The Invasion of Czechoslovakia, Essay Example

Denmark has traditionally encouraged negotiation as a method to reduce tension between states and to prevent conflicts (Heurlin 241).  However, when it comes to taking one side, Danish policy in all political actions is in line with the fundamental principles of the Western principles and values and is solidary with the Western treaties and agreements concerning regional cooperation and security.  Denmark therefore condemns Soviet policies whenever they create panic, tension and are translated into direct military action (Heurlin 241).

In light of the above, Denmark condemns the invasion of Czechoslovakia by the joined forces of the Warsaw Pact, namely those  of the Soviet Union, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria and East Germany (Hitchcock 278)  and claims it to be unlawful and unjust. In this regard, Denmark, following its own beliefs, and in line with Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Paraguay, Senegal, the United States and the United Kingdom (International Organization 987), drafted a resolution, and presented to the Council at the  1442^nd meeting.

Denmark considers that the invasion of Czechoslovakia is unjust since the president of the country and the chairman of the National Assembly, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed their indignation concerning the invasion and requested that the troops should be redrawn immediately (International Organization 987). Taking into consideration their position, Denmark condemns the invasion as a violation of the UN Charter which, in Article 2, encourages all members to “settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered”(UN Charter, Art. 2). Furthermore, the killing of civilians represents a violation of Human Rights (The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 3) and represents a step back in the Soviet Union’s efforts in the implementation of Human rights.

Therefore, Denmark requests an immediate cease of all military operations in the area and the redraw of all troops from Czechoslovakia, ceasing, in the same time, to exercise any form of interference in the state’s internal affairs (International Organization 987). In addition, Denmark requests that this resolution should be implemented as soon as possible, through the diplomatic influence of the UN member states. Finally, drawing on Article 9 of the Declaration of Human Rights, which states that “no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile”, Denmark requests the immediate release of Alexander Dubcek from prison.

Denmark believes this conflict to be a misunderstanding from the Soviet Union and urges the Security Council to facilitate negotiations between the two involved parties, namely Czechoslovakia and the Warsaw Pact countries, believing that this entity has the means and the authority to secure and to facilitate the instauration of peace and stability in the region.

Works Cited

Heurlin, Bertel. Danish Security Policy. Cooperation and Conflict.17.3. (1982):237-255. Web.

Hitchcock, William. The Struggle for Europe: The Turbulent History of a Divided Continent 1945 to Present. New York: Random Inc. 2003. Print.

Security Council.  International Organization. 22.4. (1968):985-988.

United Nations. Charter of the United Nations.1945. Web.

United Nations. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.1948. Web.