MUN NOTES

1. International Relations

 France’s Position:

o France is at peace with both Armenia and Azerbaijan but leans more toward Armenia’s
side.

o Despite being closer to Armenia, France is also friendly with Turkey, Azerbaijan’s main
ally, which has declared France a friend.

o France wants a ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

o France’s Population and Economy:

 Population: 66,548,530.

 GDP (2023 estimate): $3.773 trillion.

 Key trading partners: Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain, the US.

 France’s economy ranks 7th by GDP globally.

 USA’s Role:

o The USA supports both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

o The USA, along with the EU, advocates for a peaceful resolution through the Minsk
Group framework.

o Diplomatic efforts by the USA aim to prevent further escalation and foster dialogue.

 Turkey’s Role:

o Turkey is Azerbaijan’s strongest ally and has close ties with France.

 Azerbaijan’s Role in the Russia-Ukraine War:

o Azerbaijan has provided significant aid to Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

2. Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

 Background:

o Armenia took control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is populated by people

who speak the same language and follow the same religion as Azerbaijan.

o Armenia has persecuted people living in this area, denying them basic rights such as
practicing their religion and speaking their language.

o Historical Context:

 In 1923, the Soviet Union created the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast

within Azerbaijan, populated mainly by Armenians.
  Ethnic tensions escalated in 1988 when Nagorno-Karabakh's regional legislature
declared its desire to join Armenia.

 After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Nagorno-Karabakh declared

independence, leading to a full-scale war until a ceasefire in 1994.

 Armenia controlled Nagorno-Karabakh and some Azerbaijani territories after the

war.

o Wars and Ceasefires:

 Despite the 1994 ceasefire, clashes persisted, culminating in a significant war in

2020, where Azerbaijan reclaimed much of Nagorno-Karabakh.

 The war ended with a Russia-brokered ceasefire that also established the Lachin
Corridor to connect Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

 In 2022, border skirmishes led to casualties on both sides.

 Azerbaijan further tightened control over Nagorno-Karabakh by blockading the

Lachin Corridor, causing severe shortages in the region.

 September 2023 Offensive:

 Azerbaijan launched an offensive, regaining full control within days.

 The conflict triggered a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians, with

thousands fleeing to Armenia amid fears of persecution.

 While negotiations continue, the situation remains tense, with the

future of Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenian population uncertain.

 Minsk Ceasefire (1994):

o The Minsk Ceasefire was created to address the dispute and is co-chaired by the USA,
France, and Russia.

o The group organizes negotiations with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

o Although ceasefires have been negotiated, territorial disputes remain unresolved.

3. Humanitarian Crisis

 Refugee Crisis:

o More than 100,000 refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh have arrived in Armenia following
recent crises.

o The UN has been actively assisting these displaced people, providing crucial
humanitarian aid as they cross the border.

 Health and Safety:

 o The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting Armenia’s healthcare system,
particularly after a tragic fuel depot explosion that caused severe injuries.

o The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and other agencies are providing technical and
medical aid, focusing on vulnerable groups, including children and women.

 Education:

o The conflict has severely disrupted education, with schools damaged and parents
hesitant to send children due to safety concerns.

o Many schools have seen attendance drop drastically, and some buildings have become
unusable after being caught in crossfire.

o Organizations like UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are
working to provide education kits and temporary learning spaces to help children
continue their education amid the crisis, though access remains a major challenge.

 Human Rights Concerns:

o In the Nagorno-Karabakh region, many people are being denied basic rights amid the
ongoing conflict.

o Access to essential services, including food, medical care, and education, has been
severely restricted.

o The blockade of the Lachin Corridor has cut off the region from Armenia, leading to
shortages of food, medicine, and other essentials.

o Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the deteriorating conditions in
the region, especially for ethnic Armenians.

o Loss of Life:

 The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, with the
2020 war alone claiming over 7,000 lives, including both soldiers and civilians.

 In September 2023, Azerbaijan's military operation led to around 200 deaths in

just two days.

 The violence continues to take a heavy toll on the region's population, leading to
mass displacement and further casualties.

4. NATO and International Involvement

 NATO Overview:

o NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was created in 1949 to protect against
threats, especially during the Cold War.

o NATO helps with military operations, peacekeeping, and addressing new threats like
terrorism and cyber-attacks.
 o Founding Members: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

o Later Members: Greece, Turkey, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland,
Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Albania, Croatia,
Montenegro, North Macedonia, Finland.

