Proteina Serica Documneto

Country Represented: Guatemala in the UN Security Council

Conflict in Syria
Guatemala
Wheeler School
 
      Guatemala recognizes the seriousness of the situation in Syria. The various ethnic groups, such as the Sunnis and Alawites, have a long history of vying for control of the country. Guatemala understands the nature of this situation as it is also composed of many different ethnic groupssuch as the Indians and Ladinos.5 The French governed Syria and kept the ethnic struggles suppressed, and as soon as Syria gained independence in 1946, they boiled over. This is similar to when the Spanish left Guatemala, as dictators and a civil war rocked the country.5 Arab Spring marks a move towards democracy and freedom in the Middle East.  In Syria however it is in danger of instigating acivil war if the different cultures don’t learn to get along. The suppression of the Sunni majority by the Alawite minority led to the reluctance of the government to give up power as they would lose their influence in a democracy. Guatemala sees numerous parallels between our own history and Arab Spring and by having a previous example of success offers a path into the future.
      Although thetales of Guatemala and Syria have similar undertones, it is important to remember that each country must take its own path to democracy in accordance to its specific needs.3 The cultural values of the country must not be overlooked in the zeal for peace.3 Such a peace will not be long lasting as it is not a true covenant between the government and its people. Rather the new government must be mutuallyand democratically agreed up by a majority of its citizens.3 The citizens should feel ownership of their new and transparent government.3 However, it is imperative to take into consideration the increasing violence that is spiraling towards civil war.2 Guatemala supports the Arab League’s plan for peace and hopes that it will lead to stabilization in the region, especially as their mainprerogative is humanitarian.2 Should that plan fail however, Guatemala supports UN intervention in this crisis to promote security for citizens of Syria and the world.2 Guatemala voted in favor of the Arab League’s proposal to end the cycle of violence in Syria.10
      Guatemala believes that the conflict in Syria should be resolved in accordance to the needs of its citizens, while taking into accountthe stability of the region. Guatemala thinks that the Arab League’s plan for an “Arab Solution” will be most beneficial in this deeply religious country.2 We have the responsibility to protect, and if Assad won’t stop attacking his citizens, affirmative action must be made.2 Guatemala believes that we have a moral obligation to the security of the world and all its citizens regardless ofnationality and that country’s internal policies. If Democracy prevails in Syria, steps must be taken to ensure that all citizens have a voice. It is also crucial to remember that recovery processes aren’t all the same; we must not be disheartened by small failures.2 Steps must also be taken to prevent radicals from dominating the government at the expense of human rights. The Syrian National Council shouldgain temporary power before the first election. If Assad remains in power, citizens of Syria should gain more freedoms and UN observers should be placed in the country. His previous moves towards reforms must accelerate, and the old guard must be removed as it has no authority to rule from its citizens. Attention must also be given to the refugees. Adequate food and shelter must be providedthrough humanitarian agencies such as the Red Cross, and a gradual resettlement plan should be implemented when the fighting ends. Further violence must be avoided at all costs.6 Guatemala believes that the wants of Syrian citizens should be the foremost concern in the peace process.

Rising Israeli-Egyptian Tensions
Guatemala
Wheeler School
 
      The crisis in Egypt threatens to destabilize the...