NationStates Jolt Archive

Attention, to all who this may concern:

The International Allied Defense Federation (IADF) currently has a problem with a member-state, and it's status in the international community. The Azazian Royal Crown Colony of Novikov, a former member of the IADF, has reentered the alliance after a short absence. It is now, however, a possession of the United Kingdom of Azazia (UKA), and not an independent state. It is now in question whether such a nation is able to fufill it's obligations under the IADF Charter.

The public hearing has been formed for two reasons. First, and primarily, we wish to allow the UKA to have a voice, and discuss this issue with both Novikov and the members of the IADF. Second, we wish to show the international community the method in which we resolve disputes between member-states. and perhaps convince other nations to join with us in promoting our collective security.

While we invite all nations to listen to these deliberations, we would like to keep the floor limited to Azazia, Novikov, and member-states of the IADF.

This hearing is hearby opened, by direction of the IADF President and Security Council. Authority over this hearing will transfer to the Director of Foreign Affairs as soon as he arrives.

By direction,

Mr. Vincent Bakara,
Director of Domestic Affairs and Intelligence,
Representative to the IADF for the Federal Kingdom of Triancia

(OOC: In plain Englsih, I don’t mind tagging, but let’s keep the actual posting to IADF members and Azazia. ^_^ )

It is my position, and the position of the Federal Kingdom, that the Azazian Royal Crown Colony of Novikov cannot be a full member of the IADF. This conclusion is reached through the following reasoning:

1) Although retaining some authority, similar to a province in federalism, Novikov is a part of the United Kingdom of Azazia.

2) If Novikov is a member of the IADF, the IADF would have an obligation to defend part of the United Kingdom of Azazia (The ARCC of Novikov).

3) The United Kingdom of Azazia has no reciprocity agreement with the IADF, and as such, is not obligated to provide for the defense of the Alliance as a whole.

4) Any participation in the affair of the alliance, including the deployment of Novikovian troops is support of IADF operations, would have to be at the bequest of the United Kingdom of Azazia.

The Federal Kingdom of Triancia sees three solutions to this problem, which it hopes to achieve in this hearing. Note that these are not necessarily the only solutions to this problem, just the ones Triancia sees as the most evident:

1) Novikov is granted independence or home rule by Azazia, or declares independence and is subsequently recognized by the IADF.

2) Azazia joins the IADF as a member-state. Note that, as a province of Azazia, Novikov would be protected by the IADF as a member of the United Kingdom of Azazia, but would not be able to vote in the General Assembly. They would be able to run for office, however.

3) A Diplomatic Agreement is entered into by the IADF and the United Kingdom of Azazia, where the home government of the ARCC of Novikov will be able to fulfill Charter obligations without Azazian oversight or with Azaian oversight provided the Azazians provide some sort of reciprocity agreement.

These are the opinions of the Federal Kingdom, and do not necessarily represent the official position of the IADF.

Mr. Vincent Bakara,
Director of Domestic Affairs and Intelligence,
Representative to the IADF for the Federal Kingdom of Triancia

Tag for now.

Durgstaden von Laifsraggen, Commander in Chief of the International Allied Defense Federation, and Chief of General Staff of the Empire, entered the building of the hearing garbed with his usual public attire, his white Imperial military uniform. His right breast was lined with medals, while his left with a myriad of ribbons, flashing an equal amount of colors and designs. Between the ends of his collar piece he proudly displayed his Order of the Golden Cross, the highest military honor of the Empire, awarded to him for his direction of the war with Kahta years ago. Although quite decorated he was only forty-eight years of age, and he was the spearhead for all young commanders within the Empire. However, his age did not reflect his experience as well as it should have, as he was perhaps the most prominent commander within the ranks of the Empire, and maybe one of the best overseas as well. Indeed, his work as Chief of Staff during the now raging War of Golden Succession was a testament to this.

As he entered the room of the meeting he took a seat where he was directed to, keeping his eyes on the desk. Quickly putting his brown leather suitcase on the table, he rolled the numbers on either side of the lock to dismantle it, and then opened it without further adeu. He spent some thirty seconds organizing his papers on the table in front of him and finalized it all by closing the suitcase and placing it back at his feet, with only the papers he had taken out infront of him. Finished, he looked up and greeted all his IADF partners, as well as the representative of Azazia, and especially a hearty welcome to the representative of Novikov, a man he had worked with for years prior to Novikov's cession to the United Kingdom. Regardless, his own personal allegiance, and his nation's allegiance, to Novikov remained.

He listened attentively when Mr. Vincent Bakar, Minister of Domestic Affairs and Intelligence, spoke up, taking to heart the points he made. All the while, he jotted down his agreements or his disagreements as notes on paper organized before him, quickly moving his eyes from the paper to Mr. Bakar. When the latter dignintary had finished his open commentary von Laifsraggen took the liberty to respond first.

