NationStates Jolt Archive

New Sydney Times

Liberal Democrats Introduce Controversial Laws


On Monday the Liberal Democrats introduced four bills into Parliament that would enact sweeping reforms of the Commonwealth's domestic and international policy. Amongst the proposed changes are a substantial shift from a protective but domestically neutral military to a domestically pro-active military, liasing heavily with civilian authorities in anti-terror roles. Funding for the Chimaean Armed Forces have already hit close to the levels of the late Styles and early Bryce Administrations, moving from 19% of the annual budget to 20%.

There are concerns from civil rights groups that the new laws allow the military far more policing powers, such as the right to arrest without warrant, detain individuals for up to two weeks without charge and shoot-to-kill in far more situations. In introducing its policy initiatives, the government explained these changes as "...necessary in light of the current intra-regional and international situation".

The war in Rathanan (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9492732) and the current tensions between Chimaea and Bordoria have caused a massive revision of CAF's readiness to respond to any threat. The terrorist attacks on Chimaean military bases has displayed holes in domestic security and left many Chimaeans feeling less protected.

Other laws proposed by the government include stricter conscription rules, less of an interventionist policy and the outlawing of 'suspect' organisations and any propaganda which advocates violence against the Commonwealth or 'direct undermining of the Chimaean state'. This shift in policy coincides with the massive increases in active troop numbers from around eighteen million to twenty-one million. On paper the increase is small considering the number could be increased to thirty-five million troops without drawing on the pool of around nine hundred million people who'd gone through the compulsory basic training, but in reality the increase is a major signpost of a change in perspective at the highest levels. Even the Chimaean involvement in Syskeyia didn't warrant an increase in active troop numbers.

Since the tabling of the bills in Federal Parliament, there has been a large reaction from the Federal Opposition and other parties which have strongly condemned the proposed legislation as a deterioration of the freedoms in which Chimaea prides itself upon. Intra-regionally, various nations in Baron have condemned the increased militarisation as an unnecessary imperialistic motion to destabilise what is increasingly referred to as the Borodorian-Rathanan Bloc. Whilst the region has little fear of an outright war between the Chimaea and the opposing nations, the two dominating powers in Baron -- Chimaea and Bordoria -- are locked in a power struggle which could threaten the stability of international interests and smaller allied nations.

The economic reach of the two nations are vast and currently, much of the economy of both power blocs is being channelled into the military. An intra-regional arms-race seems to be a very real possibility looming on the horizon.

Professor Arthur Staegis of the International Relations Department of New Sydney University believes that a cold war is imminent, reminiscent of the American-Russian tensions during the fifties and sixties. "This could spell disaster for the whole region if the tensions escalate into a serious proxy war. Bordoria has an established nuclear arsenal and Chimaea has the capabilities to construct one quickly. The lessons learned from the Chimaean-Clock Hill War of the first Bryce Administration seems to be falling on deaf ears."

Whatever happens in the coming months -- or years -- ahead, the shadow of nuclear oblivion and war will cast gloom over Baron and its allies.

***

Chimaean Colombia Prepares for First Election

Colombians in the Chimaean-administered part of Colombia are preparing for the first democratic election since the FARC rebels destroyed the previous corrupt government. With FARC and the government gone, tight security in place by Chimaean and Colombian police and military forces and political parties slowly emerging, Chimaean Colombia is treading the delicate line between successful democracy and continued, if benign, Chimaean Administration.

It is believed that Chimaean Colombia will remain part of the Commonwealth, with continued protectorate status for some time to come. The elections will establish the make-up of the first Parliament, with a Prime Minister as head of government and the Chimaean Governor as chief of state (represented for now by the commanding officer of the Chimaean Armed Forces' Colombian Deployment). The first act of the new Parliament will be a new Constitution, moving from the Chimaean-established interim Constitution.

The most likeliest candidate to gain power is Administrator Caton Gregorio, the Chimaean-picked Administrator of Chimaean Colombia since FARC was dissolved. A straight-talking, practical and educated man of 46, Gregorio is seen as an honest and efficient leader in a nation so long gripped by official corruption and greedy politicians.

With Colombia having been so strongly in the spotlight in recent times, the whole world is watching as Chimaean Colombia prepares to go to the polls.

***

Various Chimaean Embassies in allied nations across the world sent a message to their host governments:

The Commonwealth of Chimaea wishes to establish a military development alliance between multiple allied nations. This alliance would pool resources for the creation and production of military hardware (weapons, aircraft, ships, transports) to maintain up-to-date military effectiveness within all modern theatres.

