For all official statements from the Achkaerinese Leadership and Government. Questions generally answered by Press Secretary Hannah Cartwright unless otherwise stated.

"With respect Mr President" Tommy said "I'll let my daughter provide the confirmation of that." he was mildly amused by the mannerisms of the President, but he had a job to do and he was going to do it. He thought for a few moments determining the next question

"Where does Baltikum see itself in ten years time?" he asked

In the other room Sarah sighed, had no one taught this guy the basic principle of character testimony? Don't joke about negatives and don't do the subject down. Still she wasn't done with that thought and there were other opportunities, still she had her baseline points she knew the system and she knew a character baseline of the President now for her real move.

"I think it's time I met the rest of the cabinet." Sarah said

Bélise Caillat, stood in an old, small, castle in the foothills of the Alps, just about a hundred kilometres away was the East Moreland border. She had around thirty men, all of them like her were Sorority of Materna, though she was the only one with a designation, known as the three of diamonds, she was one of the Marseilles Deck of fifty two. She stood looking down on the courtyard as he van pulled up and two of her men pulled the Lord of West Moreland out and dragged him inside, she took out a SAT phone and made a call to Hortense.
"He's here." Bélise said
"Good." Hortense said "We're all set on our end. Make him comfortable and let's take their eyes."
"Understood." Bélise said "How long do you need?"
"Four hours." Hortense said
"You'll have them." Bélise said, she hung up the phone

Bélise walked down into the castle's dungeon where everything was technologically set up, Lord Charles sat handcuffed to a chair in an orange jumpsuit, a camera recording him. Bélise stood behind the camera a microphone in her hand, she nodded to her assistant and the livestream went viral, it was sent straight to every major media broadcaster whether tv, radio or online it was all part of the plan.

"We the West Moreland Regional Army, acting as the voice of and for the people of West Moreland today charge the Lord of West Moreland with treason against the very people he is supposed to represent. We are not the uncivilized terrorists that the Vaguzian Government makes us out to be. We will provide everyone watching and listening with our evidence and as is the way of justice we will let the people decide this man's fate. And for anyone would be heroes listening, any attempt to shut down transmission will result in a guilty verdict, any attempt at a rescue will result in a guilty veridct, and the sentence is death. We haved no wish to act unjustly but this is of great importance to us and we will not tolerate interference. The trial begins now."

Policies	Stance
Drugs Law	Most recreational drugs are banned with strict penalties, anything medically related requires a prescription from a doctor to be presented to a pharmacy, off the shelf is simply a case of buying them but there are regulations in place governing quantities in this area.
Same Sex Marriage	"Marriage" is presently illegal however same sex partnerships are allowed and legally given equal status (religion playing a part in the distinction)
Education	Compulsory education until the age of 18 after which university and college are optional.
Property Ownership	Anyone is free to own property
Voting	Anyone aged 18 and over is eligible to vote in elections once in every four years (Presidential) and once every two years (parliamentary)
Prostitution	Illegal
Freedom of the Press	The Press are free to publish and report what they wish but are governed by laws of public interest, hate speech, incitement etc
Freedom of Movement	Anyone can leave the country or move at any time
Abortion	Legal
Health Care	Free Emergency Care, partially privatised system.
Gun Laws	All gun owners are licensed and permitted to own firearms they are licensed for this varies depending on background checks that consider a variety of factors. There are strong arguments on both sides on the matter of gun control, making it a major political battlefield.
Internet Neutrality	The web is controlled by independent business's regulated by the state.
Business Ownership	Anyone may set up a business, but they must submit a credible business plan to the State Department who will decide whether to incorporate the business or not.
Marriage	Legal at age of 18

Catrain stepped up and took the pen and signed her name on behalf of Vafleon, the first steps were taken,

"What matters is not where the journey starts but where it goes." she said "It's up to each of us to make sure that this treaty becomes more than just words on a page. Together let us make something special happen."

