NationStates Jolt Archive

The Incorporated States of Republican Ideology has submitted a proposal to the UN Delegates for consideration. This proposal is also being posted to this forum to open communications between "ISRI" and other nations or Delegates that may have questions regarding this proposed legislation.

I will check back in often to answer any questions posted.

Thank you for your time in considering this proposal.

President - The Incorporated States of Republican Ideology

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Description: Establishment of the United Nations Free Trade Area

The Parties to this Agreement, hereby establish all United Nations members as a free trade area.

Article 1: Objectives
The objectives of this Agreement are to:
A) Eliminate barriers to trade in, and facilitate the cross-border movement of, goods and services between the territories of the Parties.
B) Promote conditions of fair competition in the free trade area.
C) Increase substantially investment opportunities in the territories of the Parties.

Article 2: Relation to Other Agreements
In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and such other agreements, this Agreement shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.

Article 3: Extent of Obligations
The Parties shall ensure that all necessary measures are taken in order to give effect to the provisions of this Agreement including their observance.

National Treatment
Article 1: National Treatment
A)Each Party shall accord national treatment to the goods of another.
B)Any equivalent provision of a successor agreement to which all Parties are party, are incorporated into and made part of this Agreement.

Article 2: Tariff Elimination
A)No Party may increase any existing customs duty, or adopt any customs duty, on an originating good.
B)Each Party shall progressively eliminate its customs duties on originating goods.

Article 3: Import and Export Restrictions
No Party may adopt any restriction on the importation of any good of another Party or on the exportation or sale for export of any good destined for the territory of another Party.

In the event that a Party maintains a prohibition on the importation from or exportation to a non-Party of a good, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the Party from:
A)Limiting or prohibiting the importation from the territory of another Party of such good of that non-Party.
B)Requiring as a condition of export of such good of the Party to the territory of another Party, that the good not be re-exported to the non-Party, directly or indirectly, without being consumed in the territory of the other Party.

Article 5: Third-Country Dumping
The Parties affirm the importance of cooperation of the Agreement on the Implementation of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

All Parties are restricted from the exporting of waste to non-member nations for permenant disposal.

Tariff Elimination

Article 1: Implimentation Date
Duties on goods shall be eliminated entirely and such goods shall be duty-free, effective September 1, 2004.

Article 2:Goods Not Subject
A)Imported citrus products.

Emergency Action

An Embargo on any Party or Parties may be implimented, but must be brought before the General Assembly and requires a two-thirds majority to pass. Failure to reach the necessary majority will result in no action being taken. If the vote is equal to or greater than fifty percent, but still not attaining two-thirds, the Secretary General will issue a letter to the Party in question advising them of the vote and the results.

An Embargo may not be levied against a nation for utilizing military force in self-defense. Pre-emptive actions are not considered defensive.

Emergency Action Proceedings

No Party may request the establishment of an arbitral panel.

Free Trade is NOT Fair Trade.

Life is not fair. The sooner you realize that the better off you and your nation will be.

People will always go for the best product at the lowest price. If your not willing to promote quality in your nation, that's fine. Just don't get upset when those of us do.

Look back to the 80's and the massive influx of Japanese car imports to the United States. What had to happen to level the playing field? The US auto-maker's had to drastically improve quality and cost to compete.

Competition IMPROVES quality and lowers cost!

Note that this proposal has nothing to do with the recent 40 hour work week that recently passed. It has nothing to do with a minimum wage. It doesn't tell you how to run your nation. It merely allows other nations to sell products in your nation and you get to sell yours in theirs. No strings.

"It merely allows other nations to sell products in your nation and you get to sell yours in theirs. No strings."

That in itself is a "string". Larger countries will bully the locals right out of business. How could any self-respecting small country approve this? Not to mention countries without laws regarding workers rights will obviously be able to produce at a much lower cost than any country that protects its workers from the evil capitalists trying to exploit everyone and everything for profit.

