IFC Council (IC)

[Elemental North]

Thank you. May I ask whether you intend to appoint someone to be in charge of the Blue Cross, and if so, whether they might be willing to discuss their plans soon?

"You're very welcome Mr. Speaker. I have my ideas in mind for whom I wish to head the guard. Though I assume the position will have to be submitted and passed via resolution. So until then, no further information will be given."

[New Chilokver]

The wide-body aircraft of Chilokverian Airlines touched down in Musrum early in the morning, while the outside was still frosty and cold. While the rest of the passengers shuffled along the line, a middle-aged Caucasian man was briskly led away through a separate diplomatic passage. After a few cursory checks by immigration, he was allowed to go. A cab took him to the IFC Headquarters and he slowly worked his way to the council room, whereupon he urgently waved the Chilokverian delegate over.

Pakes began to agitatedly shake his head negatively even as soon as soon as the newcomer began talking, almost shaking with indignation and he ranted on for a whole minute before stopping. After he had finished, the other man silently handed him an envelope, and finished his speech, hands nervously fiddling with his tie as he watched the other diplomat tear the envelope, whereupon he sighed as the other man reluctantly accepted the offer. He walked down to the Speaker's desk, placed his briefcae on the oak table and addressed the assembly.

"The Chilokverian government has, after much discussion elected to reassign Ambassador Pakes from his former position as delegate to the International Freedom Coalition. I, Foreign Minister of Chilokver, Ian Whiteway have been given this position in his stead. Thank you for the Council's time."

And with that, he walked over and sank down into his seat, pulling out a thermos and taking a swig of mocha.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Welcome," said his Grace Sir Alexias, after nodding his thanks to the Prime Minister, as he handed Whiteway his briefcase. "Any other comments on the Prime Minister's news?"

[Bratislav]

"The official approved resolution dossier on the OP has been updated. If there are any resolutions missing that have been approved by the Council please inform me of that."

[New Chilokver]

"Welcome," said his Grace Sir Alexias, after nodding his thanks to the Prime Minister, as he handed Whiteway his briefcase. "Any other comments on the Prime Minister's news?"

"None, save that if it can be done, it would only be beneficial to the IFC."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

Since we do not currently have anything to discuss, but the summit is clearly winding down, I have a report on the subject of the rights of Observers and Ambassadors for those interested parties which did not attend:

The conclusion of the majority of those delegates expressing an opinion was that while they considered that the proposed delineation between ambassadors and observers (that an observer should be a broader, more overreaching term for any non-affiliate with an enhanced interest in the region, and of any degree of political alignment or familiarity with our stance and that while an observer may distinctly be involved in another alliance, it is the duty of the ambassador, a singular representative, to officially represent their native alliance, and act as a first line of communication and cooperation in inter-alliance affairs, and as such, an ambassador is a subtype of observer, just with formal political duties and a more official presence in the region, and that normal observers should theoretically be unlimited, and should not be reduced to any set number, as many of them may be interested in joining one day) meets with broad approval in principle, that some of the principles are merely fundamental in principle and some of the considerations so complex and finely balanced in practice, that, in principle, a more clear delineation would be that the sensible and prudent practice would be to submit the practical application of these principles to the IFC Council and government for them to give more detailed consideration and application when or as necessary, laying stress on the essential continuity of the new proposal with existing principles, and the principle of the principal arguments which the proposal proposes and propounds for their approval in principle; and the practices of the practical arguments which are inevitably likely to be practised, with or without rigid parameters laid down in principle; and that in a manner entirely consistent with that conclusion an automatic acceptance of observers' speaking rights should be accepted in IFC Council, since traditionally an observer in most organizational bodies would require permission to speak, or have a representative cede their speaking time on the observer's behalf to be able to speak; and that by making sure Observers have automatic speaking rights within IFC Council, we can encourage input from our observers and Ambassadors from external organizations, and that Ambassadors from other organisations should be allowed to speak in IFC Council; and that the Council should entertain granting the right for an Ambassador to vote in IFC Council, only for resolutions or motions that would directly impact their organization, i.e. diplomatic agreements, such as joint agreements between organizations, for example a joint agreement between IFC and SACTO, on the grounds that unless our members voted for their side it would be pretty hard for a foreign ambassador to control the outcome of a resolution, although such a right should not encourage foreign alliances to avoid sending the IFC Council our own members as their ambassadors.