Yes, as highlighted by your first point, Novikov is in fact a provence of the United Kingdom of Azazia, no matter how we look at it. However, it is true that Novikov retains a certain amount of autonomy, which up to know has not been totally specified, or I have just not been informed on it. But, treaty obligations are with the Autonomous Community of Novikov, not with the United Kingdom of Azazia, therefore, I do not feel the responsibility of defending Azazia in times of war, unless Novikov itself was threatened with invasion as repurcussion of being a provence of Azazia. However, even if Novikov was not a provence, the most likely thing would be that Novikov would rush to the aid of Azazia anyway, putting Novikov in direct danger, forcing the IADF to step in, so in the end, the situation would remain the same, regardless of how the cover of the book is judged.

As for the reciprocate agreement, specified by yourself Mr. Bakar, that is true, however, Azazia does have obligations to defend and aid Novikov. It is to say, should Novikov be forced to come to the aid of the IADF, it is the more likely chance that so would Azazia.

Unfortunately, your fourth point is too correct for our gusto, if you will. The addition of Azazia's own beauracracy to that of the IADFs would make it much too slow for Novikov to make worthwhile decisions for the IADF, meaning the tempo of the IADFs actions would slow down rather considerably, and this in my eyes, is not very favourable. However, if Azazia understands the implications of this perhaps the United Kingdom would be open to a revision of its politics with Novikov, and allow it further autonomy in this region to allow Novikov more freedom of operations when dealing with the IADF.

Although the most likely solution would be that specified above, or the granting of greater autonomy to the nation [in terms of ethnicity and nationalism, not sovereignty], we would also like to give Azazia a chance to herself become part of the International Allied Defense Federation, as Azazia has nothing to lose by becoming a member-state, and everything to gain. Regardless, this choice would be Azazia's own, so I now leave the United Kingdom's representative with the floor, or whoever else wants to speak at this point.

Politely, von Laifsraggen finished his speech and leaned back in his chair, turning to the next speaker. For some reason he had the feeling that these talks would last a long while, and in the end it would not be completely favourable for either Novikov, the Empire, or the IADF. Regardless, he would sit it through and voice his opinion time and time again.

Lugal Arwia al-Zakiti, Sumerian delegate to the IADF, had made it a point not to arive in any elaborate fashion, and was quite pleased to see the formality showing itself within the hearing.
It took her a few minutes to transfer the notes she had taken from her breifing earlier and on the trip to those which would be easier for her to read as she would be speaking with the international community.

Fellow representatives, it has long been the policy of the Dictorial Republic of Sumer to regard the Status of Novikov as a seperate and soviergn entity, regardless of their status as an Azazian Royal Crown Colony. We do not see Novikov as being reliant upon the Azazian people or nation to sustain itself, nor have we seen ourselves in anyway committed to the United Kingdom of Azazia in the same way we are to Novikov as an ally.
She took a momentary paus to review her notes and then resumed. Our treaty within the IADF with Novikov is with the State itself of Novikov only. Wether or not Novikov is an independent or autonomous state has very little to do in regards to how we, as members of the IADF, must react to fulfill our treaty obligations. As it was written and seen, Novikov is the entity listed as a meber of the alliance, not Azazia, and given the scenario of Azazia being attacked we would not be obliged to intervene for any more then what we have agreed to, that being the defence of Novikov. Therefore I see no obligation to the United Kingdom of Azazia in any sense, our obligation is that to the state, independant or not, of Novikov.

[/i]However, we do believe that under the current pollitical climate in Novikov, the state in question would be unable to fulfill certian obligations it has with the IADF because of being a colony to the United Kingdom of Azazia. Because of this we would like to be privy to how Azazia views the relations between Novikov and the IADF.[/i]

[/i]Provided the Novikovian state is given enough autonomy to fulfill all of it's obligations to the IADF under the charter, then we believe Novikov should remain at full member status within the IADF. However, limited membership should be enforced if it is impossible for Novikov to attain such a level of autonomy to be satisfactory within the IADF as a full member. Under such a circumstance it is believed that addressing limited membership status to Novikov should be done with regards to the autonomous capabilities of the Novikov state. A blanket limit should not be enforced for we fear that such a limit would be a detriment to the IADF as a whole, doing nothing more then degrading one of our members to a lesser status on paper, and we would not like to see that become reality. I will reserve further arguments for after delegates from Novikov and Azazia have spoken, as both I and my nation feel hearing their respective arguments first would be most wise.[/i]

Quietly she relaxed, passing the floor onto the next speaker.

The President stepped into the lit up room. He had arrived in Novikov just an hour earlier and had finally gotten to the conference hall. He looked around him. All around were images of famous people from Novikov, at least that was what Harsimran thought. Harsimran strolled through the building, looking at the pictures and turning his head. At first he didn't notice the door, as he was too busy looking at the pictures, but finally he was about to hit it before stopping. He then faced the door and fluffed his coat. He took a deep breath and entered the room.

