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Messages - Achkaerin

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1
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Summit for 357 - Open
« on: March 25, 2025, 03:56:09 AM »
"Let's be very clear that if you want to say that Tamora either eliminates slavery on its own or its time for regime change, then let's be honest that's a nightmare scenario, not least because any military coalition attempting such a move would a) be seen coming a mile off on account of its size b) would have to likely invade multiple countries c) would have a casualty count the likes of which has not been seen since the Great War and d) even if it succeeded would have military assets tied up in Tamora for decades to come facing what would probably be the largest and longest insurrection in Mundus history." Serenity said running her hand through her hair as she looked across at Asuna "Now as the agreement before us presented by King David now includes slavery within it I think there some further additions that should be made to it." Serenity had been writing as she'd been speaking and now put her suggested edits in front of everyone.

Quote
The nations agree to create an international system whereby

a) All nations declare that Human trafficking involves the recruitment or movement of people for exploitation by the use of threat, force, fraud, or the abuse of vulnerability. Trafficking is a crime that can occur across international borders or within a country.

All nations declare that Slavery is the status or condition of a person over whom any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership are exercised. Slavery is a crime that takes the form of detention against a persons will and involves the exploitation of that person by the use of threat, force, fraud, coercion or the abuse of vulnerability for personal or financial gain. Participation in the slave trade involves the buying and selling of people, knowingly financially or otherwise supporting slave owners or other acts aiding and abetting those participating in the slave trade.

b) All nations declare that they will maintain laws designed to prevent the practices of human trafficking and slavery as defined in section (a)

c) All nations shall appoint a liaison officer dedicated to human trafficking and slavery. This officers responsibility will be to ensure any intelligence relating to the practices in another nation is shared.

d) There shall be a multi-national agency established entitled the Human Trafficking Enforcement Alliance "HTEA". This agency will be dedicated to tracking down individuals involved in the movement of victims. This agency will be granted access to all member nations in order to carry out investigations. It shall report to local authorities on its actions.
 
e) Any nation not willing to align with points (b) and (k) will have heavy tarrifs applied by all signatory nations.

f) There shall be established a Central Alucard Island Chain Fleet. This shall be commanded and instructed by the TUNA organisation. Non TUNA nations amy join their operations only with permission from the commander of the fleet.

g) Signatory nations agree to provide funding, equipment and training to a body established in the Central Alucard Island Chain known as the Water Nomad Ranger Service (WNRS). This body will be overseen by the commander of the Central Alucard Island Chain Fleet and will be responsible for helping police human trafficking in the Aludard region.

h) Nations agree to make surveillance footage gathered by aviation assets or satellite available to nations in order to aid their anti-trafficking operations.

i) Those arrested on charges of human trafficking or slavery outside the jurisdiction of any state shall face justice in the nation of, and according to the laws of, the victim and where that is not possible in a signatory nation. All nations agree that those arrested shall be guaranteed their right to liberty and security of person, their right to a fair trial and that they will not be subject to torture, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment.

j) There shall be no obligation on the part of any nation to extradite a person to the death penalty.

k) Nations agree that the following actions will be applied to any nation where slavery or human trafficking is knowingly taking place with determined government action to end the process.

* No musician, actor or performer is permitted to work there, nor shall said nations nationals be permitted to do the same in a signatory nation.
* No sports fixtures shall take place with teams or individuals from said nations.
* Signatory nations shall undertake to have the Mundus Games Committee, Mundus Football Association, Mundus Rugby Association et al exclude said nations from events and hosting. Should the sporting body refuse to do so funding shall be pulled from the body and nations shall refuse to compete until said nations are excluded.
* Companies from said nations shall be barred from sponsoring sports teams, fixtures and events that are based or occur within signatory nations. Any host nation refusing to enforce this provision shall have the event hosting privilege removed from them.
* Signatory nations shall deny overflight by said nations aircraft except in case of emergency.
* Signatory nations shall deny port access by said nations except in case of emergency.

l) The signatory nations shall target partners of nations for which trafficking and slavery are permitted and shall seek to boost their economies in a linked initiative for them rejecting funds potentially coming from slavery or trafficking.

"So from the top. As this would be the third international agreement after the MCUR and the Uppsala to mention slavery I think it more than appropriate that a clear definition of slavery be included so that we finally have enshrined in international law what it is. So that is what I propose in section (a) it takes Queen Atalanta's definition, adds in the proposition of Emperor Eijiro in regards to detention which given what the mechanisms in play are going to be will prove incredibly helpful, and then explains much as the definition of human trafficking does what is involved in slavery as well as what is considered participation in the slave trade, that is what the definition seeks to do.

