NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC notes: This is for people who've signed the UN Mediation Council treaty only; anyone else wanting to post, telegram me first. Anyone trying to blow up the headquarters will be mocked ruthlessly by trained monkey-dogs. In real life, too.

Diplomats will either be arriving by boat or aircraft, since GMC is an island [well, it's as big as the United States, but that's an island in Nationstates terms]; around Siberia latitude if anyone wants to comment on the weather. It's snowing.

Marshall Island

Most aircraft will be passing over the docks at Hammer Bay to land at JC Denton International Airport in the capital, Marshall City. They'll notice while flying overhead that half of the Federal Fleet is getting underway, leaving the harbour and sailing North-East; it seems somewhat too large a deployment to be a training exercise.

Touching down at the airport, they'll be met by a group of Federal diplomats. They're escorted to the Council headquarters, a rather elegant steel-and-glass building in carefully landscaped surroundings, surrounded by a high reinforced concrete wall and with a large and obvious contingent of troops present. Each country's flag flies in front of the building on a row of white flagpoles, carefully arranged to avoid placing them in any obvious groupings.

They'll be greeted by June and Georgina; June seems to have spent her time in Lavenrunz getting a tan.

Elisa Day, Caine Issacs, and Susan Masterson, relaxed on the plane flight over to GMC. Such flights were pretty common these days, as more and more government employees, and business people found themselves taking trips back and forth between the two nations. With the use of high-speed jets, it actually wasn't too bad of a day trip. Of course, everyone was looking forward to the completion of the high-speed rail line, but that had been delayed for some reason. Probably funds being moved to Tindalos, or some such snafu.

Elisa fell asleep almost as soon as the plane lifted off. She wasn't a big fan of Caine, she thought Susan was a bitch, and didn't feel like talking to all the various troops and such that filled the rest of the transport. She was only putting in an appearance as it fit her new position in the government, and it was a free flight to GMC. She'd visit a few people and make a nice vacation out of it.

Caine was something of an old curmudgeon. He was one of those people who felt that he was allowed to boss around everyone younger than him, simply because he was old. At his age, that ment most everyone, as he was 93 years old. He'd say he was a 'spry' 93, but despite being in great shape, he easily showed his age. And his interest in paint-pealing whiskey.

Elisa's assessment of Susan was actually pretty accurate. She looked to be in her late twenties, early thirties, but nobody was quite sure how old she was, as she took anyone asking her as a direct personal insult. People often quietly wondered just how in the Hell she managed a job with the diplomatic arm of the government. The truth was that she had a photographic memory and was an organizational master. In other words, she was tolerated. It was also assumed that Caine liked someone as cranky as he was.

The rest of the people in the plane were various support staff, some at the request of GMC, some for Caine.

The plane, a small, white business jet, it was hard to actually realise the rather unconventional way it had been produced, landed early, they had certainly made it in time.

Kurako enjoyed the snow, it was certainly beautiful... although she felt a bit cold. Should have taken the other coat...

She greeted the waiting diplomats, friendly, bowing slightly.

Driving to the Council headquarters proved to be fairly entertaining. Kurako enjoyed talking with the diplomats accompanying her, although the topics were rather... silly. And more than one time, quiet, or sometimes even roaring, laughter could be heard.

After a while, they arrived at the Council headquarters, seemingly delighted.

Stepping towards June and Georgina, she bowed slightly (again). "Kurako, asigned DA ambassador for the UN mediation council. I`m honoured to be your guest."

ooc: To give a better impression of Kurako: Kurako-sensei (http://www.angelfire.com/rpg2/precischisato/characters/kurako/normalsize/kurako_010.jpg)

As the Chimaean jet soared over the coastline of GMC, Lady Aceline Halloway peered through the thick glass of the window next to her seat, studying the multitude of military ships setting sail from the harbour below. Her brow creased and she looked over at her aide, Gavin Sethway, a dour-faced man who had a deceptively lazy look about him. Gavin met her eyes and shrugged.

"You've seen the deployment then? It looks to be a fair bit of their Federal Fleet. I've already contacted Chimaea and informed them... it could be a training run but I doubt it."

"Hmm..." Lady Aceline sat back in her chair and stretched her legs, at the end of which were a battered pair of heavy-looking boots, which contrasted incongrously with the formal suit she was wearing. "Tell me when you've heard about it. How are we for time?"

"We've got about fifteen to twenty minutes till we land, my Lady."

"Thanks... Gods it looks cold down there!"

Sethway looked surprised. "Oh... you're from near Kingstown, aren't you?"

Lady Aceline nodded. "We don't usually get snow, and when we do its not much. This is going to be awful isn't it?"

Sethway looked sympathetic for once. "You'll get used to it, my Lady."

Lady Aceline shuddered and went back to staring out of the window, deep in thought.

The black Marathon-C Transport landed lightly, the VTOL is equipped to carry about 60 passengers but only has 12 aboard. The Diplomat from Ilek-Vaad and his staff of eleven stepped off greeted the Federal Delegation and then headed to the council headquarters.

Ilek-Vaad's chief mediator and Special Envoy of the Republican Council is Nachxa-Itihicoatl. He approaches June and Georgina. He is a rather tall man with dark reddish brown skin and white hair, about shoulder length. He wears a deep indigo blue suit and longcoat with black leather gloves and boots. He wears dark wrap around sunglasses (day or night) and he seems almost expressionless, but exudes an air of calm. He shakes both June and Georgina's hands warmly and says softly " I am pleased to be here on behalf of the Free Republic " he pauses and hands over a leather binder "I present to you my portfolio and credentials. I am deeply appreciative of your hospitality and your generosity in hosting this council and I look forward to working with you and the other delegates."

His portfolio is thick, the first 4 pages are all endorsements from the last 4 administrations of the Free Republic as Special Envoy. He also has endorsements as Ambassador to Nisraam, Cyberjaya, Edolia and Zorbus, as well as letters of appreciation from each of those governments offices of Foreign Affairrs. Included is his endorsement as assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs , the assistant to the Minister of Economics , military service records (10 years of active service achieving the rank of Velite General ), his Docotrates in Psychology, and Political Science, and lastly a copy of the scroll from the God Emperor Itzcoatl conferring upon THE Nachxa the status of Tlatloni (One Who Speaks).

