NationStates Jolt Archive

Press Room, Central Executive Complex, New York City, North America, the Akashan Union

Major events tend to attract a significant number of press members. Of course, the background story and events leading up to the major event have been well-covered, and the fact that the event is going to occur is well-known among the populace and media. Still, no news organization can pass up the opportunity to declare in blazing text, with full color pictures and/or video, a major event that nearly everyone knew would happen anyway.

A perfect example of this would be the news of this day, namely the signing of the charter for the Alliance of Progressive Nations. The fact that these three were creating this alliance had been known for some time, and amateur experts would remember such an idea originally being hinted at to the public all the way back during the middle of the Starfighter administration. It was still a highly-publicized event, and rightly so. Reporters with cameras, video, and audio recorders were jostling to get the best view of the three national leaders up on the platform, pens in hand and charters on the desk, talking amongst themselves and ready to sign the charter.

Charter of the Alliance of Progressive Nations

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/United_Solaris_Federation/APNsm.jpg
Article I- Purpose

We, the undersigned nations of this charter of the organization (to be henceforth known as the Alliance of Progressive Nations [APN]) seek to actively promote and protect those ideals and systems which we believe to improve the individual. Through leadership by example, trade, and diplomacy we hope to extend the progression of sentient rights under the law to their ideal legal and social egalitarian end states. Through the same, and under force of arms only if necessary, we intend to defend ourselves and our ideals from outside aggressors. With reason and a belief in the intrinsic potential of every sentient, ideals all our members hold dear, we will work with a collective spirit and an intent to empower progressive ideology into a brighter future.

Article II- Alliance Duties

The Alliance of Progressive Nations exists as a framework to provide for the mutual safety, defense, and prosperity of the members of this organization and to protect the common foundations of the government structures of the APN’s member states. In accordance, we, the member states of the APN, formally agree to the following alliance duties:

1.) The undersigned nations formally enter a status of alliance, mutual defense, and collective security. This status shall not be abridged while this treaty is in effect, and abridgement of this status shall represent an immediate withdrawal from this treaty by the respective party.

2.) In accordance with Article II Part 1 of this treaty, the nations agree that an unprovoked attack on any territory under the jurisdiction of either nation, an unprovoked attack on any property under the ownership of either nation, or any other unprovoked act of war, shall be interpreted as an attack on all nations, and each respective government shall take any actions it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to maintain the security of all member nations.

3.) The undersigned nations will contribute toward the further development of peaceful and friendly international relations by strengthening their free institutions, by bringing about a better understanding of the principles upon which these institutions are founded, by promoting conditions of stability and well-being, and by promoting the spirit of progressivism throughout the multiverse.

4.) In order more effectively to achieve the objectives of this treaty, the nations, separately and jointly, by means of continuous and effective self-help and mutual aid, will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack.

5.) The nations agree to consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the nations is threatened. Such a consultation shall take place in the APN Central Council, to be comprised of the plenary body of the heads of government of the undersigned nations. The structure of the APN Central Council is to be further outlined in Article III.

6.) In accordance with Article II Part 1 of this treaty, the member states will engage in an intelligence-sharing program such that each nation shall share any and all classified information if it represents a critical point of information for either nation or if it is requested by the other nation. All such information shall be released at the discretion of the sending nation.

Article III- Alliance Structure

To implement the clauses stipulated in Article II, the Alliance of Progressive Nations requires a stable structure which can implement the clauses with urgency and to their maximum capacities. In accordance and to facilitate this implementation, we, the member states of the APN, formally agree to the following structure of the organization:

1.) The Alliance of Progressive Nations shall consist of two bodies: the Alliance of Progressive Nations Central Council, which shall serve as the primary legislative and judicial body of the alliance, and shall hold all of the subsequent powers therein, and the Alliance of Progressive Nations Executive Council, which shall serve as the primary executive body of the alliance. The powers of the Central Council and the Executive Council shall be enumerated in the subsequent text of this article.

2.) The Alliance of Progressive Nations Central Council shall be comprised of the plenary body of the heads of government of all of the undersigned nations. Every signatory shall receive one vote, and motions shall be passed by a simple majority (50% plus one) vote. Any member state may bring a motion to the floor of the Central Council at any time.

3.) The Alliance of Progressive Nations Executive Council shall be comprised of the three founding members of the alliance (the Social Democracy of Haraki, the Federated Segments of Scolopendra, and the Akashan Union) as well as a certain number of members elected to the Executive Council by the Central Council. The Executive Council shall consist of three members for the period of time until eight nations have signed this charter, at which point it shall have four. Once ten nations have signed this charter, the Executive Council shall have five members, at which point it shall remain static unless requested to do so via amendment process. The amendment process shall be delineated later in this article.

4.) The Alliance of Progressive Nations Executive Council shall have veto power over motions passed by the Central Council. A simple majority (50% plus one) of members must agree to veto a motion for a veto to be in effect. The Central Council may override a Executive Council veto by passing it again with a 66% minimum majority.

5.) The legislative, judicial, and executive powers of the Central Council and Executive Council are limited to matters pertaining to the Alliance of Progressive Nations alone. The APN Central Council is the authorized body to settle disputes between member states pertaining to the APN Charter. All finalized decisions of the APN Central Council pertaining to disputes between member states regarding the APN Charter must be passed by the Central Council with a 66% minimum majority. APN Central Council judiciary decisions are not subject to Executive Council vetoes.

6.) The Alliance of Progressive Nations, as a whole, may declare war on a nation or a group of nations. Such a state of war is automatically implied if an armed attack on a member state is carried out, in accordance with Article II. The Alliance of Progressive Nations may also declare war without direct armed attack. Such a motion requires a 75% minimum majority in the Central Council to be implemented.

7.) To promote the unity between the members of the Alliance of Progressive Nations, the APN is authorized with sanctioning alliance projects among member states that promote the security of and cooperation between the member states.

a.) The members of the APN are encouraged to support each other financially and technologically to complete joint projects between members. As such, the alliance encourages members to assist fellow members requesting aid in any way regarded as feasible by the donating nation.

b.) In the event that the APN as a whole agrees upon a joint alliance project, the members of the APN are required to donate economic and technological aid for the completion of the project. Joint alliance projects require a 75% minimum majority in the APN Central Council to be initiated. Joint alliance projects are not subject to Executive Council vetoes.

Article IV- Membership

The Alliance of Progressive Nations is intended to be a union of likeminded nations, united in their support of their own progressive systems and dedicated to the furtherment of sentient rights. As such, we, the undersigned nations, agree to the following protocols for states to join this alliance:

1.) Membership to the Alliance of Progressive Nations shall be an open process, and all nations who wish to join may inform the APN Central Council. The APN Central Council shall then review the candidate and vote on the membership. Membership applications must be passed by a 60% minimum majority in the Central Council to be accepted.

2.) Voting upon a nation's entrance to the Alliance of Progressive Nations shall be conducted only by the nations which are in the alliance at the time of application of the applicant nation. All nations which are accepted into the Alliance of Progressive Nations are not allowed to vote on any applications already pending at that time.

3.) In the spirit of the alliance, non-progressive nations that wish to undergo internal reform to match the character of the alliance may do so. Voting procedures for membership shall be the same as for progressive nations. In order to help implement reformation, non-progressive nations shall follow an Established Framework for full membership within the alliance.

a.) Progressive nations, in accordance with Article I of this charter, are defined as those that score an "Average" or better in Political Freedoms and Civil Liberties, and by definition subsequently abide by Articles 1-9, 13, and 17-20 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as Articles 3 through 8 of the U.S. Bill of Rights. Non-progressive nations, by extention, are those that score below average for both political freedoms and civil liberties.

b.) Non-progressive nations are welcome to apply for admission to the APN, but if accepted shall be given Associate Member status within the APN. Associate Members must reform their internal policies to pass the minimum requirements of progressive states as delineated by the preceding clause of this section with $years of their admission. Associate Members may not vote on APN policies, but may retain the benefits delinated in Article II Section 1 during their status as Associate Member. If an Associate Member is granted full membership, it shall be accorded all of the benefits that full membership provides.

4.) In the event that a member of the APN does not promote the stability, security, and common goals of the members of the alliance and the alliance as a whole, the APN Central Council is authorized to eject that nation from the alliance. Expulsion motions require a 75% minimum majority in the Central Council to be approved. Expelled nations are free to reapply to the alliance.

Article V- Amendment Process

The undersigned nations recognize that the charter process cannot foresee all possible events that the alliance may face. In accordance, we, the undersigned nations, agree to the following protocols for amendments to be added to the charter:

1.) Amendments to the charter may be submitted by any member state, just as any other motion. Amendments require a 75% minimum majority to pass to the Executive Council, and an 85% minimum majority is required to override any Executive Council veto.

Signatory States:
The Akashan Union
The Federated Segments of Scolopendra
The Modified Freedom Forces of Euroslavia
The Poblacht Chónaidhme of Largent
The Republic of Kanami
The Grand Democratic Duchy of Yafor II
The Imperium of the Scandavian States
The Socialist Empire of Edolia
The People's Greater Hegemony of Pilon

Notes:
- The Poblacht Chónaidhme of Largent was formerly the Ba'ath National Command of Largent.
- The Akashan Union is also known as the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon.
- Former members, and the reasons their memberships have been terminated, are listed below. "Un-extant" refers to nations that no longer exist.

Former signatory states:
The Social Democracy of Haraki (un-extant)
The Republic of The Island of Rose (un-extant)
The Supreme Council of Bynzekistan (un-extant)
The Liberal Unitary Republic of Goobergunchia (un-extant)


OOC: This is going to be the official APN thread for various official events. Amendments added are preceded by green numbering, clauses which have been repealed are in red. Official APN forums are here (http://z10.invisionfree.com/New_UNAOTO/index.php) and here (http://z10.invisionfree.com/New_UNAOTO/index.php).

Abhinash is the first to sign. He speaks aloud as he puts his name on the charter. "I, Abhinash Chandran, on behalf of the Akashan Union, sign this charter on this date, the 28th of August NCE 279." It's required for official internal government purposes.

Speaker does it with less, all told. Ink, claw, typical felinid silence and conservation of movement.

http://www.weirdozone.com/projects/nationstates/speeks-sig.gif
Supreme Emperor Speaker-Rrit
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

Jaime does it in silence, with a slight grin to the Harakian press section, taking up the pen and signing his name. Underneath the signature, he writes:

Prime Minister Jaime Wolfe
Social Democracy of Haraki

"It is with my expressed interest, as well as the interest of my fellow representatives of Euroslavia to give notice that our nation, after brief debate, has considered joining the Alliance of Progressive Nations. We are aware of the current requirements of joining such an alliance, and we will cooperate with what is needed for our nations' application to be formally submitted and considered."

Lady Destra nos Thiendrel

"...Let it be known that there is no way I, or any member of my government, would stand in the way of Euroslavian entry into the Alliance of Progressive Nations. In this same line of reasoning, I hereby endorse Euroslavian entry into the APN with Haraki's vote going towards Euroslavian membership at this time, and at all points in the foreseeable future. Now, on the subject of taxes..."

-Jaime Wolfe in a speech to the Harakian nation.


Mere minutes after the speech ended, a formal message was sent:

To all APN nations... Haraki's vote goes towards Euroslavian entry.

The Legislative Unit passes the validation of the APN treaty signature and the authorization of intent to accept Euroslavia in the same bill. Thus is the Supreme Emperor "strongly advised" (as it says in the language of the bill) to accept Euroslavia as a member.

This is done in short order with no complaints.

>>>Open Transmission {via KnownNet}<<<
>>>Destination {Alliance of Progressive Nations}<<<

Throughout the entirety of our relations with the nations of Tiburon and Scolopendra we have found them nothing but helpful and or supportive. Given these posotive relations and the sound logic behind the Charter of the alliance we, The Ba'ath National Command have decided to request entry into the Alliance of Progressive Nations.

~Empress Elwing Oronrà
Supreme Overseer and Commander of the Ba'ath National Command

>>>Close Transmission<<<

Having thoroughly reviewed the application of Euroslavia, I am in complete agreement with Supreme Emperor Rrit and Prime Minister Wolfe, and vote to accept the Modified Freedom Forces of Euroslavia into the Alliance of Progressive Nations. Therefore, with three votes in favor and no votes against, I am pleased to admit the Modified Freedom Forces of Euroslavia into the Alliance of Progressive Nations.

I am currently examining the history of the Ba'ath National Command of Largent. They have had a history of excellent relations with our nation. We do have some concerns regarding the current status of their civil rights and political freedoms in relation to the purpose of the alliance; however, given the history of excellent relations, I believe that if the BNC wishes to become a progressive nation, membership within the alliance would be ideal to do so. Our official vote shall come at the end of the examination, although I believe that the state of the Largentian application, given their excellent relations with our nation and with Scolopendra, ultimately is dependent on whether or not the Ba'ath National Command wishes to become a progressive state. I wish to note that whether or not they do decide to become a progressive state will not impact the excellent relations between Akashaand Largent- not every nation in our other closest alliance (the Trium) is a progressive nation, after all.

-President Anthony Kennedy, the Akashan Union

As we have never had significant relations with the Ba'ath National Command of Largent, Haraki's view on their stance on foreign and domestic affairs is limited to what we have read in briefs and reports. Unfortunately, I must say that from the limited knowledge base we have to work with, the diplomatic corps has been having some trouble coming to the conclusion that Largent is a progressive nation and one that should be admitted into the Alliance of Progressive Nations. As such, we are now placing Largent under an extensive program of investigation into both internal and international affairs, and shall be reviewing the recent history of the nation in question before making a final decision. As this will take time, any arguments for or against Largent's entry into the APN, either by Largent or by APN members, should be presented at this point in time.

-Prime Minister Jaime Wolfe

The Largentian argument as to its entrance into the APN is simple. As Tiburnese officials can certainly confim, Largent has been undergoing recent and extreme changes. The people fo our nation have called for more political and civil freedoms and slowly we hope to be able to grant them without raising crime rates or reduce our ability to defend our borders. The former empire has already localized all interplanetary governments by granting local sovereignty. The next step is to reform the Ba'ath National Command itself. While the idea of doing away with a monarch altogether is out of the question at this point, we hope that in the years to come we will be able to establish an extremely conservative federal system that will work hand in hand with the Monarch and act as a voice for the people. At this time we may not appear to be a textbook candidate for this alliance; however, it if we were admitted the APN could act as an environment that would promote and speed up any governmental changes already in the process. By granting us admission the APN is taking a great risk and we recognize this. Nonetheless, we are serious about giving our people a voice in the government and would be more than happy to submit annual reports to the APN displaying our progress. If none is made, we will willingly withdraw from the alliance at the request of any fellow member.

~Empress Elwing Oronrà

After discussing the issue with the Joint International Relations Committee of the Legislative Unit, the floor of the Population Section concurs with JIRC that if we are willing to consider the Modified Freedom Force of Euroslavia progressive then we are willing to assist the Ba'ath National Command of Largent in becoming progressive. Neither has as populist a government as we would truly prefer but friends nor progress is to be made by denying access to those who show potential. While it is unlikely that the other members of the APN will officially accept Largent into the alliance, we would like to officially state our support for the ideals inspiring Largent's application to the Alliance of Progressive Nations.

We are of course willing to assist the Ba'ath National Command in any way we can to join the ranks of progressive nations while maintaining their internal stability.

Legislative Voice Nakpangi Sidibe
Legislative Unit (Population)
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

After careful consideration by the Consortium Alliance Relations Committee and the other members of the executive branch, I strongly agree with the sentiments of Legislative Voice Sidibe and Empress Oronrà. The purpose of this alliance is to foster, promote, and preserve the progressive spirit, not just an alliance to harbor likeminded nations. A far greater achievement than preaching to the choir is to help a nation build its progressive spirit and allow it to grow into a model nation of progressivism, and this is an opportunity we have with the nation of Largent.

I vote in favor of Largent's application into the APN.

-President Anthony Kennedy, the Akashan Union

Two proposals for logos: this one (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/United_Solaris_Federation/APNsm.jpg) and this one (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/United_Solaris_Federation/Proton.jpg).

After careful consideration by the Harakian diplomatic corps in conjunction with I myself and the HIA, we and parliament have come to the conclusion that Largent's entry into the Alliance of Progressive Nations will be beneficial for all involved parties, and will include Largent's steady transformation towards a more progressive role in the world. However, as proposed by Empress Oronrà, I hereby request that the government of Largent present annual (Or every six months) reports to the APN as a whole displaying Largent's progress towards progressivism. I would also like to note and inform other APN members that parliament has imposed a limit on this vote, whereby three years from the date of Largent's acceptance into the APN, the current Harakian parliament will have a vote to deem whether or not Largent has proved themselves to be moving towards progressive ideals. If parliament deems Largent has not made visible progress, the Harakian delegation to the APN will be obliged to start a vote to eject Largent from the alliance.

Haraki's final vote goes towards Largent's acceptance into the APN at this time.


-Prime Minister Jaime Wolfe

Looking over and assessing the situation, the Modified Freedom Forces of Euroslavia is willing to accept the nation of Largent into the alliance, as long as continued check-ups of the nation occur, along with proof that their human rights and civil liberties are secure. Granted, Euroslavia isn't the most progressive nation out there, continued changes will occur, because of the acceptance into this prestigious alliance. Our nation seems to understand Largent's position, as a nation, and we would like their acceptance to this alliance to happen.

Lady Destra nos Thiendrel

Our acceptance into this alliance has come as both an unexpected and most enjoyable surprise. We give our deepest thanks to all who voted for us. You have displayed trust and acceptance that I truely cannot put into words, and you actions shall never be forgotten. As promised we will be submitting regular reports along with various news and analysis. I would also like to add I look forward to working in collaboration with each of you in the near future.

~Empress Elwing Oronrà

ps, the first logo looks cooler Tib

I agree with the Harakian proposal for the Largentian government to send us regular updates on their progress. I've talked with Lady Destra, and we agree that it seems only fair for Euroslavia to submit the same updates until it becomes a progressive nation.

We also should probably pass the definitions motion at this point, but keep the definitions loose- I wasn't really thinking of using the definitions as a guideline for who should and shouldn't be in as much as the progressive ideal, what we- whether submitting update reports or not- should strive for.

-President Anthony Kennedy, the Akashan Union

OOC: Discussed with Euro on IRC.

Excerpted from the Final Report of the National Assembly Subcommittee on the State of Largentian Political Freedoms and Civil Rights.

"Having reviewed the evidence presented to us by the governments of the Akashan Union (USF), the Ba'ath National Command of Largent (BNC), the NationStates United Nations (NSUN), and independent non-governmental organizations such as Freedom House, we have come to the unanimous conclusion that the BNC has made more than sufficient progress in both its political freedoms and civil rights to classify it as a progressive state. We are extremely impressed with both the speed and the efficiency with which the leadership of the BNC has brought about this transition, and strongly recommend that the Largentian reformation be used as a model to gauge and direct future national reformation efforts."

On behalf of the government and the people of Akasha, I'd like to congradulate the nation of Largent for their reformation. The speed that you've managed to reform is quite remarkable. I'm more proud now of the APN than I have ever been before- this reformation is proof of the value of our methods in action and reaffirms our common goal. Congradulations, again.

-Anthony Kennedy
President, the Akashan Union

Official Application

We of the United States of Allanea would like to apply to the Alliance of Progressive Nations. We feel that our nation complies with many of the principles of the APN, however we not perfect.

It is necessary, as we outline this application, to point out that the United States Stellar Navy is currently on a stand-down status due to horrible atrocities for which the entire Naval Command of Allanea has been put on trial. Currently, forces of the Herpetological Empire of Sakkra are re-training the next-generation of Allanea naval officers, and helping reorganize our navy to be come an organization that is less likely to commit such horrendous acts – a more humane Navy.

Further, recently we have come under aggression by the Reich nations, where seven million Allaneans have been killed, and fifty million Reich citizens. Throughout the war, while Allanea deployed nuclear weapons in response to the original attack, in accordance with our deterrence policies, we also appealed for peace on three separate occasions, and eventually signed peace. Currently we ware in the process of dismantling our ICBM arsenal, in order to avoid approaching the brink of mutual annihilation.

The United States had also recently deployed troops abroad to aid it's allied states to remove President Swanner of British Londinium for crimes against humanity – which was accomplished with not a shot fired.

The United States has recognition for a variety of sapient rights, based on a natural rights model, and our central government is limited in a variety of ways. (http://z12.invisionfree.com/Allanea/index.php?showtopic=7&view=findpost&p=2078972).

We would like to point out that while our President is indeed elected for life, his powers are extremely limited – he may sign treaties (ratified by the Senate), command the military during war, and administer those Federal agencies that are authorized by Congress and the Constitution. No framework of laws and executive orders extending the powers of the President, similar to that in Old America, exists in the United States.

Further, we would like to point out that we are currently negotiating a peace effort between the Sovereign League – an alliance with similar goals to the APN – and Gholgoth, in which the Social Democracy of Haraki is currently a member. We hope that this effort on our part will be appreciated by the APN.

We realize Allanea is not the most progressive nation in the world, however, we are striving to improve it's social structures, and we would hope the APN nations will help us indeed do that, as it helped the Ba'ath National Command.

Sincerely yours, the Allaneans.

OOC:

*covers his head in expectation of mockery*
If you're going to vote 'no', please vote no, don't mock.

Nice job on trying to coordinate a peace effort.

How long has it been since your last nuclear exchange?

~Julius M Razak

The number of times I've seen the terms "horrible atrocities" and "leadership of Allanea" in the same sentence- and not in a positive manner- is way too many for me to count. I can distinctly think of all of the Edolian wars, the Halladi genocide, New Dornalia, the Reich, Antanjyl... granted, some of those aren't exactly shining examples of progressivism themselves, but there's something to be said for the pot calling the kettle.

Tiburon votes against.

-Anthony Kennedy, President, U.S.F. of Tiburon

The Republic of Kanami has had a long standing tradition of international relations since our founding in 1806, at home Kanami is a democratic society that acts within the boundries of the common good. The most basic of rights are granted, including Speech, Press, Religion, and Assembly. We have always been a compationate nation welcoming persecuted refugees.

Kanami isn't afraid to stand up for what is right in the world, even if it poses risks, (unless the risk outweighs the benefits) We have stood our ground against nations ten time stronger and bigger than us, and have not waverd. We belive everyone in the world should have the rights we have and we do what we can to make that known.

Kanami has helped nations in need humanitarian or militant. We have helped stabalize the nation of Princstable, we have helped the nation of Kurona in their greatest time of need.

Although Kanami strongly belives in a full-free democracy, we recognize not every state is such. So long as they aren't brutal totalitarian states that have no respect for international law or human rights, we will align our selves with them if they align with us.

We hope you will accpet us we'll be waiting for the word.

Cooridally,
Elenore Romney
Prime Minister

Karou Kamiah
Minister of Foreign Affairs

With regards to Allanea -

Although we have been going through the process of opening and improving relations with the United States recently, ever since that little incident where we were at war for about a day, we must vote against, and hope that this does not jeopardize our budding friendship with the United States.

However, we would like to take this chance to outline several reasons why and ways Allanea could improve. Allanean nuclear exchanges seem far too frequent to be purely retaliatory in nature. Although I personally have never seen Allanea launch a first strike nuclear, chemical, or biological attack, I have seen these weapons of mass destruction used several times in retaliation for attacks against Allanea. This points not necessarily to something about Allanean nuclear policy - Haraki would have done the same - but to something about Allanean foreign policy. I have seen Allanea become involved in more wars where the other side launches nuclear weapons than any other nation in the recent past. Usually these wars have been Allanean in origin, leading some members of parliament to argue that Allanea is a warmonger. Some even went so far as to say Allanea had brought this upon itself. I do not believe this, but I do believe that a shift in the way Allanea treats the world would be in order before an acceptance into the APN could occur. We are not an alliance that seeks needless bloodshed or aggressive wars. We do not want our alliance name to be tarnished by the use of nuclear weapons on civilian targets - you say fifty million Reich citizens died, most of them probably from your nuclear exchange. What crime did they commit but being born in the wrong nation? - by a member state.

Secondly, the subject of atrocities as raised by President Kennedy. We have to agree with him entirely on that matter. A nation which commits so many atrocities is not one we feel to be suitable for APN membership. I recognize that Allanea has been trying to move towards these never happening again, but the Allanean government must recognize that we can only forgive, and never forget, especially since some of these have happened very recently, such as the wanton murder of millions of Reich citizens.

We also recognize that Allanea has been attempting to brighten their image and work for peace and human rights throughout the world. Examples would be the peace deal between the Sovereign League and Gholgoth, or the war against British Londinium, which the Social Democracy also took part in. These are the shining light in Allanea's application, and probably the part that would lead most to APN membership.

We know that Allanean internal politics fit APN ideals and membership qualifications. It is the external affairs that we are worried about.

