[IC] [TWI-Only] The League of TWI (Assembly)

[Roendavar]

Lord Marius observed the delegates and weighed in on the options. Orders from the Crown Prince were absolute. Assert Roendavar's place on the international stage. Hard to do when your country is only known as tree-hugging rich pagan pacifists on some islands that give citizenships to animals. Still, it was worth the shot. The time of staying quiet during the Late King Vladimir IV's reign was over.

"Roendavar acknowledges the importance of freedom of navigation, regardless if it is commercial, military, or private in nature. Therefore, we would ask the government of Athara Magarat to reconsider its decisions on the blockade. The persistence of the restrictions will only escalate tensions, which I presume, is obvious. As a country whose culture was shaped by travels of explorers that once used the very waters that are being exploited, politicized, and manipulated are a travesty to humanity's freedom. Roendavar supports a stance for free navigation, regardless of nationality."

So much for Roendavarian pacifism.

"I would also like to stand by the Ahnslen delegate in saying that we must be civil and proper in discussing such delicate international matters, especially where the implications are drastic and could impact millions of lives. We ask the League to try and resolve this in a fair and equal manner, as well as peaceful and just. Raising voices and emotional tirades will only worsen our current predicament."

[Vancouvia]

Stephanie calmly looked at the delegate from Ruios, "Do you expect our fleet not to go home then? The trip around Gael is unnecessary, costly and a longer journey than is necessary. Your nation should not be conducting exercises in international shipping lanes. Polar Svalbard does not want a war, but if your navy even tries to block the second fleet from sailing in these waters, there will be measures that need to be taken to stop warmongering in shipping lanes."

"As we've already discussed, friend, your fleets can and may safely sail by the I.D., as Vancouvian ships are currently doing the same. We believe the Magarati declaration to be an attempt to dissuade further attempts to congest the area, as well as to avoid any increased tensions that may be a result of actions from other nations."

Augustia cleared her throat. "Let me be clear, Vancouvia has no ill will or hostility towards any nation, and we are moving a portion of our fleet to our base at Camp Plymouth because that is a more efficient station in case of any necessary operations that may arise due to our commitments to our allies, friends, and partners in the region. Vancouvia wants a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Gael and northern Argus and we believe that should be the goal of this League as well."

[Dormill and Stiura]

Van Adrichem continued to hear the same boasting, yet little much of substance. He had to push the issue, regardless of how Vancouvia would respond in kind, "That's frankly hard to believe when not too far from this very chamber, alongside the Magrati and Vancouvian navies, we also have Ruoian and Vancouvian ground forces performing war games. On neutral international territory. If Vancouvia is truly for a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Gael and northern Argus they should commit to disarming the International District and cutting back on the operations performed in the area. The United Republics will do whatever it is in its power to seek a peaceful resolution and a return to a calm atmosphere in the area, we do not wish to sail our navy to meet that of other nations but we will support the Freedom of Navigation in and around the International District."

[Razzgriz]

"Sending a fleet of warships through the straits will do nothing but escalate the entire situation. There is already a large military force within the immediate area conducting pre planned exercises. Those military forces of Vancouvia and Ruios will not take kindly to a large force steaming through. We all want free shipping and unhindered access to the shipping lanes but this is not the way. I suggest that the nations refrain from sending ships and fleets to the area or you will have world war three on your hands. Ruios for one will not allow vast fleets to sail within close range of ongoing military manoeuvres"

Aho couldn't help but uncomfortably chuckle.

" With all due respect, but I do believe our fleet is sailing through international waters towards our land. If these maneuvers of yours are so widespread as to inhibit the travel of these vessels to Unovi then one must begin to call into question what these exercises are truly for." Aho stated. "Surely your military staff isn't incompetent enough to have not accounted for the presence of Osean Military Forces already in the region. I fail to see why a foreign power with no true reason for being in the region outside of a controversial military exercise see's it fit to threaten us with an act of aggression when I believe it was your counterpart who deployed a sizable military presence in the region first and began to blockade us without any consultation."

"What the Magrati have done is inexcusable! You have no right whatsoever to tell us what we can and cannot do when it comes to the safety and security of our citizens. Your ships have no right to even be involved in this matter as far as we see it and should merely stick to your already controversial exercises. Our ships are no greater threat to them then the Magrati patrols currently swarming the region if you wish to see it that way. It is best for you to sit back and allow the adults to handle this one child for it seems your people know nothing of politics."

