NationStates Jolt Archive

UKUN RASIKAN (PTBI) -- A downturn already evident in the global economy turned into full-fledged recession in many capitalist states following a UN resolution entrenching the rights of labour unions.

The global recession is biting hard here in Tanah Burung too. The UN resolution has combined with falling revenues in tourism, as people in recession-hit countries have less cash available for travel. (Tourism is this country’s major source of foreign exchange.) As a result, Tanah Burung’s economy has plummeted from “strong” to “developing,” reversing recent gains.

“We backed the rights of labour unions because we believed it was the right thing to do. Social justice must take priority over short-term economic gain,” said Constancio Ainaro, people’s representative for social justice in the 11-member collective presidency.

The government has announced a package of measures designed to reinvigorate the economy:

-- the auto industry has been re-legalized, with technical expertise provided by Oglethorpian auto executives fleeing the take-over of Kuruma Auto. Environmental safeguards remain in place: clean fuels are being stressed, including the use of edible oil products. Used cooking oil is to be the number one fuel.
-- an intensified search for trade partners among the signatories of the International Fair Trade Agreement, along with an intensified push to bring diplomatic friends into the treaty.
-- deregulation measures which reduce government oversight of the economy.
-- further efforts to promote tourism: in the rain forests, to gamble and lie on the beaches, to see the ancient cities or the unspoiled villages, to have gay weddings performed, and so on.

But critics say these are old measures, already in place, which will do nothing to help in the short term. Some are calling for private enterprise to be re-legalized.

“Nothing is ruled out,” said Rosa Almeida, people’s representative for economic affairs and co-operatives. “But we are not legalizing private enterprise today, and we will continue as always to adhere to UN resolutions and to our international treaty commitments. We will not indulge like spoiled children in rants against the UN.”

Compliance with the “rights of labour unions” resolution will be done through the country’s array of worker-owned co-operatives, which will be allowed to set their rates of pay and freed of all remaining government interference except for environmental standards. The Rubber Tapper Co-operative has already voted its members a substantial wage increase and others are expected to follow suit.

“The Radical Old have been calling the shots in Tanah Burung for too long,” said Rubber Tappers Co-ordinator Mau Tarak, referring to the collective presidency, most of whom are at least 70 years old. “We need some new thinking. And the co-ops are the wave of the future.”

#tag# for now. Post later (hopefully)

-- an intensified search for trade partners among the signatories of the International Fair Trade Agreement, along with an intensified push to bring diplomatic friends into the treaty.


OOC: Isn't your extracting trade concessions from poor nations in exchange for humanitarian aid a violation of that treaty? 8)

But anyway...

IC:

Communique from the Ministry of Trade

We are sorry to hear of your recent economic troubles. We offer a proposal that might go some way toward addressing them, while also providing a solution to one of our own problems.

As you may be aware, entertainment is one of the foremost industries of Ravenspire. Our nation is currently in a time of economic expansion (to which we believe the recent UN resolution is a contributing factor). However, the geography of Ravenspire is largely volcanic mountains, some of them at high altitude -- making them barren and cold. The occasional ski resort aside, this is not an environment conducive to tourist attractions. That portion of the country that is suitable, the Twilight Coast, is already developed, offering little opportunity for further expansion without encroaching upon the national forest, which we do not consider an option.

What we propose, then, is a purchase or long-term lease of an area of land from Tanah Burung. This area would be developed into a center of entertainment; theme-park developers and a movie studio have already expressed an interest, and we expect that others would follow. The project would create jobs and attract investment in Tanah Burung both during and after construction, and the city that would "grow" around the entertainment area would serve as a focuspoint, drawing tourists to the country.

If you have any interest in such a project, we can begin to discuss the details at your convenience. I hope to hear from you soon.

Shyri T'kla
Minister of Trade

OOC: Isn't your extracting trade concessions from poor nations in exchange for humanitarian aid a violation of that treaty? 8)

ooc: I figured it was an accurate reflection of that treaty -- the trade concessions are demanding they comply with treaty terms, which is exactly what i'm RP'ing. Every other time i got this issue, i just gave the aid.

What we propose, then, is a purchase or long-term lease of an area of land from Tanah Burung. This area would be developed into a center of entertainment; theme-park developers and a movie studio have already expressed an interest, and we expect that others would follow. The project would create jobs and attract investment in Tanah Burung both during and after construction, and the city that would "grow" around the entertainment area would serve as a focuspoint, drawing tourists to the country.

The proposal is interesting. Foreign ownership is strictly forbidden by the consitution, but we shall consider the lease idea carefully. A joint enterprise involving Ravenspire interests and a Tanah Burung entertainment co-operative might be of even greater interest.

