious elements of MUIMUN.Each year, up to 10 students fromall over the world get financialsupport for their flight, the fees oraccommodation.One of them is KaterynaKostiuchenko from the Ukraine. She

is 19 years old and studies Businessadministration at the AmericanUniversity in Bulgaria.She talked to Johannes Hulandabout her impressions of MUIMUNand how she feels about the crisis inher country.Howwas your week so far?The week was amazing andeveryday there was somethinginteresting! So far my favourite partis just to be in the city or ride abicycle. Every street is so special andthe buildings are very cute. There is aspecial atmosphere and I find the factinspiring that there are lots of youngand friendly people, it is veryrelaxing.I also like my host very much, she isvery helpful and she reminds me ofmyself a bit and it is much fun takinga bike ride with her.Have you got any MUN-

experience yet?Yes, I started with the BLIMUN inBulgaria and visited the RomeMUNand I also was a member of theEuropean Youth Parliament. I studiedin America and worked in Paris. Thatis also the reason why I am veryinterested in the French culture andchose the UNESCO committee.

Since you are from the Ukraine,how is it for you to discuss thematter of sovereignty here?I feel very grateful to all thepeople’s opinions, it is very nice forme to get their support. I had somegreat conversations during thechampagne reception, it is reallyamazing.Since I am in the UNESCOcommittee, I am not directlyconcerned with the issue, but it israther interesting to hear all theconversations outside the sessionsWhat do feel personally when

thinking about the crisis in theUkraine?I live through it everyday and thistopic is very close to my heart. Wheneverything began in December, it wascompletely different. Maidan wasrepresented by young people. I feltproud about those people becausefinally, they wanted to stand up fortheir country and were not afraid toraise their voices anymore. But whenI saw the outbreak of violence andthe reaction of politics, I was shockedand it was horrifying for me. Thepolice was just shooting people,although they are our nationalprotection. Also media was spreadinga lot of disinformation.What did you learn from the

conference and what are your goalsfor the future?I learned we are the ones who aremaking a change, whatever we aredoing here, it has an impact. It is anamazing experience. We need tospread it. I just do not understandyoung people who do not engagethemselves. About my future plans:Originally, I was really passionate inbeing a diplomat, but I reconsideredand since I am very involved injournalism, I could also imagine ofworking in this field.

By JohannesHuland

TheWestphalian Diplomat - Friday 4th April 2014 3

It is a warm evening in1643, the sun has alreadygone down behind thepointed roofs ofMünster´sPrinzipalmarkt. Only anold nightwatchmanequipped with a lanternand a lance is turning hisrounds through thelanes…Time travelling tomedieval times was thedelegate´s program lastnight. During a two hours“nightwatchman-tour” through thehistoric centre of Münster thedelegates had the chance to learnmore about their host city. Twonightwatchmen, dressed up like theydirectly originated from the old days,told them about different churchesand daily life in former times.

Not only at times of MUIMUNMünster becomes the diplomatic“centre of the world”, one of thewatchmen told one of the two groupswith around 60 delegates. Already in1643 many delegates from all parts ofEurope came together in Münster tonegotiate peace, which ended with

the Westphalian peacein 1648, he explained.The difference: Theformer delegates whocame to the conferencestayed for five years.MUIMUN delegatesonly stay for five days!After enjoying tourwith a quite crazynightwatchman, afterseeing some of theprettiest places in thehistoric town andhearing much about the

gruesome torture practices, thedelegates had the chance to discoverthe present as well: During a PubCrawl the delegates got to knowMünster´s night-life in the historictown.