Silence. Darkness. Space.

Light flashed. A blue orb cut through the darkness, the inertialess drive field of an Eagle-class diplomatic shuttle. Upwards across the Atlantic it orbited, and sank back into the unforgiving hardness of the atmosphere with nary a trace of difficulty.

The atmosphere simply peeled back out of the way, ionized and flashing around the shuttle, blazing blue as the sky shifted from black to royal blue, then to white as it hit the top of the cloud layer.

Guided in on instruments alone, homing on both the signal the Federation's own satellite network provided, and on the signal from the ground, the shuttle dropped at a speed any reasonable person would have considered unsafe, though the three crewmembers were not exactly reasonable people.

The passenger compartment, large enough for ten and their luggage, was only occupied by two people. The first was a woman, from her appearance, and without knowledge of the Federation's universally available life lengthing treatments, she would have been thought in her early twenties. Of medium height, and thin build, her black hair, shot through with red and golden-blond, and green eyes were startling, but again, not uncommon. Her name was Rosemary Henries.

Her companion could not have been more unlike her. He was tall, and heavily built with muscle, with light brown hair and ice cold blue eyes. His features looked almost too regular, as if he had cosmetic surgery to make them so. He had identified himself to Rosemary as Jack when he had arrived. No last name had been given.

Twenty-five meters from the ground, the counter-gravity drive came on with a basso growl as the primary drive field died away, allowing snow to caress the black skin of the shuttle, swirling about it, melting as it touched exposed drive components, windows and joints.

The static hum of the counter grav died away as the landing gear descended underneath upwards turning wings, the shuttle settling to the ground. For five minutes it sat silently, and then, a door, where it could not have been, flickered open, and a landing ramp slithered out like a snake's tongue.

Rosemary was the first to descend, her traditional clothing looking out of place next to the modern shuttle, but curiously blending with the stars and sword adorning its hull. A burgundy cape, edged with black fur, hung from her shoulders, covering her dark blue jumpsuit, revealed when her hands drifted upward to pull the hood over her head, revealing matching gloves and short heeled boots. They were the Federation's ever present nano-weave fabrics, and would keep her warm and dry, no matter the weather outside.

Jack was dressed differently, in a dark grey suit, covered with a black trench coat. He wore no sunglasses, but everything about him, from his posture and appearance, to his constantly moving eyes, screamed bodyguard. But someone assuming that was all he was would be very wrong indeed. He carried two fairly large pieces of luggage with no apparent difficulty.

After brief introductions to the waiting diplomats, the two were silent on the way to the Council building. Both inclined their head in the direction of the Sword and Stars as they passed by on the way in, stepping out of the weather.

As Rosemary shifted back her hood, the only genuine expression so far to appear makes itself known. Free of the snow at last. It had been snowing the Federation when they left as well. Both silently took in the entrance hall of the building, and then turned to the two representives acting as hosts when they are free. "Rosemary Henries, Special Ambassador from the Federation of Sentient Peoples to the International Mediation Council," she says, extending her hand in greeting, now free of the gloves seen earlier. The term United Nations was never mentioned, reflecting the universal distain in which that organization is held among the Peoples of the Federation.

OOC: Federation in this context does not refer to GMC and affliated nations, but rather to the Federation of Sentient Peoples.

<placeholder>

Stepping off the plane, Nathan Decosta walked straight towards the waiting diplomats, his pace brisk, his task his only focus as he greeted the people before him, his hand immediately outstretched. His grip firm and business like, his whole manner precise yet courteous as he shares a brief word before making his way to the car.

Behind him, and struggling with a bundle of notes that she has in her left hand, while cradling a briefcase in her right, is his personal assistant, Lucy Griffiths. Her blonde hair falling into her face, making her shift her burden until she freed her hand, brushing the flowing strands away as they caught against her mouth. She smiled at the diplomats, swearing under her breath as she felt the paperwork begin to slip from her grasp.

Nathan, noticing the distance growing between him and his aid, stopped until she caught up with him, and just managed to grab the notes before they fell to the floor. His dark brown eyes, showing his displeasure at her incompetence, looked her over as he took in her dishevelled appearance, his own immaculate, down to the straightness of his tie. His dark brown hair, greying at the temples was the only thing that betrayed his age, and the belied the amount of time he had served the Empire.

Smiling awkwardly at her boss, Lucy followed him towards the waiting transport, her cheeks slightly rosy from her growing discomfort and embarrassment. Sliding into the car, briefcase on her lap, she finally manages to sort the pages she had been reading on the plane, and places them tidily inside the case for later perusal. Hoping to make a better impression at the council building, she stared out of the window and attempted to compose herself.

The two occupants continued the journey in relative silence, speaking only when Nathan required a detail confirmed, or a task that required attention popped into his head, otherwise they sat with nothing but their thoughts to occupy them. When they stepped out of the car at the other end, they walked into the building, all sign of previous tensions forgotten.

(just a tag for today)

The jet banked for a final time over JC Denton International Airport and settled for the touchdown. Inside, Sethway packed the last of his briefing papers into his briefcase, locked it and twisted in his seat to look at the five or so other staffers sitting behind Lady Aceline and himself.

"All right, we're about to land. Now remember, strict diplomatic protocol must be observed at all times--not just when you're dealing with other diplomats. When you go out for dinner, when you go to sleep, when you comb your hair... The world is watching, ladies and gentlemen. The world is watching and we must be at our best behaviour as representatives of Chimaea. Which means, no gambling, no drunkeness, no prostitutes and above all, no relationships with other diplomats, our hosts or to a lesser extent each other. Don't screw the hot blond that's chatting you up at some function because she might be 1. a spy, 2. an assassin or 3. from the press. Don't--"

Lady Aceline coughed and put a hand on his arm. "It's all right... I'm sure they'll be good. I have a lot of faith in them..."

Sethway glared at them and subsided. The plane bumped gently as the wheels found the runnaway and slowed from the brakes and friction. The plane taxied to the end of the runnaway, turned and headed for the docking bay.

