Kiteahu Nuclear Program [GO News Cycle] [Closed/GO Only]

[Kiteahu]

The Meniti Observer

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Article 143, 6/01/2019

State of Kiteahu continues nuclear program

Photograph from Riscelnian Satellite showing Site I-7B

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- The State of Kiteahu, a belligerent and militant autocracy in South-East Nori, had an active nuclear weapons development program from some time in the mid-1990's until 2011, when a mixture of international pressures, funding issues, and policy changes led to the shutting down of the program, to much relief from the international community. Kiteahu was very secretive about it's former program, and declassified the bare minimum of information, leaving a wide number of questions around how much progress was made towards a bomb.

In satellite images released publicly by the Riscelnian government, activity seems to have significantly picked up at Site I-7B, an identified site operated by the Kiteahu Atomic Energy Commission. Image analysts believe there may be a system of tunnels adjacent to the above-ground site, though their purpose is unidentified. Careful intelligence analysis has also indicated that the country has ramped up Uranium production. Several new extraction sites have been identified over the previous year, though their potential purpose was unknown until now as Kiteahu used it's position as a premier exporter of Uranium to excuse activity. Satellites from numerous nations are now combing the Kiteahui interior in search of other potential nuclear sites.

Worryingly, it is impossible to predict how long Kiteahu has been operating the development program for, as it made no indication that it was doing so. Activity at Site I-7B has only increased recently, though other sites may exist and underground activity would be very difficult to identify. The Kiteahu government has yet to make any statement, though a flurry of disapproval from the international community is expected. Kiteahu, a war-like nation not aligned to any particular sphere of influence, is the last country anyone wants with the bomb.

[Zanaro]

SPECIAL REPORT
By: Torinaka Ayaka, third writer of the Imperial Informer

Reports have been made that the Kiteahui have re-initiated their nuclear weapon programs has drawn concern from many nations in the world who fear the nation, who has supposedly acted belligerently in the past, intends to utilize them as an offensive weapon. The Koto'Ara has had a long-standing trade relationship with the nation in Kiteahu, including the selling of weapons, aircraft, and scientific information. In return the Koto'Ara has been provided with access to Uranium which has been used by the Koto'Ara in it's nuclear power plants and in the naval fleet to power aircraft carriers and submarines. This relationship has long been mutually beneficial to both nations and many are wondering if this nuclear proliferation potential could put those relations at risk. We have put forth the question to the Imperial Diet and the Voice of the Kotonashi, Minimo Arashi, had this to say.

"Their is as of yet no solid proof of the development of these nuclear weapons, and it is to early to pass judgment on one of our oldest trade partners. We need to recall that this nation has a long history with the Zanarite peoples, having once shared in our native script, having been a trading partner for millennia. If they are indeed seeking to build the bomb, who are we to deny them the sovereign rite to do so. They are a sovereign nation and they deserve the opportunity to explore the needs of their nation and people. As we support the sovereign right to Parthonopia to exist, so to do we support the sovereignty, and right to develop as they see fit, the great nation of Kiteahu. We only hope that they will continue to work closely with us as our great Kotonashi continues to pursue the development of a Sovereign Nori Association."

With this official statement from the Imperial Diet I feel it is imperative that we, as subjects of the most beneficent Kotonashi Kurohiun Kazuto, continue to look to our gracious leaders for guidance in these trying times. The Imperial Armed Forces continue to seek new recruits to serve in the various branches to ensure the safety of the Koto'Ara and of our allies. Supplies continue to be sent to Parthonopia, though they continue to be in the vein of construction materials, foodstuffs, and clothing. We ask that all subjects of the Koto'Ara to please donate what they can to assist the needy of that far-off country in these trying times.

