First International Police Summit

[Teddy Bear Republic]

"Well, Dunning," Edward said, "Are you going to call a vote on Bill 27062012? So far there have been no objections and three in favour by our count, including ours automatically as proposer," he asked reflectively, staring blankly at a spot on the wall opposite as though he was trying to write horrible equations on it.

"Yes, but there have been three abstains, showing that people have reservations about it. If they do, then I would strongly suggest them to vote them now. As I've stated before, we need to make the Charter clearer and tighter than it is right now. I'll come up with an updated one, but in the meantime feel free to put suggestions or make your own."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"As a point of order, we hope you are not suggesting, Dunning, that you are intending to revise our charter without input and approval of these delegations," Edward replied. "We have already made a suggestion. Very well. As nobody seems to have any ideas on it, we hereby move to move to voting procedures on Bill 27062012," he stated, leaning back in his chair.

[The Greater Aryan Race]

Dr. Bernard Sommer's brow furrowed as he read the proposed Charter amendments.

"....their right to own their lives......right to Freedom of Speech, Press, Movement......religion, assembly, opinion, ideology??! My God! You people can't be serious about this can't you? You recognize that by implementing such changes, you are going to be interfering in the internal policies of various countries, not to mention turning it increasingly into the UEF's sister organisation!

We can't accept these changes! I'm sorry good sirs but our position is very clear. We reject Bill 27062012."

[Teddy Bear Republic]

OOC: Gah, ninjaed

"I do believe I said that we were, naturally, open to such suggestions," said Dunning, mildly offended at such remarks but showing no signs of it. He'd be pretty vexed if somebody, seemingly out of the blue decided on such radical policy, especially since there were so many things to get done at this time and place. "If I remember correctly, current votes were 3 Fors - from you, Munster and us, although we're not sure about our vote now - 2 Abstains now, from Mapletish and Ainin, and a Against from the GAR."

"I do, of course, apologize for any shock that this charter amendment proposal - and I do emphasize it is only a proposal, and a work in progress at that - may have caused. It is the feeling of our delegation that some of the ICPPO definitions could be tighter, as well as our aims and operational structure, and we certainly hope that you agree with us that we need a talk over this."

"The aims, for instance. The original intention of this organization - although, of course, that might have changed since we're not the only nation in this any more - is to be politically neutral only, dealing with only common definitions of crimes. But with the IUEF proposals, we might lose that neutrality - which might be good, or might be bad. These are all matters we need to cover, which is why we feel a change - or a discussion, at the very least - is in order."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"We agree, please consider our motion to move to voting procedures suspended," Edward replied. "At least and at last we can now have the debate required," he said, and jumped up forcefully. "Fellow Delegates, this organization is here to defend peace and order and to bring justice criminals. Clearly we are all agreed that acts of violence should meet the full force of both our law and that of other nations. But why, may I ask, do we protect against such crimes as murder, torture, and terrorism? We do this because we are all agreed about the innate rights of sentient species to go about their own business, except where such business infringes upon the rights of others, without fear of reprisal."
He paused, and, referring to the proposal, continued. "Let us go through our proposal at hand. For a start, I would hope that none of us object to the continued opposition of the ICPPO to slavery, trafficking, and unlawful confiscation of property. Equally we have already banned cruelty. As for the liberties listed, this is merely clarification of the present Article 1 (c). We can see no sensible reason for objection to the addition of anti-discrimination laws. We have already covered personal advancement and contract law. We can see no sensible reason not to consider the creation of other broad problems illegal. To sum, the only reason for any decent objection we can see is over whether the Right to Freedom of Speech, Press, and Movement are liberties," Edward summed. "I give way to the honourable gentleman," he said to nobody in particular, and sat again.

[The Greater Aryan Race]

While Dr. Sommer sat in his chair still fuming, Neumann from the Reich Justice Ministry stood up in response to the Librarian delegate's statement.

