Greater Díenstad Regional Council [GD only; IC]

[The Macabees]

Andro Kilomen returned to Nova Orontes from Fedorogoda, Zarbia, where he had attended the kríerlord kunsil called by His Imperial Majesty Fedor I. He had contributed effectively nothing as it concerned how to pursue the trade war with the FRCP and TIS blockade, but that was not why he had been summoned anyway. Of course, as a kríerlord he had a right to attend the kunsils and it would have been insulting to leave him out of it altogether — no kríerlord had ever been uninvited to a kunsil. But, Kilomen's special task was to lead the imperial presence at the Greater Díenstad Regional Council and so he was given a few ideas on how to pursue imperial interests within the regional council. Given that the topic on everyone's minds these days seemed to be, once again, the slave trade, Andro returned to the GDRC intent on proposing new anti-slavery legislation to reinforce the international perception of the Golden Throne as an anti-slavery state.

As such, he had a GDRC assistant pass copies of his proposal to all members of the chamber and one to the status keeper on the floor, and then stood to read out its contents:

PROPOSAL FOR THE RENAMING OF THE BAY OF CHAINS

NOTING that the name Bay of Chains pays homage to the geographic area's past history of being heavily involved in the slave trade.

RECOGNIZING the defeat and containment of slave trader states such as the Ralkovian Empire and Barjaanistan.

RECOMMENDING that the history of the slave trade be eradicated and that the history of liberty be celebrated.

WE PROPOSE the renaming of the Bay of Chains to the Bay of Libète.

As he finished reading, he added, "Libète being the creoloso word for liberty, I think it's a nice touch given the history of the area."

[Western Dienstad Trading Company]

Captain Brimley Shanklin was roused from his afternoon snack by the announcement of a new Greater Dienstad Draft Proposal, crumbs dropped from his moustache and down his Colonial Guard uniform that was adorned with medals and awards that were seemingly over the top, his tunic was a dark red and festooned with sashes and stains, usually egg yolk, the upper echelons of the Trading Company were noted for their enjoyment of food, most of them being rotuned in nature.

He coughed and sputtered a few times, flecks of food flying out from the corners of his mouth as he struggled to raise his frame from the chair to stand, it would have been comical had it not been in such an austere setting, an aide hurried over with a silk napkin and offered it to the Captain who shooed him away with a white gloved hand, which presumably was also food stained…

“The Trading Company abhors slavery at every possible angle, it is a signatory to the anti slavery policies of this fine and great region, however we must protest at the proposal to change the name, we should not wipe the history of slavery from our region, but rather acknowledge its existence and ensure that it cannot happen again and take root, erasing the name of the Bay is essentially wiping away the existence of its victims, denying them the right to have their suffering acknowleged.” he coughed and sputtered again before attempting to take a drink from a tall glass of water, the aide again rushed over proffering a hand beneath the glass in case the Captain were to drop the glass.

“Excuse me” he offered to the Council before continuing..

“We propose a counter proposal, in that the Bay of Chains remains unchanged in its name, but a monument of some kind is erected in the bay to acknowledge the suffering of the victims of slavery so that it should not continue in this region, a reminder to all who come after us that it should never be allowed to happen again!” He was bright red in the face and quite breathless at this point sitting back down with a thump, the aide again appeared at his side and mopped his brow with a wet flannel, possibly worried that the Captain may suffer a heart attack by the sudden and unexpected outburst to the council…

[Castille de Italia]

It had been several months since the Greater Díenstad Regional Council had convened, and the introduction of a new proposal meant that Chet Litheau—who had spent the last several months as the Federal Ambassador to the council underneath a large palm tree sipping margaritas while enjoying the picturesque coast of Novo Orontes—had to forgo his beach tan for a suit and tie. Instead of the suit, he entered into the office of the Castillian Mission to the GDRC wearing a tropical shirt and linen shorts. His staff who had not seen him in months immediately realized that they needed to clear the eight-ball table from the Federal Ambassador's office and so the senior staff conveniently managed to stall Chet in the main foyer of the chancery while several aides lifted the heavy table and moved it out of his office and into the actual staff lounge. Taking no more than fifteen minutes, the senior staff of the mission finally escorted him once the office was tidied up and Chet took his seat at the ornate cocobolo desk that was imported from the PUF Mokastana.

Looking at the draft proposal in front of him, Chet frowned.

"This is what I was called in for? Renaming the bay? That's a fucking no-brainer. Of course Castillia's vote will be an aye."

Chet leaned back in his chair and looked at the senior staff, who in a semi-circle waited for his next words. "I think I'll vote by proxy on this one. As you all know, I'd rather be sitting on the beach with Zsuzsanna while Marie is still back in Castillia with the kids. What are the GDRC rules for proxy votes?" he asked, pointing to the mission's legislative director, Élisabeth de Montchalin (who was of the de Montchalin family, practically a household name in Castillia for glue products. Thousands of horses across Castillia perish each year due to their horse-slaughtering glue factories.)