The amendments to sections (b) and (c) are simply to account for slavery now being mentioned in the document it makes sense to say that signatory nations undertake to maintain laws to prevent both practices and that liaison officers liaise in respect of both practices. This referencing doesn't extend to the HTEA proposal due to a point already made that a slave being moved from point A to point B is still a victim of human trafficking regardless.

The proposed amendment in section (e) is to extend the requirement to include section (k) that King David added, that makes sense as it holds feet to the fire. Ultimately the principle is we must be prepared to not only combat these evils within our own borders but stand against them when they rear their heads outside of them, this amendment does that.

The proposed amendments to article (k) are fairly self explanatory rather than just going to the Mundus Games Committee, I suggest we go to all the sports governing bodies on Mundus and undertake the same thing, if we don't want for example Tamora to be in the Mundus Games because of slavery then we presumably don't want them in the rugby world cup or the football world cup or hosting a formula mundus race and so on. The additional suggestion in that article is targeting companies from nations that allow human trafficking or slavery to occur this is suggested because in 2019 the Mundus Games were in New Derusmia and Polakis Energy, a company we've mentioned here today, was allowed to sponsor it. Therefore it is proposed that such things be prohibited and if it does happen within a signatory nation then not only do the heavy tariffs kick in because article (k) was violated but also the hosting rights for the event are withdrawn."

Serenity took a sip of water before looking around the table "My only concern with what's on the table is in relation to article (l) I support the principle and the idea behind what King David has suggested but I do think there's an issue created by it being a case of saying to Zimalia 'We'll boost your economy if you refuse funds from Tamora' not because that's a bad thing or the wrong thing to say but because the Tamoran companies that Emperor Eijiro has mentioned as operating within Zimalia are already there, they have their own premises, they trade in Zimalia and all their profits go back to Djerb, all these little outposts these companies have across Mundus come with their own money trail, so it really shouldn't be just a case of saying to President Elwes that we'll help boost Zimalia's economy in exchange for him refusing further funding from Tamora it would have to be that and an understanding that Tamoran companies already present in Zimalia would have to be removed."

2
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Asuna And The Garden
« on: March 21, 2025, 01:31:05 AM »
Serenity smiled as she stepped out from the Palace, laying eyes on a bit of a kick around football game that Euphy was having with her two daughters, Simon's girls and of course Val it was also quite amusing to see Asuna joining in. Still though Serenity knew that sorting the mess between Rokkenjima and Mktvartvelo was only one half of the equation the other was something else and that was what she now faced having to deal with. Sitting down at the garden table Serenity waved Asuna over.

"I'll leave it to Evanthe to tell you what's been agreed with Mktvartvelo." Serenity said "But now we need to have the root cause conversation." she took a breath "When you're a monarch, President, Prime Minister, King or any other leadership figure you have to be able to separate who you are from the Crown, in essence simply having the Crown has an impact on how what you say and what you do is perceived. You are the Empress of Rokkenjima, you also have a controlling stake in Abstergo so when you give Abstergo your full support in an affair that is entirely their fault it looks very much like the Empress of Rokkenjima is acting as spokesperson for a Rokkenjiman company and that Abstergo is trading on the premise that it can depend on the Rokkenjiman Government to look after its interests first. Bear in mind any of the four young girls running around over there..." she indicated in the direction of Astrid, Lisas, Aeolia and Lamia "Could tell you Abstergo was in the wrong. You're near enough three years into your reign you are way past the point of being able to play the inexperienced card Asuna."

Serenity took a breath and ran a hand through her hair "When I knew you were coming up here, I made some phone calls, I called your mother, I called Evanthe, I called Kyoko, I called Sophia, I called Cecelia and I talked to Euphy and we came to a consensus because as a family we care about you and we want to help." she glanced at the door where her bodyguard Kitty was standing "Kitty show Ms Rowan through please."

Even though the two had never met there was little doubt that Asuna knew exactly who Catriona Rowan was, she was the CEO of Riviere Corporation, probably the most notable woman in Achkaerinese business as well as being very good and highly successful at what she did.

"You may have gathered a theme from what I said a couple of moments ago." Serenity said looking at Asuna "Abstergo presents a problem of perception and I'd be willing to bet that I'm not the only person who sees that. So a change is probably in order, this is not a set of circumstances I ever suspected you'd end up in and I doubt this is a conversation Ms Rowan ever thought she'd be having but here we are." she nodded at Catriona.