"Slavery, trafficking and the unlawful confiscation of property are all recognized as criminal acts within the Greater Aryan Race. We do however, reserve the right to confiscate the property of individuals who have obtained it through illegal means or who are political criminals and radical extremists.

While I thank the Right Honourable Gentleman for his statement on the rights of sentient species, I do wish to point out that in the GAR, we only recognize the rights of human beings. These life-forms are not guaranteed the same rights that a citizen of the GAR is entitled to under the Constitution. In fact, I can't seem to recall when we ever had such creatures registered as citizens.

Regardless, I am merely concerned that certain organisations and nations will attempt to use these laws to interfered in our domestic affairs. Furthermore, the definitions of these so-called fundamental civil liberties differs from nation to nation so structuring the ICPPO Charter on the basis of one set of criteria doesn't do justice to other nations with differing opinions."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"We must confess," Edward said, shocked, "that we are shocked. The TBRE, for example, is a nation of mostly non-humans. Why should they suffer less rights than others? No logically consistent nation can disagree on the civil liberties that we have clarified, and why should we cater for illogical opinions? We should not hide behind diplomatic niceties when we see ugly discrimination raise its heads."

[The Greater Aryan Race]

"Perhaps I have been too blunt, but what I intended to say was that forcing through the implementation of full civil liberties is an affront to autocratic states who are genuinely committed to the eradication of crime. Perhaps my previous remark was uncalled for and I rescind that but we will not accept the implementation of full civil liberties." replied Neumann.

[Republic of munster]

Ukmbrige sat awkwardly between the two arguing diplomats try to stay as small as possible. Then he had an idea.
Standing up and making calm down jesters he said. "There is a very simple way to address the GAR concerns. We should put in an article that says the ICPPO will not intervene in member states internal situation except in exceptional circumstance which then must be voted on." Umbrige looked at he fiery faced GAR representative and awaited his response

[Teddy Bear Republic]

"No offense taken," said Dunning to nobody in particular.

Ukmbrige sat awkwardly between the two arguing diplomats try to stay as small as possible. Then he had an idea.
Standing up and making calm down jesters he said. "There is a very simple way to address the GAR concerns. We should put in an article that says the ICPPO will not intervene in member states internal situation except in exceptional circumstance which then must be voted on." Umbrige looked at he fiery faced GAR representative and awaited his response

"To be honest, I believe that such a system is already in place - we can act against a member state. The question is, what do we define a crime as? Naturally, I hope common crimes would be included - like larceny. But what about those that violate international law, or war crimes? Perhaps what would be best is to compile a full list of different categories of crimes, and work from there."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Well, at present," Edward said, "we have a set of criteria which bans slavery, trafficking, larceny, cruelty, contracts and misuses of position; but only vaguely guarantees liberties. What we really need to do is to define what those liberties are; hence our present proposal, which defines those rights, adds a bit about discrimination, and a streamline concerning Terrorism, which is somehow defined separately in Article 3 and yet is not considered a criminal act. The question of what constitutes a right or liberty is only one of the things we are intending to address, so while we are debating such liberties, we would like to suspend our earlier proposal, and propose the following:

Bill 10082012
CHARTER AMENDMENT
Please vote [FOR], [AGAINST] or [ABSTAIN] for the following proposal.

This Charter Amendment concerns the following line of text under Section 1 Article 1 in the Official Charter of the International Criminal Police and Peacekeeping Organization:

"Section 1: Definitions
Article 1: Criminals and Criminal Acts
The ICPPO defines a criminal as a person or entity who:
a) enables or encourages sapient beings traffic or slavery,
b) commits cruel acts, including but significant physical or mental harm, in torture or otherwise, on unwanting subjects
c) wrongfully deprives sapient beings of their liberty,
d) uses his/her abilities to unlawfully deprive sapient beings of their money or assets without proper compensation, (amended)
e) commits crimes against sapient beings,
h) misuses his or her position for personal advancement, or
i) breaks signed agreements, treaties, or contracts that cause economic, social or political problems on broad scale"

