[TWI-Only] [IC] Gael Four Commission

[Ainslie]

“Welcome. As per the usual procedure, may you give us a security, travel and economic overview of your nation?”

[Dormill and Stiura]

"With respect to security, the Federal Republic maintains a well funded and armed professional military force, the Federal Army Forces, the Federal Naval Forces, and the Federal Air Forces all within the Ministry of Defense. Presently, we are in the process of concluding a brief war against the Kingdom of Belle Isle en Terre for their attack on a Dormill-Stiuraian Warship. As for internal security, only the ethnically-driven terrorist group known as SHOCK has made any tangible threats against us, though no attack has been successful to date thanks to the efforts of the Bureau of Special Intelligence and the National Criminal Investigatory and Registry Commission of the Ministry of Justice. Even regarding recent leaks, there are minimal threats to national stability at the moment." Clément drones out, hoping this won't be the majority of the process of joining the Gael Four.

"As for travel, Dormill and Stiura has lightened up its visa policies during the Richelieu Administration, and although we hold no official arrangements, we do support a policy of open borders among our neighbors and allies. Finally, regarding Economics, the Federal Republic has spent its existence redeveloping all industrial sectors in the nation. As of now, it could be easily said that the southern states, especially the two Kaelectias and the southern portions of Dormill and Avillon are focused on manufacturing and mining sectors, with the city of Rattenberg, Upper Kaelectia hosting a major plant for KC Automotives, for example. The northern states, especially Kapolder, focus more on the service sector, specializing in Banking, Shipping, and so on."

"Is there anything else this commission would like to know about Dormill and Stiura?"

[Ainslie]

"I do not have any concerns regarding travel and your economy from what you've told us, but I do have one issue. Did you join a unilateral war, against a nation clearly of less capability than your own? If so, how can one justify such imperial and expansionist tendencies - then front up to a commission devoted to regional stability?"

[Dormill and Stiura]

"You do know that the National Congress declared war only after two separate attacks against Dormill-Stiuraian Ships? The first against a merchant ship and the second against a warship. Even then, nobody went into this war expecting any land or major concessions from the Ilseans other than what was necessary to compensate for the loss of trade caused by this crisis. In fact, I would argue that the actions made by my government shows conviction to the maintenance of regional stability, even if it must be done by force of arms."

[Ainslie]

“I would like to see how the other delegates view this, because I currently have an opinion now on what level of involvement we should grant you. However, I am interested in other viewpoints.”

[Ostehaar]

"To be honest, I don't see a significant problem. My government may not agree with many of the Dormill-Stiuraian decision-making, but not to a level that would rule out a G4 membership."

[Verdon]

"Not so much a war declaration as it was an act of anti-piracy." reasoned Vidal de Rosselli. "A steadfast commitment to trade security is appreciated in this organization, though I would caution one not to accrue a track-record of naval violence."

Vidal flipped through a dossier of potential G4 applicants, stopping at Dormill-Stiura. The section was surprisingly thin, but indicated that the economic landscape in the Federal Republic was quite similar to that of Verdon.

"No reservations at present."

[Agadar]

Count-Palatine Blackburn's face curled into a frown upon the mention of Dormill and Stiura's state of war.

"I am hesitant to allow a nation into the Gael Four that is, as we speak, engaged in an active war against another sovereign state," Blackburn proclaimed. "In fact, I believe it might set a wrong precedent. No member nation of this organization should be in a state of war at any time, let alone a candidate member. We are not a safe haven for warmongers to hide between."

Blackburn glanced at Clément, realizing his unfortunate implication, but not entirely regretting it.

"Of course, I am not suggesting Dormill and Stiura is the aggressor in this conflict against Belle Isle en Terre, nor desires to continue it for unsavory reasons. That is for the history books to decide."

[Michigonia]

Dr. Prosje leaned forward to weigh-in after the voting delegates had spoken.

"While our government does share the concerns of my colleagues, I would like to vouch for the Dormill and Stiuran history of collaboration in maintaining regional security. For the past decade or so, our neighbors to the east have collaborated with the Michigonian Navy in anti-piracy and anti-trafficking interdiction in the Argean, and have worked closely with our law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime."

Prosje contined, "Our nations have also been engaged in a free trade agreement since 1999, and Dormill-Stiura have been faithful partners in this agreement."

He turned back to Clément, "Our government has offered to assist in mediating a settlement to the conflict, and we hope to see it concluded with normalised relations soon."

[Ainslie]

“We are concerned about the new Dormill-Stiuraian administration’s entrance into the world of global politics. That is what I am concerned about, whether that there is any pattern that could arise connected to unnecessary acts of violence. Gestures for peace and diplomacy, as far as I remember correctly, have not been pursued by the new administration. Ainslie does not want its intelligence going to a nation that may use it to justify violence in situations that in the Ahnslen opinion would not require such acts. This is why we recommend a Part I, II and IV partial membership for the nation. If the government’s conduct suggests that they can be an intelligence partner that can be deeply trusted, we encourage them to campaign for this at a later date. What do my fellow delegates think of this plan?”