ByMagdalena Tröndle

Nightwatchman Tour: Time travelling to medieval times

After three days of intensivedebating the African Union adoptsits draft resolution. Apart fromSudan all member states agreed.The night before their lastday of debating the“Aftermath of the SouthSudan conflict” seems tohave been a quite splashyexperience for the mostdelegates. In their firstunmoderated caucus whichtook place early in themorning the main topicamong the tired delegates isthe last night.But the lively conversation aboutthe delegates´ nightlife quicklyswitches into a serious debatefollowed by fruitful discussionsduring the whole day. The workingpapers brought in by differentdelegates and highly praised by thechairs are very helpful during the

discussions. The papers whichprovide the basis for the draftresolution at a later time that veryday sum up what African Union´s

delegates have discussed the sessionsbefore: Appreciating the role of theUN in South Sudan by theirpeacekeeping troops, sendinghumanitarian aid in form of doctorsand teachers to South Sudan,supporting the neighbor countrieswhich are adopted by the flood of

refugees from South Sudan andencouraging all members tocontribute more generously.However, the latter has caused a

heated debate before.Main issue of thisdebate has been thequestion if memberstates of the AfricanUnion which contributeto South Sudan´sreconstruction have aright to control andinfluence what themoney is needed for.Angola and other donor

countries want to have greaterinvolvement. But South Sudan findsitself deprived of their sovereignty:„The structure of connectingfinancial and political power remindsme of the times of colonialism andwe won´t allow neo-colonialism!”ByMagdalena Tröndle

AU: “We won´t allow neo-colonialism”

COMMITTEES

4 Friday 4th April 2014 - TheWestphalian Diplomat

After a week of intriguingdebates, decision time hascome. Cuba insists ondiscussing the embargo againand the US still struggle withthe threatening loss ofinfluence. Will the features ofthe resolution, focusing oncommon ground of the threedifferent former papers, besuccessful in establishingmore enforceability and moreobjectivity equally?After a long voting and amendingprocedure, that could have beenabbreviated to before the lunch breakif the Cuba embargo would not havebeen taken into account, there ishesitation in the air. A draftresolution introduced by Argentinaand Brazil, and amended in a longprocedure, features a restructuring ofthe existing Organization of

American States. The idea of forminga new organization does not come upagain. Opposed to what has beendecided in a narrow vote fromyesterday, the headquarters is now tobe moved to Montevideo, Uruguay,in order to sustain the neutrality ofthe OAS. Also they are going toreframe the financing of theorganization. The diplomatic

struggles have arousedthe question on howbinding such a resolutionreally is. The chairs tooktheir time to answer thesequestions properly andexplain ratificationprocesses.These insights in mind,the delegates start withelaborating on a broadTopic B. Economicphilosophies will clash

the concept of regional integrationand globalization — definitely a topicthat promises passionate discussions.After all, the chairs praised theirdelegates for their commitment andparticipation. In every case the livelycommittee deserves the award for thebest jumping picture.

ByFranziska Funke

CEPAL: Time to take the jump

When the participants arrive toECOSOC’s Thursday session,there’s already a surprise waitingfor them:Their Chairisn’t there.Rumorsspread: she’sbored by thecommittee,she doesn’tlikebeginners,she’sworking as a delegate in a differentcouncil, she’s a star witness at theICC…Barely alive and drugged with vastamounts of “Club Mate”, the vicechair takes over what would evolve asa memorable day in this council:It all begins with a minute’s silence.(Though some countries don’t makea sound at any other time either) .

Countries state their basic view onpolitics: “We can’t change the world”,“We don’t trust anybody”, “We need

to share the cake”, “I’m notcomfortable with my shoes”. Therapporteur clarifies she’s not thegarbage collector. Coffee break forcesthe chaos to continue at the infopoint: Todays “WestphalianDiplomat” is late, a delegate leaves foran exam, peanut butter recipes areshared, cake is dropped and the pressis being accused of spying on

delegates, threatened by opposedcountries and covered in hotchocolate.

