[PASSED] Nuclear Testing Protocol

[Separatist Peoples]

You are seeming to forget the gnomes that will ensure they don't violate it.

Ambassador Burgenheimer shuddered. "I don't like the gnomes.. They scare me."

"The incorruptible gnomes that are as bound by WA law as member states and who only desire to exist as grey-faced bureaucrats? Why?"

[Trezikhstan]

Hello all, I enjoy this rigorous debate. However I feel we are missing the entirety of the protocol section. I concur that the fact of a nuclear protocol must be comprehensive. Yet this approach lacks pragmatism on the real world scenarios. Let us first draft resolutions to study the nuclear capabilities of every member nation? This allows for us to direct this approach towards the most unstable.

[The Deep]

If you're conducting it in a manner excessively harmful to the environment, your plane somehow has no desert or waste land or wide expanses of ocean.

"The wide expanses of ocean are part of the environment, and a very important part of it at that!"

[Separatist Peoples]

If you're conducting it in a manner excessively harmful to the environment, your plane somehow has no desert or waste land or wide expanses of ocean.

"The wide expanses of ocean are part of the environment, and a very important part of it at that!"

"Technically, areas far from coasts in deep-water oceanic environments are nearly as devoid of life as the moon. In many, but not all, ways, it is like a sand desert."

[The Drewlantian Aristocracy]

Ambassador Burgenheimer shuddered. "I don't like the gnomes.. They scare me."

"The incorruptible gnomes that are as bound by WA law as member states and who only desire to exist as grey-faced bureaucrats? Why?"

"Because.. They're everywhere!" Ambassador Burgenhiemer shudders again, this time through a holo-screen at the Imperial Great Britain complex, acting as a minister for The Drewlantian Aristocracy on a foreign mission. "That's why I'm never at the WAHQ, I might also be allergic to them.." Burgenheimer sneezes and looks around fearfully.
"Also, to avoid thread jacking, I do think that it is a good idea, yet, I still dislike the ambiguity of it, if you know what I mean. There should be an acceptable range included in this."

[Imperializt Russia]

If you're conducting it in a manner excessively harmful to the environment, your plane somehow has no desert or waste land or wide expanses of ocean.

"The wide expanses of ocean are part of the environment, and a very important part of it at that!"

No more so than homeopathy is contamination of water.

[Pharthan]

If you're conducting it in a manner excessively harmful to the environment, your plane somehow has no desert or waste land or wide expanses of ocean.

"The wide expanses of ocean are part of the environment, and a very important part of it at that!"

"Ambassador, then you should tell the Planet Earth to stop doing more to contaminate the oceans with natural sources of contamination than would be presented through nuclear weapons in accordance with this bill. Please note the bill stops harmful levels of contamination. We understand your concern and that you are very considerate of the environment, but I would caution you over being too concerned."

[Jean Pierre Trudeau]

Have made significant changes to the draft and bumping for further feedback in advance of sending this to the floor on Friday.

[Ainocra]

Directs member nations to talt testing nuclear weapons at altitudes which could produce a damaging electromagnetic pulse to non-involved civilian or government facilities, vehicles, and equipment,

What's a Talt?

[Kaboomlandia]

9. Requires members of the World Health Authority not to divulge any information obtained during nuclear test monitoring.

So, if my nuclear program has a whoopsies, misfires a nuke and it explodes over your nation raining fallout, the WHA can't tell you about it?

[Imperium Anglorum]

The World Assembly,

Confirming the rights of member nations to produce and possess nuclear weapons for offensive and defense defensive purposes,

Concerned that nuclear weapons which are not properly tested have a probability of not functioning as intended, possibly producing far higher yields than predicted, and

Also realizing the need for safe and secure testing of nuclear weapons, which that seeks to mitigate the damage to the environment and non-participating actors,

The General Assembly hereby,

1. Requires members to refrain from testing nuclear weapons in open atmospheres which if it could lead to the excessive harmful contamination of the environment, inhabited or agricultural land,
   
   
2. Demands member nations refrain from testing nuclear weapons in manners a manner which could directly cause harm to civilians or government personnel,
   
   
3. Directs member nations to talt halt testing nuclear weapons at altitudes which could produce a damaging electromagnetic pulse to non-involved civilian or government facilities, vehicles, and equipment,
   
   
4. Urges member nations to cease high altitude nuclear weapon testing which if it has the a high probability to create of creating artificial radiation belts around a planetary body,
   
   
5. Further urges member nations halt testing nuclear weapons in manners a manner which could lead to harmful damage to civilians, government personnel, or their structures via artificial seismic activity. How about if a country decides to test the affect of nuclear weapons on some test structure which are owned by the government? Would this prohibit that?
   