"Your Majesty." Catriona said addressing Asuna "I generally don't make a habit out of telling people how to conduct their business affairs and I'll be clear from the outset I have nothing but respect for the team over at Abstergo but you, I and everyone else knows something's gone very wrong my question would be - and I believe this is something that Empress Serenity may already have said is are you the Empress of Rokkenjima or are you a mouthpiece for Abstergo? And then I have to wonder whether this would have happened if it had been any other Rokkenjiman company. It looks very iffy to say the least and given you've had a market crash I suspect that the likely hit your holdings in Abstergo have taken don't help you out there. Anyway that's the doom and gloom, this is why I'm here."

Catriona reached into her shoulder bag and pulled out two files laying them on the table side by side "As Empress Serenity said this is not a conversation I ever thought would be had, you can imagine my surprise when I get the phone call a few hours ago asking about this." she took a breath "These are both contracts the one on the left is a contract of sale of Abstergo industries to me, the one on the right is an amalgamation contract. Both have already been signed by the other members of your family that hold shares in Abstergo. You may be surprised to hear that but my understanding is that this is motivated by a concern for you and your future health and wellbeing than it is anything business related. In either case that I will guarantee the jobs of every person currently employed at Abstergo that isn't directly related to the situation that happened in Mktvartvelo and there will be no interference in any contract orders presently on the books, all of them will be honoured." she smiled

Serenity put her hands on Asuna's shoulders "I have no stake in this, I don't gain or lose depending on what you decide to do, but I'm worried about you, your mother is worried about you, Evanthe's worried about you, Euphy's worried about you, Lucius is worried about you and suffice to say so's the rest of the family. So we want to help and we think this helps, we think you should sign one of these and take at least some of the weight off your shoulders. But don't do so without asking any questions you may want to ask." she said

3
Diplomacy and Events / Re: A Letter to Mktvartvelo and Rokkenjima
« on: March 20, 2025, 11:52:10 PM »
"Whether you have an agreement is entirely up to the Prime Minister and yourself." Serenity said, she'd sat there and watched "What I will tell you and the Viceregent already knows this is that neither myself or the Achkaerinese Government believes any of the fault of this matter falls on the Mktvartvelo authorities and I've already said I do not want a repeat of statements from the Achkaerinese Senate having to be used to correct Pyrettania's narrative. I'll address the root cause of this matter with Asuna, as previously discussed, but so both of you clear - this time I chose not to get involved beyond words, partly because I didn't want to escalate it but also because there was no reason to do so. Next time it'll be strike two Evanthe and we take unjustified meddling in the Northern Ocean very seriously around here as you know."

Taking a breath Serenity slid a pen onto the table "If you're happy with what you've got then I say sign it, put this affair behind you and move on."

4
Press Offices / Aegis Press Office
« on: March 19, 2025, 10:52:19 PM »

Aegis Press Office

All Announcements pertaining to the actions of the Aegis Accord (Organisation) will be made here and we endeavour to answer all questions that may be raised in other press offices, news reporting and social media.

5
International Organisations / The Aegis Accord
« on: March 19, 2025, 10:44:55 PM »
The Aegis Accord


Emblem of the Aegis Accord


Aegis Headquarters,
Ashinxao, Azukishima Prefecture, Rokkenjima
Aegis Press Office

The Aegis Accord (otherwise known as the Aegis Organisation) is a diplomatic, defence and economic alliance. The organisation operates through a system of negotiated decisions by the member states.

Treaty Text

Members (* denotes founding member)

  • The Holy Empire of Achkaerin *
  • The Empire of Fusan *
  • The First Empire of Rokkenjima *

Current Chief Commissioner: Madison Pryde

OOC - Anyone wishing to RP contact with the organisation please address all communications to either the Chief Commissioner or the Organisation as a whole. Thank you.

6
Diplomacy and Events / Re: FusRokkAch: The Shout Behtesda Cut From Skyrim
« on: March 19, 2025, 06:26:34 PM »
Liosa picked up the pen and tossed it to Serenity who caught it, near expertly, between her index and middle fingers and thumb. "Through many trials and tribulations" Serenity mumbled to no one in particular as she signed her name to the Treaty "An alliance grounded in trust and shared values becomes an unshakable foundation for progress and hope. Let that be the legacy written today."

7
International News Networks / Re: Achkaerin News Service
« on: March 19, 2025, 12:59:22 AM »


AIR FORCE TO INCREASE NUMBERS AS PART OF STRATEGIC SHIFT


By Penny Noble: Defence Correspondent

The Achkaerinese Air Force is to increase in size, according to Minister of Defence Adam Sheppard this forms part of a strategic shift, the size of the expansion is estimated to be in the region of 2,000 personnel over the next few years. The Minister commented on the development saying "The Achkaerinese military whether on land, sea, air or in cyberspace has always prided itself on being a flexible, agile force, technological advancements in recent years and the manner in which engagements occur have forced us to strengthen our agility and flexibility to have the capability to deal with the threats we face, this expansion is the foundation for an increase in that capability and shows the commitment of the Government to the defence of the nation, our friends, allies and Mundus as a whole. This also marks a continuation towards what the Strategic review of the Achkaerinese Armed Forces suggest we should be aiming towards. I won't comment on what the specific developments are because it's not Government policy to comment on specifics at such an early stage but I will say that it's a multi tooled development program."

