Crisis in South America

Ambassador Abdallah Y. Al- Mouallimi looks around in the room and sees that none of the delegates seems to have any intention to address the matter. Amazed at this sight, he steps up and moves towards the speaker platform.

"I will keep this short; three (3) months ago the world witnessed the first military clashes between two South American nations. We have seen little response to this matter. While we have received news that the United States has dispatched a naval fleet to the region, we have not witnessed any attempts to address the matters in these chambers, nor have we received news that such has been the case in any of the regional forums.

Such baffles me, how can we close our eyes for such events!? While the events have only limited effect upon the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the worldwide silence on the matter has forced me to step up and ask for attention to this pressing matter. I call upon the United Nations Security Council to do the tasks it was created for and address the ongoing crisis between Colombia and Ecuador.

Thank you!"

“The United States could, and is in a position to, intervene if required. At the present stage however we true requirement to inflict more conflict and more suffering on the people of these two nations. Not to mention the potential costs involved in such. If Saudi Arabia wishes to invest in a solution we willing to encourage you but at present we have spent enough on emergency measures including boosting our border security and other regional programs.”

Ertuğrul Apakan, Turkey's ambassador to the United Nations, finally awoke from his slumber. He had been briefed by the foreign ministry, via the Turkish consulate in New York, on the South American conflict and the foreign ministry's general stance on it. Turkey shared close relationships and a FTA agreement with Colombia, while relations with Ecuador were minimal, at best. Colombia was also, like Turkey, an American ally.

Noting that Turkey shared increasingly close contact with the region's premier hegemon, Brazil, as well as the parallels between Colombia's actions here and Turkey's own actions in Iraq and Syria, Mr. Apakan was compelled to make a measured statement in support for Colombia, while giving typical urging of ceasefires and emphasizing the critical role of UNASUR (and thus, Brazil) in handling the matter.

"The Turkish Republic is deeply concerned about the outbreak of hostilities in the Andean region, and always laments the loss of life and destabilization of an otherwise peaceful region. Turkey urges both sides to come to an immediate ceasefire and allow the flow of refugees and those unfortunately caught in the middle of this crisis the opportunity for shelter. Turkey offers its assistance to UNASUR and both countries individually via its embassies and consulates in Quito and Bogotá.

"However, Turkey recognizes that Colombia's actions here are perfectly consistent with international customs. Ankara is wholly aware and sympathetic to Colombia's positions vis-a-vis the FARC and other various rebel groups, which in many ways mirror our own struggles with the PKK and others. Therefore, while Turkey urges restraint, it also recognizes that cooperation and consistency between states is not always feasible and stops far short of condemning Colombia's actions in this matter.

"Lastly, while Turkey supports the Peruvian initiative to refer this matter to the United Nations Security Council, Ankara is of the opinion that this matter should be handled diplomatically and politically by UNASUR, and recommends that the Security Council pass a resolution which bestows upon UNASUR the legitimacy and authorization to handle this matter among themselves unless otherwise requested by UNASUR or a party to the conflict. Turkey unequivocally supports UNASUR's central and unwavering role in this matter and would condemn any attempt at outside interference or attempts to subvert this fundamental role."

Brazil had a serious stake in the goings on in this meeting. As the dominant state in South America and the only state in South America with serious ambitions of power projection (beyond Argentina's nationalistic obsession with certain small islands in possession of on the world's strongest countries) it was uniquely able to respond to the situation. And yet nothing, really, had been done yet.

"Brazil watches the war on our borders with a grim demeanor concerning what it means for the South American aims of regional integration, peace, stability, and growth which has so sorely deserted us in past. While we full well intend to make long-term policy which furthers these aims, this war is an immediate and dire challenge.

We agree with Ankara that Colombia's actions do not at this moment merit outright condemnation, and we likewise urge restraint and ceasefire by both parties.

We propose the Security Council take two actions: firstly, passing an arms embargo against both parties for the duration of the conflict to avoid further inflammation of the war, further militarization, and post-war fallout, and secondly to only then pass responsibility on the matter on to UNASUR.

If our proposed arms embargo is indeed undertaken and passed by the United Nations Security Council Brazil would be willing to contribute naval and other security assets as necessary to patrol and interdict would-be arms dealers."

“The United States supports the Brazilian motion and would willingly contribute its task group to intercepting naval based arms dealers if required.”

The Republic of Peru shall submit such a resolution to the United Nations Security Council on behalf of UNASUR, and urge all members to support the spirit of such a resolution.

"Suriname supports the Peruvian initiative and echoes their calls."

"Mexico wishes to publicly state it will support whatever measures UNASUR and UN deem necessary to end the violence between Ecuador and Colombia."