International Conference on Policy Debate (MT/IC/OPEN!)

[Venaleria]

International Conference On Policy Debate

Welcome World Nations!


We are here at the annual International Convention to discuss the world issues which have taken place in the past calendar year. These issues may include energy, education, economy or social problems in the world today. We aim to debate on these dilemmas and find an overall census on the matters at hand. After each issue has been discussed, a vote will be taken by the representatives from each nation and a final resolution will be made on the subject. For each new issue, elected Speaker Fabienne Aymond of Abylaweth shall choose a representative from a selected nation to speak. In order to speak, please state this sentence "(Name of Rep.) of the delegation for (Name of Nation) would like to speak on the issue of (Name Issue)." However, delegations are only allowed to speak once an issue discussion has been concluded by Mrs. Aymond and once she has recognized the representative to speak. If she chooses to decline their speaking, she may do so. There will also be short recesses in-between sets of issues for delegations to talk amongst themselves and converse over decisions that were made. At the end of the conference, a message will be sent out with a declaration stating the new rules set in place.

Thank you, and proceed with the debates!


OOC: This is a roleplay thread! So no "one-liners". Act like you are the representative!

[Abylaweth]

6:00, January 31st, 2013; World Convention
Speaker Fabienne Aymond: "The debates are now open. Suggestion options are therefore open for consideration."

[Baklavistan]

Baklavi Delegation, International Conference on Debating Governmental Policies
Samir al-Khalib, key speaker and leader of the Baklavi delegation

The Baklavi delegation to the conference was a group of three middle-aged men: the translator, the aide, and Samir al-Khalib, an university professor, intellectual, speech-giver, and demagogue. Some called him a mouthpiece of the Seriph, paid out by the government; in Baklavistan, he is one of the most influential people of all time.

He was a bespectacled, aging man; his graying beard and receding hairline, and his body, all suggested that he had enjoyed the better part of life. He was dressed in a tie-less suit and shirt, a finger pensively resting over his lips.

Photo of Samir al-Khalib, Baklavi intellectual and demagogue. (OPI)

At the behest of the Speaker, he rose to his feet - slowly, but rather dramatically, apparently before anyone else. In a deep, sonant voice, his words in Fayid resonated across the hall, amplified by a speaker. Naturally, it would be translated by whatever staff the other delegations had on hand to a language they could understand.

"The Seriphate of Baklavistan," he began, "or more appropriately, I, personally seek to better the life of the average person. I want peace. I want to feel secure. I want to know that the world is a better place than when I was born. It's a penchant of older men and wishful thinking on my part. For every topic discussed by us today, let us hope that there is a concrete resolution beneficial to all. I am honoured to be here, and honoured to begin.

"Samir al-Khalib, of the delegation for the Seriphate of Baklavistan.
We would speak on the issue regarding the aftermath of the Gothic embargoes."

He continued to say, "As some of my colleagues present in this conference may be aware, what started as a battle that pitted David against Goliath - the Aerosalian embargo of Gholgoth - impacted the international economy.

"Although we do not have a position whatsoever on the merit of the embargoes or the actions of their participants, the effects of over-reliance, and absolute domination of key global markets in finance and defense by members of the Gothic region, have been widely felt. Even though Baklavistan itself has no direct ties in Gholgoth, we have had to navigate difficult financial straits as our economy has been upended by a decision of a few states.

"As such, we would like to ask of our fellow delegates, what can we do to move forward? What can we learn from the events transpired? Is there anything we can do, as nations joined for a cause, to curb the devastating effects of unregulated activities of economic powerhouses? How can we promote a more reliable global economy?"

"The effects of the recession, we believe, are almost history. But is there a risk of re-occurrence? Is Gholgoth likely to repeat these events? Is there another alliance, company or nation in the world that can do the same?

He nodded to the speaker, and took his seat once more. "At this time, I would yield to the madam Speaker."

[Abylaweth]

"The gentleman from Baklavistan is recognized. Further arguments by fellow delegations are encouraged at this time. Going once..."

[Havenwalde]

Havenwalder Delegation, International Confrence on Debating Governmental Policies.

CNP Representive of Foreign Affairs Rudolph Felder

The Havenwalder Delegation consisted of two men simply the translator and The Conservative National Party (CNP) representive of foreign affairs Rudolph Felder leader of the Delegation to the confrence. He was a middle aged man in his late thirties and was a successfull orator in the CNP having many interveiws and sit downs in Politics related television channels in Havenwalde. Rudolph had also been recognized as "The Man of The Year" in a national magazine released by the Havenwalder Times. He was famed for his words and how he presented his arguements or debates on the microphone.

