NationStates Jolt Archive

Looking particularly grim on this occasion, Daniel stood by the podium. His normally professional appearance had turned unruly, and his eyes betrayed the fact that he'd been short on sleep in the last few days. Staring out into the room of reporters and their cameras, he sighed audibly. Suffice to say, things had not been going well for Mr. Hillaker in the last few days.

"Ladies and gentlemen, friends in the press, please. We're almost ready to start."

So this was it. The Sophistan government had announced earlier in the week that it was planning to announce a major shift in its foreign policy. That was enough to send tremors through the international community: the government was notoriously slow-moving in its policy changes. But if that weren't enough, rumors had been circulating that the Prime Minister himself was going to make the announcement. Normally secretive, he rarely made public appearances, let alone this far from home. If he'd flown all the way from Santa Andrea to the UN headquarters, this was definitely grounds for concern.

"As you all know, the government of Sophista has been planning to announce a new era of foreign policy. Since joining the United Nations, our people have graciously accepted the will of the majority, obliging to legislation handed down by the General Assembly even when it ran contrary to our own best interest. Today, that policy of total compliance ends."

Those rumors were confirmed, then. Daniel continued.

"We feel that a number of recent resolutions have begun to infringe unduly on our national security and our right to rule within our borders as we see fit. The United Nations has become a tool by which an ignorant majority oppress a constantly struggling minority. For further explanation, I offer you the honorable Prime Minister of Sophista, M. Aaron Hammonds."

To call the eruption of flash bulbs that followed his words blinding would've been the understatement of the century. Most images of the Prime Minister were hand-picked photographs or paintings published by the National Gallery. The idea of getting a live shot of a man who was otherwise only legend had to have caused the assembled cameramen to salivate. Aaron walked out with the ultimate political poker face, showing neither anger nor amusement. This was obviously business for him, and nothing more.

"Thank you, Mr. Hillaker."

He paused for a moment, surveying the crowd. Understanding their reaction would be key to the tone he used for the rest of his speech.

"From this moment on, the Sophistan government will declare a policy of noncompliance with the recent resolution, "Law of the Sea." As an island nation, our oceans are among our most precious resources. The sea provides us with a defensive buffer against aggressor nations, fuels our economy with its large mineral and agricultural potential, and powers our cities via tidal generators. The people of Sophista have lived and died by the sea and her whims, and enjoy enormous expertise in the area of seamanship and related sciences. Because of this, we are deeply disturbed that the international community flagrantly ignored our input when the resolution was drafted.

"According to this new Law of the Sea, our people have been stripped of their right to enjoy the bounties of our offshore resources. Thanks to this resolution, trillions of dollars of mining and energy infrastructure are now located in international waters. Moreover, to defend these assets with military vessels would be considered an act of war. We have been robbed of the right to protect our industry, and defend our home.

"What's more, the resolution casts the doors wide open for other nations to take advantage of our traditional territorial waters. Enemy nations may now set up installations and bases a mere stonesthrow away from our shore, and our nation is allowed no recourse. Other nations may now lay cables or set up shipping routes that disrupt our kelp farming operations or power generating abilities. Again, the people of Sophista are prohibited from taking action, less we enter a state of war.

"This is an outrage. The government of Sophista will not stand by and watch their rights and securities be trampled upon. In order to protect the things we hold dear, the Sophistan nation shall implement the following policies:

"Pursuant to Article I of the resolution, we have annexed a number of independent islands in the region and established a number of advanced warning radars and scientific monitoring stations on their soils. This effectively increases the land area of Sophista by 1,310 square miles.

"Furthermore, we refuse to recognize the 20km restriction on maritime boundaries imposed by the same Article. We hereby declare the 200km zone immediately surrounding all Sophistan land masses as exclusive economic zones, and bar any foreign state or actor from pursuing the development of resources or shipping routes through said area. We reserve the right to establish bilateral treaties with friendly nations to waive this restriction, but all nations are to assume the ban applies to ships flying their flag until otherwise notified.

