NationStates Jolt Archive

Unenthusiastic about the literally diplomatic crap going on, the Ruhrian Minister walked back in his chair and awaited a point to interject to at least contribute something into this discussion. He had a headache, though, a bottle of '97 Atalon threw off his judgement abilities last night. Suffering from a strong hangover, which was not very well disguised, Peters walked to the conference after walking into the elevator door. Trying to be very subtle about his tardiness to the conference, he slipped into the room wearing a pair of gray khaki pants, a nice sport blazer, and a black shirt.

Peters sat down, the chairs were unreasonably stiff for his back. What the hell did they make this out of? Orc leather? He tried to hide his discomfort under an aura of his Ruhrian suave composure. Grabbing his notebook and a pen, he began to take notes of the conference and the current proposal.

Backing up just to answer this...

Palee Blackotter stands and bows politely to a senior, and distinguished, national representative. "Madam Bi Bere, I am certain that a visit from Tanah Burung would be welcomed by my government, and it would be a most pleasant opportunity to show you our hospitality."

Friv narGellis chuckles, and reaches for her cane. "I think the fireworks are over for the moment. I would appreciate a chance to breathe some fresh air, however briefly."

"We'll have to discuss all that through the diplomatic channels soon then," Be Bere says. "I'm up for re-election shortly, and win or lose it would be a great honour to visit you and learn something of your country. I begin to envy your policy of staying aloof from internatioanl entanglements: some of our trading partners seem to have all the diplomatic finesse of a water buffalo. It makes me rather glad we decided not to join the CACE." She catches herself, hoping that there were no sentient water buffaloes nearby ready to complain. "But i hear the meeting convening again, let's go back in."

He waited till people began to reassemble.
"I'd like to consider Madame Bi Bere's point one.
1. The countries here assembled agree to form a mediation council. All countries joining this council agree to accept mediation rather than going to war.
I think that should be reworded to 'agree to accept mediation (in the case of agreement to it by opposing parties) as a form of conflict resolution. This may pose a difficulty to some who may feel it is an attack on sovereignty. But obviously we must practice what we preach.
At the same time, we do I feel need some kind of subtext for those rare cases when a state of war would exist as a result of violation of treaty followed by the use of military force."

"A very perceptive comment," Bi Bere says, nodding. "As for the point on economic conflict, i suggest re-wording it to speak of economic conflict being defined as conflict that is likely to lead to war. I have no ideological axes to grind for or against capitalism or communism -- my country, as a matter of fact, follows neither system. My only interest here is the search for consensus, and for something that will allow mediation to replace the rush to war that too often takes place."

She checks her notes once again and says: "I think then we now are looking at the first two points as being:

1. The countries here assembled agree to form a mediation council. All countries joining this council agree to agree to accept mediation (in the case of agreement to it by opposing parties) as a form of conflict resolution.
2. Any country in conflict may request mediation from this council, even if it is not a member. Appeals may be made by countries engaged in conflict with another country, and by colonial territories seeking their independence. Conflict is defined as war or non-military (including economic) conflict that could lead to war. The mediation council will normally accept requests for mediation, but may refuse by majority vote.

"Now, we may need something stronger to replace the optional points on compulsory arbitration which i dropped on the suggestion of The Most Glorious Hack and Lavenrunz. Perhaps one of those countries might wish to make a suggestion on what they had in mind?"

Friv narGellis spoke:

"With the greatest respect to the distinguished delegate from Tanah Burung, I would have to say that I recommend against such an action. I will explain, but first, let me say that Effrenata's inability to endorse anything that involves a military component does not spring from a belief in pacifism or any ideological consideration at all. Effrenata is a very small nation, with a very large belief in a vigorous self-defense."

"No, rather, our viewpoint springs from centuries of experience as the site for innumerable discussions, negotiations, and mediations between disputant parties. Perhaps many of you have heard the old proverb:

'A man convinced against his will
is of his own opinion still.'

"As the points already in substantial agreement include the commitment to accept mediation as a form of conflict resolution, you already have all the practical assurance that can realistically be expected. Here is why:

"First, if the mediation is truly successful, it will result in a settlement that provides sufficient benefit to the disputant parties that to abide by the terms of the mediation is to their advantage. No military "enforcement" is necessary in such a situation.

"Secondly, if parties enter the mediation process with reservations about whether to abide by the results-- in effect, 'We'll go along with this only if we like what we get, otherwise we'll ignore the results,' those parties have already abrogated their commitment as defined in the first of the substantially agreed points. In that case, the mediation is null and void, neither party need abide by the results, and the disputants can turn to other means to resolve their issues.

"In that case, the addition of other armed parties to the dispute, however theoretically neutral and disinterested they may be, can only further complicate and raise additional issues in the dispute. Besides raising the possible risk level for ultimately widening the scope of the dispute by involving other parties.

She sighs. "I wish human nature were other than it were. Perhaps our non-human friends present can provide new models for us, some day. But until then, history ignored is history repeated."

Nathicana smiled and stretched in a decidedly cat-like manner before speaking.

"I have already dedicated myself in word and deed to the actions you people sit here debating over. I have an entire alliance dedicated to the principles of negotiation and mediation before force of arms. And I'll note it did not take hours upon hours of needless squabbling to achieve it." She paused, taking a slow sip of her water, her expression one of patient tolerance, though her eyes shone with quiet disdain.

"My thoughts on the matter were offered yesterday, though none of the points seem to have been noted by those in attendance here. My alliance, and my methods, have proven themselves. I see no need to mire myself in such agreements as are being proposed here when I am already living the ideal. All things considered, it could very well be said I have no place here, other than my interest in the subject and goals of this conference."

Nathicana rose gracefully from her seat, and made a respectful bow to the Lavenrunz delegates. "That being the case, I wish you luck in your endeavors, my lords and ladies. From what I've seen thus far of these proceedings, you'll need it. As always, I support your goals of diplomacy and the peaceful solution of conflicts, and will continue to do so. Admirable goals, and I note, not entirely out of reach."

"To the honorable Chancellor Mirbach, their excellencies von Effner and Hentzau, my thanks for your most gracious hospitality and my commendations on your efforts. If I can be of any service ..." She trailed off with a smile.

To the delegates from GMC, the Hack, and Tanah Burung, she also made respectful bows and acknowledgements. She flashed a warm smile at Bruce as she moved to leave, giving his shoulder a brief squeeze as she walked past, her three silent guards falling in close. "See you at dinner," she murmured, then made her way to the door.

Half raised out of his chair Sverj turns to face the Effrenata delegate.

“My dear colleague, all sentient species are united by the will to live, and alas a gun is a gun and death is death, wether you die human or weredolphin (etc).”

Properly standing Sverj looks at the other delegates.

“We do indeed have some heavy issues ahead of us in simply trying to formulate this mediation council and see beyond our ideological differences. But the difficulties inherent in not just uniting ideologies, but prey and predator into one organisation, have been a challenge we have overcome. So I hold it in the greatest esteem that this conference holds the seeds for something real.

We are very much in agreement with the Effrenata on the matter of militarising an institution of peace. Peace Is never at the end of a gun, if there are members here who yearn to make a peace keeping institution then I urge them to do so after we establish this peace making one.”

Sverj sits back down next to the permanently smiling Frieda.

Sir Alec watched the Lady Nathicana leave and then listened to Sverj before speaking

"Look we are all in agreement with Tanah Burung's proposal in essence. We all perhaps have some fine tuning we would like to do to it, but we all basically agree. We should move onto the obvious next step that if we agree the nations present should form a mediation council we should decide what form it should take? It is obvious that the esteemed Count Mirbach is the most interested in moving forward and I move we should appoint him the chairman pro tem of this council so we can preced to organise it and decide all the little details in a structured and constructive manner."

OOC: I'm really sorry to miss 3 or so days on NS, I've been really busy with stuff. Time is slipping by too fast.

Btw, I think that "turtle soup" line is probably the cutest thing I've seen on Nationstates lol.

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Prime Minister Achefield watched the 'Dread Lady' walk out of the conference, his expression carefully blank. Inside, though, he was beginning to feel very angry; not just at Nathicana or the news he'd been given by his aide, but at the fact that the bickering was fairly annoying.

He cleared his throat and tapped at his notes with his pen. "Having listened to this debate on military force, I'd like to spell something out for your consideration.

Chimaea has had an active military for a long time, in a vareity of roles. From the peacekeeping in Colombia to the peacemaking in Hrstrovokia. This, I feel, is the crux of the matter.

"The difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking forces is that... well, the difference between the UN forces stationed on the buffer zone between Greece and Turkey and the initial Australian forces active in Eat Timor [OOC: sorry for using RL examples but I want you to understand what I'm saying clearly]. They play very different roles.

"Peacekeepers are sent in after a peace has been settled upon. Years, perhaps decades of fighting cannot be undone all at once. It needs careful watching and intense support of both parties and sometimes, perhaps something like a buffer zone... a kind of international "good fences make good neighbours", so that eventually without the constant threat by the other party, both might start thinking about putting out 'feelers' on prisoner exchanges and so forth, for example.

"Peacemaking is the intervention in a situation that's going out of control. The peacemakers are there with or without approval of both parties to enforce a peace and even bring both parties of the conflict to the mediation table. Mediation with force.

"Does one work better than the other? Well... not really. I feel that there are situations where the conflict has become so ingrained that it's a natural part of life. Perhaps in that case there is not much one can do apart from sending in peacemakers. Then again there are other situations that call for the delicate scalpel of negotiation and mediation followed by a way of ensuring that the peace isn't broken by a misfired shot or a stupid General.

"So I put to you: if we need a military force, which do we need?"

He leaned back and nodded, almost to himself. "I am of the opinion that there are enough military peacemaking bodies. Even Baron has its Intervention Taskforce. So... this mediation body will do peacemaking, while perhaps after the initial peace has been achieved, we can insert a peacekeeping force.

"As for the issue of economic agression, I have no comment to make as of yet. I wish also to make an official protest on the behalf of the Empire of Baron and Chimaea on the actions of the Dread Lady Nathicana, who has shown contempt for the proceedings which, we must all remember, has brought so many opposing sides to the table on an errand of peace. I advice you all to forget your idealistic differences and leave your preconceptions and petty squabbles at the door. If the Prime Minister of Chimaea and the delegate from Vegana can sit down at the same table... Well nothing is impossible!"

Elisa glanced at Nathicana as she walked away, nodding slightly, tossing an idle thought her way Spiraling out of control... wish me luck...

Taking a breath and holding a hard copy of Bi Bere's text, she spoke in her customary soft voice. "I have certain... reservations... on these rules and definitions.

"To point one, there needs to be a clearly defined 'escape clause'. Should a nation engage in an overt act of war against the Hack, say by dropping a nuke on Chiba City, I can't imagine any mediation would be forthcoming. I certainly hope that this is painfully obvious to all present," she glances slightly at Sir Alec, "But I don't intend to find out that some nutter is tying our hands from reasonable responce. The seems to be perfectly in line with your reservations, Your Excellency.

"To point two, the Federation's objection to any inclusion of 'economic warfare' has already been stated, but will be stated again. We have no official recognition of that phrase. In the Hack, we call it 'market forces'. Any so-called 'economic warfare' is not going to exist in a vaccuum. It's inclusion seems little more than trying to score points with certain ideologies, and is no help to the matter at hand. I again move that its inclusion be tabled for now."

She smiles, turning to Councillor Kham, "Perhaps Xikuang could host these talks, as its inclusion seems to be the lynchpin to the proposed council's success." She gracefully takes her seat, taking a sip of her water.

Georgina stands, 'With regard to the treaty, we are all most certainly not in agreement, either as to it's content or effect. Our current greatest problem resides with the content of points four and five of the proposal; if arbitration is not in any way binding as a matter of course, then to be honest there is no point in having a treaty. The fact that in essence both sides in a conflict are required to agree to arbitration twice makes the economic warfare clause utterly pointless, since the supposed aggressor merely has to reject the council's conclusion and the situation remains.'

Miles nods, 'Aye, how do you expect people to have faith in a body that conspiciously lacks faith in itself? If the two sides feel external arbitration is needed, that should be enough.'

Georgina nods, 'Also, the Federation would request clarfication on the third point, relating to the formation of the reconciliation commitee; is the honourable representative from Tanah Burung suggesting that petitioning nations allow foreign nationals to represent their interests, and how will the delegates in question be briefed? Doesn't it make more sense for the petitioners to be rather more directly involved in the negotiations, rather than simply nominating a proxy to try and represent people who've only known the kind of justice that comes down the barrel of a gun since the day they were born, and to do so from inside a nice cosy office block in a nation they've never heard of at that?'

She pauses, 'My final point is I will not allow the issue regarding the body's military element to fall by the wayside; for all the mighty-minded talk being banded around, it is this force which will ensure the safety of diplomats during negotiations with petioning leaders, and it is these people who will risk their lives for this body, not the diplomats. Is that really so difficult to understand?'

Count Mirbach said quietly, "Let me re-iterate. I would like to discuss the proposals by Madame Bi Bere point by point. Honored delegates, the only way this will be productive is if there is some sense of order. Let us table discussion of military and economic matters for now. Mediation clearly means in point one that it requires all sides in a conflict to agree to it. If, for instance, nation X attacks nation Y and nation Y is bent only upon revenge, then mediation is not possible." He looked at the GMC delegation and said, "I hope you are aware that all of us are equally concerned with sovereignty." he sipped from his glass of water and then said, "So please: to those who have not yet spoken regarding point one: I would like you to give the rest of us some idea of where you stand. And now that I have hopefully made things clearer, I would like the delegates from GMC and the Hack to respond."
Pausing, he added, "To be frank, as the leader of the host delegation any chairing should be temporary: once we have a clearer idea of what this council will mean I would be happy to receive endorsement...for which I thank Sir Alec by the way."

Elisa nods simply, "I yield the floor to the other delegates. I retain my reservations for point one. Aside from overt, unprovoked acts of war, I have no problems, in theory, with submitting to mediation as a first course of action."

Not like the Hack's ever really been in a war anyway... she muses to herself.

"We agree with the new point one, but we can live with both ways of saying it. The important thing is that a council is formed and that it is used," says de Vries simply.

There were certain advantages to breeding.

Not least of all to a Nenyan; the ability to move quietly, without notice, was often useful. Indeed, his entrance would have been noted by those not regarding the discussion with all their attention - the Ruhrian delegate, no doubt, would notice - yet perhaps recognition would not be instant. Muted colours are unusual for a Nenyan, so the dull greys that Semir-randil, High King of Ma-Nenya, wears would come as a surprise - and perhaps obscure his identity for a few brief moments. With the near-silent footfalls no doubt unheard amidst the sound of discussion, Semir settled into the seat he had been asked to take - and allowed a small smile to settle on his features. A fixed, tiny upturning of lips; nothing spectacular, but the simplest of pleasant smiles - his de facto diplomatic pleasant face slid smoothly into place as he took a quick census of those present with quick glances. He recognized many... and those he did not recognize were identified by the small audio implant in his ear, fed with data from a satelite far, far above the Earth. Having reviewed the transcript of the discussions so far, he was not ignorant of what had been said and by whom; but he makes no effort to make comment or speak as yet.

Instead, with silent gaze following the speakers, he sits in absolute silence - and a modicum of curiousity as to what reaction he will recieve when the delegates notice the new presence.

Bi Bere sits quietly listening, impressed at Count Mirbach's decision to keep a tight hand on the agenda. Point one, she had thought, was uncontroversial. Apparently not. She stands again.

"There are two criticisms of point one. It is criticized for going too far, and not leaving a sufficient escape clause. I feel that the proposed draft as amended by Count Mirbach sufficiently addresses concerns over national sovereignty, but if some countries wish for an escape clause, perhaps they could propose one.

"The second criticism is that point one does not go far enough, that it does not allow for compulsory mediation. My original point six, now deleted, called for compulsory mediation if approved by a two-thirds majority of the council. This was deleted by popular demand. If there are those who wish for a point on compulsory mediation, perhaps they could suggest what it might be.

"Let me repeat: i am not wed to this particular wording. If there are criticisms of it, all well and good. But i hope they will be couched in terms of suggestions to improve what we now have before us. And i hope all the delegates will be patient. We are embarked on a very ambitious enterprise, one worth taking the time to do properly."

[ooc: technically, the East Timor operation was peacekeeping too, since it did not begin until the Indonesian government issued an invitation. But the peacekeeping/peacemaking distinction still holds true.]

The Ruhrian Minister awaited his turn to speak. "I think the subject matter would have greater intensity should it be cohering with the conference's issues." He rubbed his temples as that took a lot of thinking to say nothing,

"I don't see how selfdefence and negotiation at the same time are mutually exclusive?", inserts the ambassador to Lavenrunz de Clerq.

"I don't see how selfdefence and negotiation at the same time are mutually exclusive?", inserts the ambassador to Lavenrunz de Clerq.

"You don't have time to negotiate when you are fighing, Sir," rebuttles the Ruhrian.

"I'm sure that a nation with billions of inhabitants can free up some diplomats for the negotiating table? This is, after all, how the shadow war ended to give an example. Wars need not end with the destruction of one side without diplomatic rebuttal. Of course, there are extreme circumstances, but nobody questions that." replies de Clerq.

Edit because I'm stubid.

"You are already at war, fighting each other and killing people. Surely you see the wisdom of promoting talks even under those circumstances? A ceasefire would of course be the first thing on the agenda...", replies de Clerq. "I see the wisdom of this first point."

Edit because I am stubid.

Margoue III who had been appearing to sleep through the whole of events since recession now slowly stood up, stretching his arms as he rose and giving a yawn that demonstrated his impressive set of teeth. In his deep and slightly accented voice he spoke facing first the Rhur delegate and then the Count.

“I must say you have an unusual arrangement of your army sir, if it is the diplomats you send into the first line.”

“Dear Count, once again thank you for your nation’s such kind hospitality, your beautiful city has made us feel as comfortable as at home. As contributors to this mediation council we would like to see mediation non-binding to begin with, because as we are all experiencing, the detail of militarism is slowing down us.”

Glancing out at the other delegates and to the Count.

“We are weary of giving the mediation council weapons because isn’t one to presume that were the council as been invited to intervene, that appropriate protection measure are going to be provided by both parties. We do recognise that we cannot allow guns behind our backs to dictate what we talk. If there are to be any weapons for the council then we prepose in a form of a small unit to protect the mediators.”

