Third Esquarian Summit [Esquarium Only | IC]

[Pavonistade]

Oppenheim briefly voiced his opinion on the draft developed by the President-General, "The declaration as it stands is acceptable from my perspective, though there is no harm in considering possible amendments proposed by other leaders."

[Luziyca]

Sera Svensson sighed. After hearing a lot of speeches, she was ready to respond to Shohai's request, with a suggestion of her own.

She said "I will second Marianne Thériault de Lotbinière's suggestion to get rid of the withdrawal clause, because, especially for Kraq, we have a moral obligation to help our ex-colonies. In Kraq, many of the top political leadership and the elites in society have known Luziycans."

She had a sip of tea, and added that "They have trusted us for many generations, and we have been quite supportive of their efforts to fight against the Caliphate. To turn back on them is nothing short of betrayal to our relationship with Ragobad."

She paused, and took a deep breath. After she had another sip of tea, she was ready.

"However, if that clause cannot be deleted, I suggest that for the purposes of the Xiangmen Declaration, all non-Nautasian nations that have dependencies in Nautasia, shall be treated as Nautasian countries with respect to the provisions in regards to terrorism," she suggested. "That way, we will be able to continue our operations in Nautasia against the Caliphate."

[Namor]

The President-General lowered his head and scowled when Svensson flopped on the issue of withdrawal, suddenly calling on the withdrawal clause to be removed and for non-Nautasian countries with territories in Nautasia to be considered Nautasian countries as well. He spoke up to respond not just to Svensson's request, but also to requests made by other leaders, West Cedarbrook's Feld and Xiaodong's Xi specifically.

"Again, I would like to reiterate my support for Prime Minister Akbari's latest proposal for a change on the ground as a prerequisite for withdrawal. Withdrawal at a time when terrorist groups continue to pose a significant threat is risky, but once the Caliphate group's power is significantly reduced such that the continued presence of non-Nautasian troops is no longer necessary, I believe that is the best time for non-Nautasian forces to withdraw and for increased support to local forces so that they become just as effective, if not even more effective, in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the region than the forces that they replace.

"President Feld brought up a proposal to establish a group of parties involved in Nautasia that will set up a sustainable blueprint for peace in Nautasia. I see no problem with that, since it is not only reasonable, but more explicitly answers Prime Minister Lotbiniere's concerns that an eventual withdrawal will destabilize the continent. I will add this to the declaration shortly.

"First Minister Xi and Mr. Ulrich voiced their concerns regarding refugees. I would like to assure both of you that the declaration in question does not require each country to take in refugees. Paragraph 6 of the declaration states that countries should assist refugees through means that satisfy their national conditions. That means there are many ways to assist refugees - while taking in refugees is definitely effective, it is not the only option. My country, for example, has no plans to take in refugees due to the problems such a course of action may bring about population-wise, but we are willing to assist other governments hosting refugees right now. Because of Paragraph 6, any independent council established in accordance with this declaration will not have the power to dictate how many refugees each country receives. That is a choice left to the individual governments alone.

"Finally, President Svensson...with all due respect, I do not understand your concerns regarding your ex-colonies. Sure, you may have every obligation to help them out, Kraq especially, but even after withdrawal is complete your government is free to assist in training Kraqi forces and ensuring stability and prosperity in the country as mentioned in the declaration - all without stationing ground forces there. Not to mention that after withdrawal, your country is still allowed to operate special forces and air forces in Kraq. I don't see how this declaration contradicts any obligations you have. I would like to ask if you are in favor of Prime Minister Akbari's latest proposal, which is to withdraw once the Caliphate's power is significantly is irrevocably reduced.

"And as for your second proposal - to consider all countries with dependencies in Nautasia as Nautasian countries - Paragraph 3 of the declaration states very clearly that the withdrawal will not apply to 'non-Nautasian forces operating in territories internationally recognized as part of their respective countries,' meaning that the presence of non-Nautasian troops in these dependencies will remain undisturbed. If we are to go by your proposal, then what's the point of having a clause of withdrawal in the first place? Countries with dependencies in Nautasia - including your country - may keep troops in warzones forever. I don't think we need to go back and discuss how that does not help the anti-terrorist fight in the long run."


He began typing on his laptop as the next leader spoke. He would not speak for minutes as he worked to revise the declaration according to the wishes of certain leaders.