"To defend this territory, we will further ignore Article III, Article VIII, and Article XII. Any vessel confronted while passing through the 200km exclusive economic zone shall be considered hostile and boarded. The government of Sophista reserves the right to employ privateers to exercise this function should the Sophistan navy be otherwise engaged at the time, regardless of the state of war. Furthermore, we reserve the right to confiscate the cargo, claim as salvage, and detain the crew of any vessel found to be in violation of these policies. Negotiation for the return of this property or citizens of a foreign nation will be handled on a case by case basis.

"In order to facilitate the anticipated engagements that will arise from our policy, the government of Sophista has placed bids with national shipping leaders to triple the size of its navy, permanently establishing a proper blue water navy. Further expansion is anticipated, and will continue until such a time when we no longer feel our interests are at risk.

"Thank you. There will be no questions."

As silently as he arrived, the Prime Minister slipped from the stage. One of the government's numerous hypersonic aircraft, idling on a tarmac minutes from the main UN compound, would return the chief of state to Sophista proper within the half hour. Even Daniel, normally a constant participant in all UN issues, large and small, refused to accept comments. Perhaps it was the fear of confronting his traditional allies and friends that drove him back to the private offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The only representative of government to remain was a minor undersecretary, no doubt fully briefed on the situation with a stack of prewritten answers. Nervously, he spoke.

The Prime Minister and Ambassador are not to be disturbed. I shall take your questions."

The Empire of Itinerate Tree Dweller awaits the repeal of this particular resolution. This was resolution was written without foresight, now several nations have commenced the building of nuclear missile silos as underground sea structures, which have been allowed by this resolution.

The Empire of Itinerate Tree Dweller awaits the repeal of this particular resolution. This was resolution was written without foresight, now several nations have commenced the building of nuclear missile silos as underground sea structures, which have been allowed by this resolution.

My nation believes it would be better to modify it in part (most notably the 20km that a great many nations have issues with) than to repeal the whole act as there are a lot of going points in there.

"As you all know, the government of Sophista has been planning to announce a new era of foreign policy. Since joining the United Nations, our people have graciously accepted the will of the majority, obliging to legislation handed down by the General Assembly even when it ran contrary to our own best interest. Today, that policy of total compliance ends."

"We feel that a number of recent resolutions have begun to infringe unduly on our national security and our right to rule within our borders as we see fit. The United Nations has become a tool by which an ignorant majority oppress a constantly struggling minority. For further explanation, I offer you the honorable Prime Minister of Sophista, M. Aaron Hammonds."

The represenatative of Groot Gouda stood up. "May we ask why you participate in a world-body aimed at coorporation, while you yourself refuse to cooporate? We will not deny that some bad resolutions have passed in the past, however we feel it is our international duty to work together. Maybe this means resolutions get passed that are incompatible with our nation's policies, but many more will pass that aren't. The UN is about giving and taking, and by only taking what you want you take a away the very fundaments of the UN. Resolutions are passed by majority vote, however small that majority. We will abide by that majority, unless our disagreements with the majority becomes too big, in which case we would leave the UN, not disregard the resolutions we happen to dislike."

With a sad and disappointed look, the representative walked out, shaking his head.

A man dressed all in black except for a blue UN badge stood up, "Unfortunately, as long as you are a member of our organization, you have no choice but to obey the resolution. Failure to impliment the resolution will result in the UN altering your legislation. Failure to enforce the resolution will result in the UN enforcing it. You signed on the dotted line, you're stuck."

[OOC: In other words, you don't have a choice. You can look for loopholes, but you have to follow the resolution. Check the FAQ.]

"May we suggest you simply resign untill another resolution establishing an exclusive economic zone for UN members has been implemented. Resigning is the hip, fun and easy way out of UN troubles."

You, too, can be free of stupidity today!