All around him were the delegates of the other nations. He could recognize most of them. As he entered, the room fell silent. He looked around the conference room. The room itself was a huge area. It was painted with red and had a slight glow that made it feel very comfortable to a person. Harsimran turned his head back to the men seated in their chairs. He slowly made his way to a empty seat and put his breafcase down, before sitting down. He adjusted himself in his seat while watching everyone else, who watched him alike. All the staring started making Harsimran feel nervous, which resulted in him sweating. But he swept that feeling behind him. Now he faced the entire room. He then quickly put his hands in his pocket and pulled out a paper. He preceded to open the folded paper and read it outloud in a strong and energetic voice that made the table and delegates shake.

'Hello, my fellow friends. I'm glad that I was able to make it to the meeting." Harsimran cleared his throat before continueing with the real part.

"For the purposes of discussion, I wish to immediately begin this. I'm not a man of waiting so you can understand why I wish to begin. As we all know, this is about Novikov's membership. Many have citied that Novikov is in fact not a true nation, which makes him incapable of doing its duties put forth by the charter of the IADF." Harsimran surveyed the expression of his peers and collegues. After seeing that everyone was in-tune with him, he swallowed and continued. "I think it is important that we come to a fair and democratic resolution to this problem. The choosing will affect the alliance on a whole and will shape the alliance's future members. I can assure you that. For that reason I would like to express my feelings on the matter." Harsimran quietly stepped out of his seat and picked up his briefcase. He trodded toward the podium stationed on the top of the conference room. As he made his way up, he could see that a few people were murmuring about something. Hopefully he thought it was important. Harsimran moved to the podium and looked on. He could see the entire, vast room ahead of him. It now looked much smaller then before, though.

Harsimran opened his briefcase with a switch on a button. He proceeded to take out a document and then closed the case. He opened the document up and read it outloud:

"For my opinion, I have established, that Space Union backs Novikov in its attempt to stay as a full member. I, myself, think denying Novikov this right would be intruding on its national right. Although it is a province now of the Empire of Azazia, I do not think that makes it fully a dependent state. If Azazia has given it the right to join alliances, then Azazia must know that Novikov should be entitled to uphold those guidelines, set fourth by the alliance. It is in that respect, that Azazia believes that Novikov is independent of the empire in the alliance, at least. But we must hear the opinion of the delegate from Azazia before I can say anything. As President of the IADF, though, I question the members that say that Novikov is a subordinate figure. It has autonomy greater than any province, which makes it although not a nation-state, but definently not a province, in a sense. So I ask that you think about this comment before starting. Thank You." Harsimran pulled out a napkin and wiped his forehead. He quickly put his documents in his brown briefcase and shut it tight. He picked it up from the podium and climbed down the stairs to his spot. He tucked the briefcase under his chair before proceeding to sit down. Harsimran then put his hands on the table waiting for another delegate to respond.

OOC: Whats Azazia say on this, also what were the circumstances of Novikov's annexation by Azazia, if it was due to invasion why didnt my fellow members of the IADF do something about it?

OOC: Whats Azazia say on this, also what were the circumstances of Novikov's annexation by Azazia, if it was due to invasion why didnt my fellow members of the IADF do something about it?
Look on the IADF boards. I will explain it there.

To: All IADF Members, All Concerned Nations
From: The Office of Kenix Kil, Director of Foreign Affairs for the IADF
Re: Novikov

Though Director Kil regrets that he could not be present for the conference on Novikov, he wishes to stay involved, and has asked us to forward on his thoughts on the matter to the delegates present.

Greetings fellow Delegates,

My apologies for being unable to attend. I am currently on a diplomatic tour to strengthen Halberdgardian relations with a few key countries, and I will soon thereafter attend the second Portshire Convention meeting, being hosted by the Jewittist Republic of Truitt. However, I still wish to participate in the decision regarding Novikov's membership in the IADF, and I have decided thusly.

I feel that Novikov, as a colony, not a sovereign state, is incapable of fulfilling the obligations required of it as an IADF member. This is due simply to the nature of the relationship between a colony and the "mother country." While I do not wish to see a valuable member such as Novikov be expelled from the IADF, I share the fears of other members that a conflict of interest between the IADF and Azazia, or possibly even between the IADF and Novikov itself, would be highly likely, and highly damaging, given the current situation. As such, I have voted to give Novikov limited membership in the IADF until it regains its sovereignty.

Alternatively, perhaps a dialog could be opened with Azazia regarding Novikov's independence. I feel that this would be the best course of action. If Azazia is willing, and through some careful negiotiations, Novikov might regain its independence through peaceful means, thus eliminating our dilemma. If peaceful talks fail, perhaps alternative plans could be considered. Whatever the case, I believe that sovereignty and self-rule are crucial to Novikov's status as a full IADF member.