   
6. Further directs member nations take all necessary security precautions to prevent unauthorized access to nuclear testing sites, materials, or confidential data surrounding about nuclear tests.
   
   
7. Further demands that member nations classify all information and materials related to nuclear testing as state secrets and not share prevent release of this information or material with anyone not required authorized (?) to have access to this information,
   
   
8. Empowers the World Health Authority to be present demand attendance at any test with the a reasonable probability of producing a nuclear yield to monitor the effects of such test in regards to regarding the health of the personnel or general populace, Hold on. If I'm interpreting this correctly, you're saying that the WHA can go to any test? But if they are there to monitor the personnel and general populace, why do they need to actually be present at the test? Wouldn't it be the same effect if all nations were required to just report the test, how large it was, and the fallout distribution? Also, how would the WHA actually monitor the health of the affected personnel/populace, since there is no requirement that governments actually allow the WHA to do this kind of research.
   
   Secondarily, how about underground tests? Why would the WHA need to be present at underground tests — especially since they don't release harmful levels of fallout and radiation into the environment (or expose the aforementioned to the general populace or testing personnel)?
   
   
9. Requires members of the World Health Authority not to divulge any nuclear information obtained during nuclear test monitoring. Extending from the other blue comment above: Why would the WHA need to be present at these tests in order to do medical research regarding fallout and its effects on the general populace?

Co-Authored by: Pharthan

'Ambassador Trudeau, I do hope that it is not too uncouth for us to copy-edit some of your text (OOC: I tried my best to preserve your ideas in the text). Also, we've assembled a few questions about the clauses which you added during the long intermission. We'd be happy to support this as long as some interpretation is provided regarding the last two clauses. As long as those reservations are addressed, we'll buy your delegation a round of drinks at the bar if this passes. Anyway, I have a bottle of white wine here, vintage 1914, consider it a gift — quality produce of muscat grapes from our Transilia.'

'It is imperative that some kind of replacement is passed on this subject. It's good to finally get around to that replacement, Ambassador.'

OOC: All the comments in the spoilered text are also OOC. Furthermore, if the colour is blinding, tell me. I'll make the shades a bit darker. Also, these are suggested changes and these are comments.

[Imperializt Russia]

Underground tests do pose environmental risks from potential contamination of water supply.
This risk is probably lesser and more easily protected against than with atmospheric testing.

[Jean Pierre Trudeau]

We have sent this to the floor for the consideration of the esteemed members of the World Assembly.

[Pennswald]

[7] Further demands that member nations classify all information and materials related to nuclear testing as state secrets and prevent this information or material with anyone not authorized to have access to this information,

You lost me at "with" in this clause. It looks like the casualty of an incomplete edit...

[Imperializt Russia]

Just needs a "from being shared with" in front of the with.

[Communist EU]

'Confirming the rights of member nations to produce and possess nuclear weapons for offensive and defense purposes,

Nations don't produce and possess weapons, its the irrational MADness of those statists who control the nation that do so. And yes, I find the use of nuclear weapons offensive.

Concerned that nuclear weapons which are not properly tested have a probability of not functioning as intended, possibly producing far higher yields than predicted

What does it matter that they're not used properly, to use them at all is MADness, besides which, if they ceased to function, all the better.

Also realizing the need for safe and secure testing of nuclear weapons, which seeks to mitigate the damage to the environment and non-participating actors,

There's no such thing as a safe nuclear weapon.

Thus resolving to enact a sensible policy that allows for the safe testing of nuclear armaments whilst protecting the environment and its inhabitants,

The use of nuclear weapons is a danger to the environment.

Demands member nations refrain from testing nuclear weapons in a manner which could directly cause harm to civilians or government personnel,

Never mind the use of such weapons causes harm to people.

Further directs member nations take all necessary security precautions to prevent unauthorized access to nuclear testing sites, materials or confidential data surrounding nuclear tests.

Would not be necessary in the absence of nuclear weapons.

Further demands that member nations classify all information and materials related to nuclear testing as state secrets and prevent this information or material with anyone not authorized to have access to this information,

More secrets, less democracy, great!