Call 0-900-RESIGNATION (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=358475)

His Right Honourable, Lord William J. Canterbury, MP, Ambassador to the United Nations for the Dominon of Castingsborough stood up and began addressing the unknown figure in the black suit who stood up in reaction to the speech by the Prime Minister of Sophista:

"Dear Sir, if this is the case, then why would you allow us to create countries with our own governments if at one time or another, when we wish to become a member of a multi-level world 'regulator', we are not able to then form our own laws of State that may or may not contradict with the absurd resolutions that are passed in part mostly by this organization? It is not clear to the Dominion why the UN has so much power in the States. Denouncing the resolutions that were once passed is a perfectly harmless way to express discontent and willingness to repeal the resolution. Why then must we always create a falsifying judgment upon the country who wishes to make a motion to disobediently defy the statements of the resolution?

"The Dominion of Castingsborough has officially denounced two UN resolutions including UN Resolution #43: Legalise Euthanasia and the past UN resolution, The Law of the Sea. The Dominion stands firmly with the Sophistan government in its decision to not comply with the Law of the Sea resolution.

"Thank you and excuse the interruption, Mr. Secretary."

Lord Canterbury sits back down and begins to ponder what this action might do to the rest of the Assembly.

OOC: I'm the guy doing the silo-building. I love loopholes. :D

Axis Nova

The man smirked, "Allow me to quote the document that all UN members have agreed to be bound by. This document is known as 'The FAQ'. It states, 'The UN is your chance to mold the rest of the world to your vision, by voting for resolutions you like and scuttling the rest. However, it's a double-edged sword, because your nation will also be affected by any resolutions that pass. (You can't just obey the resolutions you like and ignore the rest, like real nations do.)'. I don't think I really need to say much more on this matter."

OOC: BTW, can you tell these guys that they have to let me build stuff in their waters? http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=359429 :p

The more people I annoy with this little construction project, the faster we can get Law of the Sea repealed.

Axis Nova

Lol!

MJ Donovan, Frisbeeterian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, strides to the microphone.

"Point of Order, Mr. Hillaker.

We cannot idly stand by whilst the respected nation of Sophista engages in illegal activities. Per Article 11, which statesThat no nation shall shelter pirates. Nations may only employ privateers (which are defined as pirates who work officially for a government) in a time of declared war.UN response would necessarily be swift and corrective. As a UN member in good standing, Frisbeeteria cannot allow this lawlessness to continue."

Therefore, acting in my position as CEO Emeritus on behalf of The Conglomerated Oligarchy of Frisbeeterian Corporate States, we hereby declare a State of War between our great nation and The Federated States of Sophista.

Now, to terms. The Frisbeeterian Corporate States are not a warrior nation, and it will take us some matter of years to establish and train appropriate troop strength for a conflict of this magnitude. Until that day arrives, we suggest a proxy battle. Selected Citizen-Employees of Frisbeeteria will be trained to participate in a series of Dodgeball matches against whomever Sophista would care to field. Anyone eliminated in such matches would be considered a Prisoner of War, and would be accorded the usual protections of the Wolfish Convention until such time as prisoner exchanges could be effected (say, 20 minutes after each match).

Furthermore, as the Frisbeeterian Armed Merchant Marine is known worldwide for not only their highly efficient delivery rate, but also their fierceness against rogues and pirates, we would not consider it an escalation if Sophistan Privateers were to inhabit territorial waters as stated previously.

We hope to see a speedy resolution to this conflict, as it pains us to be the ones who hold Sophista accountable for their actions. Let us plan on convening peace talks within, say, twenty years or so. Of course, in the event of a Repeal to these Laws of the Sea, we could probably convene earlier."

Donovan smiles and returns to his seat.

[Before I continue with this role play, I'd like to point out to everyone that yes, I understand the FAQ. I got the little telegram just like every other member nation, and I know that in the world of coded statistics and such, this has already happened. Poof, magic wand. But, for the sake of something other than argument, I'd like to throw a little fun into the mix, and give people a chance to play out the consequences of the resolution instead of their usual routine of randomly decimating poorly-written proposals.]