Respectfully,
Kenix Kil
Director of Foreign Affairs for the IADF
The Democratic Imperium of Halberdgardia

Several Days Before the Conference

Office of the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister
The Citadel, Imperium, Republic of New Britain

Tobias Heath shuffled the paper strewn across his desk once more, bringing to top the communication that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had received not too long ago concerning the status of Novikov in the IADF. Heath noted with displeasure that once more, the government of Novikov had sidetracked the Prime Minister from more pressing matters concerning the Kingdom. He leaned back in his chair until he heard the first knock on his heavy wooden door. Come in, he called loudly.

The bald Howard Robertson appeared, his angular shoulders and slender physique bouncing into the room. Behind him trailed Kent Tiran, the Director of Communications, and lastly the press secretary. Most of the key staff for the Prime Minister suddenly found itself in Heath’s office, each with their tea, greedily absorbing the caffeine that would get them through the day.

Good morning, everybody.

Good morning, Tobias came the daily droning reply.

Drink your tea and be quiet. Heath smiled, for if nothing else the group assembled before him were truly friends, and were thus able to make these dreadful morning meetings somewhat bearable. I called you in here today because of a specific request from the Federal Kingdom of Triancia.

Who the bloody hell are they? Robertson cried out.

All you need to know, Howard, is that they are a member of the International Allied Defence Federation.

That’s that group founded by… the Macabeans, am I right?

More or less, Howard, more or less. Heath smiled then turned to face the remainder of the small crowd. Anyway, for those of us with our wits about us, at least concerning international affairs –

Deputy Chief of Staff for Domestic Affairs, that’s the title on my desk. Robertson interjected.

Yeah, we get the picture, Baldy. Tiran coughed.

Hey, Kent, it’s way too early in the morning for bald jokes.

Will you two school girls knock it the hell off, or do we need to call Sister Mary on in? Heath moaned.

Depends if she’ll spank us. Robertson retorted, leading all but Heath to laugh.

Shut up, Howard. Heath pushed copies of the Triancian request to the boys before him. This is what we’re dealing with.

Novikov again? Howard asked. Haven’t we already done enough for the bastards? I mean they already shot up our country, let that bitch of a PM escape, found her own damn little country that they don’t want us to touch. I mean Jesus Fucking Christ, Tobias. What the bloody hell are we supposed to do with them? Let them go independent after they killed… what was it, two hundred thousand of our people?!

Heath nodded. Unfortunately, he had also known Robertson would respond as such. Any situation with the Novikovians was a difficult one for the Prime Minister’s Deputy Chief of Staff because Robertson’ sister had been killed by an errant missile that had slammed into an office building in Portsmouth. Not moving his head, Heath caught the downward stares of the others in the room, no one looking forward to talking next. But that was why Heath was their boss.

We can’t ignore them, Howard, Heath responded, this time in a far quieter, far more serious voice than had present in the meeting thus far. Their government did some awful, evil things; but we are also making sure that they no longer will pose that threat to the rest of the world. And I guarantee you that the Prime Minister will not give them independence anytime soon. But nevertheless, the Triancians have asked for our attendance in this meeting, and I think it’s best that we send someone to represent our interests.

But why can’t we just blow them off. I mean if they are actually even considering calling Novikov an independent state, why don’t we just ignore their request.

Because we have friends in that group, Howard. The Macabeans will surely listen with great consideration to what we have to say, and they are likely to hold a lot of sway – if not formally – with the group. Worst comes to worst, we use the power of the Royal Governor to withdraw Novikov from the organization. Then they can’t do a thing because the Royal Governor is now the chief authority on those islands.

Alright, but who are we going to send? I don’t think it’s wise to send the Prime Minister. Not at all. With the whole trumped up charge of imperialism being levied against us by Sarzonia, we can’t afford to give the argument any credence by sending the highest ranking official of Parliament off to Novikov to defend our imperialism.

You’re right. Heath nodded. In truth, he had already decided upon that long ago. But he had also decided that appearing to let the people under his authority seem to arrive at the right answer also proved beneficial. What do you think about the Deputy Prime Minister?

Rousseau? No, Robertson trailed off momentarily, his mouth still open as thoughts fired across his synapses. No, no… this is what we do. Minister of Colonial Affairs. Send that new Bashir kid. It does two things, Tobias. One, we don’t lend credence to the argument of the IADF and of Sarzonia because we aren’t taking this level on the same level of seriousness, with the same amount of gravitas that those two did. Second, instead of sending Rousseau, we send someone from our own party to defend our annexation of Novikov. Strengthens the support of the Democratic Socialist Party. I think if we do that, we have a good chance of winning on both fronts.

