(OOC: This thread is mainly to reduce the posting traffic on the In Defense of Peace thread, and concerns Auroran reunification talks. I’ll write the actual post in the morning since it’s like 10PM and I need to sleep, so for the time being just ignore this thread)
Sleep?
<3Em
[spoiler] Official Announcement of the Oan Isles
Subject: Stance on the Auroran Reunification and Peace Process
Date of Publishing: 29/11/2017
The Oan Isles is committed to the reconciliation and peace of the Auroran continent. We strive for a continent that is at peace, in which the rights of people are respected, in which the economies are prosperous and the governments are stable. We are committed to using the Conference called by President Nimona Poole in Aura, Emberwood Coast, to advance those ideals.
The Oan Isles does not believe that a union in the nature and style of the former Auroran Continental Assembly will be the best option for itself and others. The Oan Isles would like to clarify its stance on the founding tenets of the ACA:
[ul][li]Mutual defence: the mechanism of mutual defence was primarily intended to protect the continent from external and internal threat. With the breakout of the Auroran Pacific War, we believe that the nature of and the mechanisms through which mutual defence is carried out are flawed and should be altered.
[li]Non aggression: This is a view that belies international norms, regardless of whether or not formal treaties exist between the nations or not. It is, subsequently, shocking that the Auroran Pacific War broke out when a formal non aggression pact existed.
[li]Free travel: The Oan Isles in particular struggles from a delicate ecosystem and a dense population. In line with our policies, we must maintain restrictions on free travel into our borders.
[li]Free trade: the Oan Isles must put in place some limited protections for indigenous industries and products of cultural sensitivity.
[li]Decision making: The leadership and decision making mechanism of the ACA were weak and cumbersome. They were primary obstacle to envoking the mechanisms of the ACA, so much so that the High King of the UK was forced to call a meeting outside of these structures.
[li]Justice: There is no tribunal or court that can balance the internal laws and international treaties and apply them, especially in instances of a war such as the one we came from. Many victims of the war have been left without compensation as former Axis members flout the treaty obligations of the Peace Process[/li][/ul]
We have identified certain obstacles to any reunion of the Auroran nations as follows:
[ul][li]Ideology: Our economic systems are generally similar, with a healthy mix of free market and state regulation, but we diverge sharply on ideological standings so much so that these present obstacles in discussion and divergences in practice.
[li]Political systems: the governments of Aurora vary significantly on the political systems that run their nations. While it is not our place to decide for nations what systems to adopt, we cannot work with nations that diverge so sharply. While some governments such as Xagrurg have pursued reforms, fragments of nationalism, fascism and militarism remain and continue to present obstacles to reunification.
[li]Foreign policies: Just as political systems are a sovereign choice, so too is foreign policy. Unfortunately some foreign policies directly contradict if not threaten our own interests. For that reason adopting a cohesive stance on geopolitical issues will be prohibitively difficult. [/li][/ul]
These are the issues we believe any attempts at reunification will face and that we wish to be resolved. [/spoiler]
Woodrow Taft takes out a cigarette, lights it, and takes a smoke then asks, When are we going to start this meeting?
(OOC: Ok this post will be the actual FP)
Mrs. Petrovavich leaned over to Mr. Taft and said, “Right now.”
The leader of Tuvaltastan walked over to the podium, speech in hand.
“My fellow Aurorans, our continent has experienced the most chaotic and bloody war since the Auroran Imperial War. Tens of millions of men, women, and children were affected by that horrendous conflict, resulting in millions of deaths. We lost mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters. The same thing has happened again with the Auroran-Pacific War, with tens of millions of lives forever changed for the worse. Our predecessors strove to unify our continent, but it seems we have lost that initial spark that kept Aurora united for decades. We again need to find that spark, but this time we must treasure it dearly. I propose a merger of sorts, combining the best aspects of both organizations, The Auroran Continental Assembly and The Auroran Union, to establish The United Nations of the Auroran Continent, or UNAC for short.”
Woodrow Taft and everyone else in the room is dead from smoke inhalation of Woodrows cigarettes.
Interesting idea, the Federal Republic of Xagrurg is for this merger, who in this room as well is willing to participate in this new union of sorts?
Some time like 10-15 days ago
Aura Summit
Walter looked at the men and smiled.
“The United Kingdom stands for unification.”
“On behalf of Axdel we support the formation of the UNAC,” Said Polly Newman. “There are no winners on a divided continent.”
“Agreed,” added Leon Jolva. “The APW, whilst harsh and bloody, is the lesson we needed to promote new, long-lasting unity.”
Locklyn Le Roy, Head of Diplomacy of the Oan Isles said: “While I am moved by Mrs Petrovavich’s poignant speech, the Oan Isles believe that the concerns presented in the Official White Paper on the matter must be addressed.”
