8th IFC Council-in-Summit [IC] [IFC Only]

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"It is a great pleasure to meet you, your excellency," replied Frederick, and then immediately launched into an explanation. "When there are different member nations who want different things, unfortunately it is only too common for some to be occassionaly disappointed, and the Council and the government must sometimes choose what it thinks is right over the wishes of one or more members.

Now, the Council has voted on the issue of territorial claims in space, and has acted on the advice of the government. I'm afraid we're not having that. But we all know there is a wider question mark hanging over Ardoki, and in that I think both the government and council agrees with the sentiment that we should undertake a thorough investigation into Ardoki. Then nobody can accuse us of rushing into war if the situation demands it, and we will be in a much better position to execute any war.

The question is how to be thorough. Perhaps the Judicial Committee could handle it?"

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"I am delighted to formally announce that, in accordance with various requests for a clearer distinction between mandatory and predominantly military matters and voluntary and predominantly economic matters, it is the International Commonwealth Agency's intention that the administration of the IFC's policy be carried out by two consuls, the Supreme Allied Commander, for the former, and the Deputy Secretary, for the latter.

We are delighted that Shazbotdom has accepted the offer to serve as Supreme Allied Commander (although only acting Supreme Allied Commander until we amend Resolution 15), with oversight over the Ministry of Defence, under the new Minister URA, and over the Ministry of Intelligence, run by Naybra, who will be operating in a more active capacity.

We are equally delighted that the Lendol Archipelago has accepted to offer to serve as Deputy Secretary, with oversight over the Ministry of Trade, under our previous Prime Minister Valaran, and over the Minister of Projects, under the new Minister Pillowlandia.

A number of deputy positions are currently being discussed.

We should incidentally note that it is our intent to put forth legislation to place the Judicial Committee on a permanent setting as part of a separation of powers between the three branches of government, and to replace URA with Salderia on the Committee. For the question of budgeting, we should also clarify that the Ministry of Finance shall be administered directly by the International Commonwealth Agency and nominally by the Decis Confederacy separately from the Ministry of Trade and Industry."

[Shazbotdom]

"The fact that the leadership of Ardoki has blatantly mocked members of this alliance, as well as members of the International Community, means that they deserve no protection. When one of their own leaders openly mocks the leadership of other nations in childish manners on Social Media, one wonders why they are offered protection by anyone from the International Freedom Coalition. The Empire is already preparing to mobilize forces in case any sort of 'investigation' falls through due to the ignorance and inability of the leadership of Ardoki to allow an investigation without interfering. If this body is unable to accept the fact that the Nation of Ardoki is a pariah to the International Community, then what good is this body? In addendum, the Shazbotdom Empire votes Aye for Resolution 20."

[The United Remnants of America]

The Remnant Delegate leaned back in his chair, his heavy-lidded eyes showing either his lack of sleep recently, or the fact that he was in fact currently inebriated. Technically, his blood-alcohol content was under the legal limit, but he would still be considered "tipsy" in any good company. It was just as well, here. If the URA's Diplomatic Corps weren't so insufferably understaffed, then maybe he wouldn't have to drink away the stress and strain of being tasked to the IFC's Council as well as to several other national embassies and consulates, all of which he managed in-absence.

The delegate did not trust himself to talk, and at this moment, he doubted he could form any kind of convincing argument, due to his current predicament, so the delegate did what suited him best: He leaned forward and clicked a ballpoint pent, taking a sheet of paper and scribbling on it quickly before folding it in half to make it stand and sitting it in front of him on his desk.

Raesolushtion 20: URA Vote Yes.

The Delegate nodded and leaned once again back in his rather comfortable chair, his eyes closing for only a second, or so it seemed to him. In reality, the Remnant delegate had drifted off to sleep after being awake for fifty-three hours straight.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"We would like to thank the Shazite excellency for their willingness to wait until the investigation is complete, which should take a few weeks at most.

Naturally, if the investigation unearths severe problems with liberties and rights in Ardoki, which are not being properly addressed by the Ardoki government, then our government will support the issuing of a final ultimatum, drafted by this Council, to Ardoki, and going to war with Ardoki if it is refused.