My recommendation is that Allanea accept what we have said here and work towards APN membership over several months or even years. Cease the aggressive wars, continue with such things as human rights programs and interventions to help out the weaker, lesser people, and stop nuking civilian targets. Perhaps join Chellis' Grouphug anti-ballistic missile treaty. You probably get the idea. After some time of this, reapply to the APN, citing - showcasing? - your work since your application this time, and we will see if your recent actions are suitable enough for APN membership that we can overlook the significant tarnishes on your history.


Prime Minister Jaime Wolfe









With regards to Kanami, our first instinct is to accept their application. The only thing standing in our way is the fact that we frequently see or hear of Kanami being involved in wars, which may lead me to draw the conclusion that Kanami is a warlike state. Nevertheless, this could be merely conjecture and overanalysis on my part.
-Prime Minister Jaime Wolfe

Haraki votes to accept Kanami into the APN.










OOC: Scolo and Tib, are we ever going to get on that joint project we were planning?

OOC: Haraki, I was just about bring that up myself. I'm rather busy today and tomorrow- college apps- but afterwards I'll be free to engage that thing. Kanami, I'm afraid I don't know who you are, so my vote will take a while in coming.

Official Yaforite Response

These are trying times. It is a breath of fresh air to see nations such as these of the Alliance of Progressive Nations band together to promote those ideals of human rights and potential. Nations such as these are few and far between. The Grand Democratic Duchy humbly asks that it may also be admitted into the fold of nations who regard themselves as "progressive" and who go to extremes to protect and advance the rights of the individual. It would be an honor indeed to be accepted into this alliance.

The Grand Democratic Duchy has always stood for what we regard as "right". The individual is paramount in our beliefs. In the past, the Grand Democratic Duchy has associated with others who also believe in these ideals. The Woodstock Pact (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Woodstock_Pact) is a good example. As can be seen from the very charter, the Woodstock Pact was among the most influential international group in this regard. They participated in aiding Czardas fight against the nations of the Coalition Against Democracy (CAD) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=448631), a war (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=473356) that Yafor 2 did not participate in, but was a driving force behind. They were also present at the peace conference (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10541516#post10541516) to resolve that conflict. The Woodstock Pact also has aided such nations such as Feazanthia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=478077) in their times of tribulation. Yafor 2 was an important force behind these decisions. Now many nations of the Woodstock Pact are in the Sovereign League and Yafor 2, despite having no desire to join that organization, remains close allies with those nations.

Yafor 2 has also been a progressive country on its own. When the small province of Marerius was up in arms protesting in the streets against Yaforite rule, the government in Ajer sent people in to transfer (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=490459) power to a homegrown Marerian government and that is what has occurred. Yafor 2 also has a powerful base of free people at home, who stand up (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=512091) for what they believe is right. The Grand Democratic Duchy has a thriving political system, and while there have been bumps (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=506687), the democratic government has functioned as well as possible. Yafor 2 has had its fair share of scandals, as well. When electoral fraud was found (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=472660), the standing government quickly reacted with a police investigation. Their diligence helped the criminals be quickly apprehended and new elections to take place.

Those in the Grand Democratic Duchy are not loathe to use force under necessary circumstances. Not long ago, an oppressive CAD regime in Generia was using spies to try and knock out Yaforite power. This resulted in Generian ships attacking innocent Yaforite submarines who were protecting a fleet from this rapacious army. What came next was the Yaforite-Generian War (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=442037). In this, despite our own aversion of using force as weapon, the Grand Democratic Duchy fought Generic Empire for months until a compromise was reached and the Generians gave in to many demands of the Grand Democratic Duchy. However using force is to Yafor 2 not a preferred choice, as our membership in the Mir Initiative (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8692047&postcount=1) indicates.

We hope that it can be reached that the Grand Democratic Duchy can be admitted into the Alliance of Progressive Nations and be alongside such illustrious nations as Scolopendra and Tiburon. Our allies Euroslavia, who were once members of the Woodstock Pact, and whose leader Lady Destra once sheltered inside Yafor 2 during the civil war in her country, is a good friend of ours. We hope that such a friendship can be expanded via the Alliance of Progressive Nations.

"In peace do we stand, it is war that we fall."

~Signed~
Rudiv Sodo
Elected Duke of the Grand Democratic Duchy of Yafor 2.

OOC: Some of those links are from 2005. The best examples of my current RP'ing skills come in my on-going thread (the "bumps in the democratic system" link) "Disrupting the Balance" (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=506687).

"The Yaforites make a very compelling case towards membership in the APN, the history presented and that which our intelligence services have reported on for us, being a glowing example of those we wish to see in the APN itself. Based purely on the evidence presented here, our vote would go towards membership, and ultimately it most likely will.

"However, at this time I would like to open up, as per APN procedure, the floor to any representative of any APN nation or any representative from Yafor 2 to make a case for or against Yaforite entrance. As Haraki itself has never had in-depth dealings with the Grand Democratic Duchy, we will leave it to other nations which have to make a case for or against entrance.

"As such, Haraki's vote tentatively goes towards Yaforite membership."

-Prime Minister Jaime Wolfe

California would like to join the Alliance of Progressive Nations. While California is by no means a paragon of peace, during our two-hundred and sixty-two years as a nation we have sought to form alliances through the period of this nation's existence. After reading through this pact carefully, we have concluded that this pact represents in many aspects the finer attributes of which we have been attempting to accomplish.

So with this said, California is not by any means the perfect example of a progressive nation, however — after several change-ups in the Californian Parliament we have had the pleasure to announce that Californians are enjoying the greatest period of prosperity and freedom, than has ever existed in the nation — even during times when most of California was largely part of the United States of America.

Official Statement from the Rosian Republic
http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/9889/tiorseal0jaza8.png

The Rosian Republic wishes to join the Alliance of Progressive Nations. We have a large history of being a country who supports civil rights. We have condemned hundreds of nations who have abused human beings. Not only that, we have been a country who has actively used a Democratic system, whether we have been socialist, liberal imperialist, or centrist.

Not only that, the Republic has been part of other organizations devoted to common sense like this alliance seems to be, like NATO and Victoria, the latter being obscure in the modern day but nevertheless it was dedicated to these same principles.

Also, our military although small, is quite competant and will be ready to defend any member of this alliance.

We also have had past treaties with Tiburon and Euroslavia through the organization of NATO.

We do of course, have our imperfections.

For example, one time or another in the Republic's modern history, we have devolved into a very very very very very very very very very... bad country. But it was a long time ago, seriously.

My point is, our country stands for peace, free trade, and common sense, and we wish to apply to the Alliance of Progressive Nations for that purpose.

Sergei Ilyanov
President of the Republic
The Island of Rose

P.S. If it matters most Rosians happen to like Yes, Rush, and Boston... okay so it has nothing to do with progressive nations but it's progressive rock and I think that counts...ish.

(If you wish I can link you to RPs I've done if need be, I also must point out that I RP mostly in II so errm... yah. I also apologize for the crappy post, I just have writer's block right now >_<)

"The Rosian Republic appears to exactly fit the bill of a progressive nation, the likes of which the APN is designed to bring together. I can see no reason not to allow the Rosians entrance into the APN. We do, however, reserve the right to retroactively change our vote should compelling arguments be made against Rosian entrance by fellow APN states.

"However, when it comes to California, the opinion of the Harakian parliament changes dramatically. They themselves admit they are by no means a progressive nation, and I - we - agree with them. Besides that point, they show no signs of any desire to become a progressive nation or any motion towards that goal, as Euroslavia and Largent have. Despite the period of freedom they are going through currently, we feel that California does not represent progressive ideals, and has no intention at this time - at least, that they have shown in their application - of becoming a progressive nation, and thus does not fit into the Alliance of Progressive Nations.

"Haraki's vote goes towards Rosian entrance and against Californian entrance, again, unless a very compelling argument is made in favour of Californian entrance."

-Prime Minister Jaime Wolfe

OOC: I did a thesaurus search as I was unsure of what could be meant by "progressive" under that definition, I found the term "libertarian", being that California is indeed governed in a libertarian fashion. I do not know how one cannot deem California as anything but Progressive.

"At this time all other votes are pending further examination save the vote concerning the Allanean application. At this time we will vote against it for all the aforementioned reasons. However, we ask the Allaneans to keep in mind that change is possible."

OOC: California, I was going by your NS nation's stats and the way you phrased your application plus several RPs I've seen you start or be involved in, not by real life California.

Well... while my nation's stats have me pegged as a "Father Knows Best State", I am doing my best to get it to a "Capitalist Paradise"... Had I been playing with California & Alaska, I would have no trouble maintaining it as a Capitalist Paradise with Excellent Civil and Political Freedoms. However, C&A has been DEAT since September 29, 2005... so I am stuck with Sovereign California.

So in saying that — I can take a hint. I won't bother attempting to re-submit an application to this alliance anytime soon. You have shown me that while someone may go out of their way to make some drastic changes to their nation and government to gain friendship and allies, that there are still those who are cynical enough to keep their heads stuck in the past and refuse to accept things as they are now instead of things that were then. Thank You for shooting me down, I don't know why I thought I could possibly have a place in this alliance, I figured if I simply showed a little honesty and the desire to make some needed changes that it would be enough. Obviously, I was confused.

OOC: I had no desire to shoot you down, and it was not out of cynicism or a desire for a personal attack that I voted against your inclusion. It was because the alliance has guidelines about progressivism and the requirements for entrance, and from what I've seen of the way you roleplay your nation and the way you worded your application - you admitted you were not a progressive nation but then didn't say, as Euro and Largent did, that you were desiring to use membership in the APN as a chance to move towards progressivism. You did say the nation was experiencing a period of freedom and prosperity, but that implies the period will end.

I understand about the nation stats, and I generally only checked those as a guideline towards just what the nation is. I don't view them as all-binding - hell, my nation would be very different if I went by the NS stats. But they do give me an idea of what the nation is like. Beyond that, I look at what the application was like and what RPs the person/nation has been involved in recently.

This was not a personal attack, I hope you didn't take it as such, and it had nothing to do with how I view you OOC. Beyond everything I just said, it was an in character decision by the Harakian parliament based on how the Californians worded their request entrance, California's recent history, and what the nation is actually like internally.

I don't want this to turn into an OOC argument. My IC people made an IC decision based on IC things. And, as I said, it can be changed by arguments by you or by APN members. I'm not a closed-minded person.

Ok... All that taken aside, I understand it wasn't a personal attack, however I didn't want my application to sound like a Cut, Copied & Pasted version of everyone elses.

For lack of better words to use, California has been isolationist for most of its 262 years as a nation, and with its numerous attempts at forming its alliances, I would go as far as to say that membership within this alliance would help to create within California a more progressive nation, by which definition of progressive I can't entirely comprehend, however if one would give me an idea of exactly what your definition of "progressive" is, it would better help California in facilitating a more progressive society and government.

As for California's period of Freedom and Propserity, I doubt that will end anytime soon... or within any forseable time in the near future as far as I am concerned. Anyways, I hope this does better at explaining things.

Merely in the interest of time we will not submit the reasoning behind each decision. However, if anyone in particular would like an in-depth explination we would be happy to provide one:

Votes for:
Kanami
Rosanica

Votes Against:
*The Grand Democratic Duchy

Votes Pending Further Information:
**Sovereing California
-----------------------------------------------

*While we currently would vote against Yaforite membership, our decision is by no means final. Upon further investigation of the nature of the "CAD War" we found that the Grand Democratic Duchy backed a nation who participated in what can only be called "activly spreading ideologies." While Largent agrees with the fact that the war began over severe breaches of human rights, the entire affair was internal until several nations over-stepped their boundaries and immediately turned to their militaries.

Backing nations who choose to take such actions is no great crime in and of itself. However, I would like to think that the APN is an alliance which chooses to protect the ideals of its members and promote it peacefully, but not one who chooses to call any enemy of its ideals an enemy to their state.

This first impression may be misguided and should any nation (the yaforites included) present infromation that we may have over-looked we would be happy to change our vote.

**OOC: Sovereign California, do you still play as C&A or is Sovereign California your main nation because that would determine what your nation stats should be considered as.

(Largent I'm sorry if I seem like I'm knitpicking, I use Rosanica to post as The Island of Rose because Jolt didn't give TIOR its email confirmation. I'm just clearing this up now so there won't be anymore confusion later on.)

The Grand Democratic Duchy remains confused over what has been mentioned. Throughout the affair with CAD, there were no breaches of human rights. The Warmaster and other CAD nations proceeded to attack Czardas, simply for the fact that it was a democratic country, a fair, sovereign and progressive nation. The Woodstock Pact, with Yaforite backing, but no Yaforite ships in tow, proceeded to protect Czardas. As for breeches in human rights, we are confused as to what you mention. Perhaps you can enlighten us?

If, perhaps, you mean actions prior to Woodstock Pact interference, then we understand. By the time that the Woodstock Pact had entered, what the Czardaian government had done paled beside what CAD was doing and had done in Czardas. The point was brought up after Czardas appealed to the Woodstock Pact for aid. As the last remaining defenders of democracy in the part of the world, as well as prior allied with Czardas, we were forced circumstantially to enter and thus combat the rising power of CAD.

As for noting "breaches of human rights", please note that Yafor 2 has never broken the rights of any person. Ever. From any country, ethnicity, gender, or anything else.. This is final. Yafor 2 prides itself on its human rights and thus, such is considered as an insult. You can ask any nation; Pacitalia, for example, will give a glowing recommendation for Yaforite support of human rights (and they are well-respected nation the world over). To say that they Yaforites have ever supported "breaches in human rights" is utterly untrue, nay, a lie. Please, do not accuse us things that never in our wildest dreams would we do.

Please note that at no time did Yaforite soldiers every fight on Czardaian soil. We were then occupied by the oppressive regime in Generia and paying that country back for its crimes against the Grand Democratic Duchy.

OOC: Sorry, bad post here. OOC'ly I'm totally confused as to what you are talking about - the Woodstock Pact supported Czardas, an ally of ours. If anything, the second link (the one on the word "war") is far more important than the first (the long one) since that's the one that fairly closely involved the Yaforites, while the first was more of a cause. Hope that clears things up.

OOC: California, we debated putting a definition of what we considered progressivism to be in the charter, but instead decided to leave it to later/not define it. Essentially, as far as I can tell, our definition of a progressive nation is one with a fairly liberal democratic government, that cares for and promotes human rights by all means necessary, up to but not necessarily including by force. There's probably more I've forgotten.









"I have just met with Parliament once again for today, and we discussed once more California's entrance into the Alliance of Progressive Nations. It appears a misunderstanding was made when my honourable opponent, Jonathan Friedman, was outlining his views which so influenced parliament into voting the way they did. We misunderstood aspects of the Californian application, and it appears we missed the point.

"As such, the Social Democracy is going to, for the time being, change its vote against Californian entrance into one of abstention. This is until further arguments for or against Californian entrance into the APN are presented, either by California and by APN members, and until we can do further investigation into recent actions undertaken by the nation of California. Thank you for your time."

-Prime Minister Jaime Wolfe

OOC: California, we debated putting a definition of what we considered progressivism to be in the charter, but instead decided to leave it to later/not define it. Essentially, as far as I can tell, our definition of a progressive nation is one with a fairly liberal democratic government, that cares for and promotes human rights by all means necessary, up to but not necessarily including by force. There's probably more I've forgotten.

With what you have described in short detail so far... California fits that description to pretty much a 'tee'. California prides itself on modelling itself after in a not only the government of the United States, but that of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. With our long established strong democratic tradition of government being in place for two-hundred and sixty-two years, we seek to care for and promote an egalitarian system for our people and seek to ensure that all human rights, and freedoms are to be enjoyed rather thorroughly by the people of Sovereign California. On top of this California seeks to defend its people through the force needed to ensure that those rights and freedoms are never taken away or infringed upon. In this I can say that California does indeed fit your description of being progressive. And as such with membership of this alliance, California would be more than willing to put into draft a Constitution, to ensure that those freedoms and rights remain that of the people.

Official Response to the Governments of the APN

We note your decision, and perhaps it speaks not just about us, but also about the members of the APN. The fact that Tiburonese leadership regards our actions in Antanjyl as an atrocity surprises us – throughout the combat action, civilians were not targeted, and 44 million people have been liberated and brought to Allanea, to save them from the actions of the Regime – but we came to expect that.

We thank the APN leadership for it's attention to the issue.

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat. – Theodore Roosevelt

The Federated Segments approves of all current applicants save Allanea and California and Alaska. We feel our current relations with those two polities are sufficient as they stand at this current time and the Legislative Unit therefore politely declines to hear of any additional binding ties to them at the moment. From what I have been told, this is due to a mixture of history, current attitudes, and submissive connections via other alliance hierarchies to nations which are diametrically opposed to the ideals of progressive nations. We hope this does not offend our associates in the nations so mentioned.

All others, however, we are interested in closer ties due to their public record and the opportunity to see new faces.

http://www.weirdozone.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-to-animals.gifSupreme Emperor Speaker-Rrit
Point of Contact within the Federated Segments of Scolopendra
Alliance of Progressive Nations

Off the record...

"Yeah, I'm not much personally for them. No amount of dead-guy-quoting or ghastly drama-queening is going to make me offer an argument on their behalf. As to what Speeks is thinking about, well, he's a nicer guy than I am but it's true the LegU sides with me on this account so I figure he figured it wasn't worth the bother."

Noted diplomatic curmudgeon PseudoEmperor Razak to a reporter asking about the APN 'no' votes.

In all respect, I did not know that Scolopendra had relations with California. If any relations had existed between California and Scolopendra I was well unaware of it, however were there any relations to exist in the near four years I have roleplayed as the nation of California in NationStates and I did anything to cause things go sour between California and Scolopendra then I am deeply sorry.

Quick question--are you capable of doing anything besides speaking OOC in this thread about how much you want everyone to respect and adore you?

Forgive the sacrasm... respect and adore?

Do me a favor and just strike my application for this alliance out. After heavy consideration, I have decided that this is not the right place for California.

From: Office of Pilias Simber, Minister of International Relations

To: APN Central Council

Re: Membership


Greetings. I recently received a memo informing me of this alliance, I took some time to review the information available to me about it and have decided it would be in Pilon's best interest to apply for membership in the Alliance of Progressive Nations. As I'm sure at least some of the members are aware, many of the ideals of this alliance are the same ideals held sacred within Pilon and we feel we would make a good member of the alliance.

Please forward and communiques regarding this matter directly to Pilias Simber, contact info attached.

From: Erika Kars of the Illiorian National Governing Council
TO: The APN Central Council

To Whom it may concern,

Illior is interested in Joining this alliance, as one of our newer, but nonetheless staunch, allies, the Nation of Haraki, helps to lead it, and one of our older brothers in arms, The Island of Rose, is also Joining. Illior has no qualms with any of the stated terms in the charter, can help defend the other signatories military should the need arise, has some of the more advanced technological innovations centers in the world, is a front runner on aircraft technology, and is willing to share any technological know how it has with other members. I hope that Illior's previous stances of being staunchly true to its allies, and its willingness to promote stability will be heavily considered by the council.

I await your decisions and questions quite eagerly

Erika Kars
Chairwoman of the Illiorian National Governing council

Illior gets Haraki's vote for entrance. They are a newfound ally of ours, a strong and free-standing democracy, and a powerful progressive nation. I believe they will make a strong addition to the APN.

Pilon's status is pending as Harakian analysts look at the ethics of some past Pilonese actions and attempt to judge whether or not these actions are suitable for the APN.

-Prime Minister Jaime Wolfe

The application of Kanami (the Republic of) has received a 60% majority (i.e. 3 votes in favor), and this application has thus been accepted into the APN. Although it's not necessary, Tiburon's vote also goes in favor of Kanami.

Tiburon abstains from voting on the applications of Yafor II and Illior, pending further information on these nations.

We regret to inform the nation of Sovereign California (the Democratic Commonwealth of) that Tiburon votes against its application to the APN.

We welcome Kanami to the APN.
=======================================
OOC: The application count is as follows:

Membership Vote
Applicant: Kanami (the Republic of)
Required Number of Votes: 3

Votes in Favor: 4 (Haraki, Largent, Scolopendra, Tiburon)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 0
Membership Status: Accepted
Not Yet Voted: 1 (Euroslavia)

Membership Vote
Applicant: Allanea (the United States of)
Required Number of Votes: 4

Votes in Favor: 0
Votes Opposed: 4 (Scolopendra, Tiburon, Haraki, Largent)
Abstentions: 0
Membership Status: Rejected
Not Yet Voted: 2 (Euroslavia, Kanami)

Membership Vote
Applicant: Sovereign California (the Democratic Commonwealth of)
Required Number of Votes: 4

Votes in Favor: 0
Votes Opposed: 3 (Haraki, Scolopendra, Tiburon)
Abstentions: 1 (Largent)
Membership Status: Rejected
Not Yet Voted: 2 (Euroslavia, Kanami)

Membership Vote
Applicant: Yafor II (the Grand Democratic Duchy of)
Required Number of Votes: 4

Votes in Favor: 4 (Haraki, Scolopendra, Largent, Euroslavia)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 1 (Tiburon)
Membership Status: Accepted
Not Yet Voted: 1 (Kanami)

Membership Vote
Applicant: The Island of Rose (the Republic of)
Required Number of Votes: 4

Votes in Favor: 4 (Haraki, Largent, Scolopendra, Euroslavia)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 0
Membership Status: Accepted
Not Yet Voted: 2 (Tiburon, Kanami)

Membership Vote
Applicant: Illior (the Centrist Demonarchy of)
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 1 (Haraki)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 2 (Tiburon, Largent)
Membership Status: Suspended Per Request of Applicant
Not Yet Voted: 5 (Scolopendra, Euroslavia, Kanami, Yafor II, the Island of Rose)

Membership Vote
Applicant: Pilon (the Greater People's Hegemony of)
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 3 (Largent, Scolopendra, Tiburon)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 1 (Haraki)
Membership Status: Pending
Not Yet Voted: 4 (Euroslavia, Kanami, Yafor II, the Island of Rose)

Let it hereby be known that the Harakian delegate to the Alliance of Progressive Nations has proposed the following amendment to the alliance charter, to be added underneath Article IV, Clause 1:

Voting upon a nation's entrance to the Alliance of Progressive Nations shall be conducted only by the nations which are in the alliance at the time of application of the applicant nation. All nations which are accepted into the Alliance of Progressive Nations are not allowed to vote on any applications already pending at that time.

This amendment, if passed, will take effect immediately. We humbly request that the government of Kanami hold off finalizing any decisions regarding currently pending applicants until the amendment is passed or fails. Thank you.

President Jennifer Jourgensen smiled defiantly... "We have withdrawn our application to the Alliance of Progressive Nations, as we feel this alliance to be governed by elitists, California has joined an alliance where we feel that we will not have to endure any one nation or group of nations looking down their noses at us. Hence, after conducting a thorough look at the alliances that exist, we have come to the decision that the New Alliance Treaty Organization suits California better than this alliance ever could. This will be all, Thank you."

-You're watching the Harakian Learning Channel...



"...today, kids, we're discussing international politics. Yes, Billy, do you have a question?"

"Yes, teacher. What's an alliance?"

"Well, Billy, an alliance is when nations come together and stand by each other, for a number of reasons. Usually one of these reasons is to bring like-minded nations together to defend each other against aggressors, who may attack one of the nations for an unjust reason and defeat it in a one-on-one fight. Other reasons for alliances are to present a stronger front to the world, for shared trade, research, or other goals, or to foster good relations between the involved countries. But Billy, these are only a few of the reasons for alliances to form."

Oohs and aahs from the assorted children.

"Yes, Billy, you are curious today. What is it this time?"

"What do alliances have to do with Haraki?"

"Well, Billy, Haraki is not only a member of several influential alliances, but has also been one of the founding members of several - helped start the alliance out in the first place."

"Like what, teacher?"

"My, Billy, enough questions? Well, probably the two most influential alliances Haraki has ever helped form would be the Alliance of Progressive Nations and the New Alliance Treaty Organization."

"We founded those alliances?"

"That's right, Sally. We founded the APN - That's the Alliance of Progressive Nations - along with Tiburon and Scolopendra not too long ago, and we founded NATO - that's the New Alliance Treaty Organization - a very long time ago, with Celack, Ruhr, and Sigma Octavus. It's very different now, but Haraki is still a member, and Celack and Sigma Octavus are still around. Automagfreek, too. That nation helped start it up again several times. You've all heard of Automagfreek, right?"

Gasps from the children.

"That's right. Frightening Damien Dreadfire." *teacher makes stomping noises* "But don't worry, he treats people well as long as they don't anger him, children. And Haraki and Automagfreek have very good relations. There's nothing to fear, no matter what you hear about the dreaded Ay-Em-Ef."