While you say this proposal has nothing to do with the 40-hour work week and minimum wage laws, it, in effect, does. Supporting this type of resolution could easily give more power and economic resources to countries that do not protect their laborers.

I urge any country that does not wish to see their economies overrun with foreign goods from countries than do not protect their labor force as well as any country that wants to see its workers live full lives to oppose this proposal at all costs. Your businesses will thank you down the road.


Yours in Freedom,
Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Antoristan

"Supporting this type of resolution could easily give more power and economic resources to countries that do not protect their laborers."

This is not the case. This is a resolution for UN Nations. Those nations not a part of the United Nations do not have to abide by the resolutions passed. They are already free to alter their labor practices as they see fit. Your position, in this case, doesn't add up.

If your nation has a quality product and produces it at a value, then you would thrive in this situation. My nation is only 12 million strong, but I know it will grow in this proposed environment.

I hope you reconsider your position and support this proposal.

Respectfully,

President - Incorporated States of Republican Ideology

People will always go for the best product at the lowest price. If your not willing to promote quality in your nation, that's fine. Just don't get upset when those of us do.

Then why do people willingly pay more to buy fair trade products or to buy from independent shops?

For some people cost isn't the top concern.

That being said I'm completely neutral on this issue.

Desdemona,
UN representative,
The Black New World
Do you know what ‘gay science’ is?
Meet The Reps (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=132588)

"Your proposal would destroy both economic alliances the Weegies are a member of - the Coalition of Anti-Capitalist Economies and the International Fair Trade Agreement, which are both closed economy autarchies. You are trying to force open socialist and communist UN economies to further your own neo-liberal policies. As a socialist economy with a good economic rating, we reject this proposal as much as possible."

I'm curious - why the specific exemption for citrus fruits?

This proposal would wreak havoc in the CACE and IFTA. However, I do not believe that it is beyond the UN's remit.

Nonetheless, I sincerely hope this proposal fails as I disagree with your assertions and, indeed, with the concept of free, unregulated trade.

Kind regards
Vlad Taneev
Speaker for Economic Affairs

Leaving the whole issue of whether free trade is actually beneficial aside for a moment, there's a couple of problems here:

Article 3: Import and Export Restrictions
No Party may adopt any restriction on the importation of any good of another Party or on the exportation or sale for export of any good destined for the territory of another Party.

Any good? Guns? Child pornography? Crack cocaine? We'd rather like the continuing ability to not import goods which are downright illegal. Apologies if this is covered elsewhere and we've missed it.

Article 5: Third-Country Dumping
The Parties affirm the importance of cooperation of the Agreement on the Implementation of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

We don't have a General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade...

Hey, sounds good as long as we can trade weapons. Oh! And soda too. Small countries must make a living.

We aplaude the Proposal of Republican ideology.

We are supporting it. It is going to minimize the damage which was caused by the 40-hour-week resolution.

Sincerely yours

Marc Smith, president of Kybernetia

[quote="Ecopoeia"]I'm curious - why the specific exemption for citrus fruits?

Yes, citrus fruits would be exempt due to the possiblity of tranferring pests or insects not previously inhabiting the nation receiving the fruit.

Respectfully,

President - ISRI

The Republic of Turd Furguson resoundingly rejects your proposal. We are a small nation without a powerful economy, we however pride ourselves on both our labor rights and the quality of the product they produce. We have been able to maintain this high quality of life in our country by maintaining the dominance of high quality domestic goods through tariffs on imports. Yes, prices are high in our country, but our goods are worth it and our workers make more. If this resolution passes it will be a devastating blow to our economy as the quality of our goods would be surpassed greatly by the low cost of goods produced by other nations.

Although it is an honor to have been able to participate, if this resolution passes The Republic of Turd Furguson's only recourse would be to withdraw from this union.

What, citrus fruits are the only thing that could possibly transmit pests? What about, um, all other fruits and vegetables? Utterly arbitrary.

We will not trade with any nation that does not meet a minimal set of ethical standards.

Not to mention the fact that you could just buy the pests anyway.