Empowers the World Health Authority to demand presence at any test with a reasonable probability of producing a nuclear yield to monitor the effects of such test solely in regards to the health of general populace which may be affected.

Just what we all need, the WA through its World Health Authority sticking its nose in all our business.
Against.

[Imperializt Russia]

Further directs member nations take all necessary security precautions to prevent unauthorized access to nuclear testing sites, materials or confidential data surrounding nuclear tests.

Would not be necessary in the absence of nuclear weapons.

Well, that's not possible.

dwi

[Defwa]

In accordance with early voting in the Democratic Socialist Assembly (14-2), I place our 72 votes in favor of this proposal.

[Jean Pierre Trudeau]

In accordance with early voting in the Democratic Socialist Assembly (14-2), I place our 72 votes in favor of this proposal.

You have the gratitude of The Federation, and The North American Union as a whole.

Regards,


Chancellor, United Federation of Canada
Premier, The North American Union

[Atomic Utopia]

"I fail to understand why exactly this is reviving so many "no" votes." said the ambassador "Why this resolution is entirely necessary to prevent the testing of nuclear weapons in a way that would cause excessive radiological contamination in cities and other inhabited areas. If you think this is too weak, well accept it as a first step to more stringent regulations, that we will fight mind. Preventing it from passing will result in more radiological contamination of inhabited areas than if you allow it to pass, and that is far too high of a price to pay for the small chance you will get more stringent regulations in."

The ambassador paused to ask the Ministry of Atomic Science and Technology something.

"And, as MAST has just told me, we are still conducting the "Minerva" series of nuclear tests after determining that the selected site, the Avragrado Nuclear Technologies Proving Grounds, is sufficiently remote and devoid of life to allow for the tests, so you do not need to worry about it preventing you from testing, all it is doing is preventing you from testing in ways that would result in excessive harm to the population. Thus we vote in favor of this proposal and hope our fellow nations do likewise."

[Caracasus]

Caracasus stands firmly behind this resolution. Whilst we would much rather nuclear weapons did not exist, we cannot put that particular genie back in the bottle (especially since we've developed quite a few of our own now...). If nuclear weapons are to be developed and tested then it should be done with as much care and caution as possible.

[Dooom35796821595]

Caracasus stands firmly behind this resolution. Whilst we would much rather nuclear weapons did not exist, we cannot put that particular genie back in the bottle (especially since we've developed quite a few of our own now...). If nuclear weapons are to be developed and tested then it should be done with as much care and caution as possible.

Well then ambassador, your going to hate the idea of radioactive antimatter bombs.

According to the views of other leaders in my region they either dislike the idea of additional legislative burocracy or want to keep the option to test nukes in the vicinity of troublesome civilians. Or just to see what happenes and if anyone develops benificial mutations.

[Discoveria]

Against. I think the grammar of this resolution is very poor.

"1.Requires members to refrain from testing nuclear weapons in open atmospheres if it could lead to the excessive harmful contamination of the environment, inhabited or agricultural land, " - could be read as 'Requires members to refrain... if [refraining] could lead to [harm]'.

"2.Demands member nations refrain from testing nuclear weapons in a manner which could directly cause harm to civilians or government personnel, " - could be read as 'Demands member nations refrain... in a manner which could [cause harm]'.

"7.Further demands that member nations classify all information and materials related to nuclear testing as state secrets and prevent this information or material with anyone not authorized to have access to this information," - too broad; this would prevent the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament from gathering statistics on nuclear testing, for example.

"8.Empowers the World Health Authority to demand presence at any test with a reasonable probability of producing a nuclear yield to monitor the effects of such test solely in regards to the health of general populace which may be affected." - gives the WHA only the right to demand presence, i.e. nations could simply refuse the WHA's demands without penalty.

[Xecriussau]

We see the following problems:

1. According to clause number 7 the demand is raised to have all information about nuclear tests to be classified as "state secrets" and nations are charged with the prevention of "information or material with anyone not authorized to have access to this information". Yet clause number 8 states the WHA has the ability to be present at such tests. Are we to assume the WHA is then an authorized participant in the test and are therefore authorized access to "state secrets"?
2. The proposed legislation in our humble opinion lacks any statements about enforcement. We see, according to clause number 7, anything dealing with such tests are to be treated in a highly secret manner. If a nation were to conduct a highly secret test under the requirements of clause number 7 and deem the proposed clause allows for the WHA to not be notified, as the WHA is not a state actor, then exactly which organization would investigate whether a test has actually been conducted?
3. Nowhere within this proposed legislation is it actually stated the WHA is to be informed of a pending nuclear test. Clearly, clause number 8 allows them "to demand presence at any test" which is all fine and good, but how will they fulfill the requirements of this clause if they are not even informed?