Otherwise, and until the investigation is complete, and unless Ardoki does anything otherwise worthy of the lifting of protection; Ardoki will continue to remain under the Ausitorian government's protection, so that diplomatic efforts have time to work.

We call upon the people of Ardoki to remain calm, and to start to clean up their act if they have not yet done so."

[Organized States]

"Ausitoria should not be protecting Ardoki, period. We can no longer go about propping a regime which has committed horrific crimes. We'd like to officially submit for the record a number of articles of evidence for the official investigation. I tend to think this clearly shows Ardoki has most certainly committed these crimes that we've accused it of, and I hope it puts this idea that we should be allies with them to bed."

Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Exhibit D
Exhibit E
Exhibit F
Exhibit G
Exhibit H
Exhibit I
Exhibit J
Exhibit K
Exhibit L

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Thank you very much for your submissions to the investigation. I am sure the investigators will consider it: certainly they are welcome starting points.

Of course I should note that it is my government's understanding that Ardoki has occasionally made propaganda statements which may bear no relation to reality.

But that is what the investigation is for: separating the truth from the lies. We need to know whether Ardoki is changing into a free country, worthy of our defence as part of the freedom for nations to be both liberal and socialist, or whether they should be left to the attacks of the blood-hungry vultures, or whether we should actually liberate them. And until we know the truth, Ardoki remains under Ausitoria's temporary protection, and should remain under our temporary protection.

After all, quite beside the difficulty of investigating a country when bombs are falling on it, it is not in our interests that socialism be eradicated, unless it is despotic."

[Organized States]

"Thank you very much for your submissions to the investigation. I am sure the investigators will consider it: certainly they are welcome starting points.

Of course I should note that it is my government's understanding that Ardoki has occasionally made propaganda statements which may bear no relation to reality.

But that is what the investigation is for: separating the truth from the lies. We need to know whether Ardoki is changing into a free country, worthy of our defence as part of the freedom for nations to be both liberal and socialist, or whether they should be left to the attacks of the blood-hungry vultures, or whether we should actually liberate them. And until we know the truth, Ardoki remains under Ausitoria's temporary protection, and should remain under our temporary protection.

After all, quite beside the difficulty of investigating a country when bombs are falling on it, it is not in our interests that socialism be eradicated, unless it is despotic."

"Except, Mr. Ambassador, that this socialism, we speak of, is truly despotic. The actions of Ardoki in Chile and around the world are truly disgusting and have no place in our modern world. We cannot assume that the death of FIVE million people was simply a propaganda move."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Of course we cannot - if they happened. The question is, did it happen? And I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I don't know the answer. I expect that is what Flardania, Shazbotdom, URA, and Novo Wagondia will find out."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

"Incidentally, I should state that there are rumours that the new government of Ardoki may choose to apply to join the IFC. If such an application resolves their outstanding dispute with IFC members by surrendering or shelving their claims against Guadalupador for the destruction of the Aquila ASA-725, and fulfills all other requirements of joining, I see no reason why Ardoki should not be accepted on a trial basis. Of course, if, after the ongoing investigation, they were to refuse to co-operate in bringing the appropriate criminals before our Judicial Committee, then the Council should vote to expel them."

[Valaran]

Dietrich Stavan made no announcement as he entered. His place here was achievement enough - the culmination of the Foreign Ministry's attempt at clawing back influence. The Political marriage between the Ministry and the Prime Minister had borne fruit.

Stavan could thus be forgiven for feeling rather self-assured as he took his seat. This was not displayed outwardly, of course - that would be improper - but nevertheless ensured that Stavan felt absolutely no need to give a speech. Nor did he disrupt proceedings by greeting his fellow delegates. Instead, a brief nod at Frederick sufficed; he recognised the power in the room.

Stavan motioned to an aid, who provided him with a transcript. He had read up on the proposed legislation, but not yet on the various statements of the delegates. His face alternated between frowns and chuckles as he skimmed through the thin sheaf of paper. More frowns than chuckles, it should be said. The Council had a reputation in the cafes of Astaria, where foreign policy was discussed over brunches and dinners, and it was not always a pleasant one - many still resented the IFC. Consequently, Stavan was also not entirely unaware of why he had been chosen for this role. He was a sacrificial pawn, for his nation's interest. That did something to temper to his self-assurance. For all the satisfaction at orchestrating the Foreign Ministry's success, this wasn't going to be an easy job.