"Excuse me, teacher?"

"What is it, Billy?"

"Isn't it true that the nation of California just decided not to join the APN because we were apparently too elitist, and then went off to join the other alliance that wouldn't exist without us, NATO? Where we also get a fairly big say in who gets in and who doesn't?"

"Kids say the darndest things. And yes, you are right. But I'm sure Haraki won't hold that against them. Just because they aren't deemed to be a progressive nation doesn't mean they don't have a place in NATO. Put your hand down, Billy. You little bastard. I hate it when you ask me questions. I hate it! I HATE-"



...you're watching the Harakian Learning Channel. Because knowledge is power-









OOC: I'm sorry for cluttering up the thread. And just so you know, California, once again this is not a personal attack or anything.

It's nice to see that, as always, the Californian Republic can take being voted down with the grace and understanding it is internationally known for.

~Nadjiba Abd-Al-Haqq

OOC: I believe I owe Yaforite II an apology, I didn't read far enough into the thread he gave a link to.

Ic:

"Following further investigation the Ba'ath National Command would like to withdraw its vote against the Yaforites and replace it with a vote in their favor."

We welcome the Californian Republic to forward all complaints to the Complaints Department, Division of the Interior, the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon. The Complaints Department can be reached at by mail at P.O. Box 1, the Collective National Rear End, New York, North America, 11385 and e-mail at junkmail@interior.gov.usf. Thank you for your time, and remember- your opinions matter to us!

Standard Form Letter 0012
Department of State
The United Solaris Federation of Tiburon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposal I: Amendment Change
Required Number of Votes: 6

Votes in Favor: 4 (Haraki, Largent, Scolopendra, Tiburon)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 0
Proposal Status: Pending
Not Yet Voted: 4 (Euroslavia, Kanami, Yafor II, the Island of Rose)

The proposed amendment is the addition of a new Section 2 to Article IV of the Charter. The current Section 2 will become Section 3 if this amendment is passed. The proposed section is as follows:

Voting upon a nation's entrance to the Alliance of Progressive Nations shall be conducted only by the nations which are in the alliance at the time of application of the applicant nation. All nations which are accepted into the Alliance of Progressive Nations are not allowed to vote on any applications already pending at that time.

OOC: Gwahahaha. New voting thing format.

"On the matter of the nation of Pilon. With the limited but sufficient relations Largent has shared with our neighbors on Mars, we have found them to be nothing but logical, helpful, and everything the APN stands for. This being said Largent votes YES on the Pilon application

"On the matter of the nation of Illior, having had no contact with them and having all background checks become inconclusive Largen will ABSTAIN from voting on their application

"On the matter of the Ammendment to Article IV, we see nothing wrong with the ammendent and vote YES on the proposal."

~Francesco Petrarch
New Appointed Representative to the APN

Open Letter to All APN Members


Having seen the growing influx of applicants to the APN and predicting the possibilty of the sheer number there will be as this alliance grows the simple process of running countless background checks every day will become daunting in no time. In the interest of simple efficiency, I am considering proposing and ammendment requiring applicants to be sponsored. This is by no means a deterrent for application and I hope that member nations will be ready and eagar to sponser applicants, however, one nation running occasional background checks and deciding whether or not to sponsor said nation is entirly more efficient than all members running checks on every applicant.

Before I submit this proposal I hope to get feedback from you all to "test the waters" and decide whether or not it is worth submitting for debate and voting.

~Francesco Petrarch
Largentian Representative
Alliance of Progressive Nations

Officials from the Grand Democratic Duchy were quick to look over the possible Largentian amendment, looking for loopholes. When the lack of loopholes was established, they began to inquire about whether the proposed amendment would affect nations currently in the entrance process - a group of nations that of course included Yafor 2.

It was also understood that the Grand Democratic Duchy did not hold the Largentian decision to vote against them against the Largentians and that they were pleased at the change of vote.

[OOC: 'Nother bad post, but I have little time right now and this is all I can get in at the moment.]

"That's right. Frightening Damien Dreadfire." *teacher makes stomping noises*

[OOC: Lmao! hahaha that's hilarious. Anyway, yet again another quality alliance comes along that doesn't fit the Empire...]

with regards to the Largentian proposal of an amendment, the testing of the waters - I have to say that Haraki's vote would go against such an amendment. The APN is designed to be accepting, welcoming, and non-elitist. Although I am sure a progressive nation would find no trouble having a friend already in the alliance sponsor them, I would rather that such one-on-one activities did not take place. The alliance is a democracy and I do not feel that a sponsorship system would work in the interests and ideals of the APN.

However, I do agree that it is time-consuming having every nation have to conduct its own background research on every applicant nation. Therefore, I would like to offer a counter-proposal to the Largentian delegate, being that all applicant nations would be requested to provide a detailed background of their nation and why they feel it qualifies as a candidate for membership in the APN. I will point to the Yaforite request here, as I feel it was an outstanding application and in exactly the spirit of my counter-offer. However, if such a proposal ever got past the opening stages, I would have to request that the applicant provide not only the good sides but also bad sides of their nation and its progressiveness. We all know propagandists can easily trump up a nation's accomplishments with flowery language, and deceivers are not those we want in the APN. To be frank, the Harakians are more likely to vote for you if you admit your faults, your shortcomings in the past and present, and how you, and we as alliance partners, can work to improve on them.

Prime Minister Jaime Wolfe







OOC: Plus we try not to just be ToY Lite.

Also, when applicant nations post a detailed post with links describing why they should be in the APN it proves they're OOC willing to put effort into it. I personally would rather have this be a small alliance of good RPers who care than a big alliance of people who just posted 'I want in'.

Dear friends in the Alliance of Progressive Nations,

It has indeed been a long time since we last spoke. Only a short time ago, the Republic of Ancient Terra was a proud signatory to the UnAPS charter. We were always willing to back an ally in any conflict and never failed to fulfill our duties, but we were also among the first to extend the hand of friendship to those we defeated. We always searched for the peaceful resolution before committing our forces to the unenviable act of war. We had our disagreements with the UnAPS council, but the bond that we shared was stronger than steel.

Now UnAPS is gone, replaced by the OHS and organizations such as the APN. In these turbulent times, however, Terra needs to know that it has allies to count on, for situations both peaceful and potentially hostile.

As a result of our naval traditions, Ancient Terra maintains one of the most potent navies in the world. Our BLUE Fleet submarine force can easily achieve total subsurface superiority and complete a massive variety of tasks. Although the designs are classified, the results will disappoint none save our foes.

With cutting-edge aerospace, nautical, and IT sectors, our economy is strong. The Terran people have a rich culture and history, and we have many well-known artists, musicians, and other craftsmen whose skills span virtually every interest and age-group. With each passing day, we become stronger both as a nation and a people.

We have been without friends for mere months, but for any nation that is far too long. The Republic of Ancient Terra therefore requests entry into the Alliance of Progressive Nations, and hopes that we can reestablish ties with friends from the past.

Sincerely,

~Emperor Taichi Kamiya, Leader of Ancient Terra~
~Prime Minister Talus Karn~
~Senator Dachi Motomiya, Majority Leader~
~Lord Admiral Yamato Ishida, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff~
~Vice Admiral Miyako Inoue, Vice Chairwoman of the Joint Chiefs, C-in-C Terran Navy~

Diplomatic Letter
Dated: January 11

Mr. Wolfe,

While I still feel that sponsorship would still be most efficient and effective in weeding out "propogandists" as you so accurately put it, I find myself unable to entirely disagree with you. Your counter offer of holding applications to a certain standard is acceptable from my end of the spectrum and I would certainly like to see it implimented. However, if we are to hold applications to said "higher standards" I personally believe that we provide all applicants with rough outline of what we are looking for.

As you said, both pros and cons should be presented. I, however, would like to see each be rather specific. I have taken the liberty of creating a rough outline and would be interested on your feedback:

Part I: Pros
A) What makes your nation a "progressive nation"
B) Besides agreeing with the alliances ideals, why did you choose to apply for membership?
C) Why should the APN select you for membership.

[Please provide examples for parts A and C]

Part II: Cons
A) In what ways are you not "progressive"
B) Why should the APN reject your application for membership?

[Please provide examples for all of the above]

Part III: Argue your case
A) With cited examples, give counter points to all of the cons listed above (if any such counter points exist)

Part IV: Miscellaneous

I would just like to reiterate that this would be a rough outline and should any applicant produce an impressive application in a different manner it would not count against them. This outline would simply exist to speed up the voting process and make the lives of all member states a little easier. A final note: this will no longer be an amendment, simply a suggestion for all who enter the application process.

"On the subject of Ancient and Holy Terra, have had no previous experience from which to evaluate the aforementioned nation, and with the mention of friends already in the APN, we have come to decide that it would be best, yet not harmful to the final turnout if we ABSTAINED from voting on the issue"

Francesco Petrarch
Largentian Representative to the APN

Mr. Petrarch, I like the way you have presented an outline for applicant nations to follow. However, as was the case with both Largent and Euroslavia upon their admittance, I feel Part 1a) should be changed to read 'What makes your nation either a "progressive nation" or a nation moving towards "progressivism" as a political ideal?' or something to that effect. It would be unfair to apply different standards of membership to different applicants. Also, in your note to nations seeing the outline at the bottom, I feel you should add something along the lines of 'this is an outline for nations which are too lazy to make their own detailed application format', although phrased more diplomatically. I like your style and look forward to further dealings with you.

Prime Minister Jaime Wolfe





On the subject of Ancient and Holy Terra, we have had no dealings with them in the past and until we have conducted further background research or had convincing arguments to either side, Haraki is going to abstain from voting.

Foreign Minister Peter Firth

[Un]Formal Outline for APN Application

The following has been [in]formally discussed within the APN and is provided as an [in]fomal suggestion to those nations who "find themselves hard-pressed to present a convincing application of their own"

Part I: Pros
A) What makes your nation a "progressive nation" or moving towards "progressivism"
B) Besides agreeing with the alliances ideals, why did you choose to apply for membership?
C) Why should the APN select you for membership.

[Please provide examples for parts A and C]

Part II: Cons
A) In what ways are you not "progressive"
B) Why should the APN reject your application for membership?

[Please provide examples for all of the above]

Part III: Argue your case
A) With cited examples, give counter points to all of the cons listed above (if any such counter points exist)

Part IV: Miscellaneous

OOC: Haraki, I tried to be diplomatic in its presentation

OOC: Nice job. Much more diplomatic than I would've made it.

Since I'm applying for membership, I thought I would go ahead and be the first to fill out the (un)official form presented. We realize that not everyone here might be familiar with Pilon.

Part 1: Pros

A) What makes your nation a "progressive nation" or moving towards "progressivism"

Pilon considers itself a progressive nation for the following reasons:

Pilon has instituted a number of social policies in our nation including equal sentient rights, the identification of guaranteed sentient rights (including freedom of speech, freedom of travel, right to life, right to nourishment, right to space, freedom of religion, and ownership of one's DNA). We also have in the past encouraged our neighbors to adopt these ideals. We have not always been a progressive nation, in fact you will find some very nasty bits of information in our history which we will underline in the Cons section. Some of our old allies and ourselves have come into conflict more recently due to disagreements about sentient rights.

Pilon is an active member of Mars and has participated in every rescue and humanitarian incident on Mars since our arrival in one form or another. With the assistance of other nations we have maintained clean orbits above Mars following the frequent outbursts of violence, and have stood against many of the more oppressive regimes on Mars, however in our entire history we have fought in relatively few combat engagements, preferring to find diplomatic solutions rather than military solutions.

Of all the military engagements we have fought, all of them have been in one form or another against a single nation, a nation that no longer exists through no fault of our own. We would also point out that we assisted in evacuating innocent civilians of our enemy in their dire time of need and helped to keep many of them alive though their nation crumbled around them.

Pilon has a history of favoring peaceful solutions and in the past has shown a history of willingness to find a compromise should we be involved in a dispute with another nation.

As a people our focus is on Entertainment, though we also have dealings with Exotic Foods, mass food production, Medical Technology, and Bio-Technology. We are a people interested in trading with our neighbors and are always seeking to work with other nations interested in trade, working together to improve relations and find mutually beneficial trade relationships.

In particular Pilon has worked with other nations to create a new trade alliance that you should see more activity from in the upcoming months:
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=502213
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=511097
B) Besides agreeing with the alliances ideals, why did you choose to apply for membership?

We had actually been considering starting an alliance of our own along similar guidelines for a while now. Already we have established good relations with some members of this alliance, above all, our Martian Neighbors in Tiburon have proven to be valuable allies and good friends, we would be honored to work together with them and the other members of this alliance.

C) Why should the APN select you for membership.

We would hope that the APN would see the value in having Pilon as a member in the APN.

For those who are not familiar with some of the recent actions of Pilon we would cite the following examples:

http://z4.invisionfree.com/The_Planet_Mars/index.php?showtopic=1078

Pilon working in concert with its former alliance members in The Concordat (mentioned in the Cons section) took over administration duties over The Divine City of Tannelorn following the former government of Tannelorn abandoning it. Relevant is the high standards Pilon expected of its fellow alliance members. Due to our influence and the political pressure put on to the Midlonian Government by Pilon among others, rampant abuses of power including rapes on the population were addressed and further incidents were prevented. We would also point out how Pilon treated its former enemy's population in our occupation zone.

Also it should be noted that Pilon has been an active member in the Duma and a founding member of both the MDI and the MPA, all of which are organizations that have helped to encourage peaceful relations on Mars. We would credit the MPA with already preventing several armed engagements over land claims.

Part II: Cons
A) In what ways are you not "progressive"

We still have problems as any nation would. We do not claim to be perfect, our past still occasionally rears its ugly head, and our international reputation is spotted to say the least.

In our early history Pilon was a Meritocracy controlled by power hungry dictators who were willing to use the weapons of terror and violence to achieve it's ends. We gained a reputation as makers of Biological Weapons and engaged in a rampant expansion campaign throughout the Solar System.

One incident we are ashamed of to say the least involved a dustup between Pilonese colonists and Zero-One on a Saturnian Moon, I believe it was Rhea. The colonists committed suicide rather than abandon their colony, setting off a massive EMP that killed some of 01's drones as well as all Pilonese colonists.

We also allied ourselves with dangerous nations with a history as shady as our own including Dark Sith Mars, Roania, and Valinon. Roania in particular engaged in some activities during this time period that we are not proud of.

As time evolved and our society matured however we understood the need for Democracy. It was a violent struggle but eventually those in favor of freedom won out. New laws were passed ensuring freedom for all Sentients, giving them established rights and putting new restrictions on government to prevent it from interfering in business, as it had in the past. The monopolies of the government were broken up and given to private individuals. This was the beginning of Pilon's Corporations.

What took longer was to get the general population to mature as we had already by this time developed longevity treatments that give our people eternal life as long as they took the treatments. The old ways die hard and it took quite some time for most to change the way they thought. Sometimes individuals in our nation have taken upon themselves to take action without the approval or consent of the people at large. A relatively recent incident involving one of our highest military commanders will be cited as an example here:

http://z4.invisionfree.com/The_Planet_Mars/index.php?showtopic=1070&st=15

in summation, under the direct command our our Grand General, a contingent of Pilonese military officials moved in to seize territory for the MPA that was being abandoned by a former rather aggressive member of Mars, known as the Osage. Pilon and the Osage have a long history of bad relations related directly to their introduction to Mars and being close allies of Auman.

The incident was a great embarrassment for Pilon and something we are not proud of at all.

In the resulting diplomatic backlash Pilon left the territory and reprimanded the commander involved. We also issued this apology in the Duma for our action:

http://z4.invisionfree.com/The_Planet_Mars/index.php?showtopic=1107

We also withdrew from The Concordat due to the incident as they were involved in plans with the General for occupation of the territory. That alliance has since been disbanded.

B) Why should the APN reject your application for membership?

If anything some of the members may feel that Pilon is too much of a risk because of some of our past actions.

Part III: Argue your case
A) With cited examples, give counter points to all of the cons listed above (if any such counter points exist)

We would argue that while there have been actions in our past that we are not proud of. All of those incidents were either ancient history (back when Pilon was a minor power with less than 2 Billion people in population) or a result of direct competition with Auman and that ex-Nation's allies. As Auman and most of his allies are no longer around to cause trouble things have been quiet. Pilon continues to pursue new economic and diplomatic alliances with other nations. With a few exceptions Pilon has gotten along well with most nations we have come into contact with, and are always working to continue to improve ourselves. There is room to grow and we believe that with enough hard work, we will one day reach the heights some other nations have reached.

Part IV: Miscellaneous

We don't believe this is entirely relevant but should be noted. All of our technology is Organic Based. We are expert Gengineers and have progressive Pharmaceutical and Medical technologies. We also link ourselves to a kind of computer network directly using a technology called Nodes, and a network called the Nodelink.

These two factors have given certain nations a prejudice against us that we can do nothing to prevent. We are just too alien for some nations to feel comfortable with. We have recently been making efforts with some of these nations to get over their initial problems with us and have met with a moderate amount of success. Efforts continue.

"In response to the second Pilonese application:

Our vote has not changed and we will remain IN FAVOR of their acceptance"


Small OOC Note: if you already have an application in, you dont need to repost following that guidline, its just a suggestion to eliminate annoying background checks, nothing more.

"In response to the second Pilonese application:

Our vote has not changed and we will remain IN FAVOR of their acceptance"


Small OOC Note: if you already have an application in, you dont need to repost following that guidline, its just a suggestion to eliminate annoying background checks, nothing more.

OOC: My intention was not to apply a second time, but rather I agree with what is being said and chose to give those who are not familiar with Pilon the info they require to make a decision.

OOC: Sorry for the delay of this, as I meant to post it earlier this week, but social concerns and school work got in the way, and probably will keep me from writing long, and drawn out posts, so I can only provide links at this point.

Factbook from the Spring of '06 (http://z7.invisionfree.com/Illiorian_Arms/index.php?showtopic=45)
I haven't gotten around to updating the history, but it gives brief background to Illior, and other types of information.

Development of military Tech:
ISF-24 Daelkyr (http://z7.invisionfree.com/Illiorian_Arms/index.php?showtopic=42) A one-of-a-kinda UCAV

That was one of my better pieces, and more recent ones

Tweo of my more recent posts (http://z7.invisionfree.com/Illiorian_Arms/index.php?showtopic=57)

In response to APOC.

more later

At this time Haraki's vote will remain an abstention with regards to Pilon, mainly because the issue we were concerned about was not addressed in their expertly-posed argument for acceptance. The main concern Haraki's Parliament has been having with the Pilonese is their past (and present?) desire to better themselves so much that it may cost other areas, such as experimentation on living and/or possibly unwilling subjects. Although we have seen no evidence to support these claims in the HIA's investigation into the matter, many parliament members are concerned. The given history of Pilon admits to a fanatical and overzealous drive to create a better human, even at the cost of other things, and it is this drive that we feel may cause Pilon to not be accepted by Haraki's parliament. All other research we have conducted has been glowing. As such, at this time we would like to address the Pilonese delegation (and any members of the APN with information pertaining to this subject) to clarify exactly what their projects to better themselves are and have been in the past comprised of.

Foreign Minister Peter Firth

OOC: Okay. A lot to cover in one post. Here goes.

I really like the questionnaire idea. If it's a proposal, I'd be willing to vote for it. Can I assume that this questionnaire exists as a compromise between the original Harakian and Largentian proposals/counterproposals? That would make the voting procedures nice and streamlined.

As for Ancient and Holy Terra's application, I wholeheartedly vote in favor. Tiburon has had an excellent history with A&HT in the old UnAPS, and omission of Terra from the APN would be a tragedy.

-Anthony Kennedy

Membership Vote
Applicant: Ancient and Holy Terra
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 1 (Tiburon)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 2 (Largent, Haraki)
Membership Status: Pending
Not Yet Voted: 5 (Scolopendra, Euroslavia, Kanami, Yafor II, the Island of Rose)

(The other applications: )
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12177072&postcount=50

On the subject of Ancient and Holy Terra, we have had no dealings with them in the past and until we have conducted further background research or had convincing arguments to either side, Haraki is going to abstain from voting.

Foreign Minister Peter Firth

OOC: *cough*

The questionaire isn't a proposal, just a suggestion to make our lives easier. If we find it works it could become mandatory but for now its just a request.

In a general summary of the Federated Segments' stances on the various proposals and membership applications currently under debate:

1) The Federated Segments tentatively APPROVES Pilon's application to the Alliance. If their application were made before the generation of Phoenix Corporation, we would reject it due to the internal instability of their capital-based oligarchy. As it stands, the monolithic corporate power bloc that still holds all real power in the nation--along more-or-less family lines, no less--is still a concern to the Segments. However, we identify that the Pilonese have indeed made a worthwhile attempt to overcome the natural tendencies of these systems to become more progressive in nature and do believe these attempts are to be rewarded and assisted. Assistance will only be easier through the ties of the Alliance.

2) We find Illior's initial application as, essentially, a statement of their martial and aerospace prowess slightly concerning. However, we do trust the opinions of our allies, and so our voting right will not be officially exercised (even to abstain) until the nation of Illior fills out the Largentian application format (see point #4).

3) Concerning the amendment proposed by our Harakian allies, we wholeheartedly approve. This only makes sense and will secure the alliance from attempts to 'takeover' by massive influxes from blocs with ulterior motives.

4) In open response to the Largentian open letter, the Federated Segments cordially disagrees with the suggestion that the Alliance take up a sponsorship-based system. While sponsorship has certainly limited the growth potential of the Triumvirate of Yut--as was its intent--it was agreed amongst the original delegates to the founding of the Alliance that a sponsorship system would not only be lethal to a new alliance, both simply creating another group of 'the same old gang' and limiting its growth, but also put forward the message of elitism, politics, and to some sense nepotism.

That some (re: California) have already come to this conclusion concerning us despite our efforts is unfortunate but easily kept to a minimum this way.

Instead, we support the Largentian 'essay question' format for applicants.

5) Similar to the Illior application, the Ancient and Holy Terran emphasis on militarism does concern us somewhat. Again, as with Illior, we also tend to trust the opinions of our allies. Thus we will also in this case refrain from exercising an official vote (yea, nay, or abstention) until the Ancient and Holy Terra answers the questions on the Largentian-format application.

http://www.weirdozone.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/nadjiba_abd-al-haqq.gifAdvisor Najdiba Abd-Al-Haqq
International Relations Section
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

Kanami is pleased to find we have been accepted into the Alliance

Is Progressivism making Progress?



The Alliance of Progressive Nations (APN) is a newly created global alliance founded by The United Solaris Federation of Tiburon, The Federated Segments of Scolopendra, and The Social Democracy of Haraki. All three of these are fine nations known for their humanitarian and liberal policies.

Centuries ago, Kesshite closed off its borders because it was sick of the cruelty and warmongering prevalent in the world. At that time, alliances weren't noble, ideological animals but rough beasts typically created when more than one nation was threatened by a larger foe or when two groups grew tired of the bloodshed between them. Now that we've reopened our borders, this Raven doesn't see many changes in the world.

So, what, if any makes the APN different? First off, how about a definition of Progressivism?

…Well, we don't have one. The APN, despite being formed around an ideology has yet to define what exactly that ideology is. Moreover, they've let in some nations they admit aren't Progressive while denying membership to other nations because they're not Progressive. Ravens are simple birds but I have a feeling my current confusion isn't totally because I have a brain the size of a walnut.

While their ideology isn't clear, one thing is. The APN is a military alliance. Mess with one nation and the others firebomb you. Should I assume being Progressive is incompatible with being a pacifist country?

Their charter says the APN "...seek(s) to actively promote and protect those ideals and systems which we believe to improve the individual." and "…extend the progression of sentient rights under the law to their ideal legal and social egalitarian end states."

What has the APN done to meet these goals so far? Nothing. What plans have they announced to meet these goals? None. When do I expect to see the APN work toward those goals in ways that don't benefit the member nations? Never.

From this bird's eye-view, the Alliance of Progressive Nations is just more of the same.

Until my word's run dry, you're looking through the Raven's Eyes.

"In response to the second Pilonese application:

Our vote has not changed and we will remain IN FAVOR of their acceptance"


Small OOC Note: if you already have an application in, you dont need to repost following that guidline, its just a suggestion to eliminate annoying background checks, nothing more.

At this time Haraki's vote will remain an abstention with regards to Pilon, mainly because the issue we were concerned about was not addressed in their expertly-posed argument for acceptance. The main concern Haraki's Parliament has been having with the Pilonese is their past (and present?) desire to better themselves so much that it may cost other areas, such as experimentation on living and/or possibly unwilling subjects. Although we have seen no evidence to support these claims in the HIA's investigation into the matter, many parliament members are concerned. The given history of Pilon admits to a fanatical and overzealous drive to create a better human, even at the cost of other things, and it is this drive that we feel may cause Pilon to not be accepted by Haraki's parliament. All other research we have conducted has been glowing. As such, at this time we would like to address the Pilonese delegation (and any members of the APN with information pertaining to this subject) to clarify exactly what their projects to better themselves are and have been in the past comprised of.