With no direct questions asked of the deputy, the press conference was quickly closed and all Sophistan parties returned to their offices in the Foriegn Affairs Annex. Only after being prompted by the responses of other governments did the Ministry again open its doors for a public statement. Mr. Hillaker, returning to the international stage, began to offer his comments on behalf of the Federated States.

"Many of you have called for my government to remove itself from the United Nations until such a time that its policy is in line with our interests. Some of you have flatly rejected our claims, demanding that we adhere to the supreme law of the FAQ, and give up this disobedience. Unfortunately, even under threat of war from one of our esteemed colleagues in these halls, we remain steadfast in our policy.

"The representative from Groot Gouda has questioned our resolve, implying that the nation of Sophista has faltered in its respect for the wishes of the United Nations. We would reject that claim, and emphasize that up until this point, we have graciously and effectively complied with all resolutions up until this point, even when they were not in line with our national interest. This new Law of the Sea has pushed our tolerance to the brink, and we cannot allow further incursion.

"Moreover, our government will continue to abide by current and future resolutions, despite our issues with the particular legislation in question. It is not our intent to 'pick and choose' as some nations have accused us of doing. Rather, we are taking issue with a handful of clauses in an otherwise invasive resolution, and refusing to allow our nation to be held hostage by the policies and aggressive actions that this resolution protects.

"To that end, we regretfully recriprocate the Frisbeeterian declaration of open hostilities. Our government has dispatched a special delegation to their capitol to commence negotiation on the forum and format of their proxy battles, and has begun to recruit Sophistans willing to defend their rights vis a vi a large rubber ball. In regards to their comments on privateering, we would point out that our nation has yet to field any kind of comissioned pirate force, and Sophistan vessels are on orders to interdict only those ships which we feel are threatening the state. Until such a time as the violations become to egregious to allow, we will continue to accept normal shipping traffic between other nations and Sophista. Also, we continue to recognize established right of passage treaties signed with other states.

"Those specifications notwithstanding, we still stand firm in our disobedience, and the statements laid forth by the honorable Prime Minister. We thank those nations that support the people of Sophista in their stand for liberty, security, and soveriegnty.

"Again, I open myself to questions from the floor."

Christopher Irons, the ITD representative to the United Nations, stood up.

"Unfortunately, what the delegate from the nation of Hack says is correct. Member states must obey all UN resolution, regardless of whether they like them or not. This does not, however, extend to colonies. Many nations have colonies that may or may not extend around their homeland. While their homeland may be confined by international law, these colonies can do what they wish. ITD has long held the practice of obeying international law in the homeland but disregarding the laws in our colonies, of which there are many. (ooc: listed in my factbook) Because the ITD colonies surround the nation of Itinerate Tree Dweller in every direction, any attempt to enter their territorial waters would be construed as acts of war. We basically have a protective shield of non UN territorial water acting in our favor."

This NS Times article (http://s6.invisionfree.com/The_NS_Times/index.php?showtopic=111) came across my desk.

[ooc: this is a rare example where I don't really see godmoding, but instead good old fashioned roleplay. I have it on good word that godmoding will be ignored.]

The Constitutional Republic of Tekania shall no longer participate in this assembly of fools known as the NSUS. We are taking our wares and leaving.

The NSUN can keep shooting herself in the feet all she wants. Her pathetic laws shall no longer infect true righteous government.

Henseforth, UN Ambassadore Henry Shutz is being reassigned to the role of CDEA duties.

We may think of coming back, if, and only if, the UN can be proven to have removed its head from its own hind-end.

In addition, any nation caught engaging privateers in our 200nm (340km) control and defense zone, will be treated as pirates, and shall be sunk immediately regardless of flag.

Any UN member caught operating within 200nm (340km) of Tekania's coastline will be sunk with no warning as invaders of our soveriegnty.