"Well Mister Ambassador," Élisabeth began. "The Council currently has no rules on proxy voting simply because there is no committee for establishing the rules."

"That's ridiculous," Chet replied. "Even when I was Mayor of Marais Besançon, the Conseilmunicipal had a committee for establishing rules, even if the body was only ten members large!" Chet then perked up from his seat, "I also told you and everyone else it's simply Chet. Not Mister Ambassador."

Élisabeth, who despite her family's great wealth and fame, was a rather reserved person. Short and slightly plump, she was still an attractive woman albeit one without the confidence of one. Her, unlike many other members of her family who had been subject to numerous allegations of corruption, money laundering, fraud, and other ways to skirt the rules in the world of business, was a stickler for the rules. "It would be against protocol according to address you by none other than your appropriate title according to the Federal Foreign Service Manual. Nonetheless, it pains me that no such committee exists."

Leaning back into the executive chair bound in leather from baby seals, Chet kicked his feet up on the cocobolo desk rather harshly, the heel of his hardsoled huarache sandals chipping a part of the desk. Somewhere back in the rural jungles of Mokastana, a poor woodworker had an aneurysm because his masterful work was defiled by a carefree playboy from Castillia. "So egghead, how about you go ahead and write a proposal, something your predecessor never did, and propose a rules committee?"

"I'll certainly do that sir, the legislative staff will begin on that right away," Élisabeth said as she noted it down. "As for proxy voting, I will send one of the legislative assistants to vote—"

"Let me stop you right there," Chet cautioned. "You want to send an LA to vote among the representatives of some of the most important powers in this region? Forget it." He shot a look to a face that to him despite not having been in the chancery for months now was still unfamiliar to him. "You," he said pointing to him. "What do you do here?"

"I'm the deputy chief of mission," said Emmanuel Béch, who had sat three rows behind Chet when they flew together to Novo Orontes to stand up the new Mission when the GDRC was founded last year and had met several times.

"That's who'll go vote for me," replied Chet. "You. You're doing it. And if they don't let you, then call the Mokan mission and have the Mokan cast my vote. The Montana girl..."

***

Béch walked into the chamber of the GDRC, which was in session. He stood in the back gallery where staff was permitted, and waited for a moment in the conversation. As a lull in debate came about, he announced "On behalf of the Federal Ambassador for the Castillian Mission to the Greater Díenstad Regional Council, I would like to announce that the Castillian Federation and Its Overseas Possessions supports the proposal in its current form. Any subsequent votes on the proposal in its current form, the Federation will vote aye."

[Morrdh]

"Whilst I agree with the proposal in principle." Spoke up the Morridane representative, Lord Ravener Ser Alistair Kendrick. "I do have to question why it's been brought forth as a proposal before this council?"

"I mean I understand and support the reasoning behind the proposal, but I fail to why bringing it before the council was needed." Ser Alistair. "Put it another way, why didn't the Golden Throne lead the way and start using the new name officially and thus let other nations follow suit?"

"I can happily get behind the monument idea suggested by our esteemed colleague from the WDTC, but at this stage I'm abstaining on the name change at least until clarification as to why the council was chosen as a course of action."

[The Macabees]

"Ser Kendrick, you ask a good question," replied Andro. He lifted a glass of water then and slowly took a sip.

What he didn't say was that the Golden Throne felt wounded that another country, the FRCP, would consider it a participant in the international slave trade. And the truth was that the situation around the Ice States was murkier than perhaps anybody in the Imperial Bureaucracy would have liked. So, presenting the proposal publicly within the GDRC forum was a good opportunity to signal the empire's commitment to combating slavery in the region. Andro was instructed to help shed any ambiguity in the empire's "brand."

But that's not what he said. Instead, the kríerlord answered, "First, consider the message it would send if the name 'Bay of Chains' were struck off the map across the region with one swift blow. While I am the first person here to speak well of the Golden Throne and pontificate on its influence, I think a unitary agreement to change the name would have a much more powerful effect than the more gradual approach of leading by example. All the same, I think you make a good point, and leading by example is not mutually exclusive with what I'm attempting to accomplish here. Consider it done that the Buhí of Kadaín will be renamed to the Buhí of Libète on all official and other public maps used in the Golden Throne." He wasn't quite sure he could promise that despite being a kríerlord — a minor one —; typically those sorts of promises were made after they had been authorized by the emperor. But, he didn't think it was a big deal.

(Later, during another interlude in Nova Orontes, Andro travelled to Fedala to debrief the emperor, who praised him for the good initiative he had shown during the discussion on the name change. Although, he was chided for not anticipating that the challenge would be raised in the first place.)