He passed and read out this document: http://forum.theeastpacific.com/single/?p=10033589&t=7015396
Woodrow Taft, President of the Federal Republic of Xagrurg, rose to speak to discuss the papers points. For the first point about mutual defense, I concur that the mutual defensive pact needs to be reformed into something more comprehensive. Secondly, the nation of Xagrurg was under a military junta at the start of the Auroran-Pacific War. I am not here to defend my countrys justification of the war nor insult it, I am here for the sake of peace and helping to unite this once-proud continent. For your third point, the UNAC can work on an agreement in the future help protect the Oan Isles ecosystems and peoples. For the third point, I also concur with your argument, as some nations on Aurora need some protectionist economic policies in place to ensure stable and sustainable economic growth, though not necessarily about the cultural aspect. For your fourth point, the Auroran Continental Assembly was slow to respond, yes I admit, but it can work nevertheless with reform. For your fifth point, though an international court of Justice is a noble idea, how can you expect to enforce such international laws without violating a nations soverigninty in the process? Does it look like Xagrurg can pay such reparations at this point in time? Woodrow then steps down, signaling someone else to go next.
Lara Tarasovna stood up from her chair, propping herself on her cane.
“Reading this document, I respect and for the most part agree with the points made, Mr. Le Roy. A few of these points stand out to me as the most important and should be discussed, those points being free travel and trade, decision making, justice, ideology, and our varying foreign policies. To start off, I believe that free travel and trade should be maintained on mainland Aurora, with other nations outside of the area treated case-by-case. As for the system of decision making and lack of a justice system, I fully agree that bureaucratic policies bogged down the ability in the Assembly to make progress, a major reason why Tuvaltastan joined the Union, and a justice system most definitely should have been implemented. It was most likely backlogged due to the aforementioned policies. The general ideologies of the Auroran continent are for the most part rather homogenous, with a few exceptions, including Baykalia and Imperial Fandom, the latter having been stuck in a civil war since its formation. These nations of course did not or could not send representatives to these historic talks. Thus, I feel that the current nations attending these talks should be the founding members of this proposed union. Foreign Policy in my mind is the most important issue to be discussed. If this union is to be formed, I feel that all of our nations should share very similar policies, especially when it comes to foreign relations with non-Auroran countries.”
Upon finishing, she sat down, allowing others to speak.[edit_reason]made the grammar gooder[/edit_reason]
Reading over the document that Mr. Le Roy put forth, Lord Jeymz Drachenberg of Dragonia nodded at several of the points on it. After Ms. Tarasovna sat down from her speech, he rose to his feet to address the assembled dignitaries.
“After reading over this document,” he gestures to the paper in his hand, “as-well-as listening to the pros and cons that have been put forth so far, I do agree with many of the points Mr. Le Roy has proposed.” He paused for a moment as he gathered his thoughts further, “points three and four; Free Travel and Free Trade. The Grand Duchy has a smaller population density considering the size of our nation, we as a people like it this way, we as a nation have a delicate balancing act with our population, economy, and industry within our ecosystem. It is a part of our culture, it is a part of our faith.”
“We do not mind tourists, in fact we encourage people to come and enjoy The Grand Duchy’s natural beauty, we just do not encourage people to move to Dragonia unless they have a skill set that we have a need for.” Lord Jeymz gave a little shrug and a small smile.
“Other than those two points, Dragonia can work with the rest, of course their shall be some debates on a few of the other points.” He gave a short bow, “thank you;” and sat down in his chair.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Lord-Mayor Jeymi Vorlynovich of Oceansend stood up and addressed the group. “As the City-State of Oceansend is such a small country with a small population, we have restrictions on immigration as well, so Free Travel is very much an issue with us.” He nodded his head and sat down.
President Juentines was sat down. She had been invited to this meeting by the UK, but had met unsung and hostile faces across the board. She knew exactly why. It wasn’t hard to understand.
In light of this, she maintained a positive attitude. She recognised a few faces, being into politics herself. Working alongside the Government of the UK to establish the base constitution of Vothetria, in which she swore into office not so long ago; she knew Walter quite indefinitely. She knew Jolva, Taft, and one or two others, but everyone else was a little anonymous.
She stood up, coughing to grasp the attention of the attendees.
“Fellow nations of Aurora. I’ve recently taken over the affairs of the newly formed Votheria, and as President, I deem fit to make the country known.” a pause. “I understand a bitterness towards Ethalria, presented by most nations. This is… Unfortunate. But rejoice; because Votheria is not Ethalria, and Ethalria is no more. I’m aware you all know how Walter and his cabinet so kindly brought us into the wider world. Vothetria strives for peace and prosperity, and whilst we will for the meantime have groups linked to fascism and the old ways, we do not condone them. We hope that, as well as the other three Ethaln countries of Kothalria, Faethalria and Thalria, can work alongside each country of Aurora in peace and with the knowledge that prejudism towards us fades away.” she looked around the room to some appeased faces, and sat back in her seat.