[A RL example would be the meeting halls along the North-South Korean border, neither army crosses the divide and mediators are protected by the UN soldiers in the compound.]

Sir Alec waits his turn "Well I certainly agree to the first point, and well all of the points in the Tanah Burung proposal. I also find it quite interesting that some of the delegates here want to use the mediation council as a military force, we're trying to prevent military outbreaks.Sending in forces whether they are accompanied by diplomats or not is not the right message. People with guns don't mediate, they dictate."

Semir-randil slowly raises a hand, politely, waiting for his request to take the floor to be recognised. Once it is, he stands, and states in a soft, hard-to-hear tone,

"The Empire of the Eternal Dawn would be glad to provide the use of the IDF Peacekeeper forces to aid this endeavour, should it be necessary. We can, after all, offer largely unparalled capacity in the area of non-lethal defence and assault; surely it would suit the forwarding of the reputation of this endeavour were any military action to support said endeavour based entirely on the prevention of death - which, when the long of the subject is taken into the short form, is surely the primary aim."

ooc: going back in time a little bit now... sorry, continuity weirdness.
ic:

"To point two, the Federation's objection to any inclusion of 'economic warfare' has already been stated, but will be stated again. We have no official recognition of that phrase. In the Hack, we call it 'market forces'. Any so-called 'economic warfare' is not going to exist in a vaccuum. It's inclusion seems little more than trying to score points with certain ideologies, and is no help to the matter at hand. I again move that its inclusion be tabled for now."

She smiles, turning to Councillor Kham, "Perhaps Xikuang could host these talks, as its inclusion seems to be the lynchpin to the proposed council's success." She gracefully takes her seat, taking a sip of her water.

Council Kham bows his head towards Elisa Day. "Depending on the outcome of these discussions, I can put it before the Council. But if I may return to discussion of the points presented by Ms. Bi Bere."

Again donning the reading spectacles, he refers to the bit of paper on which he has been taken meticulously neat, scrupulously well-ordered notes that neither of the delegates to either side of him can read, so eccentric is his rendition of the Roman alphabet.

"There seem to be two aspects of the proposed council which ought not to be equivocated upon. One is that nations who agree to membership in this Council will agree to mediation in the event of conflict, either with other members or with a non-member; which is not made clear. In this regard, should a nation agreeing to this Council then make war upon another nation without first requesting mediation, then clearly that nation is in violation of their agreement, and is no longer a member of the Council. If they are attacked by a non-member nation, then I would suggest that it is within their rights to retaliate if it is deemed, in that situation, to be in their best interests, though I would hope that moves to invoke the Council should be taken and an end to hostilities encouraged. International politics, particularly those involving hostility, are not easily pigeonholed into categories that can be regulated. They must be decided on a case-y-case basis by those involved.

"The second function of this proposed mediation council is that it may be petitioned by non-member nations to mediate conflicts. Naturally, all parties must accept mediation. If one party isn't listening, there is no point to debate. I should think, that in cases where mediation is called for, should one or both parties not accept what the mediation council suggests, then the discussions are not complete, and mediation shall continue until such time as a solution is achieved or dialogue breaks down, as will be the case if one or both parties adamantly refuse anything the Council suggests. Should it happen that both parties accept a non-violent solution, and then one party goes back on its word and attacks, one of two things should happen: if that nation is a Council member, it is held to be in violation of its agreement, and membership shall be revoked. If the nation is a non-member, that's trickier. I would suggest that they should be held as in standing of bad faith, and that they shall not have recourse to Council mediation until such time as hostilities cease and mediation is re-invoked.

As to the notion of a proposed peacekeeping military adjunct to this council, I propose that, for reasons already outlined by several of my colleagues, videlicet, that not all of us here represented who might be willing to sign on to the Council are prepared or willing to contribute towards a military arm, that this be the matter for a separate council, who may work closely with this one in cases where it is needed."

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ooc: returning to the current timeframe
ic:

The discussion turning again to military affairs, Khitai unobtrusively took a small white pill from a brown paper wrapper, swallowing it down with a bit of water. Discussions like that always gave him a headache. Raising a hand to the Chair, he waits quietly until he is recognised.

"If I could return the discussion to the formation of the council, particularly, to the proposed re-wording of points 1 and 2: I believe, Ms. Bi Bere, the proposed rephrasing was this:

1. The countries here assembled agree to form a mediation council. All countries joining this council agree to agree to accept mediation (in the case of agreement to it by opposing parties) as a form of conflict resolution.
2. Any country in conflict may request mediation from this council, even if it is not a member. Appeals may be made by countries engaged in conflict with another country, and by colonial territories seeking their independence. Conflict is defined as war or non-military (including economic) conflict that could lead to war. The mediation council will normally accept requests for mediation, but may refuse by majority vote.

"I'm afraid I cannot accept this weakening of the clause. There are and will be cases of extreme economic aggression where it is inconceivable that war could result, because the victim nation is so far damaged or so far in thrall to the aggressor that opposition is not an option. I understand that The Most Glorious Hack does not recognise the concept-- or, rather, I don't understand it, but I acknowledge it to be the case-- and I have heard the objections to its inclusion by GMC Military Arms, but I believe that they are still in the minority as to opinion on the matter. With all due apologies to the Chair-- I realise you wished to table the discussion on economic aggression for the present, but as it is involved in the points under debate, I think that it cannot at this juncture entirely be put aside.

"To my colleagues from The Most Glorious Hack and GMC Military Arms: I beg you the indulgence to let me be absolutely blunt. Xikuang does not recognise market forces, per se, as a form of economic aggression. They are an economic reality. Neither do we class all capitalist economies, per se, as economic aggressors. If that were the case, I can assure you that Xikuang would have withdrawn from CACE rather than ratify the IFTA, which explicitly allows capitalist nations to sign. But it cannot rationally be denied that the systematic destruction of a nation can, has and does occur through economic means only. Economic aggression is real aggression, causing real damage, real death, real misery to real people. It breeds tension, hostility and hatred even if military revolt is not likely. It is a breed of warfare every bit as dangerous and damaging as that carried out with bombs and guns, and given that a mediation council might exist, it should be open to requests from nations enduring extreme hardship as a result of this to seek help from the Council.

"If the proposed mediation council will not recognise economic aggression as meritorious of its attention, then I am afraid that my government will not recognise this council."

((OOC: co-written with Xikuang.))

De Vries listens intently to the Xikuangese representative as he speaks of economic aggressions. He carefully weighs the words, and with a slightly puzzled expression on his face he asks:
"If I may be allowed to interrupt, I find this a puzzling point of view. If we want to come to a mutual understanding of what 'economic aggression means we need to be talking about the same things. Do you believe that, say, Knootoss or the Hack are currently committing acts of aggression worthy of this councils attention?"

The Knootian nods to Elisa and then looks at Kham. Councillor Kham listens to de Vries, his expression unreadable. "I could make no comment on that at this time."

"No comment... hmmm", de Vries looks around the table, sharing a knowing look with the former SATO delegates. In de Vries' mind this is already a "yes", but De Clerq is not convinced yet and insists. "Well, surely if you have such, well, extensive views on the subject matter you also have a broad idea about real-life situations where it would apply?
... I mean, surely you see that a mediating body cannot be some kind of ideological battleground if it is to function effectively?"

Councillor Kham sighs slightly before answering. "Ambassador de Clerq, I have already outlined my views on the substance of economic aggression. I feel it is counterproductive to the discussion at hand to ask my personal opinion about concrete examples at this time. I require only that economic aggression be recognised, and that nations finding themselves at extreme conflict of interest as a result of it be eligible for hearing by this council. What I personally might think is utterly beside the point."

De Clerq thinks for a moment, and then replies: "You do not merely speak as a person here, you represent a government. Just as I am not some press mosquito who's questions are to be dodged at will. Please allow me to be blunt, everyone here fears that the CACE plans to use this body to push an anticapitalist agenda forward. It is no secret, it is openly discussed in your council. My government must know if that is what you have in mind here. Frankly, we are here because we want to establish a body that brings about peace and stability, not a body that wishes to promote economic change of any kind."

The Xikuangese replies: "Ambassador, I do not represent CACE, I represent Xikuang, and what I have proposed sanctions no enforcement of change in the economic policy of any nation. I'll thank you not to sidetrack this debate into a CACE/WBO infighting session. I will take no further questions on the matter. Thank you."

"Well, I think your answer speaks for itself, mr. Kham.", says de Clerq and he turns to the Lavenrunzian chair.

[Bouncing around a bit with time, it seems]

Elisa listens silently as Council Kham speaks, and then the exchange between De Clerq and Kham, again showing minimal emotional involvement. She looks mildly irritated as De Clerq tosses tact out the window, but again keeps quiet.

She does glance over as Semir walks in, but her responce to him is neutral, much like her government's offical stance to EOTED.


"The second criticism is that point one does not go far enough, that it does not allow for compulsory mediation. My original point six, now deleted, called for compulsory mediation if approved by a two-thirds majority of the council. This was deleted by popular demand. If there are those who wish for a point on compulsory mediation, perhaps they could suggest what it might be.

"Actually, if I may, my objection was to the redundancy of the deleted clause six. I think we would be better served is arbitration was either assumed binding or not. Delaying mediation for hours, days, or, if this meeting is template, weeks and months to figure out a vote is unnecessary. If they come to the body, they want its opinion. We shouldn't be a tool to be used only when one nation assumes we may 'rule' in their favor.

"Furthermore, my read of the first clause was how the council applied to member nations, which is separate from how this council acts to other nations. My complaints were not with the decision being binding or not, but that the mediation be manditory, in all cases, to member nations. Outside nations are not mandated to seek us out, after all.

"In other words, I largely agree with Council Kham when he states that a member nation is allowed the right of reasonable retaliation when it is attacked. If that was included in the wording of the first clause, my objections would largely evaporate."

Count Mirbach says carefully, "I would like again to remind everyone to stick to the topic at hand. Let's leave military force aside for now. I again ask that we consider Madame Bi Bere's proposal which is at the moment the best model we have for this mediation council. It is also an excellent example of how much we need input from nations different from our own. Now: I think that we can generally agree on the first two points with the exception of the matter of economic conflict." turning to the Xikuangese delegation, he says, "I think that this is a matter of some debate, and clearly you feel very strongly about it. Now: the problem here is that some of these nations believe in a free market or at least competitive economic system. In such an economic system you have to contend with the fact that there will be some aggression on the part of companies and nations. We could by your reasoning say that your ally, SeOCC, is in a state of war with Lavenrunz because they attempt to prevent us from trying to get (insert small Caribbean/South Pacific nation) to sell it's fruit at a lower price. It is not as simple as you say."

OOC: Don't mean to be a pain, but could somebody write a summary of what I've missed since my last post?

NOTE: The first break of the conference with the Ice Show in Imperial Park.

McKay listened to the debate, occasionally scribbling a note, but generally eliciting little reaction. He pretty much considered the issue of “economic warfare” to be too contentious. It was also too big a weapon for the capitalists to surrender. Despite this, he failed to let it annoy him and, if truth be told, economic warfare wasn’t really what he was here to discuss. The occasional word leaked from whispered comments, the body language that displayed who was on who’s side, all made him feel that this conference was in danger of becoming yet another ideological sparring match, and eventually one side would walk out.

“Perhaps it would be useful for me to state Celdonia’s position and the reason I am attending this conference. And please, just indulge me for a few moments and I shall attempt to stall the discussion for as little time as possible.

Whilst I agree with my colleague from Xikuang on the issue of economic warfare, it is not actually the primary reason for my attendance at this conference. Neither, if I am blunt, is the protection of the world from capitalist aggression my reason for attending, despite what some might think. I’m sure that statement won’t win me any new friends at the CACE headquarters.

No, I am here because on too many occasions now Celdonia has found itself on the brink of armed conflict, and quite frankly it is something we wish to avoid. We will likely never agree to a definition of “economic warfare” that satisfies everyone, however I’m sure we can all agree on the realities of bullets and bombs. My hope is that a framework for conciliation can be created that prevents us from sending young men to their deaths, or cities ravaged, in conflicts that can be prevented before they escalate out of control.

I am prepared to offer tacit approval to points one and two already being discussed, but I am not in a position to offer military forces to a council I would prefer to be a non-military one. If peacekeeping forces are required in a particular situation the we shall, as we have in the past, consider making an offer of forces. But forgive me for returning to a topic we had agreed to defer.

Thank you.”


He sits, doing his best to avoid eye contact with the other CACE delegates, thinking to himself that he’ll probably be eating alone tonight.


(OOC: sorry for the lack of activity, but I’m frequently finding the forums impossible to connect to)

"I agree with Foreign Minister McKay." Councillor Kham states bluntly. "My interest here is in peace, and the prevention of hostilities. I insist on that economic aggression be recognised before I can find the council acceptable, but it is not my government's intention to use it as a basis for attacking market ideology. As I have already sid I accept market forces as an economic reality. The situation your outline, Count Mirbach, is not at all in keeping with what I have described. That kind of bickering would hardly serve the interests of peace."

Mr. Merry, assistant to de Vries checks some technical gizmo he is carrying with him as the argument continues. Eventually, he speaks. There is some doubt in his voice about whether he is allowed though.

“I think we need an objective definition of economic warfare.

If you will allow me, the Joint Chiefs of Staff definition of economic warfare is ‘the aggressive use of economic means to achieve national objectives.’ The dictionary of military terms defines economic warfare as follows:


“The defensive use in peacetime, as well as during war, of any means by military or civilian agencies to maintain or expand the economic potential for war of a nation and its (probable) allies, and conversely, the offensive use of any measure in peace or war to diminish or neutralise the economic potential for war of the (likely) enemies and its accomplices.”

While usable, this is a very broad definition, [basically nations do this all the time] and I can imagine that the nations convened here will want to have it to have an even more limited scope.

Perhaps it would, then, be wiser to use the proper word and that is ‘economic penetration with the objective of economic warfare’ uhm - ” at the mentioning of penetration de glances sideways to de Vries, then he continues – “You see, some tools of economic warfare are employed specifically to penetrate the economy of another nation. Infiltration of a nations industry and business enterprises with the intent to harm, or control vital parts of ones enemies economy. Intent is again important here, of course there can be major economic penetration without there being economic warfare. That’s simply trade. Targeting financial institutions, trying to devaluate an enemy currency, etc, is a wholly different thing.

As you probably already know the blockading of the ports or coasts of a State by the armed forces of another State is already considered an act of aggression by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3314."

The boy falls silent and looks around the table.

So this is how the charter stands?

1. The countries here assembled agree to form a mediation council. All countries joining this council agree to agree to accept mediation (in the case of agreement to it by opposing parties) as a form of conflict resolution.

2. Any country in conflict may request mediation from this council, even if it is not a member. Appeals may be made by countries engaged in conflict with another country, and by colonial territories seeking their independence. Conflict is defined as war or non-military (including economic) conflict that could lead to war. The mediation council will normally accept requests for mediation, but may refuse by majority vote.

3. Mediation should preferably be undertaken by agreement of the two parties to a conflict. Normally, mediation will attempt to find common ground between the two sides to a conflict. This will be done by a reconciliation committee established for each case. These smaller committees will normally have three members drawn from the larger mediation council. One member will be selected by each party to the conflict, and the two committee members will then select a third country. This three-member committee will operate by consensus.

4. Mediation is not binding on the parties to a conflict. Its purpose is to find a solution that both sides can agree to.

5. The two parties to a conflict may, if they wish, request binding arbitration. In this case, the mediation council will act as judge to a conflict and decide upon a solution that is then binding on both sides.

In Reply to Xikuang
Karl von Effner looked at the Xikuangese delegation with amusement. "I see. Let me see if I understand this properly. You feel that we must all submit to your ideological interpretations before we can even consider peace. Is that correct? You feel that unless we accept, more or less, the ideals of CACE that there can be no contribution from you."

Count Mirbach nodded. "The outline--I think that the Chimaean and Knootian delegations have come up with a fine compromise. If we all agree, shall we proceed to discuss point three?"

In Reply to Lavenrunz
Kham Khitai met the amused look of the Lavenrunzian with calm implacability. "You misunderstand me entirely. It is not my ideological interpretations, or the ideology of CACE, that is at issue. I hold that, should a nation find itself intolerably distressed as a result of economic pressure from abroad, and should that nation approach the proposed council for mediation, that nation's request should not fall on deaf ears as a matter of the ideological policy of this proposed council. Further, that if it is this council's ideological policy that such requests for mediation will not be heard, then it is my government's position that this council will not be recognised by my government. What you do is, as always, entirely up to you.

"I can not agree to the phraseology of point two which weakens the economic aggression clause to 'non-military (including economic) conflict that could lead to war.' I do not see that the possibility for escalation into military conflict should be a necessary precondition for a request for mediation."

Sir Alec looked a bit suprised Kham Khitai "So, you're saying we should step in and mediate when two nations aren't going to war, but simply having trade difficulties with each other? I don't think any mediation body has the time to try and make everyone friends, just because nations dislike each other is no reason to send international mediators. I'm against butting into the affairs of nations that aren't on the verge of blows or engaged in actual conflict. There are literally hundreds of nations that come into conflict each day without actually fighting, and there is no reason we should be involved in that. I would resent any nation that requested mediation, for example, because of Ilek-Vaad's protectionist economic policies. I would even venture to say that interferring in such minor squabbles as that would weaken the council and even lead to a widening of conflicts."

Karl von Effner rises and says, "In support of the delegate from Iled-Vlad, I would like to propose this change then. Rather than defining economic conflict as war--which it would not be in anyone here's interests to do--we should perhaps state that we will also accept mediation conflicts in addition where economic disagreements on a national level exist."

Councillor Kham nods. "This is the spirit I intended by the phrase 'should a nation find itself intolerably distressed as a result of economic pressure from abroad'."

Sir Alec nods "That sounds about right then, so long as everyone else is willing to go along with it? I think we're all pretty much in agreement now?"