*tag until I can talk to Jo*

Marshall Island

Heiko Tiede Siemen Eilert had one of those unpronounceable Frysian names so common to the northern region of Knootoss. Fortunately for foreigners, they could usually just call him “Sir”, and later on just “Heike.” Even when he was dressed in his ‘monkeysuit’ he still looked like he came off a boat, slightly stubbled chin and rough hair. He was very much unlike his counterpart, his future chief of staff. He answered the prototype of a Knootian bureaucrat perfectly. Dull, and a definition or a procedure handy for anything.

Heiko relished in the cold air. This was special. Many a Knootian had been caught trying to run the gauntlet on the Federations coasts trying to get drugs in. Not being shot was a very pleasant surprise. One of the advantages of the recent trade agreement.

As the two proceeded to the headquarters they noticed the flag: the Knootian flag was next to that of Vegana. An unexpected turn of events. Heiko wondered if, perhaps, this organisation could do anything for the problems with Syskeyia. The mutual embargoes may be a good subject for mediation, or so he thought. He’d have his staffer file an official request in the morning.

They, too, were greeted by June and Georgina.

The aircraft was one of those tiny, efficient little numbers the Xikuangese used for ferrying diplomats around: VTOL capable, clean-burning, very recently off the production line, this one is occupied by to pilots and a passenger complement of three. A surprisingly silent complement, given the amount of conversation that is taking place as the craft come in over Hammer Bay.

What on earth do you suppose that's about?

I have no idea. Looks like they're mobilising.

That's a lot of ships...

That one's practically out of ship territory and into small island. It's huge.

I haven't heard anything about a conflict. Have you?

No. You?

Nothing. We'll just have to keep our ears open, as it were.

The small craft lands, taxis to its designated bay, and the passengers disembark, greeting the Federal diplomats meeting them with the traditional bow, hands clasped just before the forehead, and then the handshake more conventional in this part of the world. They don't seem at all put out by the chill, but then, they have come dressed for it, heavy wool coats over multilayered semiformal attire.

Arriving at the Council headquarters, the three Xikuangese greet June and Georgina, in the traditional and then the more modern style. First to speak is a short, compactly built man probably in his forties, though it's difficult to tell, his salt-and-pepper hair cut short, rather endearing crinkles forming at the corners of his heavily slanted eyes when he smiles, which he does, often. "Greetings, greetings." he says, his English clearly accented, but easy. "We are honoured to be here. I am Tqeqir Tqodrun, appointed by the Elected General Committee, as is my colleague, Khali Joijie." he gestures towards one of his companions, a small, delicately featured woman, who bows once more, meeting the eyes of her hosts as she moves her hands quickly and fluently in international sign language. Standing slightly to her side, the last of the trio, a bright young woman in rimless spectacles, speaks: "Ms. Khali is most honoured." Khali nods towards the younger woman, who bows towards June and Georgina. "I am Zin Xexi, here as interpreter for Ambassador Khali. Ms. Khali can neither hear nor speak. I shall function as her ears and voice. I am honoured."

The plane from the Hack landed with little ceremony, these flights were painfully common these days.

The soldiers got off the plane with no comment, following pre-arranged orders, feeling no need to make a big fuss over the matter, and having little interest in diplomatic niceties.

Elisa, Caine, and Susan walk over to Georgina and June once the two woman are free, Caine pulling on his coat, muttering about the cold. Elisa smiles and handles the introductions.

tag

The government blimp, Pezuña Blanca, moved silently and slowly through the federation airspace. Though the airship was eco-friendly, it left a small trail of smoke, not coming from any engine, but from the numerous cigars being smoked inside the cabin.

Civic Starcow, the duque's personal representative, was talking to ambassador Vicente Oldcow and some aides.
"....and remeber, don't do anything foolish. And don't worry, the white stuff in the floor it's called snow. It happens when the water is exposed to the cold", she explained to her fellow delegates, that had never seen or heard about the snow, totally unknown in Hell Bovines' tropical climate.

Meanwhile, the huge blimp, with the robe-wearing, cigar-smoking cows inside slowly begun to descend in the JC Denton International Airport.....

[bump]

For those who've arrived, they're greeted politely and invited inside for a tour of the building. The inside is bright and airy; there's a lot of open areas with exotic-looking plants and benches; the corridors are wide with high roofs, and each diplomat's quarters are furnished to approximate their occupant's country's style. There's administrative offices, a canteen with an excellent selection of national dishes along with a larger dining hall for senior staff, a number of highly secure conference rooms of various sizes including the main conference room* and various file offices and computer rooms. While all the Federal staff present are immaculately dressed and very polite, most seem more than a little preoccupied, including June herself.

Those who haven't arrived yet:

Chimaea:

As they get off the plane, they're greeted by the head of External Affairs, Rachel Knight, who bows deeply, 'Welcome to the Federation, Lady Halloway, Mr Sethway. If your excellencies will step this way, we have a helicopter waiting to take you to the Headquarters.'

Hell's Bovines:

'Dear God, an airship in this day and age?' the tower officer grimaced, 'What should I tell them?'

'Give them clearance to land and have the official party standing by. And tell them not to wear leather shoes.'

'Right, sir.'

[*Which looks rather like the real UN building's conference room]

[Rawr. Sorry about how long this took, been trying to sort out renting a flat and dealing with modshit <grovels pathetically>]

"Beautiful. Very beautiful." Kurako was seemingly satisfied with the arrangements. "To bad they do not seem to have the opportunity to enjoy what they created." Her attacheés just nodded, they themselves seemingly impressed by the work GMC had done.

Kurako and her five assistents, attacheés etc. quickly settled in, well organised as they were.

"Now, if they would just arrive..." Kurako was about to sigh when something very loud could be heard from the corridor. "Ah, there they are."

And yes, there they were. The four... no, six, technicians arrived, earning more than one rather strange look from other people on the corridor. Not that they cared about it, though. And Kurako decided that it was best not to mention it. Smiling, she stood at the door. "There you are. Welcome."

Minutes later, one could hear them working... the noise was almost criminal, although Althena told everyone asking about it that they would finish this soon.

After the tour Ambassador Nachxa agiain approached June and Georgina

"What excellent facilities. Your people have done a superb job here and I'm sure we will all be very comfortable. I am very appreciative of your hospitality. " He pauses for a second and continues in a lower tone "I could not help but sense your anxiety as well as notice your fleets movements, most likely connected with what is going on at Grafton's Isle, I believe? If you need anything, or simply wish to talk , my office is always open." He smiles warmly and then heads off.