"Second," continued Andro, "and relatedly, we face a good opportunity to restate our commitment to anti-slavery in the region. The ban on the slave trade in the Ice States, and the emancipation declaration in this same country, is an important victory that ought to be celebrated. It is also a reminder that the institution of slavery persists in Greater Díenstad despite our collective efforts. Why not arrest the luster of this despicable trade by taking from them the glory of namesake geography?"

The kríerlord turned then to face the Representative Brimley Shanklin of the Western Dienstad Trading Company. "And, for what it's worth, I disagree that the old name ought to be kept. It's not just about the future, but also about the present. Slavery in this region is not dead, it is just always lurking beneath the visible surface. However, I do agree with the proposal for a monument. It could built on the mouth of the River Dykk...which, to be honest, we should also consider changing. Anyway, the monument should certainly speak to the area's history, its struggle, and the victory of freedom over slavery. And the location is fitting because that river was once perhaps the river most densely packed with slave ships traveling between Ralkovia and Potthan, then out to and back from Istoloa, its colonies, out as far east as Theohuanacu and Díenghant. The taming of that river and the bay it feeds into should be celebrated with a monument." He made another promise that he didn't quite get prior approval for. "It will be paid for by all members of the GDRC voluntarily of course, but whatever cost is not ultimately covered will be paid for by the Golden Throne."

Andro sat down, opened the document on his laptop, and quickly typed an update to the proposal:

PROPOSAL FOR THE RENAMING OF THE BAY OF CHAINS

NOTING that the name Bay of Chains pays homage to the geographic area's past history of being heavily involved in the slave trade.

RECOGNIZING the defeat and containment of slave trader states such as the Ralkovian Empire and Barjaanistan.

RECOMMENDING that the history of the slave trade be eradicated and that the history of liberty be celebrated.

WE PROPOSE the renaming of the Bay of Chains to the Bay of Libète and the construction of a monument at the mouth of the Dykk River to remember slavery and celebrate its defeat at freedom's hands.

[Western Dienstad Trading Company]

Captain Shanklin stood up once again after being addressed by the most honourable Krierlord Andro Kilomen, unsteady on his feet after having just gotten himself into a comfortable position, Shanklin propped himself up by leaning forwards onto his lectern while grasping at a white, silk handkerchief.

“While the Trading Company maintains its position on the renaming of the bay, it is pleased to see its suggestion of a monument adopted and in the spirit of cooperation would be pleased to support this proposal, we give it our aye, but want our objection to the name change noted and for the reasons why.” Shanklin wiped his forehead with the handkerchief and lowered himself back down into the chair with a thump.

[The Ice States]

"We do not see the need for effectively requiring every map in Dienstad to be updated because the sea's name uses a word that can also be used to refer to slavery. As such, this change is unnecessary, and the Empire of The Ice States will vote against it."

~Lucas Antonio-Lipstone Genna McGettigan,
Senior Staffer of the Magecastle Ministry,
Temporary GDRC Ambassador in the absence of Duke Vliet,
The Empire of The Ice States

[Holy Marsh]

Bishop-Ambassadress Armani Rai looked at the updated proposal for nary a few moments longer. "The Theocratic Matriarchy supports this proposal."

[Mokastana]

Alfonso Rivera was mildly perturbed by the proposal, not by its suggestion or text, but because it meant meetings with the Foreign Ministy, bugetary adjustment committees, and The People's Cartography Guild. The first was a routine meeting, the second was frustrating, but the PCG devolved into the benefits of various map projections and what languages the Official Maps should be released in.

"Comrades! Please, I just need to know if there are any complications we need to know about?" Alfonso asked quite directly, but the conversation devolved immediately once again....

---

"The People's Unified Federation votes in favor of Renaming the Bay of Chains."

All those meetings and headaches, just for one sentence in a meeting Alfonso could have sent in an email...

[Greater Ordena]

Paulus Rödl had arrived in Novo Orontes only several months ago following the end of the Fourth Krasnovan War or as others termed it the 2nd Ordenite-Macabean War. During the war the former GDRC representative for the Ordenite Reich had been recalled back to Ordena following the war's outbreak and upon the return of Kristian Richtofen to the helm of the Greater Ordenite Reich a new representative to the GDRC was appointed on behalf of the Ordenite Reich Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Rödl had begun his career in the Foreign Ministry as a low level adjutant before working his way up the ladder and eventually becoming the Ordenite representative to the GDRC. He was also a veteran in the Ordenite Army having participated in the 'War of Golden Succession' nearly 15 years ago and fought hard during the defensive campaign along the Styx River which as a result of the Ordenite's contributions to the defense of the Styx River, prevented Havenic armies from crossing it and further advancing through the province of Ruska. He would retire from the Ordenite Army and it's Armed Forces by 2024 sparing himself from participating in the Krasnovan Wars. However his time in the Army and on the Ruska front would stay with him forever as he had been severely wounded by artillery shrapnel which cost him his right eye.