[The Swiss Guardsmen]

---

ASS Peacock – IFC Conference Airship
Whittington Citadel, Alexandria, Ausitoria
Aēva Riāpoza - 04:15 ECT (E.fian C.entral T.ime)

---

“Once more into the breach,” Aēva Riāpoza thought to herself as she approached the elegant doors of the airship conference room. She hoped the other gathered nations would accept the official explanation for the Astavian delegation’s tardiness. Typically the Pontifical Union posted its delegations promptly after acceptance into an international organization such as the IFC - usually within a period of 24 hours. Recent events had delayed their arrival however - a last minute briefing about the provisional acceptance of Ardoki into the IFC, an SSIA briefing on Ausitorian security force capability in Alexandria, and a personal call from the Cardinal-Secretary to update the delegation on the deteriorating situation in Belmia. Of course, she'd mention none of that - their plane had simply hit some dreadful weather departing Olsalka Air Force Base in Hevlatia province. After all, the rough winds of the high Sutgorod mountains could be highly unpredictable in summer.

Approaching the ornate door, Aēva handed the State Ministry's briefing on Ardoki to her smartly-dressed personal adjutant. Aēva and the rest of the small Astavian delegation had been assembled from various diplomatic postings around Undria, though at her request, most had been tapped from her previous staff while working as the Ambassador to Morgovia. They had proven their considerable mettle navigating the treacherous authoritarian waters of Pozårevac high society, and had gained a reputation within the State Secretariat for commendable adaptability in serving the Pontifical Union's interests abroad. With most of them working with the Ambassador nearly seven years on, loyalty was a quality among them that stood head and shoulders above the rest - a distinct professional affinity for their boss that almost matched their fierce love of country.

Accompanied by her adjutant and a single administrative aid, Ambassador Riāpoza opened the door with noiseless force and began the short walk to the Astavian seat at the conference table. It didn't take a mind long-trained in the art of diplomacy to sense the air was thick with strained indignation - emanating quite clearly from a number of represented nations. It was the Ambassador's understanding that the simmering Ardokian Question had reached a feverish boiling point in recent days. The Social Democratic Republic's penchant for incurring the wrath of the international community for crimes of unrestrained barbarism against their own people was a subject of little novelty. Astavian human rights groups and media outlets had covered such crimes in the past, but Ardoki's recent ability to sew chaos and mistrust between IFC members and the Coalition's own leadership had drawn the State Minstry's concern. Granted most Astavian ministers, including Ambassador Riāpoza, felt the crisis had been precipitated by Ausitorian pertinacity in efforts to avert hostilities with the Ardokians (even if it meant throwing IFC member-states under the proverbial bus), but there were some (mostly in the OHI) who feared Ardoki's recent Hail Mary pass into the IFC could represent a dangerous new grand strategy - weakening solidarity among IFC member states, while gaining for itself a collection of idealistic (yet inappropriately naive) Coalition allies.

Of course, the State Ministry thought it inappropriate that Astavia - such a new member in the IFC - should arrive at the conference and challenge Ausitorian leadership on this issue so quickly. That being said, there was much the officials back in Vaticaina felt uneasy about - particularly the strange Ausitorian rationalization of protecting the Ardokian regime from just destruction out of an incoherent need for "balance" on the political spectrum of power. Many in the Theocratic Bloc of the National People's Congregation had been openly hostile towards the Ausitorian position, and wondered aloud (if somewhat contemptuously) when such protections for religious states would receive Ausitorian endorsement. The still more ultranationalist wing of Astavian politics, the Astavunitis party, had even sent the State Ministry a lengthy dissertation on historic Ardokian human rights abuses (as if the Ministry needed reminding) alongside a statement that any further Ardokian infractions against human dignity should be considered "enabled" by Ausitorian military protection.