****
The Ambassador's aides make quick work of his office, clearing out desks, electric lights and anything else 'business' like. They fill the office with his furniture that he has brought with him, a couple of couches, a chair or two and a large table in place of a desk. Candles and flamind braziers replace the lights and the walls are hung with decorative tapestries of Tolteca origin, thick persian style Tolteca rugs cover the floor.The largest rug in the center of the floor depicts the God-Emperor Tetzcatlipoca killing and dismembering Quetzcoatl , and hurling his body parts down the stairs of the great pyramid, all of the rugs and tapestries are woven with similiar Tolteca 'historical' designs. The room quickly takes on a warm, dim cave light enviroment.

Two of the Ambassador's aides leave the facility to begin shopping for an appropriate embassy building, preferably a 3-4 story brick building, preferrably in a more bohemian neighborhood.

The Blimp Bahro roared into the icy air, shortly bumping down on the grass, still blue-green from a light frost. Resting aside to the Hell Bovinian airship, the NHU carrier bore the tell tail markings of being directly from Biotopia, the aesthetic ivy design on the skin of the grey airship matched with the chrome trimmings used to distinguish the Ship as representing the NHU.

Eight new members from across the NHU had been assigned to the mission. In establishing a NHU representative office within the newly formed UN Mediation Council Headquarters.

OC: I will announce the members of staff shortly.

OOC: Phew. I've been away too, so I was expecting a deluge of pages of RP's to read. Just... phew. Oh, and like Xikuang, I use a colour to denote speaking in another language other than English. So when you see green speech, my characters are speaking Weegie.

The small plane juddered its way to a stop along the runway. Two people stepped out when the door was opened and the steps were lowered, followed by a few staff members. One the GMC delegates may have remembered from the conference - the tall, austere, raven-like profile of Paula McFadden stepped slowly down from the plane.

The other person was walking briskly toward the GMC party. A man of medium height, with brownish-red hair and green eyes, in his early twenties, and a seemingly contrasting friendly personality compared to the dourness of Paula.

"May you live long, and die well."

"Um.. it's a Weegie greeting. Traditional." said Paula noticing the slightly puzzled looks on the GMC people's faces. "This is James Johnstone, and he'll be our official delegate here. I'm... in an advisory capacity."

"Aye. But call me Jimmy." said the delegate. He shivered violently. "Weather here's a bit of a change from the sort of thing I'm used to. Should have dressed more warmly for this situation. And to think.. I could have been lying on a beach at this moment." He winked.

A Lavenrunzian state plane arrived, bearing the august presence of Baroness Bennigsen, former ambassador to the UN, advisor on Lodossian Affairs to the Empress Joanna, and now serving Empress Aurora as Envoy to the International Mediation Council.
The Baroness emerged, wearing a silver fox coat, smiling pleasantly to the honour guard, her aides and advisors following decorously after. The government had made sure to acquire a suitable house and proper grounds--GMC rarely had the right sort of season for a good garden, but a greenhouse was possible.

i like that colour idea too. So if you see red we'll be speaking Biotopian... or something.

OOC: I hope the colour thing doesn't catch on... there's only a few colours, y'know.

((I have been doing it for months. I don't know who of us started it... anyhow Knootians speak Dutch, which is purple. Some other nations (TVC) may also speak Dutch so they can also speak in purple..

That, said, my people already arrived and are probably picking nice colours for their filecabinets... or something...

OOC: I know Xikuang and Svea Riga have been using it for a long time - I mostly took it from them.

TAG for Thelasi arrival

René Magritte's new masterpiece:

This is not a BUMP.

ooc: indeed, we use brown and Svea Riga uses blue. If there gets to be too may, we can always RP around it. We just thought it would be fun to RP the language barrier.

The delegates from The Weegies and Lavenrunz arrive just in time to watch a formation of ten fully loaded Grand Dragon bombers fly overhead, heading for the coast; the manner in which they're flown doesn't really suggest a ceremonial flight. June bows to each group as they arrive, 'Welcome...I trust you had a pleasant journey? If your Excellencies will follow me?' They're led inside, to the largest dining hall where the other representatives have been invited to a state banquet to welcome them to Marshall Island.

Weegies: June smiles, 'Well, most people get used to the weather pretty quickly...And we do have a beach in Marshall City, although it's indoors.' She grins, and offers her hand, 'I'm more of an advisor myself...Miss Bryde is our representative.'

[Blarg...Only just noticed the new posts, been busy with another thread. Sorry. <grovels even more pathetically> Assume you're seated near anyone you want to talk to.]

OOC: I like the lesiurely pace of this thread... beats the frenzy of the World Cup.

Paula nods stiffly to June, and motions Jim on, while talking to him.

"Planes. Ships. Lots of military hardware. I suppose this must be expected from GMC... it isn't Military Arms for nothing."

"You never know, might be for the Council forces."

"Maybe." Paula's face suggested she thought otherwise.

"You know, your cynicism never ceases to amaze me. Now, on to the Council, and let's stop this speculation."

Paula follows, muttering under her breath "Aye, you're a proper diplomat. Seeing lots, but observing nothing."

Both Jim and Paula look around the large hall when they arrive, taking note of the opulence and sheer size of the hall they've entered, although neither of them shows much sign of being impressed. Paula, as usual, is merely grim, while Jim forgets the hall as he scans the room for anyone he might have met. They take their seats at one of the tables, and begin speaking in hushed Weegie to one another.

The Knootians sit down relaxedly, chatting about not much important. [topic depending on the place in time and space of this meeting]

Ambassador Nachxa ( Seated next to the Knootians) discusses the recent right wing victory in the Dutch Democratic Republic's parliamentary elections, lamenting the rise to power of any party that is too one-sided and incapable of moderation.