After lunch, thenewspaper finallyarrives. The rising heatcauses the chocolateeggs representing bonuspoints to melt and themale delegates to taketheir jackets off.But all this results inan impressive outcome:Amendments are

passed; the resolution is successfullyvoted on. Even the opening speecheson the next topic are hold, duringwhich the chairs are crosstalking.As Geert de Vries, vice president ofthe Security Council, phrases: “Ifthese lovely delegates would rise topower, peace on earth would beaccomplished immediately.”ByFelix Baumgärtel

ECOSOC: Anarchy in the UN

COMMITTEES

TheWestphalian Diplomat - Friday 4th April 2014 5

After enjoying a great night at thePub Quiz, a motion for Thursday’sfirst unmod is quickly raised:While one group starts discussingamendments concerning DR 1.1 ,the sponsors and signatories of DR1.2 are meanwhile editing lastwordings trying to pleaseeveryone’s expectations beforeintroducing the draft.The bargaining power of somestates is jeopardising tough stancesespecially because DR 1.2’s lack ofguaranteed effects is highly criticisedat first. Surely the delegates had paidattention during the workshops andconsidered the importance ofcommon grounds, since shortly afterlunch DISEC is successfully passingboth resolutions. Before moving onto debating the next topic, nothingcan stop a singing performance for

today’s late arrivals. Afterwards,ambitions on tackling the globalisedchallenges around the field of cyberspace are high. Putting up a unitedfront, USA, Estonia and Georgiaamong others are blaming Russia forcarrying out espionage while on theopposite side China and Russia arereminding the USA about thestrongly criticised NSA activities. Butsince affecting every nation, therequickly is agreement that action is

necessary. Allmembers areencouragingeach other tofocus on mainpoints such asfindingrequireddefinitions,securing the

protection of people’s right onprivacy and nation’s right on self-defence as well as maintaining thefunctional capability ofinfrastructure and economy.MUIMUN’s last day will reveal ifthe states are capable of combatingcommon threats caused by cyberactivities…

By JackyWestermann

GA 1st: “Don’t stop me now” — DISEC eager on solvingglobal issues

On the first day of a new topic,two draft resolutions, a thrillingdebate, and on top of that — a chairwho turns into adelegate! In theGA6 committee,it’s risky as hellto miss anythingwhile leaving theroom only for asecond.After closingthe first themeyesterday, today isall about the“Legality of Measures to EliminateInternational Terrorism.” Openingdebate well-regulated with settlingpositions and finding allies duringthe unmoderated caucuses, thissteady atmosphere does not last long.Two hours after starting the debate,the first draft resolution from theIslamic Republic of Iran, the Russian

Federation and others is introducedat 11 am, followed by a second one inthe afternoon.

However, when talking aboutterrorism and the measures against it— expectations of one delegation inparticular are high: Since the delegateof the USA has been missingthroughout the discussion, the co-chair Vilas Leonard produces relief inspontaneously joining the debaterepresenting the states instead!

Admittedly, that does not turn out tobe an easy task for the othermembers, as the delegation of theRussian Federation explains:“You know, he is so experiencedin the MUN system, and heeasily outplays every one of us”.But does this result in surrenderof the other delegates? Of coursenot! Instead, the members ofGA6 are getting incited to keepup with Vilas leading to a heateddiscussion.One thing the co-chair has tolearn until the next MUN: The

chair declined one of his notesexplaining “You are not allowed tosend a USB-Stick with your note.And your handwriting is … let’s benice and call it interesting.” Time towork on that, honourable‘chairlegate’!

ByLisa Neidl

GA6: An unexpected ‘chairlegate’

