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Topic: Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
Chair: Eliza Kalenjian Director: Rahul Harve Crisis Manager: Ryan Kramer Committee Description: The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region dates back several decades. It began when Stalin, the brutal dictator of the USSR, was using his divide and rule policy to divide the Caucasus Region of his empire. He gave the mountainous land of Nagorno- Karabakh to the Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan, despite it having a 94% Armenian population. Violent revolts took place frequently within Nagorno- Karabakh, as the Armenians in the region sought unification with their homeland Armenia. Moscow often had to intervene to maintain stability, but as the Soviet Union began to collapse, the people saw it as an opportunity, and the Armenian’s seized control of the territory. The efforts of the Armenian paramilitary group responsible for taking over Nagorno- Karabakh were heavily supported by the government of Armenia. Azerbaijan, claiming it is still their land, went to war with Armenia from 1992-1994. The war resulted in full Armenian control over the territory, and at least 20,000 deaths with over a million displaced. Eventually, it was ended with a cease fire, however, both countries still have a strong military presence in the region and sporadic acts of violence are grossly common. Currently, the Minsk-Group, co-chaired by France, Russia, and the U.S, are in charge of creating a long lasting peace in the area. Nagorno-Karabakh functions as a de-facto independent state not recognized internationally, however, it works closely with Armenia. Several resolutions have been proposed but have been rejected by one of the parties. In this committee, Delegates are tasked with coming up with the solution that satisfies not just Armenia and Azerbaijan, but also Nagorno-Karabakh. A resolution to this conflict is essential to ease the decades of tension that have been swallowing the region, and it is important the diplomacy and bipartisanship are put to use. 
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MEET YOUR CHAIR
Eliza Kalenjian is currently a Sophomore at Ashland High School. She was introduced to Model UN when she first joined in her Freshman year. Since then, Eliza has become Vice President of the Ashland Model UN Club and loves to participate in Model UN conferences. Outside Model UN, Eliza is also the president of her class and is the co-founder of Ashland High School’s Democrats of America Club. She has a strong aptitude for politics and activism and does a lot of work with local politics, such as spending her summers interning at the Statehouse. As a pastime she loves listening to Queen and The Dave Matthews Band, as well as watching John Mulaney comedy specials and That 70’s Show with her friends! Eliza is excited for a day full of lively and collaborative discussions and is looking forward to hear your innovative solutions! | ||