The government of Tanah Burung wishes to bring a matter to the attention of the mediation council. We have received an appeal from the interior of Colombia, from a people demanding their independence. They ask mediation in their quarrel with the Knootian government, currently the adminsitering authority. We have brought this matter to the attention of the government of Knootoss, a signatory to the mediation treaty. However, Knootoss has refused mediation. Since under the terms of the treaty signatories agree to accept mediation, and since colonial peoples seeking their independence are entitled to request mediation under the treaty, we request that the council consider this case and move to appoint a three-nation committee of mediation. Tanah Burung is prepared to act for the Colombian independence movement in this matter.

Mari Alkatiri
People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights

(exchange of letters between Tanah Burung & Knootoss on this subject at http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=138231&start=20)

((I should add this is part of a consensual, sort of planned RP. So, no. TB and I aren't bitchfighting OOCly.

*reuses same legal defence*))


To all representatives of member nations,

We have received, along with you, the call from the recently elected anticapitalist peoples representative in Tanah Burung, Mari Alkatiri. We have looked into their request and unfortunately we cannot accept their invoking of the charter as valid in this particular case.

Local civil unrest is a domestic matter for the protectorate of Knootian Columbia. This unrest has so far been limited, and has been fed mostly be foreign insurgents and antiglobalist demonstrators. We fear that taking up the cause of this minority group is fed by political motives directed against the DDR State, and not by genuine concern for the overall well-being for the local populace. I'd like to call on signatory nations to recognise this as a political move and as such reject the possibility of mediation. I assure you that the Columbian government and the Knootian governance are addressing the local problems.

The Knootian Federation, which binds the nations together, cannot be part directly to international treaties apart from those stipulated by the Federation Constitution. The UNMC agreement does not fall into this category.

Any complaints, while not those invoking the treaty clause, can be taken up with the legitimate local government of the Protectorate of Knootian Columbia. In no way can the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss, which is signatory to the treaty, be legally responsible for affairs inside the Knootian Protectorate except when concerning the actions of Knootian government officials, the governor and his staff in its advisory function or the local police force under Knootian command.

Should the signatory nations wish to pursue this matter with the local Columbian government, we would like you to point out that their inhabitants are not a ‘colonial people seeking their independence’. The Protectorate is not legally a colony, and the legitimate representation of the people (the local government) is not seeking independence. As such any negotiation in the UNMC under the clause of a people seeking independence is null and void.

I would also like those nations with dependencies to consider the consequences of setting precedent by accepting this time – that any other nation can question the legitimacy of your governments internal rule and its relations with other nations at any convenient time.

Yours truly,

Heiko Tiede Siemen Eilert
Knootian representative to the UNMC

bump

"Still, perhaps it would not hurt to have some neutral party involved?" asked THE Nachxa of Representative Heiko.

The Frysian nodded. "Perhaps it would, but this legal claim is absolutely baseless."

((OOC: Bah, OOC and IC interests conflicting... :P ))

Baroness Bennigsen glanced up, smiling, and said, "Well, that's as may be, but as I understand the charter, it is perfectly legal for an internal matter to be brought up. After all, it's mediation, darling, not arbitration, sweetie. So the Empire of Lavenrunz will support mediation in this case. The Empire agrees with the nomination of Tanah Burung, of course, and we also nominate GMC Military Arms as a mediator."

Heiko Tiede Siemen Eilert looked around the table to the gathered diplomats.

He thought for a moment of noting the hypocricy that many nations had simply ignored the Mediation Council and had gone to war without it. But the fact that Knootoss had done the same thing withheld him. Somehow, he also did not want to dissapoint those in Ilek-Vaad. And of course, there was the press. A unilateralist Knootoss looked bad.

"I can assure you, Baroness, that the matter has our full attention. I just don't think the mediation council is the proper arena to discuss domestic problems. We are willing, however, to work with the council towards practical solutions.

And with all due notice towards the people of Tanah Burung...." he nodded in their general direction. "...it is perhaps a better idea to have a neutral delegation of the UNMC visit Colombia for a fact-finding mission. I would not want to clutter up the busy agenda of the Court. Perhaps Lavenrunz could send someone?"

OOC: Condsider the fact that the Thelasi is there... just not talking...

Jim had been getting more irritated as the exchange went on. A staunch anti-colonialist for as long as he could remember, Jim found the talk of "protectorates" rather annoying. "A colony by any other name..." murmured Jim to Paula.

Jim cleared his throat and stood up. A look of disdain appeared on his face as he faced Eilert."Oh, but Eilert, of course we must find some free time in our busy schedule in which to... investigate your..." He smirked. "Protectorate. For instance, we must find what you are protecting those poor Colombians from, must we not?"

Biotopia joins in the all-round smirking

Heiko grimaced, more or less expecting such a reply. The Frysian kept the friendly, cooperative facade.

"Well, join the party. I'm sure it will be a merry multilateral gang. I can, of course, give you an overview of basic Colombian history to enlighten you. The intervention by the Empire of Baron and the then Knootian Republic was in fact welcome.

We are protecting the people from the drug cartels that plagued the region and caused unrest. We peacefully dismantled the left-wing terrorist organisation known as FARC. We restored peace and prosperity to the region. But I'm sure you'll find that out when you are there."

The Knootian smirked along.

THE Nachxa maintains his, even, emotionless smile, adjusts his sunglasses, and his tie and smiles at the Delegate of the Weegies and says in a smooth even tone

"Well, I have nothing on my schedule so perhaps I will go. Perhaps the Columbian rainforests are much like the Tolteca rainforests? I should be right at home, I think."

Jim started talking in hevily veiled tones.

"I would be most glad to make my way to Knootian Colombia, although, I can, of course, read up on Colombian history on my own, Eilert. I shall draw my own conclusions when we see what Knootian Colombia is like. And specifically whose peace and prosperity you are... protecting, and whose it is less in *ahem* Knootian Colombia's interests to protect. "

"And anyway, going to the jungles seems like a return to the climate I love best. Colombia it is."

The Nachxa laughed "Not so busy after all..................."

Late for the debate, Violeta Bi Bere enters the room. Defeated as foreign minister, she has been given a consolation prize as permanent representative to the mediation council. Although, truth be told, the fact that it gets her out of the country may also have been a factor.

At any rate, this is her job now. She hauls herself to her feet and begins to speak.