After hearing the Baklavi Delegate raise the first topic for the debate, he took what he knew from the crisis months ago regarding several major corporations shutting down. He was going to make his point here.

"I'd like to make my arguement, miss speaker" he said as he rose from his seat his eyes scanning the room which was certainly full of other delegations.

"I would like to point out that the Global Recession which happened months ago, was defiantly a tragedy for stock markets around the world and hit hard working people even in my country, Havenwalde" he said.

"The Recession has obviously shown that we cannont rely on these major companies mainly centered in Gholgoth. If something were to happen like the blockade, it would ruin the economic balance of many. I personaly see Gholgoth as a pit of despots, but their are those that stand out from the despot bunch" he said.

"If more nations around the world tried to invest in more different companies around the world and solified their investment in a variety. We could stop another Financial crisis from happening" he said as he concluded his short speech.

"I conclude my arguement" he finished as he sat down and waited.

[Baklavistan]

Baklavi Delegation, International Conference on Debating Governmental Policies
Samir al-Khalib, key speaker and leader of the Baklavi delegation

Samir nodded through what the translator told him. Although his knowledge of the international academia, and his ranking in it, were faulty for the most part, he acknowledged that Rudolph Felder had a point. Perhaps something productive may come from this... He rose to address the floor once more.

"Our fellow delegates, Mr. Felder has a point. The recession has hit the financial markets especially hard: not only are some of the world's leading international stock markets based in Gholgoth, but Gothic corporations - due to the immense political and economic backing they receive - often have large holdings in other countries. If something were to happen to upset the fragile balance, and the nerves of Gothic governments... well, we've seen the worst.

"Diversifying government and major corporate investments and assets, especially through a wide variety of financial institutions such as banks and stock exchanges, may prove crucial in avoiding another meltdown.

"A major problem to this, I believe, is the appeal of the general stability of Gothic business as compared to the rest of the world. Strong militaries backing strong governments backing strong corporations would promote security indeed, but security by the sword does not last long for those who believe that their assets will be defended by the efforts of others. But I believe I have yet to see a banking corporation that can outperform theirs.

"The question(s) that I have for Mr. Felder are: how exactly could any country - for the sake of example, let us take Baklavistan - diversify its assets? It comes of no consolation that most companies prefer to exchange their stocks through established exchanges. If you were in charge of representing Havenwalde's foreign trade and finances, which includes investing in foreign markets, how would you do your job most effectively?

"Lastly, could you name any current business, not affiliated with Gholgoth in any way, shape, or form, that could be a replacement for existing international trade with that region? Thank you." Finished, Samir sat down again.

[Havenwalde]

Rudolph Felder, CNP Rep of Foreign Affairs, Leader of Havenwalder Delegation.

Felder nodded to his translator as he rose from his seat once more, to address the Baklavi Delegate and his questions that he was presented with. He looked straight at the Baklavi Delegate and begun his answers.

"Well, if I was head of the Ministry of Economics & Trade. I would taking a look at what transpired try and find more variety then just the Gothic companies which most invest too. Their are other regions with nations with very well run companies, like Lyran Arms and several vehicle manufacturer companies in the world not belonging to Gholgoth" he said.

"Diversifying the stock market would be a priority to me as what transpired in Gholgoth. As I said before such non Gothic companies consist of Lyran Arms and several automotive companies" he said as he concluded his answer, "I rest my arguement, and give the floor back to Mr. Samir Al-Khalib of Baklavistan" he said as he sat back down.

[Baklavistan]

Baklavi Delegation, International Conference on Debating Governmental Policies
Samir al-Khalib, key speaker and leader of the Baklavi delegation

Samir waved his hand dismissively. "Lyras is, nevertheless, part of the region of Greater Dienstad - and most of us can agree that Dienstadi nations, along with their counterparts in Pardes Elion, Ellorea, Tetrakon among others, run a very tough racket for the rest of the world. As Lyran Arms and Lambda Financial are but storefronts for the Lyran Protectorate to rake in money, they would fall under the category of highly speculative investments.

"Like I have said before, it are these mega-corporations, backed by their mega-governments, that pose the highest risk to the international economy. They don't have to be Gothic in origin to pull another full stop in the markets.

"And lastly, are defense, finance and automotive manufacturing the only industries worthy of note in the world now? Something must be done, I feel, to promote the other markets that are lagging behind - unique cultural products, for example; restaurants and agricultural suppliers; logging and timber; energy; and tourism, just to name a few."

Samir paused for a moment. "And yet, Mr. Felder speaks truth in that we must diversify our investments to move forwards. I believe that that should be a key lesson that all of us can walk away with after this conference.