The Commonwealth would welcome all interested nations and ideas/proposals on how to establish this alliance.

Thanks for your time,

General Sebastian de Santuro (CiC)
Commonwealth of Chimaea, Ministry of Defence

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

OOC: the Colombian stuff is a minor backdrop to certain events. Knoot, you'll have a telegram soon =O)

The alliance thing is something I've wanted to do for ages. If anyone's interested, post away.... I hope someone's interested o.o

[OOC: Finally, something to get me back into RPing away from sports!]
To: Minister of Defence General Sebastian de Santuro (CiC), Commonwealth of Chimaea
From: Minister for External Affairs Harry Livingston, Free Civil State of Liverpool England
Subj.: Military Alliance

Warmest Greetings,
It has been a long time since our nations has had some sort of relations with each other. World War IV was a long time ago, and since then I cannot remember any sort of relations we have had.

I am interested in this Military Alliance you wish to form, and would be glad to help or host any meetings regarding the formation, and after the formation, of any such group of nations.

Liverpool England has been isolationist for quite a while now, and it is probably time for us to come out of isolation and rejoin the world. Now, given our status as a "peace-loving" nation which conducts talks to end conflict diplomatically [OOC: Yea, thanks for that AMF :P], this move to create or join a military alliance should be seen as a purely defensive one in our national interests.

Until further word, yours,
Harry Livingston
Minister for External Affairs
Free Civil State of Liverpool England

To: Minister for External Affairs Harry Livingston, Free Civil State of Liverpool England
From: Ministry of Defence, Commonwealth of Chimaea

Mr. Livingston,

The Commonwealth is delighted to hear from your nation in regards to a military alliance. We also welcome Liverpool England in the thawing of its isolationist stance.

We have a number of defence ideas and proposals to discuss once such an alliance is underway and we look forward to your nations' input into them. We hope to get underway as soon as possible [OOC: hopefully when more nations join up, too!] and look forward to developing military capabilities to meet the needs of our changing world.

~General de Santuro

---------

OOC: the General isn't the Minister for Defence, he's just spearheading the initiative. He's the Commander in Chief of the Chimaean Armed Forces. :)

The Commonwealth of Chimaea wishes to establish a military development alliance between multiple allied nations. This alliance would pool resources for the creation and production of military hardware (weapons, aircraft, ships, transports) to maintain up-to-date military effectiveness within all modern theatres.

The Commonwealth would welcome all interested nations and ideas/proposals on how to establish this alliance.

Thanks for your time,

General Sebastian de Santuro (CiC)
Commonwealth of Chimaea, Ministry of Defence

From: General of the Army Vincent Ferrer Chalermchai, Strategos Strategôn of the Syskeyian Armed Forces
To: General Sebastian Santuro, Chimaean Ministry of Defence

The Republic of Syskeyia is greatly interested in this military/technological alliance that your country proposes. From liberating Amerigo from slavery to repelling the Reich's invasion of Syskeyia itself, our two countries have a long military tradition together and we desire to develop that relationship further.

God bless,

Gen. Vincent Ferrer Chalermchai
Strategos Strategôn
Syskeyian Armed Forces

OOC: Hoping to increase Chimaean-Syskeyian relations after the "Slicing" thing. You just had to allow the Order of the Invisible Hand to infest your country, didn't you? :P

OOC: Placeholder, formalize an IC post later.

To: General of the Army Vincent Ferrer Chalermchai, Strategos Strategôn of the Syskeyian Armed Forces
From: Ministry of Defence, Commonwealth of Chimaea

Gen. Vincent Ferrer Chalermchai,

Chimaea welcomes our historic allies to this venture and look forward to strengthening our alliance and sharing technologies to protect our nations in this age of conflict.

~General de Santuro

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

OOC: Well wasn't that the initial plan? I've lost track. Heh, but Chimaea is fairly market-oriented already so I suppose it was a matter of time.

Ok, just for info purposes... some of my ideas involve two types of Aircraft (an upgrade to Chimaea's all-round fighter, the CS-42 AirHawk), a modular, integrated combat platform for soldiers--heads up display, possible AI/human real-time battlefield direction, possible modular weaponry... this is gonna be a mix of modern and near-futurish tech. But anyway, we'll see.

OOC: Syskeyia, the "Slicing" thing would be over sooner if you actually, I dunno, posted to it. Ahem.