Foreign Minister Peter Firth

In response to Minister Firth's request, we hope the following information will help.
The Greater People's Hegemony of Pilon does engage in experimentation on living subjects, however it is not conducted in the same way that less technologically advanced nations have conducted research in the past.

When Pilon conducts research we first create a virtual simulation that takes into account all knowledge we have on the area in question. From that simulation we are able to extrapolate enough information to get a good idea of what we are doing before we continue.

The second stage of experimentation involves the recreation of "living" tissue in an artificial environment similar to the original body. This allows our scientists to get a realistic view of what exactly our experiments are doing. Since we primarily deal in modifications to the subject's DNA or in construction of Chemical Compounds designed specifically for that subject we very rarely are surprised when we finally move on to Living Subject experimentation.

We want to emphasize that we do not engage in experimentation on unwilling subjects, and all volunteers are paid well for their services in our labs.

Our stated goal as a people is to become better than we currently are, however like in all societies we have people who do not agree with the majority. In our case approximately 1% of the population have refused to take their genetic evolution into their own hands, whether that reason be Religious, Philisophical, or Political. As sentient beings these people retain all their rights and while they may be at a disadvantage to those who choose to specialize their bodies for a particular task, they do still find places for themselves in society, many are satisfied in clerical, administrative, or accounting positions within businesses and do very well for themselves with no Genetic Augmentations whatsoever. Some people even choose not to select the Sex of their unborn children.

Jaime Wolfe stepped in front of the podium, giving a dry look to the cameras that flashed at his face. He sighed, gripped the sides of the podium with both hands, and leaned forward slightly. "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Given the information presented by the Pilonese delegation to the APN, I am pleased to announce we have received the information we were seeking and have come to a decision regarding Pilon's entrance into the Alliance of Progressive Nations. Haraki's vote goes towards acceptance.

"On another subject related to the APN, we have already come under criticism by a nation which has made a series of attacks on the APN. I would like to take this opportunity to address the concerns raised by this open message to the world. First of all, they criticize us for not clearly defining Progressivism in our charter. So what? Who cares? President Abhinash, Speaker-Rrit and I discussed the possibility of putting a definition of what we consider to be progressive ideals in the charter, and decided against it. We are trying not to be an elitist alliance, but rather one devoted to furthering progressive goals in the world. If I had to place a priority at the head of these goals, I would say it is the advancement of rights for sentient beings, in every nation and group of people. But we decided, rather than defining progressivism, to simply let our decisions on who does or does not enter the alliance define our image of progressivism.

"Which brings me to their next point: that we allowed some nations - referring to Euroslavia and Largent - entry while denying others. All the nations in question either admitted or were deemed to not be progressive nations. However, there was one noticeable difference: Euroslavia and Largent admitted their faults, and as you may have noticed, all involved nations were hesitant to allow non-progressive nations in. However, as they posed their entrance into the APN as something to help them move towards progressivism, an ultimate goal of theirs - and one which both nations have accomplished - we allowed them in with restrictions in the form of twice-annual reports on the state of the nation and the restriction on Largent that within three years if no progress had been made Haraki would start a vote to eject them from the alliance. These are very different circumstances from those other nations faced, whereby they simply applied, were deemed unprogressive and not moving towards progressivism, and were denied entrance. I don't really see the problem here."

He sighed and leaned back slightly, taking a long drink from a glass of water set on the podium in front of him before returning to his speech. "Yes, the APN is a military alliance. Name me one self-titled alliance in this world that does not offer mutual defence. Yes, if you attack one nation in the alliance, we will firebomb your military and free your civilians from the unjust rule of a government which would order such a wanton attack. We would not be a very effective alliance if one could simply attack us one by one and eliminate the alliance. No, we are in part a military alliance, and will remain that way probably forever. Please note, however, that there are other parts to the charter than Article Two, clauses one and two. Of course pacifism would be welcome, but we must face facts. There are, and always have been, nations and groups of nations that work towards the destruction of other nations. Were we on the receiving end of one of these groups and we were all pacifists, the APN would meet an untimely end. We do not object to pacifists entering the APN, and would welcome a pacifist nation. Also, do not mistake us for militaristic nations. I will only speak for Haraki here, as I am not the most well-versed in the states of the militaries of other APN nations, but Haraki maintains only slightly over 300,000 professional combat troops and is extremely hesitant to mobilize any semi-professional reserves, due to the effect a mobilization would have on their lives and the state of the nation. Looking at our friends, enemies, allies, and contemporaries, this makes us one of the most pacifist nations around.

"Lastly, what would you have us do to promote progressivism? I quote the alliance charter. 'Through leadership by example, trade, and diplomacy we hope to extend the progression of sentient rights under the law to their ideal legal and social egalitarian end states. Through the same, and under force of arms only if necessary, we intend to defend ourselves and our ideals from outside aggressors.' We are not going to invade nations and install our own political systems. We will defend ourselves from outside aggressors, and we will try and peacefully shift the world towards progressivism. Besides that, there have been times when Haraki had ordered the deployment of troops around the world, usually in the defence of individual freedoms and rights in nations which are oppressing them, although this has never been done as a joint APN action - yet. An example would be the deployment of Harakian troops to the nation of Danteri, where we as peacekeepers protected tens of millions of civilians, those who did not wish to be part of the conflict, from a civil war which raged across the entire nation. Later, when the rest of the nation had been conquered by a totalitarian state, we used our position and deployed troops to liberate the entire nation, rebuild it completely to a better quality of life than was present before, and create a Danterian-run parliamentary system of a liberal democratic government, at which time, deeming the nation to be sufficiently rebuilt and self-sufficient, we unilaterally withdrew.

"If you honestly believe the APN does not work as a force for good in this world, I believe you should open your eyes and see the world through a viewpoint which is not so jaded. We are not selfish nations. At the same time, no nation is truly selfless, and we cannot avoid looking out for our own goals as part of the goals of the group and the world overall. I am not such a propagandist to try and disillusion you in such a way. Yes, of course we do look for our own goals. But to believe we are so selfish as to create an open alliance devoted to furthering the goals of three nations is such a cynical viewpoint that I advise you to do something cheerful to work it out of your system. Put a bunny rabbit, or hug your kids, or do something, but please at least consider what I have said today before making such potentially scathing and slanderous remarks in the future. One must look at all the facts when presenting criticism, not just the ones that support the viewpoint you are advocating. Thank you and good day."

Minister Havez delicately wiped the orange nalja crumbs from the corners of his mouth then leaned against the side of his cushioned divan. Rain tapped against the cobalt blue awning that stretched above them and the calls of the merchants below wafted up to the balcony on which he and eight other Ministers sat.

"Lovely," he murmured. "The latest crop of oranges from Minyain Province has just the right amount of tartness. The oranges my wife gets are far too sweet."

"Right, right," Minister Nexas mumbled, his heavy eyes were half-lidded; the minister was only partially awake at this time in the morning. "It's the all the sunshine on the northern hills, give it a bit of a bite."

"Hmm," Havez replied, not really listening. He laced his dark fingers together and studied Nexas' plump face. "I read a disturbing report the other day."

"Oh?"

"It seems that the nation of Haraki, it's leader, a man named Jamie, Jamie Wolfe, I believe. I was mailed a transcription of a speech he gave. Claimed that we 'attacked,' verbally he meant, criticize really, his alliance," he said.

Nexas' face contorted in a confused frown, "What?" he asked. "You and I? I've never even heard of this hickory -"

"Haraki," Havez said. He thought it strange that Nexas had not heard the name before. As the Minister in charge of Imports and Exports, he should know that they had began importing pharmaceuticals from a Harakian company two years ago.

"Haraki. How could I criticize it?"

"Not you and I, not specifically. He just said 'Kesshite' criticized his alliance with a group of other nations. The Alliance of Progressive Nations. And I just thought - well, who else writes correspondences in the country's name?"

Nexas' waved one large hand as though swatting a bug, "No one. That's why it's rot. This Wolfe fellow needs to check his sources."

"Ahh," Havez pressed his lips together. "Then I shall have to inform him of his error."

"Good show. Oh! and don't let Tagvaar hear of this. He'll challenge the man to a duel or somesuch."

***

[[Latter that day this letter was sent out.]]


To the Honorable President Jamie Wolfe, leader of the great nation of Haraki,

I am writing you today in response to your accusation that Kesshite has criticized the Alliance of Progressive Nations. I am unsure as to where you received this information but I fear it is inaccurate.

Kesshite applauds the wisdom Haraki has shown in founding this alliance. The oppression and tyranny so many of the world's people suffer under saddens us and we believe that alliances like the APN can only benefit humanity. As you have stated, the advancement of rights for sentient beings, in every nation and group of people, is the most worthwhile of goals. In the future, we believe that the APN shall hold forth the torch of Progressivism to light the way for many blighted nations that still cruelly subjugates and dehumanizes its citizenry. We wish you well in your efforts.

If there is still some question as to the Kesshite's stand in regards to your great alliance, I would be happy to communicate with you further.

Your humble servant,
The Minister Havez
[Kayythm Province Seal]




((OOC: If your nation would not export pharmaceuticals to Kesshite, you can either ignore that point or assume they were purchases off the black market from another country))

As cameras flashed Petrarch really wished he had had more self control when the reporter read an excerpt from the Kesshite rebuttal to Haraki's response. Gathering himself he attempted to be diplomatic in his wording.

"I had not heard of that yet, Mr. Reblais, thank you for the opportunity to respond. I believe the quote you gave was, 'In the future, we believe that the APN shall hold forth the torch of Progressivism to light the way for many blighted nations that still cruelly subjugates and dehumanizes its citizenry. We wish you well in your efforts.'" The reporter nodded that that was correct.

Petrarch shook his head. "Well, for starters, Kesshite absolutely criticized the APN. They were rather blunt about it too. I have my very own excerpt I would like to read for you all: What has the APN done to meet these goals so far [protecting progressivism]? Nothing. What plans have they announced to meet these goals? None. When do I expect to see the APN work toward those goals in ways that don't benefit the member nations? Never.

"Call me crazy but that fits my definition of "criticizing" like a glove. I suppose my only response is that if Kesshite wants to make such bold and rash statements in the future it would be nice for them to display some testicular fortitude when somebody decides to stand up and defend what they believe in. What Kesshite has done is the equivilent of diplomatic ass-kissing after they realized that they had made a mistake.

"I would also like to say that this incident is a poster-child for the future. The APN and all that it stands for came under attack, but the APN's opposition crumbled. This stands as proof that the APN is strong and will remain strong in the future. Thank you, but I have no more time for questions."

The cameras begin to flash again. All the reporters are satisfied and have their necessary sound bites.

((OOC: How did these reporters get a letter sent to the president of Haraki?))

OOC: allies can't share non-classified information?

((OOC: Of course they can. I simply found it unusual that a President would share his personal mail with reporters. However, I'm new here so I'll assume that's typical.))

[[This letter was sent via next day delivery and arrives one week after Petrarch's comments are broadcast.]]


To Petrarch of Largent,

I recently received a transcription of a news report in which you claimed to have an excerpt of a document sent to you by the nation of Kesshite. As the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I can assure you that my nation has made no official statement in regards to the APN.

I am writing to inquire as to the name of the Minister or Ministers who sent you this document and requesting a copy of the document itself. Like you, I am interested in working toward clearing up this understanding.

The Minister Havez
[Kayythm Province Seal]

OOC: In situations like this it is generally good etiquette to say who wrote the original document, the one we OOC know you OOC wrote. As with 'innocent until proven guilty', on NS it is generally 'governmental document unless specified otherwise'. In other words, if you post something and do not say it is from someone other than your official government, everyone assumes it was. Not a problem; you're new, as you said.

Oh, and by the way, he's the Prime Minister, not the President.

As with 'innocent until proven guilty', on NS it is generally 'governmental document unless specified otherwise'. In other words, if you post something and do not say it is from someone other than your official government, everyone assumes it was.

((OOC: That's the reason I have a link called The Raven's Eye [NS Newspaper] in my signature. There's no reason to think it's from my government when I explicitly call it a newspaper. Given that Scolopendra responded with a letter to the editor, I don't think I'm totally out of line. ))

OOC: Due to lack of time, I ask that my application be put on hold until I can fully submit the "essay application" I apologize, but RL tends to be quite problematic.

Euroslavia belatedly votes yes on the possible entrance of Rosanica and Yafor 2 into the APN, as in the past, relations between Euroslavia and the two nations in question have been warm.

((OOC: That's the reason I have a link called The Raven's Eye [NS Newspaper] in my signature. There's no reason to think it's from my government when I explicitly call it a newspaper. Given that Scolopendra responded with a letter to the editor, I don't think I'm totally out of line. ))

OOC: Most people don't read signatures more than once unless they're really bored. Even if you have a link to it in your sig, when you're writing as a newspaper article, what most people do is put something like Excerpt from The Raven's Eye, January 13 2007 before putting the article. So there's no mistakes.

OOC: Illior, noted. Also, with Euro's vote, both Yafor II's and the Island of Rose's applications have been accepted into the APN.

[Sent Via E-Net]
[To: {Alliance of Progressive Nations Central Council}
[From: President Anthony P. Kennedy, the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon]
[Subject: A Modest Proposal]
[Classification: Top Secret ECHELON]

To my respective heads of state in Haraki, Scolopendra, Largent, Kanami, and now Yafor II and the Island of Rose,

First off, I'd like to congradulate the Island of Rose and Yafor II on being accepted. This may come as a bit late, but I cast my vote in favor of the Island of Rose's application. I also vote in favor of the Harakian proposal and Pilon's application.

Now, onto the proposal, the subject of this message. I have been in discussion with other heads of state, and I have come to the conclusion that while Largent's reformation was indeed an achievement of this organization, the reformation was a notable exception given Largent's special circumstances. The goal of this alliance is not only the preservation but also the promotion of progressivism, and if we wish to help more states that wish to be progressive, there needs to be an established framework by which states can become progressive and slowly meet the requirements for this alliance. I'm particularly inspired by the way the old North Atlantic Treaty Organization was able to use an established framework to push the post-Soviet states on the path to progressivism. This was doubtlessly helped by the drive of particularly the Baltic States, Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria to enter serious reformation, but the framework set up an established list of steps by which those states could meet the requirements that the North American charter demanded.

I believe we can all agree that a strict definition of a progressive state would be deletrious- after all, there are many variations of progressive states in the world, and forcing them to fit a cookie-cutter definition would seriously limit participation. Nevertheless, I think that a general definition of the sort Speaker-Rrit, Prime Minister Wolfe, and I discussed while setting up this charter should be reaffirmed, particularly in order to establish the framework. After all, it definately helps establishing a series of steps if one actually knows what one is walking to. We've already somewhat done this in the preamble, but a more clear- but still general- definition would help. If I recall (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10379692&postcount=10) correctly (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10414816&postcount=13), we used Articles 1 through 9, 13, and 17 through 20 of the old UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html) and Amendments 3 to 8 (http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/funddocs/billeng.htm) in the old U.S. Constitution to envision a general idea of a progressive state. Given the use of the new UN's political rights and civil liberties classification system, we should probably use those as well.

I strongly believe that by establishing this framework, we can help states that truly want to become progressive- more Largents as opposed to the Allaneas or Sovereign Californias- achieve both our and their goals of promoting progressivism.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on this before I place this as an official proposal, but I'd strongly like to go through with this- and sooner rather than later.

-Anthony Kennedy

OOC: Voting procedures on the floor.

Membership Vote
Applicant: Illior (the Centrist Demonarchy of)
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 1 (Haraki)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 2 (Tiburon, Largent)
Membership Status: Suspended Per Request of Applicant
Not Yet Voted: 5 (Scolopendra, Euroslavia, Kanami, Yafor II, the Island of Rose)

Membership Vote
Applicant: Pilon (the Greater People's Hegemony of)
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 4 (Largent, Scolopendra, Tiburon, Haraki)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 0
Membership Status: Pending
Not Yet Voted: 4 (Euroslavia, Kanami, Yafor II, the Island of Rose)

Proposal I: Amendment Change
Required Number of Votes: 6

Votes in Favor: 4 (Haraki, Largent, Scolopendra, Tiburon)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 0
Proposal Status: Pending
Not Yet Voted: 4 (Euroslavia, Kanami, Yafor II, the Island of Rose)

The proposed amendment is the addition of a new Section 2 to Article IV of the Charter. The current Section 2 will become Section 3 if this amendment is passed. The proposed section is as follows:

Voting upon a nation's entrance to the Alliance of Progressive Nations shall be conducted only by the nations which are in the alliance at the time of application of the applicant nation. All nations which are accepted into the Alliance of Progressive Nations are not allowed to vote on any applications already pending at that time.

Membership Vote
Applicant: Ancient and Holy Terra
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 1 (Tiburon)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 2 (Largent, Haraki)
Membership Status: Pending
Not Yet Voted: 5 (Scolopendra, Euroslavia, Kanami, Yafor II, the Island of Rose)

And in response to the secret communique from Tiburon...

--<Transmission Type: Coded Diplomatic Communique [USFT ECHELON equivalent] >--
-<Sender: Supreme Emperor Speaker-Rrit, FSS>-
-<Destination: President Anthony Kennedy, USFT>-
--<Subject: Re: Progressivism Definition>--

I agree to this proposal.

http://www.weirdozone.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/speaker-to-animals.gifSupreme Emperor Speaker-Rrit
Chief of State
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

--<End Transmission>--

So it's short, but he's a busy 'tosh with lots to do and there's no more that needs to be said.

"I see no problem with this proposal and am in favor of it"

~Francesco Petrarch

I see no problem with this proposed system of judgment of progressivism. Also, I would like to add that some time ago Haraki changed our abstention to a vote in favour of Pilonese acceptance. The message was probably just lost in the mounds of paperwork I know piles up in Tiburon's government offices.

-Prime Minister Jaime Wolfe

The Republic of Ancient Terra is surprised by the series of abstentions we have recieved in regards to our application, and hopes to remedy this situation through any means recommended by the abstainees.

(ooc: Suggestions, Haraki?)

OOC: I'd say just reapply using the format we've suggested. I can't recall any dealings with you in the past (My memory from 2003 is bad, probably due to mental blocks I established to cover up my horrible RPing) and most of your application is dealing with your military. Just add some more content about the progressivism of your nation and we'll see how it goes.

The Republic of Ancient Terra is surprised by the series of abstentions we have recieved in regards to our application, and hopes to remedy this situation through any means recommended by the abstainees.

A friendly reminder, as the Segments certainly aren't opposed to your entry at the moment:

5) Similar to the Illior application, the Ancient and Holy Terran emphasis on militarism does concern us somewhat. Again, as with Illior, we also tend to trust the opinions of our allies. Thus we will also in this case refrain from exercising an official vote (yea, nay, or abstention) until the government of Ancient and Holy Terra answers the questions on the Largentian-format application.

~Advisor Nadjiba Abd-al-Haqq

The Republic of Ancient Terra will certainly reapply following the designated format, but in response to comments from the honorable representative of the Segments, Terra feels that our initial letter may have mislead those of the APN into believing that we place an extreme emphasis on our military. Indeed, compared to the majority of nations of our size, the Republic of Ancient Terra spends very little money on our armed forces, believing that a small, well-equipped force is adequate for our needs.

We maintain an exceptionally high GDP/capita of nearly $42,000, and a fantastically healthy economy with an emphasis on IT and Automotive sectors. Education is widely available and extremely competitive, and most students attend additional "cram schools" to assist with rote memorization. We've maintained a low unemployment rate of approximately 2.5% for the last several years, and place a great emphasis on social equality within our nation. Although Terra has a fairly homogenous population, smaller ethnic groups are treated equally within our borders, and each year they make positive and valued contributions to society.

Terran society values respect for all: young or old, male or female, rich or poor...we believe that everybody has something to offer. The respect for all living things extents to our allies, and our enemies. In the aftermath of the 4th Edolian-Allanean war, Terra was quick to reestablish ties with Allanea, constructing a great bridge between our nations and establish regular flight and train routes. Today Allanea is one of our strongest trade partners. Terra's Navy operates extensive patrols, plucking thousands of people from the deadly Haven Straits, and our Airforce and National Guard drop millions of tons of relief supplies on less fortunate and impoverished nations each year. Terra has been a part of the some of the world's largest peacekeeping operations, working in concert with many great nations. We've hosted peace talks when the situation called for it.

Terra has repeatedly emerged as a leader in culture and prosperity. We are proud of our country; it is like a flawless gem, and those who see only a militaristic stance miss the many other facets of our nation.

(ooc: Rereading my initial post, I really did miss most of the point. Apologies guys. Application in the preferred format is forthcoming.)

It has been decided to vote 'Aye' on Pilon's membership, after much discussion; along with another 'Aye' for the proposed amendment.

I will join also

OOC: We'll ya kinda need an application first

OOC: Small update since Pilon's status has changed, hope you dont mind tib

Membership Vote
Applicant: Pilon (the Greater People's Hegemony of)
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 5 (Largent, Scolopendra, Tiburon, Haraki, Euroslavia)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 0
Membership Status: Accepted
Not Yet Voted: 3 (Kanami, Yafor II, the Island of Rose)

"On behalf of the Empress and the Ba'ath National Command, we wish to extend our congratulations concerning Pilon's entrance. It is nice to see the APN continue to fill with nations that the Ba'ath National Command is fortunate enough to call friends. We hope that Pilon both finds the APN everything it hoped it would be and that its acceptance improves the APN in some way."

Francesco Petrarch

To the Central Council of the Alliance of Progressive Nations,

It is with great interest that the Aequatian Republic would request to become a member-state of this organization, as we feel that its ideals are closely related to those of the Republic and its citizenry. We hope that our application will be accepted.

President Holden Reid of Aequatio.

"Regardless of Aequatio's falure to submit an application in the requested format (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12199243&postcount=64), our background check revealed quite an active military. We also discovered a doctrine promising to defend sovereignty and peace even if it means acting like an international police force.

"However, due to the lack of an application in the requested format we will refrain from taking any formal stance and will simply voice concerns we hope Aequatio will adress."

Francesco Petrarch

OOC: Found it, Haraki. Changed. Thanks, Largent.

[Sent Via D-Net]
[To: {Alliance of Progressive Nations Central Council}]
[From: President Anthony Kennedy, the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon]
[Subject: Re(2): A Modest Proposal]
[Classification: Declassified]

Righto. I'll make the official proposal then. I'm interpreting the replies given to me by Francesco, Jaime, and Speaker-Rrit as not only approvals but votes in favor, partially to save time and partially because that's what I gathered from the message. If that's not the case, please let me know.

Proposal II: Amendment Change
Required Number of Votes: 7

Votes in Favor: 4 (Tiburon, Scolopendra, Largent, Haraki)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 0
Proposal Status: Pending
Not Yet Voted: 5 (Euroslavia, Kanami, Yafor II, the Island of Rose, Pilon)

The proposed amendment is the addition of a new Section 2 to Article IV of the Charter. The current Section 2 will become Section 3 if this amendment is passed. The proposed section is as follows:

In the spirit of the alliance, non-progressive nations that wish to undergo internal reform to match the character of the alliance may do so. Voting procedures for membership shall be the same as for progressive nations. In order to help implement reformation, non-progressive nations shall follow an Established Framework for full membership within the alliance.

1.) Progressive nations, in accordance with Article I of this charter, are defined as those that score an "Average" or better in Political Freedoms and Civil Liberties, and by definition subsequently abide by Articles 1-9, 13, and 17-20 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as Articles 3 through 8 of the U.S. Bill of Rights. Non-progressive nations, by extention, are those that score below average for both political freedoms and civil liberties.

2.) Non-progressive nations are welcome to apply for admission to the APN, but if accepted shall be given Associate Member status within the APN. Associate Members must reform their internal policies to pass the minimum requirements of progressive states as delineated by the preceding clause of this section with $years of their admission. Associate Members may not vote on APN policies, but may retain the benefits delinated in Article II Section 1 during their status as Associate Member. If an Associate Member is granted full membership, it shall be accorded all of the benefits that full membership provides.

-Tony

[Sent Via D-Net]
[To: {Alliance of Progressive Nations Central Council}]
[From: President Anthony Kennedy, the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon]
[Subject: Re(2): A Modest Proposal]
[Classification: Declassified]

Given our current lack of information regarding Toright and Aequatio, the United Solaris Federation abstains. With regards to both applications, after a cursory (http://www.nationstates.net/toright) glance (http://www.nationstates.net/aequatio) at the nature of both nations, we feel that it bears reminding that progressivism is dependent on both civil liberties and political freedoms. While we feel that both nations are proficient in the civil liberties aspect, we believe that the political freedoms available to citizens of both could be expanded. We would be strongly encouraged if both nations expressed sincere desires to reform their political freedoms- and I personally await news from both.