"Try asking them where they rightfully belong." Constance said "The answer is no longer the same as it might have been if this had happened within the last century. The longer the exile the more the greater the integration and the more necessary the need to let go lest you be consumed."
"And we have a very on off relationship with Abydos." Kathryn said "It basically depends on the subject. Though I don't think they ever got over Vanora." she half smiled she'd sat in enough cabinet meetings to hear that countries name come up a lot though maybe not as much recently as it had done before. "However this project may soon come to stand as the blueprint for something else."
"Already had the phone call." Constance said "Well my husband did."
"Marble Palace or Liberty Hall?" Kathryn asked, basically who had raised it? the Royal Family or the elected government?
"The Palace." Constance said "So what's next when you've seen here?"
"Going across to Ashwood spending the night and then the IFF tomorrow morning with Artaxia University in the afternoon." Kathryn said
"That'll be fun." Constance said

Kathryn's phone rang she glanced at it.
"Excuse me it's my boss." she said "I'll just be a minute."
"We'll do the rounds and meet you out front when we're done." Constance said

Voting For the Host is now Open.

The prospective hosts are as follows:

Krokom (Nya Aland)
Westport (Final Irish Republic
Heyra

As is the usual process with three or more bids the host is determined by use of a points allocation system. Each vote will rank from 1-3 the three host bids, the first place bid will receive 3 points, second place 2 points, third place one point. At the end of voting the bid with the most cumulative points will win the right to host. Voting is open until the 13th of March (Tuesday next week).

"With all due respect sir." Melinda said, with Serenity having excused herself for the moment the Achkaerinese Minister was in the chair for the moment "We are taking this one section at a time, presently discussing article 12 after which we'll move to 13 followed by 7 and then anything else that needs dealing with as Her Majesty indicated." while she'd been speaking she'd been writing a note which when she'd finished it she placed face down on the table and slid it down the table to the Pope. The truth was simple this wasn't going to go anywhere except failure unless moves got made and the Crown Princess's absence from the table for the moment was the signal of her intention to get started making inroads.

Outside Serenity was making sure to deeply inhale the fresh air, she'd been to enough summits like this to know that the hard work went on away from the table she glanced down at her phone when it buzzed - a message from Melinda Neu Uburzi's oppose 13 - Gender, Serenity sighed it was almost irritating that the aspect of 13 that was an issue this time around hadn't been an issue the first time. Still her position was clear enough, she couldn't sign a treaty that sacrificed article 13, to do so was to invite a backlash from a community that included a lot of people she knew. It seemed they'd get 12 as there wasn't any real opposition to it. No Article 13 was going to be the battle, she looked at the water in the fountain trying to collect her thoughts, what was the way forward? She'd done her homework in advance of the meeting as she often did but preparation usually went out of the window when it came to the cut and thrust of the table.

She continued to look at her reflection in the water when she started smiling Gotcha she thought, she had the beginnings of an idea now to deal with the one remaining obstacle and if Melinda had sent the note that would be hopefully dealt with soon enough.

Out front of the building Kelly double checked the map on her phone, it did after all help if she knew where she was going. Her skateboard sat at her feet, satisfied with where she was going she slipped on her shades and baseball cap before pushing off on her board. She never really had trouble when it came to talking to people but usually that was about things other than today's subject matter. So she'd go off and do her thing for the afternoon and then compare notes with her parents later.

In the Chief of Staff's office Sarah was taking her time she had the more difficult task, she had to vet not the country but the leaders. Being behind closed doors would hopefully allow for honesty and frankness, she turned to Gu
"Let's start with something simple, can you explain a little about how Baltikum's political system works?" Sarah asked

As for Tommy he was the one with the easy job he sat opposite the President, it was simple enough he had to figure out the various positions of the country on some issues. So first things first test the waters
"What problems and concerns does Baltikum think need to be addressed internationally and why?" Tommy asked

"The only thing I would suggest in regards to this amendment, and this will likely sound weird considering it is an amendment I proposed" Serenity said "Is adjusting 12.1 to "Persons of marriageable age, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation, have the right to marry, enter into a union, and to found a family, according to the national laws governing the exercise of this right.”  essentially amending it to this wording, suggested by the Arda Tuluvan First Minister,  broadens the interpretation of the article while also retaining it's intent and spirit. It further allows us to avoid getting into the theological debate over the definition of marriage which as I recall was a major hurdle the last time around."