[Luziyca]

Sera Svensson replied, "In regards to the withdrawal, we have a lot to lose if we leave Kraq. Even if the Caliphate is defeated, we need to help Kraq rebuild and recover from the war, and to root out any lone wolves who may be fighting in the name of a dead ideology. Maybe in ten years, we might be willing to leave, but right now, Kraq needs everything they can get, and then some. They need to not only have their economy rebuilt, but also their democracy."

"Secondly, in regards to that proposal," she stated, the point of treating countries with dependencies in Nautasia as Nautasian for the purposes of the provisions regarding terrorism is so countries that have dependencies can continue their fight against the Caliphate, and then help rebuild the nations. However, those without any dependencies," eyeing at Ohanka and Ulrich, "would have to withdraw their ground forces, since they do not have much to gain or lose other than a few friendly puppet states. On the other hand, we will have a lot to lose if we leave: we will lose the trust of the Kraqi people, as well as the support of the regime, and the Caliphate can rebuild and regroup."

[Democratic Koyro]

General Ohanka had remained largely silent through the summit. carefully listening to what other leaders had to say on the subject. The thought occurred to him it may have advantageous to speak up sooner, as the leaders had started discussing a total withdrawal of non-Nautasians from the war against the Caliphate. Obviously he would not accept such a proposal. indeed likely such a plan would signal the end of the Amin Kamel Regime in Irvadistan, which was already dangling by a thread. Such an action would only play right into Volkan and Akbari hands, the following the Caliphate government in Irvadistan would almost certainly be short lived, but Ohanka was not prepared to surrender Irvadistan to Ankoren.

Ohanka took a sip of tea before turning on his microphone

"Honourable Leaders, The State of Koyro cannot support the current declaration. I feel a need to reiterate the dire situation on the ground in Irvadistan. At the present time the counter-revolutionary terrorists who call themselves the Caliphate are within striking distance of the capital. What's worse is the terrorists currently control over 50% of the nation's territory and rule around 35% of the population. A withdrawal at this time would prove disastrous to the Irvadi people, almost certainly resulting in the terrorists taking control of the entire country. Not to mention the devastating effect this would have on neighbouring states."

"The fact of the matter is if we had not intervened when we did we would be having a very different discussion today. The Caliphate would have overrun the Government and imposed their own Jihadist regime. They would then be able to use the country as a base to expand their Jihad overseas. I can guarantee to you today that if the predecessor of The Caliphate, the Emirate of Irvadistan, had seized control in 2012 the terrible attacks we have been witness to in Francilie and elsewhere would have ten times worse, at least. Can you imagine it? A Jihadist Salafi state, complete with national infastructure and the modern weapons of war. Cruise missiles, the ability to manufacture chemical, perhaps even nuclear weapons?"

Ohanka decided to pause for a moment to let that last part sink in. Ohanka wanted to drive home the point, particularly to the leaders of the liberal democracies that without intervention, particularly Koy intervention, the terrorist threat posed to the world today would have been of a far greater magnitude.

He cleared his throat

"At present time we have a military force of over 120,000 in the fight against counter-revolutionary terrorism in Nautasia. I wish to point out that we did not intervene unilaterally. Koyro has a mutual defence treaty with Irvadistan. The Irvadi Government invoked this treaty because of the counter-revolutionary threat and we were all too happy to come to their assistance. Safeguarding socialism overseas is a matter that the people of Koyro, and myself, feel very strongly about. However, many of you have raised concerns about the impact the presence of foreign soldiers has on the population of Irvadistan and Kraq..."

Ohanka turned to look towards Akbari

"...Prime Minister Akbari, we are both socialists. Our two nations enjoy a great and mutually beneficial friendship. Would you not agree that socialism transcends ethnic and religious boundaries? After all, Irvadistan is a socialist country and a socialist society, why do you think the people of Irvadistan would be contentious with their revolutionary comrades coming to their aid in times of need? The Irvadi and Koy people have considered each other friends for over 40 years now. Surely international cooperation towards the goals of socialism is something to be celebrated, and not looked down upon?"

Ohanka spoke again, to no one in particular this time, glancing at each of the leaders gathered in turn

"No honoured guests, I think a withdrawal of foreign forces would be seen by the people of Irvadistan and Kraq as a betrayal. As a sign that we do not care enough about them to come to their aid in this time of great crisis. A grave betrayal, to abandon them to the whims of extremists who wish to throw their societies back into the dark ages.