Alyona Petrovavich looked over to the newly elected President of Vothetria. “Thank you for that reassurance, Madam President. I feel that I speak for most here when I say ‘Welcome to Aurora,’” she said with a slight, yet warm, smile. “I’m certain that the nations that formed out of the Ethalrian ashes will prove that Ethalns are great people!” She paused a moment, “But I digress. Are there any others who wish to comment on the document handed out by Mr. Le Roy?”
deleted
“I appreciate the insights of the leaders here”, Le Roy said, “I propose that UNAC, as it is provisionally called, should be structured in the following way: there should be a Council made up of representatives of each member states that makes all decisions concerning the organisation. There should be Secretariat that carries out decisions made by the Council that is helmed by the Secretary General. There should be a Court that arbitrates civil disputes between governments, companies and individuals of different countries. The UNAC should be seated in Sani Bursil, and the Auroran Bank should be moved to the Morstaybishlian capitol as well. That will be the Oan condition for supporting UNAC without imposing conditions on the former Axis”. He gave Woodrow Taft a cold glare as he sat down.
Woodrow Taft gives a cold glare back towards Le Roy and then speaks, Why move the UNAC and Auroran Bank to Sani Bursil? The former Auroran Continental Assembly building in Aura works perfectly fine for the UNACs purposes, saving on any construction costs created by the building of a new complex for the UNAC and Tivot seems like a pretty good city-state to keep the Auroran Bank in. After all, they are the lifeblood of finance and commerce of Aurora. Also, dont try and threaten me Mr. Le Roy with your conditions, all the other representatives here also have their choice of whether to enforce your conditions or not, then sitting back down.
“Those are our conditions. Full stop”.
“I’m afraid I have to agree with Mr Taft on this one.” Said Polly Newman. “The ACA building we are having this meeting in right now is perfectly suited for the needs of the UNAC, as well as the existing ACB facilities in Tarov; not to mention that both Tivot and Emberwood Coast remained neutral in the APW. Moving both the Auroran bank and the UNAC headquarters to Sani Bursil - whilst it would make logistics easier due to their proximity - shows an obvious bias and wont help to improve relations.”
Walter gave a smile.
“The relations between the United Kingdom and former axis powers are becoming stronger and stronger. With a coalition ran by the UK, we helped restore peace and order to Ethalria.” he paused. “Whilst a varying misconception is that the UK is not democratic, our institutions are amongst the most democratic in the world. We could help bring peace, freedom, and justice to this new union with a centre in Sani Bursil.” he paused again. “With all due respect, the other candidates are not in as symbolic areas for such historic and pivotal decision making. If a union is to bring everyone together, the union must strive for prosperity and longevity much unlike its predecessors. Sani Bursil has been the location of such delicacies in the past. The times it has been stripped of those privileges; instability, chaos and war across the continent. With a permanent sitting of the parliament and bank, we would promise a standing legacy. A legacy which we would all adhere to.” he sat down.
“Perhaps I may have been rather, hmm, harsh”, Le Roy said, “The ‘former’ Axis nations’ commitment to reconciliation will be confirmed by it’s unconditional support of this move. Take it as an olive branch if you will. With Xagrurg’s growing political instability, we all need to show our commitment to peace both within and among our nations. If I recall correctly, was it not the Axis that killed His Royal Highness Thadeus and tried to kill His Majesty Lambertus the Seventh, High King of The United Kingdom? As I recall, there was an attempt to invade South Staynes, and conquer Kirdintayos. I also recall somebody invading Kostoria-Obertonia and the Yor Isles. I also noticed how the High Command which caused this and the usurpation of the Republic of Xagrurg, has not only NOT been punished, but has continued to influence the politics of that nation. Rather than taking retributive action against the former Axis for totally flouting the conditions of the Peace Process, rather than forcing the Axis to pay millions in compensation, rather than imposing sanctions, we have this simple request. Did the Axis compensate and get counseling for our sodliers and their families? No! We left to pick up the pieces and carry that burden. Did these so-called ‘neutral’ countries go back to KO to help it recover from the war and the nuclear meltdown? No! It was us! In the midst of our own pain, we went to them to offer support. What use is neutrality if it leads to aloofness? Perhaps I am being harsh. Perhaps the people who are the real victims of the war should wait for the Senate to publish a report on the matter and tippy toe around the situation so as not to hurt anyone’s feelings. The Oan foreign policy has been criticised for its aggression many times. But at least we know where to draw the line. At least we know where our loyalties lie. We don’t want the continent to be split up, but how can we trust people who haven’t even said “Sorry”?! How can we trust people who have left a country in ruin? Kuthernburg has done more for Kostromastan than country’s on this continent? Is peace and unity the process by which Emberitian banks have the freedom to sap families of their savings? I would hope that is not the case: The least that can be done is to fulfill this request”.