Major Update 3: Triple Stalemate

Delegates were unable to reach a resolution after a total of 9½ hours of intense caucusing. In all three fronts, namely AIDS, biological weapons and alternative energy for Africa, negotiations were stalled over debates regarding definitions of terms (alternative energy, biological weapons), clarification on positions and cliques forming within the committees. The major productive action that took place was the drafting of working papers, but with four or five competing papers being circulated at once, delegates were confused over the progress being made within their committees as a whole.

Biological Weapons (GA1)
The US/UK partnership wanted to focus on confidence-building measures, such as specific ways that nations can release information, and pushed for improved transparency in doing so. The UK also stated its favorable stance in support of allowing a country to conduct its own inspections. Additionally, the UK cited a fear for a “leak of intelligence” as one of its major concerns for its resolution’s concentration on confidence-building measures.

On the other side of the table, Croatia and China regarded the Ukraine/US/UK proposal as “complete garbage” in that it “attempt[s] to magnify past mistakes”. They are firmly against any overseeing body; however, it is notable that most Islamic countries were subversive and against monitoring. China and Croatia believe that none-state actors are needed, in order to get to the grassroots of the problems when tackling them; this is done in a bid to avoid governmental bodies in order to improve transparency.

AIDS (UNDP)
Three major working papers are being written at the time of writing, with the working paper led by the Norway, Canada and Russia enjoying the most support.

The United States still refuses to budge on abstinence, but has not come out more specifically on their position. They will provide funding for education and treatment programs, but will not provide funding for prevention programs unless abstinence is promoted.

Canada’s position on the United States’ abstinence clause is that it is a culturally sensitive clause, and would not propose that abstinence be enforced. It would definitely accept the clause, however, provided that it does not get used as a preliminary measure; rather it must be introduced as the “last-ditch” resort provided all other means of contraception is culturally taboo. Norway’s six-point proposal, which was just recently reduced to five, is still in effect.

When interviewed, the MSF agrees with elements of each draft resolution, and would particularly like to see increased anti-retroviral treatment, and agrees with Canada, Norway and Russia on funding, but would like to see more action for young children in addition to older youths. MSF applauded having actual financial aid for older youths to carry out innovative projects in their home countries to stop the spread of AIDS.

Alternative Energy (WB)
The definition of alternative energy was still being debated yesterday, yet even though the issue was put to the table quite a number of times, the majority of motions for unmoderated caucuses were voted down.

It appeared that the EU bloc, led by the UK in their initiative, would like to see privatization of alternative energy, while the African nations preferred to have a public fund pool. The issue has now been resolved, with the EU and AU delegates working together on one working paper, but the details have not been finalized yet.

Additionally, the G8 and the AU had further issues over the distribution of funding. While the African Union would like to see themselves take complete control over the distribution of funding, the G8 and other donor nations would like to have some control over how each project is funded, to ensure accountability. The deadlock over this issue still has not been resolved yet.

OPEC, on the other hand, expressed their desire to expand oil infrastructure, usage and production in Africa, for this gives the most immediate results in rebuilding and developing the African economy. They warned that if the AU voted to the contrary of their wishes, there would be deliberate moves to halt supply of oil.

Other News
Ukraine alleges that the Russian government is backing a terrorist group in Georgia, and that it has been one day since the attacks and would like to see Russia come out with an apology on this. Russia denies all accusations, saying that they have “no involvement in these actions”.