I argue for further intervention. All countries with the means should contribute to the struggle of the Nautasian people, with the express permission of the sovereign states themselves of course. A joint revolutionary military command structure already exists in Qufeira, which helps coordinate the military activities of the Koyro, Kraq, Ziegenhain and Irvadistan in this struggle against the terrorists. Our proposal is that all military forces operating within Nautasia against this enemy incorporate themselves into this pre-existing command structure. Though I would like to thank the representatives around this table, Tuthina, Ainin, and of course our Ankoreni comrades, who have already contributed a great deal to aid the people of Kraq and Irvadistan"

"Finally, on this issue of humanitarian aid and economic development, I feel any discussions on this topic are academic until the military situation has been resolved. The areas most in need of humanitarian aid are under Caliphate control and simply cannot be reached by national or international aid agencies, and economic development plans cannot be instituted until the final victory over the Caliphate is won. I think it is premature to say the least to discuss matters such as these while the battle still rages in the continent. There will come a time when the socialist development of Irvadistan and the economic development of Kraq can continue, but this discussion must be secondary to the military goal of defeating the Caliphate. Koyro will of course continue remain committed to humanitarian aid efforts currently ongoing within Government-controlled areas of Kraq and Irvadistan, and of course welcomes all aid efforts, but I would not like for these matters to distract us from the primary goal of ending the terrorist threat in Nautasia."

Ohanka was quite satisfied with his address. He felt he had made it quite clear he had no intention of abandoning Koy interests in Irvadistan, nor letting his influence over Irvadistan slip into the hands of Ankoren. He switched off his microphone and slouched into his chair, casually scribbling on various official-looking documents present on the table.

[West Cedarbrook]

President Feld opened his microphone.

I would ask all participants here to consider carefully President-General Antelope's current proposals. This provides a flexible approach to leveraging assets on the ground in Nautasia, with a results based pragmatic plan to carry operations through to ultimate success. I don't see where it provides any pressure on parties currently involved in operations to leave before the final success against the Caliphate, and it also preserves the prerogative of all states to contribute as they deem appropriate to the relief of those displaced by the fighting. The proposal offers no quotas or mandates for acceptance of refugees, a provision which can be construed as demographic engineering in contravention of the principles of sovereignty. In short, I think it provides a guideline for future action in Nautasia, while maintaining an approach that can be tailored to conditions on the battlefield, and to the recovery of impacted economies and societies. We should go forward with the proposal as currently amended.

Feld turned off the microphone, and wrote a few notes. "Get with Kansky at the break. Have him review with Defense Intelligence if advisable to broach Antarctic Treaty Commission membership for Ankoren with Akbari at the summit."

[Lyonsland]

Carl had sat back as she let her colleagues discuss their viewpoints on the topic, including some passive-aggressive remarks between leaders that were far more subtle than her outlash at the Führer. She was suitably annoyed that the declaration seemed to ignore the actions of a certain figure, but she knew that no other leader at the table was willing to speak up against Ulrich in this capacity. She turned on her microphone to give her two cents on the declaration.

"We back the declaration in its draft form however we will also honour any ultimate alterations to the said document. In particular, we give our full backing towards the establishment of an international council to deal with the resettlement of refugees. We also commit to taking in as many refugees as required by the international community, as we are aware that many nations would not be willing to take in any quota of migrants.

The Government of Lyonsland would also like to inform the summit of our plans to increase our efforts in distributing humanitarian aid to the hundreds of thousands of affected persons in Nautasia."

She finished, before she could mention the seventh paragraph of the document in a passive-aggressive manner.

[Namor]

The President-General revised the draft declaration. Taking note that some leaders were especially worried about losing their interests at the hands of terrorists or rival powers as a price for withdrawal, while unwilling to give up his own desire for an eventual withdrawal, he finally produced a ten-paragraph declaration - one that allowed the presence of non-Nautasian troops but noted its temporary nature and pushed the responsibility of deciding what "success" against the Caliphate means to a separate proposed body. He hoped this new draft is both detailed and flexible enough to lay concerns expressed by certain leaders - Ohanka, Svensson and Lotbiniere especially- to rest.