Rosa Almeida
People's representative for econic affairs (and, of course, co-operatives)

MODEST NEMIT TRANSMITIU
Nikeaeleth Queldereno Estati, A Queldi en Miseri

Et: Aerin Istertel, Tradi en Mithranidometh Ministris
Anet: Rosa Almeida, Tanah Burung
Quersi: Anglio

Dear Ms. Almeida,

Greetings from the Glorious State of Nikea.

We in Nikea are sympathetic towards your economic crisis, and, in consultation with the Nikean Minister of Energy Lasinrë Ostenitel, Nikea wishes to propose a deal which may benefit both nations.

The location of Nikea, being in the Devils Desert, is quite cool year round. It is a great expense for Nikeans to travel on vacation to any warm spots, due to the distance needed to be travelled to reach a destination. This creates a populace which would give their right arm in order to go somewhere warm.

The Haskari Energy Corporation is currently, along with help from the Melrinen Automotive Corporation, developing alternative sources of energy, and was quite interested to hear of your proposal for a, shall we say, "alternate" form of fuel.

We would propose that the Tanah Burung Bureau of Tourism offer a once-in-a-lifetime deal to Nikean citizens, coupled with an aggressive marketing campaign, in order to attract much needed tourism dollars. In return, the Haskari Energy Corporation, along with the Melrinen Automotive Corporation, would like full access to your automotive industry, mainly in selling, at a reduced price of course, clean fuel sources, which have been heavily researched and tested, providing an almost harmful-product free fuel source. Naturally, the two corporations would be willing to work with both your government and the Oglethorpian executives; we do not wish to punt them off of the project.

The answer now lies to you. Unfortunately, Nikea cannot offer direct economic aid without some sort of return, as we did not get rich by writing cheques. We await your response.

Aerin Istertel
Minister of Trade and Economics
Nikeaeleth Queldereno Estati

Representative Almeida:

I am delighted to hear of your interest. I will attempt to convey a more specific idea of what we are looking for, and what we are offering. This is, of course, not a final offer, but merely a staring point for negotiations.

Land lease: We're seeking a largish area of land, between 50 and 100 square kilometers (or the size of a small to large city), located in a subtropical to tropical temperature zone at low elevation. Ideally this area would be located on a coastline; otherwise, we would request an area relatively close to a city with an existing transit hub. The term of the lease would be 50 or 100 years, with a base rent of 2.5 million Ravenspire ploinks per square km per year (automatically adjusted to match inflation).

Infrastructure: Ravenspire will contribute 75% of the cost of building or extending transit networks -- building a seaport in the case of a coastal area, expanding an airport in the case of a non-coastal area, and/or extending passenger rail lines or shuttle roads in either case. Tanah Burung will contribute the remaining 25%. The same cost division will apply to other physical infrastructure elements (power lines, telephone/data lines, water and sewer lines, etc.). The costs for consumption of electricity, water, and other services will be borne by the individuals and companies involved, in the usual manner.

Ownership: The area would be governed under Ravenspire trade law. Both Ravenspiric and Tanah Burung currency would be accepted, and exchanges between these currencies made at the current rate of exchange, with no added fees. Tanah Burung co-ops will be given the opportunity to invest up to a 25% stake in any given venture initially, and further as the project proceeds.

Hiring: Ravenspire law forbids discrimination on most bases. Citizens of Tanah Burung will be given priority in hiring where two applications are otherwise equal, and positions will first be advertised locally. All businesses operating from this area will attempt to maintain a staff and management composed of at least 50% Tanah Burung citizens, provided that Tanah Burung's labor pool allows for that.

Workers: Workers and their immediate families will be granted the same rights and privileges as Ravenspire residents. These include the right to a living wage, the right to shelter (generally implemented as housing and clothing allowances), the right to basic medical care (generally implemented as a company health-care and insurance policy), the right to education (free public schooling from the prekindergarten to the postuniversity levels), and the right to fair redress of grievances. Employees may form unions for the purpose of bargaining. However, striking and other forms of work stoppage are not permitted (except in the case where to continue to work would involve a direct threat to the employee's life or health, such as an unsafe workplace); instead, the "redress of grievances" clause is invoked. This involves arbitration by a neutral member of Ravenspire's Ministry of Trade; a decision can be appealed to the Council of Trade, and finally to the Minister or Secretary of Trade. Promotion is handled strictly through merit, and demotion may result from demerit. Wages are based upon position and education/experience (favoring the latter), with bonuses awarded for high performance, and are paid either weekly or every other week, depending on the company involved. All full-time employees must be offered at least two weeks of paid vacation/sick leave time per year, plus seven holidays; most employers will offer more beginning after six to twelve months of employment. The full-time work week is defined as 28-32 hours; wages are paid time-and-a-half from 33 to 48 hours, and double-time for 49+ hours. No employee (with the exception of some public-service professions, such as the police) may be required to work more than 40 hours per week; additional time is strictly voluntary. Minors (the age of majority in Ravenspire is 16) may not be employed full-time except with special permission, and children younger than 14 may not be employed at all except with special permission. Adults who are attending school cannot be required to work more than 16 hours per week; however, this is a legitimate reason to refuse to hire an applicant or to demote/transfer a current worker.