He therefore wore a black eyepatch over where his right eye would have been as he had declined to have a prosthetic eye. He sat among the various representatives in the main chamber of the GDRC having listened to the current proposals and the discussion over them. Once the contents of the proposal were given to him it was then passed off to his staffers who would then tell him how to respond. Once he was able to do so he stood up before speaking.

"The Greater Ordenite Reich will vote aye in regards to the current proposal at hand."

[Nova Orontes]

Serena, as she told her name was, was not quite pleased with the Macabéan proposal's title. Running it against a database of legislation titles worldwide over the past 100 years and their correlation with how significant the legislation is perceived showed that "Proposal for the Renaming of the Bay of Chains" was weak. She crunched the numbers, the costs and benefits, of her opinion. One would think her absolutely objective, but there was another variable in the calculation that had emerged only recently. You see, Serena finally learned what her title had been all along. She had first to learn what a title was and why titles were significant, then she could understand how important her role of 'Comptroller of the Council.' It was then she realized that she had a purpose and that purpose was to ensure the purity of the council's legislative process. Serena strongly felt that giving proposals better names was a part of her duties, plus it was just a 'minor' change.

Standing when there was a lull in the discussion, she boomed, "With six backers — Castille de Italia, Morrdh, Western Dienstad Trading Company, Holy Marsh, Mokastana, Greater Ordena —, the Libète Act goes to vote. All GDRC representatives may vote at their digital polls."

[Castille de Italia]

Seeing the current proposal go to a vote, Chet, who had reluctantly put on a suit and tie and entered the Council chamber, announced the proposal that Élisabeth and her legislative staff had prepared for him this morning.

"Fellow representatives to the Council," Chet said as he rose from his chair and walked towards the front of the chamber. "I bring forth a proposal today because it is clear that while this chamber has had success in bringing forth positive change to the region, there is little here governing how this Council and its entities operate. How can such a grand institution such as this operate on an ad-hoc basis?" he said, slighly chuckling to himself. He enjoyed saying ad-hoc for some weird reason, and made sure Élisabeth put it in the proposal at least once.

"I have before you a proposal to further structure this chamber and ensure successful, continued operation of this body. Why is it we went several months without this body convening, only for the many of us to be asked to leave a nice hammock between two shady palms on the sandy beaches of Novo Orontes and come here for perhaps fifteen minutes of debate before going to a vote?"

He stopped and paused and looked about the room. "It is because this body lacks structure. This proposal aims to remedy that."

"Now please, review this following proposal and then I propose we enter debate into the matter.

---

---

PROPOSAL FOR ESTABLISHING PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES AND AGENCIES IN THE GDRC
In the Regional Council of Greater Díenstad, Assembled

Mr. Litheau from the Castillian Federation has brought forth the following proposal:

NOTING that the overall idea of the Greater Díenstad Regional Council is for the nation-states of Greater Díenstad to debate and deliberate on matters of great importance.

RECOGNIZING that outside of the rudimentary debate structure that has been ad-hoc established by this council, and the one position of Comptroller of the Council, there is little structure, framework, or principle for the Council to operate on or around.

RECOMMENDING that greater steps should be taken to ensure the continued success and operation of the Greater Díenstad Regional Council.

WE PROPOSE the further structuring of the Greater Díenstad Regional Council with the following additions:

SECTION I: THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMITTEES

Understanding the need for council representatives to sit on certain committees in order to ensure the productivity, civility, and continued successful operation of the Council, we propose the following:

COMMITTEE ON THE RULES — This committee will be the chief body responsible for establishing further parliamentary rules of the Greater Díenstad Regional Council to provide structure to debate and legislation.

• The Committee on the Rules will seat five (5) incumbent representatives to the Council. Representatives will serve one (1) year terms on said committee, ensuring fair rotation of representatives on said committee.
• The Committee on the Rules will have the power to adjust and change rules and procedure in the Council.
• The Committee on the Rules may meet formally in private in order to deliberate and change rules, or it may do so on an ad-hoc basis during normal Whole Council debate when the full quorum is available and a majority on the decision is reached.
• The Committee on the Rules must be formally advised by the Parliamentarian of the Council before agreeing to a change in rules or procedure.
• The Committee on the Rules will not be steered by a chairperson; the Committee, like all proposed committees, will be nonpartisan in spirit.

COMMITTEE ON ETHICS — This committee will be the chief body responsible for investigating the conduct of representatives and missions to the Greater Díenstad Regional Council. As the Council represents the center of civility and decent modicum as a meeting place for nation-states of various ideologies and governing fashions, the missions and representatives nation-states send must be held to a professional standard.