Heath nodded. There were good reasons for Robertson’s remaining on the senior staff, and that argument was one of them. Very good, Howard, very good. Alright, Kent, write a statement for the morning press briefing about how we’re dispatching Bashir to Novikov to answer questions by the IADF concerning the status of Novikov with respect to their organization. Make no mention on how it’s a discussion on the annexation. Simply that we are going to clarify Novikov’s status within the Kingdom. Then, Howard, I need you to go tell Bashir that he’s going to Novikov.

Present Day

Conference, Royal Crown Colony of Novikov

Iain Bashir grinned, but only slightly, as he listened to the words of the politicians before him. Reclining in his chair, sipping slowly from his glass of ice water, he listened to the complaints, to the remedies, to lastly the letter sent by yet another government concerned about the land which hosted them all. The land ravaged by two months of continual artillery barrages, of tank fire, of napalm and scorched earth policies. Rivers blocked by bridge debris and ports blocked off by sunken ships. The capital, the architectural masterpiece, the cultural centre of Novikov, Poldi’sk. The city lay in piles of rubble. Universities, hospitals, government buildings, offices, apartments, factories. Save the few new meeting places and the rebuilt shells of buildings, nothing was left standing in the capital. Nevertheless, the helipad and airstrips worked… even if they were Royal Air Fields. And the port worked, even if flew the flag of the Royal Navy. And yet these people seemed content to discuss Novikov as if the country even deserved to be independent. Finally, with the letter over, Bashir coughed, clearing his throat, announcing to the room that he was ready to speak.

On the behalf of His Majesty’s Government, and His Majesty Michael I, Sovereign King over the realm of the Republics of Azazian and All His Majesty’s Royal Colony and Overseas Dependencies, I welcome you to the Royal Crown Colony of Novikov. Bashir took a sip from his drink and straightened his posture. Now, I wish to thank you for all coming upon the request of the Federal Kingdom so that I may help clarify the status of the colony of Novikov with respect to your esteemed organization.

Firstly, His Majesty’s Government would like to quash any possible discussion on the future independence of Novikov, as it relates to the short and intermediate terms of your organization. There will simply be no such thing. Additionally, there will be no policies of home rule or significant autonomy. The Royal Crown Colony of Novikov was annexed by His Majesty’s Government in direct response to her unprovoked and unwarranted, barbaric first strikes against the civilian populace of the Kingdom. And the territory will remain under the flag of the United Kingdom until we feel that the Novikovian government can be trusted by not only the international community but, more importantly, His Majesty’s Government, the true victim of the war.

However, the United Kingdom is not unmoved by the arguments presented here so far. We fully realize that direct oversight would be a hindrance to efficient governance of the IADF, and with friends in this organization, we have no interest in hurting the IADF. However, all present parties must be aware that the government of Novikov will not, and cannot act alone without the consent and approval of His Majesty, either directly or by His Majesty’s servants in Parliament or His Majesty’s Royal Governor. It is this deference to the wishes and concerns of all present that I have been sent by my government to discuss the possibilities of remedying this apparently intractable situation with the utmost rapidity.

To that end, I have been authorized to consider treaties that enumerate the specific rights and obligations of the Royal Crown Colony of Novikov, and if necessary the United Kingdom as a whole, with regards to the IADF. Within those confines, any force deployment, or any consideration of force deployment by Novikov must have the consent and the approval of Parliament in Imperium. Secondly, if matters come to no other possible endgame than His Majesty’s Government acceptance into the IADF, Novikov would not have any say without the explicit consent of His Majesty’s Government, nor would Novikov be able to submit candidates for any position, nor legislation for consideration. I feel that at this juncture I must reiterate that the terms for peace for the conclusion of the war between the UK and Novikov were that the Novikovians forfeited their right to sovereignty and to self-government. With all due respect to the thoughts of each of your governments, Novikov is no longer a state that can be recognized as independent or semi-independent. Novikov is an integral member of the United Kingdom.

So, if those present have any detailed possibilities that would fit the parameters so far outlined by my government, I am willing to listen. And if those representatives of the local Novikovian Parliament have anything to say, I invite them to speak as well. Bashir now leaned back in his chair, hoping that the determination of the United Kingdom to hold onto, and to reign in the rogue elements of Novikov were clearly established before the meeting went any further.

‘This is most certainly a tricky one..’ Christopher thought to himself huffing his way up the stairs to the meeting room his clothes pressed but not altogether clean, a quick lunch on the go in order to make it from the airport to the hearing had left several small crumbs stuck within the folds of his gray suit, a blue carnation sitting elegantly if somewhat haphazardly in his lapel. He slipped in past the guard after flashing his credentials and took his seat next to his aid just as Azazias’ representative had begin speaking. His seat creaked slightly but the sound quickly dissipated into the background without many more than Christopher being aware. As he listen he was a little perturbed, not so much at the Azazians statements but that he now had one more bureaucratic hurdle to clear to reinstate Novikovs’ status within the IADF. Perhaps anger was a better motivator to speech than duty, because he jammed the button for an audience down at his small general assembly speakers podium so hard he feared he would push it through the surface of the veneered table. He regained his composure however and waited to be recognized before speaking.