Ventures: The 'anchor' of the city early on will be a theme park, tentatively planned with a "Nations of the World" theme. Within the park, small sections will be devoted to a number of nations (including Ravenspire and Tanah Burung), with the intent of showcasing those nations. Each section will be modeled after the architecture of its respective country, and will feature attractions related to that country, possibly including theaters, performance areas, rides, shops, concessions, and restaurants. For instance, Ravenspire's section might feature a square where visiting performers from Ravenspire could demonstrate traditional martial arts forms, a shop offering such things as kimono, fox-ear headbands, and glasswork, a restaurant patterned after a historic teahouse, and a ride with an "into the volcano" theme. The goal is to educate as well as entertain. Other planned ventures include a movie studio, a hotel (no doubt there will be several more, but we have one commitment), and a theater. Of course, the usual housing and resident-targeted businesses (groceries, consumer-goods shops, and the like) would also be put in place, and might attract such cultural developments as a theater, a stadium, or a museum.

Development: City growth will be planned with an eye to keeping tourist attractions accessible (avoiding gridlock to the fullest extent possible) and preserving adequate "green space" in the form of parks, playgrounds, and the like. While it will undoubtedly be an urban environment, our aim is to prevent sprawl and urban decay. Environmental impact is unavoidable, but we strive to employ clean fuels and to minimize pollution.

Shyri T'kla
Minister of Trade

To: Ms. Rosa Almeida

Greetings, friend--

We in the Serene Socialist Republic of Xikuang have taken note of the difficulties you currently face regarding your economic recession. We ourselves ave been unaffected by the economic slump that seems to be widespread-- indeed, our economy has taken a turn for the better. As long standing friends of ours and as a trade partner, your prosperity is of great concern to us, and we wish to help in any way we can.

We note that Tanah Burung produces many agricultural products impossible to produce in Xikuang. We would be interested in purchasing surplus from you at substantially favourable rates. We are particularly interested in rubber, as our own automotive industry, in cooperation with Celdonian industry, is just getting off the ground. We would further like to offer you some of the 'luxury' products we produce in high quantities. The southern mountains of Xikuang are renowned for tea and coffee of surpassing quality. These are well estabished revenue generators, particularly given the tourist industry in Tanah Burung, and we have quite a lot of it to spare; we offer it as straight trade for surplus Tanah Burungian produce. We don't know how the Tanah Burungians feel about yak butter, but we have this in abundance and wouldn't mind being rid of some of it, if it's of any use to you.

The Tanah Burungian climate is a substantial change relative to our often rather inhospitable mountains. If you can send us some information, we will promote Tanah Burung tourism domestically. The recent economic boost has given the people of Xikuang additional spending power and I'm sure quite a few of them are wanting to go somewhere nice and warm for a break.

We extend to you, as always, our solidarity.

With benedictions,

Elected General Councillor Zhe Xexin, Chair of the Elected General Committee for Economic Affairs, the Serene Socialist Republic of Xikuang

--edit: wrong representative. Sorry!

We thank our friends for their generous words of support. Let us stress two things as basic. First, Tanah Burung is not seeking economic aid at this time: if we do decide to seek aid, it will be through the Developing Nations Aid Commission. Second, foreign ownership is strictly forbidden. No assets are for sale.

MODEST NEMIT TRANSMITIU
Nikeaeleth Queldereno Estati, A Queldi en Miseri

Et: Aerin Istertel, Tradi en Mithranidometh Ministris
Anet: Rosa Almeida, Tanah Burung
Quersi: Anglio

Dear Ms. Almeida,

Greetings from the Glorious State of Nikea.

We in Nikea are sympathetic towards your economic crisis, and, in consultation with the Nikean Minister of Energy Lasinrë Ostenitel, Nikea wishes to propose a deal which may benefit both nations.

The location of Nikea, being in the Devils Desert, is quite cool year round. It is a great expense for Nikeans to travel on vacation to any warm spots, due to the distance needed to be travelled to reach a destination. This creates a populace which would give their right arm in order to go somewhere warm.

The Haskari Energy Corporation is currently, along with help from the Melrinen Automotive Corporation, developing alternative sources of energy, and was quite interested to hear of your proposal for a, shall we say, "alternate" form of fuel.