• The Committee on Ethics will seat five (5) incumbent representatives to the Council. Representatives will serve one (1) year terms on said committee, ensuring fair rotation of representatives on said committee.
• The Committee on Ethics will be responsible for oversight of the Office of Professional Responsibility, which will oversee human resources functions for the Council.
• The Committee on Ethics will have full power to investigate the conduct of representatives and their staff while in Novo Orontes. The Committee, in order to legitimize their investigatory powers, will have the power to subpoena persons, documents, or objects to appear in front of the Committee.
• If nation-states fail to comply with subpoenas from the Committee on Ethics, the Committee may recommend penalties to the Whole Council, up to expelling said representative/staff from the Council for the most egregious offenses.
• Recognizing certain diplomatic privileges extended to mission houses/chanceries in Novo Orontes, and those properties treated as foreign soil of nation-states, the Committee will not have the power search these premises. The Committee may, however, request the signed warrant of a judge within the judiciary districts of Novo Orontes to search any offices a nation-state may maintain outside of their mission, whether it be in the Cazala d'Pintalo or elsewhere in Novo Orontes. That jurisdiction does not extend outside of Novo Orontes.
• The Committee on Ethics will not be steered by a chairperson; the Committee, like all proposed committees, will be nonpartisan in spirit.

COMMITTEE FOR ADMINISTRATION OF THE COUNCIL — The Committee for Administration of the Council will oversee the continued operation of the Council, to include physical, fiscal, and administrative upkeep of the Council's operations as an organization and as a physical location headquartered at the Cazala d'Pintalo.

• The Committee for Administration of the Council will seat five (5) incumbent representatives to the Council. Representatives will serve one (1) year terms on said committee, ensuring fair rotation of representatives on said committee.
• The Committee for Administration of the Council will be responsible for oversight of approving the position of the Chief Administrative Officer, which will head the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, responsible for maintaining the operations of the Council and its organizational entities, tangible and non-tangible.
• The Committee for Administration of the Council will not be steered by a chairperson; the Committee, like all proposed committees, will be nonpartisan in spirit.

SECTION II: THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AGENCIES

Understanding the need for certain non-legislator officials and offices to ensure the productivity, civility, and continued successful operation of the Council, we propose the following:

OFFICE OF THE PARLIAMENTARIAN — The Office of the Parliamentarian will seat the Parliamentarian of the Council, a nonpartisan individual for advising both the Committee on the Rules as well as representatives to the Council while in the chamber.

• The Parliamentarian of the Council will be person knowledgeable in the studies of law and parliamentary procedure, to be hired through the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer.
• The Parliamentarian of the Council role will be to formally serve as an independent advisory body to both the Committee on the Rules as well as the Whole Council when an issue pertaining to the rules comes about.

OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY — The Office of Professional Responsibility will be responsible for undertaking the direction given to it by the Committee on Ethics.

• The Office of Professional Responsibility will be headed by the Chief Ethics Officer, to be hired through the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. The Chief Ethics Officer will be a person knowledgeable in investigations, ethics, human resources, and conflict management.
• The Office of Professional Responsibility will be responsible for assisting the Committee on Ethics in investigations regarding ethics and conduct of representatives and staff.
• The Office of Professional Responsibility will be responsible for managing human resources operations and matters for the Council.

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER — The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer will be charged with carrying out administrative functions of the Council, responsible for maintaining the operations of the Council and its organizational entities, tangible and non-tangible.

• The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer will be responsible for the hiring of the following officers; Parliamentarian of the Council, Comptroller of the Council, and Chief Ethics Officer.
• The duties of the Comptroller of the Council, an already existing institution, will be under the organization of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer.
• The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer will function as a non-partisan, non-legislative office that provides support services and business solutions to the Council.
• The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer will therefore be responsible for the hiring of operational support staff to include but not limited to; groundskeepers, custodians, analysts, technical support, et cetera.

[Eitoan]

Having listened intently to the debate about the Bay of Chains, and giving the Castillian proposal a quick read through, Ambassador Donald Novak addressed the Council.

"The Republic of Eitoan votes in the affirmative on the proposed rename of the Bay of Chains. We especially see the monument at the Mouth of the Dikk as a fitting tribute to those who have given their lives in the noble cause of freedom, and the entire proposal as encouragement of the budding democracies of the west.

With regard to the issues raised by Ambassador Litheau, we will consult with Foreign Affairs in Vladarsik about any possible controversies raised. On first glance, a more orderly process for the Council, including mechanisms for deeper analysis of proposals would be welcome. However, this is a far reaching measure, and we must do further review for any implications it may contain about the possibility of infringements on sovereign powers of member states."