Aēva sympathized with their indignation, but not their conclusions. The Ausitorians could not be blamed for their commitment to international peace - but they were unwise to test the limits of this "unimpeachable" quality. Their skepticism that a harsh military campaign by foreign powers would bring any real long-term change to a country like Ardoki, long comatose in its development of political and social freedoms, was shared by the Astavian delegation - but Ausitoria's failure to accommodate the reasonable thirst for justice among fellow IFC allies (and instead accepting the Ardokians into the IFC in spite of the clear and present threat they posed to longstanding and respected members) kicked up a hornets nest, spat in it, and proceeded to wait pants-down for the coming pain. The Ausitorians had shown remarkable wisdom elsewhere in other matters, particularly on the issue of the danger posed by unilateral acts of spacecraft destruction in low-earth orbit, but it was unclear if this wisdom or much else could earn back the trust of IFC members who justly felt betrayed by this rush to welcome the anointed sovereign of pariah states.

Taking her seat, Aēva made note to cast a warm glance towards Ambassador Stavan and the delegation from the Valaran Empire. Dealings between the two international powers had been limited in recent years, but she had never forgotten how highly His Holiness had spoken of the Empire at a state function several years prior. Cardinal Velasio had specifically mentioned Dietrich Stavan by name in the pre-departure briefing as a capable diplomat, in whom the Pontifical Union might find an amiable partner at the conference. Beyond that, and what little information the Valaran government released on his credentials, Astavian intelligence had gathered little on the man or his background. Ambassador Riāpoza's usual harsh realist perspective was tempered with a degree of optimism as she glanced about the table - perhaps these were men and women with whom the Pontifical Union could do business.

A break in the conversation several minutes later afforded the Astavian delegation a short window to speak, which the Ambassador took with appropriate humility and conviction. "We are deeply honored and profoundly grateful for the opportunity to join this body in its noble mission" spoke Ambassador Riāpoza, rising from her chair. "I would also like to extend my personal thanks to the right and honorable Sir Frederick Styles," she said, turning specifically to the Ausitorian delegation, "and to the people of his venerable homeland, who have so kindly taken in this grateful assemblage of nations." Speaking more gravely, she glanced down at the briefing in front of her, "We have heard much prior to arriving on the issue of the Ardokian Question. No doubt there are passionate persons here who feel strongly about what should be done, and such passion is warranted. Crimes of such magnitude against the dignity of man, carried out for so long by fiends who have for years managed to escape the promise of justice, should inspire no less. A free and open Ardoki is a commendable goal, though Ardoki's transition will no doubt take time - if it occurs at all. Unceasing vigilance must be kept over this old foe as it makes its transformation. We would like to propose perhaps that Catholic aid groups based in Astavia be allowed by the IFC to work in Ardoki to distribute aid in regions like Aanglandia, and assist in their rebuilding. For years, Ardoki's Catholic population has suffered alongside other religious groups deemed "unfit" by the Ardokian state for social acceptance. If the Social Democratic Republic truly wishes to show the international community they wish to join the free world, the unhindered operation of these Catholic aid workers could demonstrate an initial resolve to do so."

Beginning to sink back into her seat, Aēva added a final note, "The Pontifical Union very much looks forward to a long and prosperous relationship with those gathered here, and I thank you for this initial chance to address you all."

[Hatay]

Alema rose and spoke.
"Hatay has sent Ardoki an ultimatum demanding a cleanup of government, eliminating officials who condoned violence, as well as trying Moriarty and O' Brien. If Ardoki fails to take adequate steps to improve itself, Hatay will join a blockade to pressure Ardoki to free itself and meet the requirements of an IFC member state that Ausitoria has failed to acknowledge when accepting them, ignoring the will of member states."

[Guadalupador]

Myra shook his head in disbelief and threw his hands up in protest. "Do you have any idea how insulting this is, accepting the Ardokian Social Democratic Republic into this Coalition? It's insulting not only to the victims of the Moriarty regime, but also toward the members of this Coalition. This unilateral action by the Aestorian Commonwealth, this abuse of a leadership position, to let such an oppressive regime into the IFC is akin to just arresting Adolf Hitler, and letting Himmler and the rest of the Nazis rule Germany and letting them become a member of the international community with no repercussions at all." Myra couldn't help but stand up and direct his attention toward the Prime Minister. "Why don't we let New Yama in? I'm absolutely sure that Admiral Quardya would enjoy the company of tyrants like Moriarty or his croneys. How about Ralkovia? That'll surely solve the conflict in Bluewell, wouldn't it? Bolrieg, perhaps? How about we just accept any and all tyrannical states, slavers, genocidal maniacs we come across as long as they'll say that they'll reform?" Myra said with scathing sarcasm. "This is the International FREEDOM Coalition. Not the Ausitorian Friendship Club." Myra sat back down. "The Federal Union of Guadalupador will not accept, nor recognize Ardokian membership within the International Freedom Coalition so long as criminals run rampant through such a state."