This motion would establish the details of Article 1. A and B, and replace subsections c) and d) and insert g), h), and i) with the following result (italics marking changed sub-clauses):
"Article 1: Criminals and Criminal Acts
A. The ICPPO defines a criminal as a person or entity who wrongfully deprives sapient beings of their liberties, i.e. undertakes criminal acts, by:
a) enabling or encouraging traffic or slavery,
b) committing cruel acts, including but significant physical or mental harm, in torture or otherwise, on unwanting subjects,
c) depriving natural liberties, as defined by further legislation, except to end a direct, imminent, and undeniable infringement upon the liberties of others,
d) depriving such entities of their right to own their lives and property (including money or any other form of assets) without proper compensation ,
e) misusing his or her position for personal advancement,
f) breaking signed agreements, treaties, or contracts,
g) depriving any such entities of any of their rights by discrimination,
h) intentionally, or through improper activities or neglect, causing economic, social or political problems on the broad scale, and/or
i) commits terrorism as defined in Article 3 (for which purpose the Criminal Act shall also be considered a Terrorist Act); and
B. The ICPPO has the right and duty to bring Criminals to justice and end such Criminal Acts acting in accordance with the principals and mechanisms outlined in this charter."

For the reasons listed below:

The new Article clarifies what what the ICPPO defines as a criminal act.
The new Article will better reflect the values that the ICPPO stands for and fights for.

For the reasons listed above, the Charter Amendment is now put forward for a vote.

Motion as it is now was put forward by Libraria and Ausitoria

In addition, if I may change the subject, there is some peacekeeping that needs to be done that the ICPPO may be interested in? You see, a short while ago Libraria and Ausitoria was invited to assist in bring about a lasting peace in New Edom, and negotiators have achieved a cease-fire so far, and the question of peacekeepers has arisen. Naturally its is in accordance with the principals of the ICPPO that we help defend a peace while both sides continue to negotiate towards what will hopefully be a lasting settlement. We can hardly expect order and justice flourish in the midst of a civil war, particularly a total war. As if that isn't enough, this is a chance for the ICPPO and member nations to raise their profiles.
To give a bit of background information, New Edom was formerly a part of the Large Latin Cornellion Empire; achieved independence in the 19th century and developed under their own Monarchy, which allied with right wing interests; they fought a civil war before, with monarchists and socialists on opposing sides. The latest civil war was started by a Monarchist coup following the decision of an anti-monarchist coalition in the Free Congress to make public nudity compulsory, and the subsequent division of the country between them.
Now that a cease-fire has been achieved and there are promising lines on which to compromise, they would like international organizations to wave the flag, so I hope the ICPPO will be happy to establish something? We therefore propose the following Operation (code name subject to change, if someone can think of something nice).

Submitted Date: 7th July 436 AD (Alexandrian Calender), 10 August 2012 (Gregorian Calender)
Author: Lord Colonel Edward Wittin-grey-silvus-fitzjules-fitzmartin-fitzregent-demarqer, on behalf of the Imperial Commonwealth of the Kingdoms of Apraecia, Libraria, and Ausitoria, the United Kingdom of Libraria and Ausitoria, the United Kingdom of Apraecia and Ausitoria, the Principality of Cyberfloridha, the Duchy of Roshall, the Duchy of Guardaria, the Ausitorian Empire, the Librarian Empire, the Principality of Ausitoria, and the Principality of Apraecia
Operational Code Name: Edom Peacekeeping

Operational Area: New Edom
Objective: To enforce New Edom Cease-Fire agreement
On-ground Commander: Decided by Joint Headquarters of Commanders of National Peacekeeping Missions.
Risk Level: Medium-Low
Importance: [Medium]
Context: Civil war between Monarchists and Free Congress started, peace talks underway, cease-fire agreed on.
Details of Operation: The peacekeepers will be subject to the agreed laws of New Edom, the Cease-Fire agreement, future agreements between the parties concerned, and ICPPO legislation. This peacekeeping mission will operate principally by patrolling the 20 km dimilitarized zone to achieve its objective.