Desdemona,
UN representative,
The Black New World
Do you know what ‘gay science’ is?
Meet The Reps (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=132588)

"Then why do people willingly pay more to buy fair trade products or to buy from independent shops?" -Desdemona, UN representative, The Black New World

Because they have the freedom to choose. The elimination of tarriffs would allow products of equal or greater quality (from various nations) to be offered at a far more reasonable cost.

Personally, I would rather spend a little more to get a better product, much like yourself. I won't spend an excessive amount to get a product that is only marginally better due to a tarriff being levied.

If people want to talk about "fair" trade, this is definately something not "fair".

Respectfully,

President - Incorporated States of Republican Ideology

Article 3: Import and Export Restrictions
No Party may adopt any restriction on the importation of any good of another Party or on the exportation or sale for export of any good destined for the territory of another Party.

________

Unacceptable. The proposal will have to be modified to allow nations to regulate potentially dangerous items, such as medicines, nuclear products, weapons and so forth. No nation will allow completely free borders.

It is obvious that many nations are opposed to this measure and we would also like to re-affirm as another honourable delegate mentioned that "free trade is NOT fair trade".

Sheikh Khalifa bin Muhammad Al Nahyan
UN Ambassador for the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah

Hmm... I wonder how this would affect Moontian, which does not allow any privately-owned businesses to operate, let alone foreign ones. This stance has been relaxed somewhat, with all companies now 49% owned by shareholders, and 51% by the government; but reform at that sort of level would take a long time, if ever, thanks to game mechanics.
Then again, perhaps the Falcon Import/Export Company would grow considerably because of it.

"Our economy, for years, decades in fact, was terrible under a capitalist economy; we were little more than a Third World nation, with poverty, disease and poor living conditions rife, whilst our economy never got out of the gutter, despite the free-trading policies of the Conservative government. We recovered due to firstly our use of protectionism under the Liberals, and vastly improved due to our membership of the CACE autarchy. In the Weegies, the economy has never been better, and our living standards are vastly improved. Is the delegate from Republican Ideaology seriously suggesting that my nation should give up being a prosperous, well provided for nation and return to a poor, poverty stricken wasteland all for the benefit of his ideaology? Seeing firsthand what this free trading can do to those nations considered to be in the Third World, I will reject this proposal as much as possible. I will not see people dying on the streets again, I will not see houses that generate deadly diseases, and I will not see our nation's economy collapse for the benefit of a few fattened billionaires!"

Message from Grand Executor Justin Timme of the Empire of Kerubia

This resolution will need some slight modifications. Nations should be allowed to choose if they want the weapons and drugs included.

Other than that, the Empire of Kerubia supports this resolution.

We are forced to agree with the honourable member of The Weegies and other delegates here. This proposal has the potential to destroy the social and economic reforms our government is trying to implement in Telidia. In addition I do feel that every nation has a right with whom they choose to establish trade agreements, since there may be ethical and diplomatic reasons not to trade with some nations. We and I am sure other governments here, make use of tariffs or other methods to discourage trade with nations where ethical concerns exist. By eliminating all tariffs our government will be stripped of this ability.

For example, a government who have strong policies against cruelty to animals may feel it is unethical to trade with those who don’t. Similarly governments with strong pro-environmental policy may not wish to trade with those who exploit it for profit and little consideration for the future.

Esteemed members, we urge you to think carefully before treating this proposal favourably. Consider not only what goods may be crossing your borders as previously mentioned here, but also where that may have come from. If you are nation who choose to protect its consumers by evaluating who it trades with be warned, if this proposal becomes a resolution, that protection will be nullified

Respectfully
Lydia Cornwall, UN Ambassador
HM Government of Telidia

I don't see why you socialist countries are screaming and hollaring about the capitalists imposing their government type on you. I didn't see you whining about the 40 hour work week, so I guess it's okay for you all to impose your evil communist ways upon the rest of the world, but heaven forbid we try to pass a capitalist resolution.