"Whether nations follow through with this, however, remains a test of national sovereignty and common sense.

"But what can we do as an international community of independent governments, Mr. Felder, to promote fairer and more equitable trade, in which us - the consumers and investors, and also the smaller nations of the lot - have more say? How could we regulate the rampant greed and carelessness of existing multi-national corporations?

"I have my own thoughts, of course, but I'd like to hear your answer on this issue first, Mr. Felder."

[Venaleria]

"We recognize both gentlemen. The issue on economic recessional recovery standpoints will make the vote after several more opinions have been made. Continue."

[Havenwalde]

Rudolph Felder, CNP Rep of Foreign Affairs, Leader of Havenwalder Delegation.

Felder stood up after nodding to his translator. "Reach out to them, spread the message we are trying to form here" he said as he took a sip of water before continuing. "It might be the only way to get them to notice" he finished and sat down waiting for what the Baklavi Delegation was going to respond with.

[Venaleria]

"Mr. al-Khalib, if you do not speak, we will have to take the vote without you and ahead of time without other delegation's opinions."

[Venaleria]

OOC: Bump

[Baklavistan]

Baklavi Delegation, International Conference on Debating Governmental Policies
Samir al-Khalib, key speaker and leader of the Baklavi delegation

"Madam Speaker, I am confused as to what we are supposed to be voting on? Sure, Mr. Felder and I have recognised that the recession was a definite problem, but we remain the only delegates who have spoken thus far. Furthermore, there is nothing more we can do than to spread a message, so we propose the following:

On Economic Practices
The International Conference on Policy Debate (ICPD) recognises the grave risk that over-investiture and reliance in certain markets and nations, especially those of the region of Gholgoth, may have on national economies and their ability to perform independently. The ICPD wishes for a world with an economy that is reliable and responsible first to those in the nations in which the wealth should originate.

Therefore, the ICPD recommends the following measures:

* Diversification of government and major corporate assets and investments;
* Formation of an international body intended to regulate the practices of international financial corporations, banks, and stock exchanges;
* Promotion of industries besides automotive and defense manufacturing, including but not limited to agriculture, tourism, and finance.

The ICPD reminds nations that these recommendations are strictly voluntary, but that nothing that the ICPD will be construed to prohibit them from pursuing more stringent measures in application of these recommendations.

Let us vote on this message that the ICPD will formally announce. The Baklavi delegation votes aye.

[Riserland]

The Riserlandish delegation, much like the Havenwalders is only made up of only 2 men: representative Walter Ichisse Broadermen of the Communist Party of Riserland (CPR) and his translator. Walter was a small-time regional representative who had big aspirations of running for the central committee for the position of Minister of Education but after the Angelian war broke out and all elections were suspended, Brodermen quit politics all together for a 4 year period during which he started work as an administrator in a tank factory. Since the peace treaty was signed and the emergency war-time powers were returned to the people, Commissar of Foreign affairs Anna Bhanil appointed Broadermen to speak at the ICPD as his first function since returning to the world of politics.

Walter Ichhisse Broadermen of the delegation for The People's Republic of Riserland stands and exclaims "Aye".


representative Walter Ichisse Broadermen

"The people of my nation will obviously not be affected much by these economic reforms if adopted but I am obligated by the central committee to support any and all regulations on banks, corporations or stock exchanges- no matter where and no matter how minuscule. Since we are the first nation to speak from the continent of Protonia we would also like to call attention to recent affairs there as soon as this vote comes to a close."

A short, well-timed pause follows

"That is all, let the vote continue."

[Venaleria]

Speaker
"And what say the Havenwalderians?"

[Havenwalde]

Felder spoke up, "Aye" as he sipped a glass of water.

[Venaleria]

Speaker
"The issue is seconded and confirmed. The delegation boards hereby make this conclusion presented by the Honorable Gentleman from Baklavistan :

The International Conference on Policy Debate (ICPD) recognizes the grave risk that over-investiture and reliance in certain markets and nations, especially those of the region of Gholgoth, may have on national economies and their ability to perform independently. The ICPD wishes for a world with an economy that is reliable and responsible first to those in the nations in which the wealth should originate.

Therefore, the ICPD recommends the following measures:

* Diversification of government and major corporate assets and investments
* Formation of an international body intended to regulate the practices of international financial corporations, banks, and stock exchanges
* Promotion of industries besides automotive and defense manufacturing, including but not limited to agriculture, tourism, and finance

The ICPD reminds nations that these recommendations are strictly voluntary, but that nothing that the ICPD will be construed to prohibit them from pursuing more stringent measures in application of these recommendations.

The ICPD continues the issue debate. Entries for discussion are welcome hereon."