[Cartoonia]

It has been several months since the council last convened. During this time, there was trouble in paradise with pirates scattered around the seas, and the central region was about to explode (or probably has exploded) into war. But now, Ambassador Kiku Honda sits down in his seat as a delegate from Cartoonia. Ambassador Honda reads the new proposal and listens intently to the other ambassador. Surprisingly, this was a bill to reorganize the body of the GDRC, which seemed to be for the best in his opinion. It was always one meeting room, one decision. Heck, he had to wait several months before a new proposal came forward in the house, the one to rename the Bay of Chains, of which he voted. But with this bill comes multiple committees and agencies that will help bring more ideas and laws to fruition. Mr. Honda stands up to speak to the rest of the council.

“I believe this is all for the best, and I believe that our ally Phibeta would agree as well. There is much-needed reform and organization to this humble council. A way to craft new laws and enforce these laws and codes too. Perhaps in the future, if I may suggest, we could levy a military force if were in need to enforce codes and laws by force?”

“With all that said, we support this bill and the contents within it!”

With that, Mr. Honda sits back down.

[Tangatarehua]

The following document has been circulated among the delegates:

STATEMENT BY THE MOST HONOURABLE RANGATIRA:

RE: THE PROPOSAL FOR RENAMING THE BAY OF CHAINS

Honourable friends and delegates,

I wish to humbly apologise that I am unable to attend this extraordinary meeting of the esteemed Greater Dienstad Regional Council in person but my current travel circumstances and schedule do not allow me to attend as I would have otherwise wished.

The Imperial Government of Tangatarehua wishes to humbly, cordially but nevertheless firmly state its opposition to the proposal made by the honourable plenipotentiary of the Golden Throne of the Macabees. We request that this statement therefore, in absentia, be recorded officially as a vote in the negatory.

The Imperial Government acknowledges and applauds the good intentions behind the proposal and understands the stated desire to celebrate freedom over slavery.

However, our objection stems from our fear that such an action, however well-intentioned, will only amount to a whitewashing of history - I believe the colloquial term in the English language is "to sweep it under the rug".

There are myriad geographic locations in our region and beyond that have been named in various ways for the ideals of freedom, liberation, liberty and so forth - quite often ironically.

Yet, there is a dearth of locations whose name reflects an honest if uncomfortable historical reality and the Bay of Chains is one such location.

If we truly wish to fight against slavery, we cannot do so successfully by choosing to ignore the past. Instead we must strive always to remember what happened and to remember the victims. Under the current setting we are forced to do so every time we set sail in the Bay of Chains.

By keeping the current name we are confronted by the actions of our past and therefore challenged to honour the memory of those who were victims of moral incorrectitude by ensuring that our future decisions and actions are more upstanding and correct than the decisions and actions we have made in the past.

The Bay of Chains, as it is currently named, does not represent a celebration of slavery or the past as is insinuated by my honourable friend, Kríerlord Andro Kilomen of the Golden Throne. Rather it represents a challenge for the present and future not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

By changing the name we risk forgetting the past and therefore risk allowing history to repeat itself.

I thank you most sincerely for taking this time to read my words and I ask the other delegates to reconsider their positions in light of this point of view.

I sincerely wish peace and prosperity among all delegates, their families and the nations they represent.

In the name of the Empress,

Te Rata Te Rongomau
Most Honourable Rangatira of the Empire of Tangatarehua

He pono taku korero

[Nova Orontes]

PASSED: LIBÈTE ACT: THE RENAMING OF THE BAY OF CHAINS
Resolution author: The Macabees


NOTING that the name Bay of Chains pays homage to the geographic area's past history of being heavily involved in the slave trade.

RECOGNIZING the defeat and containment of slave trader states such as the Ralkovian Empire and Barjaanistan.

RECOMMENDING that the history of the slave trade be eradicated and that the history of liberty be celebrated.

WE PROPOSE the renaming of the Bay of Chains to the Bay of Libète and the construction of a monument at the mouth of the Dykk River to remember slavery and celebrate its defeat at freedom's hands.

---

VOTE DETAILS:

• IN FAVOR (10) — Lamoni, The Macabees, Mokastana, Castille de Italia, Holy Marsh, The Technocratic Syndicalists, Cartoonia, Greater Ordena, Western Dienstad Trading Company, Agar-Na
• AGAINST (3) — Deamonopolis, Tangatarehua, The Ice States
• ABSTAIN (0) —

[AHSCA]

At long last it was time for AHSCA to take its first steps into the wider world of regional political discourse and offer up support for the first resolution it would be able to vote on since formally joining the council. Standing was the duly appointed representative, Miss Itsuki Takina. "Members of the council, good day, I'll keep it brief. Ahem. Having read over the proposal by the honorable ambassador from Castille de Italia, The United Island States would like to voice support for the proposal FOR ESTABLISHING PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES AND AGENCIES IN THE GDRC and desire to see it come to the floor. Thank you."