We would propose that the Tanah Burung Bureau of Tourism offer a once-in-a-lifetime deal to Nikean citizens, coupled with an aggressive marketing campaign, in order to attract much needed tourism dollars. In return, the Haskari Energy Corporation, along with the Melrinen Automotive Corporation, would like full access to your automotive industry, mainly in selling, at a reduced price of course, clean fuel sources, which have been heavily researched and tested, providing an almost harmful-product free fuel source. Naturally, the two corporations would be willing to work with both your government and the Oglethorpian executives; we do not wish to punt them off of the project.

The answer now lies to you. Unfortunately, Nikea cannot offer direct economic aid without some sort of return, as we did not get rich by writing cheques. We await your response.

Aerin Istertel
Minister of Trade and Economics
Nikeaeleth Queldereno Estati

We would be very pleased to undertake tourist promotion in Nikea. The beaches and casinos of Tanah Burung are always open to you. The Sunny Tanah Burung tourism bureau will begin plans immediately.

The offer from Haskari Energy Corporation and the Melrinen Automotive Corporation appears to involve an element of trade. We are not able to enter into any new trade agreements at this time with countries that have not signed the International Fair Trade Agreement. Therefore, we invite Nikea to sign the IFTA. If your government is able to sign, we will accept the offer for trade, although of course we cannot accept any foreign ownership in our automotive sector.

Almeida

Representative Almeida:

I am delighted to hear of your interest. I will attempt to convey a more specific idea of what we are looking for, and what we are offering. This is, of course, not a final offer, but merely a staring point for negotiations.

Land lease: We're seeking a largish area of land, between 50 and 100 square kilometers (or the size of a small to large city), located in a subtropical to tropical temperature zone at low elevation. Ideally this area would be located on a coastline; otherwise, we would request an area relatively close to a city with an existing transit hub. The term of the lease would be 50 or 100 years, with a base rent of 2.5 million Ravenspire ploinks per square km per year (automatically adjusted to match inflation).

Infrastructure: Ravenspire will contribute 75% of the cost of building or extending transit networks -- building a seaport in the case of a coastal area, expanding an airport in the case of a non-coastal area, and/or extending passenger rail lines or shuttle roads in either case. Tanah Burung will contribute the remaining 25%. The same cost division will apply to other physical infrastructure elements (power lines, telephone/data lines, water and sewer lines, etc.). The costs for consumption of electricity, water, and other services will be borne by the individuals and companies involved, in the usual manner.

Ownership: The area would be governed under Ravenspire trade law. Both Ravenspiric and Tanah Burung currency would be accepted, and exchanges between these currencies made at the current rate of exchange, with no added fees. Tanah Burung co-ops will be given the opportunity to invest up to a 25% stake in any given venture initially, and further as the project proceeds.

Hiring: Ravenspire law forbids discrimination on most bases. Citizens of Tanah Burung will be given priority in hiring where two applications are otherwise equal, and positions will first be advertised locally. All businesses operating from this area will attempt to maintain a staff and management composed of at least 50% Tanah Burung citizens, provided that Tanah Burung's labor pool allows for that.

Workers: Workers and their immediate families will be granted the same rights and privileges as Ravenspire residents. These include the right to a living wage, the right to shelter (generally implemented as housing and clothing allowances), the right to basic medical care (generally implemented as a company health-care and insurance policy), the right to education (free public schooling from the prekindergarten to the postuniversity levels), and the right to fair redress of grievances. Employees may form unions for the purpose of bargaining. However, striking and other forms of work stoppage are not permitted (except in the case where to continue to work would involve a direct threat to the employee's life or health, such as an unsafe workplace); instead, the "redress of grievances" clause is invoked. This involves arbitration by a neutral member of Ravenspire's Ministry of Trade; a decision can be appealed to the Council of Trade, and finally to the Minister or Secretary of Trade. Promotion is handled strictly through merit, and demotion may result from demerit. Wages are based upon position and education/experience (favoring the latter), with bonuses awarded for high performance, and are paid either weekly or every other week, depending on the company involved. All full-time employees must be offered at least two weeks of paid vacation/sick leave time per year, plus seven holidays; most employers will offer more beginning after six to twelve months of employment. The full-time work week is defined as 28-32 hours; wages are paid time-and-a-half from 33 to 48 hours, and double-time for 49+ hours. No employee (with the exception of some public-service professions, such as the police) may be required to work more than 40 hours per week; additional time is strictly voluntary. Minors (the age of majority in Ravenspire is 16) may not be employed full-time except with special permission, and children younger than 14 may not be employed at all except with special permission. Adults who are attending school cannot be required to work more than 16 hours per week; however, this is a legitimate reason to refuse to hire an applicant or to demote/transfer a current worker.

