Articles of Autonomy for the Formation of
The Utman Autonomous Region
ARTICLE I
AIM OF THE AGREEMENT
The aim of this agreement is to bring about the cessation of historical hostilities between the Utman and Lakhzov peoples in order that both may continue to live within the territory of the Lakhzov Republic according to their respective customs, religion, and laws. This agreement will be considered a final resolution of the Utman-Lakhzov Conflict and the closure of all further claims and ambitions.
ARTICLE II
FRAMEWORK FOR THE EXTENSION OF AUTONOMY
The agreed framework for the extension of autonomy to the Utman community in the designated Utman Autonomous Region (UAR) is set forth in this Declaration of Principles.
ARTICLE III
ELECTIONS
1. In order that the Utman people in the UAR may govern themselves according to democratic principles, direct, free and general political elections will be held for the Utman Authority under agreed supervision and international observation, while the Utman police will ensure public order.
2. As a transitional provision the first sitting of the Utman Authority shall comprise of those Utman Shanata Party representatives of the territories that comprise the UAR currently elected to sit in the Lakhzov National Assembly.
3. Subsequent elections will be held in concurrence with the Lakhzov General Elections.
4. The internal division of electoral districts within the UAR will be the responsibility of the Utman Authority Electoral Commission.
ARTICLE IV
JURISDICTION
1. Jurisdiction of the Utman Authority will extend over the area assigned as the Utman Autonomous Region defined as:
The western most area of the Transmecuria Province, from the North-Western International Border extending to the Shar Valley of the Har HaShidrin Mountain Range; The Western International Border to the Chluz River, and from the South-Western International Border to the estuary of the Chluz River into lake Kinoros.
2. No Jurisdiction is granted over the Ceouz Utman Autonomous Region.
3. The UAR is not entitled to form, or attempt to form political unions with the Ceouz Utman Autonomous Region, or attempt to encourage other Utman majority areas to seek autonomy or unification with the UAR as an exclave.
ARTICLE V
TRANSFER OF POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Upon the entry into force of this Declaration of Principles a transfer of authority from the Lakhzov Civil Administration to the authorised Utman for this task, as detailed herein, will commence.
2. Immediately after the entry into force of this Declaration of Principles authority will be transferred to the Utman Authority in the following spheres: education and culture, health, social welfare, direct taxation, local development planning, and tourism. The Utman side will commence in building the Utman police force, as agreed upon.
ARTICLE VI
PUBLIC ORDER, SECURITY, AND BORDER CONTROLS
1. In order to guarantee public order and internal security for the Utman of the UAR, the Utman Authority will establish a strong police force, while Lakhzovia will continue to carry the responsibility for defending against external threats, as well as the responsibility for overall security of ethnic Lakhzov for the purpose of safeguarding their internal security and public order.
2. The UAR may not establish or raise any military or paramilitary organisation for the purposes of territorial defence. Territorial defence shall reside solely with the Lakhzov Defence Forces.
3. The UAR may maintain a customs service and man customs checkpoints as appropriate. However, the external border and its crossings will remain under the control of the Lakhzov Border Police and other related agencies
ARTICLE VII
LAW AND LEGISLATION
1. The Utman Authority will be empowered to legislate, in accordance with the scope of this agreement, within all authorities transferred to it.
2. The Utman Authority is not empowered to draft, pass, or implement legislation which is in violation of the Constitution of the Lakhzov Republic, or which violate or abrogate any national criminal law except where exceptions are explicitly granted.
3. The Utman Authority will establish Magistrates Courts to enforce local civil law.
4. Utman Civil laws will not apply to members of the Lakhzov Ethnic group that remain resident in the Utman Autonomous Region, except for in cases of public decency where the provisions do not impede on Lakhzov cultural or religious expression.
5. All Criminal Cases will be referred to the nearest Lakhzov Magistrate Court.
ARTICLE VIII
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, TRADE, AND DIPLOMACY
1. The Utman Authority is not empowered to set a Foreign Policy separate from that of the Lakhzov Republic, nor is it permitted to maintain or operate a Foreign Ministry, Department or any other such office.
2. The Utman Authority may not receive foreign delegations except in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nor is it permitted to send Utman delegations to foreign countries, territories or organisations, nor is it permitted to make petitions or presentations to such.
3. The Utman Authority is not empowered to enter into international treaties or agreements of any kind.
4. International Trade will only be permitted with nations that the Lakhzov Republic have full relations and trade agreements with.
ARTICLE IX
RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES
1. Disputes arising out of the application or interpretation of this Declaration of Principles. or any subsequent agreements shall be resolved by negotiations through the Joint Liaison Committee to be established with an equal membership of Lakhzov and Utman participants.
2. Disputes which cannot be settled by negotiations may be resolved by a mechanism of conciliation to be agreed upon by the parties.
ARTICLE X
UTMAN-LAKHZOV COOPERATION CONCERNING REGIONAL PROGRAMS
Both parties view the multilateral working groups as an appropriate instrument for promoting regional development programmes that impact both territories or would otherwise be impossible without cooperation.
ARTICLE XI
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, PROTECTION AND RIGHT OF ACCESS TO RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL SITES, AND THE STATUS OF KHALIN
1. The freedom of worship for Lakhzov Emetists within the UAR will be respected and actively protected by the Utman Authority.
2. The Utman Authority will undertake to protect and preserve the physical integrity, and the right of access to Lakhzov cultural and religious sites within the UAR.
3. The city of Khalin, its communities, shrines, and landmarks will remain fully under the administration of the Lakhzov Government subject to the appropriate administrative devolution as laid down by the Constitution and other relevant laws.
4. The Lakhzov Government will facilitate access for the Utman to the city to allow for Kerenist worship in accordance with the existing status quo.
ARTICLE XII
STATUS AND REPATRIATION OF UTMAN REFUGEES
1. Those Utman who have been displaced overseas by the Utman-Lakhzov Conflict shall be repatriated to the UAR.
2. Those Utman who have been internally displaced due to the Conflict have the right to voluntarily move to the UAR or remain in situ, they may not be forced or coerced by the either the Lakhzov or Utman Authorities into relocation to the UAR.
3. Voluntary relocation to the UAR will not be considered grounds for forfeiture of other rights, and those relocating may continue to pursue property claims through the Court of Disputations. Those who have their claims confirmed by the Court of Disputations are entitled to relocate to their former homes or receive appropriate compensation for their land.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
1. This Declaration of Principles will enter into force one month after its signing.