"I thank those who have spoken in support of the council considering this matter. There can be no question that colonial peoples are legally entiteld to request mediation, and that signatories to the mediation treaty are required to accept mediation. I thank Ambassador Heiko for approaching this matter flexibly, rather than bogging us down in legalistic hair-splitting. I take it we are agreed that the council may proceed with an attempt to mediate between the Colombian independence movement and the Knootian authorities.

"I do think, however, we must not allow what has been requested to be derailed. Many of us worked long and hard to craft a mediation process back in Baroness Benigsen's country, which took such a marvellous initiative in creating this council. I am very happy for a group of diplomats from this council to make a journey of investigation to Colombia. I too should like to see that country, as sunny and beautiful as my own, which has also had the benefits of a historical connection to Knootoss and the benefits of a mutually beneficial relationship since our independence.

"But a misison of investigation cannot be allowed to be a substitute for a mediation process. The procedure now is that a committee of three nations should be chosen, one by the Colombian independence movement, one by Knootoss and one by the two countries thus selected. As the council knows, Tanah Burung is prepared to accept a nomination from the Colombian independence movement. I ask that Knootoss nominate a country so that the selection of a third country can go ahead."

Lady Aceline, who had been silent for a while as the rehtoric passed to and fro across the table, cleared her throat and leaned forwards.

"I'm not entirely sure that the status of Colombia is completely understood by everyone present... Colombia was in fragments when Chimaea and Knootoss sent in peacemaking forces. The FARC had gained an immense amount of territory and the government was a morass of corruption, not knowing its left hand from its right. Human rights abuse was common place; education was poor to non-existant in some places. Law and order came from anyone who had a gun.

"Our combined forces have increased security and put into effect large-scale public works. All children in Colombia has a school to go to and a good standard of education. We're training a domestic police force and a national guard. The economy has stabilised. This isn't Somalia by any means."

She leaned back in her chair again. "People are... happy. There's still a great deal to do, of course, and I suppose when Chimaea officially hands over all control of Chimaean Colombia to a newly established Colombian government, which we have done so in parts at least, they will also have a lot to do. But things are better... Which is why this sudden politiking is surprising, to say the least. We have tried to keep a uniform level of progress throughout Colombia and before this incident there was little discontent at our joint efforts. I believe that certain parties are taking this regrettable incident and blowing it out of proportion. Colombians are consulted as much as possible about the shape of the new Colombia we are helping them to create."

Mentally, she crossed her fingers and hopes like hell that the special training she'd gotten kept any psychic types from reading her mind.

The Nachxa watched Lady Aceline intently as she spoke (she thought, his sunglasses were too dark to see his eyes), was he trying to read her mind? Little did the Lady know that he was thinking about the art gallery opening he was intending to visit tonight, it gave him a rather deep contemplative look, he smiled as Lady Aceline finished, he simply states

"That sounds excellent. If things are indeed that well a fact finding mission would have no issues and could probably finish quickly and with no harm done to Columbia, Chimea or Knootoss. I'm sure the council would prefer to send such a mission just to verify what the Knootian and Chimean representatives state, we should at least do that since it has been brought before us."

((TG returned to TB with 'plans' for the visit pending approval. I am calling a majority here. :P ))

(Knoot: reply telegrammed)

Bi Bere stands again. "I repeat the terms of the mediation treaty: the council will accept requests for mediation unless a majority of members vote not to. Since the majority has not voted to do so, we repeat our request to Knootoss to either appoint a state to a three-member mediation commission or to state that they are breaking their treaty commitment."

Lady Aceline shook her head. "There can be no mediation if there is no situation to mediate. A Colombian call for independance is ludicrous--isn't that the exact thing that Chimaea and Knootoss are aiming for? Rebuilding a nation from scratch takes time, yes, but it isn't as if we aren't actively attempting to build regional councils, political consultants and eventually a new, responsible and adept Colombian government made up of Colombians. It is true we administer our respective regions but this is a temporary measure; and I'm sure I don't need to point out that Chimaean Colombia has, in fact, an administrator of Colombian descent.

"Surely the IMC cannot be called out to mediate at every little misunderstanding under the sun? There might indeed be a situation that needs investigation, but not by the IMC--by a domestic investigative body. Putting the IMC on it is akin to letting the UN judge a domestic dispute."

The Nachxa looked a bit, perhaps, bemused and says softly

"While it is worthy of note that Knootoss and Chimea are involved in rebuilding Columbia with an eye towards independence, it is also notable that some in Columbia may not like the way the governments of Knootoss and Chimea go about it.

There may not be a pressing matter now and there may be no mass uprisings or revolt but it may be headed that way. If the council sends representatives and they simply listen to the fears of the Columbians that could go a long way towards preventing any such violent revolt that we may have to step in and mediate later.

It would be better to step in now before there is a volatile situation. If things are going as well as the Chimaen and Knootian delegate say then the council's involvement would be short lived and minimal, but could give great reassurances to the Columbians. This could prevent a worse situation that may or may not develop. Why risk it? If there are dissatisfied Columbians now, let the council give them an ear, and perhaps a voice. I think it could only be constructive at this point."

Ms. Khali has been watching the assembled delegates to some extent, but has kept most of her attention focused on her interpreter across the table. She rises and begins swiftly and gracefully signing; her words are spoken from the other side of the table, by Ms. Zin.

"I agree with my colleague of Ilek-Vaad. It is certainly within the legal provenance of this Council to hear Columbia's case, but further facts in the matter will need to be established before any mediation could proceed. It is this council's avowed purpose to serve as a vehicle for peaceful resolution before conflicts of interest can escalate to crisis. May I suggest that perhaps a speaker from the Columbian independence movement be invited to speak their concerns to the council?"

Heiko nodded earnestly.
“Ms. Bi Bere, I would also comply with a vote once one is made fully. I am merely asking that we hold the vote when proper research has been done. Clearly, in such a matter where it is not state vs. state, we should know about the situation by doing a quick fact finding mission as both we and the Ilek-Vaad representative suggested and as supported by your friends in the Weegies, for example. “

He frowned, wanting to get this over with and send a team into Colombia.
“As our letter indicated, we dispute the legal authority of the Mediation Council to decide in this matter. However we are willing to work with the mediation council because of the advantages it might have. At this moment, however, I see no partner in Colombia to mediate with. There are representative bodies which have not called for mediation. Facts first, politicking later.