"Yes. And I must emphasize that it would still require all parties involved agreeing on mediation." said Mirbach. "Very well. Let us move on to point three then, unless there are any objections.
3. Mediation should preferably be undertaken by agreement of the two parties to a conflict. Normally, mediation will attempt to find common ground between the two sides to a conflict. This will be done by a reconciliation committee established for each case. These smaller committees will normally have three members drawn from the larger mediation council. One member will be selected by each party to the conflict, and the two committee members will then select a third country. This three-member committee will operate by consensus
I am generally in agreement with the idea behind this. However, what is not entirely clear is what abilities this committee has. For instance, should this subgrouping have the power to make recommendations to conflicting parties, or should they rather make a recommendation to the general body of the council which would in turn make a recommendation based on that to the conflicting parties? I do not want us bogged down in proceedure, but I do want proceedure to be clear...what are the thoughts here?" he looks around the room.

"I think that to try and resolve conflicts quickly and efficently it might be best to leave recommendations up to the representatives that are involved in direct mediation with the two parties, they would probably better understand the situation on the ground and the feelings of the two parties. The main council could have more of a steering function, directing the general framework of any talks and basically over seeing the whole process."

Sir Alec jumps a bit as his phone vibrates, he quickly checks the text messages...............

As Sir Alec and Von Effner speak, Khitai pokes his laptop out of sleep mode, types up a very short entry and hits send.

He nods towards Sir Alec. "This point seems to me to be constructed such that he committee selected to mediate the discussion should be maximally agreeable to all sides. No nation would assent to mediation by a nation they believe to be biased against them or in favour of the other, but they will naturally wish to select members they hope will look upon their side of the debate favourably. The selection of a third party by the members selected by the disputants would serve to level the arbitration committee towards fairness. I would suggest that for these reasons it would be in the best interests of expediting talks, that the selected mediation committee should should have full responsibility for mediation, and need not consult the rest of the council. Unless, of course, dialogue breaks down and all parties agree to seek additional help from the mediation council, but that would be decided on a case by case basis."

Here, Mollari (finally) raised his voice. "One question... how about situations in which only one side of a conflict asks for mediations? Personally, i think thats enough for this council to act..."

"I think it would extremely hard to mediate with only one side at the talks? That would be more of a social visit."

"Personally, I dislike the idea of being forced to accept mediation." said the ravishingly lovely Ulrica von Hentzau to Mollari. "Herr Ambassador, I prefer the idea that we should perhaps recommend it but that we should have no right to force mediation upon any party."

Mollari smiles. "Of course. It would indeed have 'recommendation' status... But to be honest... when both sides want peace, it`s rather easy to have peace. It´s the conflicts were one side still wants war that are the real problem..." He hesitates. "Of course, it would be risky... But with a bit of pressure... pressure that is included in your request for military assistance, which, i might add, we granted, we should be able to do far more than just... sitting around and talking about ways to make the world a better place."

“I must say” mused Sverj once again standing before the assembly.

“I am a little concerned at the language being used by the Der Angstian delegate, it has a somewhat over militaristic connotation to it. Actually my apologies here, the Non-Human Union agrees with point three but I wished to raise a question, prompted by the Der Angstians remarks.”

“Without doubt this council when formally established will go about the task resolving conflict and then formalising the peace. But what of the times when the conflict has exhausted itself into a stalemate or a ceasefire. I presume that the council can still be approached to formalise a peace treaty between two sides, even if the conflict no longer strictly exists?”

“My apologies for interrupting with a side issue, I just wished to have this clarified with a yes or a no.”

Although not thirsty Sverj is unable to compulsively take a sip of his water. ‘Damn’ he thinks to himself realising he now needs the little Biotopians room. ‘This sipping business is as contagious as yawning

“I am a little concerned at the language being used by the Der Angstian delegate, it has a somewhat over militaristic connotation to it."

Mollari is short from exploding. "May i ask what YOU would prefer? The women and children, mere civilians slaughtered by an invading force, and we doing, well, nothing due to our interest in spreading peace without forcing anyone to it because we fear to look militaristic?" He hesitates, his face almost red. "Welcome in the real world, little... whatever you are. IDEALISM CAN ONLY WORK WITH A REALISTIC FORCE BEHIND IT!" He takes a sip of water, trying to cool down. "But perhaps you prefer to be invaded and slaughtered... I´m sure nations with a sucky beef based agriculture would love to raid you for a few ressources! Well, lets see what you would think about some backed pressure if that would happen! Perhaps it wouldn´t be so bad at all, eh?"

Count Mirbach nearly sided with Mollari at that. The Biotopian delegation frankly disturbed and disgusted him; beasts belong in cages, farms and freezers. Period. He forced himself to smile. "The remarks by the Biotopian Delegation are well taken...however, Herr Ambassador Mollari has a reasonable point. Though I urge him to...make it more diplomatically. We should have a proviso for approaching other parties and offering mediation. Now: beyond that I do not believe it is so simple as saying 'If nations want peace they'll have it.' Consider: our nation borders territory held by Iesus Christi, and for nearly an entire generation there has been hostility. In spite of several peace initiatives we are still struggling towards it. And the attempt at mediation failed because frankly in some cases our allies were not interested in compromise, but claimed to be interested in peace."

Looks thoughtful and shrugs "Offering mediation to both sides is no problem, but once again forcing someone to negotiate won't help anything. No matter how many forces we pour to enforce a one-sided agreement, what happens when we leave? It's pretty much a no go unless both sides enter the process willingly, not that we shouldn't pressure them into it, maybe. I personally do not want to see innocent people slaughtered in any circumstance, but I won't lose any sleep over it if we can't get a nation to sit down and talk, every nation has a right to determine it's own actions. We aren't going to be able to avert or stop war in every instance, and we shouldn't expect to, we should try and realisticly help if we can in as many situations as we can."

Councillor Kham meets nobody's eyes as he speaks. "I reiterate my earlier made observation that there are a good few nations here represented which would have neither willingness nor interest in providig a military adjunct to this council. If there is to be a miilitary task force, I suggest it be a separate initiative that could be approached by the mediation council. But I too am disturbed by the Der Angstian representatives' apparent equivocation on 'mediation' and 'enforcement'. The function of the proposed council would be, as I see it, to step into the breach and help nations willing to settle their disputes meaningfully to communicate. Where one side is not willing to enter into debate, to suggest that a peace mediation council go in with guns blazing to foce them to talk is as absurd as it would be counterproductive. I further suggest that if military ntervention is required, there are other mediums through which a nation could seek military assistance. I suggest that it ought not to be this council's business."

“Once gain I’m afraid I must interject.” Quickly spoke Sverj as he rose from his seat.

“While your feelings on this matter Mr Mollari are quite clear to us, we did not intend for our comments to become your bait for derailment. We may be quite happy to argue with you outside the conference but I will ask you to bite your tongue on further debate with us on this issue while we in this conference. For I fear it could quickly flame into verbal battle of personal are national ideological fronts.”

“Dear Count I am still without an answer to my original question is the council still able to be approached by parties for mediation where there is nether peace nor war but a state of limbo between either.”

Sverj paused for a moment before sitting, taken aback by the look that had burst out through the Counts eyes. As he sat the non-human delegates were taken aback for a second by the rolling wall of adrenalin, anger and fear.

Sverj scribbled a note and passed it onto Frieda ad Margou who both chuckled [as a bear and a cow can] it read; “I see apes still smile as a sign of aggression, even the naked ones.”

Sir Alec looked a bit irritated
"It would clearly be a waste of time to send representatives to mediate normalizing relations between nations in 'limbo', that's what their diplomats are for. I don't think any of us here want to invest the monumental time and money to form a 'diplomats for lease' organization."

Sir Alec's irritation disappeared, he could hardly ever stay angry for than a sentence or two

" If anything debating whether we should help nations that aren't quite getting along as well as they might, is doing more to derail this discussion than the animosity between the Der Angst delegation and the Non-Human Union delegation. Let's agree to disagree on these broader and clearly uninvolved issues and work towards what we came here for, a council to mediate peace and ending conflict."

Sir Alec leaned back and relaxed looking somewhat concerned. He was thinking that Der Angst and the Non Human Union weren't getting along quite as well as they might. His look of concern disappeared as he grinned at his thought.

After a short, unobtrusively whispered colloquy with Friv narGellis, Palee Blackotter rather diffidently offered:

"Must this be an either/or situation? It is becoming clear that there are two models being discussed here, by two different groups of parties. Perhaps those who are concerned with creating a mediation organization without a military component can do so, and those who prefer their mediation with force to back it up can create something, as well.

"Both can then be available to any nations in the world who wish to use their services."

(OOC: going back in time a bit)
De Vries sighed heavily.
"As Mr. Merry so carefully pointed out, asking to limit it to the aggressive use of economic means to achieve national objectives. I don't see this mentioned yet so technically it could still be about trade disputes, for example with communist nations. We have trade with several communist nations, you see."

He put his hand on the table.

"However I am tired of playing words on the issue when clearly intentions are more important. This 'thing' will have to prove itself in practice.

Let me be clear. We will guard this council against recognising cases brought before it that are outside the scope as we have laid it out, and as I believe Chancellor Mirbach now understands it.

If CACE instigation is proven in any incident relating to this council we will consider it an act of economic aggression in itself. Don't misuse the council.

I would recommend other delegations here also be attentive, to prevent this council from becoming a complaining board for ideology- enfueled trading disputes. I do hope that your intentions", he eyes mr. Kham, "are as innocent as you claim them to be, I really do. But the SeOCC terrorists are wrong when they thing they can coerce our economic relations through third bodies while fluffy bunnies and... cows... speak for them. That is all, ladies and gentlemen. Please continue your debate."

---

And moving into the present:

De Clerq answered Palee Blackotter politely:
"Well, I don't think it would be a good idea to create two councils. It would be rather confusing, I think, to do so... besides the 'aggressive' council would always be asked in case only one nation wants to negotiate. It is a matter of negative selection. Having one council is vital. Perhaps, as a compromise, we can agree to military intervention within certain legal limits?

And of course I do not expect nations like Xikuang to contribute to such an effort. It is a matter that should be left to the nations who have the competent forces and the will to to the job."

At the Knootian's interjection, for the first time, something approximating an emotion entered Councillor Kham's black eyes. No hasty resort to ire, no unbecoming peevishness, but only a fixed intensity, as in the same quiet, measured tones, he addressed the Knootian delegation.

"And let me be perfectly clear. I have said it before, but apparently it has gone unrecognised: CACE is not here represented. I formally object to the Knootian delegation's repeated accusations that the Coalition of Anticapitalist Economies seeks to co-opt the proposed council for its own aims, and not the aim of peace, a claim utterly unsupportable in light of the participation of those CACE nations here represented, and in light of the fact that Celdonia, Anhierarch, and Xikuang represent Celdonia, Anhierarch, and Xikuang, not CACE. I formally object to the Knootian delegations repeated attempts to drag economic ideology into a debate that should be about mediation and conflict resolution, not yet another forum for the purposeless infighting that some of us have seen far too often, and from which others of us should be spared. I personally object to being continually asked to answer for CACE, for that is neither my prerogative nor within my power. I formally ask the Chair not to recognise such a blatant misuse of these discussions."

Bi Bere looks bewildered at the renewed flaring of tensions between he delegations from Xikuang and Knootoss. "Surely," she says, "this point has been agreed: no one intends to use the economic clause to to derail this council. Councillor Kham has assured us of this. He is an honourable man, and i think we must accept his assurances. And as he has said, the CACE is not represented here. Indeed, some members of the CACE have already denounced this meeting. On the other hand, if this body works, representing as it does members of the CACE, the World Business Organization, SATO, the Reich and more, then it will perhaps be the first step to peace between these alliances. But let us start with the countries we have here, and not ask them to answer for those who are absent. We should not ask Xikuang to answer for SeOCC, or Knootoss for Menelmacar, or Vegana for Iesus Christi, and so on -- those are countries well enough able to speak for themselves, but countries not present here.

Her voice falters, and she takes a discreet nip on her "oxygen" tank. A look of relief passes across her face. "Again, i think we must remember Count Mirbach's words: the time has not yet come to discuss the military aspects of this council, if any. However, i do hope we will first establish one council, before we speak of two. Once the council is established, including among its membership those states whose situation natually turns their thoughts to more martial pursuits, then we can deal with these very important issues."

Achefield watched the animosity between the various national delegates with something approaching alarm. Count Mirbach had almost agreed with Mollari almost speciest spluttering... He had to remind himself that Lavenrunz had a very low and possibly zero percentage of non-human citizens. He tried to remember the percentage that the last census had shown in Chimaea. Fourteen?

He brought his mind back to the talks. Giving the non-human delegation a small smile, he said, "With respect to all of the views presented here, I'm still of the opinion that peacemaking with the use of force, or the threat of the use of force, is not this body's business. There are plenty of nations and organisation already committed to that. The only peacemaking we should do is only after both sides have agreed to holding talks. Diplomatic peacemaking... As Mr. Mollari pointed out, there are situations that call for immediate intervention... And there are military forces out there that can provide this intervention. I believe this body should steer clear of a enforcing peace; history has clearly shown that such peace does not last."

Georgina shakes her head, muttering, 'Argueing about the lettering on a useless note...'

She stands, 'If this body has no authority to enforce the decisions it makes, it's word carries no weight at all. To be honest, the Federation could do anything the proposed body is capable of doing ourselves, and more effectively given that we would be prepared to put military forces behind our decision if such was required to keep the peace.'

'To be honest, I see no reason whatsoever to be part of this body and many not to. It's a waste of our nation's resources and time to sit in an office making vague suggestions that opposed sides will simply ignore if they're not conveniant. At present, this organisation will have all the effect of setting up a billboard saying 'please stop fighting.'

'While the Federation would be happy to aid in the setting up of an effective body, this is not looking to be such a body. That's all I've got to say.'

She and Miles stand, bowing to Count Mirbach, 'Your Excellency, the Federation's hopes are with you that you may still forge an effective treaty, but we feel that there is nothing achieved in our remaining. Therefore, we respectfully withdraw from this conference.'

Count Mirbach snapped coldly, "The military discussion is tabled. I do not believe it is time to discuss it. If it is discussed any further by anyone before I as Chair introduce it I will dismiss this session for the day. And..." he looked coldly at the Knootian delegation. "Your Excellencies must refrain from making accusations which are neither in the interest nor the venue of this dicussion. Ladies and gentlemen, if you cannot control yourselves you can hardly run a mediation council. What we are discussing is whether or not the council could insist on mediation. I do not think it should. Period. It is a violation of sovereignty."

Elisa sighs, and turns to Count Mirbach, "With GMC's withdraw, the Hack's voice is largely nullified, as I am not authorized to speak on behalf of the Federation; therefore, while I will remain as an observer, I will offer little, if any, further input."

Count Mirbach nods politely and says, "I ask you though to hold that thought, please." he whispers in Lavenrunzian to Karl von Effner, who rises and briskly walks out.
Catching up to Georgina and Miles, he says, "Please, Excellency...I urge you to remain. The discussion is difficult, and yet slowly and surely we are covering the major points. The military side of things can be brought in later, once we know what the mediation council will actually be. If you were forming a new nation, surely you would decide what its interests were before fully forming it's military. And consider--your nation would be among the major suppliers of equipment..."

Georgina stops mid-step, and nods, 'I understand that, sir...It's simply that certain---Elements...Within that conference seem to have problems with the very idea of a military, let alone it's attachment to this body, and I'm afraid I am not the most objective speaker on the subject. I have already asked to be relieved after the first day's talks, and my replacement should arrive here shortly,' she smiles, 'I hope she'll have better luck persuading them than I did.'

At the point, a motorcade pulls up outside, a tall young woman with long white hair and yellow eyes stepping out. She heads inside and finds the GMC party. Georgina smiles, 'This is June; she'll be my replacement from now on.' she smiles at von Effner, then at June, 'Good luck.'

Lenore sat watching the show with great interest. The tension between Knootoss and the CACE members were obvious, as were the differences amongst the ex-SATO nations. She had been sent here to verify the sentiments and the current diplomatic standings among the assembled nations. She smiled gently at Elisa and Georgina as they rose to leave, taking a sip of mineral water. Was this why all the larger mediations always failed, lots of dogs yapping about small pecky details. No, not dogs, even other ... Critters. Lenore watched the cow and the bear. She had hear that the cow had milked itself in a public place yesterday. She carefully hid her disgust as she looked at it, smiling, how could such abominations be allowed to exist? The bear seemed to be able to provide a nice pelt though. She took another sip from the glass and leaned back to listen again.

With some difficulty, Achefield stopped himself making a retort and said quietly, "I came here knowing that there would be great difficulties involved in creating this body. I did not, however, expect various delegates to simply ditch the ideals of peace because presenting views and debating them was too hard!"

He rubbed his finger on the surface of the table as he glared around. "This is such a strong chance for creating something lasting, something geared towards spreading peace. I can't think why anyone would not battle to the last breath to see that chance bear fruit..."

The Prime Minister leaned forwards and there was a new intensity about him, and it wasn't too hard to figure out why he was Prime Minister. "A few of you seem to equate effectiveness with military strength. I'm not sure why. Mediation will not achieve lasting effects when conducted at the end of a gun-barrel. Diplomacy is purely about talking, when you filter out the small details, and peace can be achieved through talking... As I said, if there needs to be some sort of military action it can come after the diplomacy. This body is not going to be a 'paper tiger'. We are in a perfect position to redefine the meaning of 'intervention', of 'humanitarianism' and even 'peace'!"

Achefield leaned back. "We can't afford to let this slip away."

Elisa glances up, ignoring Achefield's outburst, and does a double-take as June walks in. The feeling she was getting from June was... different. She motions June over, indicating where her seat was, saying nothing.

Count Mirbach says coldly to Achefield, "Since you have decided to continue discussing something that is not the topic at hand in spite of my request, I will end the summit for the day. Honestly; I urge you all to listen to what people are saying. Good day." He gets up, bows to the room and walks out.

Achefield looked annoyed at the Count's insistance of tabling an important topic, but restrains from comment, instead standing up rigidly and walking out of the hall. He wondered if the next session would be any more productive, then sighed wearily as he remembers the other unpleasant duty awaiting him.

Count Mirbach stalked down the hall, vastly irritated. "Are they all idiots? Don't they realize that if we don't keep things orderly it will just be chaos?"
"They are in love with the sound of their own voices and do not hear." said Ulrica von Hentzau. "Chancellor, Georgina is right. If we are going to offer arbitration, we should have the right to insist that our decisions stick. Otherwise, it is all just academic."
"The distinction would have been drawn today if Achefield were not an arrogant scheisskopf." growled Mirbach. "Frankly, I wonder if mediation is even possible when people can't even be bothered to listen to one another. And I could really order an invasion of Knootoss at this time."
Ulrica smiled and touched his sleeve. "I think we can spare a division for that."
He reluctantly smiled back.