COMMITTEES

6 Friday 4th April 2014 - TheWestphalian Diplomat

Catchwords such as “justice“,“ceasefire“ and “two-statesolution“ resumes yesterday’sdiscussion and delegates haveto be reminded that the HRC isnot to be confused with theSecurity Council as it can onlymake suggestions to protecthuman rights and not decideabout a country’s politicaldestiny.Observing the debate in the HRC,one stops wondering why the Arab-Israeli conflict in general seems to beso old, so complicated and sounsolvable. Too many opinions, toolittle time.The stubborn positions of bothsides — Israel and Palestine — seem todrive HRC’s member states close todesperation, since the discussionenlarges without finding a proper

solution. Finally the delegate of Indiaurges both countries to stop blamingeach other so that the debate can goover into unmoderated caucus forthe member states to work on theirdraft resolutions. After a long andheated discussion, the first draftresolution 1 .1 . , sponsored byIndonesia, Pakistan, China, Russia,Saudi Arabia and South Africa, hasbeen introduced. But still, there is noconsensus, since Israel complains

that this draft resolutioncontains too muchcriticism and too manycompromises they haveto make.One starts realizing thatthis debate goes reallydeep into the ancient andwell-known conflictbetween the Eastern and

the Western World.Fortunately, the member states aremanaging to pull themselves togetherfor a final draft resolution thatcontains, next to the issues of illegalsettlements and the access to foodand water, also a call upon Hamasand the Palestinian LiberationOrganisation to come to round tablepeace talks with the aim to establishone Palestinian Authority.ByLeonieGomm

HRC: The alarming timeliness ofHuntington’s “Clash ofCultures”

The sixth session of theICC contains some majorcontroversies and the lastdays seem to have someimpact on the delegates.There are some rathertired faces around heretoday but of course,nothing can stop theeager court from pushingon the case.The first witness taken inexamination today is Rojes’ daughter,Gabriela Rojes.When questioned about her fatherand the FARC in general, herstatements are raising somequestions. First of all, she seems to bea convinced supporter of the FARCand thinks of it as an ideology, not arebel organization, fighting “for aright und just cause”. When beingasked if she happens to knowanything about FARC in detail, she

obviously denies although everyonein the room is left in doubt. She isalso very devoted to her father anddescribes him as a very tenderlyperson who would have never beenable to commit the crimes he isaccused of.The second witness today is asoldier, who was installed as a doubleagent within the FARC and servedRojes directly for three years. He wasalso among the men who arrestedRojes. He suffers from posttraumatic

stress disorder and sothe questioning isobviously a hard taskfor him. But still itwas interesting tohear that in hisopinion, Rojes mighthave been forced intohis actions.In some aspects,both witnesses were

confirmed by the third one, apsychologist. She presumessociopathic tendencies and states thatRojes probably loves his family somuch he is not able to spareemotions for other people. But still,she is convinced he can be held fullyaccountable to all of his actions.But in the end, there remains onequestion: Rojes is certainly a criminalbut have his reasons been all wrong?

By JohannesHuland

ICC: “The FARC fights for a right and just cause!”

COMMITTEES

TheWestphalian Diplomat - Friday 4th April 2014 7

“TheSecurityCouncil failedalready once,and we don’twant to dothat again,”the delegationof Chile sumsup the highexpectationstowards theSC’s debate on the Western Saharaterritory.The political status of WesternSahara has been an ongoing topic forthe United Nations for over 20 years.The Security Council is once againdebating a peaceful solution for theconflict between Morocco and thePolisario Front. Chad and Rwanda,as well as Luxembourg showsolidarity with the Sahrawi people

and support the idea of anindependent Western Sahara, whileespecially the USA are opposing areferendum on the status of WesternSahara. With the United States’ vetoright, the mood in the Council istense and an agreement is hard toachieve.The question of a referendumseems difficult and many factors haveto be discussed, for example who

should be actuallyallowed to vote onit. Even though allWestern Saharaninhabitants arelegally Moroccancitizens, it isdebatable if eitheronly Sahrawipeople living inWestern Sahara oralso the many

ethnic Moroccan inhabitants shoulddecide aboutWestern Sahara’s future.The member states of the SecurityCouncil are for now not able to find asolution for Western Sahara becausethe topic is suspended due to theChechnya crisis.