Ventures: The 'anchor' of the city early on will be a theme park, tentatively planned with a "Nations of the World" theme. Within the park, small sections will be devoted to a number of nations (including Ravenspire and Tanah Burung), with the intent of showcasing those nations. Each section will be modeled after the architecture of its respective country, and will feature attractions related to that country, possibly including theaters, performance areas, rides, shops, concessions, and restaurants. For instance, Ravenspire's section might feature a square where visiting performers from Ravenspire could demonstrate traditional martial arts forms, a shop offering such things as kimono, fox-ear headbands, and glasswork, a restaurant patterned after a historic teahouse, and a ride with an "into the volcano" theme. The goal is to educate as well as entertain. Other planned ventures include a movie studio, a hotel (no doubt there will be several more, but we have one commitment), and a theater. Of course, the usual housing and resident-targeted businesses (groceries, consumer-goods shops, and the like) would also be put in place, and might attract such cultural developments as a theater, a stadium, or a museum.

Development: City growth will be planned with an eye to keeping tourist attractions accessible (avoiding gridlock to the fullest extent possible) and preserving adequate "green space" in the form of parks, playgrounds, and the like. While it will undoubtedly be an urban environment, our aim is to prevent sprawl and urban decay. Environmental impact is unavoidable, but we strive to employ clean fuels and to minimize pollution.

Shyri T'kla
Minister of Trade

The proposal for a theme park featuring "nations of the world" is very attractive to us. We suggest the name Taman Bangsa-Bangsa, the Garden of Nations. The best site would appear to be Tiga Burung province, an offshore island with a considerable amount of tourist-related infrastructure already in place. Tiga Burung is home to the country's only jet-capable international airport and a modest sea port which could use upgrading. A site is available in a coastal area near Tiga Burung City, which is both low-lying and tropical. I have discussed the plan with the Governor of Tiga Burung, who agrees that this plan is highly desirable and of sufficient scale to require approval by province-wide referendum.

As to the specifics of the proposal. We must insist on Tanah Burung law prevailing in all parts of our country. Extra-territorial application of national laws reeks of colonialism, something many of our people still remember from the days of Knootian colonial rule. We are certain this is not your intent.

Our laws on labour rights appear to be compatible, with the exception that the right to strike is entrenched in Tanah Burung laws and in UN law. However, a management stake by a Tanah Burung co-operative should alleviate the fear of strikes, since worker-owned co-operatives are also trade unions and not likely to strike against themselves. Our environmental laws are fairly stringent, but we are confident that the project you are proposing could be run in compliance with environmental laws. We expect to have abundant clean fuels available, obviating the need for polluting fuels.

Our laws also forbid foreign ownership. I suggest that this may be avoided by vesting ownership of this project with a local co-operative, which would then sub-contract the operation to Ravenspire interests, share in the management of the theme park complex, and "pay" the Ravenspirian operators by a revenue-sharing scheme. All raw materials must be obtained locally or within the IFTA trading area.

Summing up: i am prepared to recommend to my government, subject to approval by province-wide referendum, a "Nations of the World" theme park, owned by a new co-operative to be established for this purpose, co-managed by the co-operative and Ravenspirian interests, under the conditions i have outlined to bring the proposal into line with the laws of this country.

Almeida

To: Ms. Rosa Almeida

Greetings, friend--

We in the Serene Socialist Republic of Xikuang have taken note of the difficulties you currently face regarding your economic recession. We ourselves ave been unaffected by the economic slump that seems to be widespread-- indeed, our economy has taken a turn for the better. As long standing friends of ours and as a trade partner, your prosperity is of great concern to us, and we wish to help in any way we can.

We note that Tanah Burung produces many agricultural products impossible to produce in Xikuang. We would be interested in purchasing surplus from you at substantially favourable rates. We are particularly interested in rubber, as our own automotive industry, in cooperation with Celdonian industry, is just getting off the ground. We would further like to offer you some of the 'luxury' products we produce in high quantities. The southern mountains of Xikuang are renowned for tea and coffee of surpassing quality. These are well estabished revenue generators, particularly given the tourist industry in Tanah Burung, and we have quite a lot of it to spare; we offer it as straight trade for surplus Tanah Burungian produce. We don't know how the Tanah Burungians feel about yak butter, but we have this in abundance and wouldn't mind being rid of some of it, if it's of any use to you.

The Tanah Burungian climate is a substantial change relative to our often rather inhospitable mountains. If you can send us some information, we will promote Tanah Burung tourism domestically. The recent economic boost has given the people of Xikuang additional spending power and I'm sure quite a few of them are wanting to go somewhere nice and warm for a break.

We extend to you, as always, our solidarity.