Councillor Kham might be irritated. It's hard to tell, but he certainly snaps his laptop shut with a touch more finality than normally he would. He makes his way quietly but quickly out of the conference chamber and heads after the Lavenrunzians, struggling somewhat to catch up.

"Count Mirbach, may I request a brief word with you privately?"

Sir Alec smiled as he stood , he nodded to the other delegates and walked out to the Hotel bar. He was anxious to see if there was any news regarding Pyrrhic's civil war.

High above the stratosphere, First Minister Fatcher prodded another bio-engineered piglet along a small diving board, from which it toppled into the white hot barbecue coals - squealing horribly. 'The Lavenrunz Conference' some kind of reality show, portrayed by PTV's weekend guide as 'a docu-drama to quench the thirst of those with a taste for Terran knowledge' was duller than the re-runs of 'Space Joust' which she absent-midedly flicked over to.

Spearing the blistered piglit with a short sword she flipped it over in the coals as the flames leapt around it, and swigged from a bottle of Grapeade.

MoI Release: SeOCC Delegation Arrives in Lavenrunz for Mediation Conference (http://invisionfree.com/forums/CACE/index.php?showtopic=951)

In a strange twist of foreign policy, the MoP announced today that SeOCC would be sending a delegation to the mediation conference. Heading the landmark and politically contentious delegation is Under Minister of Politics Tomasz Mittelner, who has the distinction of being the highest ranking ex-VA member serving in government. His most recent posting was heading the MoP’s Insurrection Division, a think tank that analyzes the political ramifications of political and economic uprisings around the globe, and has emphasized class unity before national interests in his work with the MoPID.

SO Khalid, who is a member of the SeOCC delegation along with long time partner SO Leah, commented on his assignment, ‘It’s just like a vacation, except instead of sending us somewhere nice, they sent us to Cocytus.’ SO Leah declined to comment.

When asked if SeOCC’s attendance at the conference would affect the planned sanctions against Celdonia, a spokesperson commented that the sanctions would go forward pending talks with Celdonian officials about the communications break down that set the chain of events in motion. The spokesperson also intimated that no talks would occur until the conference is finished.

The SeOCC delegation arrives just after midnight Lavenrunz time at Hofburg’s Emperor Frederick International Airport, and are expected to stay for the duration of the conference.

Sir Alec made it about halfway to the Hotel Bar , he then jerked as if he was shot, he paused, his phone was vibrating again. He paused and read through the very long somewhat urgent text message. Sir Alec usually not one to swear, even in private, all of the sudden said quite loudly "FECK!".

He paused turned on his heels and sprinted through the hotel to try and catch Count Mirbach, or someone from the Lavenrunz delegation...........................................

Mollari grew rather annoyed at Mirbachs habit of cancelling the sessions day after day, just because something minor happened. Partly, he could understand him, but then...

Well, it wasn´t something he would do.

In any case... There was the question if this should really continue... Why not simply inviting nations one could trust (Admittedly, he knew his folks back home didn´t match that description) to organise this mediation council? Fast, and efficient, it would be. Nothing like this useless chaos...

Will have to suggest that, in private...

Mollari grew rather annoyed at Mirbachs habit of cancelling the sessions day after day, just because something minor happened. Partly, he could understand him, but then...

Well, it wasn´t something he would do.

In any case... There was the question if this should really continue... Why not simply inviting nations one could trust (Admittedly, he knew his folks back home didn´t match that description) to organise this mediation council? Fast, and efficient, it would be. Nothing like this useless chaos...

Will have to suggest that, in private...

Count Mirbach turned in the hall. "Yes, Councillor Kham, what can I do for you?"

Since SeOCC, so far as they knew, had no anthem and none of the accoutrements that the Lavenrunzian diplomatic corps associated with other nations, they simply sent a group of protocol officers to politely welcome the SeOCC delegation and lead them to the Klefburg Hotel, where all the other observers and delegates were staying.
OOC:
It seems to me some people don't really understand, or perhaps they're just rping incomprehension but...basically in this instance Count Mirbach had basically said "Okay, look, no more bringing up this disruptive subject while we're actually trying to discuss something else." People did it anyway. Then he said, "Okay, look, if anyone does it again, the session's over for today." And someone did. Just fyi. Basically he's trying to keep things a bit orderly--which is impossible if people keep going off topic because they're obsessed with another subject.

[OOC: This was meant to occur during a bout of argument between the Knootian delegate and the Xi... Xi... them. Damn. Can't remember how to spell it... Xiaukang? Something like that. Sorry.]

Semir-randil had listened with a kind of distant interest, a small smile plastered on his features. The lack of response to his offer of military support, should the need arise, had not surprised him. Nor did it offend him. The sense that he simply does not care is quite, quite tangible.

It may come as a marginal surprise, then, when he - quite impolitely - begins to laugh. It's a soft sound, a flowing, tinkling sound, quite full of mirth - and, if the situation were different, would no doubt be quite infectious. His shoulders shake, and, quickly, most of his body does, also. He throws his head back, and the laughter quickly develops into a fully-fledged fit of full-blown mirthful chuckles.

He controls it after several seconds, waving a hand ineffectually to attempt to display that there is no need to wait for him to finish laughing. Once an oppurtunity presents itself, he offers in a still quite amused sounding voice, "My apologies." He offers no explanation.

Sir Alec stopped sprinting just in time to look dignified as he spotted Count Mirbach and Councillor Kham, not wanting to interrupt he stopped a respectful distance and decided to get one of the Count's associates attention briefly. He paused and regarded Von Effner, and then Von Hentzau, he decided to motion to Von Hentzau "Pardon me if I may have a very quick word ?"

Councillor Kham looks up at the Count, catching his breath; he's had to rush to catch up.

"I want to apologise for that little circus back there. I really didn't know what else t do. I am entirely on the level here-- my government's interest in this conference is the peaceful resolution of conflict, and we genuinely think that this council would do a lot of good if it can come together. We believe we have a lot we could contribute as negotiators, as well; we have something of a reputation for it, after all. But the implications from--" here, just the barest hint of pique entered his tone--" certain delegations that I'm here to hijack this council to undermine everyone's economic interests but CACE's are quite frankly as insultingly transparent as they are ridiculous and irrelevant. I'm trying to keep on topic, and I honestly, truly don't want to see this conference devolve into yet another CACE/SATO squabbling session, but they just won't let up. It's counterproductive in the extreme. I hope you'll consider my objection. I don't want to see the discussion derailed into an adjunct of Knootoss's CACE-containment-pact-treaty-alliance thingumabobble, whatever it was."

OOC: uhm, well, yes Jo. It was kind of an "inserted timeline" thingy, not a falling back on the old subject. I'd also appreciate it if you would actually read what I am saying there insteaf of drawing general conclusions because there is a group of words next to eachother. I said I AGREE, LETS CHANGE THE POINT. I didn't threaten anyone, and I said I would take Xikuangs word. If people then ask me to take Xikuangs word then obviously you haven't paid attention.

alternative timeline-past
De Vries exclaimed: "As I said, we do agree on the current protocol, I will take Mr. Kham on his word despite the past and I do consider the topic to be finished. Please, listen before you judge."

Minister Peters walked back into the conference room after ecxusing himself momentarily, and to his delight there was now a true reason to be here. He smiled and said to himself, time to make friends, Mark. While a corner of the table was fairly occupied in a heated discussion, Peters pulled his chair around the table and put it right next to the SeOOC delegation's spot. "Excuse me...pardon me.....sorry...do you mind if you could, thanks." He sat down in his nice moderately uncomfortable chair and smiled.

While extending his hand to one of the delegation members, he introduced himself. "G'day! I'm Mark Peters, pleasure to see you here! I am sure your travels were well?" He maintained a poker face despite his eagerness to sit right next to them.

ooc: SeOCC's delegation hasn't arrived yet since it's not after midnight; you'll know when they arrive because i'll post something saying 'we've arrived.'

Eh, just roll it over in a fluid time frame, SeOOC.

ooc: since the conference has adjourned for the day, why don't you wait until NS tomorrow to accost my delegation?

Her beautiful mouth twisted in a frown, but Hentzau nodded and motioned a guard nearby to move a short distance away to give them privacy. The soldier came to attention and marched off in perfect precision and came to a parade rest halt a few meters off.
"Forgive me, but I have a meeting I've set up at the Ministry...if you need longer I can certainly meet you after that, but you said, Excellency, that you merely wanted a word?"

Count Mirbach, meanwhile, says, nodding, "I understand your position, Herr Councillor, but I really must ask you not to rise to the bait in that case. If you do support me as Chair, you must appeal to me. I hope I have been giving an impression of fairness so far." he looks down at the Xikuangese and says, "We must all contribute to the orderliness we wish to have. But I thank you for your gracious words, and I do believe in your sincere wish to make this council work."

Well, I'll be out for the weekend. Please don't miss me too much you all. I am sure I'll have something valuable to say by then.

Sir Alec smiled to Hentzau "no,I'll be brief, simply tell Count Mirbach that I must return to Lassic, The Council has just appointed me acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, our Minister is, ah, well last seen he was challenging a unit of tanks unarmed. I'm very sorry, I have been told that the First Republican is sending his head of staff, but I'm afraid I must dash, please pass my apologies to Count Mirbach and the Empress as well."

With that, Sir Alec is off.

Bi Bere watches Sir Alec's departure with regret, then walks over to de Vries. "Sorry to have uttered a harsh word towards you, but i'm sure you understand the needs of diplomacy." And, she thinks to herself, of domestic politics on the eve of an election. Particularly given the popularity of Xikuang back home.

She walks on towards June and syicks out her hand. "Violeta Bi Bere, from Tanah Burung. You must be the new delegate from GMC. I do hope you are planning to stay on....?" She lets her voice trail off.

Councillor Kham bows his head respectfully. "Absolutely, Count Mirbach. That is why I am appealing to you directly as Chair. I have already stated that I will answer no questions directed to CACE, yet I continue to be goaded. That is why I appeal to your intervention. I hope that, if I am asked again to answer for CACE, which I cannot do, you will sustain my objection. That's all. I want to see this conference come to something worthwhile, and I want to be free to work with you-- not bogged down in answering pointless allegation. This council has the potential to achieve a great deal. I'm committed to realising that."

Blackotter was silent in the taxi on the way back to the hotel. Dorrin watched him without seeming to, then, when they reached the hotel, she said, "Palee, let's have dinner in that little restaurant off the lobby. The quiet one, yes?"

Blackotter looked surprised, a bit distracted. "Of course, Dorrin." Without conversation, he led the way to the restaurant, mechanically checking for anything that looked like a security threat. When they were seated, he ordered a glass of wine and continued sitting in silence, lost in his own thoughts, which were apparently troubling.

Dorrin quietly sipped her own small glass of sherry, and observed the other patrons of the restaurant. When the server arrived with their first course, Palee finally spoke. "Forgive me, Dorrin, I am being rude and unsociable."

"You do seem distracted, Palee."

The younger man frowned. Then he looked up, and the trouble was clear in his face. "Dorrin-- you know this is my first official visit outside of Effrenata. And my first negotiation of any type with other nations involved..."

"Yes," she smiled encouragingly.

He shook his head a little bewilderedly. "Is it... is it always this messy?"

Although she had promised herself not to do anything to refer to his youth and inexperience--after all, he was the official government representative, and quite a capable bureaucrat he had already proved, in his own sphere--she could not suppress a laugh.

"Oh, dear. I am sorry, Palee. But such a perfect word-- 'messy.' Yes, I am afraid it is nearly always this messy. And sometimes much, much messier. Actually, Count Mirbach is doing a good job of keeping things from getting too far out of hand."

She looked the younger man over, keenly. "Ah... it is your idea, yes? They ignored you."

"Well, except for the Knootian. At least he did me the politeness of responding and explaining, even if he didn't agree."

She smiled. "Well, Palee, there are many reasons for that. It was a good idea. And I would be very surprised if, someday, some version of it does not come to pass. But you must consider these things--

"First, you are comparatively young, and unknown, and attending only in the capacity of an observer. Effrenata has already declined to actually participate in the result of these talks. Why should they listen to you?"

"Secondly, you represent Effrenata, a nation which for more than six hundred years maintained the strictest neutrality and engaged in no wars, presented no aggressive threat, to anyone. We have nothing anyone wants, except goods that are available freely to any who wish to purchase them. Our land is in no position of strategic importance, it is difficult of land access, and difficult of sea access nearly half the year. And although strictly non-aggressive, we maintain a more than adequate military capability for self-defense. We are no threat to anyone, and we offer no one any potential advantage. Again, why should they listen to us?"

He frowned, still unsatisfied. "Perhaps it is because it was I who offered the suggestion? As you say, I am young and unknown. You, on the other hand, are internationally renowned as a diplomat and negotiator. Perhaps if you had brought it up....?"

She shook her head decisively. "No, indeed. That would have rendered it entirely moot. The small amount of weight my experience and reputation carry would still be enough to make the idea seem like a disagreeable attempt to meddle. Whereas if you bring it up... you have the advantage of being entirely free of any possible taint, simply because of your youth and inexperience."

"In fact, Palee, I give it a fifty percent chance that sometime further on during this discussion, someone among the delegates with much more at stake and much more influence will bring up an idea startlingly similar to what you have already proposed..... and if that happens, you can enjoy the spectacle of it being treated as a brilliant inspiration on her or his part," she chuckled.

He laughed, too, and shook his head. "I don't know if I am cut out for this, Dorrin. So much talk... so little common sense."

At this, she frowned, slightly, and swallowed the salad she was eating. "No, Palee, you mustn't fall into that error. 'Common sense' is not an objective but a subjective quality. From the standpoint of each delegate's interests, they are displaying admirable common sense-- it is simply that their interests remain quite divergent at this point."

"But they all want to create a way to peacefully resolve disputes through mediation, don't they?"

Dorrin simply regarded him with that, 'Oh, come now' expression that only she could deliver so effectively without being offensive.

Almost unwillingly, he laughed again. "All right, I will stop being deliberately naive. I admit, the whole thing is fascinating."

She nodded. "Indeed so. And the knowledge will be most useful to the Committee."

They addressed themselves to their excellent entrees, and discussed the possibility of inviting a Laverunzian ice sculpture team to do an exhibition at the next Winter Carnival.

OOC: There's no OOC offense to the Lavenrunz player, I was just RPing my character as he is. If there was an Achefield in real life, yes that's what he'd have said and done... This is RP, it doesn't always have to be good, people make mistakes. I knew very well the discussion would end for the day if he makes the outburst, but when you weigh up all the factors, that's exactly what he'd have done. My characters don't have to be nice all the time--just remember, this is only a game.

-------------------

The Chimaean guards at the gates of the Embassy were edgy, suspiciuous and vigilant. But guards always were after something had happened. The day before, it would have been unlikely that the guards would have been as formally careful.

The Prime Minister's small motorcade paused at the gates while the guards checked the necessary papers, then swept into the Embassy courtyard in the way only luxury cars can.

Achefield and his aide stepped out of the black Mercedez as a short, balding man stepped out of the open double doors of the Embassy and smiled at them.

"Prime Minister, welcome to Chimaea. I hope the talks are going well? I'm the acting Ambassador, Carl Swift."

Achefield shook his hand. "The talks are going as well as they can be expected to when bitter enemies come together to talk peace, Mr. Swift. Now... I've been briefed about what happened last night..."

Swift's eye twitched and he looked down at the flat cobbles of the courtyard. "Indeed sir... it's terrible. Who could have even thought..."

Achefield nodded. "Perhaps you could show me...?"

:::::::::::::

The room was a mess, though in a tidied fashion. On the floor by the bed lay several glass bottles, Chimaean cider by the look of the labels, and a half-empty bottle of whisky. On the small wooden bedside table was a syringe and a small transparent tube, along with wads of cotton wool.

And the bed itself...

"Bloody hell," commented the Prime Minister as he stared at the bloodstained pillow and the urine soaked bedsheets. He looked across at the wall on the other side of the bed and saw the splatter.

His aide looked at the room and shook his head slowly. "I know what you mean, it was worse when we found him."

Achefield thanked the gods that the body had be removed... "Where's the body, by the way?"

"In storage, sir, ready to be flown back to Chimaea."

Achefield looked up quizically. "To Chimaea?"

"Yes sir. The post mortem will be held in Chimaea."

"What? What's wrong with here in Lavenrunz? I'm sure the Count won't mind--"

The aide looked uncomfortable and pulled a face. "The Ambassador... wasn't your average Ambassador, sir."

"Not my average Ambassador?"

"No sir. He was an ex-operative."

Achefield stared into space. "Mr. Harrold Chang... The Harrold Chang, founder of the New Sydney Children's Hospital is... was a trained killer?"

"A long time ago, sir. And he was an operative, sir... There is a difference."

"What, he was better and had the best training?"

"Very droll, sir. This is why suicide is the most likely scenario... even after retirement, it would be very difficult to overcome an operative."

Achefield stared at the bed. "Well he was over sixty... Are there any other bombshells you'd care to drop?"

"No, sir. We have an investigations team coming in soon. This incident should not leave Chimaea sir."

Achefield looked contemplatively down at the syringe and the bottles. "No probably not. Very well. Keep me informed."

She walks on towards June and syicks out her hand. "Violeta Bi Bere, from Tanah Burung. You must be the new delegate from GMC. I do hope you are planning to stay on....?" She lets her voice trail off.

June bows, 'I hope so, Ms. Bere. We'd all like to see and effective body come from this, I'm sure.' she smiles brightly, 'My name's June, by the way.' she offers her own hand.