[Dacaotalamh]

The Daily Digest

Diplomatic Fallout Over Norian Uranium Refining

Written by Ailen Chlanricarde

Following a series of invasive reports by Liran spy satellites, the sovereign state of Kiteahu in southeastern Nori has been drawn into the international spotlight this week. Reports from Riscelnian, and later other satellites have ascertained an increase in ground activity on formerly de-activated Kiteahui nuclear testing and development sites. Kiteahu is one of the world's leading suppliers of uranium, and this detail was used to justify increased extraction operations by the local government. The Kiteahui government, lead by a fragile dictatorship identified as being susceptible to revolution by the CIC, has long been a primary strategic interest in Nori for the CIC and First Speaker, due to their significance in ensuring the PLN has always had a stable supply of uranium to maintain its vessels. Consequently, First Speaker Ruadh has already gone on record reporting that she is currently working with the CDC, and diplomats on the ground at the embassy in Awanui, to try and secure a meeting with the Kiteahui president. The CIC and PLN have both invested unspecified resources in monitoring the region, with Tok Mons also being a region of interest. Whilst the details of these resources is indeed unstated on record, it is generally expected that the PLN will have deployed at least one of their nuclear submarines to the archipelago as part of monitoring efforts.

The First Speaker was very clear about her position on the situation, declaring that. "Dacaotalamh is not opposed to sovereign nations arming themselves, however the capacity for defense and the capacity for indiscriminate destruction are distinct, and we will be attempting to ascertain the scope and purpose of Kiteahui nuclear efforts in the coming days and weeks, and hopefully, working with them to ensure that this does not further destabilise the region." She went on to discuss the significance of the Datuk program as part of the wide-reaching Revolutionary Defence Forces, stating that. "Denying another nation access to this vital tool of self defence is not part of our diplomatic policy, so long as we entrust said nation to be responsible with their weapons."

Until such time as more information about the details of the Kiteahui nuclear program is uncovered, or a statement is made from the Kiteahui government, there is little more to discuss at the moment over that is not pure speculation, and so for those more interested readers, we would like to direct you to Lachlan Mac a' Bhàird's column this week on page 19, which will explore the political climate and recent history of Kiteahu in more detail, and the potential significance of the program for its people and the region as a whole.

[Greater Olympia]

Winst declares heavy sanctions on Kiteau

News of reactivation of Kiteahu’s nuclear ambitions has drawn a sharp reaction from the government of Winst which has pursued a policy of non-proliferation since the development of nuclear weapons. Provoking the ire of the Noble Assembly, the Populous Michele Tourne has declared severe sanctions on the nation’s major imports and exports to and from the island nation, and has signaled that it would be willing to work with nations that share it’s desire to remove the threat of nuclear weapons from the region. In the speech, Tourne declared that the Kiteahu government to be “stoking greater insecurity in a world desperate for stability.” Winst, an exporter of Uranium themselves has a strict energy usage only policy on its exports, and has attempted to work with other exporters to present a united front but has had little to no success. Kiteahu a nation that has stayed neutral between the major factions, may be faced with greater pressures to conform with their latest move.

[Essexia]

Outside No. 16, Mercer Confronts Kiteahi Nuclear Ambitions
Demands Uranium Enrichment End, or Face Sanctions Again

By ELEANOR WOOD 10 January 2019

SALEM — Prime Minister Hugh Mercer called Kiteahu's apparent renuclearization “deeply disturbing,” in his first public appearance since the Riscelnian government published images of site I-7B. Mr. Mercer spoke to a throng of reporters in front of No. 16 Turnbull St., presenting an ultimatum to Kiteahu: denuclearize or face sanctions. "Essexia will not sit idly by, letting ourselves be threatened with utter annhilation," he said.

“These developments violate both the letter and spirit of the KDENT treaty,” Mr. Mercer added. The Kiteahu Denuclearization and Economic Normalization Treaty is the multilateral treaty leading to the State of Kiteahu abandoning its nuclear program, signed and ratified in 2011. In a deal negotiated by former Prime Minister Robert Elkridge, Kiteahu agreed to denuclearize and submit to weapons inspections in exchange for lifting widespread economic sanctions.

“To State-Marshal Huatare Herewini, and all others in the Kiteahi government, I say this: abandon these futile efforts, accept weapons inspections, and respect the promises you made to the world - or face the return of sanctions and pariah status,” Mr. Mercer said.

“Every country has a legitimate right to self-defense, but ‘self-defense’ does not include weapons of mass destruction that indiscriminately kill thousands of civilians in an instant. And Essexians have the right not to be the targets.” he said. While not directly mentioning any nations or leaders name, the Prime Minister’s comments seemed to criticize the more muted reactions from nations such as Dacaotalamh and Zanaro.

