Content:
> Disclaimer
> Que Pasa Argentina?? - By Elaiza Datar
> Best and Worst of BERMUN 2006! - By Valerie Cardinal
> What about the Bloody Flag? - Matthias Bannert
> Confiscated Notes From GA - By You Guys
> ECOSOC
> The Repression of NGO's - By Grace Lyon
> Delegates are pigs? - By Christina Amestoy
> Word Up! We're Being Opressed - By Alexandra Valencia and Roy Toes

Online Articles

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed by BEARMUN are not necessarily those of the newspaper, Berlin Model United Nations conference, its affiliates, sponsors, or participants, but rather those of the individual writers formed from their observations of the conference with research. Complementary and resnonses refering to the articles are welcomed. BEARMUN reserves the right to withhold or edit submissions.

Que Pasa Argentina??

Some of you may have heard about the ‘lesbian calling’ incident where the delegate of Argentina and the delegate beside him started teasing the female Admin. Apparently, something along the lines of; “She’s cute, but she’s probably lesbian, so you can’t get her”, was said -Quite ironic considering a discussion of discrimination in the Special Conference was taking place. The incident was kept hush-hush between the chair, the admin, several directors, and the accused delegate. So what really happened? Did the Admin lie because Argentina was getting on her nerves? Did the delegate lie when he said he didn’t do anything? Did the chair try to hide the whole incident to preserve the pristine image of Special Conference? Following a further investigation of this incident, this is what we found.
The first resolution of the day was regarding the role of sports in alleviating ethnic rivalry. Argentina, being a major soccer power, was a co-submitter of this resolution. Expecting a vulgar, aggressive, and idiotic delegate from the lesbian story I had heard, it was shocking to see him present his argument in an eloquent, calm, and somewhat charming manner. Leaning against the stage, one hand in his pocket and the other holding his resolution, he calmly answered the questions. Although some of his arguments were not structured perfectly, he had very good points to make. Despite another delegate’s aggressive dialoguing and disrespectful interruptions, Argentina held his calm. Either the delegate of Argentina is mature, or he was still tired.
owever, there were moments where one could see why some people found him annoying. It is easy to misinterpret his tone and attitude as rude and disrespectful, although that was not necessarily his intention. After much debate, the resolution was passed and the committee took their coffee break. I took this opportunity to talk to Argentina:

What do you think of MUN as a whole?
MUN is a good opportunity to increase confidence and learn about problems in a world and how to solve problems. It helps people learn about others and other nations. It’s a little harder to simulate the UN when people don’t understand their country’s policies but overall I’m impressed with the conference.
What do you think about the people?
I like them but sometimes people aren’t aware of what they’re doing or saying and are rude towards delegates and chair.
Some say that you’re rude too…
No I’m not rude… I respect the chair but I didn’t agree with how he was ruling the committee. Other people disagreed as well but I was the only one who had the guts to say anything. I mean I respect people but when things aren’t right I’m not going to sit down and do nothing. That’s the point of the UN isn’t it. Making a difference in a world of injustice.
Have you called anyone lesbian or said f*** you in German?
I never called anyone lesbian because first, I don’t know how to say it in German and second, I talked to the chair and the Admin and we’re all fine now. I saved everything I know in German on my cell phone so if you don’t believe me check my phone. As for the f*** you in German, some girl taught me how to say it. But I never used it on anyone.
Is there anything you wish to say to the people you have offended?
If I offended anyone I am sorry. That was never my intention. I am not aware why so many people are being offended towards me... But if anyone has a problem they should go to me. The solution to all problems lies in the root. I have been told that I was being disrespectful to the guest speaker the other day but I paid attention which is evident because I asked him a question in the end that the guest speaker even had a little difficulty answering. I asked why it took longer for the UN to respond to Rwanda than to Kosovo. I’m not sure if I have hurt anyone but from what I’ve been told, I lighten up the committee. I’m naturally a straightforward person… I’m sorry if I offended anyone.
Who do you think is the most interesting delegate in this Special Conference?
Argentina because he goofs around but he still understands everything. He makes the conference funny but brings up good points.
Did Argentina call you a Lesbian?
Well what happened was I was typing and Argentina and the guy next to him was like oh she’s cute but she’s probably a lesbian etc… But I mean it’s not a big deal anymore. Argentina came up to me and apologized. He swears he never said it though. Regardless, he said he was sorry and he wanted to make sure everything was ok.

