IFC Council (IC)

[Elemental North]

I'd suggest this; authorize this declaration of war, order me to place it on reserve, so that way, if and when they decide to do anything out of line again, we'll always have the authorization ready to go.

[New Carloso]

I'd suggest this; authorize this declaration of war, order me to place it on reserve, so that way, if and when they decide to do anything out of line again, we'll always have the authorization ready to go.

"Agreed. We should also consider formulating a war council just incase, consisting of the defence ministers and chairs of the general staff of countries involved."

[United States of Devonta]

"What I mean to say is that, in the event where the defences of Argentarino are effectively destroyed, war must follow."

"I was under the impression a vote would be held if they actually did ask for the IFC's help."

[New Chilokver]

I'd suggest this; authorize this declaration of war, order me to place it on reserve, so that way, if and when they decide to do anything out of line again, we'll always have the authorization ready to go.

"Agreed. We should also consider formulating a war council just incase, consisting of the defence ministers and chairs of the general staff of countries involved."

"The existing defence committee should do well for now."

[Zunkwentania]

I'd suggest this; authorize this declaration of war, order me to place it on reserve, so that way, if and when they decide to do anything out of line again, we'll always have the authorization ready to go.

"Agreed. We should also consider formulating a war council just incase, consisting of the defence ministers and chairs of the general staff of countries involved."

"I would agree with that."

[United States of Devonta]

"Agreed. We should also consider formulating a war council just incase, consisting of the defence ministers and chairs of the general staff of countries involved."

"I would agree with that."

"Seconded"

[Elemental North]

Then its settled. When and if we authorize this, we'll put it on hold for future use, if ever the time should arrive when that is necessary. Also, we'll look into creating this War Council. Good work guys.

[New Carloso]

"I would also suggest putting our best military strategists together to formulate a hypothetical plan of attack against the SACTO if a war breaks out."

[New Roma Republic]

The Delegate from New Roma Republic stands up. "Hello, ladies and gentlemen. I know I haven't spoken much here, and I may not get noticed all that much during debates. But this I must join. A war against the SACTO would effect much of the known world. We must think clearly and make the best decision for the entire coalition, not just a few war hungry members. My Caesar has just sent me a message on this matter. New Roma Republic will send a military force, a sizable one at that, if war is agreed upon by this council. Now with that being said, my nation voted AYE on both issues that are on the table. Thank you for your time."

[Bratislav]

"To the Prime Minister, I say this:" said Alexias, knowing that he was almost more popular after being fired than he had been before, and rather enjoying the moment.

"Did you honestly think that a ceasefire would work without someone saying that they would be severely displeased if people broke it? Obviously your policy needed some diplomatic support if it was to have any chance of working; so the Ausitorian Foreign Policy Office independently and separately fleshed out your demand for a ceasefire. And when my departure was rumoured, everybody realized that your policy had nothing to back it up with.

Since my departure, we have seen everybody testing the will of the IFC all at once. Throughout Elemental North's dictatorial rule we have seen members leave. Why? Because we have a leader who refuses to accept different opinions or tolerate dissent, and thinks that an iron hand and discipline is the way to run an alliance.

And, as we are seeing, it is not. The IFC does not need a personality cult. It does not need obedience. It needs freedom to accept different viewpoints.

One viewpoint that our Prime Minister obviously did not accept is Si vis pacem, para bellum: If you want peace, prepare for war; and negotiate from a position of strength, with firm beliefs in your convictions. And obviously in the midst of a crisis we are not prepared for war; and obviously that is why SACTO is laughing at us.

So what we must do, and what we must do very quickly; is get organized. The whole crux of the issue is the question of order. We varyingly accuse Elemental North of being a dictator in our alliance and failing to ensure international order abroad. What Elemental North or any future Prime Minister must realize is if this alliance is to thrive is that to ensure international order we do not need an exclusive order at home, where everybody without your opinion has to shut up or leave. What you need is a more inclusive order, a larger structure, which includes all who are tolerant. With that order you can go out and battle intolerance as a large powerful group, full of energy and ideas, like we used to be. For us to have order, we must have people who want to be inside that order; and they must be sufficiently numerous and energetic to keep that order safe from external threats."