To assume that his political opponents were powerless would have been foolish for Count Mirbach. When he met with Claudia der Waal and her followers, and Arvid Pluskat and his (he did not invite Helga Dresden, though he was having her and her party members watched) it was in a private room in the Volksraad. There were several such elegant rooms for conferences and committee meetings.
Claudia der Waal still had important connections to the Court, and was among the wealthiest people in Lavenrunz. General Schlabel was a war hero, much respected. Arvid Pluskat's Populists were regaining ground formerly lost to the Communist Party.
"Joachim," said Claudia in a friendly manner. "I thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with us."
"Thank you, Claudia." he said, bowing. "Arvid, it is a pleasure to see you."
Pluskat nodded to him politely.
"Joachim, forgive me if we come straight to the point. But you are juggling a lot of eggs right now. This Summit, dealing with the terrorists, and by the way, I notice that you are busy curtailing some rather hard won civil rights. If this Government is bent on adventurism and establishing hegemony, you can think twice."
Claudia smiled.
Mirbach simply lifted an eyebrow, but his blood ran cold. An alliance in the Volksraad between Constitutionalist and Populist? Impossible!. "I see. Well, Arvid, it simply isn't adventurism--or hegemony. I am responding to terrorist attacks against Lavenrunz. I am pursuing a means of peaceable mediation."
"And what about the expedition to Fyreheart?" Claudia asked curiously. "A vast expedition--and all for naught. Ostensibly to support our alliance with the Drakonian Imperium...which is now apparently falling apart."
"The bone of contention seems to be Suryan Independance with regard to the terrorists. Would it not be simpler to hold a referendum there on it?" Pluskat demanded.
"A referendum? In the face of a terrorist attack?" Mirbach exclaimed. "We should never live it down!"
"So this is about ego and adventurism?" Pluskat smiled coldly.
"I'm afraid we couldn't support that, Joachim." said Claudia, shaking her head.
Witch. thought Mirbach. "What do you want?" he asked bluntly.
"First of all: you will recommend Hans Schlabel for Chief of Air Staff." Claudia der Waal said.
"Secondly," Arvid Pluskat said, "You will hold the referendum in Surya anyway--while making reprisals against the terrorists." he chuckled. "It's a good plan, if you consider it."
Mirbach considered their demands. "Give me a day." he said smoothly, "And I'll get back to you."
Claudia der Waal was immediately suspicious. But she left it to Pluskat, who was more contentious, to exclaim, "What's so important about a day, Joachim?"
Mirbach spread his hands. "I have not merely myself to consider, but those who follow me."
"A day to weasel out of it."
"Arvid, that is most unfair." Mirbach said, feigning mere irritation.
"I hope you see what our position will be, regardless." said Claudia. "We'll speak to you again tomorrow, then."
He rose and bowed them out. And sat as still as a cat, watching the wind blow the snow off the windowsill.

At the Klefburg front desk a tall well proportioned gentleman approached. His black hair was greying at the temples. His impeccable black silk suit is covered by a just as impeccable black trench coat, on his lapels are the silver leaping Jaguars that show he is a representative of Ilek-Vaad. Like all Vaadian diplomats he arrived in the country aboard a regular commercial flight with no guards or staff, no one knew he was a diplomat until he presented his papers to the customs officers.

He looked disdainfully at the young man at the hotel's front desk, his tie was crooked, and he spoke "I believe you have a reservation for the Right Honourable Ilem Arden?" as the front desk checked he looked about the lobby, as a king would look over an unruly mass of peasants.

"Yes, sir, we have it, the Presidential Suite, welcome to Lavenrunz sir."

He nodded and signed the register, he watchjed judiciously as the front took his bags, he paused at the consierge's desk "I would like you to arrange reservations for the most exclusive restaurant in town, I will take dinner there in an hour."

The Consierge looked up "How many sir?"

Sir Ilem looked around "Do you think I'm taking the busboy with me? One!"

He then continued on to his room. He was quite looking forward to t.he conference, it had beenm quite lively from Sir Alec's notes.

"June, a privilege to meet you," Bi Bere says. "I must say, it's a relief to see you arriving, for a moment i thought your government was leaving altogether! Sometimes i feel like we are meeting in a snake pit, but i think we are making progress slowly but surely. This council is unlikely to be everything that any of us had hoped for, but just by existign it will make a huge difference. I certainly hope your government will be able to settle for the half loaf we are getting, in the hopes of the full loaf coming later once the council is up and running...."

She almost stops speaking, and almost makes it a question. But not quite: she doesn't want to put June on the spot by asking a direct question. Not quite. "By the way," she adds, "i'll be saying the same thing to my dear comrades from SeOCC." As she says the words comrades, a hardness enters her voice. A casual listener wouldn't notice, but a trained diplomat might.

His brief conversation with Count Mirbach finished, quite favourably at that, Khitai heads directly back to the hotel bar. He requests a pot of tea, just normal tea, thanks, which he receives with a small bowl of sugar lumps, a small pitcher of milk, and a small hint of indifference: tea-drinking communists, apparently, did not have a stunning reputation for being good tippers. He also received something of a weird look when he refused the milk, but asked if he might not have some butter, but the bar attendant found some for him, and he took a seat in an unobtrusive corner near the back, setting his computer out before him.

He perused the subject headings of the new arrivals to his inbox with some bemusement as he buttered his tea, one of them immediately sparking his interest. He opened up that one first and read the attached release from the SeOCC MoI.

Ah, now things should get interesting...

**Confidential**

To: Lavenrunz Government
From: Commonwealth of Chimaea

To whom it may concern,

It is with the deepest sadness that we must communicate to you the passing away of the Chimaean Ambassador to your nation, Mr. Harrold Chang.

Acting Ambassador Carl Swift will be sworn in as soon as possible. Several diplomatic attaches are due to arrive to brief him fully on the position.

Chimaea thanks you for your patience while this sad event is dealt with as smoothly as possible. Mr. Chang's remains are being transported back to Chimaea.

Warmest regards,
Office of the Foriegn Minister

Karl von Effner passed a hand over his eyes. He composed himself carefully before writing back. This involved smoking a good cigar and listening to some Mendelssohn, which reminded him of the cheer and excellence life had to offer.

To: The Foreign Office, Government of the Commonwealth of Chimaea
May God rest the soul of Mr. Ambassador Chang, who will be sorely missed. We will render full honors to his departing body. On behalf of Her Majesty and the Imperial Government, condolences are extended to his family.
Mr. Ambassador Swift will be duly recognized.
Respectfully
Karl von Effner
Foreign Minister

Then he called up the Ministry of Police and advised his colleague that they might want to investigate what was going on at the Chimaean embassy.
Erich Clement, who was deceptively avuncular and sleepy looking, murmured that he would look into it right away.
He hung up and looked at the photographs of activity around the Chimaean Embassy. And inside. He picked up the phone again and pushed a single button.
"Hello, Johann? Please instruct carp that there is a housekeeping matter to deal with."
While the Minister of Police was ordering a 'Black Bag' operation in the Chimaean Embassy (OOC: aka a secret internal surveillance job)
Count Mirbach reconvened the Summit.

When all are reassembled, Count Mirbach stands, glances round, and says,
"Honoured delegates, I welcome you back. I would like to sum up the major points such as they have been agreed upon. If there are questions or disagreements, I urge you to wait until I have finished...
1. The countries here assembled agree to form a mediation council. All countries joining this council agree to agree to accept mediation (in the case of agreement to it by opposing parties) as a form of conflict resolution.

2. Any country in conflict may request mediation from this council, even if it is not a member. Appeals may be made by countries engaged in conflict with another country, and by colonial territories seeking their independence. Conflict is defined as war or non-military (including economic) conflict that exists on a national level. The mediation council will normally accept requests for mediation, but may refuse by majority vote.

3. Mediation should preferably be undertaken by agreement of the two parties to a conflict. Normally, mediation will attempt to find common ground between the two sides to a conflict. This will be done by a reconciliation committee established for each case. These smaller committees will normally have three members drawn from the larger mediation council. One member will be selected by each party to the conflict, and the two committee members will then select a third country. This three-member committee will operate by consensus.

4. Mediation is not binding on the parties to a conflict. Its purpose is to find a solution that both sides can agree to.

5. The existing parties to a conflict may, if they wish, request binding arbitration. In this case, the mediation council will act as judge to a conflict and decide upon a solution that is then binding on both sides.

I should like to add," the Count says, glancing round the room, "That point five seems to cover the issue of whether or not binding mediation is necessary. I maintain that it would not be the role of this council to police the world, but rather to provide an alternative to conflict where the parties involved may not be able to find it. In my opinion, these five points should be the nucleus of the mediation council. I would like to know if everyone agrees with this."

Frieda now stood for the Non-Human Union delegation.

"We find these points a fair summary and to be wholly acceptable foundations for the mediation council. Thank you”

and she sits again.

McKay nods in approval.

Councillor Kham raises a hand to the chair.

"May I advise one small point of clarification? In recognisance of that a nation, particularly a small one, may find itself in a state of conflict on a national level from external forces that are not necessarily endorsed by another nation, I suggest that the clause defining conflict in point 2 be amended to read: 'Conflict is defined as war or non-military (including economic) conflict that exists on a national level for one or all involved parties'."

Councillor Kham raises a hand to the chair.

"May I advise one small point of clarification? In recognisance of that a nation, particularly a small one, may find itself in a state of conflict on a national level from external forces that are not necessarily endorsed by another nation, I suggest that the clause defining conflict in point 2 be amended to read: 'Conflict is defined as war or non-military (including economic) conflict that exists on a national level for one or all involved parties'."

Hey...get you're anachronisms out of here. :wink:

Councillor Kham raises a hand to the chair.

"May I advise one small point of clarification? In recognisance of that a nation, particularly a small one, may find itself in a state of conflict on a national level from external forces that are not necessarily endorsed by another nation, I suggest that the clause defining conflict in point 2 be amended to read: 'Conflict is defined as war or non-military (including economic) conflict that exists on a national level for one or all involved parties'."

Hey...get you're anachronisms out of here. :wink:

Mercy Maude.

:oops: Sorry! Posted under the wrong account. Pleasee take that as having come from me.

In an effort not to create a false image of being adversarial, the Knootian writes a note for Chancellor Mirbach, and then carefully has a servant slip it to him along with a cup of coffee/whatever Mirbach drinks.

Kham means corporations! Including this clause would again make it possible for them to include anything done by the private sector as economic warfare. Strongly reccomend against.

De Vries nods to Mirbach.
"I can agree to these points as they are now.. My congratulations to Tanah Burung and to the chair for this balanced proposal. I'd like it not to be changed. Its perfect as it is, as a core, and we shouldn't make things needlessly complicated."

Sir Ilem listens intently and states "Sir Alec agreed with these points in his notes, they are sufficently clear to bring before the Republican Council. I would ask to clarify one thing, as members of the council we would agree to arbitation instead of conflict, what about in cases of civil war or insurgency? Will mediiations cover forces that technically belong to no nation or have no government?"

"That's precisely the sort of thing I had in mind, Sir Ilem." Councillor Kham says. "That, or, say, a militant splinter group unrecognised by the nation or nations from which they're based attacking a third nation, or their own."

Sir Ilem nodded "Yes, it would seem that this does need to be clarified, I would suggest that non-national or non-sovereign entities NOT be covered by this council. If we did recognize such entities and allow them into talks it could give rogue nations even greater interest in fostering rebellion and terrorism. We could find ourselves being forced to mediate with a splinter faction whose support comes from an outside nation whose only intent is to harm us and has no real political aspirations. I am certain that Lavenrunz would not want to be forced to mediate with the terrorists responsible for the recent deplorable attacks and I would not want to give any non-national terrorist organizations such undue power."

"That is a very good point, Sir Ilem." Kham says pensively. "Certainly it is not in the council's or anybody's interests to serve as a vehicle to legitimise terrorists. Yet cases there surely may be where a non-national group might be caught up in conflict, either as aggressors, as in the case of terrorists, or as the victims of aggression. I would agree that clear instances of terrorism are not matters for an international mediation council, but rather national security, but I should like it to be open for the council to be approachable in such instances of conflict as are legitimately within its provenance."

Sir Ilem looks rather stern "I would disagree. Non-sovereign forces that are active and causing conflict within a sovereign nation are a purely internal matter and are the responsibilty and the business of that nation. The only case I would support any intervention in such a matter is if the government of said sovereign nation requested mediation or the prescence of mediators."

Kham nods. "That is fair. Internal matters are internal matters, but yes, I would agree that it is for established governments to have it to call for mediation in the event of internal or external conflict."

Count Mirbach wrote a note back to Ambassador de Vries.

Mynheer:
Let the debate take its course and do not become agitated. As you can see by the remarks from the Iled-Vlad delegation and the responses from Kham, it is in fact not in the interests of anyone to allow such wording.
Meanwhile, Karl von Effner said, "I agree, we should take it as read but also add that any internal conflicts must require an approach for mediation by a sovereign nation. Otherwise, any group wanting insurgency--say an oil corporation wanting to explore in a developing nation that is trying to avoid an upset to its economy--might try to exploit the mediation for its own simple gain." he lifted an eyebrow blandly.

Mollari just nodded, noting his agreement with the points raised.

"I submit that the current wording suffices to protect states from frivolous complaints," Bi Bere says. "If a frivolous complaint is made, the current wording allows the council to reject it by a simple majority vote."

(edit to add: of course, she agrees with the proposal too)

"If we can take it as read that non-nationals can be recognised as parties in situations meriting mediation, then with that clarification, I can be content with the current wording.

"The point made by Mr. von Effner regarding the example of the oil corporation is well made. The council should certainly not be used in this manner, and I should think that no responsible corporation would seek to use it as such. Conversely, however, were a nation to be destabilised to intolerable degree by the activities of an irresponsible corporation seeking to undermine a less economically powerful nation to its own advantage, and to that nation's detriment, I would think that this would constitute conflict on a national level, and that the council could legitimately be petitioned by the government of the affected nation.

"Please note that I know there may be some here who will misunderstand me, so may I meet that objection before it arises. I speak in terms of intolerable levels of detriment suffered on a national level, not of the price of cheese being forced down or some such. Corporations must of course act to their own advantage, and I do not believe that normal market forces constitute attack. However, all present must equally acknowledge that there are some cases that are quite beyond the pale in terms of normal corporate activity, and that this level of irresponsible corporate aggression is of particular threat to developing nations, which will be more easily destabilised both economically and politically. In such cases, should those nations be able to appeal to this council for mediation, a great deal of ugliness and a great potential for the eruption of military violence can be avoided in favour of mutually acceptable terms."

Achefield nodded, his face still tensed up. "I agree with the ammended points. However, on the matter of a corporation effecting the stability of a nation to such a degree... Are you talking about the backing or employment of armed irregular forces acting for the corporation?

"Though this is indeed a grave issue, I don't believe the council should mediating between a corporate entity and a nation--the reason being that the nation the corporation is based on usually regulates trade practices of its corporations. So... if such a case rises, surely the 'victim nation' would request mediation with the nation in which the corporation is based? Perhaps for the corporation to be dealt with under the laws governing the host nation?"

Khitai shrugs. "Corporations can be multinational, as can military forces, and the methodology for aggression is diverse. I would say that it is to be left up to the nation or nations involved to evaluate for themselves whether they were or were not involved in a conflict, and in unclear cases, for the council to vote on whether or not its participation would be approprtate."

The Knootian ambassador nods as the Chimean speaks, as he did when Ilek-Vaad and the others did.

He now spoke with a warm, friendly, "eagle scout" helpful non-agitated kind of voice:
"I would also like to remind the council that every nation always has sovereignty within its own borders, also when it concerns economic affairs. Including a mediation clause would actually weaken the position of governments vs. corporations.

I don't really see why any internal economic problem would warrant a situation international mediation in what matter. If the corporation is doing things that a government really doesn't want it to do the government is sovereign, and has the right to ultimately ban it from its borders in an extreme situation.

It is an entirely different matter when home governments and national economic objectives get involved, but that is already covered under the current wording.

He smiled, displaying his teeth.

Sir Ilem looks rather put-off " I will agree to the wording as is but I can almost certainly say the the Republican Council would not ratify this document without specific assurances that non-sovereign entities were to be specifically barred from making use of the mediation council unless approved by the sovereign nation they are in conflict with. I can assure everyone present that the Republican Council does not deal in vagueries , intent and purpose must be defined, not guessed at or debated after the fact." Sir Ilem carefully takes notes as he speaks, not looking up or addressing anyone in particular.



OOC: this may be of importance, or not ;)

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2737716#2737716

"The same would probably apply to our parliament. I cannot see the SLP or the RCPK voting for such a clause", adds de Vries.

The SeOCC delegation, which arrived at the hotel some time around two in the morning, is notably lacking SO Khalid, but is otherwise made of UM Mittelner, a lean tow headed man with a short conservative haircut, SO Brenna, a very tall black woman with long braided dreadlocks pulled into dense pony tail, and SO Leah, a diminuative woman with reddish brown hair.

'If I may speak, Chair, I apologize for our late arrival, traffic was terrible. It took us two days to get a taxi from the airport.

‘I am Tomasz Mittelner, Under Minister of Politics, speaking for SeOCC.’ Mittelner turns to the Knootian delegation and stabs a finger at them. ‘And sirs, if you ever libel my nation again I will make it my personal mission to hunt you down in the quiet of the night and break your knees with a sledgehammer.

‘Chairman, with permission I would like to raise a point that I do not believe has been satisfactorily addressed, that of “economic warfare.” I feel the idea may have been accepted, but that it has not be defined or articulated in a manner that will allow people to use it effectively. There has been much ruckus about how effective this council can be, but first and foremost people must believe that this council can offer them relief from the conflict which threatens to or already has befallen them. If the people of the world do not believe we can help them then this conference is a wasteful tax of the resources of our governments. We must give victims recourse against those who have harmed them.

‘This conference is to discuss a body to mediate war, why? What is so bad about war? It kills, it maims, it murders and steals life from the survivors. It wipes the earth clean of the greatest works of man, before its might compassion and humanity dissipate, leaving only the ugly animal fact of kill or be killed. War is terrible, not because of an a priori fact, but because of what it does to those caught within it. Let us concentrate not on the exchange of fire but the cost we all bear.

‘During war, people are thrust from their homes, forced to live in refugee camps, under corrugated tin roofs, drinking what water can be purified and eating the meager rations that can be spared. In most of the world, though, people live in far worse conditions because the few jobs that exist do not pay enough to provide for them and their families. People live day to day, not paycheck to paycheck but day to day, and go hungry half the week. Is their suffering not worth our time? Is the tragedy of an infant screaming for food to be overlooked because it is not recognized as military conflict? Do we ignore the reality that over half the world endures because our worldviews have not yet adjusted to include their misery?