It seemed that the actions of the Sophistan government weren't the only items sending shockwaves through the United Nations. A series of issues that had long simmered under the surface had now begun to boil over, as people finally challenged the illusion of democratic rule and the right of governments to stand up against violation of international laws. The actions of a few states were now bankrupting the United Nations of some of its most vocal proponents and leaders, and now the great nation of Sophista had entered into war to defend its ideals.

The major news networks had agreed to start airing commercials for the Sophistan Dodgeball Defense Network. With no standing army to speak of (Sophista relied on a civil defense force with little offensive capability), the door was open wide for all citizens, young and old, to enter this new branch of the military. People had begun to sign up in droves, eager for the opportunity to both defend their country and engage in an amusing game.

For now, the conflict would quietly escalate, with the Sophistan presence at sea and on the playground increasing every day. Within four months, the people of Sophista would be the proud owners of two new aircraft carriers and their respective battle groups, tripling the size of the Sophistan navy. Despite the effectiveness of dodgeball diplomacy, it never hurt to be prepared.

Far South, the Sultan laughed inwardly after the passage of the UN bill. A national declaration calling for small groups of scientists to be performing ecological work on Vastivan oil platforms had effectively extended Vastivan territorial waters to 400nm - about twice what had been claimed before. Plans were being set forward to put out more platforms at leapfrogging distances, essentially giving Vastiva a UN sanctioned "territorial sea".

"When in doubt, play the loopholes", he said to no one in particular.

It is with regret that we have to admit that we approved this resolution without considering the full consequences of such an action on other states.

While we do agree that the lack of restictions on military activity in international waters is dangerous; it is not the opinion of Grand Teton, on having reviewed this resolution, that it is as restricive as Sophita feels. Stationing craft off the coast of other nations has been the policy of superpowers for a long time now. Not that this makes it right.

[OOC: The US and USSR did it with their nuclear subs for 50 years. Ever seen The Hunt for Red October?]

It is the opinion of Grand Teton that interfering with your kelp operations (for example), to the detriment of your nation would be akin to damaging a Sophistan vessel in international waters. This would of course result in a major diplomatic incident, at the very least.

Thank You
The Ambassador to the UN for the Experimental Democracy of Grand Teton

the soveriegn nation of frankiology thanks the tree dwellers for there excelent point regarding colonies. the soveriegn nation of frankiology now declares its national borders to extend no farther than its capitol building, and declares all other territory previously within the national borders of frankiology to be the colony of frankiology. the implementation of the law of the sea and several other u.n. resolutions will now cease in the colony of frankiology. frankiology again thanks the tree dwellers for there insight.

It is the opinion of Grand Teton that interfering with your kelp operations (for example), to the detriment of your nation would be akin to damaging a Sophistan vessel in international waters. This would of course result in a major diplomatic incident, at the very least.

Our argument isn't that the United Nations now allows other states to interfere with our day-to-day business. Rather, we argue that now our people must militarize the sea in order to defend our interests. Instead of having an international legal framework that discourages such behaviour, or solidifies the rights of states to manage their own economic zones, Sophista must now exert military force upon nations to ensure our interests remain intact. This is a dangerous thing, as now every single ship that passes through the area has the potential to spark a war.

The ambassador of the Impulse stood with a sigh.

"Even still, people are fumbling over this "loophole" in the Law of the Sea. There is no loophole. There is nothing in the law that would allow installations to be built in territorial waters. The passage in question specifically states that nations have the freedom to build underwater installations and the like in international waters, not territorial. Is this is what spurred you to not complying with the Law of the Sea, I suggest you rethink what you are doing."

"Even still, people are fumbling over this "loophole" in the Law of the Sea. There is no loophole. There is nothing in the law that would allow installations to be built in territorial waters. The passage in question specifically states that nations have the freedom to build underwater installations and the like in international waters, not territorial. Is this is what spurred you to not complying with the Law of the Sea, I suggest you rethink what you are doing."