“Gentlemen and representatives of the International Alliance Defense Force, Noble representatives of the United Kingdom of Azazia. I feel there are several mistaken concepts floating around this discussion that I feel should be squashed here and now before this discussion can go any further.

Firstly I would like to Apologize to the Representative of the United Kingdom for any mis-communications or allusions that the intention of this alliance and discussion is to separate Novikov from its grasp. This not so, nor something our charter advocates or encourages and I wish to remind any who might be considering such actions that it is not our purview to interfere in the sovereignty of others when formal treaties have been signed.

Second I would like to assuage any fears the United Kingdom may have concerning our support for the atrocities committed by the former government of Novikov and offer our complete sympathies and condolences, had Novikov not cut ties with us we would have put our full force into preventing such a catastrophe and prayerfully prevented any loss of life on either side. The Armed Democratic Republic is also personally willing to offer the full support and assistance of our intelligence services to seeking out war criminals and to ensure due process is completed.

It is though that we do come to a bit of apolitical crossroads in that we have held long standing relations and alliances with the people of Novikov and it is those people whom we wish to help and support.”

Christopher took a sip of water from his table the anger completely gone by this point, and his face brought back to his usual calm contemplative state.

“ Novikov before and after the incident involving your respected nation, has given much to the support of this alliance and we feel it only proper to return that decency and kindness with what support we can provide. You must understand with the exceptions of a hostile coup that lead up to this mess, the oath Novikov swore as part of joining this alliance predates any nastiness that may have occurred and therefore leaves us. Their true allies a bit lost as to how to approach the matter.

We do not seek that they have self rule, but we do request their continued participation in this alliance, which with your permission may well be profitable for the United Kingdom in many ways.

Primarily the added defense by this alliance with the Crown Colony helps lessen logistical and manpower requirements should someone seek to invade your possession. Second with full participation of the crown colony in the IADF can support and help fund the rebuilding of the crown colony, lessening cost and tax burden on your and Novkiovian taxpayers.

As you can see despite any harsh words by my colleges we have no intentions of preventing your right to rule, but we do have certain obligations to a member and I would rather see them removed from this alliance then have their voice removed entirely…

I thank you for your time..”

Christopher took his seat for the second time in no less than five minutes he had spoken what eh felt was right, and defended his ally despite what may seem like a hopeless case, the people did not commit those crimes, and he saw no reason to limit their voice in this alliance, at least not while he still had a voice in the general assembly.

Currently, there was some small amount of chaos inside the Triancian delegation, the type that looked like intelligent discussion mixed with a healthy amount of excitement. Mr. Bakara, a middle-aged man of Middle-Eastern descent, with relatively ubiquitous glasses, had looked mildly intrigued at the beginning of the Azazian speech, and, near the end of it, had began the process of nearly-silent discourse that was currently visible.

About a minute after the Mekugian delegate spoke a minute or so of this, the small storm ended in a few seconds, with Vincent nodding, and standing up. He gave a smile to those around him, as he slowly walked up to take the podium. Once he reached it, he took a small moment to clear his throat, and place on his glasses, before looking down at his small amount of notes, and speaking.

”Well, that does seem to answer a number of our questions. I want to thank Mr. Bashir for attending this conference, and clarifying Novikov’s status within the United Kingdom of Azazia.

“I would like to confirm my colleagues from Mekugi’s statements. It is not the purpose, intention, or want of this alliance to interfere with democratic, sovereign nations. We currently recognize Azazian control over Novikov, and its control of the Novikov government. We also wish to affirm that we deeply regret the Kacnerova Administration’s aggression, and the loss of life on both sides of this war. The IADF would not have supported Novikov in the war.

“However, while we understand the UKA’s dedication to protecting their people from further hardship, the UKA must understand our dedication to the people of Novikov. Mr. Bashir stated that independence or home rule would not be considered in the near future. The Federal Kingdom would like to know under what conditions the United Kingdom would consider granting Novikov its sovereignty. Is there a time-table available? National elections planned? A new constitution in the creation phase?

He nodded to the room in general. “I hope these questions can be answered, and, as Novikov progresses in their recovery, the IADF can help defend their nation and the dominion they resides. Thank you."

He stepped down from the podium, and yielded the floor to the next speaker.

[OOC: Sorry about the crap finish. I can't quite collect my thoughts and put them together into anything worthwhile. Maybe later.]