I hereby adopt that conclusion; i.e., Observers and Ambassadors may now speak within the IFC Council; subject to later legislation.

We shall also follow the opinion of the summit and entertain the idea that Ambassadors should be able to vote in the IFC Council. I would suggest the simplest solution would be to grant foreign alliances one vote for their alliance, to be exercised on their behalf by any orderly ambassador they nominate; to be exercised only when their alliance is directly effected, except in case of declaration of general war against that alliance.

The floor is open for debate and discussion.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

With the appointment of the new Prime Minister, I would like to congratulate the Prime Minister on behalf of the Council. I would like to invite the Prime Minister to start a tradition of making an inaugural statement to the Council setting the legislative agenda and preferred topics for conversation.

I would also like to invite the Prime Minister to submit the planned cabinet as soon as is convenient for preliminary discussion and then voting. If the Prime Minister could also please signal whether voting on all of the cabinet at once or voting on ministers individually would be preferred I will defer to that wish.

For clarity regarding the background to this statement I should note that I have already been informed that my services will continue to be appreciated by the incoming Prime Minister. I believe that my continued tenure as Vice-President is not subject to vote by the Council, unless the Prime Minister chooses to make it so; and my service as Speaker similarly continues on behalf of the Prime Minister, and is also subject to the continued confidence of the Council as per Section 3 of the Parliamentary Procedures Act Resolution no. 45, which allows the Council to elect anyone as Speaker.

[Aigeantir]

Carroll (having just gotten off the plane from the Summit in Zunkwentania), approached the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Members of the IFC, Observers, and Ambassadors, we stand now on the cusp of a new beginning, a precipice of change, that will be remembered in years to come as the point when the International Freedom Coalition rose to a new height. Yes, in the past year we have seen much conflict and chaos, but we have grown ever stronger because of it. Instead of bending and breaking, we have continued faithfully on, knowing that though the price of freedom may sometimes be high, we are willing to pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival of freedom. This alliance of free nations, the International Freedom Coalition, began as a way to protect and defend nations who believe in freedom, because we are unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of our human rights to which we are committed to within our own nations and around the world.

However, an organization must be able to grow and evolve or else it will perish, as it slips into the same narrow niche it has always felt safe within. While freedom is our message, and peace is our goal, we have often neglected seeking the path that will get us to our next destination, and that is hope. Hope is what allows one to find the light in the deepest darkness, hope is an infectious disease that can spread goodwill and optimism in even the most dire of situations. A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but hope lives on in the ides we plant today. Through a renewed dedication to a means of bringing hope to those suffering the damage and atrocities of war, and the ability to find a solution that avoids conflict wherever possible. Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate, as diplomacy should always be our first option, and never our last resort.

Finally, we have a duty, not just to ourselves, but the world, to make a difference for the better, one day at a time. Let us never falter in seeking opportunities to forge new friendships, let us discover the benefits of cooperation, and let us never fail in our quest to become a beacon of freedom and tolerance to the rest of the world. As through the measure of our actions, and the integrity of what we say, can we become leaders among our peers, and strengthen the resolve of the IFC, our last, best hope for peace, freedom, and cooperation."

Carroll waited till the applause settled, then continued.

"I would first like to make my announcement on the appointments to the Cabinet, for the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Zunkwentania, Secretary of the Treasury, Yohannes, and Director of the Coalition Intelligence Group, Rentalla. All three will need to be affirmed in a vote. I will give a brief summary of what was discussed at the Summit, with the exception of what our Speaker has already brought forward regarding the observer and ambassador status discussion. And finally, I will bring forward Resolution 47 as our next order of business, which will establish a new Cabinet position, that will direct and manage the resources of the Blue Cross."

[Aigeantir]

"I will make a very brief summary of what was discussed following the conversation on the observer ambassador status. The Blue Cross was discussed, with support and concerns raised about the creation of a new cabinet member for the role of the Blue Cross. The Cabinet Role would oversee the management and deployment of the humanitarian resources, and would work alongside the RRF when needed as a separate entity. Concern was raised about having separate forces, not under the RRF in the role of protection for the Blue Cross. Suggested ways of funding the Blue Cross included direct donations from member nations, along with funding from the IFC treasury. Suggestion of getting input from the Blue Cross Cabinet member for funding issues, and possible partnerships were considered."

"I will now pass on the chair to the Speaker for voting on the Prime Minister's appointments and to introduce Resolution 47."

Carroll sat down.