 International Peace Efforts:

o The USA and the European Union have consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution
to the conflict through the Minsk Group framework.

o The EU has provided humanitarian aid and supported reconstruction efforts in the
region.

 Other Key Players:

o Russia’s Role: Russia is Armenia’s biggest military ally and has proposed ceasefires in the
UN, including the 1994 ceasefire.

o Britain’s Role: Britain controlled the land before World War II, and post-WWII divisions
contributed to the conflict.

o Involvement of Other Countries: Greece, Turkey, Germany, Spain, etc., have also played
roles in the conflict through NATO and other international bodies.

5. History and Causes of the Conflict

 Historical Context:

o In 1923, the Soviet Union created the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast within the
Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic, populated mainly by Armenians.

o Ethnic tensions escalated in 1988 when Nagorno-Karabakh's regional legislature

declared its desire to join Armenia, sparking conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

o After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Nagorno-Karabakh declared independence,

leading to a full-scale war until a ceasefire in 1994.

o Wars and Ceasefires:

 The first war took place in 1988, with Armenia taking control of the region.

 Another war occurred in 2020, with Azerbaijan reclaiming the region.

 The government was to be dissolved, and Azerbaijan was to take over.

 Previous Measures:

o Russia’s proposed ceasefire in the UN led to the 1994 ceasefire after a four-year-long
war.
 o The ceasefire remained until 2016 without a solution or agreement being reached,
leading to another war in 2020 until Russia called a truce.

6. Speech Structure and Strategy

 Closing Rhetoric (Bun):

o Summarize and portray your speech, emphasizing the importance of resolving the
conflict and France's role in the peace process.

 Speech Content:

o Stick to your stance, focusing on the five W’s and How.

o Use the burger method to structure your speech:

 Bun: Opening rhetoric in the first 10 seconds.

 Cheese: Connect the problem with the rhetoric within 10 seconds.

 Patty: The main content of the speech, up to 30 seconds.

 QARMA:

o Ensure your resolution addresses and solves the key questions related to the conflict.

 Research Resources:

o JSTOR is a good research site for further reading.