With benedictions,

Elected General Councillor Zhe Xexin, Chair of the Elected General Committee for Economic Affairs, the Serene Socialist Republic of Xikuang

Nothing would please us more than the expansion of trade with Xikuang. We are a surplus producer of tea and coffee, but no doubt could benefit by an exchange of plant genetic material to enhance our blends. What could be tastier and more fitting than a blended Xikuang-Tanah Burung spiced coffee?

Our food surplus is less than it was (ooc: i just found out my agriculture sector is ranked fairly low, so i guess i have to stop RP'ing a big food export potential), but we are pleased to export food products to your country and its neighbours at the prices you have suggested. It will serve as tangible proof of the benefits derived from the IFTA.

Our natural rubber sector remains highly productive, and we would be pleased to give the highest export priority to Xikuang.

As to tourism, we would welcome the mountain people of Xikuang to our warmer climate. Tiga Burung may be too hot for them, but other parts of the country will no doubt be very suitable. The Sunny Tanah Burung tourism bureau will, with your permission, open an office at our embassy in Xikuang immediately.

Almeida

Dear Ms. Almeida,

Greetings.

After reviewing the terms of the IFTA, we regret to say that our economic structure would not be able to support such an endevour. Our trade partners are too numerous, and the restriction of trading partners would turn the Nikean economy into a right mess.

However, the offer for the tourism plans remains available, although for a slight advertising fee, which is negotiable. We are sure that any revenues created from expanded tourism would more than make up for this fee.

Despite our kindness, it is the opinion of Nikea that your own restrictions upon trading partners are one of the chief sources of the economic woes currently in your country. Foreign investment would be a fantastic way to jumpstart the economy, as it has done for many other nations in the past.

Aerin Istertel
Minister of Trade and Economics
Nikeaeleth Queldereno Estati

Greetings to Ms. Rosa Almeida:

We are most pleased to be able to extend trade relations with your excellent nation. If you are willing to offer us trade primacy for rubber exports, we are prepared to meet any other offers you receive. The Sunny Tanah Burung Tourism Bureau is welcome to open an office at the Tanah Burungian Embassy in Lhijir. We anticipate much interest. Xikuang is, in its own way, a nation of surpassing natural beauty. Perhaps there is an opportunity for timeshare housing options, in the interests of positive cultural exchange?

As Tanah Burung is, like Xikuang, a surplus producer of tea and coffee, we could no doubt mutually benefit by sharing experience and plant materials. There is unquestionably the opportunity to diversify and improve the qualities of both our domestic products. We would be most pleased to host a Roasters, Blenders and Brewer's conference and interchange, and representatives of the Zhazixong, Khanla and Zikudukou tea and coffee grower's associations have expressed interest in studying Tanah Burungian methodologies, and will happily reciprocate if you welcome this interest.

We look forward to lasting trade relations with Tanah Burung, which we are confident will be of the greatest mutual benefit.

With benedictions,

Zhe Xexin

Representative Almeida:

I believe we are close to an agreement. The area you have selected is beyond all expectations, and the prospect of joint ownership is quite acceptable. However, there are two remaining issues:


As to the specifics of the proposal. We must insist on Tanah Burung law prevailing in all parts of our country. Extra-territorial application of national laws reeks of colonialism, something many of our people still remember from the days of Knootian colonial rule. We are certain this is not your intent.


Perhaps I was not entirely clear. Tanah Burung criminal and civil law will continue to prevail in the area. (As far as civil law, at least, is concerned, there are practically no differences to speak of.) The reason we ask for Ravenspire trade law to govern the businesses is that, since resigning our UN membership, we have refused to allow that body to regulate or influence our businesses. We cannot sacrifice sovereignty to a coalition of uninvolved third parties.

All raw materials must be obtained locally or within the IFTA trading area.


This will probably not be possible, as the backers of the IFTA have refused to trade with Ravenspire. We will obtain raw materials from Tanah Burung where possible, but I suspect your mining industry, for example, is limited, and so metals such as iron and copper may need to be brought in. We will, however, entertain any offers from IFTA nations who are willing to trade.

Shyri T'kla
Minister of Trade

Dear Ms. Almeida,

Greetings.

After reviewing the terms of the IFTA, we regret to say that our economic structure would not be able to support such an endevour. Our trade partners are too numerous, and the restriction of trading partners would turn the Nikean economy into a right mess.

However, the offer for the tourism plans remains available, although for a slight advertising fee, which is negotiable. We are sure that any revenues created from expanded tourism would more than make up for this fee.

Despite our kindness, it is the opinion of Nikea that your own restrictions upon trading partners are one of the chief sources of the economic woes currently in your country. Foreign investment would be a fantastic way to jumpstart the economy, as it has done for many other nations in the past.