It is unfortunate, but this lack of clarity between the two clauses seemingly creates a basis for a lack of oversight by an independent third-party to ensure the well-being of the various groups which could be harmed by such tests. The nation of Xecrussau is therefore compelled to vote AGAINST this proposed legislation.

[Excidium Planetis]

The World Assembly,

Confirming the rights of member nations to produce and possess nuclear weapons for offensive and defense defensive purposes,

Concerned that nuclear weapons which are not properly tested have a probability of not functioning as intended, possibly producing far higher yields than predicted, and

Also realizing the need for safe and secure testing of nuclear weapons, which that seeks to mitigate the damage to the environment and non-participating actors,

The General Assembly hereby,

1. Requires members to refrain from testing nuclear weapons in open atmospheres which if it could lead to the excessive harmful contamination of the environment, inhabited or agricultural land,
   
   
2. Demands member nations refrain from testing nuclear weapons in manners a manner which could directly cause harm to civilians or government personnel,
   
   
3. Directs member nations to talt halt testing nuclear weapons at altitudes which could produce a damaging electromagnetic pulse to non-involved civilian or government facilities, vehicles, and equipment,
   
   
4. Urges member nations to cease high altitude nuclear weapon testing which if it has the a high probability to create of creating artificial radiation belts around a planetary body,
   
   
5. Further urges member nations halt testing nuclear weapons in manners a manner which could lead to harmful damage to civilians, government personnel, or their structures via artificial seismic activity. How about if a country decides to test the affect of nuclear weapons on some test structure which are owned by the government? Would this prohibit that?
   
   
6. Further directs member nations take all necessary security precautions to prevent unauthorized access to nuclear testing sites, materials, or confidential data surrounding about nuclear tests.
   
   
7. Further demands that member nations classify all information and materials related to nuclear testing as state secrets and not share prevent release of this information or material with anyone not required authorized (?) to have access to this information,
   
   
8. Empowers the World Health Authority to be present demand attendance at any test with the a reasonable probability of producing a nuclear yield to monitor the effects of such test in regards to regarding the health of the personnel or general populace, Hold on. If I'm interpreting this correctly, you're saying that the WHA can go to any test? But if they are there to monitor the personnel and general populace, why do they need to actually be present at the test? Wouldn't it be the same effect if all nations were required to just report the test, how large it was, and the fallout distribution? Also, how would the WHA actually monitor the health of the affected personnel/populace, since there is no requirement that governments actually allow the WHA to do this kind of research.
   
   Secondarily, how about underground tests? Why would the WHA need to be present at underground tests — especially since they don't release harmful levels of fallout and radiation into the environment (or expose the aforementioned to the general populace or testing personnel)?
   
   
9. Requires members of the World Health Authority not to divulge any nuclear information obtained during nuclear test monitoring. Extending from the other blue comment above: Why would the WHA need to be present at these tests in order to do medical research regarding fallout and its effects on the general populace?

Co-Authored by: Pharthan

'Ambassador Trudeau, I do hope that it is not too uncouth for us to copy-edit some of your text (OOC: I tried my best to preserve your ideas in the text). Also, we've assembled a few questions about the clauses which you added during the long intermission. We'd be happy to support this as long as some interpretation is provided regarding the last two clauses. As long as those reservations are addressed, we'll buy your delegation a round of drinks at the bar if this passes. Anyway, I have a bottle of white wine here, vintage 1914, consider it a gift — quality produce of muscat grapes from our Transilia.'

'It is imperative that some kind of replacement is passed on this subject. It's good to finally get around to that replacement, Ambassador.'

OOC: All the comments in the spoilered text are also OOC. Furthermore, if the colour is blinding, tell me. I'll make the shades a bit darker. Also, these are suggested changes and these are comments.

"It would not prohibit government testing on government structures, ambassador, because that clause is an 'urges' clause.

"Note that an earlier 'Demands' clause prevents harming civilian or government personnel, so only testing on structures is technically allowed.

"We have not seen serious objection to this, (OOC: And it raises our defense budget!) so on behalf of Excidium Planetis I vote FOR the resolution."