After finishing the revisions, he cleared his throat and read the parts of the original draft that were removed, before reading the parts of the revision that replaced them (indicated in red):

XIANGMEN DECLARATION

---

On Terrorism

---

The nations of the Third Esquarian Summit recognize the grave threat international terrorism poses to the well-being of humanity. Militants in Nautasia have committed heinous acts of terror against civilian populations. With the rise of the so-called "Caliphate" in 2015, militancy has become a problem not just for Nautasia, but for the entire world. Terrorist groups destabilize the world economy by seizing control of natural resources such as petroleum. Citizens from various countries who join the ranks of terrorist groups overseas are very likely to commit acts of terror back home. Moreover, terrorism in Nautasia has contributed to a rise in homelessness and statelessness, causing millions of refugees to seek peace and comfort elsewhere. Only a strong and united response can effectively curb the power and influence of terror groups.

The Summit understands the role external actors play in effectively curbing the power of terrorist groups in Nautasia. At the same time, the Summit understands that the Nautasian people are the only ones who may control the destiny of their own continent. Any hope of bringing about long-term peace and prosperity in the continent rests in the Nautasian people as opposed to external actors.

Out of a common desire to see international terrorism defeated, the Summit thus resolves to support the continued presence of non-Nautasian forces in Nautasian countries with terrorist strongholds until such time that the ability of terrorist groups to destabilize the region and elsewhere is irrevocably reduced. A working group of parties directly involved in the conflict against terrorist groups in the area shall be established to coordinate counter-terrorism operations, determine by consensus when the conditions that render the continued presence of non-Nautasian forces unnecessary are fulfilled, and propose a sustainable blueprint for peace and prosperity in Nautasia.

Once it is determined that the conditions that justify the continued presence of non-Nautasian forces on the continent are no longer present, all parties involved will commit to a reasonable and eventual withdrawal of non-Nautasian military personnel from Nautasia. The withdrawal does not apply to non-Nautasian personnel who were stationed in military bases sanctioned by binding treaties prior to the outbreak of conflict, non-Nautasian forces operating in internationally recognized dependencies of their respective countries, and non-Nautasian military advisers assisting Nautasian countries in maintaining stability at the request of said nations' legitimate governments.

Each non-Nautasian country directly involved in the conflict with terrorist groups shall decide its own pace of withdrawal, so long as the withdrawal is completed in the end.

The Summit affirms its commitment to a Nautasia capable of independently and effectively discomfiting terrorist groups and thus supports increased armaments support and training for local forces fighting terrorist groups.

The Summit understands that terrorism is caused by many factors, including popular dissatisfaction with dismal social and political conditions. Thus, we call on all governments in Nautasia directly confronting terrorism to create a more inclusive environment for their people to facilitate the creation of a broad grassroots coalition against terrorist groups. At the same time, the international community shall assist in the economic development of war-torn Nautasian countries. The territorial integrity of states directly impacted by terrorism shall not be compromised by any international initiative to counter terrorism.

The Summit sympathizes with the plight of refugees who were forced to flee their homes as a result of dismal conditions in their home countries, and thus supports the creation of an international independent council to coordinate the resettlement and provision of aid to refugees. The Summit also calls on governments around the world to increase financial and/or logistical support for refugees in a way that satisfies their national conditions. Existing vetting processes shall be strengthened to ensure that any refugee who enters a foreign country shall not pose a security threat.

The Summit affirms its absolute opposition to state-backed terrorism. Any government found openly or covertly supporting terrorist groups militarily or financially shall be mercilessly condemned and sanctioned.

The Summit supports the designation of terrorism as a crime of universal jurisdiction to remove all legal barriers preventing states from prosecuting terrorists.

[Greater Ziegenian Reich]

While Ulrich was in the process of collecting his notes and thoughts to voice his displeasure at the current form of the resolution proposed by the Namorese President, Antelope proposed a new resolution. In this one, the concerns raised by General Ohanka and himself were addressed (since the concerns of other foreign nations did not matter much to him) with regards to the positioning of Teutonic and Koy troops in Irvadistan and countering the rising Ankoreni influence in the southern portions of the war-torn state.

Deciding to keep to relatively short and to the point, Ulrich spoke up.

"Honorable gentlemen and women, I can safely say that the Reich has a more favorable view towards to new resolution proposed by the respected President-General Antelope.