[Blueflarst]

Bla bla bla condemnations
Welcome to the nuclear programs club
Only be clever and do not use them if not needed the radiation can retailate in your field

[Parthonopia]

January 10, 2019

International News
Article by
Teobaldo Altimari

Satellite Confirmation

Of Nuclear Weapons

Under Construction

In the State of Kiteahu

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"Non-proliferation is utopian idealism in an age of nuclear militarism..." - Grand Marshal Vico Bartolomeo Ongaro speaking to the press on matters of national security and defense.

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Riscelnian satellite imagery of potential Kiteahi nuclear weapons building site.

New commercial satellite images released by the Allied Republic of Nori have identified at least one undeclared active Kiteahi missile operating base, Site I-7B, as well as several other potential sites and underground networks hidden in the jungle and mountain landscape of the Menitian island nation. These recent discoveries are another sign that Awanui is continuing to move forward with its ballistic missile program amid indications that enforcement of the Kiteahu Denuclearization and Economic Normalization Treaty (KDENT) has stalled in recent years.

The State of Kiteahu, a belligerent nonaligned country, has remained quiet on an international scene, although on a somewhat rocky positioning, since the 2011 KDENT signing. A major exporter of uranium, data has proven that production of it recently has grown exponentially. The production growth is similar to in the late 1990's to late 2000's, the duration of the Kiteahu first experiment in nuclear armament. Prior to the State-Marshal Huatare Herewini engaging in talks leading to KDENT, most notably with former Essexian Prime Minister Robert Elkridge, the southeastern Nori nation faced a series of severe and strict economic sanctions and embargoes.

Ultimately the mounting international posturing, trade pressure, and domestic funding issues prevented the Kiteahu Atomic Energy Commission from accomplishing their primary goal of creating nuclear ballistic weaponry. Or so the international community has been lead to believe. Military analysts keen on the subject have long assessed that the Kiteahi have been using hidden and undeclared locations to continue to work on improving their missile technology and possibly their nuclear program. Recent develops on the situation have proven these fears accurate, raising further concerns. The KAEC could have stored much of their weapons capability, including mobile missile launchers, in underground mountain bunkers. The current state of Kiteahi nuclear weaponry is unclear, with the potential of incomplete systems or all classes of fully functional ballistic missile from short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) up to and including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM).

After the release of Riscelnian satellite images of the main target of attention, Site I-7B, researchers have analyzed and identified key structures of the facility and prove its current activity. After news of the report reached Ancona, King Carlo I has declined to comment on the images, but military officials have expressed concern of the repercussions this may have.

A security council meeting was held between Grand Marshal Vico Bartolomeo Ongaro and several other commanders from the Legion as well as the heads of several intelligence organizations yesterday. The private meeting was scheduled to discuss the growing tensions in Southeastern Nori, including the brutal Tok Mons Civil War, however with a focus on the nuclear development in the region. Parthonopian ally in the region, Zanaro, has already released stances condoning Kiteahu proliferation, but fear of the potential disruption of vital trade routes is still warranted.

The number of condemnations internationally against the Awanui stance on nuclear development have grown to include the Republic of Winst, a hanging point on the official stance published by the Castello d'Cormor today. Grand Marshal Ongaro addressed the situation to the nation, discussing the conclusion of yesterday's meeting. "The articles of [KDENT] have clearly been violated, making yet another example of the failed globalist, expansionist policies of sanctimonious nations such as Essexia and Winst. Non-proliferation is utopian idealism in an age of nuclear militarism, condemnations are less weighted when hurled by a government that has infamously used the same style weapons to commit atrocious crimes against humanity in Meridiq."

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[Velkanika]

GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS RESTART OF KITEAHU NUCLEAR PROGRAM



Cited as Destabilizing Amid Rising Tensions


ZANARAN GOVT BLAMED

Velkanika Wire Services
By Katya Pavlovsky, Reporter
January 14 at 5:17 PM
KUVONGRAD – Tense relations between the great powers have become ever more strained this week with the discovery that the Kiteahi government has restarted their nuclear program in violation of the KDENT arms control treaty. The violation of this treaty has infuriated nations across the southern Aurum Ocean, and poises grave consequences for global stability.