IC:

To: General Sebastian de Santuro (CiC), Ministry of Defence, Chimaea
From: Femke Vologdov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Knootoss

General,

I would like to inform you that the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss would be most interested in a military development alliance between multiple allied nations, such as you suggested. Insofar as other alliance obligations do not inhibit this with regards to classified technologies (VERITAS comes to mind) we are very willing to stimulate Knootian Defence Contractors to pool resources for the creation and production of military hardware with the end of promoting military effectiveness.

We do wonder which other nations will be included. We have no qualms about working with Chimaea, but participation with other countries will have to be reviewed on an individual basis.

Yours kindly,

Femke Vologdov

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence
Omnia mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis

BIAS WARNING: The following article is from the left-wing Volkskrant which is often more critical of Knootian policies in Colombia.

Colombian elections set to reaffirm ruling coalition

BOGOTÁ – elections are coming up, but Colombians don’t seem to be getting into an election mood. There are election posters here and there in the Colombian capital, Bogotá, but turnout is expected to be very low for the interim elections called for the Volkraad of the Knootian-administered part of Colombia. The election in Knootian Colombia is to coincide with the first election for a parliament of Chimaean Colombia.

The two-party coalition favouring a continued Knootian presence is set to book small gains over the sceptical opposition and Ralf Metusen, the special envoy to Knootiaans Colombia and the de facto administrator has expressed full confidence that the elections would not be interrupted by insurgent violence. Some troops that had been appointed by the previous administration to serve in Tanah Burung have been reassigned on election duty in Colombia.

On the Chimaean side, things prove to be a little more interesting. The elections will establish a Parliament, with a Prime Minister as head of government and the Chimaean Governor as chief of state. The Chimaean-picked Administrator of Chimaean Colombia is the most feasible candidate for the position of Prime Minister, and the election is not expected to cause a significant shift away from dependency on the Commonwealth.

However it is turnout numbers, not polls, which reveal the sad story behind these Volksraad elections. Only 29% of Knootian Colombians plans to go out and vote, a number which is brought down by the unwillingness of people in rural areas to go out and vote. Another problem is the exclusion of many prominent candidates which the administration has qualified as ‘undemocratic’. Parties and persons which have advocated any sort of violence against the Knootian administration have been systematically excluded from participating. It is not yet known to which extent the Chimaean government will take similar measures (as the insurgency has been weaker in Chimaean parts) but the ruling Liberal Democrats, like the Knootian government, have categorically rejected to accept a political dialogue with violent groups, choosing instead parties to co-opt parties that are willing to talk.

To: Minister of Defence General Sebastian de Santuro (CiC), Commonwealth of Chimaea
From: Sir Angrod Prieston. Director of Applied action. Acting spokesperson Iesus government in exile.


Our peoples have had a rocky history, but within recent times there has been the possibility of a new unite future being forged….sadly….much of what we hoped to build was shattered by the dire actions of those who hate liberty.

Acknowledging the promises of the past and looking to the bright future, the Exile government of Iesus Christi wishes to enter closer relations with your government. We accept we are not the masters of vast resources or riches, but together we believe much can be gained…only together can the world be changed for the better.

In Hope and Charity.
Angrod Prieston.

To: Minister of Defence the Honorable General Sebastian de Santuro
From: Duke Adrian Sterling, First Minister for Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Affairs

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Friedelinde Alderman I, and Her Majesty's Government have often observed with great respect the efforts of the Chimean Commonwealth in the chaos striken nation of Colombia. We have long heard good words on the behalf the Commonwealth through our long-time allies and friends in the Dutch Democratic Republic, and are greatly moved by the threats now facing the Chimean nation.

On behalf of Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Government, I wish to extend an offer for closer relations between the United Star Empire of Valinon and the Commonwealth of Chimea. Although we realize the nature of your recent appeals to the international community call more for military support, we also wish to build a strong diplomatic and civil union between our nations--one that we find to our great embarassment is sorely lacking.

Her Imperial Majesty would also like to extend a private offer to the Commonwealth, and wishes to know if the Commonwealth would be interested in entering into a mutual defense agreement between the United Star Empire, the Dutch Democratic Republic, and the Commonwealth. If this is the desire of the Commonwealth's citizens and government, the Star Empire would be more than willing to broach the topic with the Knootian government.

Also, if we can come to a mutually agreeable diplomatic arrangement, the Star Empire is more than willing to assist the Commonwealth in the development of new military technologies so that your armed forces may adequately repel the threats currently facing your nation.

Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Government will await the reply of the Commonwealth in earnest.

With respects,
Duke Adrian Sterling

OOC: Sorry I took so long to reply, been a busy week.

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

To: General Sebastian de Santuro (CiC), Ministry of Defence, Chimaea
From: Femke Vologdov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Knootoss

General,

I would like to inform you that the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss would be most interested in a military development alliance between multiple allied nations, such as you suggested. Insofar as other alliance obligations do not inhibit this with regards to classified technologies (VERITAS comes to mind) we are very willing to stimulate Knootian Defence Contractors to pool resources for the creation and production of military hardware with the end of promoting military effectiveness.

We do wonder which other nations will be included. We have no qualms about working with Chimaea, but participation with other countries will have to be reviewed on an individual basis.

Yours kindly,

Femke Vologdov

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence
Omnia mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis

To: Femke Vologdov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Knootoss
From: Chimaean Defence Ministry

Dear Minister Vologdov,

We are very happy that our long-standing allies are willing to make a committment to this goal. We do understand that there may be clashes with classified technologies or other nations and we will be releasing a list of nations who are also interested in due course. I'm sure we can work out any differences.

~General de Santuro

***

To: Minister of Defence General Sebastian de Santuro (CiC), Commonwealth of Chimaea
From: Sir Angrod Prieston. Director of Applied action. Acting spokesperson Iesus government in exile.


Our peoples have had a rocky history, but within recent times there has been the possibility of a new unite future being forged….sadly….much of what we hoped to build was shattered by the dire actions of those who hate liberty.

Acknowledging the promises of the past and looking to the bright future, the Exile government of Iesus Christi wishes to enter closer relations with your government. We accept we are not the masters of vast resources or riches, but together we believe much can be gained…only together can the world be changed for the better.

In Hope and Charity.
Angrod Prieston.

To: Sir Angrod Prieston. Director of Applied action. Acting spokesperson Iesus government in exile.
From: Office of the Governor

Dear Director,

We will gladly accept any input from the true Iesus Christi government and look forwards to working closely with you, especially in any matters concerning your goal of a free and democratic Iesus Christi. Although such a dream seems far now, I'm sure this is a step closer to it.

~Lady Tanya Bryce,
Governor of the Commonwealth of Chimaea

***

To: Minister of Defence the Honorable General Sebastian de Santuro
From: Duke Adrian Sterling, First Minister for Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Affairs

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Friedelinde Alderman I, and Her Majesty's Government have often observed with great respect the efforts of the Chimean Commonwealth in the chaos striken nation of Colombia. We have long heard good words on the behalf the Commonwealth through our long-time allies and friends in the Dutch Democratic Republic, and are greatly moved by the threats now facing the Chimean nation.

On behalf of Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Government, I wish to extend an offer for closer relations between the United Star Empire of Valinon and the Commonwealth of Chimea. Although we realize the nature of your recent appeals to the international community call more for military support, we also wish to build a strong diplomatic and civil union between our nations--one that we find to our great embarassment is sorely lacking.

Her Imperial Majesty would also like to extend a private offer to the Commonwealth, and wishes to know if the Commonwealth would be interested in entering into a mutual defense agreement between the United Star Empire, the Dutch Democratic Republic, and the Commonwealth. If this is the desire of the Commonwealth's citizens and government, the Star Empire would be more than willing to broach the topic with the Knootian government.

Also, if we can come to a mutually agreeable diplomatic arrangement, the Star Empire is more than willing to assist the Commonwealth in the development of new military technologies so that your armed forces may adequately repel the threats currently facing your nation.

Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Government will await the reply of the Commonwealth in earnest.

With respects,
Duke Adrian Sterling

To: Duke Adrian Sterling, First Minister for Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Affairs
From: Chimaean Foreign Ministry

It is with great honour that the Governor and the Commonwealth Government recieved your reply to our invitation, and your request for closer ties between the Commonwealth and the Star Empire.

The Commonwealth of Chimaea and Governor Bryce gladly accepts Her Imperial Majesty's offer of closer diplomatic and civil ties between our two nations; It is true that we have never had any formal relationships with the Star Empire of Valinon and it is a state of affairs we will correct with alacrity.

Her Imperial Majesty's idea of a mutual defence agreement with the Star Empire, the Commonwealth and the Dutch Democratic Republic is of great interest. We would be happy to discuss this with both parties and come to a pact. This would greatly facilitate the need for collective defence in our ever-changing world and further our defensive capabilities.