We can sit here and argue legality all day, but I’d rather have some things get done.”

Bi Bere coughed for an alarmingly long time before standing again to reply. "Very well," she said with a slight bow to the room around her. "I am under instructions from my government to insist that the council follow its own procedures, but in the interests of exhausting all possible avenues for a solution, i will agree to defer the request until after a fact-finding committee returns from Colombia. I fear my old bones could not handle the journey, but a representative of Tanah Burung will certainly take part."

After resuming her seat, she walked out into the hallway and made a phone call. "Mari? .... Yeah, they're bobbing and weaving. I've agreed to put it off pending a visit to Colombia .... Yes, i know those weren't the instructions, but we have to maintain a middle position for the sake- .... Well, you only won because Markus got himself killed, you know .... All right. All right. Won't happen again, Your excellency." She almost sneered the last word before hanging up and cursing.

She knew her boss wouldn't over-rule her, though. Too politically difficult now. The next question was, who should she send to Colombia?

The Nachxa, who had received a folder of information while listening stands and makes an address before everyone heads out of the room.

"Fellow members of the Council, I feel that I have the need to inform you of some unpleasentness in the region of Haven, where my nation resides. You may or may not know that war recently broke out between the nations of Edolia and Allanea. This drew in the UnAPS alliance against Allanea and several other nations from outside of Haven.

Ilek-Vaad was , at the start of hostilities, a UnAPS member nation , as was Knootoss. Both of our representatives suggested involving the Mediation Council, neither side was receptive to any moderation. Ilek-Vaad has since left the UnAPS for unrelated resons.

The reson I bring this up is that the Republican Council of Ilek-Vaad has voted to give mandate to the Supreme Republican Commander to 'End all fighting withing the region of Haven.", The Supreme Republican Commander has begun mustering and deploying his forces. He has also asked that I address this council and request that council members lean on nations involved in hostile actions in Haven to cease fighting and sit down to comprehensive talks.

A short list of the nations involved: Edolia, Allanea, Phyrric, Fluffywuffy, Nahashir, Iron Blood, Scandavian States, Yallack, Hattia, and several others. The Supreme Republican Commander has publicly given nations a choice. A.) they cease fighting when our Retaliatory Guard arrive or B.) the Retliatory Guard shoot everyone engaged on either side.

Extreme conditions, prolonged conflict and useless negotiations have led the government of Ilek-Vaad to take this decisive action.

ANY help that this Council could give would be appreciated. I would of course recuse myself except as negotiator for Ilek-Vaad and would not attempt to steer the council in favour of Allanea and it's allies or the UnAPS. Whatever solution will end the fighting we stand firmly behind,perhaps with pressure the nations involved will stand down and Ilek-Vaad will not be forced to take drastic action.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration."


OOC:
useful links:
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=138154&start=180

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=141438&highlight=

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=138193&start=520

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=140802&highlight=

There are some fifteen or sixteen threads altogether on this, and I think there are possibly 3 or 4 factions. Since I left the UnAPS the threads have become increasingly erratic and new otside nations are piling in everyday.

KNN News Report, broadcast just before the Mediation Council meeting

“… the slaughter in Haven continues as battle rages on in the war-torn Pacific continent. Thousands have been killed again in recent weeks and the preliminary effects of nuclear fall-out are now beginning to affect the local climate in one region…”

Images come into view of the marines of an UnAPS nation thrusting themselves forward with the cameraman staying behind. It fades into a birds-eye view of a large group of Allanean volunteers thrusting themselves forward across a small piece of land in a broken line, under heavy fire.

“a representative of the ministry of Defence said it has now lost all hope for those Knootians who were still missing in action on the Prophet region. A ceremonial burial will take place for Lieutenant Kuyper Private Barneveld. Lieutenant De Goeij and Captain Verstoerod next Tuesday ”

Pictures are shown of the three men and a woman in uniform. The female captain gazes at the viewer with a soft smile. The men are smiling broadly on the pictures, showing off in their new uniforms.

The view then shifts to the Niewspoort press centre, where minister van Mierlo and several other people are sitting behind a table. A Knootian flag with its purple-white-green banner is put in the background. All the minister says is repeated in a voice-over by the KNN anchor and he is displayed with his mouth going up and down in a strange fishlike manner with no sound.

“Foreign Affairs minister van Mierlo announced at a press conference that he would support an Ilek-Vaad initiative for peace talks between Allanea and the remaining UnAPS members through the International Mediation Council. He emphasised that neither side has as yet agreed to talks but he was hopeful that mounting casualties of both sides would bring the involved to the negotiation tables. He said that, I quote, ‘both UnAPS and Allanea cannot afford to lose this war, and it is also apparent that in any scenario neither side will win. Continuing this fight is a lose-lose situation.’

In the same press conference the minister also echoed the words of Prime Minister nos Cirdan (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3101429#3101429) in calling for reason and calm in the Arda-Syskeyia situation that recently flared up. He said that he hoped that the plague of senseless bloodshed would not spread across the entire globe’

The camera switches to a KNN studio. The anchor sits behind a desk, and in the background is the picture of a Chimaean and a Knootian flag fading into each other, with photo’s of Tanya Bryce and Galadriel nos Cirdan superimposed on both respective flags.

”Staying with foreign affairs, Prime Minister nos Cirdan, denied in strong words rumours that the DDR government has offered the Metus alliance an official non-aggression pact stating the rumours to be ‘foul lies’ as it would be a ‘violation of the trust of our allies.’ This denial comes just as the Prime Minister is about to meet Chimaean Governor Tanya Bryce in an official state visit (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3097773#3097773). This meeting is widely seen amongst foreign affairs experts as a signal of solidarity between the two liberal-democratic nations in the wake of the Colombia crisis. The Prime Minister emphasised that both Knootoss and the allied Empire of Baron, I quote, ‘have always opposed oppression and unprovoked aggression together and will continue to do so.’

These were the headlines, on to sports…”

The camera moves to a different studio with a more greenish background. A black man presents this item.