Certainly we would hope most nations can at least manage a token force to express support for the peace negotiations," Edward finished, and leaned back to drink a glass of water.

[The Greater Aryan Race]

"Charter amendments have always been a sensitive issue for us. We would do well to abstain for the time being on such proposals, pending consultations from the Chancellery." replied Neumann.

"On another note though, we are more than willing to provide peacekeeping forces in New Edom to enforce the ceasefire agreement. Would two divisions suffice? Also, we would be most grateful if more information could be provided regarding the nature of the New Edomite conflict."

[Republic of munster]

"On the issue of the peace keeping can provide 300 troops for the mission if required. The unit will probably be light infantry with armored SUV's we don't see to much of a risk in it so are happy to help." Umbrige said. On the other issue of the charter amendment we believe compulsory selling of land is allowed under cretin circumstance but compunction must be paid and all entities of similar intelligence be treated equal period".

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Quite, our proposal does not forbid compulsory purchase. And we will inform the New Edom peace negotiators of the general approval of ICPPO members. At present, Neumann, we are not sure of how many forces they do require, we will find out. As for history of the conflict, the situation has been confused, but the world factbook entry appears to provide such information," Edward replied.

[The Greater Aryan Race]

"This is all very confusing I must confess. Was the Free Congress responsible for the assassination of the President at his hunting lodge or the Monarchists? Also, what exactly is the state of affairs in New Edom now?" queried Neumann. Beside him, Dr. Sommer whispered into the ear of an officer from the Reich Ministry for State Security, "Could you make a copy of the file we have on New Edom and forward it to my laptop?"

[Nordengrund]

"What is going on?" asked Representative of Foreign Affairs Jan Froden.

[Teddy Bear Republic]

"What is going on?" asked Representative of Foreign Affairs Jan Froden.

"Charter amendments and a peacekeeping operation," said Dunning.

"Moving on, we have no objection to the peacekeeping mission, especially if its just that - peacekeeping."

"Regarding the first charter amendment - I have some others in mind, although naturally these are just my own thoughts and carry no legal weight whatsoever yet and have yet to be discussed - I believe that terrorism should be included in the crimes, with their appropriate definitions, rather than as a separate category. I'll also appreciate some more time* to ensure that most other crimes are included in the list before we put it to a vote so soon. Many thanks." Dunning sat down again.

*OOC: Perhaps tomorrow, things are kind of busy in RL here. My apologies.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Dunning, originally I believe our civil servants felt that moving Article 3 into Article 1 would be more appropriate, however; due to the relative complexity of the result it was felt a much simpler change of Article 1 only could be made to suffice. As to the peacekeeping mission, we certainly hope and expect it would be limited to peacekeeping - they have signed a cease fire and appear to be observing it. Neumman, we believe it was more probably the Monarchists, although we also have heard that a foreign investigation is underway. Both sides might have felt that there was something to be gained from starting a civil war, certainly in our negotiations we have noted the tremendous personal power wielded by individual persons on behalf of the different sides; although maybe that is just normal and Ausitoria is unusually state-orientated. The present state of affairs, as we have said; is that they have agreed to a four point plan:

1. Peacekeeping to be undertaken by neutral organization to enforce agreed boundaries, with
2.a), Bara to be henceforth split into two at 10 km west of Buann river; with Raith Immel, Gloria Regis, Haran, East Bara to the control of the Free Congress; West Bara, Lookinghaven, Teman to the control of the Monarchists,
b) Etruria Major neutral and out of the control of either Congress, and
c) All territory within 10 km on border demilitarized from 24 hours after the conclusion of this cease-fire; and
3., No further military forces not agreed on by both sides to be permitted to enter New Edom or waters thereof, until
4., The conclusion of negotiations

Directly before that, there were considerable forces fighting around; the Monarchists, bolstered with new foreign forces, were intending to retake the Capital, and looked likely to do so despite the earlier reinforcements that the Free Congress had received; and the Capital looked set to be an even worse bloodbath than it actually was.
Should we call a vote on the Peacekeeping Mission, then?" Edward enquired.