I am glad to see the concerns raised by myself and the honorable General Ohanka to be taken into consideration into this new declaration. Our combined efforts must be directed towards eradicated the Caliphate once and for all. Only then can we even begin to think out any plans for withdrawal and economic development aid.

Additionally, we can not stress the fact that state-sponsored terrorism must be opposed by all of us. It is despicable and disheartening to know that there are governments, even some within this room, that may or may not have contributed to acts of terrorism.

Ulrich hoped his last line would get on the nerve of that Lyonese whore of a Prime Minister [ ily :^=) ] and irk the nerves of the Vjaarlandic and Arkiasis leaders as well.

[Montecara]

Odeta Luciàn spoke up. "The delegation of Montecara is generally in agreement with the Declaration as it stands. We offer only the following proposed changes:"

XIANGMEN DECLARATION

---

On Terrorism

---

1. The nations of the Third Esquarian Summit recognize the grave threat international terrorism poses to the well-being of humanity. Militants in Nautasia have committed heinous acts of terror against civilian populations. With the rise of the so-called "Caliphate" in 2015, militancy has become a problem not just for Nautasia, but for the entire world. Terrorist groups destabilize the world economy by seizing control of natural resources such as petroleum. Citizens from various countries who join the ranks of terrorist groups overseas are very likely to commit acts of terror back home. Moreover, terrorism in Nautasia has contributed to a rise in homelessness and statelessness, causing millions of refugees to seek peace and comfort elsewhere. Only a strong and united response can effectively curb the power and influence of terror groups.
   
   
2. The Summit understands the role external actors play in effectively curbing the power of terrorist groups in Nautasia. At the same time, the Summit understands that the Nautasian people are the only ones who may control the destiny of their own continent. Any hope of bringing about long-term peace and prosperity in the continent rests in with the Nautasian people as opposed to external actors.
   
   
3. Out of a common desire to see international terrorism defeated, the Summit thus resolves to support the continued presence of non-Nautasian forces in Nautasian countries with terrorist strongholds until such time that the ability of terrorist groups to destabilize the region and elsewhere is irrevocably permanently reduced. A working group of parties directly involved in the conflict against terrorist groups in the area shall be established to coordinate counter-terrorism operations, determine by consensus when the conditions that render the continued presence of non-Nautasian forces unnecessary are fulfilled, and propose a sustainable blueprint for peace and prosperity in Nautasia.
   
   
4. Once it is determined that the conditions that justify the continued presence of non-Nautasian forces on the continent are no longer present, all parties involved will commit to a reasonable and eventual timely withdrawal of non-Nautasian military personnel from Nautasia. The withdrawal does not apply to non-Nautasian personnel who were stationed in military bases sanctioned by binding treaties prior to the outbreak of conflict, non-Nautasian forces operating in internationally recognized dependencies of their respective countries, and or non-Nautasian military advisers assisting Nautasian countries in maintaining stability at the request of said nations' legitimate governments.
   
   
5. Each non-Nautasian country directly involved in the conflict with terrorist groups shall decide its own pace of withdrawal, so long as the withdrawal is completed in the end. This provision is overly broad and adequately addressed by the preceding paragraph.
   
   
6. The Summit affirms its commitment to a Nautasia capable of independently and effectively discomfiting eradicating terrorist groups, and thus supports increased armaments military support and training for local forces fighting terrorist groups.
   
   
7. The Summit understands that terrorism is caused by many factors, including popular dissatisfaction with dismal social and political conditions. Thus, we call on all governments in Nautasia directly confronting terrorism to create a more inclusive environment for their people in order to facilitate the creation of a broad grassrootscoalition against terrorist groups. At the same time, the international community shall assist in the economic development of war-torn Nautasian countries. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of states directly impacted by terrorism shall not be compromised by any international initiative to counter terrorism.
   
   
8. The Summit sympathizes with the plight of refugees who were are forced to flee their homes as a result of dismal conditions in their home countries, and thus supports the creation of an international independent council under the authority of the Organization of Esquarian Nations to coordinate the resettlement and provision of aid to refugees. The Summit also calls on governments around the world to increase financial and/or logistical support for refugees in a way that satisfies accordance with their national conditions. Existing vetting processes shall be strengthened to ensure that any refugee who enters a foreign country shall not pose a security threat.
   