‘Some here will speak of terrorism or terrorists, but what do we know of terror? The real terror is hunger, is watching your child die of dysentery, or watching your daughter turn tricks to pay for food. Thousands die each day because it is not profitable to give food and medicine away. Who is the terrorist, when companies within nations operate with impunity, throw away food because it’s cheaper than using it. This is not about ideology, this is about people, and people suffered in Russia and Jigoku as much as they suffered in any third world nation.

‘Capitalist nations do not have a monopoly on economic violence, but the USSJ did not export its scarcity, did not starve other nations in order to feed their own. When famine or economic upheaval befalls a nation they go to their friends and allies for assistance. Who do they go to for succor when their people are starving because of the actions of a foreign power? No one sets out to starve and kill, but there are those who value their own fortunes more than the lives of human beings. There is no difference between someone who achieves that end, at great human cost, through military, political or economic means. In the end, people die and people suffer, and it is wrong to ignore suffering because it does not come out of the barrel of a gun.

‘This council is here to stop war, that great cold terror, from escaping the hands of those who control it. Not because war is bad, but because of what it does. If we do not hear the pleas of those who are put through that hell merely because we do not recognize their plight as ‘war’ then the council is a lie, made only the preserve the power of those who construct it. I am not here to codify the power of my government, but because this is an opportunity to give hope to those whose lives are being ruined by a foreign power.

‘In SeOCC our firms are incorporated, as they are in most nations in the world; these firms exchange legal recognition by the government for accepting certain regulations. If this council is to mean anything it must hold governments accountable for the actions of those agencies that are incorporated within them. Governments are not the only ones who can wage war, they are not the only ones who can ruin lives and steal humanity from us. Individual people can crash markets, companies can gut economies, lives can be ruined by people who do not care about the damage they cause in pursuit of power and fortune. Are these offenses unworthy of our attention? Are the lives lost as a direct result of these acts less damaging than those lost by gun shot or mortar?

‘Market forces. Market forces are when the inferior products are replaced by the superior products, they are the check against inefficiency, they are competition to keep prices and costs down. They are not about turning human beings into capital, they are not about letting people die because it’s cheaper than saving them.

‘I am not here to collapse the capitalist economies of the world, I came here in the company of the esteemed SO Khalid, who authored the treaty through which SeOCC trades with capitalist nations. I am here to give the people who suffer under foreign powers a voice, to stop war in all its forms and all its ugliness. If we cannot recognize the cost of our actions and act to stop innocents from bearing that cost then why have we come here at all?

‘Did we come for power and glory, or did we come to help victims? Did we come to save only our own skins, or to do something greater, to end unnecessary death and suffering? Recognize the human cost of our actions, all our actions, and give people a body to petition for redress. Anything less is a betrayal of the spirit of peace.’

Sir Ilem looks absolutely indignant as the representatives from the SeOCC speaks, when they are finished he stands "Pardon me sir, but I take great offence at you personally threatening any of the persons gathered here. If you are a diplomat ,which I seriously doubt, you would act as one. I must say that since your ignorant tirade began with a threat that I reject every point you made outright and I will listen to none of your posturing or any salient point you may utter until you have revoked your threat of personal injury and agreed to act in a civilised manner."

Sir Ilem plays with the silver ring with black maltese cross on it as he speaks, he pauses and then continues

"To barge into a conference where good and intelligent ladies and gentlemen have come to discuss peace and mediation with threats is pointedly IN BAD TASTE. "

Special Ambassador De Vries

'If I may speak, Chair, I apologize for our late arrival, traffic was terrible. It took us two days to get a taxi from the airport.

It took them that long to figure out that taxi's here cost money?", thought de Vries, "Or maybe he tried to get one using world dollars. He didn't say anything though and listened to the rant with no apparent emotion.

When the man finished the Knootians said nothing, but waited for the chair to take the initiative.

Palee Blackotter had been looking quite bemused at the apparent swiftness and near-unanimity of the concord between the assembled representatives... although he hadn't quite followed the gentleman from Xihuang's concern about "non-national entities," it seemed the others did and were dealing with it effectively.

When the group from SeOCC walked in, however, his expression, which had been interested and ingenuous, suddenly shifted to a poker face. The observation of CACE and its merry antics were his specialty. He could practically mouth along with the first words out of the Under Minister's mouth (they were always threatening to break someone's kneecaps, one would think they learned everything they knew from Jimmy Cagney movies....,) although he didn't pinpoint the target. The Knootian was a logical choice, though.

He murmured gently into Dorin narGellis' ear: "So where are we all going now, and why are we in this handbasket?"

Experienced diplomat that she was, not a muscle on her face, which was set in a carefully polite, pleasant mask, moved.

OOC: Hello there! I'm back from some holydays I took and Biotopia gladly RP-ed with hell bovinian characters to represent my nation and not leaving it out of the diplomatic party.
I'm grateful for this but, from now on I take control of the hell bovine characters. Yes, my characters are travelling with the NHU delegation (Biotopians, Bears, etc.), but I will control them from now on.
By the way, I wish to correct a small mistake: Hell Bovines is not a CACE member! We are on very friendly terms with the CACE and we do are a socialist nation. But we are not members. You can consider us an 'asociated state'.

IC:

Frieda stood up, her green robe contrasting with most of the black suits other delegates were wearing:
"While hell bovines agrees with the sensible Tanah Burung proposal we think that, in the definition of the word 'conflict' something should be added: Not only states can intervene in conflicts but also corporations, national or multinational ones.
Like our boicotting friends from SeOCC and our xikuanguese friends said, corporations can also be harmful. Neo-Colonialism, in the shape of oil contracts, privatisation of resources and other evils still lurk in the dark parts of our world, creating poverty and hunger. Are these not conflicts?
When a foreign corporation privataises water, the most basic of resources, is that not a conflict?
When a corporation hires sweatshops to create its product, is this not a conflict too? A violation to basic human (and non-human) rights?
Are ilegal logging corporations not a problem?
History and reality prove, sadly, that in some cases multinational corporations have even more power that the nations themselves.
Ignoring their capabilities would be a terrible mistake.
Therefore, we propose that, when refering to conflict and mediation we also include corporations, as their role in conflicts, violations of humrights and other catastrophes, sadly, has proved to be big thoughout history and still is.
Let us create a treaty that benefits us all, regardless of our ideology."
She smiles, and sits, hoping her point has been understood.

"Didn't we already cover this..."

De Vries rubbed his temples.

"Just ... be ... calm ... wait untill order is restored."

((OOC: actually, we already agreed on a definition of conflict, and economic conflict a few pages ago. Please read back, and you'll see. This is... repeating.

EDIT: for reference, see this post by me, and the discussion below.
Click here for enlightenment (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=117685&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=273)))

"Didn't we already cover this..."

De Vries rubbed his temples.

"Just ... be ... calm ... wait untill order is restored."

((OOC: actually, we already agreed on a definition of conflict, and economic conflict a few pages ago. Please read back, and you'll see. This is... repeating.

EDIT: for reference, see this post by me, and the discussion below.
Click here for enlightenment (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=117685&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=273)))

Oooops! :oops:
Thanks for pointing that out.
The thread is 19 pages long, you know? Its too much for a lazy bum like me to read carefully. :wink:

I will edit my previous post to match the current discussion.

Count Mirbach said rather sharply, "Let everyone here be clear. I am Chairing this meeting. Anyone uttering threats to other delegations will be either required to apologize or depart. And Sir Ilem is correct: it is entirely inappropriate.
Now: the fact is that we are not here to discuss ideology, tempting though it may appear. It does not really matter what we define conflict as. Ultimately, all that matters is this: that we exist to mediate between conflicting groups. Those groups must agree to mediation or there is no point in it. Beyond that," he smiled, "All the rest is just academic. Now, Herr Mittelner, Madame Frieda--I hope you understand that this underlying point is the crux of the mediation council itself: that we will not force ourselves on anyone seeking our help. So, I must ask those who have not yet endorsed it: are the points as laid out by Madame Bi Bere and formed by consensus so far agreeable?"

'I will apologize when the Knootians withdraw their libelous accusations against my country. Until then I have nothing more to say to them.

'And these points are not yet agreeable because they leave billions of people with no redress. If I was not clear enough, I am not here to discuss ideology either, I am here to guarantee that those who are victims of economic violence are not forgotten. I would not force this proposed council on anyone, but the opposite, to create as a recourse for those who need aid. As I just said, if this council will not recognize economic violence as a form of warfare where mediation is necessary it betrays its own principles.'

Count Mirbach looked coldy and quietly at the delegate from SeOCC.
"If you do not apologize, it is you who invalidate these proceedings. The delegation from Knootoss has been advised that their earlier remarks were inappropriate. Now, will you withdraw those violent remarks?"

Elisa sighs, again. Why do the peace protestors always start riots? Who says irony is dead.

She turns to Count Mirbach, largely ignoring the outburst from the SeOCC delegate, "At this time, I have no extreme objections to the points we've established."

She turns to Mittelner and hands him a copy of the primer on diplomacy (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=117685&start=119) that deVries had handed out a couple days ago, and smiles sweetly, "Here you are. Perhaps you should read this."

June shakes her head, Just walk in and try to make the conference accept your agenda without a pause...I see the news doesn't exaggerate about SeOCC diplomacy...

She stands, 'We feel that all matters regarding economic warfare have been adequately addressed at this time, and the matter has been tabled. How a country treats the bodies incorporated within it is a matter of national sovereignty and is therefore outside the scope of this treaty. At present, the Federation finds the existing terms proposed to be satisfactory with no further alteration.'

Mollari was actually amazed. I would have thrown them out immediately... One doesn´t enter a diplomatic conference and spreads threats. Well... Whatever.

He sits there, silent, just observing...

Now, it can only end in tears...

Mittelner slaps the booklet way from him as the Hack delegate tries to hand it to him.

'Inappropriate is not adequete; the Chair tacitly condones these calculated insults by favoring them with tolerance. I reiterate my previous statement and if you choose to deport us for demanding our nation not be insulted you have that power.'

Elisa tosses it to the table in front of him. "I'm sorry, this is a conference for diplomats. Perhaps you should learn the proper way to act before your lower our opinion of you even further. There are things in this world known as 'tact' and 'self-restraint'. His Excellency has demonstrated them admirably, you, on the other hand, are acting like a petulant child. Threatening a delegate of a foreign nation with gross bodily harm is far beyond the pale.

"This is to be a negotiating body. Your actions show that you are completely incapable of such actions, and furthermore, it shows that your behavior is likely to escalate tensions, and possible cause a war where none was likely before."

She turns to Count Mirbach, "You Excellency, I feel it would be wise to remove this common thug from this room. I do not feel safe with him here, as I fear he may decide to physically assault me. The rest of the SeOCC delegation seem... sane enough, but I must insist that 'minister' Mittelner be removed from this chamber."

Achefield rolled his eyes in annoyance and shot Count Mirbach a sympathetic look. The man had to deal with almost every delegate in the hall, including himself, and now the delegate from Seocc was just being rude.

Why on Earth had Seocc been invited after their condemnation of the mediation body? he wondered. Probably a real attempt at getting everyone at the table... It was interesting that Seocc had sent someone so jingoistic about their national pride. What was that saying to the world?

He looked between the Seocc delegate and Count Mirbach. If the Count's eyes became any colder they'd have frosted over. Achefield restrained a smile--the Lavenrunz nobility were a breed apart. You could have bent horseshoes around the Count's indignant posture. They never shout much, he mused, but their silence is louder than a million roars.

It reminded him of Lord Bryce, back in the day when Achefield was Defence Minister. Same set of the jaw, same intense glare. Products of the same world, when Counts and Lords and Emperors were warriors with bloodied swords as well as leaders of peace. He'd seen Bryce's military records... Sir Reginald's too. He winced on the inside and tried not to think about the Governor.

Suddenly he felt very glad he only had a 'Mr.' in front of his name.

June shakes her head again, Dear God...

'This conference is about peace and reconciliation, Mr. Mittelner, not macho chest-beating and pointless nationalism. If all you came here to do is growl at the Knootian deligation, your presence here is somewhat unnecessary.'

'Can we possibly cut the bullshit and stop pretending we like each other? Nobody is fooled by the disingenous, double dealing and insincere politenes that masks the pure intent to stab everyone else in the back. I know that if I came in here throwing rose petals I would have got the same reception so at least I have the courage to speak my mind as a free moral agent. And don't lie and say you'd let me get away with smear the Knootians use against my nation. Should I bring up an attempted invasion or are you willing to drop it?

'And if you think this is about peace go to the ghetto and tell me what peace is found there. You're leaving those people out in the cold in the name of god knows what because I don't. You take offense at my forthrightness but find no crime to be had when people are put into sweatshops to work for slave wages. Bravo.'

Bruce tried valiently to keep his eyes awake during the SeOCC speaker's rant, and nearly cheered as a number of people told him off.

But Bruce was here to observe, and keep his mouth shut. Unless he had something he really had to say.

And so, he stayed quiet, but figured out the quickest way to the SeOCC delagation, and the doors, should both pieces of information become needed.

June smiles, 'The conviction to speak one's mind and the conviction to talk rubbish are hardly the same thing. If you came here to add to the treaty and suggest useful changes then do so by stating the exact changes you would have us make rather than simply spouting tiresome emotive arguements that have no relevence to what's being discussed and apply to a matter that's already been tabled.'

Achefield sighed audibly. Why can't he just shut up?

"Mr. Mittelner, we're not here to like each other. Yes there are old enemies here. But have you once considered that maybe even enemies might be interested in peace? Is it so impossible to cast aside your cynicism for the greater good?

"What is meant is that to discuss a subject, any subject, a certain amount of give and take must be involved. Yes, perhaps the Knootian delegation insulted you. But I'd bet that there are a lot of other people who have done so too, and who will do so in future... We're asking you to be a bigger man and not make silly threats. If someone were to call me names, I certainly hope that I'd just shrug it off, knowing that I'm not as childish as the other person... This is diplomacy, not a barroom brawl."

Count Mirbach looked at Mittelner with the interest a scientist might looked a frog pinned to a dissection table. "I see. Then my ruling as Chair means nothing whatsoever to you? The delegate from Xikuang for instance was perfectly satisfied with my handling of the situation--and it was they who were insulted, not you. The Knootian delegation has agreed to cease their accusations. Herr Mittelner, your rhetoric does not impress me. This is a council on mediation. It is not an audition. Either you will apologize for your remarks about personally injuring the Knootian delegation and cease derailing this discussion, or you will be asked to leave. Do you understand?"

Frieda sighed.
"Can we all please stay calm? The pourpose of this conference is to unite our peoples and solve conflicts, not to start new ones.
I, personally, consider that corporations ought to be included in the definition of conflict, but let us discuss this calmly and in a relaxed way. There's no need to resort to insults, personal atacks, threats or expulsions of delegates.
Therefore, to avoid a catastrophe, I propose, if my noble lavenrulzian host agrees, a break, so that we can all rethink our goals here and cool down a bit."

Ambassador de Vries eyes the SeOCC delegation, waiting for an apology.

Watching the proceedings, Miles shook his head sadly. The irony of attending a peace summit where the delegates could not remain on friendly terms was not lost on him, though he suspected that a few around the table would hardly notice, even if it was signposted. The suggestion for a break by the Hell Bovine delegate was about the best thing to come out of the meeting in the last few minutes.

Letting his eyes pass between the antagonists before stopping on the chairman, Miles waited to see how Count Mirbach dealt with the rising tension. Although, if handled correctly this very situation could be the example needed to show all those present just how well mediation could work to establish a peaceful conclusion.

Sverj nods at the suggestion of a break, it sounded better then imagining different techniques on how to throttle the SeOCC delegtion. Scribbling a quick note and then passing it onto Margoue and Frieda.

This Mittlener is an ass's behind!

"Should the chair wish to call a break, perhaps he and Mr Mittelner could speak during that break and resolve the issue of protocol then," Be Bere says, shooting a look at Mirbach that tries to say: I'm sorry for what you'll have to endure. "Personally i think the insults that have flown in both directions are a sign of how much we need a mediation council, and i hope that we will get one."

"But as to the substance here: if only Mr Mittelner had been able to be here on the first day of our meeitng, when I and others raised the issue of economic conflict, then he would have been speaking in turn. With respect to his points, many of which i agree with, the time to make these points has passed. The issue of economic conflict is included, under a definition that the representatives of Xikuang and Knootoss have been able to agree on. It is not there in the exact form that SeOCC would wish it to be, but it is there.

"If SeOCC cannot accept the compromise, then perhaps you would like to suggest that the chair hold a vote on some other wording: either the original wording i suggested on economic conflict, or some other wording to your liking. I suspect, however, the votes are not here to pass such a motion." That's an understatement, she thinks. Even some of the countries that supported the original wording when she had suggested it to them privately would likely vote against it now, given how the discussion had gone.

"The issue of non-state actors is, i think, a valid and interesting one. I do feel that the representatives of both SeOCC and Knootoss are correct in the one thing they agree on: a corporation causing conflict may be brought to mediation via the national government where it makes its home base. Although i have no reason to think that Pink Bunny Cola would start a war, let us take them as a hypothetical case. In this case, the aggrieved country could take PBC to mediation through the government of Knootoss. But i would not wish PBC to be able to make a complaint against my government because we do not allow it to operate in Tanah Burung."

Sitting, she adds: "Please forgive me for speaking so long; i thought it best to be clear."

De Vries coughs.

"Actually, I think that the apology should be made first. It is hard to discuss under the threat of violence", says the Knootian to Bi Bere. “And also, the point has already been established.”

De Clerq, meanwhile, wrote a small note that was passed on to the Lavenrunzian commander in charge of conference security.


Could a Lavenrunzian military guard be arranged for our delegation? I don't feel safe with SeOCC representatives threatening personal violence. My colleagues came here with little or no security, trusting the empress’ promise of safety.
~de Clerq


((OOC: And actually I mean that if Tanah Burung has a problem with PBC it should be handled in Tanah Burung, without a mediation council. PBC would have to go through a Tanah Burung court because it is something that falls under your local law. The example is pretty outlandish, at any rate. But I'm not discussing it further, because a compromise has already been reached so please don't start about it again. If you do want to discuss it TG me.))

Mittelner puts his wrists together and presents them to the Count. 'I apologize when they retract their accusation.'