The Kiteahu Denuclearization and Economic Normalization Treaty between Kiteahu and multiple members of the international community eliminated trade barriers in the southern Aurum Ocean in exchange for the abandonment of Kiteahu's nuclear ambitions. KDENT was negotiated primarily by the island nation of Essexia as part of a multilateral collective of nations concerned by Kiteahu's efforts in 2011, and is credited with stabilizing the region. "This is a catastrophic setback for regional security," said former President Boris Alekseev when asked about the discovery. "Back in 2011, my administration spent considerable effort talking the Kiteahians into negotiating in good faith, as the tensions their nuclear program was causing were negatively impacting the security situation and thus our relations with their neighbors. The issue for us is that they supply a large portion of our nuclear fuel, among other essential industrial metals. Their nuclear program was making it difficult for us to work with other nations in the region, so we backed KDENT as it makes it possible for us to maintain our relations with the other nations in the area that haven't been yoked by Zanaro yet."

Mr. Alekseev's comments were echoed by current administration officials. "KDENT is essential to Velkanikan interests in the Aurum Ocean," said Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Sokoloff, "Our relations with the Magnostrium atolls and western Neris are dependent on Velkanikan credibility. Given the timing it seems extremely likely that this is Zanaro's attempted counter to the ultimatum issued by President Utkin three weeks ago."

[Kiteahu]

The Meniti Observer

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Article 147, 16/01/2019

Nationalist response stoked in Awanui

Pictured: Pro-Government Rally in Tahana Square

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- Kiteahu, a non-aligned totalitarian state in south-east Nori, has been in very hot water with the international community after it was discovered that the Kiteahui nuclear program had been secretly continued in contravention of the 2011 KDENT Treaty. While some states including Zanaro, Pathonopia, and Dacaotalamh had been quite lenient in their response, more vigilant nations including Winst, Essexia, and Velkania have begun a diplomatic battle with the aim of pressuring Kiteahu to once again abandon its nuclear ambitions.

While the Kiteahui government still has yet to make any statement officially acknowledging their nuclear weapons development program, any doubt has been expelled by Awanui's immediate refusal to "bow to internationalist pressures". The Kiteahui Foreign Directorate has noted in an ominous public address that the State always "remembers its friends, and its enemies", though analysts of the nation believe this is just an empty threat. More worryingly, activity has notably picked up in the Kiteahu armed forces, with the nations infamously overfunded Air Force conducting regular flyovers of the primary cities of the nation, and even military "escorts" of international civilian flights using Kiteahui airspace.

In Awanui, pro-government political groups have been out on the streets rallying in opposition to the international community. The most notable was Kiteahu Future, a youth-focused group aligned with the dominant National Peoples Congress, which marched in the hundreds down Uariki Avenue, just outside the diplomatic "Green Zone" in Awanui where foreign embassies are located and sheltered from the wider city. Crude caricatures of Michele Tourne were beaten with sticks, and a number of foreign flags were burnt. In one particularly offensive case, Essexianist religious paraphernalia was defiled. While the government has not officially taken a stance on the ultranationalist undercurrent in it's politics, they appear for whatever reason unwilling to make any attempt to stop it.

Analysts are starting to liken Kiteahu to a rat in a corner, and warn that if international pressure continues to build it appears likely to result in increased radicalization.

[Kiteahu]

7:30 PM
Awanui

An unmarked black car sat outside the small embassy of Dacaotalamh with the engine on. Two people entered the embassy, a few minutes passed, and three people exited. They walked to the car and got inside. Nyniamh Sginnearach, the Dacaotalamhain ambassador, was being taken out of the Green Zone. Few, if any, words were exchanged between the ambassador and his escorts. Ambassador Sginnearach was no idiot however, and could hazard a confident guess as to what all of this was.

With the ongoing international troubles related to the Kiteahui nuclear program, the nation's government had been taking close note of the response of foreign governments, and had been responding with careful and measured action in other areas. It was not difficult to piece together the relation of the Parthonopian monarch's defense of Kiteahui nuclear armaments and the recent escalation of Kiteahu shell companies contravening Velkanian embargoes on the kingdom. Nor was it difficult to see the link between soft Zanarite response and a shift in local rhetoric towards supporting the Zanarite concept of cooperative sovereign Nori states. Ambassador Sginnearach could reasonably conclude that this venture was Dacaotalamh's "reward" for it's soft response on the issue.