These applications further my desire to get an amendment addressing the issues that I've raised in the proposal above passed soon- the sooner the better.

-President Anthony Kennedy, the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon

OOC: An update of current voting procedures on the floor.

Membership Vote
Applicant: Illior (the Centrist Demonarchy of)
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 1 (Haraki)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 5 (Tiburon, Largent, Yafor II, Pilon, Euroslavia)
Membership Status: Suspended Per Request of Applicant
Not Yet Voted: 5 (Scolopendra, Kanami, the Island of Rose)

Proposal I: Amendment Change
Required Number of Votes: 7

Votes in Favor: 7 (Haraki, Largent, Scolopendra, Tiburon, Yafor II, Pilon, Euroslavia)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 0
Proposal Status: Passed
Not Yet Voted: 2 (Kanami, the Island of Rose)

The proposed amendment is the addition of a new Section 2 to Article IV of the Charter. The current Section 2 will become Section 3 if this amendment is passed. The proposed section is as follows:

Voting upon a nation's entrance to the Alliance of Progressive Nations shall be conducted only by the nations which are in the alliance at the time of application of the applicant nation. All nations which are accepted into the Alliance of Progressive Nations are not allowed to vote on any applications already pending at that time.

Membership Vote
Applicant: Ancient and Holy Terra
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 1 (Tiburon)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 5 (Largent, Haraki, Scolopendra, Yafor II, Euroslavia)
Membership Status: Pending
Not Yet Voted: 3 (Kanami, the Island of Rose, Pilon)

Proposal II: Amendment Change
Required Number of Votes: 7

Votes in Favor: 7 (Tiburon, Scolopendra, Largent, Haraki, Yafor II, Pilon, Euroslavia)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 0
Proposal Status: Passed
Not Yet Voted: 2 (Kanami, the Island of Rose)

The proposed amendment is the addition of a new Section 2 to Article IV of the Charter. The current Section 2 will become Section 3 if this amendment is passed. The proposed section is as follows:

In the spirit of the alliance, non-progressive nations that wish to undergo internal reform to match the character of the alliance may do so. Voting procedures for membership shall be the same as for progressive nations. In order to help implement reformation, non-progressive nations shall follow an Established Framework for full membership within the alliance.

1.) Progressive nations, in accordance with Article I of this charter, are defined as those that score an "Average" or better in Political Freedoms and Civil Liberties, and by definition subsequently abide by Articles 1-9, 13, and 17-20 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as Articles 3 through 8 of the U.S. Bill of Rights. Non-progressive nations, by extention, are those that score below average for both political freedoms and civil liberties.

2.) Non-progressive nations are welcome to apply for admission to the APN, but if accepted shall be given Associate Member status within the APN. Associate Members must reform their internal policies to pass the minimum requirements of progressive states as delineated by the preceding clause of this section with $years of their admission. Associate Members may not vote on APN policies, but may retain the benefits delinated in Article II Section 1 during their status as Associate Member. If an Associate Member is granted full membership, it shall be accorded all of the benefits that full membership provides.

Membership Vote
Applicant: Toright (the People's Republic of)
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 0
Votes Opposed: 2 (Haraki, Euroslavia)
Abstentions: 3 (Tiburon, Yafor II, Pilon)
Membership Status: Pending
Not Yet Voted: 6 (Scolopendra, Largent, Kanami, the Island of Rose)

Membership Vote
Applicant: Aequatio (the United Republic of)
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 0
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 6 (Largent, Tiburon, Yafor II, Pilon, Haraki, Euroslavia)
Membership Status: Pending
Not Yet Voted: 4 (Scolopendra, Kanami, the Island of Rose)

The Grand Democratic Duchy thanks the nations of the Alliance of Progressive Nations for welcoming us into their fold. We wish to put a vote of support for the Tiburonese amendment (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12236822&postcount=104). We would also like to put a vote of support for the Harakian amendment regarding the voting process. All of our others votes will be put to a side until that matter is cleared up.

As the newest member of the APN we thought it would be appropriate to cast votes for all of the proposals on the floor at the moment.

Proposal I: Amendment Change
Required Number of Votes: 7
Votes in Favor: 5 (Haraki, Largent, Scolopendra, Tiburon, Yafor II)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 0
Proposal Status: Pending

The proposed amendment is the addition of a new Section 2 to Article IV of the Charter. The current Section 2 will become Section 3 if this amendment is passed. The proposed section is as follows:

Voting upon a nation's entrance to the Alliance of Progressive Nations shall be conducted only by the nations which are in the alliance at the time of application of the applicant nation. All nations which are accepted into the Alliance of Progressive Nations are not allowed to vote on any applications already pending at that time.


Pilon Votes in Favor of this Amendment.


Proposal II: Amendment Change
Required Number of Votes: 7

Votes in Favor: 5 (Tiburon, Scolopendra, Largent, Haraki, Yafor II)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 0
Proposal Status: Pending

The proposed amendment is the addition of a new Section 2 to Article IV of the Charter. The current Section 2 will become Section 3 if this amendment is passed. The proposed section is as follows:

In the spirit of the alliance, non-progressive nations that wish to undergo internal reform to match the character of the alliance may do so. Voting procedures for membership shall be the same as for progressive nations. In order to help implement reformation, non-progressive nations shall follow an Established Framework for full membership within the alliance.

1.) Progressive nations, in accordance with Article I of this charter, are defined as those that score an "Average" or better in Political Freedoms and Civil Liberties, and by definition subsequently abide by Articles 1-9, 13, and 17-20 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as Articles 3 through 8 of the U.S. Bill of Rights. Non-progressive nations, by extention, are those that score below average for both political freedoms and civil liberties.

2.) Non-progressive nations are welcome to apply for admission to the APN, but if accepted shall be given Associate Member status within the APN. Associate Members must reform their internal policies to pass the minimum requirements of progressive states as delineated by the preceding clause of this section with $years of their admission. Associate Members may not vote on APN policies, but may retain the benefits delinated in Article II Section 1 during their status as Associate Member. If an Associate Member is granted full membership, it shall be accorded all of the benefits that full membership provides.

Pilon Votes in favor of this Amendment


As Pilon does not have any familiarity with any of the applicants, Pilon will Abstain from voting toward their membership pending further investigation into these nations.
Should these nations wish to expedite the process we request that they fill out the application form mentioned earlier.

I would like to remind the APN as a whole that as we have passed the eight-nation membership mark, it is time to elect a fourth member to the APN Executive Council. In fact, as soon as one more nation joins the alliance it will be time to elect two.

I believe this should be done one at a time, especially as we have not yet crossed the ten mark. I believe it should also be done in the following manner: Any nation may publicly proclaim an application and argument for their entrance into the Executive Council, though all nations are automatically entered unless specifically stated that they wish not to run for a seat. During a one week period starting from now, all nations which have membership in the APN Central Council may cast a vote for any one of their peers to be elevated to the status of Executive Council Member. One may, of course, not vote for themselves. These votes may either be publicly announced here, or sent via private means (OOC: Read: TG) to any sitting member of the Executive Council, who will forward it to Tiburon who will compile the vote.

Nations currently sitting on the Executive Council are of course allowed and encouraged to take part in voting.

If such a system is approved, voting will end (unless a substantial opposition to the method of voting is produced) on Monday January 29th and a new member of the APN Executive Council will be announced on Tuesday January 30th.


The other system possibly conceived was thus:

The voting will take place, but then the top three in terms of votes will be chosen and announced as the frontrunners, at which time all nations then vote for one of the three and the one with the most votes is selected. This process would take more time, however.


I propose that the newly-elected council member will sit until April 15th, at which time a new vote will begin.



As for the currently-standing applications:

Haraki will join most of the APN in abstaining from Aequatio's application for the time being, primarily due to distress over the available political rights in Aequatio.

Haraki is going to vote against Toright's entrance into the APN until such time as a much more convincing application is presented. We could have abstained, but that gets boring. We would rather see Toright present a detailed application and unless they are willing to do so we would rather vote against than abstain.


Best regards,
Jaime Wolfe

OOC: Link here. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=515472)

No need to post unless you're Tib or maybe Scolo (if you feel the need), in fact it's probably better if you don't. Still, worth taking note of, since it affects all of you in some small way and is, after all, a joint APN project, even though it's just the two (three?) of us involved.

OOC: Whoa, crap, completely forgot about that. Thanks.

IC:

As a side note, in order to maintain the integrity of the private ballot box, the names of the nations voting for each nation shall not be mentioned in the voting procedure box. Nations will need a majority (50% plus one) to be elected to the Executive Council. Nations may vote only once, and may change their vote until 11:59 PM EST on Monday, January 29. Nations may either vote publicly or privately as delineated by Jaime.

Voting Procedure: APN Executive Council Electory Membership

Required Number of Votes to Pass: 5

Current Candidates:
The Modified Freedom Forces of Euroslavia: 1 votes (14.29%)
The Ba'ath National Command of Largent 0 votes (0%)
The Republic of Kanami: 0 votes (0%)
The Grand Democratic Duchy of Yafor II: 6 votes (85.71%)
The Republic of the Island of Rose: 0 votes (0%)

Not Yet Voted: 2

(OOC: Despite my recent and long inactivity, I'd like to become more involved with NS again; this is a perfect motivation to do so)


The nation of Euroslavia wishes to step out of the fray, to become more involved within the Alliance of Progressive Nations, and to contribute as much as it can offer to the alliance itself. We hereby announce our interest in joining the APN Executive Council. If anyone has any sort of question, regarding Euroslavia's bid, please do not hesitate to respond.

Pilon would like to withdraw from running for the Executive Council of the APN at this moment.

We do look forward to hearing from other candidates on the reasons why they think they would make a good choice.

(OOC: Despite my recent and long inactivity, I'd like to become more involved with NS again; this is a perfect motivation to do so)


The nation of Euroslavia wishes to step out of the fray, to become more involved within the Alliance of Progressive Nations, and to contribute as much as it can offer to the alliance itself. We hereby announce our interest in joining the APN Executive Council. If anyone has any sort of question, regarding Euroslavia's bid, please do not hesitate to respond.

What do you feel makes Euroslavia a better choice than the other candidates running?

Euroslavia as a whole has been diplomatically active for longer than most nations have been alive, and has seen much, been involved in a lot of change, and has adapted to the way that the world has changed, while remaining exactly how it was previously; a strong, united nation, who gives every nation the opportunity for diplomacy. We believe that Euroslavia is a great candidate because our nation has always been known to be fair, and to make sound judgement when it comes to serious decisions, no matter what the topic may be. We've proven our stability within the world, and we wish to go further in doing so.

"Largent would like to cast its vote IN FAVOR of Euroslavia on the matter of the executive council of the APN"

Francesco Petrarch

"So, who do we vote for?" The eternally grizzled, eternally smirking silver-haired Julius Razak folds his arms as he stands besides Speaker-Rrit's desk, the limited-by-TerraEngineer-recommendation metropolis of topside Stonozka behind him through the picture window. "Think the Ledge-U will pipe in to want to have a say?"

"They will if we pick the wrong one," Speaker says with a half-hearted grumble. He leans back in his big yet utilitarian chair, showing no outward sign of annoyance. "I know they have been debating it."

"Yup," Razak replies. "No majority on anyone, in particular. Pilon is out, especially after us muscling that mutual-defense pact on them." The silver-haired man glances at Garbo, who is idly picking his teeth with a toothpick between his closed lips while he stands leaning against the doorframe like he usually does, idle hand in the pocket of his sports jacket like it usually is.

The Intelligence Advisor looks up with a slight bob to his afro, chuckling with a little twinkle in his hard-to-read Asian eyes. "What? Got us in good with the current power there. Our connections are now a powerful moderating influence, and we've seen the wannabe opposition basically break down after the Aumanii Impact. 'Sides, I doubt the Pilonese really expected us to vote for 'em... and they saved us the trouble by bowing out."

"Politically, I think our strongest move would be to support either Euroslavia, to expand the Triumvirate bloc in the Alliance, or Largent, whom we've always gotten along with." Hawke quietly asserts his presence in the room with this statement, no more, no less, gathering glances from everyone else. He's not very popular at the moment, but no one can say that the Foot-to-Ass Advisor doesn't know how to run a war. Unfortunately, there's no wars to be run quite at the moment.

The kzintosh shakes his head immediately. "Both are becoming more progressive, admittedly, but both also have a distance to go to become one of the exemplars of the alliance. With Euroslavia, while supporting them is natural between friends, the entire point of the Alliance is to not become some sort of micro-Triumvirate. Certainly you see the value in limiting Triumvirate obligations in that direction, no?"

"Certainly, sir." Lance stands at something approximating attention. "As it stands right now, we're the only ones obligated... us and Euroslavia, of course. Creating stronger ties would lead to additional support in case of hostilities in any case, and the Combined Services would certainly not be opposed to additional possible support to antispinward."

"Which we have the Kajali for now," Razak mutters. "They're looking rather forward to integrating."

"Yes, but they are still far to rimward. Local military aid would be better."

Speaker holds up one padded hand, and tilts it towards the short yet regal Abd-al-Haqq, olive-skinned and black-haired. "Your thoughts, Nadjiba?"

The International Relations Advisor nods. "I doubt either Euroslavia or Largent would be offended if we didn't vote for them, although Largent's public support for Euroslavia suggests an interest in building a more autocratic bloc within the Executive Council. From our research Kanami, Yafor-Two, and The Island of Rose seem closer to our standards of what we want in the Executive."

The 'tosh nods. "Of those, who can we immediately dismiss?"

"The Island of Rose is admittedly eccentric. While they are certainly progressive, they seem to have a high tendency of 'misplacing' more regressive members of their society. It's something of an anti-Dominion that way. I feel... uncomfortable even tacitly supporting that and, as our vote will inevitably be public due to our ideals, and S.I.N. is notoriously good at getting our research"--momentary glance at Garbo--"as well as doing their own..."

"Agreed. So Kanami or Yafor-Two?"

"Kanami is anti-corporate much like we were over a few periods of our history--the Kommetrez era for one, pre-Break for another, and post-ScoloMart Hertzfeldt for still another." She looks over at half-Legislator half-International Trade Advisor Jack Kerrigan, a clean-cut professional-looking young Caucasian with dark brown hair and eyes who still, after years of working with these people, seems slightly out of his league.

"Oh." Kerrigan coughs. "Well, we've got no real idealistic gripe with Kanami, but they're what we'd consider conservative... er... restrictive when it comes to business. And that's saying something. They're also a bit more conservative morally, with even alcohol being banned..."

"The Dinners would love 'em," Razak quips.

"Probably with lots of hugs. Jellied-nite ones." Kerrigan grins through closed lips. He likes the resident Grumpy Old Man. "So socially... a bit tighter than us, definitely. I say this instead of Advisor Abd-al-Haqq"--evil glare from the woman--"Nadjiba"--evil glare continues--"Nadj"--a cloud passes and daylight breaks again--"because it's easier to gauge social pressures through spending reports and the like. Plus I could see all those rankling with non-negligible portions of the Ledge-U."

"That leaves us with Yafor-Two." Speaker chuckles, breath whiffing through his nostrils. "Give me a positive reason why, rather than us voting the lesser of all evils."

"They're as close to reasonably pacifistic as a society can get, something like Sneaky Bastards that way," Garbo says quickly, more to shock Hawke more than anything else--

"And their human rights record is spotless. Eat-off-the-ashtrays spotless," Nadjiba cuts in before Hawke can protest.

"Good. That is our choice, then." Speaker-Rrit flicks his ears and leans back. "Jack, take it to the Legislative Unit for advice and consent. Tell them they have a deadline."

"Call me in if you get any grief," Razak adds in his old M.I.-officer-needing-someone-to-chew-on way with a smirk.

"Yessirs," Kerrigan nods with a smile. "I'll get right on it. I'll coordinate with Nadj... to get a formal response out as soon as possible."

Nadjiba merely smiles and bows.

* - * - *

After a period of debate and consent in the Legislative Unit, the Federated Segments is proud to vote openly for the Grand Democratic Duchy of Yafor 2 to join the Executive Council.

http://www.weirdozone.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/nadjiba_abd-al-haqq.gifAdvisor Najdiba Abd-Al-Haqq
International Relations Section
Federated Segments of Scolopendra

Official Statement of the Rosian Republic
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/4542/tiorseal0jakn7.png

The Rosian Republic supports whole-heartedly the Harakian and Tibouronese(?) Amendments. We find them quite useful in the functionings of this alliance and quite frankly, we needed to vote either way. We would also like to vote the nation of Yafor 2 to the fold of being a part of the Executive Council. They are one of the most stable nations around, which is saying alot in this current environment, and quite frankly a little new blood never hurt anyone.

We would also like to thank the Alliance of Progressive Nations into admitting the Republic. Granted our nation has a reputation of being a little... "out there" but in the end it all works out. I think.

Gary Lee Weinhab
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Island of Rose (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/Geddy_Lee_Milan_2004.jpg)

(You know the scary thing is that Scolo described my nation too perfectly, in one sentence no less. I could never do that =/)

The decision for who Pilon would vote for was a hot topic of debate amongst the Assembly. In a similar fashion to most issues the Assembly discussed, chat rooms and forums were established where pros and cons could be effectively discussed and people could weigh in on the subject.

Not much information was known about some of the nations running, others had dealings with Pilon in the past.

The breakdown for each nation was as follows:

In the initial round of voting this is how the breakdown worked out:

The Modified Freedom Forces of Euroslavia

Many Pilonese favored Euroslavia, mostly due to their familiarity with Euroslavia, who was once a Concordat member and had a long history of good trade relations with Pilon, including the establishment of a Tradeport/Casino in their Martian Territory and connecting it to the Northern Ocean Mag Lev line from Roania. In general the people of Euroslavia got along well with the Pilonese and they found them to be rather pleasant people.

Most of the voiced concerns about Euroslavia were at their apparent inactivity in the international scene and on Mars itself, though they were pleasant people there was really no actions taken by the Euroslavs that screamed in favor of elevating them onto the executive council of an alliance aimed at furthering progressivism.

Pilonese Assembly Vote % - 31%

The Ba'ath National Command of Largent

Pilon has dealings with Largent in the past as well. So far they had all been positive and this reflected clearly by those in favor of them as well. They had established themselves on Mars and were one of the major powers on Mercury. Also their name had come up in as Pilon was currently looking to expand into Neptune and voting for them might make a good move to further that goal. Also as Pilon was looking to expand in the Jupiter system it wouldn't hurt to put in the voice of support to get on their good side.

Those opposed mostly cited the provisional basis that Largent had been granted membership in the APN. Why should Largent be elevated to the Executive council if they were not even accepted completely as a Progressive Nation, and would their vote reflect favorably upon the ideals of Progressivism.
This was mostly rebuttals by citing a lack of true evidence in the form of actions taken from Largent that were shown to be against the Progressive Ideals.

Assembly Vote % - 15%

The Republic of Kanami:

Though there was a little interest for Kanami, the largest reaction to his candidate was, "Huh? Who is that?", a good portion of the Assembly did take the time to do further research however.

Most of the supporters of Kanami pointed to the large amount of evidence and activity where Kanami supported many of the ideas of a progressivist state. They were well known as supporters of Human rights and many Pilonese could identify with the Kanami.

Those opposed to Kanami did so mostly based off of one argument, which was very hard to rebuttal. The Kanami did not seem to be supportive of Free Market Economy, nor even of Capitalism. One of the central ideas that Pilon stood for was the Consumer's right to choice in the marketplace, they distrusted nations that favored big government and government oversight into their economy, something that seemed prevalent in Kanami. Much of the support for Kamani fell away after hearing of their lack of support for Capitalism as already the Scolopendrans were on the Executive Council, and it was felt that too many anti-Capitalists would destroy the APN form within.

Assembly Vote % - 7%

The Grand Democratic Duchy of Yafor II:

While not much personal contact had been made with Yafor II, Pilon had at least heard of this nation.

There was a sizable group who favored voting for Yafor based on their ideals. In particular was Yafor's environmental policies which helped to protect the environment against Corporate abuses.

Others favored Yafor for their mostly Free-Market approach to their economy, which favored the consumer's right to choice.

Though there were some who spoke against Yafor, it was mainly by pointing out strengths in other choices over Yafor and not pointing out anything particularly bad for Yafor as an Executive member of the APN.

Assembly Voting % - 37%

The Republic of the Island of Rose

Another nation that Pilon was not terribly familiar with.

Upon doing further research into the Island of Rose they found a number of things to like about the nation, among other things their people were eccentric, as were Pilonese, though they were eccentric in different ways. They seemed to favor capitalist ideals and free market, and they were opposed to Dictatorships.

The main complaint with the nation was their inherent violent nature. They still practiced the Death Penalty, something Pilon felt to be very much against progressivism, and they seemed in general a very violent society.

Assembly Vote % - 10%


After the initial round, TIOR and Kanami were eliminated from the voting. Another round of debate raged on, with the supporters of Kanami mostly going over to Yafor and the supporters of TIOR going primarily to Largent.

Some of the supporters of the top 3 also shifted votes being swayed by the initial round numbers.

At the end of the second round a winner was chosen:

The Modified Freedom Forces of Euroslavia: (30%)
The Ba'ath National Command of Largent (19%)
The Grand Democratic Duchy of Yafor II: (51%)


The decision was made, by popular support Pilon's vote would be cast for Yafor II.

Jaime Wolfe stood up from his seat, looking out over the little-over-a-thousand MPs that made up the Harakian parliament and he scratched the side of his nsoe uncomfortably. Leaving this sort of thing up to parliamentary vote was never so great. It often resulted in decisions that weren't exactly in line with what the country wanted, what was best for certain people, or whatever. Then again, he was far from an autocrat, even in his head, and he admitted the need for it rather than his pick-and-choose approach, which was the only other one on offer. Besides, it meant no one could blame him for not voting for them. He could just say 'Hey, I abstained from the vote. Blame parliament'. Now, though, he had to make a speech outlining the process and the voting system for this approach.

He cleared his throat and began. "My fellow Harakian MPs, you all know what I'm about to bring up. The vote for Executive Council member of the APN. I'm going to read you outlines of each nation, pros and cons, that sort of thing, which were prepared for me by Mr Firth," he said, gesturing to Peter Firth, the Foreign Minister, at his left. Firth let out a small smile. "Then it's up to you. You all vote and decide who to vote for. Voting will happen in the following way: Everyone votes until one nation gets over fifty percent of the vote. If no nation gets fifty percent of the vote, the nation with the smallest percentage is dropped and we continue voting. Clear enough?" There were murmurs of agreement. He cleared his throat again.

"Euroslavia is the first nation voted into the alliance, unanimously by the three permanent members of the Executive Council, and that already makes them a fairly good candidate. This combined with their long history and good ability to deal with people in a sane manner rockets them to a high place on the list. However, there are some drawbacks. A member of the Executive Council must be active diplomatically, and while we all know Euroslavia has been active diplomatically in the past, they have been much more isolationist of late. This could merely be a phase, and membership in the Executive Council could help them overcome this, but we must bear it in mind when voting. Second, Euroslavia, as with Largent, was admitted into the APN without being a prime example of progressivism. Although both have improved significantly, thanks to what President Kennedy of Tiburon would now describe as 'Associate Member' status, it still makes it look as if we devalue progressivism as an ideal and care only about our friends, or our international standing.

"Largent is a good candidate for Executive Council membership. They have been quite active with the APN, they have shown some excellent examples of progressivism, which is what the alliance was founded on, and they have shown to be sane and rational in international relations. The main drawback is that of their entrance into the alliance. They were even more autocratic and oppressive than Euroslavia was upon their entrance into the APN, and although membership helped them move towards progressive ideals and become a much more open nation, I still feel nervous promoting them to a higher level. Once again, it makes it look as if progressivism is one of the last things on our mind when selecting people. And it should not be. Their history must not be overlooked.

"Pilon has already withdrawn any bid for Executive Council membership, so we won't even bother talking about them. Good folks, those Pilonese.

"Kanami. Since their entrance into the APN, they have yet to vote on an issue at the floor - I think. This one fact should all-but rule them out for Executive Council membership. However, more about them: good human rights record, good political system. Anti-big business, just like us. If they were more active, they could be a strong candidate.

"The Island of Rose. A good friend and ally of ours. Good democratic system, good human rights. I feel hesitant over the fact that they still have the death penalty, and to be honest, they just seem a bit off-colour. Violent in other ways than the death penalty, very eccentric, a bit weird. Very devoted to a free market system, very dedicated to maintaining capitalism." There were murmurs amidst the crowd, and a good amount of Liberal MPs shifted in their seats. "A good, if a bit weird, nation. Progressive in most ways."