Seward rubbed his forehead as the Delegate from Ausitoria preached from his soapbox. After he was finished, the Prime Minister stood up and banged his gabble,

"Ladies and Gentlemen of Council it has come to my attention that I have failed you as a leader, the Ausitorian Delegate was correct in his assumption that, in my effort to run things, I lost myself, and my purpose. And for that, and everything I have ever done that has possibly harmed this organization, I am sorry. The Ausitorian Delegate is a brilliant statesman, more so than I could ever be. I am a half-way decent administrator, but that's all I've ever really been. I am sorry I have failed you all, and will gladly slerk off into the distance when the time comes. However, now we must have unity, now we must have trust, now we must have the ability to face all, and god damnit if those SACTO bastards are going to take us down. Thus, if the Ausitorian Delegate will entertain me, one last time, I would officially like to declare the creation of the position of Vice President, to serve under that of the Prime Minister, and in his place when he is absent for any period of time or incapacitated for any reason. The nomination for Vice President will be the Ausitorian Delegate, if he will have it, and thus shall be placed to a vote now, along with that of this War with SACTO.

The following is now at vote. May your respective gods bless us all.

1. All in favor of the creation of the position of Vice President and the confirmation of the Ausitorian Delegate to that position; say AYE, ABSTAIN, or NAY.

AYE.

2. All in favor of declaring and authorizing full scale war on the SACTO, say AYE, ABSTAIN, or NAY.

AYE.

The voting will last until the Secretary General stops it.

"Vice President? What would that role entail and how would it fit in our governance structure?"

"As for your second proposition, I believe it is more apt to authorize war in defence of Argentarino rather than against specific alliances. Our job is only to defend Argentarino against any type of enemy."

[West Aurelia]

1. Wouldn't it be better to call it a "deputy prime minister"? In any case, West Aurelia votes AYE.

2. West Aurelia votes AYE.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Prime Minister, you will find that the one thing that Ausitoria is good at is forgiving their enemies - if their is any point to it. And there is. What we need is a government of all the talents, and if the alliance wishes that I serve as your deputy and conscience, I will. While we will undoubtedly continue to have many disagreements, that is what we need to make progress: we must all work together to find common solutions. Democracy and individualism is our strength not our enemy.

On the subject of general war; given that the alliance has not yet received any official requests for aid, I also request that the enactment of the vote be postponed and that we conduct urgent negotiations with SACTO to see whether any solution can be reached. If we fail, then we may well be headed for war; if we succeed, we shall save countless lives and stop considerable damage to our members: I certainly think it is worth a try.

In the meantime I would like to request that the defence committee inform the Council of what forces we can deploy and how best we might conduct a general war against SACTO, so that we are fully appraised of our position."

[West Aurelia]

"I would like to remind the Council that Gran Cuscatlán declared war on Argentarino on behalf of SACTO. If I may quote the Cuscatlani official statement: 'On behalf of SACTO nations, I announce that today SACTO and Argentarino are at WAR.' Please take that into consideration as you vote."

[Bratislav]

"We need more specifics on what the role of the Deputy PM would be. We believe that right now the Foreign Minister post is more important and we ask Elemental North to reinstate Libraria to the FM post given this reconciliation. The creation of a deputy PM post is something that needs to be discussed further as the specific duties of such a post are a bit unclear at the moment."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

Ausitoria has, entirely of its own initiative, been investigating the matter in detail, and the Ausitorian General & Cabinet Policy and Intelligence & Security Committee has reached the following conclusions:

1. El Cuscatlan and Riysa have agreed to respect standard rules of engagement, i.e.; a) no torture, b) no WMDs, c) WA POW conventions, d) free access for humanitarian and medical organizations, e) no targeting of civilians, f) innocent passage for all non-military shipping subject to inspections. We hope and expect that all participants will follow such rules.
2. a) While the SACTO members are clearly at fault, Argentarino should have attempted to make arrangements for the trial of all the terrorist suspects in question, for instance in a neutral court. The IFC should not be expected to support suspected terrorists without having first determined that they are not terrorists; except to ensure a fair trial in a respected court.
b) As a result it should perhaps be the individual decision of IFC members to decide what level of support they provide to Argentarino.
3. An immediate peace agreement is unlikely as neither side is presently likely to agree to any reasonable compromise peace terms as both sides believe the war to be worth fighting and that they will be able to get better terms, but war on a larger scale is avoidable: SACTO intends to limit operations to the Argentarinan theatre. Any widening of warfare would have dramatic impacts on international shipping and civilians; and non-combatant nations can provide superior economic support while husbanding future strength and acting as a deterrent and future threat, and therefore a widening of the war should probably be avoided unless SACTO refuses to be reasonable.

[Argentarino]

"If I may, I must disagree with your assessment's second point. We handed over those persons who had ties to terrorism and had tagged those who we deemed suspicious of terrorist ties. These, as stated many times, are in accordance with the Kingdom's laws. The conflict was no longer about the suspected terrorists. It evolved when SACTO threw a fit that we asked for a Valaran troop presence, which we had every right to do: we were being threatened by superior powers, our army has not recently been in combat and therefore not battle-ready, and then, Gran Cuscatlan financed and armed terrorists from the Castalician Liberation Front. We opted not to accept the offer of West Aurelia at first, since we did not want to antagonize SACTO with the prospect of an IFC member placing troops in Argentarino. From our perspective, SACTO was gearing for a fight any way, no matter whether we agreed to their ridiculous demands or not," stated Lucrezia la Ghiratella, the Argentarinoan ambassador to the IFC.

[Elemental North]

"We need more specifics on what the role of the Deputy PM would be. We believe that right now the Foreign Minister post is more important and we ask Elemental North to reinstate Libraria to the FM post given this reconciliation. The creation of a deputy PM post is something that needs to be discussed further as the specific duties of such a post are a bit unclear at the moment."

The duties of the Vice President, and yes that's what we're calling it, will be to act as the chief advisor to the Prime Minister, head of the newly formed Foreign Policy Committee and Vice Chair to the War Council, they are also authorized to act on behalf of the Prime Minister's Office, with all the duties rights and privileges that entails, when the Prime Minister is not present. The Delegate from Ausitoria is more the suited for this position, and will be sworn in at the North Rose Room in the Capitol Complex, in Musrum, Bratislav, tomorrow at 2:00 pm PST. A new Secretary of Foreign Affairs will also be announced shortly thereafter.

I thank the Delegate from Ausitoria for his more than understanding nature and confidence in this Administration. I look forward to working with him as my Vice President, and second in command. Unity is our greatest weapon, and today, we have shown that it can be wielded as good, if not better, than any sword.

Many blessings to the Vice President, and his country!

On another note of business, the motion to suspend the vote on the SACTO War Authorization is hereby granted in light of peace talks. It is asked that the participants on behalf of the I.F.C notify this Council on a regular basis of any developments.

Thank you.

[Bratislav]

"We need more specifics on what the role of the Deputy PM would be. We believe that right now the Foreign Minister post is more important and we ask Elemental North to reinstate Libraria to the FM post given this reconciliation. The creation of a deputy PM post is something that needs to be discussed further as the specific duties of such a post are a bit unclear at the moment."