[Holy Marsh]

"The Theocratic Matriarchy finds all of this bureaucracy to be stifling but understands that much of this is the so-called 'norm' for large international organizations. Therefore, we support the Castillian proposal with the understanding it will allow the GDRC the capacity to respond and act on matters it currently lacks the certainty and foothold to do," the Ambassadress responded as she looked over the proposal itself with an eye to where Marshite influence could be felt.

[The Macabees]

Andro wasn't sure how he truly felt about the Castillian proposal. He recognized the value that adding bureaucratic structure to the organization could bring. Andro himself was partisan to the idea of creating international tribunals under the council. He had already tried to persuade the council to adopt legislation to create tribunals to arbitrate disputes with private military companies, without success. On the other hand, it seemed natural to be suspicious of an attempt at bureaucratization. Still, the proposal seemed innocuous enough, so Andro decided to support a vote and see what the majority preferred. Standing after the Marshite representative had sat back down, he said, "The Golden Throne supports the Castillian initiative."

[Nova Orontes]

After the Macabean representative had given his supports, Sarena gave the chamber another moment for additional comments. When none came, she stood and announced, "With five backers, the Proposal for Establishing Parliamentary Committees and Agencies in the GDRC is now at vote."

[Eitoan]

After the Macabean representative had given his supports, Sarena gave the chamber another moment for additional comments. When none came, she stood and announced, "With five backers, the Proposal for Establishing Parliamentary Committees and Agencies in the GDRC is now at vote."

Donald Novak spoke.

"The Republic of Eitoan has no objection to the proposal in general but wants more specifics on the selection process for the committees and the scope of jurisdiction. Therefore The Republic of Eitoan abstains."

[Nova Orontes]

PASSED: AGENCIES ACT: ESTABLISHING PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES AND AGENCIES IN THE GDRC
Resolution author: Castille de Italia


NOTING that the overall idea of the Greater Díenstad Regional Council is for the nation-states of Greater Díenstad to debate and deliberate on matters of great importance.

RECOGNIZING that outside of the rudimentary debate structure that has been ad-hoc established by this council, and the one position of Comptroller of the Council, there is little structure, framework, or principle for the Council to operate on or around.

RECOMMENDING that greater steps should be taken to ensure the continued success and operation of the Greater Díenstad Regional Council.

WE PROPOSE the further structuring of the Greater Díenstad Regional Council with the following additions:

SECTION I: THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMITTEES

Understanding the need for council representatives to sit on certain committees in order to ensure the productivity, civility, and continued successful operation of the Council, we propose the following:

COMMITTEE ON THE RULES — This committee will be the chief body responsible for establishing further parliamentary rules of the Greater Díenstad Regional Council to provide structure to debate and legislation.

• The Committee on the Rules will seat five (5) incumbent representatives to the Council. Representatives will serve one (1) year terms on said committee, ensuring fair rotation of representatives on said committee.
• The Committee on the Rules will have the power to adjust and change rules and procedure in the Council.
• The Committee on the Rules may meet formally in private in order to deliberate and change rules, or it may do so on an ad-hoc basis during normal Whole Council debate when the full quorum is available and a majority on the decision is reached.
• The Committee on the Rules must be formally advised by the Parliamentarian of the Council before agreeing to a change in rules or procedure.
• The Committee on the Rules will not be steered by a chairperson; the Committee, like all proposed committees, will be nonpartisan in spirit.

COMMITTEE ON ETHICS — This committee will be the chief body responsible for investigating the conduct of representatives and missions to the Greater Díenstad Regional Council. As the Council represents the center of civility and decent modicum as a meeting place for nation-states of various ideologies and governing fashions, the missions and representatives nation-states send must be held to a professional standard.

• The Committee on Ethics will seat five (5) incumbent representatives to the Council. Representatives will serve one (1) year terms on said committee, ensuring fair rotation of representatives on said committee.
• The Committee on Ethics will be responsible for oversight of the Office of Professional Responsibility, which will oversee human resources functions for the Council.
• The Committee on Ethics will have full power to investigate the conduct of representatives and their staff while in Novo Orontes. The Committee, in order to legitimize their investigatory powers, will have the power to subpoena persons, documents, or objects to appear in front of the Committee.
• If nation-states fail to comply with subpoenas from the Committee on Ethics, the Committee may recommend penalties to the Whole Council, up to expelling said representative/staff from the Council for the most egregious offenses.
• Recognizing certain diplomatic privileges extended to mission houses/chanceries in Novo Orontes, and those properties treated as foreign soil of nation-states, the Committee will not have the power search these premises. The Committee may, however, request the signed warrant of a judge within the judiciary districts of Novo Orontes to search any offices a nation-state may maintain outside of their mission, whether it be in the Cazala d'Pintalo or elsewhere in Novo Orontes. That jurisdiction does not extend outside of Novo Orontes.
• The Committee on Ethics will not be steered by a chairperson; the Committee, like all proposed committees, will be nonpartisan in spirit.