So those are the views of the victim and the accused. Did Argentina call the Admin a Lesbian? Who knows… The only thing that’s for certain is that if he did call her one, he didn’t mean it. Although the issue seemed quite serious, everything worked out in the end. Argentina, the chairs, and the Admin are all fine with each other now. MUN seems to be echoing into our personal lives. We had an issue. We talked it out. We found a solution. Everything worked out in the end.

Best and Worst of BERMUN 2006!

Best
"singing in front of my committee"
"the guys in suits"
"the diversity"
"meeting new people"
"the dance"
"all the chitchat"
"the lunch break, but not the lunch"
"my chair" (which of the three?)
"positive debating experiences for all"
"cookie breaks!"
The staff members"
"everything except lunch"
"well-organized conference"
"having fun"

Worst
"Friday's lunch"
"press deadlines"
"the food!" (there was conflict on whether this should be a best or worst)
"Main submitter conflicts"
"Lobbying"
"Too many resolutions to deal with"
"Long opening speeches"
"That the conference is ending!"
"Waking up early"
"Not enough cookies during breaks"
"We should work on establishing guidelines to enlarge the lunch area"
"the school is far from the center of town"
"none of my friends went to the conference this year- it was a bit hard at the beginning"

What about the Bloody Flag?

It was the first day and the first session of the General Assembly. Dr Alison Des Forges talked about the Rwandan genocide, and a video of the bloody war between the Tutsis and Hutus was shown.

Rwanda starts new - also with a new flag. But what did we have to see? In the General Assembly the old flag stood in front of the Rwandan delegation.

The Rwandan delegate addressed the issue in the General Assembly: "Why do we have this flag in front of us? We don't want to see this flag. It is full of blood."
The only thing the President of the GA said was "Sorry, we don't have the new flag yet."

We all expected that they would have exchanged the flag by Saturday. But the flag was the same as on Thursday.

The Rwandan delegate spoke to the chairs of the Security Council and the Deputy Secretary General standing next to them. "We can replace it with the United Nations flag," they said to them. And so they did.

The United Nations especially should have all the new and right flags; the delegates were offended. Hopefully, next year, this will be changed.

Confiscated Notes From GA

Thanks Admin ;D

From Albania to Benin (EC): Hi! Gay how are you? What are you doing? Let us go drink!

Unkown: Argentina cracks me up!!! (lol) He always talks about civil war!

From Belgium to Mexico: Fight on!

To UAE: What’s black + white + black + white + black + white + black + white?

A nun falling down the stairs.

Unknown: The Lunatics are in my hall…

From Libya to Argentina: Could you give me my pen back, please?

From Libya to Chair/president of GA: The delegate of Libya is insulted because the page threw away his message which simply asked for a pen from another delegate.

From Jahm. Rep. Of Both Guineas to Belarus: I liked your speech but please stress the problem of the Jews.

To Tanzania (hot guy with glasses): Hi, I thought you were in the mood for some poems now. “You are such a really nice guy.
And I love your lovely tie.
Your glasses are so fucking hot
and I like the suit you got.
Your total look is so bloody fine.
Oh I wish you will be once mine.
You are going to the party tonight.
Am I wrong or Am I right?”
Bye.

From Matthias to Press: Girls, girls, girls… you really enjoy reading these letters, right? =) Lovely greetings from above (The journalist who’s still working *smile*)

From Armenia to Congo (DC): Honorable delegate of Congo, Don’t worry about the gender. I am not a lesbian, cause I am a boy and as far as I can see you are a girl. I don’t want to take the floor due to the fact that I am very shy. But I am sure you will find out what my face looks like! Anyway, where are you from?