International water, according to the resolution, is defined as anything more than twenty kilometers away from a nation's coastline. A twenty kilometer buffer is infinitisimal considering the average speed of an ICBM is approximately seven kilometers a second. It would take just 2.8 seconds for a missile to hit any coastal city, and under 10 for an air burst over an inland site. The missile would be able to strike before it acheived its top speed, let alone before any evacuation action could be taken.

This is simply unacceptable. No nation, UN-member or not, would accept that kind of threat sitting off its border, and yet the resolution makes it completely acceptable to do so. Now, any nation who chooses to defend itself against said threat is guilty of being the pre-emptive aggressor. Thankfully, the United Nations hasn't taken that right away from us yet.

Consider this one more dimension of the resolution that fuels the argument for Sophistan non-compliance. Would you let us build nuclear silos only twenty kilometers from your capitol? I doubt it.

International water, according to the resolution, is defined as anything more than twenty kilometers away from a nation's coastline. A twenty kilometer buffer is infinitisimal considering the average speed of an ICBM is approximately seven kilometers a second. It would take just 2.8 seconds for a missile to hit any coastal city, and under 10 for an air burst over an inland site. The missile would be able to strike before it acheived its top speed, let alone before any evacuation action could be taken.


I'm sorry but that is a stupid line of reasoning. (I'm talking the reasoning here, I totally respect your nation.)

You are assuming 20 km. OK, so 2.8 seconds is too fast, so let's make it 200 km, whooops we now have 28 seconds to react by your logic. Nope that too is clearly too short a reaction time ... lets make it 2,000 km. Can you knock that puppy out of the sky in 280 seconds?

Ooooop, 2,000 km of ocean territory ... well gee, ain't a lot of that to begin with ...

My point, the 20 km and 200 km or even the bloody 2,000 km "military" Neutral Zones are best left in the minds of Science Fiction writers.

We can sit around and argue about how "we need" puppet states or "breathing room" in order to prevent first strikes. If any nation is really worried about a first strike, then you should do two things:

1) Support a UN resolution which condemns in general first strikes,

2) Build bi-lateral security agreements and join regional armies so that if some godmoder decides to claim he is tossing ICBMs at you faster than you can knock them out of the sky, you and your gang can challenge him to a dodge ball fight.

OOC: Folks, I'm a little disappointed that you (as a group) are making silly arguments (here I'm talking about declaring your country is a dot and that some other country doesn't have to apply to UN resolutions) over something that most real-world nations consider a non-issue. While the game should be fun, and a few wars are nice, I think a great many of you need to get off your asses and try drafting your own proposal and seeing just how fun this game remains when people take to godmoding in response to your resolution.

To continue this, you want to know what nations really care about those first 200 km of ocean? They want to hold onto those resources for the future.

It ain't about "security". It has been and always will be about economics. I'm going to guess that the real reason the 200 km entered the real world debate in the past 20-years is that technology is making it easier for some nations to actually uses more resources further out. But that is a guess, that any of us can easily confirm after a 1 hour search through articles about the real Law of the Sea.

The issue isn't purely about security. If we were only worried about missile silos, we'd just launch a few dozen pre-emptive strikes any time someone got too close and say, "Sorry. Look more closely at your map next time."

We already made arguments concerning the exploitation of natural resources that until this point laid exclusively within our economic zones. Sophista owns a vast number of kelp farms and offshore mineral operations that are now solidly within international waters. Now, should a nation attack those platforms, our only justification is self-defense for economic reasons. No offense, but the people of Sophista don't like to be seen as the warmongering lot, and we'd feel better if there were an international legal framework that offered further defense of our actions.