 Speaking Style
o You should make eye contact
o Your voice should be clear
o It shouldn’t be monotone
o You should be confident
o It should be relevant
o There should be a few hand gestures
o Your speaking style should change according to what you’re saying
o Your speech should be well timed
1. How will the resolution address the issue of territorial integrity for both Azerbaijan
and Armenia, particularly concerning the status of Nagorno-Karabakh?
Mediating Talks: Facilitate negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia to find a fair
solution.
Building Support: Use international platforms to gather support for a balanced agreement.
Advocating Solutions: Promote a peace deal that respects borders and addresses Nagorno-
Karabakh’s status.
Providing Aid: Offer humanitarian help to improve conditions and reduce tensions.
Monitoring Agreements: Support monitoring to ensure compliance with any agreements.
What mechanisms will be put in place to balance the principle of territorial integrity with
the right to self-determination for the ethnic Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh?
Autonomy: Give Nagorno-Karabakh special self-governance while keeping it part of
Azerbaijan.
International Oversight: Use international bodies to help manage and monitor the
agreement.
Power Sharing: Ensure ethnic Armenians have a role in local government decisions.
Rights Protection: Safeguard their cultural and political rights through legal measures.
Economic Support: Offer economic aid to improve conditions and encourage cooperation.
What security guarantees will be provided to both Armenia and Azerbaijan to prevent
future military escalations?
Ceasefire Agreements: Establish and enforce comprehensive ceasefire agreements with
clear terms and international monitoring.
International Peacekeepers: Deploy neutral international peacekeeping forces to monitor
and maintain stability in conflict zones.
Security Assurances: Provide formal security assurances or guarantees from major
international bodies to deter aggression.
Dialogue Mechanisms: Set up regular dialogue and communication channels between
Armenia and Azerbaijan to address and resolve disputes peacefully.
Arms Control Measures: Implement arms control agreements to limit the deployment of
heavy weaponry and reduce military buildups near the conflict zone.
Create consequences: If either country disrespects the ceasefire agreement they should
have to face some sort of consequence.
How will the resolution address the humanitarian needs of displaced persons, refugees,
and those affected by the conflict on both sides?
Providing Aid: Delivering food, water, and medical supplies.
Offering Support: Giving temporary shelter, healthcare, and education.
Rebuilding: Helping to repair homes and infrastructure.
Safe Return: Planning and assisting with the safe return of displaced people.
International Help: Working with global organizations to manage these needs.
What role will international peacekeeping forces play in maintaining the ceasefire and
ensuring compliance with the resolution terms?
Monitor Ceasefire: Check that all sides are following the ceasefire and report any violations.
Ensure Security: Protect civilians and prevent further fighting.
Facilitate Talks: Help manage and resolve any disputes.
Support Implementation: Assist with enforcing the resolution and delivering aid.
Build Trust: Act as neutral observers to build confidence between the parties.
What plans will be included for the reconstruction and economic development of war-torn
areas to promote long-term stability and peace?
Rebuilding Infrastructure: Repairing and rebuilding homes, schools, hospitals, and roads.
Economic Aid: Providing financial support and investment to kickstart local economies and
create jobs.
Support for Businesses: Assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs to recover and grow.
Social Programs: Offering education and training programs to help people gain skills and
rebuild their lives.
Community Reconstruction: Encouraging community engagement and participation in
rebuilding efforts to foster trust and cooperation.
What initiatives will be implemented to foster reconciliation and trust-building between
the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities?
Dialogue: Arrange regular meetings for open discussions and addressing issues.
Joint Projects: Promote activities that involve both communities, like cultural exchanges.
Training: Offer conflict resolution training to help manage disagreements.
Reconciliation Commissions: Set up groups to address past issues and support healing.
Education: Provide programs that teach about each community's history and viewpoints.
How will the resolution ensure accountability for war crimes and human rights violations
committed during the conflict?
Establishing Tribunals: Setting up international or hybrid courts to investigate and prosecute
those responsible for war crimes.
Documenting Evidence: Collecting and preserving evidence of violations to support legal
proceedings.
Supporting Victims: Providing support and protection for victims and witnesses who come
forward.
Enforcing International Laws: Ensuring that international human rights laws and conventions
are applied and upheld.
Encouraging Cooperation: Working with all parties to cooperate with investigations and
adhere to legal standards.
What role will international organizations such as the United Nations, OSCE, and the
European Union play in supporting and monitoring the implementation of the resolution?
Monitor Progress: Watch over the resolution’s implementation to make sure everyone
follows it.
Provide Support: Offer help and resources for peacekeeping and aid.
Facilitate Talks: Help manage discussions between the parties to resolve issues.
Report Updates: Track and report on how well the resolution is being put into action.
Ensure Accountability: Help investigate and address any violations.
What governance framework will be established for Nagorno-Karabakh to ensure fair and
inclusive administration, considering the interests of both Armenia and Azerbaijan?
Autonomous Administration: Creating a local government with significant self-governance
even if its a part of Azerbaijan.
Power Sharing: Ensuring representation for both Armenian and Azerbaijani communities in
key decision-making roles.
Legal Protections: Implementing legal measures to protect cultural, political, and economic
rights of all groups.
Joint Oversight: Establishing joint oversight bodies, possibly with international support, to
ensure fair administration and resolve disputes.
Community Involvement: Encouraging participation from local communities in governance
processes to reflect their interests and needs.
How will the resolution address the reopening of economic and trade relations between
Armenia and Azerbaijan to benefit regional stability?
Facilitating Dialogue: Encouraging talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan to discuss trade
and economic cooperation.
Removing Barriers: Working to lift trade restrictions and open borders for goods and
services.
Promoting Joint Ventures: Supporting joint economic projects that involve both countries.
Building Infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure that supports trade and economic
connections.
Encouraging Investment: Attracting investment from international partners to boost
economic growth and stability.
What is the proposed timeline for implementing the various provisions of the resolution,
and what mechanisms will be in place to monitor and enforce compliance?
he proposed timeline for implementing the resolution’s provisions might include:
Immediate Actions (0-6 Months): Establish ceasefires, deploy peacekeeping forces, and start
humanitarian aid.
Short-Term Goals (6-12 Months): Begin rebuilding infrastructure, set up governance
frameworks, and initiate dialogue on economic and trade relations.
Medium-Term Targets (1-2 Years): Implement economic cooperation projects, ensure local
governance is functioning, and address ongoing humanitarian needs.
Long-Term Objectives (2-5 Years): Solidify peace agreements, complete infrastructure
projects, and establish stable economic and trade relations.
Mechanisms to monitor and enforce compliance will include:
International Oversight: Use international organizations to monitor progress and compliance
with the resolution.
Reporting Systems: Set up regular reporting requirements for involved parties to track
implementation.
Enforcement Measures: Establish consequences for non-compliance and support for
resolving disputes.
Feedback Channels: Provide mechanisms for stakeholders to report issues and seek
resolution.