Unkown: Hey! U look hot in that suit! How bout you and me pass a resolution later in the bathroom…
I want to divide the terms in between your legs! >)

From UK to Admin: Are you going to the dance with me?
Re:NO!
Re:Too bad for you, I’m a great dancer.
Re:I’m a better dancer, too bad for you.
Re:NO! your not!

From Lithuania to Armenia: It has passed! My neighbor thinks that this is the right time to run off naked! What do you think?
Re: Hmmm, running naked could be very niiice! Would you do it for me only?! Once I almost did it!
Re:I’ll show you my resolution, if you show me yours!

To Admin staff: WHY ARE YOU SO CRUEL??!!

From Denmark to Argentina: My neighbor thinks you are very HOT!

From Czech Republic to Tunisia: Yo! Mad skillzz Homi I’ve got my electronic eye on you

ECOSOC

Being weary from the lobbying and debating procedures in the previous days, delegates of the ECOSOC took formalities less seriously on the last day of the conference. However, it did not affect the efficiency of their work, as there was a whole morning long debate on the rights and responsibilities of multinational companies. Resolution submitted by Germany and Lithuania finally passed already before lunch. Nevertheless, the question of micro-financing launched more opposition between the representatives. The exact definition of micro-financing and its connection to gender (in)equality and poverty led to a fruitful discussion, although the resolution failed finally.
In spite of their efficient debate and work, informalities could not be ignorable, especially not to the eyes of an observant journalist. When a delegate thinks that nobody sees him doing something else than actively participating, he is definitely not deliberate enough.
Did the honourable delegate of Indonesia think that nobody is watching him reading the previous issue of the Bearmun newspaper in front of the podium while the chairs were reading out his amendment? At least he was only disrespectful to himself while others eagerly writing down his recommendations.
The representative of Brasil certainly thought that nobody realised him picking up his cell phone during open debate, hiding his face with his folder. We all know that UN delegates are important people, but what could have been more important than voting on the amendment of Tunisia?
The distinguished delegate of Japan was ducked earlier than he would have thought. Although, he gave a fine speech considering micro-financing, the observant delegate of Colombia could not ignore the fact that Japan already got rid of his shoes for his convenience. Her point of order was quickly answered by Mauritania referring to the personal freedom of the delegates so they can wear anything that they want. After considerate examination of the booklet, no objection could be made against debating in socks.
Not only the delegates broke the rules, but sometimes the chairs were also not aware of their tasks. Salih Kecoglu, the Vice President gave a long speech informing the representatives about the consequences of opening trade barriers. However, at the end he honestly admitted that it is not included in his duties.
Although the two Admin Staffs of the ECOSOC probably did less mistake than anyone else in the room, their truth was often questioned. The delegate of the UNICEF did not believe in the abilities of the Admin Staff considering counting the votes and urged the chairs to re-vote in a case of an amendment. From that time on, UNICEF was constantly counting in favour and against vote at each issue in order to make sure of the perfect flow of the debates.
To sum up, informalities occurred from time to time, however, they were over two passed resolutions at mid-afternoon, proving that nothing could obstruct the effectiveness of their work.

The Repression of NGO's

The United Nations comprises not only of the many nations of the world but also non-governmental organisations whose task it is to bring more insight and to be an authority on a debated topic. However, it is a limited and restricted task as, although they may submit a resolution, ammend a resolution and participate in the debate they may not vote on it. Is this a mistake and an injustice? Why can countries vote and not the actual authorities on the topic?