   
9. The Summit affirms its absolute opposition to state-backed terrorism. Any government found openly or covertly supporting terrorist groups militarily or financially shall is liable to be mercilesslycondemned and sanctioned.
   
   
10. The Summit supports the designation of terrorism as a crime of universal jurisdiction in order to remove all legal barriers preventing states from prosecuting terrorists.

[Namor]

The President-General received a copy of the proposed changes to the wording of the declaration by the Montecaran delegation in Namorese. Seeing that the proposed changes were mostly to address mechanical errors, save for the deletion of Paragraph 5, the President-General said,

"I see no problem with this slightly revised draft. If there are any other objections to the draft in its current form, please voice them now."

XIANGMEN DECLARATION

---

On Terrorism

---

1. The nations of the Third Esquarian Summit recognize the grave threat international terrorism poses to the well-being of humanity. Militants in Nautasia have committed heinous acts of terror against civilian populations. With the rise of the so-called "Caliphate" in 2015, militancy has become a problem not just for Nautasia, but for the entire world. Terrorist groups destabilize the world economy by seizing control of natural resources such as petroleum. Citizens from various countries who join the ranks of terrorist groups overseas are very likely to commit acts of terror back home. Moreover, terrorism in Nautasia has contributed to a rise in homelessness and statelessness, causing millions of refugees to seek peace and comfort elsewhere. Only a strong and united response can effectively curb the power and influence of terror groups.
   
   
2. The Summit understands the role external actors play in effectively curbing the power of terrorist groups in Nautasia. At the same time, the Summit understands that the Nautasian people are the only ones who may control the destiny of their own continent. Any hope of bringing about long-term peace and prosperity in the continent rests with the Nautasian people as opposed to external actors.
   
   
3. Out of a common desire to see international terrorism defeated, the Summit thus resolves to support the continued presence of non-Nautasian forces in Nautasian countries with terrorist strongholds until such time that the ability of terrorist groups to destabilize the region and elsewhere is permanently reduced. A working group of parties directly involved in the conflict against terrorist groups in the area shall be established to coordinate counter-terrorism operations, determine by consensus when the conditions that render the continued presence of non-Nautasian forces unnecessary are fulfilled, and propose a sustainable blueprint for peace and prosperity in Nautasia.
   
   
4. Once it is determined that the conditions that justify the continued presence of non-Nautasian forces on the continent are no longer present, all parties involved will commit to a reasonable and timely withdrawal of non-Nautasian military personnel from Nautasia. The withdrawal does not apply to non-Nautasian personnel who were stationed in military bases sanctioned by binding treaties prior to the outbreak of conflict, non-Nautasian forces operating in internationally recognized dependencies of their respective countries, or non-Nautasian military advisers assisting Nautasian countries in maintaining stability at the request of said nations' legitimate governments.
   
   
5. The Summit affirms its commitment to a Nautasia capable of independently and effectively eradicating terrorist groups, and thus supports increased military support and training for local forces fighting terrorist groups.
   
   
6. The Summit understands that terrorism is caused by many factors, including popular dissatisfaction with dismal social and political conditions. Thus, we call on all governments in Nautasia confronting terrorism to create a more inclusive environment for their people in order to facilitate the creation of a broad coalition against terrorist groups. At the same time, the international community shall assist in the economic development of war-torn Nautasian countries. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of states directly impacted by terrorism shall not be compromised by any international initiative to counter terrorism.
   
   
7. The Summit sympathizes with the plight of refugees who are forced to flee their homes as a result of dismal conditions in their home countries, and thus supports the creation of an international council under the authority of the Organisation of Esquarian Nations to coordinate the resettlement and provision of aid to refugees. The Summit also calls on governments around the world to increase financial and/or logistical support for refugees in accordance with their national conditions. Existing vetting processes shall be strengthened to ensure that any refugee who enters a foreign country shall not pose a security threat.
   
   
8. The Summit affirms its absolute opposition to state-backed terrorism. Any government found openly or covertly supporting terrorist groups militarily or financially is liable to be condemned and sanctioned.
   
   
   
9. The Summit supports the designation of terrorism as a crime of universal jurisdiction in order to remove all legal barriers preventing states from prosecuting terrorists.

OOC: You have 24 hours (until 3:30 PM EST October 7)

[Ainin]

Marianne turned her microphone on and fiddled with some notes as if she was preparing to deliver a long speech. Instead, she only had a single sentence to say, and say it she did.