The Cloud-Water Community of Ecopoeia notes with regret the sequence of events that has led to a state of war between the nations of Sophista and Frisbeeteria. However, we deeply sympathise with the Sophistans predicament. Ecopoeia is another archipelago, as stated in the original discussion on the drafting of the resolution. We are fortunate enough to reside in a currently peaceful region with no real enemies. However, should this change then this resolution leaves us in a precarious position with regards to protecting our already stricken economy. If we were to lose the fruits we derive from the sea, our nation would have no way of sustaining itself. It is even possibe that Ecopoeia would cease to exist as a coherent entity were this to transpire.

We will comply for the time being as were not blessed with Sophista's defensive capacity and cannot risk incurring the wrath of stronger nations. Worse still, Ecopoeia's dodgeball team has finished last in the Alçaearan Continental Dodgeball Championship for seven years in succession. To paraphrase the Ecopoeian dodgeball team manager, defying this UN resolution would be a worse idea than cock-flavoured lollypops.

We hope that good sense will prevail and arrangements made to the satisfaction of all parties in this dispute.

Our sincere best wishes and hopes for peace,

Varia Yefremova
Mathieu Vergniaud
Speakers to the UN

The issue isn't purely about security. If we were only worried about missile silos, we'd just launch a few dozen pre-emptive strikes any time someone got too close and say, "Sorry. Look more closely at your map next time."

First, my government read and actually acknowledges some of your economic arguments. But my government has seen very few other governments whining about anything but security issues.

Second, it isn't that the issue "isn't purely about security". It has nothing whatsoever to do with security. 2.8 seconds, 28 seconds, 280 seconds??!!?? To prepare for a pre-emptive strike?

No, when I hear silly arguments like that I feel nations are just tossing out random words and not well thought out arguments. Stick to talking about issues that we understand and can actually realistically meet a common ground with.

The People's Republic of Demographika also condemns this resolution's lack of foresight. In defense of our nation, we have created a new defense force known as the Beach Brigadiers, who are charged with defending our shoreline from aggressors using newly emplaced 110mm turrets. We regret to report that the resolution has opened up some free trade capabilities within our nation, as fourteen-year-old boys are now being supplied with alternative beverages to sell for a profit in addition to the lemonade they were previously selling.

Related News Items in Demographika
A referendum has revealed that 80% of the nation (accounting for turnout of 92%) feel that Demographika should rethink its position in the United Nations, as the sovereignty pooling appears to be negating the prevailing socialist feelings of the Demographikans at the moment. In an exit poll for the referendum, 40% of the voters thought a counter-union of left-leaning states would be a good idea; 30% thought it would create too much international tension of ideology, and the remaining 30% neglected to comment on the idea.
A popular newspaper in Demographika has published an article that directly refers to the United Nations as the "thieves of socialist states' sovereignty", later suggesting that under the guise of democratic power-pooling, the capitalist and corporate states are imposing their will on the learned socialist states. The article, whilst eccentric and reminiscent of past socialist extremisms, has been recieved by the public as accurate, and an investigation has been launched by a coalition of the Foreign Ministry and the Economic Ministry to ascertain the truth behind the accusations.

Our Stance
The government of Demographika is yet to take a stance on the U.N., but is watching closely and issuing media material to encourage our populus to consider the options at hand in preparation for an upcoming referendum.

Edward stands and is recognized.

"We fully support Sophista in it's decision, and will do what we are able to in facilitating the freedoms of Sophistans by granting them a limitless supply of dodgeballs with which to defend themselves."

[Secret IC] A page brings a note to the Ambassador of Texan Hotrodders From the desk of MJ Donovan

Edwards, don't be making me out to be the bad guy here. You know this damn war is for Dan Hillaker's benefit, not something for big bad Frisbeeteria to be publically shamed about. Gimme a break, wouldja?

[Secret IC] A page brings a note to the Ambassador of Texan Hotrodders From the desk of MJ Donovan

Edwards, don't be making me out to be the bad guy here. You know this damn war is for Dan Hillaker's benefit, not something for big bad Frisbeeteria to be publically shamed about. Gimme a break, wouldja?