“In sports; again not a single Knootian football club manages to qualify for the world cup as FC Knootcap lost again at 0 to 6 to an obscure football club from Mongolia called Itrretziatk-Mangala…”

---


OOC: I’m taking the mild liberty of assuming that our diplomats knew that the Ilek-Vaad was about to come so my foreign minister would be able to announce it just beforehand. As he said, we had already suggested it before in UnAPS etc.

((OOC: and of course the visit of the mediation council will be RPed out with some surprises. Probably after I return from vacation, leaving on monday you see and starting a new RP and then leaving would be an un-nice thing to do.))

(Knoot, telegrammed you re timing)

"I am very pleased to support the request from Ilek-Vaad," Bi Bere said. "We have no diplomatic relations with any of the nations involved in the Allanea conflict, however, and so can exert little direct pressure. A joint effrot by this group, however, might carry more weight."

"Yes, yes, very much support", Heiko said, nodding, "I presume the initiative for getting the parties together will be taken up by Ilek-Vaad? Or perhaps a neutral party would like to volunteer?

I must admit that my governments opinion of the diplomatic capabilities of the involved governments isn't all too high, and only just now we were a party in this conflict. This might make us biased as negotiators.", he continued with a wry smile.

"We won't be taking any responsibility for organizing any talks at this point. The Republican Council has given mandate to the Supreme Republican Commander on this issues and as such the Council had relinquished power to act." The Nachxa pauses,

"The Supreme Republican Commander has only asked that I inform the Mediation Council and support whatever positive action it might take to help resolve the conflicts. Our Retliatory Guard have already instituted an immediate armed response and has so far disabled a few of the hostile nations ability to act.

It also appears that the UnAPS and Allanea and it's allies may be close to a peace accord led by Phyrric and Lietuveska. We are currently supporting this iniative while at the same time working to physically sepearte and disarm the combatants."

"We won't be taking any responsibility for organizing any talks at this point. The Republican Council has given mandate to the Supreme Republican Commander on this issues and as such the Council had relinquished power to act." The Nachxa pauses,

"The Supreme Republican Commander has only asked that I inform the Mediation Council and support whatever positive action it might take to help resolve the conflicts. Our Retliatory Guard have already instituted an immediate armed response and has so far disabled a few of the hostile nations ability to act.

It also appears that the UnAPS and Allanea and it's allies may be close to a peace accord led by Phyrric and Lietuveska. We are currently supporting this iniative while at the same time working to physically sepearte and disarm the combatants."

"We won't be taking any responsibility for organizing any talks at this point. The Republican Council has given mandate to the Supreme Republican Commander on this issues and as such the Council had relinquished power to act." The Nachxa pauses,

"The Supreme Republican Commander has only asked that I inform the Mediation Council and support whatever positive action it might take to help resolve the conflicts. Our Retliatory Guard have already instituted an immediate armed response and has so far disabled a few of the hostile nations ability to act.

It also appears that the UnAPS and Allanea and it's allies may be close to a peace accord led by Phyrric and Lietuveska. We are currently supporting this iniative while at the same time working to physically sepearte and disarm the combatants."

Some fluidic time later when it has been possible to contact these nations.

Heiko shakes his head, throwing an official-looking piece of paper on the table.
"Unfortunately I must inform you that the Allaneans have declined to attend negotiations. As reasons, they stated their position as head of the Accord, their unwillingness to discuss their claim to Axackal and the risk they saw in the existence of UnAPS."

The Nachxa shrugs "That's exactly as we expected. With the peace between the UnAPS and Phyrric and our control of Allanea''s South-West coast , they will have to negotiate soon."

OOC:
Finals period... I will get around to that visit thing as soon as I have some time and can, in good concience, neglect my other duties enough to do it. Will be answering backhand post this afternoon if everything goes as planned.
-Knoot

OOC: sorry about the long absence. To be honest, I had forgotten this thread existed.... :oops:

IC:

The bovinian representative to the UN mediation council, Gia Grassfun, had been silent during most part of the debate, wondering what position should Hell Bovines take. In fact, many delegates surprised when the seemingly silent delegate suddenly begun emmiting a wave of retoric....

"In the colombian issue, Hell Bovines sides with Tanah Burung. In the recent protests that took place in Colombia, is both clearly shown the desire for freedom of the colombiam peoples as well as the opressive nature of the knootian colonial occupation. We understand that further research should be made before we can vote on this issue and so, we hope the researchers are shown all parts of the colombian territory and not only that territory the knootians want them to see."
"As for the Edolian-Allenean conflict, we would happily support any joint initiative by this body, with the intention of mantaining peace and avoiding more deaths of innocents"

Heiko weakly protested: "I must object to calling the work of the Knootian aid workers colonialist occupation. Please; let this be a fair judgement of affairs."

Preparations being made for the IMC visit (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3182793#3182793)

The Nachxa smiled again

"It is most unfair to refer to the Knootian prescence in Columbia as 'oppressive' or 'colonial' until we see it first hand. We should reserve judgement until we are on the ground and have a chance to speak with the people."

Baroness Bennigsen looked up from her knitting and smiled at the Nachxa. "Hear hear, darling." she said.
"Drat...lost count..." she muttered, counting stitches...

Heiko could not help but chuckle lightly at that remark. (lol)

The Nachxa cleared his throat as an aide handed him several pieces of paper

"Anyhow, we should movbe to visit Columbia as soon as possible, we cannot make any determinations sitting here."

He pauses and glances at the papers

" For an update on the Allanea/UnAPS conflict, if anyone cares, our Supreme Republican Commander reports that the Fluffywuffyian fleet that was attacking Yasmara, has been destroyed by our Admiral Coyohuitl. Our Command General Adan Ring has taken Heston City, capital of Allanea and holds the entire South-West coast of Allanea.

As a result, Allanea is now pushing for a cease fire and peace negotiations, which we have agreed to attend, and we hope that the other parties involved will too. I am still pushing that these peace talks also involve a mediation of the Axackal dispute, by this council to make sure it is resolved equitably once and for all to prevent a future conflict.

Help from this council in any regards in pushing Edolia and Allanea and their allies to a peaceful mediation would be greatly appreciated."

IMPORTANT - IMPORTANT - IMPORTANT

The Colombia visit, delegations check in here:
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3195182#3195182

*fires off TG to Weegies and Lavenrunz to promote participation*

Tag of uberness