[New Roma Republic]

The New Roman delegate burst out laughing, and laughing, and laughing. He just couldn't get a hold on himself. Hell, he had no idea why he was laughing or still there. He never left when he was notified of his nation leaving the Coalition. And now he was glad. Austoria seemed to be trying to consolidate its power by bringing in allies, even though they have a history of being not free. As he stopped laughing, he looked around at all the faces, and thought I'm seeing the collapse of a once great alliance. And I was against leaving, at least we got out before the shit hit the fan. He took a sip from his water. Perhaps Bumincium was right, perhaps this is a Nihoneese plot to tear apart the IFC. He leaned back and thought about it that statement a bit more. No it couldn't be, that wouldn't make sense. Perhaps the Austorian Commonwealth actually believe that they are doing the right thing. Now, that would be scary...

[Hatay]

We are falling apart! Ausitorian arrogance is killing the IFC. We have to stay together. Hold a vote on Ardokian membership, or else it is quite clear that Ausitoria is intent on killing this great alliance. Hatay will stand with free nations, and we feel that Ausitoria is acting wrongly and we implore them to allow a vote.

[Shazbotdom]

"The Shazbotdom Empire is deeply disgusted at the allowance of the Ardoki War Criminals within this body. We are now drafting up a bill for the immediate expulsion of Ardoki from our ranks."

[Shazbotdom]

The Grand Admiral got a sudden look of anger on his face and spoke up sternly but at an average time, "I have just been informed by our Government that Ardoki has been admitted to this body. Why the fuck was this allowed before the investigations and subsequent trials of the War Criminal Moriarty and his cronies? Has our esteemed leader caved to Moriarty's regime? This is an outrage. Let it be known now that anything decided by this body in regards to being outside the Mutual Protection part of this alliance is no longer recognized by The Shazbotdom Empire. We will not allow free reign of Ardoki citizens of Leadership through our borders. We will only be the Grand Allied Commander, head of the Navies of this body, but will no longer take part in the Diplomatic Wing. We will, though, issue this Resolution for the voting membership of this Alliance."

The Shazbotdom Empire Grand Admiral James E. Rockenbach Declaration of Expulsion Of Ardoki Resolution Number: 21 This resolution hereby declares the immediate expulsion of the Ardokian Social Democratic Republic from the International Freedom Coalition. Concerned with the inability for the current leadership of the IFC to address the concerns of this Body, Astonished that Membership was granted for a Nation which has, in the past and most recently, shown that they are unwilling to negotiate at all with the International Community, including in turning over key members of their Government who has either issued or carried out horrific acts across the world. Frustrated that by the looks of the Application, the Ardokian Social Democratic Republic seems to have just lied about many things that they have done and are wishing to 'sweep it under the rug' to better their position within the International Community. This is not limited to acts of Genocide and Mass Murder, mainly within Aanglandia, and the illegal shooting down of a Civilian Airliner under the guise that it would further the idea of 'Progressivism'. Hereby, by order of the voting membership of the International Freedom Coalition, the unconditional Ejection of the Ardokian Social Democratic Republic from our glorious body. Signed, Grand Admiral James E. Rockenbach, Shazbotdom

[Pillowlandia]

At the newest resolution Charles was rather reluctant about, while it did fit the wishes of both Pillowlandia the language was a bit.. harsh. After all, the nation said it wished to pass reforms. Though it also had a history of such claims... As it stood the IFC was a joke with their admittance. Time to make the IFC great again. (I kid)

"Pillowlandia, with a heavy heart and a recognition of the potential precedents it may set, votes Yay to resolution 21. By allowing the nation of Ardoki into the IFC we are making fools of ourselves and showing that the IFC stands not for freedom but for the left. While we ourselves could be considered leftist, that is not the mission, nor should it be, of the IFC. If the nation of Ardoki can prove itself willling and capable to pass valid and comprehesive reforms then they should be allowed to petition for membership. Until that day however, they have no place among the nations of the IFC."