Dacaotalamh had expressed some doubts about Kiteahui nuclear armaments but made no indications of an attempt to halt development, instead expressing a desire to organize some sort of meeting with high-ranking Kiteahui government officials. As the black car left the Green Zone and moved further and further in to the core of Awanui's government buildings, it became clear how high-ranking this meeting was going to be. The car slowed to pass through a crowd of several dozen protesters burning foreign flags and shouting nationalist rallying cries, though none of them attempted to damage the vehicle.

Eventually, the car arrived outside a monumental structure of a brutalist design, surrounded by fountains and statues separating it from the rest of the complex of buildings. The size and location of the veritable palace gave it a healthy overview of the vital Rawiri Bay as well as a prominent, almost eerily looming position over the bustling civil service buildings surrounding it. The Ambassador was escorted from the car, and into the building. It took more than ten minutes to traverse the innards, navigating through opulent lobbies, thin corridors and cold steel elevators. Eventually, the ambassador stood before a thick wooden door. Without so much as knocking, the ambassador was let in.

Kiteahu's State-Marshal, Huatare Herewini, sat comfortably on a large couch in the room. Opposite him, across a glass table, was a similar couch. Beyond this setup was a great desk and chair, and beyond that was a wall made of glass, with a door included, allowing access out to a balcony. Through the glass could be seen the traversing boats in the bay below, and the lights of Awanui's central area reflecting on the water. Huatare was eating from a small bag of chocolates, and drinking a glass of some sort of local alcohol. He grinned toothily and indicated to the other couch.

As the ambassador moved through the room, the State-Marshal eyed him up and down, almost appraising him. "So this is the man your government has been so eager that I meet." Huatare spoke with a thick accent, interspersing words with the occasional inhaling of chunks of chocolate.

If you'd like to continue this meeting as long-form roleplay, I've split this out here, rather than continuing to use the News Cycle.

[Zanaro]

SPECIAL REPORT
16JAN2019
By: Torinaka Ayaka, third writer of the Imperial Informer

With growing tensions over the nuclear program taking place in the nation of Kiteahu we are often reminded of the continued tensions that exist due to the expansionist ambitions of the Sovereign Kingdom of Parthonopia and the recently made public ultimatum put forth to the Koto'Ara by the nation of Velkanika. In essence the ultimatium threatened the use of force if the following tasks had not been followed by a set date. Our understanding is that the Koto'Ara has opened up negotiations to overcome this diplomatic issue and has already done the following as a show of good faith. The Koto'Ara has suspended all arms sales and shipments to the Kingdom of Parthonopia as well as issued a declaration for the hope of a peaceful resolution to the lands claimed by Parthonopia. They have also removed all military forces from Parthonopia, except for those assigned to the Embassy. Ships providing much needed medical supplies, food, and construction materials will continue to be escorted to the Kingdom of Parthonopia, but the Republic of Winst will be allowed to search them as needed. It is hoped that these actions, conducted in good faith, will show the Koto'Ara's goal for peace in these trying times.

Word has also been spread of pro-nationalist riots occurring in the nation of Kiteahu, with even a growing support for a Sovereign Nori Association being called for. This association has been a long standing goal of Kotonashi Kazuto Kurohiun II, with said association being used to ensure free trade, security of the Nori region from foreign aggression, and the development of a co-prosperity sphere for all nations involved. This association is in addition to the calls for a defensive military alliance with the various Monarchies of Nori, Lira, and beyond in response the the continued aggression of the Republic of Winst and the Utkin Doctrine of the nation of Velkanika. With the formation of a defensive alliance it is believed that it will ensure stability within the world by reducing the chance for foreign powers to declare war on its member states. I am pleased to report that instead of the typical short interview we get with the Voice of the Kotonashi we were instead invited to Minimo Arashi's private manor-house in the Imperial City for an indepth interview and tour of the property. An excerpt from the interview will be included with this article, for the tour of the property and its astounding history dating back the Divided Empire period, and the rest of the interview, please see the Lifestyle section Article #2 titled "A Day with the Voice".