- Ambassador Deric Sanguine

I don't see why you socialist countries are screaming and hollaring about the capitalists imposing their government type on you. I didn't see you whining about the 40 hour work week, so I guess it's okay for you all to impose your evil communist ways upon the rest of the world, but heaven forbid we try to pass a capitalist resolution.

- Ambassador Deric Sanguine

Nonsense. The situations are equivalent. If this proposal succeeds we have to deal with it in the same way you had to deal with the previous resolution.

Maybe that means we're all whining.

Vlad Taneev
Speaker for Economic Affairs

The Militant Mercantile Alliance of Greenspoint reserves the right to determine what goods cross our borders, in either direction, regardless of place of origin or destination, and to levy any fees or tariffs we see fit on such goods as we allow to cross.

Therefore, we are against this proposal.

James Moehlman
Asst. Mgr. ico UN Affairs
The Militant Mercantile Alliance of Greenspoint

This is most definately an excellent proposal. Freedom for before cushiness for many!

I don't see why you socialist countries are screaming and hollaring about the capitalists imposing their government type on you. I didn't see you whining about the 40 hour work week, so I guess it's okay for you all to impose your evil communist ways upon the rest of the world, but heaven forbid we try to pass a capitalist resolution.

- Ambassador Deric Sanguine

Tobias stood up, but there was not even a hint of geniality about him, as there usually was. His words were nearly spat out, acidly.

"Mr Sanguine, I am not arguing here about ideaology, and I do apologise for my whining, since in your world voicing your opinion seems to consist of whining. I do apologise if free speech is so hard for you to take."

"But anyway, I am not arguing on the merits of capitalist or socialist ideaology at this point in time. What I am pointing out is that if our markets were to be forced open in such a brutal manner, our economy would tank, which is why for the good of my nation I cannot support this proposal. Free trade does not provide prosperity for all, I think we can all agree, capitalism does produce rich and poor, I think we can also agree. There are people, areas, even whole nations that can be hurt. In an economy like the Weegies which relies mainly on the exports of raw materials like mineral sands and oil, a capitalist economy would mean we would have to make savage cuts in our educational and healthcare programs. Our educational system is our pride and joy; again I ask why we should ruin it for your ideaology."

"It seems, also that Kybernetia is less enamoured with "national sovereignty" than it originally claimed over the 40 Hour Work Week. Does the delegate from Kybernetia only start supporting national sovereignty when it is in its interests, and discard it also when it is in its interests? I call that hypocracy, pure and simple."

I don't see why you socialist countries are screaming and hollaring about the capitalists imposing their government type on you. I didn't see you whining about the 40 hour work week, so I guess it's okay for you all to impose your evil communist ways upon the rest of the world, but heaven forbid we try to pass a capitalist resolution.

- Ambassador Deric Sanguine

With all due respect, Ambassador Sanguine, which is none, the 40-hour work week resolution was hardly a communist or socialist resolution. Decades prior to this resolution nominally capitalist nations had already codified similar laws.

This new proposal, on the other hand, is grossly more intrusive, filled with critical flaws which have already been pointed out by other delegates and representatives. If it manages to achieve quorum rest assured we will do all in our power to ensure its demise.

Additonally, we echo the sentiments of our Weegian colleague - in particular we would like to question the integrity of the Kybernetian delegate, whom we feel is deeply hypocritical.

~Ambassador Graham Haldrias
Delegate to the United Nations

With all due respect, Ambassador Sanguine, which is none, the 40-hour work week resolution was hardly a communist or socialist resolution. Decades prior to this resolution nominally capitalist nations had already codified similar laws.
Actually, at least in the United States, where the socialists never achieved significant electoral victories, this was a major lobbying point of the Socialist Party in the early 20th century.

OOC: As a means of slowly reforming the capitalist society. Again, I reiterate, having a 40 Hour Work Week does not make you OMG COMMIEZ!!!11.

{OOC: LMAO, Weegies!}

Free trade is inherently unfair trade. It gives free access to large multinationals based in powerful capitalist countries to markets and labor sources that are constantly exploited for the gain of the ultra-capitalists. This is, quite simply, intolerable.