"We have no qualms with this proposal."

Now that the boring topic was out of the way, it was nearing the time to discuss her own pet agenda.

[West Cedarbrook]

Issac spoke up. With the inclusion of Odeta Luciàn's proposals, and in the absence of other Latin members of the Conitia Security Agreement, he felt this was a close to consensus from the group as he was likely to see at this summit.

We concur with the resolution as it now stands, and believe that it reflects adequately the concerns of all parties involved in this discussion.

[Luziyca]

Sera Svensson replied, "The Christian Republic has no qualms with this proposal."

[FreYhill]

Mats Lundgren activated his microphone and stated "The Toksanese Commonwealth cannot see problems within this declaration, and we shall support it".

Moments later, he prompted his Chief of Staff to pass him his Antibiotics for his rather minor infection.

[Pisdara]

After the various debates occurred between the various leaders seated at the table, and once a proper declaration was proposed, Herve Bouchard leaned towards the microphone.

"We find no issue with the declaration proposed as is stands, and believe that it can help provide a successful response to terrorism, Nautasian or otherwise."

[Aucuria]

"The Aucurian delegation is in favor of the resolution as it presently stands," Uspelevičius said quickly and with little emotion.

[Xiaodong]

First Minister Xi took a sip of tea before leaning into the microphone.

"Provided the international community affirms to uphold this agreement and stand by its assurances over article 7 to my people, then Xiaodong is willing to accept and stand by the proposal".

[Pavonistade]

Oppenheim made a simple statement in regards to the resolution, "We shall be in accordance with the declaration as it is not compromised by any issues."

[Arkiasis]

With nothing to add, Brown turned his microphone on, "The Arkiasian delegation supports the resolution as it currently stands."

[Union of Akoren]

Prime Minister Akbari, shot his eyes over his notes of the new declaration and nodded. Grabbing his microphone, he pulled it in closer.

"The Union backs this proposal with its full support". He smiled, it would never happen but those without dependencies who refused to withdraw would at least be condemned for going against an international agreement, at least the Union came half a step closer to its ultimate goal of a free and united Nautasia.

[North Daecon]

Having being quiet during the so-callled rancouous discussion, Harris turned on his microphone in preperation for a statement about the proposed Xiangmen Declaration.

"The Federal Republic of Daecon has no issues with the declaration and is in favor of the proposal being passed."

[Namor]

Seeing that there were no objections to the proposal, the President-General said: "With no objections voiced, I hereby declare this part of the declaration to be adopted."

He paused as he scanned the other leaders' reactions before glancing at the clock hanging above the entrance of the conference room.

"Well, my guests, we've had a productive discussion. There will now be a break at the second floor of the Convention Center, where refreshments will be served. An hour later, we will reconvene in this room to discuss our next issue."

With that, he placed his headset on the table and began making his way out of the conference room. The other leaders did the same; as they met up with their aides and advisors, conversation ensued.

"Congratulations, Mr. President-General, you survived your first leg of the summit," greeted Foreign Minister Pao Venzong as he intercepted the President-General before the elevator to the second floor.

The President-General pressed his lips, showing neither satisfaction nor dissatisfaction at how things went.

"Come, we'll talk about it inside," he said, referring to the elevator. The two checked to see if anybody else was in the same elevator they were in before entering through the doors.

"When the Lyonese woman shouted at Ulrich, I thought we had to bring in security," remarked the Foreign Minister.

The President-General flashed a brief smile and shrugged. "Well, stuff happens." He was not in the mood to discuss eccentric moments of the summit. It was noon, he was hungry, and after he ate there would be hours of discussion on climate change.

The doors of the elevator opened once more, and the two stepped out.

---

Second floor of the Minjian Regional Convention Center

---

Immediately as the leaders left the elevator, they saw a room filled with small round tables. Like the third floor, the second floor is surrounded by glass - the skyline of Xiangmen that awed many in the third floor can thus still be seen.

In the smack middle of the room are four long tables - two of them are each six meters long and the other two are each three meters long. Together, they formed a large rectangular food display. A beverage dispenser serving milk, orange juice, water, lemonade and Minlong tea - a product of Minjian - sat in every corner of the display. In the middle of each long table sat a soda fountain system - just in case someone had no taste of anything the five drinks available in the dispensers.