[Guadalupador]

"Recognizing that he current state of Ardokian membership without long-term reforms, and proper justice being served to the dictatorial Moriarty regime is a massive mistake on the part of the leadership, I will consciously, and proudly vote AYE to Resolution 21."

[Valaran]

Clarity of Thought, Unity of Mind

---

More frowning. That appeared to be the order of the day for Stavan. There was much cause for it, with so many ultimatums and exclamations. So many insults. Theatricality abounded. This was not what he had been sold on - there was no tedious drafting of superfluous legislation here, but a verbal firestorm. Tension crackled at every speech. Even in the language of the latest resolution reflected this - The Grand Admiral announcing himself Frustrated at the proceedings. It read like an understatement.

Where was the decorum? The mutual respect? Vanished, apparently. Lost under the tides of frustration, fallen in the cracks that were even now spreading over this consular edifice. Each rhetorical exclamation appeared to hammer this home, driving spears into the heart unity, rendering the label ‘Coalition’ a grim mockery on proceedings. Perhaps the rumours about this council had been wrong, but the fears articulated in them appeared vindicated.

Stavan analysed. The national interest was easily identified: IFC unity must be maintained. How best to achieve that was another matter. Was this the situation Stavan must prove himself in? The unplanned crisis, where formulated straggles are replaced by reflexes. He looked at his notes, but advice was not printed below.

How to calm the waters? Delicacy was required. Or was it? This was clearly an indelicate subject for many - nuance would likely be ignored, or trampled on by the brazen cries of thundering implacability… Hold yourself Stavan; that was flowery. Right now, flowery was bad. It drifted away from the point.

In all this tumult, he had nearly missed Riāpoza’s entrance. He checked his notes. ALLY had been printed under her name, followed by the hastily scribbled PARTNER?. A rare smile cracked Stavan’s face. Fittingly inconclusive.

The conundrum pressed. What to do? Another Valaran ambassador might have supported a compromise - probational membership. Kicking the can down the road had its appeal. Time would reveal the veracity of Ardokian claims, and level heads could replace heated ones. Things could be allowed to stew. The main draw was obfuscation, of papering over the cracks. Replacing the acid bite of with tedious analysis.

But Stavan had his marching orders. Hesseren had been clear - firm, calculated stances were what Stavan should go for. Besides, he probably lacked the clout to make a compromise stick. The Grand Admiral was out for blood, and appeared to be one of many.

Perhaps a calculated dissplay of opposition then? To make Styles see reason? That was unlikely. Stavan expected Ausitorian obstinacy, and he very much doubted additional Valaran pressure would shift the boulder that was Commonwealth diplomacy. There were other costs too - if there was a stark divide in the Council, with only Lendol left on Styles’ side, this would make the IFC's divisions yawn that much wider. This was it then, the moment of decision. The diplomat in him pointed to wait, to consider the responses and weight the options, before crafting a response . But his political instincts sensed that time was of the essence - consideration would rely on the responses of others, and he would lose the ability to shape the debate. Influence trickled away with the seconds.

Stavan rose. “The Valaran Empire wishes it known that it does not agree with the manner in which Ardoki was accepted into the Alliance. Such a controversial choice should not have been rushed though. We are potentially able to accept it as an IFC member, but we require further evidence of its reforms at a minimum. A good test of Ardoki’s commitment to the IFC ideals shall be the treatment of the nation’s Catholic citizens, as noted by the Astavian delegate.” Stavan nodded briefly to the Riāpoza. Mentally, he crossed out the question mark next to the word PARTNER in his notes.

Stavan eyed Styles directly. “Moreover, the Ausitorian Government should not treat this is as fait accompli. If it feels that it can simply ram a policy through, so that it may avoid scrutiny or rejection, then it must take stock of the damage that this does to the IFC, and by extent, Ausitorian interests.” Stavan tapped his fingers at his side, the vestigial remnant of a nervous tick. “However, before the Valaran Empire can make a decision on whether to lend its support to Resolution 21, or to Ardoki’s membership, I would like to hear the response of Sir Styles to the various concerns expressed by the delegates. He should take note that our position hinges on his words.”