He took a long drink from the glass of water in front of him, cleared his throat again, and continued. "Finally, Yafor Two. A very, very progressive nation. Astounding human rights record, probably better than Haraki's own, excellent political democratic system, excellent civil rights, all that good stuff. Essentially, the iconic progressive nation. Very pacifistic, as far as we've seen, which is good. They look for diplomatic solutions before military ones, unlike most nations in the world, let alone most major alliances. I don't really see any drawbacks to the Yaforite application, except maybe their devotion to the free market." He stopped talking and paused for several seconds. "That's the nation profiles. Now, on to the voting."

He sat down and breathed a sigh of relief. Another bullet dodged. Another speech over. Even as the votes began coming in from the MPs' electronic work stations, the results somewhat surprised him.

First run of voting:
Euroslavia: 23%
Largent: 20%
Kanami: 11%
TIOR:18%
Yafor II: 28%

Almost evenly balanced. The large screen at the front of the room which displayed votes ordered them from largest percentage to smallest, with Yafor II at the top and Kanami at the bottom, and then dropped Kanami, its lettering and graph turning to black as the second voting period began.

Second run of voting:
Euroslavia: 24%
Largent: 20%
TIOR:14%
Yafor II: 42%

This time it was the Island of Rose whose lettering faded to black as the third run began.

Third run of voting:
Euroslavia: 25%
Largent: 30%
Yafor II: 45%

Euroslavia dropped to the bottom as the last run of voting began.

Final run of voting:
Largent: 28%
Yafor II: 72%

Jaime whistled a long, low whistle. Not unexpected, especially given what he had read about the nations, and definitely not an unexpected final three, but he had expected Euroslavia to make it past Largent, if only for the fact that they had a much longer history with Haraki and other APN nations. Still, parliament had decided, and he could pass the buck if anyone got angry at him about it.



Haraki's vote will be public, since parliament is public anyway, and parliament decided. Haraki's vote goes towards Yafor II for entrance into the APN Executive Council.

Jaime Wolfe

OOC: Pilon, this is probably unecessary, but for future reference, we've been taken off provisional status [or at least I was under that impression].

OOC: Pilon, this is probably unecessary, but for future reference, we've been taken off provisional status [or at least I was under that impression].

OOC: ah sorry, must have missed that in the thread...

Concerning a matter aside from voting, now that Pilon has been accepted as a member of the APN we wish to present an idea to our fellow progressive members in accordance with Article III section 7.

To save you the trouble of consulting that part of the Charter we will display it here:

7.) To promote the unity between the members of the Alliance of Progressive Nations, the APN is authorized with sanctioning alliance projects among member states that promote the security of and cooperation between the member states.

a.) The members of the APN are encouraged to support each other financially and technologically to complete joint projects between members. As such, the alliance encourages members to assist fellow members requesting aid in any way regarded as feasible by the donating nation.

b.) In the event that the APN as a whole agrees upon a joint alliance project, the members of the APN are required to donate economic and technological aid for the completion of the project. Joint alliance projects require a 75% minimum majority in the APN Central Council to be initiated. Joint alliance projects are not subject to Executive Council vetoes.




We feel that the time might be appropriate to start project along these lines, namely a Civil Rights Convention, with the aim of inviting other nations interested in participating as well as inviting APN members to come and discuss several issues of importance regarding Civil Rights:

1. Some kind of declaration or definition of what Sentient Human Rights should be, and possibly allowing representatives to sign onto a declaration that would guarantee these rights to the citizens of the signatories.

2. Discussions of common social problems encountered and ways of addressing these issues as best we can without violating civil rights

3. A general advertisement for the APN as a means of showing off that we are indeed doing something, now that the alliance has been formed, to further some of our progressive goals, one of which we feel is the spread of civil rights.


We feel that by hosting this convention we would enhance the cooperation between our members by giving us a well defined definition of what is and is not good civil rights as well as addressing some important social concerns to help everyone become more progressive as societies and as an alliance. By inviting nations outside of the alliance to participate we are also allowing for possible criticism which can never be a bad thing as long as it is done in a constructive manner.


While Pilon is more than capable of hosting a convention along these lines we feel it is important to discuss who we want to host the convention as well as deciding whether or not we want the APN to sponsor it. We could even make this a periodic convention and shift the host from nation to nation should the alliance as a whole decide it to be appropriate.

The three represenatives sat down, with Forerign Minister Karou Kamiah's thoughts, as well as Prime Minster Elenore Romeny's thoughts.

"Okay vote for executive council." Ryoko said.

"Go figure, we're on it." Said Rukia

"How did we get on the list?" Asked Koji

"Hard to say."

"We haven't a chance."

"All right let's look over the nations up for the running:"Euroslavia"

"The nation is well established, well power, older than most countries in the world. Romeny doesn't like long time juggernaught nations."

"Can you blame her, the way Stevid treats us?"

"Never mind that, ultimatley it's because she feels large nations take the voice from smaller nations. SO that's a no. Largent."

"Very active in this council to our knowledge, they may know the ropes better than us. Poltically strong and agressive, but some of these reports...Let's put them under as a good posibility."

"We barley know any of these people. Next."

"The Island of Rose. Good Human Rights Track Record, that we like.
BUT very devoted to capitalism. You know how we feel about that."

"There's an oxymoron, A capitalist society with a good track record."

"Let's put them as a good possibility."

"Yafor2. Astounding human rights record, probably better than our own, excellent political democratic system, excellent civil rights, Free Market, right of consumers. Belive it or not were aren't fully anti-business, I say, let's vote for them. That's the last of them. All right we're all agreed, Yafor2?"

"Agreed."



The Republic of Kanami puts it's vote in for Grand Democratic Duchy of Yafor 2

Let me be the first to say congratulations to the Grand Democratic Duchy of Yafor 2 on becoming the fourth member of the APN Executive Council. Unless any votes are changed between now and the deadline, Monday January 29th, with Kanami's vote being the deciding one, Yafor 2 will have received the five required votes and become the fourth member. If approved, yafor 2 will sit for a three month period and another week-long voting period will begin on April 15th, 2007. Congratulations.

And to everyone else, bear in mind that as soon as a tenth member joins the APN, we will need to go through this whole process again, giving you an even better chance than before, since Yafor will be out of the running. Good day.

Jaime Wolfe

Explanation to come. Work keeps Tiburonese busy at this point, however.

The United Solaris Federation votes in favor of the Yaforite candidacy.

Yes, I do intend to edit my previous post to explain my vote.

[Sent Via D-Net]
[To: {APN Central Council}]
[From: President Anthony Kennedy, the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon]
[Subject: Pilonese Proposal]
[Classification: Declassified]

With regards to the Pilonese proposal, I agree completely that now that we have an established base, we can and should begin actually making good on our purpose. As for defining sentient rights, I believe that Proposal II (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12236835&postcount=105) could be considered some form of delineating sentient rights, but I agree again that some form of explicit definition should be reached. I think that we should make the forum open for all nations to attend. In any case, is this a voting proposal?

-Tony Kennedy

Finally, a bit of advertising. The APN forums are up, and can be accessed here (http://z10.invisionfree.com/New_UNAOTO/index.php?act=idx).

Yes, I do intend to edit my previous post to explain my vote.



Finally, a bit of advertising. The APN forums are up, and can be accessed here (http://z10.invisionfree.com/New_UNAOTO/index.php?act=idx).

OOC: Nation Scores are fine and dandy but I was going for something a bit more defined. IRL there are 30 designated Human Rights. I was hoping we could go about coming up with a list of our own using those as a baseline.

IC: Yes the intention was to put forth the idea of a Civil Rights convention as a proposal under the section of the charter that states that APN members can vote for Alliance Projects.

OOC: I agree. I was referencing the part of Proposal II which mentions specific articles in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the US Bill of Rights, not the part that referenced the categories.

IC: After discussing with the Pilonese, I've gathered that they've submitted the following proposal:

Proposal III- APN Project Two
Required Number of Votes: 7

Votes in Favor: 6 (Pilon, Tiburon, Scolopendra, Yafor II, Kanami, Largent)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 0
Proposal Status: Pending
Not Yet Voted: 3 (Haraki, Euroslavia, The Island of Rose)

We feel that the time might be appropriate to start project along these lines, namely a Civil Rights Convention, with the aim of inviting other nations interested in participating as well as inviting APN members to come and discuss several issues of importance regarding Civil Rights:

1. Some kind of declaration or definition of what Sentient Human Rights should be, and possibly allowing representatives to sign onto a declaration that would guarantee these rights to the citizens of the signatories.

2. Discussions of common social problems encountered and ways of addressing these issues as best we can without violating civil rights

3. A general advertisement for the APN as a means of showing off that we are indeed doing something, now that the alliance has been formed, to further some of our progressive goals, one of which we feel is the spread of civil rights.


We feel that by hosting this convention we would enhance the cooperation between our members by giving us a well defined definition of what is and is not good civil rights as well as addressing some important social concerns to help everyone become more progressive as societies and as an alliance. By inviting nations outside of the alliance to participate we are also allowing for possible criticism which can never be a bad thing as long as it is done in a constructive manner.

The Euroslavian delegation has also relayed to me their votes. They vote in favor of both proposals and abstain on the applications of Illior, Aequatio, and Ancient and Holy Terra.

With the Euroslavian vote, Proposals I and II both pass.

ooc: Ah yes, forgot about the UN Human Rights bill... goes to consult what it says.


edit: Now that I have looked and compared it to what IRL exists I think it is completely inadequate.

Just for reference, this is what the 30 human rights are:


1. We are all free and equal. We are all born free. We all have our own thoughts and ideas. We should all be treated in the same way.

2. Don't discriminate. These rights belong to everybody, whatever our differences.

3. The right to life. We all have the right to life, and to live in freedom and safety.

4. Slavery – past and present. Nobody has any right to make us a slave. We cannot make anyone our slave.

5. Torture. Nobody has any right to hurt us or to torture us.

6. We all have the same right to use the law. I am a person just like you!

7. We are all protected by the law. The law is the same for everyone. It must treat us all fairly.

8. Fair treatment by fair courts. We can all ask for the law to help us when we are not treated fairly.

9. Unfair detainment. Nobody has the right to put us in prison without a good reason and keep us there, or to send us away from our country.

10. The right to trial. If we are put on trial this should be in public. The people who try us should not let anyone tell them what to do.

11. Innocent until proven guilty. Nobody should be blamed for doing something until it is proven. When people say we did a bad thing we have the right to show it is not true.

12. The right to privacy. Nobody should try to harm our good name. Nobody has the right to come into our home, open our letters or bother us or our family without a good reason.

13. Freedom to move. We all have the right to go where we want in our own country and to travel as we wish.

14. The right to asylum. If we are frightened of being badly treated in our own country, we all have the right to run away to another country to be safe.

15. The right to a nationality. We all have the right to belong to a country.

16. Marriage and family. Every grown-up has the right to marry and have a family if they want to. Men and women have the same rights when they are married, and when they are separated.

17. Your own things. Everyone has the right to own things or share them. Nobody should take our things from us without a good reason.

18. Freedom of thought. We all have the right to believe in what we want to believe, to have a religion, or to change it if we want.

19. Free to say what you want. We all have the right to make up our own minds, to think what we like, to say what we think, and to share our ideas with other people.

20. Meet where you like. We all have the right to meet our friends and to work together in peace to defend our rights. Nobody can make us join a group if we don't want to.

21. The right to democracy. We all have the right to take part in the government of our country. Every grown-up should be allowed to choose their own leaders.

22. The right to social security. We all have the right to affordable housing, medicine, education, and child care, enough money to live on and medical help if we are ill or old.

23. Workers' rights. Every grown-up has the right to do a job, to a fair wage for their work, and to join a trade union.

24. The right to play. We all have the right to rest from work and to relax.

25. A bed and some food. We all have the right to a good life. Mothers and children, people who are old, unemployed or disabled, and all people have the right to be cared for.

26. The right to education. Education is a right. Primary school should be free. We should learn about the United Nations and how to get on with others. Our parents can choose what we learn.

27. Culture and copyright. Copyright is a special law that protects one's own artistic creations and writings; others cannot make copies without permission. We all have the right to our own way of life and to enjoy the good things that "art," science and learning bring.

28. A free and fair world. There must be proper order so we can all enjoy rights and freedoms in our own country and all over the world.

29. Our responsibilities. We have a duty to other people, and we should protect their rights and freedoms.

30. Nobody can take away these rights and freedoms from us.

OOC: Specifically mentioned in what is now Article IV, Section 3-a is:

a.) Progressive nations, in accordance with Article I of this charter, are defined as those that score an "Average" or better in Political Freedoms and Civil Liberties, and by definition subsequently abide by Articles 1-9, 13, and 17-20 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as Articles 3 through 8 of the U.S. Bill of Rights. Non-progressive nations, by extention, are those that score below average for both political freedoms and civil liberties.

As I've stated before (if not here, then elsewhere), these articles provide a base structure from which to gauge the minimum level. The minimum level is by no means the ideal of a completely progressive nation- it is simply the minimum state to attain from which to proceed to the ideal.

In any case, we should probably save this discussion for the actual forum.

The Federated Segments support holding a conference on deciding how we want to tell everyone what we stand for and what we're willing to do about it.

~Nadjiba Abd-al-Haqq

(OOC: The 30 Human Rights according to the UN, some of which are also inherently silly except as true Platonic Ideals [such as #30, #3, and to some extent #1 and #2, which are mostly just suffering Paraphraser's Lack of Necessary Specificity at the moment])

The Grand Democratic Duchy supports APN Project Two.

Kanami votes in favor of project II

"Largent votes in favor of Proposal III"

Francesco Petrarch

Haraki votes in favour of Proposal III, giving it the required number of votes to pass. Bearing this in mind, we should now begin discussing the mechanics and logistics of the conference.

..::Class 5 Diplomatic Message, No Encryption::..
TO: Alliance of Progressive Nations Council
FR: Duchess Sadira Saleh, Director of Foreign Services, Imperium of Scandavian States
SUB: Application For Entry Into The Alliance of Progressive Nations


Part 1: Pros

A) What makes your nation a "progressive nation" or moving towards "progressivism"

First and foremost the Imperium has enshrined since its inception the concept of individual rights. A person may make their thoughts and feelings known through the written or spoken word, may worship however they please, may move about as they wish, may own property, may bear arms in the defense of family and property, may not have searches and seizures about oneself without proper authorization, may not be subjected to undue confinement or corporal punishment, and if convicted of a capital crime a person has the right to a quick and painless death; all of these are guaranteed secure from abridgment from the government at any level.

The Imperium also has a guarantee that the Imperial Senate's House of the People should have a representative for every million people within the Imperium's borders, which means the Imperium's legislative body is quite possibly the largest in the world and (in our opinion, at least) the most egalitarian. Unfortunately expansions can only be carried out every twenty years without incurring undue expenses, but even that is quite impressive when one considers that most nations do well to expand their legislative body every century (if they bother at all.)

On the international front the Imperium has tried as much as possible to conduct friendly relations with all nations. This has not always worked for various reasons, but we have tried. The Imperium has a consistent track record in opposition of slavery and especially piracy; both are, in the opinion of the Imperium, affront to basic civil liberties. The Imperium also absolutely refuses to allow corporations within its territory to sale strategic weapons systems or the technologies to develop them.

B) Besides agreeing with the alliances ideals, why did you choose to apply for membership?

The Imperium was an important member nation in this alliance's predecessor, UnAPS. It would be our absolute joy to be a member of a strikingly similar alliance and to cement alliances with new nations.

C) Why should the APN select you for membership.

The Imperium would do much to see the APN succeed where UnAPS failed. Beyond that, the Imperium possesses an extremely strong economy of a fairly open nature to most all nations and completely open to allies. The Imperium also has, although we regret having to sometimes resort to it, a military that is feared by our adversaries.

Part II: Cons
A) In what ways are you not "progressive"

Internally the legal system is quite inflexible. Although there aren't as many crimes in the books as in most countries, sentences tend to be harsher than the norm and can only be handed as described in the law (all laws have a mandatory sentence and there is no give or take.) Specifically, as mentioned earlier in the rights section, the Imperium has the death penalty. The following crimes all carry a mandatory death sentence if the accused is convicted: treason, espionage, murder, rape, piracy, and slavery.

Also internally, the Imperium has a working monarchy and aristocratic system. The ruling monarch, currently Empress Lien I Larsen, is both the head of state and head of government and has powers in line with such. In some respects, such as the fact that any veto cannot be overturned and that she is the sole authority in appointing the Directors of the various executive bodies, she is more powerful than the average Prime Minister or President. The House of Lords is, obviously, comprised of the hereditary aristocracy who run the governments of everything from the Duchy (provincial level) on down and also make up the Directors almost without exception.

We believe our present political freedoms rating can be attributed to those two pieces of our political system.

Externally, the Imperium has been noted for its sometimes aggressive nature. Of note are the flareups with the Klatch over some piratical scheme or other and the present tensions with the Sovereign League (although that has yet to devolve into armed conflict.) We also feel it necessary to inquire as to what objections our friends in Tiburon have with the Antanjyl operation, given that it was the actions of Antanjylian slavers within Imperial territory that set the conflict off. If that is to be a point of contention, let us bring it into the open and resolve it quickly.

B) Why should the APN reject your application for membership?

The Council might feel that our past actions are incompatible with the ideals of the APN or that the present tensions with the Sovereign League present too big of a risk of spilling into open conflict.

Part III: Argue your case
A) With cited examples, give counter points to all of the cons listed above (if any such counter points exist)

While the legal system is without a doubt harsh, there has never been a popular movement to reform it. Part of this is simply because crime isn't that common within Imperial borders and the great majority of it is fairly petty (usually resulting is fines and some time doing community service.) However, the both national and local police investigate each case scrupulously and do not make arrests until they are sure the person they are detaining is the one that committed the crime. Judges and juries are absolutely required to keep to the spirit and letter of the law when deciding a verdict, or they face obstruction of justice charges themselves. This leads to a very fair system that has seen few false convictions and none in modern times.

A strong monarchy and aristocratic system is viewed by some as anti-democratic, but in our view this is not universally true. The Larsen dynasty has always been a strong supporter of the House of the People and it is a tradition for the ruling monarch to hear the opinions and inquiries of the people directly by inviting them to New Copenhagen Palace upon occasion. All nobles have the responsibility of governing their land and the people who reside upon it and many have the dual responsibility of jobs within the various Services. The nobles are expect to follow the example of the Royal Family in how they deal with the people and those who don't (unfortunately there are reactionaries everywhere), thankfully few, are kept on a very short leash.

On the international front, as has been noted, the Imperium has had several confrontations with the Klatch. However, as was also noted, it is almost always over piratical schemes that usually involve FKC naval ships seizing ships and/or cargo as a form of "taxation." Of course, there is never any notice of such "taxes" and the seizures are without exception conducted by rogue elements of the Klatch government who are usually brought to heel or (rarely) repudiated.

Also mentioned was the Antanjyl operation. Again, we fail to see the objections to it, considering that in the end a major hub of the international slave trade was shut down and popular uprising took down the last vestiges of the autocratic government. While the Imperium cannot speak for Allanean conduct in that operation, since we pulled out after the initial landings and the Allaneans took over, the Imperium most certainly committed no atrocities or general ill conduct.

The only assurances that the Imperium can give vis a vis the Sovereign League situation is that the Imperium will do all it can to avoid conflict, not a hard promise to keep since the Imperium would be in a precarious strategic position.

Part IV: Miscellaneous

The Imperium anxiously awaits word from the Council.

..::End Class 5 Message::..

The People's Republic of Kronnik is very eager to join the Alliance of Progressive Nations, as we believe Kronnik is the type of nation you've described in Article I of your charter.
When I first observed our countries' neighbors in the East Pacific region, I was shocked and appalled by the numerous nations seeking nothing but violence and conflict with others. It would appear that many of these philosophically primitive societies are interested in nothing but gaining power through war. I quickly came to the realization that if our people are to accomplish anything through peace and diplomacy that we would need to ally ourselves with others that similar goals. I feel blessed that I've found your admirable organization so soon into my search.
As requested in the formatted application, I'll give your council some reasons why our admittance into the APN would be of benefit to your agenda.
Kronnik has been described by the UN as a 'Scandinavian Liberal Paradise', which is a label of which we are very proud. There are no restrictions on the use of recreational drugs in our nation, as we believe it shouldn't be up to the governing body to decide what a person should or shouldn't be allowed to do in their free time. This is first a result of our people's 'progressiveness' as you've called it, and second a result of our people's enthusiasm for smoking marijuana as a way to relax and get in touch with themselves.
Unfortunately, we've not much to show yet for our 'progressiveness' besides what I've already stated along with our administration's first political act in which we turned down a proposed bill which would make voting mandatory for all adults. This lack of evidence is not derived from our society being non-progressive, but because our budding nation has just recently been founded and we haven't had the chance to do anything else. I can assure you, however, that time will reveal our intentions are nearly identical to your group's.
I certainly hope that you will see how good the addition of the People's Republic of Kronnik to the APN would be for both of us.

Anxiously awaiting your response,
Speaker James Morrison

ooc: Other members, please consult the APN boards.

ic: The decision for Scandavian States' membership into the APN was a difficult decision for the Assembly. On the one hand the nation definitely seemed to be heading toward a more progressive state, yet there were a number of issues that made the people nervous to vote for them.

Due to their inexperience in dealing with the Scandavian States, inquiries were forwarded to other APN nations who had a longer history of dealing with them in the hopes of getting a better feel for the nation before a vote was cast.



Concerning Kronnik's application, a copy of the APN application form that new nations were encouraged to fill out was sent so the APN could learn more about the nation before any discussion of a vote was made for them.

(ooc: Kronnik, if you're curious what the Application Form is, Scandavian States was kind enough to break down the questions into quotes, which he then answered, just refer to his application in the post right before yours.)

(ooc: Okay, sorry, didn't notice.)
Part 1: Pros
A) What makes your nation a "progressive nation" or moving towards "progressivism"?
The People's Republic of Kronnik is very socially progressive. Our government has a noticeable lack of corruption that you don't find in many other societies, and the streets are very safe due to our highly trained and well armed law enforcement agencies. There are no restrictions on recreational drugs, and just today our administration shot down an attempt to make voting compulsory for those old enough; our people are very libertarian, and if they don't want to vote, then by God, they won't have to.
B) Besides agreeing with the alliances ideals, why did you choose to apply for membership?
Shortly after the people of Kronnik bonded together to found the Republic we are today, we began to discover the nature of our neighbors' behavior. So many uncivilized, barbaric groups, all vying for power through violence and war. It was then that I came to the conclusion that in order to spread humanity, peace, diplomacy, and to enlighten the masses, we would need allies with the same goals as ours. As though the gods knew what we needed (figuratively, that is, our people are atheists), it was then that I heard of your outstanding group. I hoped that we could be of service to each other.
C) Why should the APN select you for membership?
I assure you that the people of Kronnik are very idealistic and will do most anything to help along your campaign to enlighten the unenlightened and unlock the potential that lies within men of all nations. Should any group harbor violence against the APN, us Kronnikians would be there to offer whatever would help, whether it be money or soldiers. Also, besides our spirit and loyalty, the people of Kronnik specialize in Information Technology which would be sure to help your cause.
Part II: Cons
A) In what ways are you not "progressive"?
Kronnik's economy suffers due to the prohibition of any personal enterprise on the part of the citizen, and much of the money that could be in our vaults is floating around a black market based around our Information Technology.
Besides that and some occasional disarray in the administration that derives from bureaucratic obstacles in the decision making process, there is very little that is not progressive.
B) Why should the APN reject your application for membership?
Well, you shouldn't, but if you did, then it would probably be because our society is so young and undeveloped militaristically and economically.
Part III: Argue your case
A) With cited examples, give counter points to all of the cons listed above (if any such counter points exist).
What we lack in our barracks and banks we make up for with our intelligent, sophisticated inhabitants and our desire to further your cause. In all honesty, if this is not enough to satisfy you, then our nation is not one you seek.
Part IV: Miscellaneous
The people of Kronnik will be eagerly anticipating your council's decision.

Speaker of The House
James Morrison

I have been called on by the Prime Minister to address the current subject at hand - the entrance of the Scandavian States into the Alliance of Progressive Nations. Well, there's much to say, and too little time to say it all. I'll settle for a summary. Haraki has enjoyed excellent relations with the Scandavians for as long as we can remember. Parliament is taking that into consideration, in conjunction with many other factors, such as the current and projected level of progressivism in the nation and its domestic and international dealings.

