UNSC: Conflict in the Biafra Region

[Serenissima]

The Security Council,

Dismayed by the continued heavy fighting and loss of life due to the conflict in the Biafra region,
Disappointed by the efforts of the Nigerian Federal Military Government to block the provision of humanitarian aid to the famine-struck areas using military force,
Deploring the practice of targeting civilians in warfare and the horrors of genocide,
Affirming the United Nations' commitment to upholding Chapter 1, Article 1, clauses II and III, of the United Nations Charter,
Further affirming the United Nations' commitment to upholding the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

Demands that both belligerent parties in the aforementioned conflict enact and observe an immediate ceasefire,
Requires that both belligerent parties cease all actions which contravene the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
Requests that the Secretary-General immediately despatch an international team of observers to verify said ceasefire is upheld, and to uncover any continued human rights abuses in the region by either party,
Further demands that, as the first step towards a peaceful settlement, without force or threat of force, all armed forces participating in the conflict withdraw to their positions as of midnight on 1 July 1967,
Confirming that this resolution does not imply any new recognition of any State, nor does it favour any particular final outcome other than peace, and is intended only to provide the conditions for peace, and an end to the hundreds of thousands of deaths that have so far occurred through famine and military action;
Calls upon the belligerent parties to co-operate with mediation efforts by the United Nations, and negotiate with one another to bring about a permanent peaceful settlement to the conflict, in whatever form, that guarantees security for all.

[Gesar]

John Malecela, Permanent Representative to the United Nations
United Republic of Tanzania

Tanzania endorses this measure despite lacking a vote, and calls upon members of the Security Council to fulfill their obligations to the Nigerian and Biafran people by supporting this resolution.

We would, however, suggest a further condition, either as an amendment or an agreement to be made at a later date. With several involved parties -and some who are not, including ourselves- cautious about these rumors of foreign interference, Tanzania would like to suggest that the United Nations endorse the Organization of African Unity for a leading role as observers and mediators for the potential ceasefire and later talks.

[Luc]

Yakov Alexandrovich Malik

Permanent Representative of the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics to the United Nations

The Soviet Union believes that the barbaric conflict in Biafra must be brought to a swift end through peaceful means. We see the resolution put forward by the French Delegation as a good measure to end the conflict in Biafra. Thus, we vote yes for this resolution.

[Master of Oblivion]

The Republic of China abstains on this issue.

[Naiami]

The United States votes Yes.

[Serenissima]

John Malecela, Permanent Representative to the United Nations
United Republic of Tanzania

Tanzania endorses this measure despite lacking a vote, and calls upon members of the Security Council to fulfill their obligations to the Nigerian and Biafran people by supporting this resolution.

We would, however, suggest a further condition, either as an amendment or an agreement to be made at a later date. With several involved parties -and some who are not, including ourselves- cautious about these rumors of foreign interference, Tanzania would like to suggest that the United Nations endorse the Organization of African Unity for a leading role as observers and mediators for the potential ceasefire and later talks.

France supports the addition of any observers and mediators likely to create a lasting peace and safety for all. We fear, however, that time is running out for the Igbo while this remains under debate.