The duties of the Vice President, and yes that's what we're calling it, will be to act as the chief advisor to the Prime Minister, head of the newly formed Foreign Policy Committee and Vice Chair to the War Council, they are also authorized to act on behalf of the Prime Minister's Office, with all the duties rights and privileges that entails, when the Prime Minister is not present. The Delegate from Ausitoria is more the suited for this position, and will be sworn in at the North Rose Room in the Capitol Complex, in Musrum, Bratislav, tomorrow at 2:00 pm PST. A new Secretary of Foreign Affairs will also be announced shortly thereafter.

I thank the Delegate from Ausitoria for his more than understanding nature and confidence in this Administration. I look forward to working with him as my Vice President, and second in command. Unity is our greatest weapon, and today, we have shown that it can be wielded as good, if not better, than any sword.

Many blessings to the Vice President, and his country!

On another note of business, the motion to suspend the vote on the SACTO War Authorization is hereby granted in light of peace talks. It is asked that the participants on behalf of the I.F.C notify this Council on a regular basis of any developments.

Thank you.

"I think we should formally introduce this new governance structure through a new resolution. If this position is titled 'Vice President' hence it is confusing if your title remains Prime Minister. Because Vice President assumes that there exists a President. I motion that this change to the cabinet be made through a formal resolution in which your title is also changed, and our basic Governance is reaffirmed, so everyone is on the same page. In all, I do believe that the Governance Structure works best in the following format: a parliamentary democracy type. Where the Secretary General is the head of state and final executive power, however, in practice it is the Prime Minister or Head of Government that carries the day to day duties and management of the alliance in coordination with his cabinet."

[Elemental North]

The duties of the Vice President, and yes that's what we're calling it, will be to act as the chief advisor to the Prime Minister, head of the newly formed Foreign Policy Committee and Vice Chair to the War Council, they are also authorized to act on behalf of the Prime Minister's Office, with all the duties rights and privileges that entails, when the Prime Minister is not present. The Delegate from Ausitoria is more the suited for this position, and will be sworn in at the North Rose Room in the Capitol Complex, in Musrum, Bratislav, tomorrow at 2:00 pm PST. A new Secretary of Foreign Affairs will also be announced shortly thereafter.

I thank the Delegate from Ausitoria for his more than understanding nature and confidence in this Administration. I look forward to working with him as my Vice President, and second in command. Unity is our greatest weapon, and today, we have shown that it can be wielded as good, if not better, than any sword.

Many blessings to the Vice President, and his country!

On another note of business, the motion to suspend the vote on the SACTO War Authorization is hereby granted in light of peace talks. It is asked that the participants on behalf of the I.F.C notify this Council on a regular basis of any developments.

Thank you.

"I think we should formally introduce this new governance structure through a new resolution. If this position is titled 'Vice President' hence it is confusing if your title remains Prime Minister. Because Vice President assumes that there exists a President. I motion that this change to the cabinet be made through a formal resolution in which your title is also changed, and our basic Governance is reaffirmed, so everyone is on the same page. In all, I do believe that the Governance Structure works best in the following format: a parliamentary democracy type. Where the Secretary General is the head of state and final executive power, however, in practice it is the Prime Minister or Head of Government that carries the day to day duties and management of the alliance in coordination with his cabinet."

We'll work it out.

[New Roma Republic]

New Roma Republic Orphius Logus A Resolution to create a Cyber Division of the RRF Resolution Number: 41 To the IFC Council, Noting rising inter alliance tensions, Noticing the rise Cyber Warfare and Cyber Terrorism, Mentioning that war may breakout soon with other forces, Urges the IFC to create a new branch of the RRF for the cyber world; Requests that a entire division be dedicated created for this; Calls upon nations to give personnel for this; Stresses the importance of defending the cyberverse from the enemies of the IFC. Signed, Orphius Logus, New Roma Republic

OOC: This is my second resolution, but my first on NS. Please let me know how it is, and how it can be improved!