Debate still rages, so I am afraid I have no official statement to offer. Jaime has decided with the controversy brought on by the Scandavians' application he would rather not simply force through the vote with a Social Liberal majority vote, given the current state of Harakian internal politics. Thus, debate continues even at this late hour. Most Social Liberals are calling for a vote in favour of entrance, going mainly on the points that Haraki's relations with the Scandavians have repeatedly shown their levels of respect for human rights and willingness to put themselves on the line in defence of justice and freedom for all, all that good stuff. A smaller minority of Social Liberals are torn, seeing the points for both arguments, the side maintained by the majority of Social Liberal MPs and also opposing arguments, showing that the Scandavians' willful use of the death penalty without - from what we have seen - chance for appeal, not to mention it being mandatory for some crimes, a very precarious stance to maintain given the fact that circumstances and motivations, even of guilty parties, change vastly from case to case. The other argument presented against Scandavian entry is that of their governmental system. Though very representative, the lack of actual elections for the members of the legislative unit and the lack of checks and balances for the power of the monarch are both points against Scandavian entry.

The Conservatives are opposing the vote based mainly on the Scandavian governmental system. Being in favour of the death penalty, though it being a conflicting issue in the party, they saw the benefits of the Scandavian system - no repeat offenders - though they would rather have seen the bill they frequently drafted and threatened to propose until it was shot down by other concerned parties - that of allowing Harakian prisoners the choice of the death penalty should they wish it. The Shepherd Party under Jonathan Friedman would find any reason to disagree with the Social Liberals, although comments by Friedman off the record but caught on camera in which he stated he wished the Scandavians would 'zap even more of the fuckers' have mainly discredited him on this issue.

Currently support from minor parties tends to lean towards support for Scandavian entrance, while the Communists oppose it mainly on the basis of the hyper-capitalist Scandavian economic system. Current preliminary free test votes have shown support for the option of allowing the Scandavian States into the APN wavering between 62-66%. It was only the Conservatives and the Communists that regularly opposed it. The Green party, essentially an offshoot of the Social Liberals anyway, tended to vote with their parent party on all issues, and did not change their mind on this one. Most other parties, as was par for the course in Harakian politics, waffled back and forth between the various viewpoints.

Once again, Parliament has not reached a final decision. Jaime wants to win over more of the minor parties to help the Social Liberals pass bills related to Project Dythis, and is using this issue as a chance to do so. I must say, having Friedman essentially out of the picture for a little while is refreshing. I will update you once Parliament reaches a decision, but for now it appears debating on the subject could take several days, especially as more APN members offer their stances and arguments for or against entrance. I hope we can reach a conclusion to this whole affair soon, but given the way debating has been so far, and given Harakian politics in general, I doubt it will be resolved as quickly as we would like.

Best regards,
Foreign Minister Peter Firth

The debates in Pilon continued regarding both of the new applicants. Neither seemed to carry enough support for an easy vote in favor.

Scandavian States held the most criticism however the general opinion at the conclusion of the debates was to vote in favor of their application, because they would enter as an associate member to the APN anyways. This would give Scandavian States a chance to conduct some internal reform to make themselves a little more progressive before becoming voting members of the alliance, which seems more than reasonable.


Kronnik on the other hand, while considered more progressive than Scandavian States, was also a very new nation. The general opinion was to abstain from vote on their admission into the alliance until they had been given some time to grow and develop as a nation.



Pilon votes in favor of Scandavian States' application

Pilon abstains regarding Kronnik's application

Encrypted Transmission

TO: Duchess Sadira Saleh, Director of Foreign Services, Imperium of Scandavian States
SUB: Re: Application For Entry Into The Alliance of Progressive Nations

Madam director,

Speaking on belhalf of all responsible for Largentian relations within the APN, I come to you with a request and a potential favor. Recently there has been an influx of member states which one could call liberal as opposed to our generally more conservative stances, which was not the case at the time of our acceptance.

It would be a great joy to see a state not unlike yourself join the ranks of the APN. I'm hesitant to say we would be "slipping you under the radar" but perhaps that is the only way to phrase it. However, if we are to do this our true motives must be somewhat less obvious to prevent any resentment and questioning of our compitence to vote on applicants. If the Imperium were to agree to abolish the death penalty, you would certainly have the Largentian vote.

Consider my proposal with care and respond at you leisure. Our two nations could stand to gain a great deal from this, I hope you take all that I have said into deep consideration.

~Francesco Petrarch

The Largentian vote concerning the Imperium of Scandavian States is pending at this time.

Largent will ABSTAIN from voting on the Kronnik application.

Duchess Saleh stared at both the Harakian and Largentian missives with a look that could best be described as consternation. She sighed, knowing that the Harakian letter would get a similar reaction and the Largentian "offer" would cause a credible simulation of Krakatoa. Bringing her computer out of sleep mode, she began writing.

Dear Foreign Minister Firth,

While I am gratified that the Harakian parliament seems inclined to vote in favor of the Imperium's entrance into the Alliance of Progressive Nations, the Imperium has learned about sitting on its laurels where alliance applications are concerned. I write this note because certain parties of your parliament seem to have a disturbing belief that there is a lack of elected representatives within Senate. In case the original application was not clear, the House of the People in the Imperial Senate is composed entirely of elected representatives of the People. Further, fully half of the 7,000+ seats of the House of the People come up for election every 30 months, and every twenty years it is half of those seats plus the new seats.

On the issue of the death penalty, it is true that there is no formal appeals process, however if evidence is found that could possibly be used to overturn the previous verdict it is seen as soon as the papers are filed with the High Court. And yes, the use of the death penalty can be described as willful, because it is the will of the people; as was mentioned in the initial application there has been no movement to reform or abolish the death penalty, in fact regular polls show that there is very broad support for the death penalty as it stands. I, and many people in the Imperium, find the perception that nations with elected representative bodies shouldn't, or don't, use the death penalty an odd one. If you'll forgive me for saying so, many times such a position reflects unthinking dogma instead of a considered support for a popular opinion. At any rate, the beginning and end of it is that that particular application of Imperial law is popular with Imperial citizens and doesn't appear to be going away any time soon.

If I may, I request this be read before the entirety of your parliament so that so that any opposition by Harakian politicians into the APN are based on proper information.

With utmost respect,
Sadira Saleh,
Duchess of Alexandria,
Director of Foreign Services


A quick mouse click sent the letter on its way. Sadira then closed down that messaging program and brought up an entirely different one, one that went through a closed network that would send the letter through the External Security Service to be encrypted properly and then sent on its way to the intended receiver.


..::Class 1 Diplomatic Message, 2048Qbit Encryption::..
TO: Francesco Petrarch
FR: Duchess Sadira Saleh, Director of Foreign Services
SUB: RE: Proposal

Mr. Petrarch, even if I could make such a promise, and I most emphatically cannot, neither the Empress nor the Imperial Senate would follow through on such a thing. Both the Empress and the Senate have a responsibility, one both branches of the Imperial government believe in strongly, to see the will of the people carried through in instances of both domestic and international issues. The interests of the Imperium and its People come first, last, and everything in between. They will never be sold to buy anything, much less to buy a single vote.

Have a good day.
..::End Class 1 Message, End Encryption::..

Official Communique from the Office of the Bynzeki Minister for Foreign Affairs, Linoc Duvaron...

I. Pros

A) What makes your nation a "progressive nation" or moving towards "progressivism"?

We are a large nation, that have been active on and off for over two years. Our basic principles lean towards a pacifist state, and as such we have no intention to enter into anything but peaceable relations with fellow nation-states. However, we have a sizeable peacekeeping force constantly on alert, and will always stand by our allies if they are set upon. This peacekeeping force has recently been upgraded with new resources (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12356452&postcount=67), and has performed admirably (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9940848&postcount=29)in the past.

However, as previously stated, we will always seek the peaceful road (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9939261&postcount=15) when it comes to settling conflicts.

B) Besides agreeing with the alliance's ideals, why did you choose to apply for membership?

Bynzekistan is currently in the process of creating a privately-funded, government-sanctioned technological, military and space-oriented research laboratory and construction facility, and we wish to not only provide our findings to other nations, but also encourage free trade between several nations. We believe that becoming a member of the APN gives us a secure defensive and economical framework from which this project can be developed and sustained.

Bynzekistan also wishes to create and maintain prosperous and mutually beneficial diplomatic relationships with other like-minded nations. Joining the APN also allows this endeavour to continue in a dynamic and forward-thinking environment.

C) Why should the APN select you for membership.

Bynzekistan prides itself on its social ethics, its efficiency of government and its balance of economics and freedoms. These principles form the basis of progressivism, and we believe that other nations will see this occurring in our activities.

We also will stand by our allies in times of trouble, as can also be seen from the recent goings-on in Xeraph (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=515782).

Bynzekistan also adheres to all statements of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. All citizens have the right to be free, and to be accepted, no matter their age, race, sexuality or gender. Bynzekistan's Civil Rights rating is "Excellent" and Political Freedoms "Average" at the time of application.

II. Cons

A) In what ways are you not "progressive"?

Bynzekistan is proud of its history and heritage. We reflect on our past (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Bynzekistan#History) to shape our future. This may be considered 'backwards' to some, but it is a central tenet of our society.

B) Why should the APN reject your application for membership?

As a nation we can see no reason why we should be excluded from membership of the APN.

III: Argue your case

A) With cited examples, give counter points to all of the cons listed above (if any such counter points exist)

Pride in our heritage does not hinder our vision of what comes next. Acknowledgement of what has come before gives clarity and foresight to all who sit in seats of power, those who command the military and each of our many citizens. We believe that membership of the APN can only bolster Bynzekistan's place as one of the great diplomatic, forward-thinking nations of our age.

On the matter of the membership of Bynzekistan, we see no reason to vote against their membership and therefore cast a vote in favor of their entrance into the APN.

On the matter of the membership of Bynzekistan, we see no reason to vote against their membership and therefore cast a vote in favor of their entrance into the APN.

So, is that it? Is Bynzekistan in? I'm sure the Charter suggests we need more votes...

Sincerely
Linoc Duvaron

So, is that it? Is Bynzekistan in? I'm sure the Charter suggests we need more votes...

Sincerely
Linoc Duvaron

No you're not in yet, Pilon cast a vote in favor of granting you membership but you need more votes than just mine.

A brief summary of the voting history since my last voting update: Both amendment proposals have passed, as has the civil rights conference proposal. Yafor II has been elected to the Executive Council and is hosting the Civil Rights conference, which can be found here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=519278).

Membership Vote
Applicant: Illior (the Centrist Demonarchy of)
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 2 (Haraki, Scolopendra)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 6 (Tiburon, Largent, Yafor II, Pilon, Euroslavia, Kanami)
Membership Status: Suspended Per Request of Applicant
Not Yet Voted: 1 (the Island of Rose)

Membership Vote
Applicant: Ancient and Holy Terra (the Republic of)
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 2 (Tiburon, Scolopendra)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 5 (Largent, Haraki, Yafor II, Euroslavia, Kanami)
Membership Status: Pending
Not Yet Voted: 2 (the Island of Rose, Pilon)

Membership Vote
Applicant: Toright (the People's Republic of)
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 1 (Scolopendra)
Votes Opposed: 2 (Haraki, Euroslavia)
Abstentions: 4 (Tiburon, Yafor II, Pilon, Kanami)
Membership Status: Pending
Not Yet Voted: 2 (Largent, the Island of Rose)

Membership Vote
Applicant: Aequatio (the United Republic of)
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 2 (Kanami, Scolopendra)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 6 (Largent, Tiburon, Yafor II, Pilon, Haraki, Euroslavia)
Membership Status: Pending
Not Yet Voted: 1 (the Island of Rose)

Membership Vote
Applicant: Scandavian States (the Imperium of)
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 6 (Pilon, Kanami, Scolopendra, Haraki, Tiburon, Largent)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 0
Membership Status: Accepted
Not Yet Voted: 3 (Yafor II, the Island of Rose, Euroslavia)

Membership Vote
Applicant: Kronnik (the Most Serene Republic of)
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 1 (Scolopendra)
Votes Opposed: 3 (Kanami, Pilon, Haraki)
Abstentions: 2 (Largent, Tiburon)
Membership Status: Pending
Not Yet Voted: 3 (Yafor II, the Island of Rose, Euroslavia)

Membership Vote
Applicant: Bynzekistan (the Supreme Council of)
Required Number of Votes: 5

Votes in Favor: 5 (Pilon, Kanami, Tiburon, Scolopendra, Haraki)
Votes Opposed: 0
Abstentions: 0
Membership Status: Accepted
Not Yet Voted: 5 (Haraki, Largent, Yafor II, the Island of Rose, Euroslavia)

To the council of the APN:

I must say that the time it is taking for you to make a decision regarding Kronnik's admission has made us weary. It would seem that votes were cast immediately in favor of the other two most recent applicants, and then, with us, you 'abstain' from voting. As much as it would be an honor to join your ranks, a faster answer would be appreciated. I hate to seem as though I'm trying to rush things, but it's been a week and only two of your members have voted. I will understand if we are too small and underdeveloped for your group, but at least tell us.
To keep you up to date with the happenings in our nation, we have recently outlawed capitalism and replaced it with socialism, and admittedly, our economy has 'imploded'. Perhaps this will move you to see that the individual comes before the corporation in our land.

Tidings of joy and prosperity,
James Morrison

The Scandavian States : FOR

Bynzekistan: FOR

Kronnik (the People's Republic of):OPPOSED

Ancient and Holy Terra:ABSTAIN

Aequatio:FOR

Toright: ABSTAIN

Illior:ABSTAIN

[Sent Via D-Net]
[To: {APN Central Council}]
[From: Sakura Akanimara, President of the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon]
[Cc: Duchess Sadira Saleh, Director of Foreign Services, Imperium of Scandavian States]
[Subject: New Applications]
[Classification: Declassified]

I've received word back from the National Legislature, and we're both in agreement with regards to Bynzekistan's application, and so Tiburon votes for Bynzekistan. We also believe that we don't have enough information on the Kronnikan application, so Tiburon abstains on Kronnik's application at this time.

Now, where the debate in the Legislature and in my administration has raged is on the Scandavian States' application. The fact that they were members of the UnAPS is a plus, although that was quite a while back, and things may have changed since then. In addition, they were one of the two major factions that caused the split of the old UnAPS, and we're still somewhat irritated that neither the Scandavian nor the Edolian factions could have taken the stance that Pauldustllah and us had taken- namely, civil settlement of issues within the framework of the alliance.

Going through the application, the Scandavian States does seem to be less progressive than the current member states- indeed, if they were to be accepted, they would only be associate members, as their political freedoms level does not qualify them to be full members of the alliance. Although this in and of itself could be beneficial- it would allow us to see how the Scandavian States would work in the framework of the alliance- I'd like some assurances, given the less progressive nature of the Scandavian States when compared with current members, that the Scandavian States will do more than just the bare minimum to be accepted into the alliance. (That's why I'm sending this message not only to the Central Council but also to Duchess Saleh of the ISS, in the event that they will indeed give me such assurances.) As such, Tiburon abstains on the Scandavian States' application at this time.

To put it briefly, our votes are thus:

Bynzekistan (the Supreme Council of): For
Kronnik (the People's Republic of): Abstain
Scandavian States (the Imperium of): Abstain

I await a reply.

-Sakura

To the council of the APN:

I must say that the time it is taking for you to make a decision regarding Kronnik's admission has made us weary. It would seem that votes were cast immediately in favor of the other two most recent applicants, and then, with us, you 'abstain' from voting. As much as it would be an honor to join your ranks, a faster answer would be appreciated. I hate to seem as though I'm trying to rush things, but it's been a week and only two of your members have voted. I will understand if we are too small and underdeveloped for your group, but at least tell us.
To keep you up to date with the happenings in our nation, we have recently outlawed capitalism and replaced it with socialism, and admittedly, our economy has 'imploded'. Perhaps this will move you to see that the individual comes before the corporation in our land.

Tidings of joy and prosperity,
James Morrison

OOC: Some of these votes do take time- Illior and Aequatio have been waiting, for example, since Page 3. Be patient.

No you're not in yet, Pilon cast a vote in favor of granting you membership but you need more votes than just mine.

I apologise - now I've reread the Charter I understand. This is a truly democratic and strict alliance, something that is hard to maintain in this forum. You should all be congratulated.

Sincerely
Linoc Duvaron

The Federated Segments votes in favor of everyone.

~ Advisor Abd-Al-Haqq

..::Class 5 Diplomatic Message, No Encryption::..
TO: Sakura Akanimara, President of the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon
FR: Duchess Sadira Saleh, Director of Foreign Services
SUB: RE: Applications

There is very little in the way of assurances I can give other than my word. The Imperium is a member of only two alliances right now, the New Alliance Treaty Organization and the Organization of Maritime Powers. I would not waste my time, or the APN's, if the Imperium was not prepared to accept the framework of the alliance. As for the Imperium's political rating, obviously it is regarded as ridiculous and not reflective of the nature of our political system and we will be working to ensure the Imperium receives a more balanced rating.

Oh, and a small correction. I work for the Foreign Services (FS). The ISS is the Internal Security Service, which is our counter-intel service.
..::End Class 5 Message::..

Upon receiving the updated news from the nation known as Kronnik there was a strong push in Pilon to change their vote.

The majority opinion was that because of their anti-capitalist views and their willingness to make most of their population destitute to pursue the Socialist economic system they were not at all suited as an APN member.


"Pilon changes it's vote regarding Kronnik to a vote against membership at this time, as we do not believe that Socialism is a progressive quality, most especially when pursuit of a socialist economy destroys most of the economy of a nation leaving the nation's people in a worse position than they were under a capitalistic society."

regarding the other vote we have not yet cast, we are abstaining from voting for Holy Terra until they present this alliance with further information about their nation. We suggest the new application form as it suits this purpose well.

OOC: Scolo, by "everyone" do you mean every application, or just the three newest ones?

IC:
[Sent Via D-Net]
[To: Duchess Sadira Saleh, Director of Foreign Services, the Imperium of the Scandavian States]
[From: Sakura Akanimara, President of the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon]
[Subject: Re(2): New Applications]
[Classification: Top Secret HURRICANE]

Duchess Saleh,

I'm primarily looking for specific areas of reform. Socially, for example, my government would prefer a much more progressive society. For example, the ease with which armaments may be bought and sold, as indicated by the application, as well as the harshness of the legal system concerns us. We are also somewhat concerned by the aristocratic system, and as such we would like to see reforms (significant ones in some areas) promised- and then implemented- by the Scandavian government.

I'd like to discuss this with you in greater detail, so that concrete promises can be made and implemented. To clarify, we have no concerns with the foreign policy or economic aspects- simply a few concerns about the aristocratic system and quite a few concerns about the levels of social progressivism.

With regards to the ISS acronym, it was intended to be shorthand for "The Imperium of the Scandavian States".

Sincerely,
Sakura Akanimara

I said everyone and I mean it, damnit.

..::Class 5 Diplomatic Message, No Encryption::..
TO: Sakura Akanimara, President of the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon
FR: Duchess Sadira Saleh, Director of Foreign Services
SUB: RE(3): Applications

Before I respond to your concerns, I would request that you list specifically what they are. Because, from what I can tell, you're either concerned about armament sales to other countries or the private ownership of firearms (I can't tell which) and you mention the aristocracy while listing no specific issues.

As to your concern about the Imperium's legal system, as I have mentioned to other APN representatives, we keep a close eye on the opinions of our citizens' opinions on the Imperium's legal system and the death penalty has a great deal of support. If it didn't, there wouldn't be any capital crimes.

As for the mix-up with the acronym, if you require a shorthand name it is properly "The Imperium."
..::Class 5 Diplomatic Message::..

OOC: Scolo... that hurts, man. Right here.

IC:
[Sent Via D-Net]
[To: Duchess Sadira Saleh, Director of Foreign Services, the Imperium of the Scandavian States]
[From: Sakura Akanimara, President of the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon]
[Subject: Re(4): New Applications]
[Classification: Top Secret HURRICANE]

Duchess Saleh,

Our concerns, explicitly, are essentially within the social and governmental realms. We'd like to know how progressive Scandavian society is- what sort of emphasis does it place on minority rights, whether or not morality is legislated, etc. Essentially, what we're asking is to gauge how socially "liberal", if such a term can be used, Scandavian society is. Our concerns stems from the fact that previous communications have implied that weapons are fairly easy to procure in the Scandavian States, and our experience with a certain unprogressive gun-toting enemy of the UnAPS has made us somewhat wary of weapons proliferation. With regards to the aristocratic system, we're somewhat concerned with the fact that the chief executive is unelected.

With regards to the death penalty, although Tiburon itself no longer has a death penalty, we respect the wishes of the Scandavian majority in their desire to keep such a punishment. Our only concern is that there is a chance that criminals may be incorrectly executed for crimes they have not committed. Still, if this remains our only concern after our discussions, the maintenance of this penalty will not prevent us from voting in favor.

Sincerely,
Sakura Akanimara

At this time I have been instructed to give parliament's decisions on current voting. As it appears the next nation to cast several votes makes or breaks several applications, it is with slightly heavy words that I deliver these decisions.

After days of deliberations, parliament has come to a decision regarding the Imperium's application to join the Alliance of Progressive Nations. The Social Liberal Party has managed to form an alliance on this vote with nearly all minor parties, including all left-wing and centrist minor parties, and the vote passed easily, with 73% of votes in favour. As such, the Social Democracy votes in favour of the Scandavian States' entry, although as it appears the Imperium will be beginning their time in the APN as an associate member, we would like to take this opportunity to address the few concerns we have with the application. The two primary things we would like to see reformed if at all possible in any way are the following: the limited pool of people available for election to the elected legislature - namely, its being limited to the aristocracy - and the lack of checks and balances in the unelected head of state and government. Also, with this vote the Imperium has reached the required five votes and is accepted into the Alliance of Progressive Nations.

Next up is Kronnik. While deliberations were carrying on as a sideshow to the raging fire that was the argument over the Imperium, the government of Kronnik cast off their current economic system in favour of a socialist one. While we are not opposed to socialist or semi-socialist economies, being a manner of one ourselves, we are alarmed by the speed with which the government abandoned its past practices. Seemingly with no desire or time for easy change, the government has quite quickly changed their economic system, most likely - as usual, when drastic changes take place without proper transition periods - at a high cost. This lack of regard for personal well-being is not something we would like in the APN at this time. We advise the government of Kronnik to take some time, wait, build up their nation and economy, and clearly identify themselves as a progressive nation, and reapply. At this time, Haraki's vote goes against Kronnik's entry.

Lastly, Bynzekistan. After the shortest period of deliberation of all three addressed in the past week, the Harakian parliament has overwhelmingly voted for Bynzekistan's entry into the APN. We consider them to be an excellent example of liberalism and progressivism and an end that many nations could strive to reach. With this vote for acceptance, Bynzekistan as well has reached the required five votes and is accepted into the APN.

Which brings me to my final point of the day. With now eleven members in the APN - unless someone retracts their vote for either Bynzekistan or the Imperium immediately - we have reached the final - for now - threshold of the Executive Council. As we just passed ten members, it has come time to elect the fifth member of the APN's Executive Council. Voting will take place in the same way as before - votes may either be announced publicly or sent privately to a member of the Executive Council, who will announce an anonymous vote. All nations get one vote. Votes may be cast until the 15th of March, 2007. Whichever nation holds a majority of votes at that time will be appointed to the Executive Council on March 16th and will sit a three-month term ending on June 15th. If no nation holds a majority at that time, all nations except the front runners will be eliminated and all votes cast for them will be recast for the remaining nations.

The voting period is extended for this one time only to make administration easier. All other times, it will be conducted, as usual, from the 15th to the 22nd of the month in question.

Thank you.

-Foreign Minister Peter Firth

..::Class 5 Diplomatic Message, No Encryption::..
TO: Sakura Akanimara, President of the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon
FR: Duchess Sadira Saleh, Director of Foreign Services
SUB: RE(5): Applications

I must admit to being somewhat at a loss as to what minority rights are, as there is no real majority within the Imperium, however all citizens are equal before the law irregardless of any other factors. As to the issue of weapons, it is fairly easy to acquire weapons in the Imperium, so long as a person meets a few requirements; they much be citizens, have reached their majority (16), must present proof that they are mentally competent, must present proof that they have committed no felonies, and the weapon in question must not be of an explicitly military nature (basically if high explosives are involved it isn't allowed.) And while the Empress may not be elected, she's not in a position to really abuse the powers she has.

As for the death penalty, I can only point to our record and also state that it is equally possible that a person tried and convicted of a crime, no matter the punishment, may be innocent. However, that possibility cannot be allowed to freeze the justice system. Further, our system works in such a way that if convincing evidence can be put forward a person wrongly convicted will be freed and receive compensation equal to their salary prior to being imprisoned.
..::End Class 5 Message::..

OOC: Discussions on IRC. Also, the Imperium isn't completely in yet- the statement in the list of voting proceudes there that Largent has voted in favor of the Imperium is incorrect. However...