Jan Mukařovský stood to fill Mr. Bakara’s place, prodded on by the other members of his delegation sitting near the front of the room. Perhaps to foreigners the place in which they now resided held little significance, but as the owner of this rather exquisite piece of architecture Mukařovský was not a little disturbed to see such a crowd in his home. The residence had been chosen because it was one of the few buildings untouched by the recent war, and certainly the only one large enough for such a congregation in the vicinity of Poldi’sk’s governmental district. In that understanding, Mukařovský had agreed to host the conference, but – secretly an ardent member of those opposed to the IADF – he resented having to share his abode with his country’s oppressors and those who would usurp her fragile military and political strength for their own gain.

“Greetings,” he began, silently telling himself to smile despite his disgust. “We have already heard from a great many speakers, and I thank them for their opinions. Before I continue – however belated it is – I would like to welcome you to my home and to the great land once known as Novikov.” He practically spat out the words ‘once known.’ “As you are no doubt have guessed, I am speaking to you today on behalf of my government – however little of it remains – of Novikov. I am a senior member of the Úrad na Koloniálá Reprezentácia – the Bureau for Colonial Representation - and as such am acutely aware of the role that Novikov’s government plays in the actual governance of Novikovian territories. That limited role has been made abundantly clear by my estranged countrymen in the Azazian delegation. It is also no secret among my companions that I am no supporter of the IADF. Perhaps then, given the circumstances, I am not the best candidate to present my government’s wishes. Nonetheless, I am before you now.”

“The fact that I am in fact standing before you now as a member of some group other than the Azazian entourage does bear noting, for, regardless of the prescribed legal circumstances, Novikov remains distinctly apart from the rest of the United Kingdom. Our political and economic future as a sovereign people has been dashed to pieces, but we are not without hope or leadership. Novikov will continue to progress in the best manner possible.”

“In the furtherance of that progress, my superiors have made it my duty to inform those of you in the IADF that, with whatever power we are granted, we will honor those agreements we have bound ourselves to. The extent of powers granted to those in Novikov remains in question, and we are here to discuss exactly that.”

“The issue is not black and white. It is with great sympathy and understanding that we acknowledge the wishes of the Royal Government that the sovereignty of the Novikovian people will not become a topic of discussion. Likewise, we do not presume to have the authority needed to bring the United Kingdom as a while into the IADF fold. Yet if neither of these two options are available, is there another way this conflict of interest might be resolved? Yes.”

“Self rule is an ongoing process, and independence may best be given in degrees. Though there has been no timetable put forth, it is understood throughout the United Kingdom that the ultimate goal of Azazian intervention in Novikov is to return self rule to her people in due time, once the threat of violence between these two peoples has diminished.”

“If Novikovian self rule is then understood to be a goal of the Azazian government, the only question is one of timing. Can we reasonably expect the Azazian people, so tragically wounded by a war of Novikovian design, to simply abandon their plans for Novikov and restore unto us full sovereignty over the actions of our armed forces? No.”

“What could be a reasonable course of action, however, is to operate in degrees. The negative impact of Novikovian involvement in the IADF is negligible and can well be ignored. The military threat posed by the IADF ought be of little concern to the United Kingdom, who has a multitude of allied and like-minded states within the IADF. As this is the case, the Novikovian government suggests that a compromise be brokered in which a small partition of Novikov’s military – ground, sea, and air forces – be given over to the control of the IADF Security Council. These troops would hen constitute Novikov’s contribution to the IADF’s Rapid Reaction Force and allow it to fill its obligations as an IADF member state without retaining exclusive control over it’s armed forces. This solution would life Azazian fears over an independent Novikovian military establishment and will at the same time allow Novikov a limited amount of independence, as those troops given over to the IADF will be under Novikovian military control when on deployments for the IADF.”

“While this may not be the most elegant solution, the IADF and Novikov possess the infrastructure to implement it at no cost to the United Kingdom and it would, as noted before, allow a large measure of control to still exist over Novikov’s military, preventing a threat to the United Kingdom fro ever again rising in Novikov. We thus implore you to consider such an option as a viable and creative solution to the issue at hand, and one which we feel may best serve the interests of all parties involved.”

Bashir sipped his ice water, listening to the rhetoric of Mukařovský wondering why the royal governor had not forced the damn Novies to send someone else and why that Heartman chap could not represent the colony? Bashir was himself not immune to claims of racial intolerance. Partly descended from Arab traders, he had lived as a child through the racial injustices meted out by the English majority upon not only the Arabs, but upon all the minorities within the then Commonwealth. No state was perfect, and Bashir knew the UK was far from perfect – but injustices aside, he identified with the Novies, but knew they had to remain under the Kingdom’s sovereign reign.

And so it was with a faint smile that he listened to the acknowledgement of the chamber that Novikov would remain a crown colony, the small upturned lips wavering only slightly at the mention of a timetable. He waited until the Novikovian delegation had finished, wondering why Cahill had even allowed a Novikovian delegation to attend.

Perhaps a few more clarifications are in order, if I may so kindly have the ears of this assembly?