Interview

*Minimo Arashi-sama, what is the intent of the Koto'Ara in these trying times, can you clarify some of the plans and goals of our glorious nation for our readers?*

"Torinaka-san as always it is a pleasure to be interviewed by you and by the Imperial Informer. It has, and always will be, the intent of the Koto'Ara to maintain peace and security with all nations, while also ensuring the security and sovereignty of our allies. Whether this be reclaiming lost lands that were stolen by hostile foreign powers, or the development of nuclear arms to ensure the security of a nation. Who are we to decry the rites of a sovereign nation? If though a foreign power seeks to utilize its power against our allies, and those who are under the protection and guidance of our glorious Kotonashi, then it is our duty to stand up and defend them."

*What about these concessions that have been granted to the nation of Velkanika?*

"These concessions, while they reduce our capability to ensure that our ally is properly protected from foreign aggression are being done to reduce the chance of this aggression actively occurring. We hope to open a dialogue with all parties to ensure the rightful lands of Parthonopia are returned to them, that this illegal blockade is ended, and that the region of Lira is returned to a stable state. If we need to end our weapons shipments to our ally to begin this change then that is what we will do."

*How does the nation plan to deal with the condemnations of Nuclear Weapons development in Kiteahu?*

"Condemnations are something that we cannot stop. If a nation seeks to condemn another that is their right, but as soon as they seek to use this condemnation to assert authority and control over another sovereign power that is where we feel it is in our best interests to interfere to protect the sovereignty of afflicted nation. In regards specifically to the Kiteahu nuclear program it is our hope to work closely with the nation to help them ensure that these weapons do not end up in the hands of non-state actors or in the hands of belligerent and hostile nations. I have been in touch with our ambassador in Kiteahu, Jui Mai, and she assures me she has begun to make the required inquiries to begin working with our counterparts in Kiteahu. It again is my hope that by working to ensure these weapons are secured and properly maintained, that the other nations can see this not as an aggressive action but one of self defense and of self-determination. As I'm sure many of you are aware the previous Kotonashi, Mal Kurohiun XII, was very outspoken against the KDENT act that sought to neuter the nuclear ambitions of Kiteahu before his death in 2012 due to lung cancer."

*I wanted to thank you for your time for this in-depth interview regarding these recent turn of events, and the continued instability of the world.*

"Always a pleasure."

End of Interview

[Vienna Eliot]

Month, day 20. 4:30 PM. Annheim, Oceania.
National Security Committee of the Oceanian Cabinet

The Committee sat on the cue of the President.

"Brief," he said.

"Mr. President, intelligence suggests that the State of Kiteahu has been developing nuclear weapons at at least one site within their borders. The site in question has seen increased activity recently, but a network of tunnels complicates the intelligence we can obtain on what exactly is happening there."

"Their government's made no acknowledgements of the program, but has instead stated that they will not, quote 'bow to internationalist pressures.' The state is governed by a corporatist authoritarian single-party state."

"The behavior has been condemned by Dacaotalamh, Winst, Essexia, Zanaro, and Velkanika."

The President looked over the papers handed to him. "Wonderful. Recommendations?"

"The Committee is unanimous in supporting official condemnation of the program, which has been drafted and is ready for release. A majority of the Committee supports economic sanctions. The Committee does not recommend military action."

The President clasped his hands and looked around the table. "Okay. Go ahead and run the statement by PR, and give them and Foreign Affairs authorization to release. Have Finance report to me tomorrow on feasibility and impact of economic sanctions. No military actions authorized at this time. Committee dismissed."

Month, day 25. 11:03 AM. Annheim, Oceania.
National Council Committee on Intelligence

"But the President doesn't care about any of that," the Councillor said, standing in the committee room and reading from a prepared speech. "He wants his reputation, and the reputation of his strength, to precede him above all else. Well, the only reputation that will precede the Republic, should we adopt this motion, is one of unbridled and uncalled for aggression overseas." She put down the paper and looked at the other members of the committee, some of whom were paying attention. "That is what it will be. So with that, Madam Chair, I urge the committee to refer this matter to the whole Council, and not to act, on a whim, to satisfy the President's grandstanding urge. Let's have a discussion on this. Thank you. I reserve the balance of my time."

"The gentlewoman reserves the balance of her time. The limits on debate have elapsed. The question is on the delegation of the committee's authority to mobilize armed forces for intelligence operations to the President. Those in favor say aye... Those opposed say no... The ayes have it and the motion is adopted."

Month, day 25. 11:15 AM. Annheim, Oceania.