The UN does not have the power to force open command economies, giving free access to the markets of socialistic nations to ultra-capitalists, nor do they have the power to force the goods of one nation, capitalist or not, into the markets of another, communist or not.

It is the right of every nation to enter into trade partnerships and trade agreements as they see fit. It is not the function, nor the right, of the United Nations to force a certain economic ideology onto all member nations for the gain of a few.

Why on Earth could anyone in their right mind bemoan the 40 Hour Work Week resolution? Is it so heinous and 'unfair' that the rights of workers be protected, and that they not be subject vicious profiteering like mandatory 12-hour days or a 6-day work week? Put the '40 Hour' resolution to rest, delegates, it already passed.

The full might of CACE will be behind the inevitable defeat of this resolution. We shall never bend.

-Daniel de Valera
Minister of Foreign Affairs
People's Republic of Caselonia

@Caselonia

"The UN does not have the power to force open command economies, giving free access to the markets of socialistic nations to ultra-capitalists, nor do they have the power to force the goods of one nation, capitalist or not, into the markets of another, communist or not.
It is the right of every nation to enter into trade partnerships and trade agreements as they see fit. It is not the function, nor the right, of the United Nations to force a certain economic ideology onto all member nations for the gain of a few." - aha. You are revering to national souvereignity. Then why on earth have you supported the 40- hour week which infringes national sovereignity dramaticly.

"Why on Earth could anyone in their right mind bemoan the 40 Hour Work Week resolution? Is it so heinous and 'unfair' that the rights of workers be protected, and that they not be subject vicious profiteering like mandatory 12-hour days or a 6-day work week? Put the '40 Hour' resolution to rest, delegates, it already passed."
The resolution has tremendously damaged our economy. We went down from thriving to strong. The unemployment rate has risen and we were forced to raise takes. The conditions of our workers were made worse because of this resolution because the can´t work as long as before and can´t get make the money they have earned before. 40 hours is just much to short. Our country was used to a work-week of 48 to 60 hours on six days. The UN with the INTOLERANCE OF A TINY MAJORITY OF THE VOTES forced SOCIALIST POLICY against capitalist countries.
Your reaction to this proposal shows that you no understand what it means when someone tries to force his policy and political programm among you. You should draw the right conclusion from that and you should stop suporting resolutions that are infringing national souvereignity.

Sincerely yours

Marc Smith, president of Kybernetia

Mr. Smith,

Simply because your people had the unfortunate experience of being used to a 40-hour work week does not mean it is just. The resolution ended injustice among UN Member States, plain and simple. If a nation's economy is based on the exploitation of workers, then labor rights would indeed damage the economic standing of fat billionaires. Your administration has the power, Mr. Smith, to implement programs to put the recently-unemployed to work, to increase productivity without exploitation.

Conversely, the economic rating of the PRC increased from 'Thriving' to 'Powerhouse.' How could 'forced socialist policy' be blamed for that? When you get your facts straight, Mr. Smith, we can continue this conversation.

Now then, gentlemen, shall we return to the issue of defeating the exploitive 'Free Trade' resolution?

@Caselonia

YOur statements are outrageous and insulting towards our country. We demand and apology from you.
It is ridiculous and flagrantly stupid to call and 48-60 hour week explotation.
As a matter of fact, even this stupid 40-hour-week resolution allows overtime work (however for higher income (150%)- we see this intrusion in national wage law as an appaling example for the disrespect of national sovereignity and their economic and social systems.) up to 80 hours. Therefore it is even under this resolution outrageous and legally flagrantly false to call any work below 80 hours as exploitation.

I do not apologize for stating the facts, Mr. Smith. Caselonians are not known for mincing words, as it were, nor will I. The UNFTA resolution can, and must, be defeated to preserve economic integrity in command economies, especially those in the Third World and for those of us who are signatories of Fair Trade Agreements, rather than 'free' ones.