Bashir took a long moment to pause, taking a long drink from his water with his eyes darting about from side to side for each second it took for the water to run down his throat, the cold spreading through his chest. He tapped his tabletop and an intern quietly moved over to fetch a refill.

Excellent, he muttered, more to himself than anyone else as he gathered his papers. Novikov will not, for the considerable future, be granted sovereignty under any circumstances. The Treaty of Poldi’sk, signed by the remnants of the Kacnerova government, remnants that form the current legitimate government recognized by the United Kingdom, ceded sovereignty from the Novikovian Parliament to, and I quote, “the Lord Sovereign of the United Kingdom, whose power shall be exercised through His Majesty’s Parliament, in perpetuity.” Legally speaking, there is no timetable for handing over power to the Novikovian people. Legally speaking, the United Kingdom would be wholly within its bounds to appoint a dictator for life to rule over Novikov.

However, despite the barbarous atrocities perpetrated by the Novikovian government and the general insurrections faced by His Majesty’s Government in cities like Grozny and in larger areas such as Lesser Novikov, the United Kingdom has been more than generous in allowing the Novikovian Parliament to continue sitting to lead the Novikovian people through this admittedly tough period of transition.

For the time being, all discussions of the exact political future for Novikov are privy only to the Cabinet of the Prime Minister. However, for the purpose of this assembly, Prime Minister Tetley has authorized me to announce that within twelve months, under the conditions that security be tightened, corruption rooted out, and a sufficient infrastructure rebuilt, that the Novikovian people may be able to hold national elections for the Novikovian Parliament. Additionally, a new constitution for Novikov is under review by the Ministry of Colonial Affairs although being such an important document it will be many months before I will be able to reveal its exact contents to the public. Suffice to say it will acknowledge the Crown of the United Kingdom as the head of state for Novikov.

Bashir knew full well that up until now had been the standard party line, although in all probability the IADF knew little of domestic politics within the Kingdom. Nevertheless, the tricky part in doling out concessions while attaining certain benefits would be commencing with his very next statements. And so he smiled, and took the glass of ice water from the intern and took another long sip.

Now, in an effort to foster a lasting peace and friendship with both the IADF and with its member nations on a bilateral level, the United Kingdom is not, in principle, opposed to limited Novikovian participation within your organization. There are, of course, what I believe to be wholly legitimate concerns regarding the use of Novikovian forces by the IADF. Principally, this applies to the use of Novikovian troops with regards to offensive operations. While your organization by its very title implies a defensive alliance – there remains the possibility that in time the defensive goals could very well be corrupted to that of an aggressive, expansionist, offensive alliance. Although I am quite positive that would never happen within the timeframe of all the current leaders whose representatives sit here today, the possibility exists down the river, so to speak, and requires attention in the here and now.

From our own history, as members of the Ur Trade Pact, the United Kingdom – then the Commonwealth – was allied with economic powers in a purely economic pact, until, after some time, newer members advocated a war with powers whose names are not salient to this discussion. The Commonwealth wisely withdrew from the organization before the onset of this war, a war which saw the end of the Ur Trade Pact. This one example hopefully elucidates the potential problems the United Kingdom envisions, should the IADF ever be corrupted to the point where it embarks upon offensive operations, Novikovian naval, ground, or air forces may be called upon – and in so doing they will fly the flag of the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom cannot commit forces to an offensive operation without the explicit consent of Parliament by law.

That said, I am authorized to discuss details of a treaty that would allow for Novikovian armed forces to be used in operations for the explicit and specific defence of fellow IADF members and that in the deplorable circumstance that Novikovian soldiers, sailors, or airpersons be called upon to unjustly invade a foreign power, the United Kingdom withholds the right to immediately and without explanation or consultation, remove the Novikovians from any and all obligations to the IADF without fear of reprisal from the IADF. Logistically speaking, this would be best achieved by a special detachment of Novikovian forces because under the current framework provided by the Treaty of Poldi’sk, all Novikovian armed forces are loyal to the Crown above all Novikovian commanders; and thus they are liable to be called into action at any time and on any front that His Majesty requires as Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Royal Armed Services.

Secondarily comes the issue that, should a proposal along the aforementioned lines be acceptable to the IADF as a whole, it is the opinion of His Majesty’s Government that at the very least, the United Kingdom ought to retain the right to oversee the discussions of military actions that would involve Novikov. To that end, His Majesty’s Government would appoint an ambassador to the IADF to represent the United Kingdom at IADF meetings where Novikov is involved. He or she would be given the right to address any such council or assembly although he or she would not have the power to vote on any issue. In effect, this ambassador would serve to ensure that the aforementioned stipulations were being upheld by the IADF and in return the IADF would be allowed to appoint an ambassador or other official envoy to the United Kingdom.

Bashir finally cut his microphone and leaned back in his chair.

[OOC: Response coming tomorrow.]