IC:
Having discussed in detail with the government of the Scandavian States, we have found their social policies to be favorable to the Tiburonese concept of progressivism. As such, and as we see no other major points against the Scandavian States, the United Solaris Federation votes in favor of this application.

We would like to congradulate the new member states of the APN- Bynzekistan and the Scandavian States.

Concerning the next upcoming election for the Executive Council.


While in the past Pilon declined to run for the Executive Council, we would like to formally announce that we are intending to run this time around.

First off we feel we should address what has changed between the last election and now.

In the last election, Pilon was the member who joined who caused the election for an additional member to happen in the first place. As such we felt it inappropriate at that time to run for the Executive Council while we were still the brand new member of the alliance as a whole.

Since that time I think it can be quite easily shown that Pilon has had an active history of involvement with the Alliance, and working with the other members to further APN goals.

Specifically we would cite the proposal to hold the Civil Rights Conference, and active voting on all issues set before us since gaining membership as evidence that Pilon is capable of being an active and beneficial member of the Executive Council, should we be elected to that position.


In addition we wish to cite the following examples of Progressivism within our nation then address any possible concerns that might require further clarification from other members.


First off ever since the Pilonese Civil War, which established a Democratic system of government for our people we have shown a constant improvement in our people. We have established a Sentient Bill of Rights within our nation that guarantees the rights of all Sentient Life within Pilon, whether they are guests, citizens, or non-citizens living within the nation, all are equally protected under the law.

Our laws protect the people's right to choose in their life, in as many aspects as we can give them while still ensuring some measure of security in society and the means to enforce the rule of law (IE we are not an anarchy). We do not have any so called "morality" laws on the books, that restrict a person's right to live their life as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others.

We also believe that personal responsibility is an important part of a progressive society, and believe that with the freedoms guaranteed within Pilon, a person also much accept a certain level of responsibility for ones actions. Here is an example:

While it may be understood that taking harmful drugs is not a productive means of solving one's problems, we do not forbid the use of those drugs, however we pass on a tax on the product that helps to cover the increased healthcare costs of that product so those who still choose to partake in the drug use will also assist in paying for the healthcare costs they will incur upon themselves down the road.

We make every effort we can to make sure people are properly educated about the dangers of products, studies are conducted to ensure that the risks are well documented before a product is released, and warning labels are placed on the product to educate the populace on the dangers involved.

A series of "common sense" laws have also been passed that restrict what are viewed as frivolous lawsuits. In these laws Courts are given the right to dismiss cases should they be shown to be cases where common sense would have told the person that a particular action would have resulted in injury, as an example.

Historically, there are cases in other democracies where citizens avoid personal responsibility by suing companies after injuring themselves while doing things against what would be considered common sense. As an example, in old Earth history, there was a hot beverage sold to a woman at a restaurant. She spilled the hot drink on herself and later on sued the restaurant because they did not warn her that the drink was hot.

Our common sense laws protect companies from these types of lawsuits.


Pilon as a nation also has a documented history, that even predates the revolution, of taking a proactive interest in missions of mercy. Under the Ministry of Humanitarian Aid, Pilon has conducted numerous relief missions in other nation's time of need to ensure a minimal number of civilians are harmed in cases of civil war, government collapse, and even in some cases, of outright war.

In the few wars fought in Pilon's history, care has been taken to never unleash weapons of mass destruction against an enemy, and we have also taken care to avoid as many civilian casualties as possible. In the entire history of Pilon we have never invaded another country, nor have we initiated a declaration of war against another country except as part of the fullfillment of obligations under Mutual Defense Treaties.

In the entire history of Pilon, we have only fought in 3 wars, all of which were against the same alliance, the Vascilian League, who have since been destroyed in a fractal event.


The culture within Pilon is very diverse, there are eight races that have at least 5% of the total population in number, and over twenty separate nationalities outside of native Pilonese that have permanently settled within our borders are refugees over the years (AKA defunct nations who have collapsed). While there have been some difficulties in integrating these cultures, especially with social traditions of hatred between some of these groups Pilon has been patient with the integration process and currently does not have many problems with so called "hate crimes" as a society, though admittedly they do still occasionally occur.

Pilon does not have the death penalty, instead our focus is on breaking the cycle of criminal activity. Through our advanced knowledge of Psychology and Pharmacology, we have been able to develop a very effective means of rehabilitation, and while we do still have a small percentage of criminals who become repeat offenders, the vast majority are eventually integrated back into society, where they live out their lives as productive citizens. For those who do not respond to rehabilitation techniques, they are given the choice of either being exiled outside of Pilon (full disclosure of their past activities is given in advance to any government should they choose to move to another nation) or they are put on a special worker program where they engage in manual labor and are adequately paid for their work, however their freedom of travel as a Sentient Being under Pilonese Law is severely restricted.

While we do allow for advertising of various types, we have passed a series of laws that prevent companies from advertising to children any product shown to be hazardous to their health, and purchase of such products may also be restricted in the case of extremely dangerous materials.

In foreign relations Pilon has a long history of respecting the Sovereign Rights of other nations, and have maintained a non-interventionist policy that prevents Pilon, Corporations in Pilon, and organizations in Pilon, from engaging in acts of Terrorism, Piracy, or support of revolutionary groups in other nations. Our intent is to provide by example not by Coercion the principles of living in a progressive society.

We would also admit that even though we do have a history of respecting sovereign rights, we are not perfect and there have been instances in the past where we have not held true to these ideals, of particular note would be the incident regarding the Isle of Ur, however we have addressed the issues involved that caused such a gross violation of traditional Pilonese Foreign Policy, in this case prevent sweeping Executive Orders that give too much leeway to military commanders, to prevent such actions from happening in the future and it should also be noted that Pilon formally apologized for their actions in that incident.

Pilon, it should also be noted, is on good relations with the vast majority if nations they come into contact with, and we have a proven track record of being able to come to compromise in disputes with other nations and a preference for Diplomatic solutions over Military solutions to these disputes.

Do any of the other APN members have any questions, comments or concerns they would like to be addressed?

(even though the two i voted yes for have already been accepted...)
Scandavian States: Yes
Kronnik: No
Bynzekistan: Yes

To the leaders of the APN and fellow members,

I write to express my gratitude for Bynzekistan's thrifty and overwhelming acceptance into the APN. The support the APN nations have shown my nation is very humbling. We will strive to uphold the values of progressivism in all we do.

I would also like to indicate that Bynzekistan will not be standing for election into the Executive Council. With respect to my fellow nations, I believe candidacy from my nation would be most presumptuous, and I would much prefer that my nation become established in the Alliance before rushing to ask for support in a position of any higher standing.

We will also shortly be appointing a representative to deal with all matters pertaining to the APN. The Alliance will be notified well in advance of this occurrence.

Yours sincerely,

Linoc Duvaron
Bynzeki Minister for Foreign Affairs

I'm way behind and I apologize, but as a formality, we vote in favor of the Scandavian States

RP Suggestion

It seems that the APN is in need of a bit of a kick-start and I have something in mind. It seems that we have in the past had a large pool of nations who apply and are turned away because we are unaccquainted with them, and it also seems that the APN has no real current goals. So as a possible way to solve both problems Largent will be willing to host an open party and conference for all APN members and anyone interested in joining.

The conference will begin in the morning and will be a time for each attending member to present and idea (really an idea that may be fun to rp) for a task that the APN could take on, or any other goals. This will hopefully only be a few posts long.

The main attraction will be a rather large party for all attending delegations at Largent's new shiny APN headquarters where APN relations is managed and conferences/parties can be held. This will be a good time for all member nations to become acquainted and hopeful future applicants can make a good impression. Of course there will also be good food and entertainment. At this point this is a rough idea and any suggestions for improvement are welcome.

I also want to know how many members would be interested and have time to participate so the thread wont stall out and we can have some fun/get something accomplished.

OOC: I'm in. Sounds like fun. And a good way to kickstart things again. I've got the time.

And as a note: As of right now, due to inactivity on the parts of the entire alliance, I hereby declare elections for the Executive Council ended, and since Yafor 2's term has long since expired, he will step down as of now.

While at the conference, we will deal with the matter of electing two new/(electing one new and re-electing Yafor) Executive Council members.

(OOC: Yup, can do. Lead the way.)

Last note before first post goes up (tommorow?):

I wont require any post about you accepting my invitation or a post describing your arrival. I'm going to introduce the event and post a copy of an invitation sent to well, everyone. Then I will post a greeting to all the atendees already assembled (you decide if your in attendance) and then your first post will be in the conference and perhaps some response to the greeting/opening ceremony and then we'll take it from there.

Why not?

Da Dada Dum Dum Dum DUM!

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=12763429#post12763429

Concerning the RP:

It appears that the majority of the players we were hoping for have either died off or seem to be too busy at the moment, so I think we should all consider this "on pause" until some people like Tib (hopefully) get revived and we'll start it back up again.

[Yeah. Unfortunately I'm planning for a major war right now and I'm about five days away from taking a trip to the East Coast, so I'm not in any position to be working on an RP like this.]

*Applauds war*

Also, remember the collective security clause if it helps. And its raining here on the East Coast but should be better next week.

[This is going to be a closed and semi-planned war, so I won't be calling on y'all to help. Thanks for the info on East Coast weather, though. I have a lay-over in NYC, so maybe I'll spend a couple hours sight-seeing.]

OOC: So is the APN defunct? That would be a shame.

Also, on the subject of defunct, I'm no longer so - so stop calling me un-extant in the charter, Tib...

[OOC: It's not so much defunct as it is...hibernating. ;) Mostly because this is the time of year when that happens. Tibbers is busy at college, I'm busy with the end of school, Euro only just got back to NS, no idea where anyone else is (TIOR is really busy, I know that).

Tibbers and I have been tossing around reviving this majorly for some time - the problem being time constraints. As such, we've agreed that any major APN stuff will occur during the summer at least. Hope that puts you up to speed.]

OOC: Good enough for me. Hibernating is fine. Defunct is ... not.

Now I just need Tib to stop calling me un-extant. It's not nice. You hurt my feelings, Tib.


...and in order for this post to work, you have to imagine me saying it in a completely deadpan tone.

Un-unextant it is. Sorry 'bout that. ^_^;

As for hibernation-vs.-defunctness, agreed on the preference for hibernation as opposed to defunctness, but I'm somewhat worried that some of us (me, as a classic example) won't be active for a fair amount of time, turning an actual hibernation into pseudodefunctness.

Well, I can always be more active in running your country. It can be something like a Babylonian Captivity or a Regency period, should we have to explain it away.

The Imperial Senate passed the measure to sing the charter of APN.


(I would very much like to take part)

The Largentian reply was prompt:

Due to the apparent lack of activity by Pauldustllah on the international stage we find it difficult to pass any sort of judgement on their admittance. We would feel more comfortable supporting or preventing their entry if an effort was made to meet with at the very least Largentian officials.

Therefore, Largent's vote pends further communication with Pauldustllah officials.

~Lady Oronrà

The Scolopendran envoy to the APN bumbles into the room, rolls of paper vying with bloated binders under the arms of one somewhat harried-looking short fellow. One would almost call him a dwarf--you know, the axe-swinging, beer-drinking, gold-mining kind--if he didn't have a carefully trimmed regulation beard and the sort of rush-rush-rush expression that one usually finds on dedicated civil servants permanently seared onto his face. "Um, yes, about Pauldustllah... one moment," he says, slamming his heavy load upon the nearest table and spreading it out before poring over it like an accountant hurriedly looking for what line item caused the sums to not match, "pardon... damn it all to the coarsest stone, where is it, by Woden's balls?"

A few moments pass as what have to be trimmed eyebrows furrow and intelligent, nearly beady eyes scan from right to left. One would have thought that the high technological level of the Federated Segments would have made binders made of three spring-loaded steel rings backed with cardboard wrapped in vinyl totally obsolete, much less large reams of paper and map tubes.

This would be ignoring the fact that the Segments gladly do business with many societies less technologically endowed without making a big deal about it, and that the Tibupendran Idealist Market had not turned out to be such the brilliant idea that their respective markets had thought it was. With many of the same ideals, goals, and general ideology, the USFT and the FSS had figured, "hey, we're practically the same country." Overtures had been made and, under the aegis of the free-trade regulations of the Triumvirate of Yut alliance, they had arranged a broadly spanning political and economic (mostly the latter) alliance with nearly supernational powers. Nearly. It depended on who, exactly, happened to have political control at any given time; for whatever reason, political control of the TIM usually fell to Scolopendrans (despite votes from both countries) and, given the ideals of the Tiburonese and the Scolopendrans, neither one really wanted that sort of power.

But so it goes.

"Bollocks bollocks bollocks ah. AH. Ah-h'hm!" Diplomatic Officer Skor (that being his given name and title) clears his throat with a triumphant little smirk and no show of teeth (even Dwarves had learned that lesson). "Until my esteemed colleague from the United Solaris Federation can get here--cheap bastard, leaving me in the lurch--I can say that the nation of Pauldustllah comes highly recommended by the powers that be in Tiburon. Why, after all, they have a long history of... er..."

Frowning, Skor slaps open a binder and flips through a few pages. "Er... well, they've been responsible for..." Flip flip flip. He looks at the back side of the vinyl rear cover just in case it's hiding something from him. "Ummm..."

He closes the binder slowly, rests his burly hand upon it, and slowly drums his fingers in a soft bap-bap-bap-bap-bap. After a deep breath, he smiles and continues. "Well, we have no idea. But, as a founding, nay, the founding member of the APN whose actions have always been above reproach, I trust their judgment implicitly. Though it would still be most useful to the rest of the membership to get to know this great people better."

Not his finest hour nor his greatest recovery, but it will do.

"Tacóidh mé leis an bhfiúchas daonlathach atá cumhdaithe sa Bhunreacht."*

By this point in time, the Príomh's words were mere formalities. With one hand placed upon the newly drafted Constiution, the new head of the Largentian government took the Oath of Office and the Ba'ath National Command would forever be known as Poblacht Chónaidhme of Largent. That is, until the sovereignty pendulum swung back towards a reactionary government. In fact, although the new Príomh (which is simply the abbreviated form of Prime Minister) looked dashing in his traditional Scot-Largentian garmets, it was hard to believe that this latest "Federal Republic" would have the success of the seemingly infinite line of Emperors and Empresses.

For reasons still unclear to the masses, while Representatives were drafting a constitution a shift towards ancient Scottish roots had taken place. While it is inevitable to regard the "old ways" with nostalgia, it would remain to be seen how such a new government would measure up to expectations using these "ways of old." This left the Poblacht Chónaidhme, with progressive ideals being achieved through conservative means. The Imperial family, all of whom were in attendance, would watch intently, making sure to step in if the fledgling ship of state ever faltered. Although they would remain public figures, none were too keen to see their power diminish. However, when the masses call for change, it is the sovereign's duty to obey. Or at least that was the case according to the Empress. Certainly there were those who disagreed.

Lord Alasdair of Northumbrland (Alasdair Northumbria), the Príomh, brought the ceremonies to a close as traditional bagpipe music wafted gently over the joyous crowd who had flocked from all across Largent to witness this day. Northumbria knew that the next order of business would be to contact Largent's friends within the APN to reassure them that the transfer would be seamless, and that they would notice little, if any, change.



Dear Friends and Allies:

It is with great pleasure that I announce the conclusion of Largent's historic change towards a more modern and progressive form of government. I would first like to explain exactly what has changed:

First and foremost, the Empress and the Imperial Family will remain public figures. As a new head of state I would not be so careless as to disregard the wisdom of a woman who has earned the admiration and respect of god-like figures from all nations and creeds. Her ability to handle foreign relations will make her an important tool in maintaining good standing with our neighbors. Therefore, periodic visits from members of our Imperial Family are likely to continue indefinitely throughout the current reign and as the throne is passed on to future Emperors and Empresses.

Secondly, it is important to note that much will remain the same. All ministries and government agencies will remain intact. All such departments will be put under the new executive branch, the Coiste Feidhmiúcháin, and overseen by the Príomh and the president, the Uachtarán. The new branches of government will first be the legislative, the Dáil Ireann, and the judicial system composed of circuit courts and a high court, the Ard-Chúirt.

However, the purpose of this message is solely to introduce this new system of governing, the gradations of which will take time to explain and fully understand.

Finally, I hope to see as many allies as possible present when Largent opens its gates to all nations to come meet with top officials from the new government in a short time.

Slainte mhor agus a h-uile beannachd duibh
Good health and every good blessing to you

*I shall uphold the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution

OOC: its late, so I'm not even sure this post makes sense. Also, this will become a new thread shortly as we make this change more public.

OOC: I apologize for not being more detailed in my initial response or being more active since I restarted my nation. I’m in Iraq at the moment, and I have to use a proxy to access the forums and every proxy I use winds up being blocked the next day so I have to do a lot of jumping around and searching  to get here so please don’t take my absence on the forums as a sign being a poor RPer.. Also it’s been a while since I have been to the forums so I am sure that any RPs I have been in have long since been removed, thanks


IC:

Pauldustllah Global Broadcasting Network

AP: Today in a televised event Prime Minister Melvin Johnson addressed foreign nations concerns about the nation’s lack of international involvement. “Pauldustllah used to be a very active nation in international affairs and was part of several alliances however after two failed attempts at a regional alliance in haven and a formation of power-blocks in the region the government decided to focus more on our people and we began isolationist polices. In the new reformed government however, we wish to reach out to the international community in an effort to support peace and good will and joining the alliance of progressive nations will be a start in the right direction for our county. If any APN nation has doubts we invite them to send a diplomatic mission to our nation for talks.” since taking office in May, Prime Minister Johnson has worked closely with the Imperial Senate and the King to bring about reform polices to the economy, civil rights issues, and conscription. Other issues he wishes to address include tax reform, the colony, and nuclear weapons decommissioning. When asked about his part in the colonial insurgency he responded with “that was a long time ago, we all make mistakes, but I realize now that working with the government instead of senseless killing is the right path.” When asked about allegations of accepting bribes to introduce legislation to the Senate he said. “Um, look! Over there a distraction!” and then promptly ran out of the building.

(OOC: No worries, Pauldustllah. I have an institutionalized sense of humor in my fake country.)

Well-targeted bribes to introduce needed legislation isn't outside the realm of acceptable action as far as the Scolopendran Intelligence Service is concerned, and the Scolopendran people, very generally aware how realpolitik their spooks' methods are, grudgingly let the suggestion in the news slide. This speaks of the Scolopendran people as a united whole, which is generally a poor assumption to make; it is more accurate to say that protests against potentially allying yet another corrupt dictatorship ("King! They said they had a king! Autocracy! Dictatorship!" "Well... we have a 'Supreme Emperor' we call a padishah for short." "That's different, he's elected!") are generally outweighed by counter-protests in support of the government's lack of vehement or even smoothly snide disparagement of Pauldustllah's request ("The Dread Lady hasn't turned out too bad..." "Yeah, what, two, three purges later?"). All in all, though, that's just the way things are; people had long since abandoned the idea of ever pleasing everybody even some of the time and yet in the same breath gladly admitted that Supreme Emperor Speaker-Rrit's administration was a national institution.

That's something the good ratcat finds deeply troubling, but that's a different story for a different time.

Right now, he's sending congratulatory messages to the Poblacht Chónaidhme while his agent in the APN, the previously introduced Diplomatic Officer Skor Rumskib, ponders how to recover from the Pauldustllah gaffe. Well, why not lead by example?

"The Federated Segments of Scolopendra would be glad to take you up on your prime minister's offer of hosting a diplomatic mission," he types in an appropriately-addressed letter to Pauldustllah's diplomatic service, "probably consisting of no more than three people on our end with an entirely flexible agenda. We really are easy to get along with and don't require any particular special considerations--we pride ourselves on being adaptable. I offer my services to coordinate the specifics between our respective foreign ministries and look forward to friendly normalized relations between our two peoples."

OOC: I'm a bit rusty, and for that I apologize



IC:
“I really need to quit drinking someday.” Nigel Lasko Though to himself as he sat at his desk in the Foreign Relations Ministry. “But not today.” He muttered as he opened up a bottle of tequila and poured himself a shot. He knew he shouldn’t be drinking on the job. “But hey.” He thought, “I get my own private office for a reason, and rank does have its privileges.” He looked up at his calendar just a standard government wall calendar covered in myriad of thumbtacks and brightly colored sticky notes reminding him of deadlines for various projects and paperwork. “Hey boss, how’s life treating you today?” A familiar voice said as a man walked unannounced into the office. “Paperwork is going to be the death of me.” Nigel replied as he rose to greet the crown prince. “Well, death by paperwork isn’t the most glamorous way to go, but it sure beats a lot of others.” The prince replied. “Truth” Nigel said. “It’s good to see you again, what brings you to the Capital?” Nigel asked “The Regiment is being refitted and reequipped, so I though I would take some leave.” The phone rang “Lasko speaking.” Nigel spoke into the handset. Listening intently to the man on the other end of the line. “Right away sir. I will handle it. Goodbye.” He hung up the phone. “We’re getting a new mission.” Nigel said to the Prince. “Who?” the prince asked “Scolopendra” Nigel replied

"Do I really have to carry this thing around?" Diplomatic Officer Iosef Omarevich McDougal looks disdainfully at the burnished steel cylinder in his ruddy hand. About the size of a roll of coins, it looks like it unscrews in the middle and has no details except for a small nickel-plated stud on its curved side and a series of small holes in one flat end, like a salt shaker. As far as accessories go, it clearly goes into the plated metallic wire holder on the plated, segmented metal belt Iosef wears, and it would go well with his uniform, what with its black-overall lightened by its sky blue double-breasted plastron and shoulder boards, both with silver piping. That was, indeed, the intent of such a thing, and Iosef knows both that and that his rhetorical question in the duty of an idealistic cause was certain to fail. Being Scolopendran, he was one of those whose racial characteristics can only be called 'mixed,' sharing properties of Arabian, Russian, and Scottish lineage in most recent memory. Most people not from the Segments would probably consider him a good looking but poorly made-up actor, what with his straight black hair, slightly square-shaped face, and somewhat unexpected olive skin tone... but to himself, and his culture, he's just a normal mutt and both take quite the pride in it.

"Yes, sir," says the corporal in charge of the D.O.'s security detail, "you do. It's part of the uniform--no one says you have to use it. Ice needlers don't annoy people, sir, peop--"

"--le annoy people, yes, yes, Saul, I know," MacDougal finishes the sentence in unison with a sigh, having had this conversation several times before. It was a ritual. "I notice you're not as heavily armed nor armored as you usually are."

Corporal Peterson shrugs. Brown-haired, brown-eyed, quick smile, ears poking out just a bit more than usual, he could have been and probably was from any place in Western Europe. "What can I say, sir? Apparently your Corps decided that it might be too risky to send an obvious bodyguard with you so we had to leave the exos at home."

"Huh. Never was a problem before," Officer McDougal muses.

"I can't say I blame them, sir. The exos are clean-looking, but they have an obvious breakaway shoulder holster on the front for a reason. Nothing says 'rawr, I'm armed' like having a high-caliber pistol strapped to your chest."

"Still, it's not usual..." Iosef rubs his chin. "Oh. I know what it is. The Tiburonese portions of the Tiburapendran Idealist Market kicked in. They're not quite as comfortable with the modern firearm as we are. Would only make sense, seeing how this place is their friend... and how do you not let that noise get to you?" Iosef carefully cleans out his ear with one pinkie and a wince. "Bloody turbine aircraft..."

"Tiburonese orders, I bet."

"No, this'll be IntRelate's fault," the Diplomatic Officer mutters. "We couldn't get a read on their technology level in short order so I bet the powers that be decided to go through this legacy Dominion airline rather than just drop on down in a shuttle or perspod and say 'hi, take us to your leader.' So we'll either be going in under false pretenses or look silly and antiquated."

"Vanity's not supposed to be a national trait, sir," the corporal quips. "I think they'll get the idea when the captain asks that his bird be tanked up with hydrogen, then goes on to explain the wonderful overtechnological metallic foam that allows said hydrogen to be stored in nearly liquid densities without cryogenics, pressurization, or explosion hazard."

"Saul, the plane has enough fuel for a return trip."

"He's an airline captain flying an unscheduled route on the government dime," Saul retorts, "he'll ask for fuel on the way back."

"Point."

* - * - *

Upon landing, it should be relatively obvious who is supposed to meet who. The foreigners are obviously the two in grey smoke-cloud-patterned digitized camouflage, led by the man in the somewhat militaristic sky-blue-and-black uniform; the important locals will probably stand out equally, if for no other reason than they're in a group, or wearing business suits, or holding up a sign that says "SCOLOPENDRANS," or just looking more important. Iosef's trained to tell different types of important people from a long ways away, after all...

"Hello from the Federated Segments!" He's more boisterous than he looks, although still polite as he offers a cordial short bow before extending his hand. "I'm Diplomatic Officer McDougal and I am the factfinding mission."