The Commonwealth thanks you for your offer and look forward to closer relations with the Star Empire.

~Lady Mitchelle Douglas,
Foreign Minister, Commonwealth of Chimaea

To: Lady Tanya Bryce, Governor of the Commonwealth of Chimaea
From: Sir Angrod Prieston.

I extend the sincere thanks of the legitimate government of Iesus Christi. The heart of the enslaved people of Iesus Christi leaps for joy knowing some people are indeed prepared to do the right thing…
Whatever we can do, we shall. Our government stands prepared to enter into this new blossoming relationship with an open mind – we shall set our eyes on the future....

again, thank you.

In Hope and Charity
Angrod.

OOC: this letter was sent to me quite a while ago, by telegram, but it seems appropriate to answer it in this thread.

To: The Honorable Femke Halsema, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense

From: Duke Adrian Sterling, Her Imperial Majesty's First Minister for Foreign Affairs

CC: The Lady Mitchelle Douglas, The Honorable Foreign Minister of the Commonwealth of Chimaea
The Lord Wilhelm Reinstadler, Her Imperial Majesty's Ambassador to the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss

Concerning: Negotiation of a Mutual Beneficial Alliance Between the The Commonwealth, the Dutch Democratic Republic, and the United Star Empire

My Honored Colleague,

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Friedelinde Alderman I, and Her Majesty's Government have long-viewed the relation they enjoy with the people and government of the Dutch Democratic Republic as one that has been essential to our nation, especially since the end of the Shadow War.

We have long enjoyed the benefits of mutual trade and military support the relationship between our two nations have worked so hard to create. And Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Government have been impressed considerable by the Knootian efforts to establish stability and national continuinity in the turmoil-plagued nation of Colombia.

However, it has come to the the attention of Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Government that the alliance between our nations could be strengthened even further if we were to expand it to include the Commonwealth of Chimea. Besides being essential to the continuing efforts in Colombia, the Star Empire believes that the continued well-being of the Chimean state has become essential to the policies of the Dutch Democratic Republic--and therefore is indirectly essential to the policies of the Star Empire. We have also gathered numerous support suggesting that the Commonwealth is now under considerable outside threat, threats that may eventually draw the Dutch Democratic Republic directly or indirectly into a greater conflict.

Therefore, Her Imperial Majesty and Her Majesty's Government would at this time propose the creation of a mutual alliance between the Commonwealth of Chimea, the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss, and the United Star Empire of Valinon. We fully believe that with greater cooperation in the areas of mutual defense, mutual economic consent, and mutual diplomatic ties this new alliance would render great benefits to all of our nations. Her Imperial Majesty would also like to include that if a mutual alliance is created, the Star Empire will be more than willing to assist the continuing Chimean/Knootian efforts in Colombia through any means either the Commonwealth or the Dutch Democratic Republic suggest.

Her Imperial Majesty, Her Majesty's Government, and myself will await your reply in earnest.

Respectfully,
Duke Adrian Sterling

Reply:


To: Duke Adrian Sterling, Her Imperial Majesty's First Minister for Foreign Affairs, Valinon
From: Countess Femke Vologdov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Knootoss
CC:
-Lady Mitchelle Douglas, Foreign Minister, Chimaea
-Lord Wilhelm Reinstadler, Her Imperial Majesty's Ambassador to the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss
Subject: Alliance talks

Your Excellency,

The Dutch Democratic Republic, having bilateral alliances with both the Star Empire and the Commonwealth, is open to any proposals that our alliance partners might entertain. Any reasonable proposals in the area of common defence, economic cooperation, and diplomatic ties are sure to receive the positive recommendation of the Daatman administration in the Staten-Generaal. I have also written to the Chimaean government regarding this alliance proposal and have spoken on on the idea of talks positively in the Council of Ministers.

I recognise the threat currently post by the aggressive neighbours of Chimaea within the Empire of Baron and feel strongly that a certain measure of preparedness will be required to ward of and (if possible) prevent any untoward threats to the Commonwealth. The assistance of the Commonwealth is noble and appreciated.

With regards to the continuing efforts in Colombia I have to be more cautious. The domestic political process in Colombia is very shaky, and this Knootian administration envisages a gradual move towards more independence. We do not feel that the inclusion of foreign partners at this time would be a wise move. At the present time there is no external threat in Knootian Colombia to the security of the Knootian Federation and therefore I thank you for your offer of assistance but ensure you that it is not needed.

Yours,

Femke Vologdov

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence
Omnia mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis

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