By Susan Goessling

The goal for today’smorning session is set:Adopting a Resolutionfor Topic A. How canthe 8 delegates ofUNESCO best achievethis goal? The answerconsists of only twowords: UnmoderatedCaucus.All eyes are on thesecond Draft Resolution which hasbeen introduced by the RussianFederation and supported by theSyrian Arab Republic, the IslamicRepublic of Iran, and the Republic ofIraq in yesterday’s session. Today’ssession is dedicated to the discussionof Amendments raging fromreplacing expressions to deleting andadding parts of the PreambulatoryClauses. However, determining theorder of the Preambulatory Clausesis definitely the most important task,

since nobody wants to be left behind.During Moderated Caucus thedelegates participate actively andeven when it is time to calm downwhispering voices are filling theroom. Especially the delegate of Iranand the Russian Federation are eagerto pursue their interests. However, all8 delegates are gathering around atable and working together by tryingto figure out how the viewpoint ofeach delegate can be included in theDraft Resolution. Enough

moderation, it is timeto switch toUnmoderated Caucus:Let the controversialdebates begin!After a short coffeebreak the delegatesenter the hot and finalstage of the debate.Strengthened by a cupof coffee and a handful

of cookies, the vote on allAmendments can begin. The smallplant of unanimity that has beenplanted in yesterday’s session hasgrown through the vote onnumerous Amendments,compromises and concessions.Today the delegates are able to reapthe first fruits: the adoption of theResolution for Topic A.

ByAnnkathrin Struß

UNESCO: Let’s have another Unmoderated Caucus

SC: Still no referendum forWestern SaharaCOMMITTEES

8 Friday 4th April 2014 - TheWestphalian Diplomat

Today's Schedule

09:00-13:00 Committee Session 112:00-13:00 Lunch A13:00-14:00 Lunch B13:00-16:30 Committee Session 217:00-18:30 Closing Ceremony22:00-Open End: Farewell Party

Today in History

4. April 1949:

The USA, GB, Canada, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands,Luxembourg, Portugal, Denmark, Norway and Iceland sign the NorthAtlantic Treaty. With this act, the NATO is founded. Originally

planned as an alliance to withstand the communist block during the cold war,it is today confronted with new challenges like asymmetric warfare.

EveningActivity: Closing Ceremonyand Farewell Party

Dear Friends, time has lapsed. It is fair to say that weall look back on five exciting days of debates,networking and socializing. Tonight at 5pm MUIMUN2014 is going to be closed. The festivities are going to beheld at Aula Vom-Stein-Haus, Schlossplatz 34. However,there is still some time to say a proper goodbye. Anamazing week like this deserves a legendary end. Pleasejoin us to celebrate new friendships and a great week.Doors open at 10pm at Clubschiene, Hafenstraße 64.

Iwas born in 1917. There was no chance comingfrom the family I am coming from not to choosethe job I eventually had. One could call it destiny.

Coming from that family also brings disadvantages.Religious quarrels in my country resulted in my death —I was shot in 1984.

Person 3rdApril: Bishop Tutu

EditorialMünster University International Model United NationsChief Editorship: Franziska Funke, Christian StöcklEditorial Staff: Johannes Huland, Magdalena Tröndle, Felix

Baumgärtel, Lisa Neidl, Leonie Gomm, Susan Goessling,JackyWestermann

Contributors: Tobias Farwer, Annkathrin StrußJulian Philippi, Henning Schmies

Print: UniPrint: 250 copiesThe Westphalian Diplomat is an independent newspaper. The content

of the articles does not necessarily represent the opinion of the“Arbeitstelle Forschungstransfer”.

Who is it?

PANORAMA

After reading the words, flowing from our pensday and night during this week, here are the facesbehind the Westphalian Diplomat. We thoroughlyenjoyed the week and thank our readership as wellas the eager contributors to MUIMUN Gossip.Being a journalist at MUIMUN includes being thefirst one to know about rumours and funny storiesand they would not have been possible withoutyou guys! We loved observing you during sessionand reporting every day’s developments!

TheWeDi Team

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