[Dormill and Stiura]

"If I have to be honest, I am disappointed that you would not consider Dormill and Stiura a reliable intelligence partner, even in consideration to the aforementioned opinions of the other Commissioners on the issue itself. That being said, the Dyson Administration has been eager to at the very least set the stage for greater cooperation between the Federal Republic and the international community, so my personal disappointment should be set aside for the greater task at hand.

[Ainslie]

“It is not that we see you as unreliable, but rather that we need to see more of the current administration before we are comfortable with granting Part III membership.”

[Dormill and Stiura]

Clément sits in silence after hearing that statement. It was hard to deny that the age of the Dyson Administration and its adoption of the war against Belle Isle would have likely set an opinion of an unnatural belligerence in the peace-minded Ahnslens, it was equally evident that the Verdonian and Oster Commissioners appeared to side with her. She would have to either push her luck or wait things out and work on ensuring a vote in favor of a full membership being offered.

After weighing her options, she makes the decision to try and wait things out, hoping to speak to her supporters personally before they vote. "In that case, I see that the Commissioners need time to consider Dormill-Stiuraian Membership. As such, I shall retire to the Dormill-Stiuraian Embassy in Ainslie until I shall be summoned again." she declares, standing up and briefly bowing before the Comissioners before leaving the chamber.

[Ainslie]

"Thank you for coming, we shall discuss further and vote in your absence. You shall be notified in the near future of your involvement in the G4 going forward."

She watched as the ambassador left the building, before continuing.

"Now, do we have any further issues to discuss regarding the Dormill-Stiurian membership, or shall we vote on whether the nation should receive Part I, II and IV membership?"

[Agadar]

"I echo my government's stance when I say we should not allow a nation at war to enter the Gael Four for reasons already elaborated upon," Blackburn stated. "Hence, I would propose we postpone voting on Dormill and Stiura's application until the war between Dormill and Stiura and Belle Isle en Terre has concluded, and not just temporarily. Should my honorable colleagues disagree with this, then I am voting against Dormill and Stiura's entry into the Gael Four in any capacity."

The count-palatine paused briefly, gathering his thoughts.

"Of course, I would not be opposed to any Gael Four nation or even the Gael Four itself as a single entity stepping forward and attempt to put an end to the war through political and diplomatic channels. Such an attempt might even serve to show the Isles that the Gael Four has nothing but good, peaceful intentions."

[Ainslie]

JC Downey replied to the Agadarian, looking to include Dr Prosje in the conversation.

"Perhaps Dr Prosje could further elaborate on the Michigonian efforts to bring peace between Dormill and Stiura and Belle Ilse en Terre? There could be an opportunity for the G4 to aid the restoration of peace through that channel."

[Ainslie]

I can confirm that the war Dormill and Stiura has been engaged in has finished. It is now time to vote for or against the partial membership of the nation in question in regards to the Mandara accord.

[Verdon]

"I do not believe that we had come to a consensus about partial membership. Furthermore, it was my understanding that Dormill Stiura intended to bide time until a full membership could be achieved."

[Ainslie]

“It was my understanding that they would pursue full membership at a later date”

[Agadar]

"I suggest we summon the delegate and inquire about the degree of membership her government seeks," Blackburn said, "and inquire about the ending of the war while we're at it."

[Vancouvia]

Charles Rochester entered the room and gently placed his notes on the table in front of him. He straightened his tie (which he did not care much for) and then buttoned his gray suit.

"I am here, as you know, on behalf of Vancouvia, petitioning the Gael Four Commission to accept Vancouvia's bid for membership into this Agreement. It is my hope that you understand that although Vancouvia is not on Gael, we share common culture, history, people groups, values, and ideals on the regional stage. We are open to Vancouvia in regards to all four parts, although we do have some concerns with Part II's right to establishment, as we currently have a naturalization process built upon merit, specifically vocationally."

Whereas Vancouvia was already entangled heavily with Noronica especially, Congress had eyed the Gael Four for quite some time now, and had considered that Vancouvia's proactivity in the Charbagnia situation would showcase not only the capability of a Vancouvian alliance but also its collaborative spirit.

"Of course, I am happen to answer any questions you all have."

[Ainslie]

“Commissioner Blackburn, the ambassador from Dormill and Stiura has stated she is pursuing full membership for her nation. I suggest we immediately begin a voting period. As for the newly arrived Vancouvian, may we ask for your patience as we vote for or against the full membership of Dormill and Stiura. We shall then move onto your application once a verdict for the nation currently in question is reached.”

JC Downey then takes a glass of water, and continues.

“Ainslie shall abstain from this vote.”

[Ostehaar]

"Ostehaar votes in favor."

[Verdon]

"We approve of a full membership for Dormill and Stiura"

[Agadar]

Blackburn pondered briefly, before stating:

"If there was already a majority vote for Dormill and Stiura's entrance into the Gael Four as a full member, then I would have abstained from voting. I believe that, despite Dormill's history as a stable, modern nation, it is too soon since the recent war to welcome them into the fold. I believe it sends the wrong image of our organization to the rest of the world. Yet, I would not want to deny Dormill's people the many benefits a seat in the Gael Four yields them, and vice versa. Hence, it is with great hesitance and with the explicit declaration that Dormill's entry into the Gael Four does not in any way mean the Gael Four harbors hostile intent towards Belle Isle en Terre, that I vote in favor of Dormill and Stiura's application for full membership."