The Teddy Bear Republic Empire
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Introduction from the Elder-General of the Teddy Bear Republic Empire, His Imperial Excellency Benjamin Vuener
Dear fellow heads of state,
As head of state and representative of the people of the TBRE, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and I am delighted to invite you to the TBRE's diplomatic outreach program.
The TBRE has long been a country involved with affairs beyond its immediate borders. Our ancestors welcomed the first outside visitors to the region in 700CE, and the 17th century saw the TBRE leading the way in establishing commercial ties between the region and the outside world. More recently, we have become involved in a number of international associations, having helped develop the socio-economic Barbergen Community of Nations and the regional Alliance of Toy Islands, making us a regional "middle" power. We have, proportionally, the largest expatriate communities of any country in our region, and each year we welcome immigrants and refugees alike to settle in our country, with some 5 million humans and other non-Teddy Bears living here.
From our experiences on the international stage, it is our sincere belief that multilateral solutions, not isolation and war, hold the key to positive beneficial change that works to the advantage of all and stands the test of time. The TBRE endeavors to promote this view in its attitude towards international relations, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. As such, we welcome countries of all social, economic and political ideologies to apply to our diplomatic program.
Teddies of the world, unite! And may people of the world work together for the common good.
Benjamin Vuener
Elder-General of the Teddy Bear Republic Empire
Accreditation
Upon approval, your ambassadors may present their letters of credence to the Elder-General of the Teddy Bear Republic Empire in a formal ceremony. As such, they may represent your country's affairs wherever the Elder-General is head of state. These include the TBRE's "home territory"; as well as our imperial possessions, namely our three Overseas Territories in the Arctic, Dhambia and Gavinsky, and Bah Island. As West Valreșia is a protectorate of the TBRE, with the TBRE responsible for its defense and foreign affairs, ambassadors accredited to the TBRE are also accredited there as well.
Your country may also choose to use its diplomatic mission in the TBRE as a non-resident mission to a third state party, with permission from the latter. The TBRE is also willing to serve as a protecting power between state parties, mostly notably representing most Western countries through its embassy to Tabi'atstan (-Natureland-) in Qal'eh Manar. In either case, please note this in the "special requests" section of the application form.
Diplomats to international organizations that the TBRE are part of, including the Alliance of Toy Islands, the Barbergen Community of Nations and the Laltofian Commonwealth, must apply to those organizations separately, but may choose to use its diplomatic mission in the TBRE as a non-resident mission (as these organizations are mostly based in Svaltestein).
Who may apply
Regardless of political or economic ideology, tech level (provided relevant laws are followed with the understanding that such technology will not leave the embassy compound) or diplomatic recognition, all nations and international organizations are welcome to apply to the program. In case of limited diplomatic recognition, please apply normally and note so in the application form, in which case separate arrangements will be made.
Location of Diplomatic Missions
We would strongly advise diplomatic missions to be placed in the capital, the Free Imperial City of Toyland. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has secured most of Embassy Lane, closely situated to major government buildings, to serve as diplomatic missions and residences; additionally, law enforcement personnel there have much experience in providing security to diplomatic compounds. Nevertheless, diplomatic missions may also be formed in major cities where you have significant commercial interests or large numbers of your people, bearing in mind that we are a country of 25 million people.
Although this mainly applies to consulates, TBRE authorities will also assist your country in finding an office building rather than a stand-alone building in which to house your mission. If you opt for this option (with lower expenses), please specify this in "location" in your application form.
All applications, following approval, may work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop an embassy that is both suitable to their needs, and fulfills the requirements of TBRE building codes. During the course of construction, diplomatic missions may operate out of the International General Foreign Diplomat Lodging Building, located on 4 Embassy Lane, Toyland. Alternatively, a temporary office space may be requested.
Rules and Regulations
Diplomatic rights
- Both embassies and consulates within the TBRE enjoy limited extraterritorial status and the privileges detailed in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
- Diplomatic rights apply for ambassadors and immediate staff, as detailed in this document, although the National Government of the TBRE and any other relevant government body may declare a diplomat persona non grata at their discretion.
Controlled items and security
- In regards to vehicles, please note that whereas petrol vehicles are not banned per se, we recommend vehicles that run on biofuel, hydrogen, or electricity as refilling stations commonly carry these fuels.
- In regards to weapons, military grade equipment - including rocket launchers and heavy machine guns - are strictly prohibited. Weapon use can only be used in self defense in accordance with TBRE laws, and must be registered with the Gun Control Agency of the Ministry of the Interior.
- Usage of magic is defined under the Usage of Magic Act of 2008, and the Ministry of the Interior will hand out instructions detailing its use if needs be.
- Although there are no limits on diplomatic and service staff, security staff must be kept a maximum of 40. Embassy Lane is patrolled by the Diplomatic Service of the National Police Bureau who are highly competent at their role.
- Certain plants, animal products and drugs are deemed controlled items by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Interior. Therefore, please identify any such items you may bring into the TBRE in your application.
- The TBRE has maintained its civil defense network, and thus bomb shelters are still operated. Please follow instructions on your Ministry of Interior guidebook and ensure your diplomatic staff are aware of all relevant safety precautions.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reserves the right to change these regulations at any time. In practice, the Ministry will issue a memo to all embassies alerting them of any significant changes. Intentional failure to comply may be grounds for suspension.
Application form
Please fill in this form:
- Code: Select all
[u][b]National Information:[/b][/u]
[b]- Full Name of Nation:[/b]
[b]- Government Type:[/b]
[b]- Head of State:[/b]
[b]- Head of Government (Delete as appropriate):[/b]
[b]- Minister of Foreign Affairs or Equivalent:[/b]
[b]- Political system:[/b]
[b]- Economic system:[/b]
[b]- Reason for establishing ties (optional, delete as appropriate):[/b]
[b]- Views on the TBRE (select from Close, Friendly, Neutral, Unfavorable, Hostile):[/b]
[b]- Are there any nations who notably do not recognize you? Please include the reason, if applicable:[/b]
[b][u]Ambassadorial Information (please fill this section as many as times as the number of embassies / consulates you are maintaining):[/b][/u]
[b]- Type of diplomatic building (please select either Embassy or Consulate, then stand-alone or office):[/b]
[b]- Location:[/b]
[b]- Ambassador's Name:[/b]
[b]- Ambassador's Gender:[/b] (Select from the following: Male, Female, Third)
[b]- Ambassador's Family (if any):[/b]
[b]- Background of Ambassador (optional, delete as appropriate):[/b]
[b]- Are there any health or security issues local authorities should be alerted of?[/b]
[b][u]Staff and Equipment Information:
Although there are no limits on diplomatic and service staff, security staff must be kept a a maximum of 40.[/u][/b]
[b]- No. of Diplomatic Staff:[/b]
[b]- No. of Diplomatic Staff:[/b]
[b]- No. of Diplomatic Staff:[/b]
[b]- Will you be hiring locally?[/b]
[b]- Number and Type of Weapons (No military grade equipment):[/b]
[b]- Number and Type of Vehicles (Maximum of 5, must be able to be in the confines of the embassy):[/b]
[b][u]Miscellaneous:[/u][/b]
[b]- Would you like us to establish an embassy in your nation?[/b]
[b]- Do you have any special requests?[/b]
[b]- Is there any additional information (esp medical) that we should know?[/b]
[b]- Please declare any drugs, alcohol, animals or plants you are bringing into the country.[/b]
[b]- Please declare any magical powers that your ambassador might have.[/b]