[The Greater Aryan Race]

"You see, that's where the problem comes in Herr Dunning. We need to differentiate between what can be considered as terrorism and what can be seen as national liberation. One man's terrorist is another's freedom fighter. Of course, we have no problems with criminalizing terrorism.

If we intend to vote on the peacekeeping mission, the GAR votes aye."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"That is very true," Edward said, in a reflective tone of voice. "That is why the courts must become functional. On New Edom: Can Jan Froden contribute any more? We shall be able to manage about 10,000 after all - we seem to have defeated the Slave Traders in Bavungria as part of the UEF, so that's one less intervention to worry about, anyway. And Dunning? Could we please get on with the vote to help New Edom, and then get on with getting the charter sorted out so we can try Harold?" Edward asked, deciding that there were way to many breaks in the ICPPO. When an organization was going downhill, he joked to himself, someone needed to get in and put his foot on the accelerator pedal. He smiled, eyes twinkling.

[Teddy Bear Republic]

OOC: Apologies that everything has been stagnating lately.

"Most certainly," said Dunning, scribbling notes furiously away as yet another assistant coming in to dump yet another bunch of law books on his table. "Do feel free to call for a vote. If I may just ask, why did we feel it necessary to put terrorism in a separate category in the first place? Are the usual activities of terrorism it not already covered in our existing criminal definitions?"

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"I'm not at all sure why they're separate. Possibly originally there were only two definitions; or possibly there is the point that Terrorism needs a lot more defining, for the reasons impeccably summarized by Neumann. Anyway, the vote for the peacekeeping is on, and we shall close the vote in shortly. So far, 2 for."

[The Greater Aryan Race]

"Do you suppose the peacekeeping forces be run separately or is there some sort of command structure which they must follow?" asked Neumann.

[Republic of munster]

OOC: Apologies that everything has been stagnating lately.

"Most certainly," said Dunning, scribbling notes furiously away as yet another assistant coming in to dump yet another bunch of law books on his table. "Do feel free to call for a vote. If I may just ask, why did we feel it necessary to put terrorism in a separate category in the first place? Are the usual activities of terrorism it not already covered in our existing criminal definitions?"

"Just on that issue" Umbrige said. "Our government does make a very defined definition between terrorism and other criminal activities. Normal criminal crimes are countered by Federal Police and State Police while if the crime fits the description of what we think is terrorism then the military can intervene and assists other wise our constitution forbids it that would be why we think terrorism should be considered separated to other criminal activities".

[Teddy Bear Republic]

OOC: Sorry this is taking so long. The charter amendments will be fine, but I'm just worried we might have missed something out. Also, GAR, I'm not too sure what your question is asking.

"Just on that issue" Umbrige said. "Our government does make a very defined definition between terrorism and other criminal activities. Normal criminal crimes are countered by Federal Police and State Police while if the crime fits the description of what we think is terrorism then the military can intervene and assists other wise our constitution forbids it that would be why we think terrorism should be considered separated to other criminal activities".

"I still see no reason for the ICPPO's definition of crime cannot include terrorism in it, because for us - as I explain below - terrorism is merely a specific form of criminal activity. I presume what the ICPPO does is separate to what your nation does. If we have an operation that requires military forces and your legislature - for some reason - does not perceive it as a terrorist act, then, well, that's an internal problem for you."

"You see, terrorist acts are carried out to intimidate a population for a particular ideological reason. So in essence, terrorists are simply a very specific type of criminal, and their activities have already been criminalized under our existing definitions without a separate."

"Also, some other ideas for things we might need to clarify in the charter, such as emphasizing our politically neutral role, defining when we need to peacekeep a little bit better, jurisdictional elements, budgeting.... Oh, and probably a unified way of passing votes, similar to what the IUEF has passed recently."