Model United Nations

Position Paper-Cuba
Topic 1: Should billions of dollars be spent on researching and recreating the origins of the universe?
Cubas economic position at the moment is very weak therefore we believe that billions of dollars should not be spent on researching and recreating the origins of the universe as it should be used on more pressing matters like upholding the economy of poor nations , similar to Cuba. The Cuban economy definitely suffered immensely from an economic crisis between 1989 and 1993 as the result of the decrease in exports of which they had overdependence from. This contributed greatly on the economys fundamental weaknesses and lead to the introduction to tourism, foreign investments, legalizing the dollar and authorizing self employment. These new actions were efficient from 1994 to 2000. However the following 9 years included many economic disruptions such as the lowered nickel and sugar prices (which are one of Cubas main exports), increases in petroleum costs, destruc tive hurricanes in the years 2001, 2004 and 2008, and a major drought affecting the whole eastern half of the island increasing external debt and other demoralizing economic issues. During this time, Cuba had an extremely weak economy. Its financial stabil ity has only been kept strong enough because the assistance from Venezuela and somewhat aid from China has helped their wealth. This has caused the Cuban population to turn to the black market for basic necessities and job employment as these sources has become very limited. The Cuban population suffered greatly in this matter and is desperate need of this money. An opposition leader speculates that over 40% of the Cuban economy operates in the informal sector, therefore to try reducing this; the government has carried out anti-corruption campaigns including a Comptroller Generals Office, frequent street -level crackdowns and ongoin g ideological appeals. However, these measures have shown little, if any constructive outcomes and for that reason the billions dollars are needed in rebuilding Cuba and its economic position.

Topic 2: Should the U.N investigate the current war crimes in S yria?
In terms of the war crimes that are being committed in Syria, Cubas position is relatively minute as most of these Middle Eastern affairs do not incorporate Cuba and its affairs. Though Cubas involvement with the Syrian disputes is uninvolved, two great contributors to the Cuban foreign affairs are China and Russia. These two countries are involved and considered fairly important in the U.N as they are two out of the total five countries who are able to call a veto if necessary. In the Syrian crisis , they agreed to this movement of veto which caused an even bigger controversy. Other countries, such as the US, are concerned by these actions and agree that further measures need to be taken to stop this violence in Syria. BBC News reports that the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, stated that China and Russias pronouncement was a travesty. Additional nations have different thoughts and opinions about this . However, it has been predicted that the re will be further deaths and violence by the government until more drastic procedures will be taken. As Cuba has quite an imperative and vital connection between China and Russia, it would be asked of from Cuba to stand by China and Russia as they are fun damental allies. Therefore, despite Cubas minute position in the current war crimes in Syria, we will be obliged to stand by and support China and Russia as they are an essential part of Cubas financial help and export increase.