Aho took a quick breath, forcibly calming himself as he did. "The Razz and the Council have made their stance clear and our Southern Sea Fleet will continue towards Unovi in order to break this blockade. We do not wish to see an outbreak of conflict, however this issue has plagued our people for long enough and we will no longer tolerate these childish actions. If the Magrati forces fire upon our vessels as they cross into the blockade zone......I believe we will have no other choice but to issue a declaration of war against them." Aho concluded, barely managing to swallow he own saliva as he considered the possible future.

[Vancouvia]

Van Adrichem continued to hear the same boasting, yet little much of substance. He had to push the issue, regardless of how Vancouvia would respond in kind, "That's frankly hard to believe when not too far from this very chamber, alongside the Magrati and Vancouvian navies, we also have Ruoian and Vancouvian ground forces performing war games. On neutral international territory. If Vancouvia is truly for a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Gael and northern Argus they should commit to disarming the International District and cutting back on the operations performed in the area. The United Republics will do whatever it is in its power to seek a peaceful resolution and a return to a calm atmosphere in the area, we do not wish to sail our navy to meet that of other nations but we will support the Freedom of Navigation in and around the International District."

"Sir, you sit here backing nations wanting to flagrantly stroll their navies not only through international waters but also through Athara Magarat's territory, but then condemn us for practicing anti-terrorism and anti-piracy operations?"

"I cannot help but laugh at your suggestion that the International District disarm themselves - Vancouvia does not want to have to lead a coalition back here to reclaim what we have already reclaimed from lawlessness. The I.D. is a sovereign state, a state which we have been defending with the blood of Vancouvia soldiers for over three years, voluntarily, for the good of the security of this region. We wish only for the I.D. to be capable of their own security, and we have been constantly working towards that goal. We have helped uplift a nation from the brink of collapse, and that will not be in vain!"

[Athara Magarat]

"Exactly, we will not allow a coalition of fleets to travel through our waters. Do you have any idea how much disastrous effect on marine life and civilians of Athara Magarat and Torom it will have to say large fleets of large ships with powerful sonars from Svalbard, Miklania, Dormill and Stiura or any other nation with a powerful navy pass through there at the same time?" Vec Hangma questioned.

"Please do not think only with your selfish vested interests, delegates. What Athara Magarat is doing, by preventing military travel to ships of any nation beside Athara Magarati, Vancouvian and now Toroman; is to protect the endangered marine animals such as the Gatadpatigan Seadragon, Jellari's Whales and Sea Cats to name a few and well as the people of this region."

"This was agreed by International District and Athara Magarat, two out of three entities that have control over Gatadpatigan Sea, to allow minimum number of Vancouvian ships access to these waters. It will come in news any moment now that we have withdrawn our boats from the southwestern Mechi Sea."

"True, we also utilise sonar. But Athara Magarati and Toroman ships are very few in number and Vancouvian ships are there to protect the ID's waters. Any other nation's military vessels will only be disrupting the environment idiotically like those who still believe global warming to be a hoax."

[Ruios]

"I believe the delegate of Razz is in need of a glass of water and recess for a medical check..strokes and aneurysms are serious things".

"Anyway back to actual politics. If you're so set on Ruios withdrawing from the ID, then a planned and delicate withdrawal can be considered once this situation has resolved itself to a point where it's deemed safe and appropriate to. At the present moment all we are doing is throwing warships and threats into the cauldron which cannot be sustained. A clear, precise and dedicated plan of action is to be accepted, meaning that we should refrain from any deployment of military ships to the strait and those that are sailing should be halted so we have time within the League to resolve this. I would also ask the Magarati delegate to seriously consider stopping the blockage before the strait becomes a warship graveyard, marine conservation does not begin with military threats".

[Athara Magarat]

"We are withdrawing from the southwestern Mechi Sea, but Gatadpatigan Sea, no! We will not allow any fleet to pass through there."

[Negarakita]

"Is the Magarati delegate aware that this is a violation of international maritime law?"

[San Montagna]

"I would advise the Magarati Delegate to tell its government to remove its Naval presence from our Coastline," said Giorgio "as our Gatadpatigan sea fleet, which is currently in port, is ready to act without hesitation if it is deemed necessary."

[Corindia]

"If you really cared about sparing wildlife from sonar you probably wouldn't do the one thing to guarantee that naval ships of all nations would perform maneuvers in the area, so save us all some time and drop that particular charade."

[Athara Magarat]

"We need assurances that this Svalbardian 2nd Fleet reverse their course. Just as we have removed our presence from Mechi Sea."