Aerin Istertel
Minister of Trade and Economics
Nikeaeleth Queldereno Estati

It is a shame, but perhaps we shall walk the same paths in the future, in political if not economic fields. We shall investigate advertising in Nikean media for tourism, but urgent calls on the public purse mean that we will probably ahve to prioritize tourist promotions in countries where we have embassies alrady.

I must add that our restrictive trade practices can hardly be the cause of our recession, since we have only just signed the IFTA. In fact, many economists are blaming our trade deal with Knootoss for bringing recession to this country in the first place. We have given notice of intent to terminate this deal in one year, and we hope that protectionist measures within the IFTA area will help buffer us from the worst effects of the global recession, since most countries in that area are affected to a lesser extent or not at all by recession.

Almeida

Greetings to Ms. Rosa Almeida:

We are most pleased to be able to extend trade relations with your excellent nation. If you are willing to offer us trade primacy for rubber exports, we are prepared to meet any other offers you receive. The Sunny Tanah Burung Tourism Bureau is welcome to open an office at the Tanah Burungian Embassy in Lhijir. We anticipate much interest. Xikuang is, in its own way, a nation of surpassing natural beauty. Perhaps there is an opportunity for timeshare housing options, in the interests of positive cultural exchange?

As Tanah Burung is, like Xikuang, a surplus producer of tea and coffee, we could no doubt mutually benefit by sharing experience and plant materials. There is unquestionably the opportunity to diversify and improve the qualities of both our domestic products. We would be most pleased to host a Roasters, Blenders and Brewer's conference and interchange, and representatives of the Zhazixong, Khanla and Zikudukou tea and coffee grower's associations have expressed interest in studying Tanah Burungian methodologies, and will happily reciprocate if you welcome this interest.

We look forward to lasting trade relations with Tanah Burung, which we are confident will be of the greatest mutual benefit.

With benedictions,

Zhe Xexin

We accept all that you have said. The Rubber Tappers Co-op has agreed to extend priority to Xikuang after domestic rubber needs are met. We are certain that many of our citizens will wish to visit Xikuang once our economy improves.

Almeida

Perhaps I was not entirely clear. Tanah Burung criminal and civil law will continue to prevail in the area. (As far as civil law, at least, is concerned, there are practically no differences to speak of.) The reason we ask for Ravenspire trade law to govern the businesses is that, since resigning our UN membership, we have refused to allow that body to regulate or influence our businesses. We cannot sacrifice sovereignty to a coalition of uninvolved third parties.

We are very pleased at the state of these negotiations & the removal of obstacles. Forgive me if i am direct in what i say, but it is best to avoid any possible misunderstanding. UN law is binding in Tanah Burung, as a UN member in good standing. In effect, UN law is also Tanah Burung law. The sovereignty of Ravenspire is not involved, as this area does not lie within Ravenspirian territory.

This will probably not be possible, as the backers of the IFTA have refused to trade with Ravenspire. We will obtain raw materials from Tanah Burung where possible, but I suspect your mining industry, for example, is limited, and so metals such as iron and copper may need to be brought in. We will, however, entertain any offers from IFTA nations who are willing to trade.

Our mining industry is certainly limited. Adequate minerals should, however, be available within the IFTA area. I believe that if project ownership is assigned to a Tanah Burung co-operative and operations sub-contracted to Ravenspirian interests, the question of trade between Ravenspire and IFTA members would not arise, as this would be classed as trade between Tanah Burung and other IFTA signatories. If we reach a preliminary agreement, we would intend to consult our IFTA trade partners on this question. We have signed a treaty and intend to abide by its terms.

Almeida

BURUNG PARADIS (PTBI) -- It was all smiles today at head office of the Rubber Tappers Co-operative. Co-op members say they are "rolling in loonies" after finding abundant markets for thier natural rubber, harvested by hand using sustainable methods from rubber trees in the rain forest.

"Never heard of Xikuang before today," said Carlos Maubere, a co-op member. "But i love them now. This new trade deal thingy sounds like the path to prosperity! And i thought it was just a bunch of politicians yakking away."

The deal to supply rubber to the Xikuang automotive industry is Tanah Burung's first major deal under the International Fair Trade Agreement (IFTA). The Rubber Tappers are already planning to allocate excess profits to favoured political candidates in the upcoming elections for the various people's representatives (ministers).

"It's curtains for the Radical Old," said Maubere. "Gonna get us some co-op members in the collective presidency." Normally, with voter turnouts low, the people's representatives and provincial governors who make up the collective presidency are re-elected without needing to campaign. All that seems about to change: the Rubber Tappers are thought to be targetting at least six of the eleven co-presidents.

Bouyed by Rubber Tapper success, the Pork Producers Co-op has jacked up prices and other food producers are expected to follow suit. "We can get sky-high prices for food from other IFTA countries -- after all, they're practically starving to death in some of those places," said Pork producers spokesperson Mikah Rikardo. "But we pledge that no one in this country will be allowed to go hungry. Sure, maybe they can't afford the delicious taste of premium pork, but we'll make sure bacon stew is available."