Let's begin in Disarmarment where two "excellent" resolutions were submitted by NGO's, the World Bank and the World Food Programme. Although both were successful, there was discontent when an amendment submitted by World Food Program failed marginally. Had the NGO's been allowed to vote the outcome and resolution could have been different. The Chair of the committee, however, disagrees with the idea of voting NGO's as they have no voting priveleges in the real UN either. "It is the reality. The UN is the United Nations Organisation, NGO's are here to give guidance only." These sentiments are not shared by all, as many feel they would be more help if they could vote. One NGO delegate states: "If we really are to help then we need to be able to vote. Yes, we are currently important in the construction, but not yet the implementation of these resolutions." Disarmament presents a more pressing issue as one of the topics this year was the use of child soldiers. Children have no vote in the UN, there is no representative or voice for them; besides UNICEF. UNICEF, however, has no vote either. In the interest and as the voice of the children surely their vote should count towards the passing or failing of a resolution.

Furthermore, in the Environment Committee where Greenpeace has been attempting to irradicate global warming and help fairly distribute often scarce resources, they often feel disatisfaction with their role. Does Greenpeace have the right to be dissatisfied, as they represent a 'activist group', not a nation? The resolutions they would be voting for would not affect them but nations. Do they have the authority to help bring in legislation which does not conern them dierctly? Greenpeace says: "In Environment we are trying to save the planet, if we save the planet we save the people, because of this we should be allowed a more active role."

Many would be satisfied with a comprimise; to be granted permission to help resolutions by being able to vote on amendments if not the resolution itself. If they are here to help why not let them? Ultimately, however, it is not their decision and despite their displeasure and often frustration at not being allowed to raise their placards, many said that they would be happy to return as an NGO, it is, after all, better than nothing.

Delegates are pigs?

Delegates at BERMUN are supposed to be elegant, refined, and mature. Unfortunately, this image has been ruined after certain incidents left both the aula and W309 looking similar to a pig sty. Of course you can’t clump all committees together. The one that the most blame has been placed upon was the Environmental Committee. This committee, which is supposed to be helping the environment, was warned of their diminishing resources and reprimanded for their terrible manners.

The Human Rights committee, on the other hand, was one of the cleanest; a blessing for the poor administration staff who have to clean up. It’s too bad that the initial impression has been ruined by the few delegates who felt it necessary to throw food at each other, or others who deliberately spilt beverages. Hopefully next year will go a little better in this sense, but everyone appreciates the delegates who stayed true to the image of the mature and sophisticated young adults who are trying hard to change the world.

Word Up! We're Being Opressed

Freedom of Press: Freedom of the press is the guarantee by a government of free public speech often through a state constitution for its citizens, and associations of individuals extended to members of news gathering organizations, and their published reporting. It also extends to news gathering, and processes involved in obtaining information for the public consumption

As members of BERMUN Press Team for 2006, we have had multiple run-ins with people not agreeing with our articles or our ways of acting. We have been open to suggestions, criticism and were even subjected to aggression. Apart from the aggression, we were fine with the feedback and, in some cases, the criticism even helped improve our lovely newsletter, and made us strive for improvement.

However, what we mean to combat is censorship. We are determined to be objective and think through our articles. We attempt to pursue the value of opinions from conflicting sides and we attempt to describe it as well as possible. Some appear not to understand this. Some people want to utilize the newsletter to their advantage, whether it is to prevent one's public embarrassment or to emphasize their perspective.

THIS IS NOT JOURNALISM! This is censorship. It is ironic to see this happening at an event that promotes diversity and tolerance.

At BERMUN, censorship involved one journalist being removed from a conference, and a Chair requesting to read and give the "thumbs up / thumbs down" for an article that was yet to be published by the press team. An example was openly humiliating journalists in front of a committee in conference.

Turning our work into cheap propaganda is not going to get anyone further in life. We have all seen what propaganda has lead to before. In a modern world, in a modern society, in a youthful mind that is part of an event such as MUN, propaganda should not even be a discussed subject since it's old fashioned and narrow-minded.

Some advice to those doing BERMUN press next year: let nobody silence you; view the perspectives of every party involved; be direct, yet fair. Most of all, don't take yourself too seriously and enjoy yourself.

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