UNSC |
The Security Council has primary responsibility, under the UN Charter, for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 Members (5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members). Each Member has one vote. Under the Charter, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions. The Security Council takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression. It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement. In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.
Agenda: The right of control over the Bosphorus Strait
The Bosphorus Strait is a narrow strait between Balkan and Asia Minor which is owned by Turkey. In peace, Turkey opens up Bosphorus Strait for merchant ships for free, but warships, which are bigger, can’t pass it. In circumstances of war, Turkey can block warships from passing through as they wish. These rules were decided in the Montreux Convention in 1936.
In 2014, Russia took Crimean Pen from Ukraine, but to enter the Mediterranean, they should pass the Bosphorus Strait. As a result, Russia insists that Turkey open Bosphorus freely so that their warships can freely cross the Bosphorus and enter the Mediterranean.
Turkey, the United States, and other European countries wanting to block Russian expansion insist that the pass of warship should be controlled by Turkey. Turkey especially wants complete control of the Bosphorus Strait.
The stances of Black Sea coastal countries except for Russia can easily change. They also have warships, so the opening of the Bosphorus also benefits them. However, if the Bosphorus Strait is opened, Russia can grow too large, threatening them. In conclusion, they will support the country that offers them the greatest benefit. Having been in war with Russia, Ukraine and Georgia would be more likely to want to stop the expansion of Russia.
The issue of the Bosphorus Strait is becoming more and more complex as several countries have completely conflicting interests depending on the right of control over the Bosphorus Strait.
In 2014, Russia took Crimean Pen from Ukraine, but to enter the Mediterranean, they should pass the Bosphorus Strait. As a result, Russia insists that Turkey open Bosphorus freely so that their warships can freely cross the Bosphorus and enter the Mediterranean.
Turkey, the United States, and other European countries wanting to block Russian expansion insist that the pass of warship should be controlled by Turkey. Turkey especially wants complete control of the Bosphorus Strait.
The stances of Black Sea coastal countries except for Russia can easily change. They also have warships, so the opening of the Bosphorus also benefits them. However, if the Bosphorus Strait is opened, Russia can grow too large, threatening them. In conclusion, they will support the country that offers them the greatest benefit. Having been in war with Russia, Ukraine and Georgia would be more likely to want to stop the expansion of Russia.
The issue of the Bosphorus Strait is becoming more and more complex as several countries have completely conflicting interests depending on the right of control over the Bosphorus Strait.
Countries List
1. United States of America 2. Republic of Turkey 3. United Kingdom 4. France 5. Russian Federation 6. People’s Republic of China 7. Republic of Bulgaria 8. Romania |
9. Syrian Arab Republic 10. The Hellenic Republic (Greece) 11. Georgia 12. Ukraine 13. Malaysia 14. The Arab Republic of Egypt 15. Republic of Panama |