[Hatay]

Hatay votes AYE to Resolution 21.

[Great Feng]

Feng votes Aye on resolution 21.

[Organized States]

"The OS votes Aye on 21."

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

Prince Kazpia appeared again, in a cloud of smoke. (The sooner somewhere was selected as an IFC capital, the better; the Foreign Minister was becoming a regular Drama Queen).

"Friends, I understand your ire, but now is not the time to be issuing ultimatums demanding reform. Now is the time to carry out reform. Ha! Why ruin such a wonderful chance: do you not see that this Council can now take control of the situation in Ardoki, with the permission of the Ardoki government? Do you not see that this is the time to spread freedom?"

He whipped out a microphone and put on a pair of sunglasses as a spotlight fell on him.

"If Ardoki thinks they can get away with doing what they have always done previously, promising liberal reforms but never carrying them out, they have another thing coming.

If Ardoki meant it this time, we will simply ensure they do it.

I therefore move that Resolution 21 be amended to read as follows:"

And then the lights dropped, and he dropped the microphone, the pair of sunglasses, and, with a tiny smile playing on his face, read Ausitoria's fait accompli. They might fail, of course. Anyone might fail. But at least they would fail doing the right thing.

The Shazbotdom Empire Grand Admiral James E. Rockenbach Aestorian Commonwealth Frederick Styles Ardoki Reform Act To create a temporary IFC-led government over Ardoki to ensure the Propagation of Liberty Resolution Number: 21a Delighted by Ardoki's decision to embrace freedom, but Astonished that Membership was requested and granted for a Nation which has, in the past and most recently, shown that they are unwilling to negotiate at all with parts of the International Community, including in turning over key members of their Government who have probably either issued or carried out horrific acts across the world, Concerned by the recent political instability within Ardoki, Determined to act to ensure the creation of a proper free government, in the interests of the proper maintenance of stability and human rights, Believing that now is not the time to expel Ardoki, but rather, to try to ensure that it is reformed by temporarily directing its government, The IFC Council hereby: 1. Declares that the IFC government shall temporarily assume the position of Head of Government of Ardoki under the general direction of the Judicial Committee, starting from three days after the passage of this act. 2. This government shall also govern by executing the powers of any positions rendered vacant by resignations within the Aroki government which have not yet been filled. 3. This government shall hold power until an IFC investigation into Ardoki is complete, or until one month has passed, whichever is sooner, unless the other elements of the Ardoki Government or the subsequently elected government request a further extension, on the condition that the extension is authorized by any two of the IFC Council, the IFC Judicial Committee, and the IFC Executive Government; unless opposed by the IFC Council. 4. Such government shall prepare democratic elections to be held within three months, and shall still hold those elections on behalf of the government of Ardoki if the period of government has ended. 5. This government shall be dispensed in the interests of peace, fairness, stability, democracy, and prosperity. 6. This government shall be advised and where feasible directed by the collaborating remaining elements of the prior government of Ardoki, including the Ardoki delegation-in-Council; and powers of government may be delegated to such collaborating elements as required for the proper administration of the country. 7. This government shall ensure that those collaborating elements of the prior government of Ardoki shall where possible be maintained in their positions, and shall be paid fully for the duration of their employment by this government. 8. This government shall exempt from taxation all other persons collaborating with its government within Ardoki, for a period lasting for at least one month. 9. This government shall ensure that Ardoki's legislation is in full compliance with the Musrum Universal Declaration on Rights and Freedoms. 10. This government’s obligations shall be underwritten by the IFC as necessary. 11. The IFC Council calls upon any with a position of power within Ardoki opposing this legislation to collaborate, and enjoy the continuation of their salaries; or directs the the IFC government and IFC members to act to ensure that they are defeated, and brought before the IFC Judicial Committee or some other appropriate judiciary for trial. 13. The IFC Council otherwise directs the IFC government and IFC members to act to ensure that all persons who carry out any acts contrary to Universal Rights within Ardoki shall be prosecuted. 14. The IFC Council calls upon international observers to provide support for the operations of the temporary government. Signed, Grand Admiral James E. Rockenbach, Shazbotdom Frederick Styles, Aestoria