"How... childish", thinks de Vries.

He eyes Mirbach for a moment, solemnly shaking his head. It is not too obvious, but hopefully he’ll notice it.

So now they think they can threaten us for… what, really? They didn’t even attend.

((OOC: And actually I mean that if Tanah Burung has a problem with PBC it should be handled in Tanah Burung, without a mediation council. PBC would have to go through a Tanah Burung court because it is something that falls under your local law. The example is pretty outlandish, at any rate. But I'm not discussing it further, because a compromise has already been reached so please don't start about it again. If you do want to discuss it TG me.))

ooc: I certainly don't want to discuss it. It's a deliberately outlandish example that will never happen, and the gist of what she says agrees with you. Guess it wasn't as clear as i thought!

Count Mirbach said coldly, "That's now how it works. I gave you a chance to apologize. Now you can leave. If you want to come back, you can consider the apology. But for now--I think the rest of us have work to do. I believe that we have achieved some consensus on Madame Bi Bere's proposed general structure." he looked around intently. "All of you are aware, I'm sure, of conflicts going on in the world that need what this council could provide. They need a place to present it. I would like to know where it should be set. Ideally, I am hoping for a place that is not immediately a watchword for a significant alliance, but a place that is also secure."


Note to de Vries:
If that is your wish, I will provide it. I am sorry you have been subjected to these ridiculous threats.
Count Mirbach

Honestly, the Count thought, it was like dealing with Matthew Iesus. The idiotic dogmatism, the foolish insistence on personal concepts of rectitude over necessity. He himself disliked unecessary compromise and the usual cowardice of regular politicians, but what kind of fool expected to deal threats and not receive consequences? However, he also suspected the SeOCC delegation of playing a nasty game, which is why he also sent a message to Baroness Toll, who was the Empress' Media Secretary.

"Please, if I may." Kham interjects as soon as there's a space for him to do so. "It is true that I have been insulted. I have yet to receive an apology, but that is neither here nor there. Perhaps the assembled have forgotten the statement made by the Knootian delegation that SeOCC is a terrorist nation, a statement that has been made by other representatives of their government in other public fora, and which is without base. Mr. Mittelner has stated that he will apologise when that libellous accusation is retracted. I suggest that, if it is the issue of an apology that is blocking proceedings now, his request is altogether appropriate."

Baroness von Hentzau snapped, "No, it is not appropriate. It is a libellous statement and should be retracted, but Herr Kham, you have presented it as a reasonable request. Count Mirbach felt that a number of persons had generally gotten out of order and if you recall warned the Knootian delegation against making similar remarks. But Mittelner has threatened them with violence. It is not appropriate for us to respond to threats."
Count Mirbach added, "And we will not. Now: I insist upon an apology for the threat or out he goes. I do not care to discuss the matter any further."

"All of you are aware, I'm sure, of conflicts going on in the world that need what this council could provide. They need a place to present it. I would like to know where it should be set. Ideally, I am hoping for a place that is not immediately a watchword for a significant alliance, but a place that is also secure."

"Effrenata has offered to hsot the council. This certainly meets the criterion of a neutral location, and strikes me as a fine place to base this new body."

And to brand an entire nation as terrorist in an international climate of opinion where a person vaguely the same colour as some terrorist or other is liable to be targeted is an act, not just a threat, of violence, Khitai mentally rejoins, but he does not speak. It would be useless at this point. Instead, he just raises an eyebrow and sits back. The message is clear: the matter has not been forgotten.

Mollari chuckles at Khams statement. "May i note that this is supposed to be a mediation council, as in, we mediate between others, not between ourselves? This isn´t supposed to be a solution for the problems between it`s potential members. IF there are significant problems between it`s potential members, the mediation council will not be able to function. So..." He hesitates, but continues before anyone can answer. "I suggest that all troublemakers are removed, since they are basically endangering the purpose of this negotiations. If one disagrees, one can basically, well, leave. Nobody is forced to stay here."

tag for later post

"I agree with both our friends in Xikuang and Tanah Burung.", Frieda Tastyhay says, trying to select the words carefully.

"Though I consider the SeOCC 'threats' a bit undiplomatic, Mr.Mittlener's request is fair. Knootian declarations about SeOCC, unfairly labeling it as a 'terrorist nation', are very undiplomatic too.
If Mittlener apologises about his declarations, then the knootian delegation oughts to apologise too.
However, my sincere opinion is that we leave this pointless issue behind. I'm sure SeOCC's threats were made in a figurative way, not to be taken to the letter.
This discussion is difficulting the real argument here, about the UN mediation council.
The only delegate that has made a truly sensible suggestion is noble Bi Bere from Tanah Burung. We completely support her initiative of bringing to mediation corporation-caused conflicts in national territories of their home countries."
"However", she says, drinking a bit of tequila from an small metalic case, "The moods in this room tell me that nobody is willing to continue this discussion calmly at the moment. That's why I strongly suggest again that we go to a break, to rest our minds and relax a bit."

She sits and receives a small note from Sverj:
This Mittlener is an ass's behind!

She writes a quick reply and passes the papaer back to her biotopian comrade
Indeed. He is well intended, but his ways are too rude. Diplomacy universities in SeOCC must be really crappy.

She then drinks from her tequila bottle again, tasting slowly and pleasantly the flavour and scent of the beverage.

Ambassador de Vries sends off a TXT message (AKA telegram) to Frieda Tastyhay from Hell Bovines and awaits a SeOCC apology

Text message received and properly replied :)

Replied to TXT message again, and an e-mail was sent.

Sir Ilem looks probably as irritated as the Count he continues to idly twist the ring on his finger

" Well, Mittelner and his group of " he pauses to laugh "delegates, has come here obviously with two intents, one to hunt down the Knootians and enact scenes from the Godfather with and two, to derail this conference. For labeling SeOCC as a 'terrorist' nation, may or may not be slanderous, depending on the accuser's point of view and intelligence reports on the manner. Either way accusations of 'terrorism' could possibly be dealt with by this council? If the SeOCC wishes to now join this council then that means they are ready to accept the mediation of this body. Perhaps our first task should be to mediate the dispute between Knootoss and the SeOCC? The SeOCC could then prove that they have no ties to terrorism and force a national apology from Knootoss. That is ,of course. IF the SeOCC can prove that they have never supported 'terrorists'. Although from the way their " pauses to chuckle again "Diplomats behave I'm sure things that actual civilised nations consider 'terrorism' are probably quite acceptable for solving disputes in the SeOCC?"

He pauses "Anyhow it's just a thought."

Mittelner puckers his lips at Mirbach and smiles a big, genuine grin. 'I'll see you later cutie.'

SeOCC's delegation sees themselves out of the country.

Palee Blackotter mentally awarded the SeOCC group a 6.5. High points for style, with deductions for substance and impact. Mirbach... a 7.5, definitely. Palee was not awfully fond of the Laverunzian, who seemed to have sat on a metal rod, but his respect for the man's skills was growing with each new challenge surmounted.

He stood, and bowed to Madam Bi Bere. "The offer of my government stands. If the body will incorporate under international law, we will cede a long-term lease to suitable property on the same terms as those we have provided to the International Purple Star, Physicians Without Frontiers, the World Humanitarian Council, and similar organizations. We will also arrange suitable funding for construction of the facilities."

"However, I should say that this remains contingent on no military presence on behalf of the Council, within Effrenata proper. We would be happy to arrage subsidies for the Council to purchase security service for its personnel and property through any one of the internationally-respected private security firms headquartered in Effrenata. While we recognize that from time to time, military personnel may be involved as interested parties in any mediation, we cannot host military personnel qua military personnel at the Council facility. I should mention that this would also include Effrenati military personnel, as our government will participate only in a facilitative capacity."

He smiles. "I do happen to know that there is some excellent property available on Lake Schmink, which was recently vacated by a couple of superannuated Effrenati bureaucracies. I think the situation would provide a setting of great comfort, peace, and natural beauty for the activities of the Council, which could be beneficial to its function."

Sir Ilem smiles and shrugs "I thought for sure they would go for the mediation, they seemed reasonable."

June stands, and bows, 'The Federation would be happy to offer facilities for the proposed council, ' she smiles, 'As the assembled deligates are no doubt aware, we are largely neutral in our affairs and the security we can offer is second to none.'

She grins, 'I just hope you don't mind snow.'

"Well, I'm glad thats over. Maybe we can get down to business now.", thinks de Vries.

"Actually, I'd prefer Effrenata", says the Knootian with a grin. "The weather is much better, or so I've heard. And lets not forget that the Effrenati have a long history of neutrality."

The Prime Minister grinned. "Effrenata is certainly good, I just imagined it'd be held in Lavenrunz... but thinking about it, I guess with the SATO associations and everything this would cause tensions. Yes, I agree with Effrenata, if they're willing to put up with us even more..."

Mollari doesn´t chuckle, no, he laughs. It´s a sarcastic laugh, though.

"Don`t you think Effrenati is a bit young to have any kind of long history? No offense to the Effrenati, but..." He hesitates. "In any case, we would certainly support the mediation council being based in GMC Military Arms. Especially since, despite all commendable effords, the restrictions the Effrenati want are... not exactly favourable."

"In any case..." He continues. "Sir Ilem, as commandable as your effords to find a solution for the Sea Orc/ Knootoss problem are, I think this goes deeper... and that it`s basically a problem that can´t be resolved, since both sides consider each other terrorists... And I`m sure both sides are right, in their definitions of 'terrorism'... So i would suggest moving on, since the troublemakers are gone."

Elisa nods as Mollari speaks, "No offence to the delegates from Effrenata, I must agree with Mr. Mollari. I think GMC would provide better facilities, and far more secure ones at that."

At the Lavenrunzian airport, a small transport came down, unarmed and civilian, the luxurious civilian craft was a far cry from the Thelasi Dropship that was usualy the transport of the Thelasi diplomatic core.

The three diplomats skipped going to the hotel and went directly to the conference. The three elven diplomats quickly reached the conference, finding their seats, "We appologise to the Chair, our dropship suffered some engine failures."

De Vries nods to the Thelasian diplomats, and replies: "Oh, for the record, I think both nations are perfectly capable of hosting the event."

He diplomatically smiles to Elisa.

Count Mirbach looked thoughtful. He had utterly ignored Mittelner's response to being ordered to leave, and had been thinking of the location.
"I think that there is some division of opinion. Why don't we put it to a vote? An open vote. I would like first to see if everyone agrees to that means of making the decision, for a vote by simple majority on the nation which will host the mediation council."

The Thelasi quickly read through the logs of the meeting, one of them (I am assuming these people have name plates infront of their desks), Mr. Idornil, leaned into his microphone, "Security wise I think that GMC would be much better a choise, we do not want some... group to take advantige of a lapse in security. And I doubt many nation will try and attack GMC.

"Sure, a vote is good.", said de Vries.

OOC: Knoot or X if either of you are on, can you contact me on IRC?

"A vote sounds good, and I stand by my earlier statement of prefering GMC."

Two women and a man enter, slipping quietly into the hall, trying not to make a grand entrance. The tallest, a thin, severe-looking woman with black hair tied back into a ponytail, speaks up.

"Mr..." *ahem* "Count Mirbach, apologies for our late arrival... and, it seems, rather undramatic one considering who we have just seen leave. I take it, ah, the SeOCC delegation's speech was not a success?" she says, smiling slightly.

"Again, apologies. We prefer to come indirectly to nations which we have had a... history with, and to get to Lavenrunz, we have had to be more indirect than usual. Four seperate flights, I believe. I am Paula McFadden, and these are my associates Alec Thompson, and Fiona Urquhart, all from The Weegies Diplomatic Service. Christine Janus, Head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Weegies Parliament, would have also be here, but she is unfortunately tied up in an unforseen incident at the current time."

Karl von Effner whispered to Count Mirbach, who nodded pleasantly. At a word from the Lavenrunzian delegations' secretary, another table is moved from the wall--as it is carved oak, several liveried palace servants do this as well as move chairs and set up a translating device, notepaper/stenography equipment, and a crystal jug of water and glasses.
"I had expected you earlier, yes, but I am glad that you are attending at any rate." he said warmly. "And I am sorry for any difficulties you experienced. If you have any questions about minutes and proceedings, please direct them to my secretary Fraulein Elsner. We are just discussing whether or not to take a vote on the location of the council: whether it should be GMC Military Arms or Effrenata."

Councillor Kham greeted the Weegie delegation with a friendly nod. He had observed Mr. Mittelner's departure with highly mixed sentiments; really, it couldn't have gone any other way at that point. Too bad-- he'd been wanting to talk to S.O. Khalid.

"Not to be troublesome, but is there any reason we might not have multiple venues? After all, one venue might be preferred over another by parties seeking mediation. Effrenata's neutrality highly recommends them, as GMC Military Arm's security does them."

Sir Ilem chuckles at Mollari and nods to the new arrivals, not giving another thought to the SeOCC, he then shrugs "I would prefer that the mediation met in Ilek-Vaad, I kow that we do not have embassies in GMC or Effrenata, or Lavenrunz for that matter, but whereever it meets I will ask the Republican Council to either assign an envoy or perhaps open an embassy. As for security, every citizen of Ilek-Vaad is a Velite Guard, but we are " he pauses and smiles "extremely xenophobic, and I doubt any delegates would ever actually feel comfotable there."

"Um, I think I may be a little confused, especially considering Councillor Kham's statement. Is this over where the council is to be based, or where all mediations will take place? Because, of course, we do not need to be so rigid as to hold all mediations at the council's base itself."

The Thelas looked, "We will meet at any location that the vote decides, yet we do strongly voice our opinion that GMC would be the best choise."

"As a clarification to Ms. McFadden: yes, the discussion is as to where the venue shall be for mediations conducted by the council. Shall we add 'multiple venues' to the list of contenders for the vote?"

"Thank you, Councillor Kham. In that case we would certainly agree with the delegation from Xikuang. Flexibility, to an extent, is everything in diplomacy: to be rigid and uncompromising leads to a certain death in mediation. What if one of the sides does not trust the venue for the talks, for whatever reason? Having more than one mediation venue would be a good idea, in my opinion."

Ulrica von Hentzau looked up with a frown. "I think what the Chancellor meant is that we need a place where the council can convene on a regular basis. Multiple venues will be too difficult for security and infrastructure reasons. Where we actually meet with those requiring mediation is another matter altogether."

"Yes, multiple permanent venues would make operations and coordination irregular. Shall we get on with the vote?”

Mollari, being slightly... well, annoyed at the endless talking, just votes. For GMC. For a moment, he pondered DA as possible place, but then, DA is still considered an outcast, not to mention that it isn´t as secure as GMC... it wasn`t like it would have had a chance.

The Thelasi cast their vote for GMC.

(Edited in response to L's clarification)

Xikuang favours Effrenata as host to Council HQ.

The Tartarian delegate puts his vote towards GMC.

OOC: people, "multiple venues" is not an option. Lavenrunz made that clear. This is about the HQ, not about where the actual negotiating takes place. Well, I think Jo will want you to edit your posts.

Do we really want to have some insane thing like the EU with two headquarters? I think not. Of course negotiation can take place somewhere else.

IC:
The Knootian smiled: "Though I probably represent a minority view I vote for Effrenata."

"As a permanent home base for a mediation council, i can think of no better base than Effrenata," Bi Bere says.

"As our chair has reminded us, this is the site for a permanent headquarters. Individual mediations will be carried out by a committee of three countries, and may wish to meet anywhere it wishes, on a case by case basis, or at the headquarters. It is the individual mediation committees that will require security. For normal operations, Effrenata is more than safe enough. And any country attacking the headquarters of the mediation council would be foolish to risk the reprisals of the military powers gathered here."

Palee Blackotter was confused by the Der Angstian delegate's remarks about the "age" of Effrenata (he thought 1426 was pretty old, even though his own tribe hadn't joined the Alliance, as it was known then, until 1631,) but perhaps that was merely a reflection on Effrenata's rather low profile in international matters.

He knew that experienced corporations like Tranest, and the Kyth Agency, and even the Rienne Companies, would appreciate a chance to bid competitively to provide the very highest level of security, but of course there were many nations present with very advanced technology.

Dorin had warned him that the issue of where to site the council's staff and permanent operations might become a matter for contention, but it had appeared simple to him. Again, her experience told. Still, Count Mirbach seemed to be dealing with the matter effectively. He maintained his pleasant expression and relaxed demeanor, and waited for the vote. Either way, it had been a most valuable experience.

Frieda was sorry for SeOCC leaving the conference. *They are good people, but they know nothing about diplomacy*, she thought.
She, too, wasn't completely satisfied with the results of the conference by now, but she knew that, if she wanted this conference to succeed, she would need to be a bit flexible.
Suddenly waking up from her thoughs, she speaks.
"Hell Bovines also votes for Effrenata to be the host of the HQ.
We consider that Effrenata would be perfect for the position because it will provide a more-or-less neutral territory."

Nodding with the vote of his fellow delegate Margoue III voices-

"The Non-Human Union also votes for Effrenata."

"The clarification is welcome, Mirbach. On a vote concerning the Mediation Council's Headquarters, we would have to vote for Effrenata."

"Chimaea votes for the mediation body headquarters being in Effrenata."

June stands, 'To the Effrenati delegation, we must admit to some curiosity about your assertation that military personnel have no place in negotiations,' she smiles, 'I myself am a Navy Captain and my companion, Miles O'Grady, is a General in the Federal Army. Under your stipulation, neither of us would even be allowed into the headquarters of the organisation.'

'In response to several representatives here commenting on the neutrality Effrenata offers, may we remind you that at present the Federation has no attachment to external military or political organisations whatsoever and is bound only by bilateral mutual defence pacts?'

Sir Ilem sighs heavily "I vote for Effrenata. " he pauses "I do not think that Effrenata meant or implied that you or your colleagues be barred from attending any meetings. I see from Sir Alec's notes that Effrenata will not lend troops in any military situation and opposes mediation enforced by milittary means, and I also see from Sir Alec's notes that this matter had been discussed and resolved previously."

Count Mirbach tallied the votes and said, "We have more than a 2/3 majority in favour of Effrenata. Very well. I recommend a recess, and reconvening after supper, unless anyone objects. We have accomplished a great deal!"