"If you are speaking of violation of international maritime, it's the MSTO. Vancouvian shis are there at the requrst of Inernational Districters. Under whose permission does Svalbard get to deploy its 2nd Fleet in our and International Districter waters?"

[Polar Svalbard]

Stephanie cleared her throat, "Delegate may I remind you of maritime law in the Freedom of Navigation. It is a principle of customary international law that ships flying the flag of any sovereign state shall not suffer interference from other states. It is allowable to sail through territorial waters so long as the ships in question do so only in transit and do so in a quick fashion. The 2nd fleet isn't deploying, it is merely in transit back home. The straits of the I.D are the best way to return home. Now while a part of the fleet is going through the waters you have illegally blocked off, it is only to assert the Svalbardian position that Freedom of Navigation must be allowed. Actually I believe the ships should be sailing through around now."

Stephanie smiled, "What so many warmongering nations are calling a deployment of ships, is just Svalbardian men and women trying to get home, without having to go all the way around Gael or Argus. If we didn't have Freedom of Navigation it would cost Polar Svalbard alot more money, mean that our sailors would have to be out at sea for longer periods of time, and most likely force us to make more use of foreign ports. Those reasons alone are good enough of why the I.D straits need to remain open, and why war games should not be conducted in those areas. Frankly I'm surprised that there have been no accidents between civilian and military ships with how much mucking about is going on with Vancouvia, Athara Magarat, and Ruios."

[Vancouvia]

"This delegate must remind the other delegates that the aforementioned war games are not interfering with the transit of ships in or around the I.D."

[Cheoju]

"I have no time for any more of your incoherent tangents, just give me the brief already!" snapped Cho Young-Jae as he fumed in the back seat of a black government sedan. The Cheoji Foreign Affairs minister had no patience for his secretary's incompetence after his flight to the International District had been delayed for more than 2 hours due to the pilots not being notified of the emergency flight. Skimming over the details of the recent events, he mumbled to himself in his distinct Shizou accent, known for its expressive and pointed cadence and befitting of the equally exuberant minister. As they arrived onto the location of the League's Chambers, Cho straightened his silk burgundy tie, an old gift from Elizabeth, and did a quick once over of his navy suit before stepping out of the vehicle. His earlier irritation and the flamboyant air he was known for during his time as a minister in the National Assembly was nowhere to be found, as the well-travelled minister retired into a much calmer state. Entering the chambers, Young-Jae nonchalantly strolled over to his seat and proceeded to observe the remarks of his fellow delegates, some friends, and others complete strangers.

[Polar Svalbard]

Stephanie looked at the Vancouvian delegate, "Where exactly are these wargames taking place. As if they are within the straits as we have been led to believe then it would be hard not to interfere with shipping lanes in the compact spaces."

[Vancouvia]

Stephanie looked at the Vancouvian delegate, "Where exactly are these wargames taking place. As if they are within the straits as we have been led to believe then it would be hard not to interfere with shipping lanes in the compact spaces."

"Primarily in Ruios and the I.D. and the seas south of Ruios. We are not launching ordinance in the straits surrounding a heavy shipping lane..."

[Polar Svalbard]

Stephanie nodded, "Then I withdraw my statement about the wargames, I had been led to believe that large portions of it were taking place within the straits in the I.D. That does not take away from the fact though that the build up of naval vessels in the area, especially by Athara Magarat is disconcerting."

[Cheoju]

Young-Jae shifted slightly in order to face the Vancouvian delegate, "I must echo the concerns of the delegate from Polar Svalbard in that the buildup of naval vessels has caught my eye. Are we able to rest assured that these naval vessels will not interfere with the movement of commercial Cheoji ships throughout this region of water?"

[Athara Magarat]

Young-Jae shifted slightly in order to face the Vancouvian delegate, "I must echo the concerns of the delegate from Polar Svalbard in that the buildup of naval vessels has caught my eye. Are we able to rest assured that these naval vessels will not interfere with the movement of commercial Cheoji ships throughout this region of water?"

"Please go through the newspapers, dear delegates." Vec Hangma was tired of repeating the same thing again and again.

[Cheoju]

Young-Jae shifted slightly in order to face the Vancouvian delegate, "I must echo the concerns of the delegate from Polar Svalbard in that the buildup of naval vessels has caught my eye. Are we able to rest assured that these naval vessels will not interfere with the movement of commercial Cheoji ships throughout this region of water?"

"Please go through the newspapers, dear delegates." Vec Hangma was tired of repeating the same thing again and again.