COMMITTEE FOR ADMINISTRATION OF THE COUNCIL — The Committee for Administration of the Council will oversee the continued operation of the Council, to include physical, fiscal, and administrative upkeep of the Council's operations as an organization and as a physical location headquartered at the Cazala d'Pintalo.

• The Committee for Administration of the Council will seat five (5) incumbent representatives to the Council. Representatives will serve one (1) year terms on said committee, ensuring fair rotation of representatives on said committee.
• The Committee for Administration of the Council will be responsible for oversight of approving the position of the Chief Administrative Officer, which will head the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, responsible for maintaining the operations of the Council and its organizational entities, tangible and non-tangible.
• The Committee for Administration of the Council will not be steered by a chairperson; the Committee, like all proposed committees, will be nonpartisan in spirit.

SECTION II: THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AGENCIES

Understanding the need for certain non-legislator officials and offices to ensure the productivity, civility, and continued successful operation of the Council, we propose the following:

OFFICE OF THE PARLIAMENTARIAN — The Office of the Parliamentarian will seat the Parliamentarian of the Council, a nonpartisan individual for advising both the Committee on the Rules as well as representatives to the Council while in the chamber.

• The Parliamentarian of the Council will be person knowledgeable in the studies of law and parliamentary procedure, to be hired through the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer.
• The Parliamentarian of the Council role will be to formally serve as an independent advisory body to both the Committee on the Rules as well as the Whole Council when an issue pertaining to the rules comes about.

OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY — The Office of Professional Responsibility will be responsible for undertaking the direction given to it by the Committee on Ethics.

• The Office of Professional Responsibility will be headed by the Chief Ethics Officer, to be hired through the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. The Chief Ethics Officer will be a person knowledgeable in investigations, ethics, human resources, and conflict management.
• The Office of Professional Responsibility will be responsible for assisting the Committee on Ethics in investigations regarding ethics and conduct of representatives and staff.
• The Office of Professional Responsibility will be responsible for managing human resources operations and matters for the Council.

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER — The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer will be charged with carrying out administrative functions of the Council, responsible for maintaining the operations of the Council and its organizational entities, tangible and non-tangible.

• The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer will be responsible for the hiring of the following officers; Parliamentarian of the Council, Comptroller of the Council, and Chief Ethics Officer.
• The duties of the Comptroller of the Council, an already existing institution, will be under the organization of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer.
• The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer will function as a non-partisan, non-legislative office that provides support services and business solutions to the Council.
• The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer will therefore be responsible for the hiring of operational support staff to include but not limited to; groundskeepers, custodians, analysts, technical support, et cetera.
  
  
  

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  VOTE DETAILS:
  
  
  • IN FAVOR (6) — AHSCA, Castille de Italia, Holy Marsh, The Qoryx, Cartoonia, Greater Ordena
  • AGAINST (0) —
  • ABSTAIN (6) — The Macabees, Haishan, Deamonopolis, The Technocratic Syndicalists, Eitoan, Tangatarehua

[Nova Orontes]

Serena, the moderator-cum-record-keeper, stood just after she amended the text of GDRC Resolution #6, and announced, "GDRC Resolution #6 amended due to a clerical error, failure to transcribe parts of Section II, on the original text. Errors in the previous text are now correct."

[The Macabees]

Donald Novak spoke.

"The Republic of Eitoan has no objection to the proposal in general but wants more specifics on the selection process for the committees and the scope of jurisdiction. Therefore The Republic of Eitoan abstains."

As soon as the moderator, the same woman who always sat at her desk on the floor of the GDRC assembly, announced the passing of the Castillian legislation, Andro stood to echo a question that the Eitoani representative had asked just prior. He asked, "Coming back to Mr. Novak's question, what now? How are these positions filled? How is the vote for these positions to be held? We should come up with the next steps."

He didn't have any specific recommendations just yet. His vote had been to abstain from voting altogether, which was actually not what his gut had pushed him to do. His gut told him to vote against it. But, he first waited to see what others in the council thought and when it was clear that no one was voting against it, Andro left his own vote as is. Now, he planned to do much of the same — wait for others to take the initiative and see where this project headed. Maybe later, when all of this became more real, in whatever way that was possible given that the GDRC truly had very little influence over regional geopolitics, Andro would give his opinions.

[Eitoan]

Donald Novak, after reviewing his notes, made these remarks.

"Now that the Agencies Act has passed, there ought to be discussion of these functions, which might fall under administrative rather than legislative purview. There should be an auditing function to ensure honest and prudent fiscal policies, through annual review. There will also need to be named a Chief Legal Officer, or Council Advocate to perform the administrative functions spelled out in the Act, such as use of subpoena power and imposition of sanctions against members, in accordance with the general principles interstate relations and bound by the recognition of national soverignty.