The Thelasi stand, bow, and leave for the hotel. Ariving there they pick up their baggage and check in at the front desk, "Thelasi deligation, I beleive we reserved a room."

Elisa turns to Count Mirbach, "Perhaps, your Excellency, we should wait until the observer from Effrenata, clairfies what was ment by 'no military presence on behalf of the Council, within Effrenata proper,' before we finalize this vote."

Karl von Effner nods. "I agree. I would like those remarks qualified please. For instance, my colleague Baroness von Hentzau," he glances at the War Minister, "Still holds a commission in the Imperial Army. And what if we need staff in a military advisory capacity? I would suggest it be clarified to 'no armed units from anyone's military services apart from a generally agreed on private security firm.'"

Lenore looked around, she had abstained her vote, she wasn't too sure about this council. What had seemed to be a nice coucil has been invaded by maniacs and voted by cows. This was most... interesting... She send a note to Mirbach to make sure it was noted in the protcols that she had abstained.

(apologies--duplicate... frickin'frackin' forum...)

Palee Blackotter stood and bowed to Count Mirbach. "With respect to clarification as to military personnel, I apologize for not making it clearer previously. We are unwilling to host military personnel who are acting in a military capacity-- that is, recruiting or deploying troops, performing logistical or intelligence analysis, command coordination of military operations, etc.

"Individuals acting in a non-military capacity on behalf of the mediation council, who happen to have military associations incidental to their role in the mediation process, are very welcome. We do understand that a certain amount of information gathering, discussion of military matters, etc., may be part of the council's activities, and to that we have no objection. We merely wish to be certain that no actual military operations are associated with the facility.

"With regards to specific language to clarify this, we would have no objection to:

'...no armed units from anyone's military services. Security will be provided by a generally agreed on Effrenati private security firm.'"

He smiled. "I hope this suffices to clarify."

(OOC: If anyone's interested, once the conference is over I'm willing to do a thread on the construction of the HQ and installation of council personnel, etc. Let me know.)

OOC: I apologize for my absence this weekend, this is just a jump back to when SeOOC was talking.

IC:
Minister Peters, obviously very...very bored with the dickwad's speech jotted something down with his blue pen on his legal pad, tore it off, and passed it around the table. He tried to conceal his amusement by making it look like he is noting his entire speech, but it was obvious that he didn't quite care what he had to say.

The note first reaching the Knootian ambassador read:

His fly is down. --- Mark

Elisa shakes her head, "Then we have a problem. If this council is forced to use the military, we would need, at the very least, military logistical and intelligence analysis. His Excellency has made clear that this body will have a military arm, and the Effrenatian requirements make that impossible.

"Unless this council's intention is going to shift to handing out daisies and being pacifists, I don't see how our goals will be able to be met in Effrenata. I think the headquarters should be in GMC, which is known around the world as being both one of the most secure nations in the world, and being one of the most neutral.

"Also, I have made my objections to hosting the council in Effrenata known, but I am curious as to the other members' objections to hosting in GMC."

Sverj stands and gives a polite nod of his head to Elisa.

“To be honest the Non-Human Union knows little about either nations, but what we have heard repeated about Efferenata is that it is well known for hosting other similar organizations dedicated to international peace and prosperity and is well respected from neutrality. All we have heard about GMC is from the pro-militarisation faction emphasising its ‘security’.”

“It would seem that members of this faction are behaving as if the mediation council will need to defend itself from invading armies. Rather then the personal protection of those who are sent abroad and the security of the compound, a domestic police force and hired security agency are both able to do this effectively.”

He hovers above his seat awaiting a reply.

June bows, 'With respect, my collegue from the Non-Human Union appears to have missed where I emphasised the Federation's history of political neutrality, as well as it's ability to provide security to the diplomats using the facility. Sir, we will accept this council's wishes if it decides the addition of a military force to this body is unacceptable, but Effrenata would wish to have this decision forced simply by accepting them as a place to have the headquarters, essentially bypassing any negotiations on the subject, and this we find utterly unacceptable.'

She frowns, 'Unless they expect to have a seperate military headquarters somewhere else if that is this council's decision, we would recommend against the Effrenati stipulation of no military presence being seen as acceptable in any way at this time.'

Elisa nods as June speaks and adds, "Faction? Excuse me? This council has barely managed to give tacit approval to its founding pillars, and already we're a faction?" She shakes her head, "Your demonization of the Federation aside, do remember that his Excellency has explicitly said that this council will have a military arm. How is such a council supposed to have a military arm if the planers, soldiers, vehicles, and cetera are not even allowed in the nation that hosts the council?"

Achefield glanced up from his notes. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but the military stretegists and commanders will probably be part of the headquarters. It's just that the major forces that respond to, say, a peacekeeping request will be in their own nations and mobilize from there... Isn't that reasonable?"

Alec stands up and turns to the Chimaean delegation. "From what I understood of it, I felt the Effrenati delegation made it quite clear in their statement beforehand. No military personnel who are acting in a military capacity, even if they are strategists or commanders - I believe Mr. Blackotter said "performing logistical or intelligence analysis, command coordination of military operations, etc.", which sounds like strategists or commanders to me - would be hosted by the Effrenati."

Count Mirbach wanted to tear his eyeballs out. However, instead he said calmly, (as, discreetly, notes were handed by his secretary to the Hack and GMC delegations.)
"I think that the point is that this is not a military body. We have yet to decide on what capacity the military will be involved with this. However...three things.
One." he looked directly at the Biotopian delegation. "I believe that concerns about security are perfectly legitimate, and it is out of line to imply that there are secondary and unworthy motives."
"Two: in the present case, personal bodyguards only have been permitted, no other security has been allowed. We are all comfortable with this here in Lavenrunz. We would all have I believe the right to overview the security obtained by Effranata.
"Three: we agreed to take a vote. We've taken it. We must for the time being accept this and move on."

Councillor Kham was drawing little circles down te margin of his notepaper and gradually filling them in in quarters. Don't these people take notes?

"The Chair has been quite explicit. The proposed council is not to be a military body and the question of whether or not it shall have a military adjunct has yet to be formalised."

Elisa glances at Kham, and then her PDA, which has been dutifully recording everything from day one, which clearly shows Count Mirbach saying In order for it to be so, we would need to be willing to put strength behind the mediation council. Could those interested in supporting it contribute military forces so that we would have the means to make good the authority it would need? She shrugs and says nothing, wondering if perhaps Nathicana had the right idea after all.

Sir Ilem put on his best statesmans face and stood, he spoke in his usual deep even tone, but louder than usual to sufficently make his point.
"I would hope that the previously agreed upon format of forming the council first and then deciding on what 'military arm' it shall have should stand. Having Effrenata host the council does not preclude us from discussing, planning or implementing military solutions IF that is the course the council decides to take. The council still has not yet even decided on what format military injunctions would take or even how they would be commanded and argueing over non-existant ,imaginary armies does no good and only delays the formation of the council and it's next logical step of deciding on parameters in which military may be used in conjunction with mediations."

Sir Ilem paused and took a sip of water.
"The mediation council should first and foremost focus on mediation and how that is to be accomplished. We all here understand our fellow delegates concern for what role military parties may play in the future and some of us certainly share those concerns, but that is neither here nor there until the council is fully formed and can move past the tasks of deciding on members, structures, locations and the format for future mediation. "

Sir Ilem paused and brushed a bit of lint from his vest.
"It does us no good and simply adds to the time and cost of these proceedings to continually re-hash old arguments. We will eventually get to the point where decisions are made concerning military operations. We have all agreed in principle that peace keepers may well be needed, and we have also agreed that military will most likely only play a small role in the mediation council's NON-binding decisions. There will of course in the future be negotiations that require peace keepers and security forces and we all agree that this will be necessary and supported. It is a good point that these military operations would most likely have to be locally co-ordinated and never even need to see Effrenata. I would shudder to think that generals of some of our delegates would want to be headquartered at the offices of a mediation council, most militray commanders I know prefer to be with their troops, or at some suitable command center, not in some conference hall with a bunch of diplomats. "

"Most governments have seperate facilities for military and political operations , in Ilek-Vaad we have the House of the Republic for the Republican Council and the Tollan Massif for Retaliatory Guard headquarters, so why would the mediation council's headquarters also have to serve as a joint military headquarters? The most that would need to be done at the mediation council is the briefing of representatives of what military actions are taking place and how they are being handled. I would think that Effrenata does not mean to keep away military briefing personnel, which are usually not military themselves. Most nations leaders are briefed on military affairs by a Minister of Defence or a Secretary of Defence that in most cases are non-military."

Sir Ilem pauses and looks at all of the delegates in turn.
"If in the future we do all decide that the mediation council needs to combine a military headquarters with our council headquarters, then we will simply leave Effrenata. It would be Effrenata's loss in having the council leave, and we should agree here and now that the council should not be bound by WHERE it is located, but rather by how it functions. Headquarters can be moved, but the debate of where we should locate should not de-rail the debate and establishment of the council and the formation of it's mechanics to operate."

Sir Ilem looked very stern, the 50-ish man with the greying hair at his temples could look very imposing when he wanted to , and right now he wanted too. Having concluded he stood for several minutes regarding the other delegates carefully before sitting, letting the room become silent before actaully taking his seat and relinquishing the floor. 'That ought to shut them up' he thought, contemplating even longer speeches if things were pushed any further off track.

Ah yes, as headquarters are instantaneously constructed, and there's no cost in completely relocating when obvious problems are ignored rather than averted... Elisa busies herself going over her stocks.

Bi Bere nods to June and says: "We have no objections at all to GMC, we simply feel that Effrenata has an even stronger case. And i think we should all take a moment to think what a great accomplishment has been achieved here. No doubt there are flaws in what we have agreed to, but it is a marvellous first step and the flaws can be rectified once the council is established and more trust has been built. Now, what would the chair like us to move on to?"

Count Mirbach says, "I am very gratified by the points made by the delegations today. In spite of differences of opinion from all present we have nevertheless achieved consensus. Now that we have decided what the council is about, and where it will be, I think that we should lay aside one further assumption about structure. For now I think this should be simple, as it is here: with a Chair or President conducting meetings, with decisions made by a vote, and with up to three representatives per country that is on the mediation council. Secondly, I think that having non-UN members is a good idea, because some non-UN nations--I am thinking specifically of Nathicana--have actually done a great deal of mediation. I should like to know if the delegates agree with these two points."

Sir Ilem grins " Ilek-Vaad has not been a member of the UN for many years now, and we would prefer that any council we become involved with have as little to do with the UN as possible."

Palee Blackotter and Dorin narGellis are having a brief conversation via their Cboxes:

Palee: I think they just accepted our offer, didn't they?

Dorin: I believe so. Your suggestion about the old Railways and Canals departmental site was excellent. It will considerably lower the building costs and provide a lovely environment.

Palee: You think the Gottrocks Fund can handle it? Should I heads-up them now?

Dorin: I will have a word with Niles Kamberine when I return to Orado. It shouldn't run more than 10M or so, and Foreign Affairs can kick in 1-2M, can't they?

Palee looks at her and nods, and they both return their attention fully to the delegates.

The Knootian ambassador nods, apparently agreeing with Mirbachs point on also allowing non-UN nations.

I hope that Nathicana still wants to join when this is over, he thinks.

Councillor Kham nods. "So long as all members are united in commitment to peace, I see no reason to require UN membership."

Achefield nodded at Count Mirbach's point. "Well," he mused coldly, out loud, "Certainly Nathicana, so long as she can lay down her pride and contempt before joining us."

This comment brought a smirk to Sverj’s face, or perhaps it was ‘I don’t condone that comment’ – a non-humans facial expressions have mislead many an observer over the centuries. However, the emphasis was in what he spoke.

“The Non-Human Union sees no reason why United Nations membership should be a requisite to join the mediation council. Our own Union places no such emphasis and for this, I think we have prospered.”

"Hell Bovines endorses the NHU's statement", Frieda adds.

Bi Bere nods her agreement.

"Very well. Now there is one last matter to discuss." Count Mirbach nodded to Baroness von Hentzau, who looked round the room before saying,
"I realize that opinions are very divided about the use of force to back mediation. However, I think that there can be no doubt that the mediation council will need military resources simply in order to safeguard, to advise and to provide efficient transport. If such resources were to be used strictly to assist the process of mediation under the direct guidance of the council--with the idea in mind that any actual use of force as a means to insist on policey would fall outside the authority of the council--would members here be willing either to provide these resources or to assist in their provision?"

June nods, 'The Federal offer stands as stated previously; a maximum contribution of thirty-five thousand infantry, sixteen hundred armoured vehicles of all classes, three hundred fifty aircraft of all classes and a carrier group of sixteen combat vessels plus support for the above.' she smiles, 'It should be noted this is the maximum possible contribution we are capable of offering; please do not interpet this as a force to be taken or left.'

Mollari nods. "Our previous offer stands as well. Although I doubt we would need it entirely. While I`m not a military man, I think that it´s maximum size would be on the GMC level... Although we prefer smaller, lighter units for direct protection of negotiators etc.."

I will be pleased to assist to this conference.

Le président

Sir Ilem nods " Ilek-Vaad has substantial forces specially trained in peace-keeping and rapid deployment for such purposes and would be willing to deploy them in situations where the Supreme Republican Commander believes it is necessary."

Sir Ilem nods " Ilek-Vaad has substantial forces specially trained in peace-keeping and rapid deployment for such purposes and would be willing to deploy them in situations where the Supreme Republican Commander believes it is necessary."

Sir Ilem nods " Ilek-Vaad has substantial forces specially trained in peace-keeping and rapid deployment for such purposes and would be willing to deploy them in situations where the Supreme Republican Commander believes it is necessary."

Count Mirbach says, "Unless there is anything further, I think we are ready to start at last. I would like to congratulate all here..."

The International Mediation Agreement
1. The countries here assembled agree to form a mediation council. All countries joining this council agree to agree to accept mediation (in the case of agreement to it by opposing parties) as a form of conflict resolution.

2. Any country, assemblage or organization in conflict may request mediation from this council with regard to another, even if it is not a member. Appeals may be made by countries engaged in conflict with another country, and by colonial territories seeking their independence. Conflict is defined as war or non-military (including economic) conflict that exists on a national level. The mediation council will normally accept requests for mediation, but may refuse by majority vote.

3. Mediation should preferably be undertaken by agreement of the two parties to a conflict. Normally, mediation will attempt to find common ground between the two sides to a conflict. This will be done by a reconciliation committee established for each case. These smaller committees will normally have three members drawn from the larger mediation council. One member will be selected by each party to the conflict, and the two committee members will then select a third country. This three-member committee will operate by consensus.

4. Mediation is not binding on the parties to a conflict. Its purpose is to find a solution that both sides can agree to.

5. The existing parties to a conflict may, if they wish, request binding arbitration. In this case, the mediation council will act as judge to a conflict and decide upon a solution that is then binding on both sides.

Sub-Points.
1. That the Council will for the time being held in Effranata, and that security and advisory bodies will be entirely
determined by the Council within the sovereign jurisdiction of the host nation.
2. That the Council will be governed by a Chair following the internationally accepted rules of order.

Signatories:

The Thelasi delagate stands after speaking by holophone to Empress Ithenril, "With permission from Empress Ithenril, Thelas will sign this agreement."

For thousands of years past the sentients have thought, and in retrospect, many conflicts begin with an inability to communicate.

And so, for the sake of the Living in the thousands of years to come, we sign.

Executive Avinn, The Federal Democratic Republic of Konania

Bruce read over his copy of the IMA. Hmmm.... Supposed to check at home before I sign anything like this.

He closed his eyes slightly and felt his internal comm cocket into the Federation's World Wide Network, piggy backed on the TacLink of the Satellite System. He fed the document home.

What do I do, boss?

Sign it, Bruce.

Right Minister. Any reason?

Why not? Besides, if nothing else, we can always withdraw if it becomes a problem. And it'd be a good propoganda item.

Right, boss. I'll head up there and sign it now.

And so he did. In blue pen.

Bruce Reynolds, Second Ambassador, The Federation of Sentient Peoples, for the Imperial President D'ron Smith, The Federation of Sentient Peoples

Nathicana chose then to enter the room, having been listening quietly for a short bit outside, enjoying the benefits of augmented hearing. Brushing past several of the more contentious delegates without so much as a glance, smiling warmly at those from GMC, the Hack, Sentient Peoples, Tanah Burung in particular, she was followed closely once again by the three quiet men that had accompanied her whenever she'd been in public.

She made a graceful bow to the Lavenrunz delegates, flashing all three a brilliant smile.

"My congratulations on achieving a final proposal. I was beginning to wonder if this motley crew was ever going to agree on anything."

Looking once more over the document, and nodding as she smiled to herself, she took out a pen and in a bold hand, signed her name where indicated.

"Not that my signature carries much weight among such as you have gathered here today, my good Chancellor, but I hope that we may work together for a more peaceable future for us all nonetheless."

And, with another respectful bow, she took a chair, the three men hovering near her protectively while somehow managing not to crowd her.

"Naturally, i will sign," Violeta Bi Bere says with a small smile. "My country's signature will, as always, need to be ratified by a national referendum." And, she reminds herself, there's the small matter of being re-elected. I really should get home and do some campaigning.

Menelmacar will sign.

~Lady Siri

Re-reading the document a second time, Miles Heywood, placed his pen to the paper and added his signature:


Miles Heywood, Ambassador
on behalf of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Gehenna of Tartarus.


He then pressed the Tartartian Seal against the paper, making the Empire's decision official, before picking up his glass of water and taking a sip, pleased that this conference had managed to reach a satisfactory decision.

Mollari signed, muttering about the sudden amunt of nations showing up signing. Perhaps they sign any paper they see...

Ambassador de Vries looks relieved:
"Of course, we will have to see this document ratified by our parliament. However I can sign this on behalf of our government pending ratification."

*signs*

Sir Ilem removes his pen from his breast pocket and signs ,speaking as he does " Of course any treaty signed by a representative of the Free Republic, must be ratified by a majority vote of the Republican Council and a majority vote by the people. But until those votes take place we will abide by the pact and do all we can to see that it is put to good use and is wholly enforced."

He then finishes signing and replaces his pen in his pocket, and then sits.

Sverj with a rather excieted voice speaks

"There is the matter of impending reform within the NHU but as it stands I will sign on behalf of the Federal Republic."

*Signs*
As representative of the Federal Republic.