[Secret IC] An aide brings a note to the Ambassador of Frisbeeteria From the desk of Edward "Speed Demon" Jones

Fine. We'll send you the the same thing the Sophistans got. And get my name right next time, wouldja?

With sadness the Groot Gouda government follows the developments in the Sophistian Non-Compliance Scandal and the resulting state of war between Frisbeeteria and Sophistia. Despite disagreeing with Sophistia, our nation also condemns declaring war over issues like these. We would like to encourage the UN to keep using reasonable debate instead of violence, and to see whether a solution in this issue an be found.

Yours in peace,

the President of Groot Gouda

The Holy Empire of Vexland supports the United Nations and asks Sophista to rethink their position. If Sophista has issues with the resolution then we suggest they find allies and work to repeal the 'Law of the Sea'.

This is something that should be settled on the debate floor, not the battlefield. If the latter does occur then the Grand Imperial Dominion of Vexland will support whatever economic and/or military actions subscribed by the United Nations.

Hans Wolfberg,
Vexland Ambassador & Trelleborg UN Delegate

The Eternal Kingdom Of Endenia declares itself Neutral in this controversial issue and calls on all involved parties to immediately begin talks concerning the United Nation Resolution "The Law Of The Sea", furthermore it calls for the United Nations to begin an urgent review concerning the Resolution,

However should the talks fail and war is declared, The Kingdom will support whatever military and/or economic actions taken against any of the involved parties.

Again we urge immediate talks to resolve this issue.


Cassandra Woo
Ambassador For The Kingdom.

The Holy Empire of Vexland supports the United Nations and asks Sophista to rethink their position. If Sophista has issues with the resolution then we suggest they find allies and work to repeal the 'Law of the Sea'.

The Council of Mayors of the Confederated City States of Mikitivity has been following this situation and seconds Vexland's call to using the repeal process to find a resolution to these conflicting opinions.

The Holy Empire of Vexland supports the United Nations and asks Sophista to rethink their position. If Sophista has issues with the resolution then we suggest they find allies and work to repeal the 'Law of the Sea'.

This is something that should be settled on the debate floor, not the battlefield. If the latter does occur then the Grand Imperial Dominion of Vexland will support whatever economic and/or military actions subscribed by the United Nations.

Hans Wolfberg,
Vexland Ambassador & Trelleborg UN Delegate

Vexland is right.

Official Goobergunchian Response

We are pleased that Frisbeetaria and Sophista are settling their differences through dodgeball and not via killing people. It's truly nice to see people warring through more civilized means.

The government of Sophista thanks the nations who have stepped forward to ask that we strike our conflict with the Frisbeeterian conglomoration, but must kindly reject any such idea. Our war, fought with dodgeballs in a controlled and properly moderated forum, threatens neither life nor property.

This war has no risk of spilling into other countries or drawing foreign participants into its fold. On the whole, this war is less dangerous than, say, English football matches. What's more, for the government to back down and open the Sophistan people to the whim of an aggressor nation would be a travesty. We take a much greater pride in the defense of our citizens and the strength of our principles.

The Kingdom is pleased that the conflict between the Frisbeetaria and Sophista is being resolved via a Dodgeball Match. This is certainly a better way to settle the conflict than to engage in senseless killing of innocent people.

Thank You,
Cassandra Woo
Chief Ambassador and
U.N Ambassador For The Kingdom

The Great DodgeBall War

is now officially underway. Please visit this topic (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=361434) for the continuation of the Sophista / Frisbeeteria war. The first engagement is taking place in Acceleron Park in Texan Hotrodders, courtesy of Ambassador Jones. Seating is free to UN Delegates and their Heads of State. Please ask a page for your tickets.

Thank you.

[OOC] People often say there isn't any good RPing based on UN events. Some of us are trying to prove them wrong. Please visit The Great DodgeBall War (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=361434) and tell us if we're doing it right.


[edit - please don't comment in the actual War topic - do we need an OOC comment topic? ]