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"We would like to express in no uncertain terms our considerable concern and consternation at the militarization of various alliance members rushing into a war that is completely and utterly undesirable and comprehensively at odds with the basic liberal principles of the International Freedom Coalition. While individual nations may act as they see fit; attempting to force the hand of the alliance as a whole is not at all conducive to a settlement, peace, or the preservation of our strength. Nations rushing into war will receive no military support from Ausitoria."

[Argentarino]

"We would like to express in no uncertain terms our considerable concern and consternation at the militarization of various alliance members rushing into a war that is completely and utterly undesirable and comprehensively at odds with the basic liberal principles of the International Freedom Coalition. While individual nations may act as they see fit; attempting to force the hand of the alliance as a whole is not at all conducive to a settlement, peace, or the preservation of our strength. Nations rushing into war will receive no military support from Ausitoria."

"You are so high and mighty, esteemed Delegate," hissed Lucrezia. "Yet your lands are not in immediate threat of invasion, nor does it appear that you can see that SACTO has been looking for a reason to go to war with every little action that is taken, either on behalf of this alliance or no. But fine, hide behind your defenses and care not about the bigger picture. I assure you, my government at the least will not forget where you stand. I would be lying if I said His Royal Majesty would not be in a vindictive mood once our fight against SACTO ends."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"If that is your position," said Alexias, highly surprised that Argentino seemed intent upon driving Ausitoria into neutrality, "then we shall cancel our planned aid shipment. I have the honour of wishing the ambassador a good day."

[Elemental North]

The United Democracies of Elemental North Prime Minister Preston Seward Committee Organization, Creation, & Allotment Act [Resolution Number: 42] This legislation will create the Committee on Defense Administration who will: -Oversee all military action taken by any member of Cabinet who has the power to enact such action. -Issue mandates on equipment, weapons, and ware standardization for the R.R.F. -Set humanitarian standards for warfare, and be responsible for the creation, amending, and governing, of a Uniform Code of Armed Forces Behavior (U.C.A.F.C) -Administer this code and punish all who break it, regardless of rank, or intention, with a sentencing that they deem appropriate. The Committee demands that: -It be notified by the appropriate Cabinet officials at least 24 hours before any military action is taken. -It receive regular updates to be given to each member of the Committee, that pertain to casualties, equipment loss, and advancement in occupation/warfare. The Committee shall: -Be comprised of 3 individuals from the General Member Delegations, to be adjusted as necessary. -Be placed for re-election every term, with the Prime Minister. -Meet every 3rd Tuesday of the month, regardless of necessity. -Be governed by the Rules of the Floor. The Committee is allowed: -The appropriate funds, as assessed by the Cabinet Treasury Secretary, to accomplish the tasks so defined for them above. This legislation does also create; the Foreign Policy and Global Networking Committee who will: -Oversee all foreign policy action taken by any member of Cabinet who has the power to enact such action. -Issue mandates on foreign policy, ambassadorial standards, and policy direction for the I.F.C State Department. -Set diplomatic conduct standards for statesmanship, and be responsible for the creation, amending, and governing, of a Diplomatic Code of Authority and Behavior (DCOAB). -Administer this code and punish all who break it, regardless of rank, or intention, with a sentencing that they deem appropriate. The Committee demands that: -It be notified by the appropriate Cabinet officials at least 24 hours before any foreign policy action is changed or taken. -It receive regular updates to be given to each member of the Committee, that pertain to policy development, diplomatic aptness, and advancement in relations. The Committee shall: -Be comprised of 4 individuals from the General Member Delegations, to be adjusted as necessary. -Be placed for re-election every term, with the Prime Minister. -Meet every 4th Thursday of the month, regardless of necessity. -Be governed by the Rules of the Floor. -Be Chaired by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. The Committee is allowed: -The appropriate funds, as assessed by the Cabinet Treasury Secretary, to accomplish the tasks so defined for them above. Signed, [Prime Minister Preston Seward, The United Democracies of Elemental North]

[West Aurelia]

"Will the Defense Minister head the Committee on Defense Administration?"