BURUNG PARADIS (PTBI) -- It was all smiles today at head office of the Rubber Tappers Co-operative. Co-op members say they are "rolling in loonies" after finding abundant markets for thier natural rubber, harvested by hand using sustainable methods from rubber trees in the rain forest.

"Never heard of Xikuang before today," said Carlos Maubere, a co-op member. "But i love them now. This new trade deal thingy sounds like the path to prosperity! And i thought it was just a bunch of politicians yakking away."

The deal to supply rubber to the Xikuang automotive industry is Tanah Burung's first major deal under the International Fair Trade Agreement (IFTA). The Rubber Tappers are already planning to allocate excess profits to favoured political candidates in the upcoming elections for the various people's representatives (ministers).

"It's curtains for the Radical Old," said Maubere. "Gonna get us some co-op members in the collective presidency." Normally, with voter turnouts low, the people's representatives and provincial governors who make up the collective presidency are re-elected without needing to campaign. All that seems about to change: the Rubber Tappers are thought to be targetting at least six of the eleven co-presidents.

Bouyed by Rubber Tapper success, the Pork Producers Co-op has jacked up prices and other food producers are expected to follow suit. "We can get sky-high prices for food from other IFTA countries -- after all, they're practically starving to death in some of those places," said Pork producers spokesperson Mikah Rikardo. "But we pledge that no one in this country will be allowed to go hungry. Sure, maybe they can't afford the delicious taste of premium pork, but we'll make sure bacon stew is available."

Election challenge!

UKUN RASIKAN (PTBI) -- A slate of candidates tied to the increasingly influential cooperatives is challenging for control of the collective presidency.

The cooperative slate, bankrolled by the Rubber Tappers and Gambling Coops, has put up candidates for five of the six provincial governorships and three of the five people's representatives (ministers). The governors and people's representatives together form the 11-member collective presidency.

Rosa Almeida, people's representative for economic affairs, is not being challenged. Nor is Father Constancio Ainaro, people's representative for social justice, or Silas Simparieff, a rubber tapper who is already the governor of Burung Paradis province. But eight seats are up for grabs.

Key match-ups:

-- Mau Kiri Rai, a former guerrilla fighter, is being challenged as people's representative for territorial defence & sports by Bi Kikere, coach of the national World Cup football team.
-- Violeta Bi Bere, the former eggplant farmer who is people's representative for foreign affairs & human rights, faces a challenge from Saleh da Cruz, head of the Sunny Tanah Burung Tourism Bureau.
-- Mau Tarak, head fo the Rubber Tappers, is challenging Markus Rumbiak for the governorship of Loro Sae.

We will be watching the elections with interest. As always, we wish for the best to the people of Tanah Burung.

We will be watching the elections with interest. As always, we wish for the best to the people of Tanah Burung.
ditto here

We will be watching the elections with interest. As always, we wish for the best to the people of Tanah Burung.
ditto here

LORO SAE (PTBI) -- The co-operative backed slate won a smashing victory in national elections for the collective presidency today. Only one candidate not backed by the coops survied the onslaught.

"The Radical Old have finally been put out to pasture," said Rubber Tappers Coop chief Mau Tarak, who won his bid to become the Governor of Loro Sae province over revolutionary war veteran Markus Rumbiak.

In its first act, the new collective presidency has granted cooperatives the right to define their own members. At least 1,000 members of the Gambling Cooperative were immediately expelled for "demanding too high a share of profits." They are expected to form a new competing cooperative of their own.

Also elected was Bi Kikere, coach of the national football team, as people's representative for territorial defence & sports. She has promised to further slash military spending and "re-focus the competitive urge into sports. Don't fight wars, fight on the playing field!" she said.

The only incumbent to survive the challenge was Violeta Bi Bere, people's representative for foreign affairs & human rights, a popular farmer-turned diplomat who has pledged to work along with her new colleagues. Three incumbents were not challenged and continue as members.

The new collective presidency:

Mau Tarak, Governor of Loro Sae
Silas Simparieff, Governor of Burung Paradis*
Mustafa Alhamid, Governor of Matebian
Isabel da Cruz, Governor of Burung-yang-membuat-dunia
Inês Lobato, Governor of Ukun Rasikan
Klaus van Esterik, Governor of Tiga Burung
Violeta Bi Bere, People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights*
Dr. Rosa Almeida, People's representative for economics & cooperatives*
Abdul Hakim Gunung, People's representative for justice & civil rights
Father Constancio Ainaro, People's representative for social justice*
Bi Kikere, People's representative for territorial defence & sports

* re-elected