[Estenia]

Lisenko walked in and immediately he asked

"What are we debating here, I may help."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Sit down," said His Grace Alexias Stella, and, after a miniscule pause, added, "you will find out.

Thank you very much Prime Minister for your speech. The motion is to support and confirm the Prime Minister's appointments to the Cabinet, for the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Zunkwentania, Secretary of the Treasury, Yohannes, and Director of the Coalition Intelligence Group, Rentalla. Those in favour say aye; to the contrary nay.

Votes cast for Aegentir's First Ministry:

3 AYES
0 ABSTENTIONS
0 NAY

[Estenia]

"Sit down," said His Grace Alexias Stella, and, after a miniscule pause, added, "you will find out.

Thank you very much Prime Minister for your speech. The motion is to support and confirm the Prime Minister's appointments to the Cabinet, for the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Zunkwentania, Secretary of the Treasury, Yohannes, and Director of the Coalition Intelligence Group, Rentalla. Those in favour say aye; to the contrary nay.

Votes cast for Aegentir's First Ministry:

2 AYES
0 ABSTENTIONS
0 NAY

"I say aye to that."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Thank you. Delegates should also be aware that the draft Blue Cross resolution is currently in the drafting chamber for discussion."

[Estenia]

"I will note this, by the way, sorry for getti ng out of subject but Estenia recently ended a civil war on Gianlang and Checheng and the people cannot only rely for the snior nation of the realm to help them, they need international aid, after that polar cyclone and the war."

[Bratislav]

The Bratislavian delegates votes AYE on the Ministerial Appointments.

Mr. Sledan however posed a question to the new PM, "Will you yourself assume the role of the Speaker or will you delegate it to someone else? Furthermore, will you have a Chief of Staff position in your cabinet? Thank You."

[New Carloso]

"I will note this, by the way, sorry for getti ng out of subject but Estenia recently ended a civil war on Gianlang and Checheng and the people cannot only rely for the snior nation of the realm to help them, they need international aid, after that polar cyclone and the war."

Davies nodded as he spoke, "No problem. We could begin air dropping aid within two days if needs be. Just tell us what kind of aid you need and where you need it." Davies noticed the tally of results in the corner of his eye, Dmitri Sledan voting for it. "Oh yeah, we vote Aye on the Ministerial Positions."

[Estenia]

"I will note this, by the way, sorry for getti ng out of subject but Estenia recently ended a civil war on Gianlang and Checheng and the people cannot only rely for the snior nation of the realm to help them, they need international aid, after that polar cyclone and the war."

Davies nodded as he spoke, "No problem. We could begin air dropping aid within two days if needs be. Just tell us what kind of aid you need and where you need it." Davies noticed the tally of results in the corner of his eye, Dmitri Sledan voting for it. "Oh yeah, we vote Aye on the Ministerial Positions."

Lisenko then answered

"We need medicine mostly and some help with the construction and keep peope from panicking, the costs are over 300.000.000 Estos, a very big price, may I say. All of the supplies must be either sent to Gianlang City or Sehsuan, cause they are the places with the most of the damage, thanks in respose."

[Valaran]

"The Valaran Empire abstains, which is becoming too habitual at these votes. That being said we have the utmost confidence in the new Prime Minister."

[The Nation of Ceneria]

We abstain from this vote, pending further analysis of the candidates.

[Aigeantir]

The Bratislavian delegates votes AYE on the Ministerial Appointments.

Mr. Sledan however posed a question to the new PM, "Will you yourself assume the role of the Speaker or will you delegate it to someone else? Furthermore, will you have a Chief of Staff position in your cabinet? Thank You."

Carroll rose to answer the Secretary General's question. "Thank you Mr. Sledan, I have announced earlier, but will formally announce now, that I will continue to relinquish the role of Speaker to the Vice President, Alexias Stella. I have also appointed Mr. César Emilio of Novo Wagondia as my Chief of Staff, and Supreme Lord Ulyanin Mazhenisky of the Dominion of the High Lords as my Press Secretary."

[United States of Devonta]

"We abstain"

[Waldriech]

Waldriech votes, Aye

[Waldriech]

FYI, sorry for the absence. You know school and all.

[The New Lowlands]

The New Lowlands votes Aye.

[Argentarino]

"The Kingdom of Argentarino votes AYE in this matter, and we voice our confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Carroll. We wish her well," stated Lucrezia la Ghiradella.