With her point made Serenity glanced at Melinda and then over at her host
"Your Majesty may I be excused for a few moments?" Serenity asked

Tommy and Sarah glanced around, it seemed a fairly good place appearance wise but this was after all about far more than the appearances of buildings. Kelly was standing a little more nervously this was far from what she was used to, yes being the daughter of an ambassador probably had some bearing at University but with the exception of various occasions in Northfort she wasn't much of a visitor to the corridors of power.

"Mr President you'll forgive us if we cut straight to the chase as it were." Tommy said "Our responsibility today is to vet this nation as best we can and then make a recommendation to LISA, if that recommendation raises questions with the LISA Council then a representative of your country may be called upon to answer questions before the Council. However if we're able to present a compelling case for your admission into LISA with a suitably solid wall of evidence then the process will very likely go a whole lot smoother. We intend to do this by launching what we call a three pronged attack as it were, I will talk to you, Sarah will talk to your Chief of Staff and other officials and Kelly will get on her skateboard and, provided she can remember to not film too much, go and get a feel for your country from the people, we'll conduct all three parts at the same time this way we get the best picture."

Tommy paused for a few moments
"However before that starts there are two things we'd like to clear up while we're all here - first is there anything about LISA that you wish to know? Second, in your application letter you state I'm aware of my recent controversial actions which might have jeopardized the application process as it directly affects some of the respected member states in particular. Can you clarify what that refers to?" he asked 

OOC - following on from the LISA app of Balt

---

This wasn't the sort of thing that Tommy Walker had ever imagined would be in his job description, but then he'd never imagined holding such a senior diplomatic position either. The drive from East Moreland to Balitkum was relatively straightforward, for Tommy, his wife Sarah and daughter Kelly. The job seemed so simple didn't it? Talk to the Baltikum Government, essentially vet the country and get a feel for the country. None of the family had been to Baltikum before, so a lot of planning for the visit had been put it, interviews like this meant a slightly different tone was needed to the usual diplomacy - it wasn't just about common ground but about exploring the fault lines.
"So we're doing this as planned?" Sarah asked
"Yes." Tommy said "I talk to the President, you talk to the staff and Kelly can skateboard around getting a feel for the place."
"And then we compare notes over a coffee?" Sarah asked
"Yes." Tommy said "And remember I don't want any punchs pulled."
"No worries there." Kelly said
"And no wondering about how big your internet following may be out here young lady." Tommy said
"Ok Dad." Kelly said

They drove into the capital, the sat nav directing them on their way. Tommy sighed he had to remember whose florin he was on for the next few hours.

And now I wonder what possessed me to say that I'd put myself through this for the second time Serenity thought, this conference had started out pretty much the same as the first one had. Only where it had been Dominiscius last time it was the Ecclesiastical State this time. Though the suggestion of cultural imperialism and hypocrisy was laughable. She read the proposed changes and as her eyes went down the document the alarm bells started ringing.

"Myself and King David had the opportunity to represent our respective nations at the table when this Convention was originally agreed. Now I read the draft proposal for the currently in force charter on the flight down from Achkaerin to Dartfordia. And it didn't take much working out to realize that the major negotiating battle was going to be over Articles twelve and thirteen, the right to marry and the right to change gender. So I'm a more than a little disappointed to see that article thirteen has been removed from this proposed redraft with no apparent reasoning for the decision which is baffling considering that what that article amounted to was an recognition that people have a right to change their gender and to have gender reassignment surgery where possible, that if the surgery is not available in their country they can go elsewhere to have it and return home without facing prejudice - by which we mean criminal charge, and also a note that if such a change happened in a marriage it would still be considered valid. I would request an explanation from our host as to why that has been removed given that it is a safeguarded provision that doesn't infringe on any nation's sovereignty or budget. I propose its reinstatement.