Beverages aside, foods both Minjianese and foreign were seen on the tables, including the President-General's personal favorites - pork fried rice and Xiangmen duck, a local duck dish. If the leaders did not want to try local food, they were free to eat their own stuff, whatever that may be - the organizers made sure that nearly everything one would see in a Western restaurant is available - including fast food. Halal and kosher foods were also made available to accommodate leaders like Akbari and Feld who presumably had dietary laws to follow.

Everyone picked up a medium-sized dish to carry their food. The President-General himself picked up three Minjianese ducks, pancakes wrapped around the ducks as they are eaten, a handful of pork fried rice, salad with dressing and a cup of Refrigerium before leaving for a table in the corner of the room farthest away from the elevator doors. Foreign Minister Pao joined him; he had ordered the chefs to cook him a cheeseburger.

"The food's nice here," the President-General said with a impressed countenance. "Some of the stuff they have here, they don't have back in Namo."

The Foreign Minister nodded in agreement. "If you want to meet anyone in particular, Mr. President-General, now's the time to do it."

Four musicians walked to a stage facing the rest of the room - one held an accordion, one held a trumpet, one tested the microphone and one tested an electronic piano that had been set prior to the break. They started performing as lunch began.

"I'll do that shortly," the President-General replied. He wanted, in particular, to meet with the Prime Minister of Ainin to discuss the coming conference on climate change, as well as to drop by other leaders and ask them whether they're enjoying themselves so far. But for now, he wanted to enjoy his food and let others come to him.

"Oh, by the way, who are they?" the President-General asked Pao, pointing at the four musicians.

"Er...it's Rouchuan, a Minjianese band," Pao replied, recalling something President Li had told him before the summit began. "Really good quartet. They specialize in classical music."

The President-General nodded as he picked up a duck with his chopsticks.

[Pisdara]

Stepping out of the elevator onto the second floor, Herve Bouchard was surprised at the setup, and the amount of food present in the room. Duck, rice, a slew of beverages, and other dishes from other nations. Looking over the selection, the Speaker settled on a cup of Minlong tea to drink, while slowly heading towards the halal section to see what he could munch on. Even though he was Christian, he always aimed to eat halal in his Muslim-majority country. Beside, he never really liked pork that much.

The halal section didn't offer much meat products, making it more like a vegetarian section. Searching the table, Herve Bouchard noticed a plate of gula'gishbil, a Pisdari delicacy that involves a thin dough being stuffed to the brim with a variety of vegetables and sometimes meats, often with a sauce. Any type of sauce seemed to be absent, but that didn't stop Herve Bouchard from grabbing a gula'gishbil and a spoonful of vegetables and wandering to a table. Looking at the plate, he began to wonder how people outside Pisdara make the signature dish. "Probably uses different ingredients and all that." He thought to himself.

Sitting down at one of the tables, Herve Bouchard leaned back, took a sip of his tea, and began to listen to the music being played in the room. "It's going to be a long summit," he thought to himself.

[Pavonistade]

Oppenheim let out a short sigh of relief, now that the conference was over for the time being. It was time for lunch and the Pavonistadian president was somewhat tired from the seemingly-prolonged dialogue among leaders. Hopefully there were good food offered in the Minjian Regional Convention Center.

Oppenheim travelled to the second floor with one of the same three elevators that took everyone to the conference room earlier. He was brought into a room marked by four tables topped with a slew of dishes and drinks. Many cultures, including Pavonistade's, were represented in one room and the Xiangmen skyline remained glamorous as before. And it was Oppenheim's emerging hunger that prompted him to gather whatever food and beverage he wanted.

With a middle-sized dish, Oppenheim thought of trying what Minjian and Namor had to offer, because why not? He filled his dish with pork fried rice and Xiangmen duck; it was a habit for Pavonistadian presidents to try foreign dishes when abroad. For his beverage, it was simply water, for nothing could quench his thirst better than water. Before he got to a table, he picked up additional food for dessert. These were differently-flavored FrederBits, a confectionery offered by Frederick's Fries, but not as well-known in Pavonistade as FrederSticks (French fries).

Oppenheim got a table and took the time to recount to himself all that has happened in the summit and the consequences that will unveil. Now is the time for some peace, as the music from Rouchuan soothed the atmosphere and the Pavonistadian president digged into his food.