"May I offer my apologies..." the minister glanced icily at his secretary, for the report he had received made no mention of the status of the shipping lanes. He then quickly scrolled through the recent economic headlines internationally. "...I have just only been recently enlightened on the circumstances surrounding this situation."

[Noronica]

Rodger could feel the pulsing vein in his head, the pain insurmountable due to the crescendo of noise before him. It was classic League activity, as soon as one member acted out of order all diplomatic rules were thrown out the window and some of the delegates seemed close to resorting to expletives. The issue at hand could be interpreted many ways, but Rodger was a patriot, and his view on this was that this is what happens when Noronica divides itself and allows this to happen on its doorstep. With Orsandia, Roendavar and now his home nation falling into turmoil, Vancouvia and Athara Magarat were moving to 'secure' Gael and the Argean. Rodger shakily took up his glass and took a large gulp of water as if he had been starved of the resource.

He turned to an aide with a note, "Take this to the Athara Magarati delegate, quickly." He whispered with urgency.

This blockade severely displeases the Overlordship of Noronica, and as its delegate, I am forced to remind you that as an ally and a member of the Coalition of Six and Cooperative Union respectively, you are bound by both treaties to not act against fellow members and allies. From what I can tell, there have been no assurances to your allies that they are allowed safe passage, hindering Noronica's ability to defend its overseas assets across the Western Isles. Should you continue to act against your allies in this manner, regrettably Noronica shall be forced to look elsewhere for trading and military partners. It is only natural of course, that the membership of the Athara Magarati Democratic Hangate in the Coalition of Six and Cooperative Union shall also be put into question.

I sincerely hope that assurances are made to your allies, other than Vancouvia, fast.

He didn't need to say anything from his microphone, the message was hopefully enough to spark concern in his colleague. While Noronica was stepping closer into disarray, it was not yet off the world stage and by God Rodger would not see his nation's influence tarnished.

Behind Rodger, a man much younger than him sat in the diplomatic and press gallery, a pin of the Noronnican flag adorning his chest, with similar thoughts going through his mind, Father and I need to work faster.

[Athara Magarat]

The aide brought the message from the Noronnican ambassador and Vec Hangma went through it. She then quickly made her own reply.

Dear delegate, you might remember that we are an associate of the Coalition of Six. We joined it after our defeat at Keomoran hands; in the treaty that ensures sharing of Akar between Keomoran Empire and Athara Magarati federation of hangates.

There is no blockade. If there was a blockade of any sorts, how else do you explain almost zero accident between civilian and military ships? How else do you explain Toromans enjoying their fishing rights in every corner of the Gatadpatigan Sea? What we did on December 18th was a show of force to act as a deterrent. As you may know, we have completely withdrawn all our forces from the Mechi Sea and even in Gatadpatigan Sea, our presence is mostly at the territorial waters of the International District and our own territorial waters that the vile nations of Razzgriz and San Montagna have stolen from our country.

Our greatest fear is of an international armada of multiple fleets with large vessels possessing powerful sonars from multiple nations invading our territorial waters (which the aggressors of Razzgriz and San Montagna claim as theirs) while trying to stand against the Vancouvian navy and endangering the already at risk marine life as well as the daily lives of our civilians. We cannot, and we will not, let this. And just as we feared, the Svalbardians and Dormill-Stiuraians were quick announce that they would take action and bring along their allies. Our blockade will stand until we are assured that no international armada of multiple fleets from multiple nations (small number of ships have been approved by Jrm Hangma herself) passes through northwestern Gatadpatigan Sea.

What you consider to be a blockade was proposed by the Vancouvian Congress and voted into action by the council of hangates. Other than that, I am sorry to say anything else in this matter is confidential. The only thing I can assure you is that there will be even lesser Magarati ships in the Gatadpatigan Sea tomorrow.

(OOC: Is the Cooperative Union still even a thing...)

[Menna Shuli]

Mipax tapped her fingers on the table. Things had escalated quickly. She cleared her throat.

"Not to shift away from the pressing issues at hand," she said, "but I would like to inform the League that word has come down to me of a rebel raid on the main League relief camp in my country. While attacking forces were driven off by both Grand Army and League-sponsored peacekeepers, I am sure that several of you will soon be receiving notification of casualties amongst those you sent to aid my people in their time of need."

[Athara Magarat]

"What in the name of Great Hang! When did this happen, delegate? How many casualties? And our sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Please keep updating us on this incident." Vec Hangma's attention were now shifted towards the Mennan delegate.