The reason here is that articles twelve and thirteen, whether you agree with them or not, have come to symbolise the recognized rights of the LGBT community on an international level, this is a community that includes prominent people such as my cousin and the former leader of the UNP. Use of the words "sexual orientation" in article twelve gives support to same sex relationships recognizing them as lawful under certain circumstances, the right to change gender as article thirteen recognizes the rights of those in society who are transgender. So we have before us an international signed by a diverse range of nations in terms of religion, ethnicity, ideology and other aspects and I'll tell you it took a lot of intense negotiation to get what we have, to step back from that would be seen as an outright betrayal of that community. I don't see the value in opening up a Pandora's Box when we don't need to.

Now in respect to the points raised by the Pope let's not see road blocks where there aren't any. Article twelve is termed the right to marry because it applies to everyone - heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual it is not called the right to same sex marriage, it simply includes that within its scope which does make the article a bit of a misnomer in title. The actual legalities are left to individual nations as stated in 12.1 "according to the national laws governing the exercise of this right" now in simple terms that means the right to marry, by which we mean enter into a lifelong partnership, is applicable to everyone regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation, now if nations wish to call homosexual weddings civil partnerships or something else because they do not wish to offend the sanctity of marriage then they are welcome to do so, however I make it clear that Achkaerin does support same sex marriages as do at last check the various religious leaders within her borders.

Article 12.2 is simply an affirmation of the legal status of a same sex marriage or union as outlined within the scope of 12.1 that they be afforded the same legal standing as the traditional understanding of marriage which is the heterosexual one.

12.3 is in simple terms stating the obvious about where legally wedding ceremonies can take place and includes by implication the right of religious institutions to refuse such ceremonies on their premises. While 12.4 clarifies that the parties must give their free and formal consent without influence. However despite all of this it is a liitle clunky so if I may I propose the following as article 12

Article 12 – Right to Marry

1. Any persons of marriageable age, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation, have the right to marry and to found a family, according to the national laws governing the exercise of this right.

2. Parties to same sex unions are entitled to equal rights as those parties to heterosexual marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.

3. A matrimonial ceremony may take place in any location licensed or authorised by the state without prejudice, save for ceremonies taking place in or officiated by a religious institution.

4. Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses, and where the matrimony is not unduly influenced by a third party.

Now in terms of the issue of same sex couples adopting children, that isn't explicitly covered by the Convention but as is stated in 12.1 a same sex couple would have the right to marry and to found a family. So how does a same sex couple found a family? IVF, surrogate mother, adoption? Now each state has its own rules governing adoption procedures and reasons for refusal and in all honesty I would be seriously worried if the reason for refusing an adoption was that the couple was homosexual.

My other issue is in regards to article 20 which states "The High Contracting Parties agree that, except by special agreement, they will not avail themselves of treaties, conventions or declarations in force between them for the purpose of submitting, by way of petition, a dispute arising out of the interpretation or application of this Convention." No such special agreement exists which means we have no enforcement mechanism to deal with breaches of this treaty nor do we have a body whose responsibility it is to come to a consensus on the interpretation of this treaty. I therefore would to propose that following renegotiating the treaty that we then discuss how we deal with this point."

By: James Robson, Home Affairs Correspondent

A group of students from the University of Artaxia is to challenge the land speed record for a solar powered vehicle. The project named Dawnbreaker will if all goes to plan see the current record of 56.751 mph fall though by how much is uncertain but the target speed of Dawnbreaker is reportedly 58 mph. The project is led by research student Kit Davenport who stated earlier today: "We're under no illusions about the scale of the challenge we've set ourselves we're just a bunch of students from a university with relatively speaking limited funding. So we're not going chasing after any of EMAC's records...yet and we wish the space badger the best of luck. For the moment though we're looking at seeing just what we can do with what we have available. It's reminded us of the Intelligentsia Games in terms of having to do the best we can with limited resources."

The intention of the students was mentioned at the Senate later in the day with Minister of Science and Technology Kathryn Deed wishing the team in their challenge.