8
Diplomacy and Events / Re: FusRokkAch: The Shout Behtesda Cut From Skyrim
« on: March 16, 2025, 10:13:39 PM »
"Of course." Serenity said taking another sip of her drink just as Liosa returned to the room with a fresh off the printer bundle of papers in her hands.

"Your Majesties." Liosa said smiling laying the bundle on the table "May I present to you the fruit of your labours, the Aegis Accord." she took a breath "This is everything you've agreed, there's no change in wording except for the odd grammatical correction and the Trade Area found in article four is what was in the CSU treaty but rebranded for Aegis. This is everything you set out." she slid a pen onto the table "If it meets with your approval then I think it's time you signed it."

9
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Summit for 357 - Open
« on: March 16, 2025, 07:12:35 PM »
"I think that in the case of Lijiang and Jaargalant, assuming both nations have anti trafficking laws, that it would be the case that the perpetrator in that instance faces trial in the nation in which they commit the crime, extradition isn't a factor there unless the other nation also had evidence of crimes committed on its territory and wanted to hold said person accountable, this point also applies to within a nations own borders there is no systematic weakness that requires clarification and the proposed intelligence sharing, tracking and so forth will account for that. The provisions of the FSC also apply to aircraft in the same way that they apply to ships, now obviously things work differently because you can't board a plane mid flight but the law is the same, there is an issue in respect of slavery there but I think it best to cover that later rather than get bogged down in it now. The glaring issue has been what happens in international waters because that's outside of any jurisdiction.

So if you're telling me that I don't have to worry because the definitions of human trafficking and slavery can both be taken to include 'depredation and or detaining a person against their will' then that's good enough for me but that understanding really would need stating somewhere in this perhaps as a second part of article (a)

Now as far as the MCUR stuff goes I accept the point so I think it would be:"

Quote
article (i) Those arrested on charges of human trafficking or slavery outside the jurisdiction of any state shall face justice in the nation of, and according to the laws of, the victim and where that is not possible in a signatory nation. All nations agree that those arrested shall be guaranteed their right to liberty and security of person, their right to a fair trial and that they will not be subject to torture, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment.

article (j) There shall be no obligation on the part of any nation to extradite a person to the death penalty.

10
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Summit for 357 - Open
« on: March 16, 2025, 02:08:32 AM »
Serenity ran her hands through her hair with a heavy sigh "With respect Your Majesty." she said "You've said 'Under the FSC if a ship is seized at sea in international waters then the flagged nation has jurisdiction and others involved such as the arresting nation or the nation of victims can apply for extradition.' that's not entirely true and that is my point. I explained earlier that human trafficking could for the purposes of article 110 fall within the definition of piracy as it would fit within "illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for private ends" under article 105 of the FSC "On the high seas, or in any other place outside the jurisdiction of any State, every State may seize a pirate ship or aircraft, or a ship or aircraft taken by piracy and under the control of pirates, and arrest the persons and seize the property on board.  The courts of the State which carried out the seizure may decide upon the penalties to be imposed." that would suggest that the arresting nation has the jurisdiction to hold the pirates or in our case the traffickers accountable."

Serenity took a breath "However... that may apply in respect of piracy and because we can fit the definition in human trafficking, I would argue slavery also fits within the piracy definition although article 110 lists it separately. What I'm asking for is the means to hold both traffickers and slavers to the same standard without getting into a legal battle over jurisdiction because frankly it's absurd to say we should need to ask the permission of a Government that supports these practices to hold someone accountable for the crime, to deliver justice and bring closure for the victims. Now whether this is as simple as affirming that slavery and human trafficking are part of the same beast and we therefore classify them as one and the same, or whether we get a little cute and fancy with the wording I don't know but we're going to have the slavery conversation later and much of what we are discussing in respect of human trafficking can be applied to slavery as well, surely we should ensure that the measures we're putting in place can be applied to both. My father said this needed to have teeth, it needed to be enforceable. Doing this gives what we come up with teeth, because I refuse to believe that anyone here would dare to permit a situation to occur where victims were freed but we have to let the perpetrator go because a Government that supports and advocates for the practice says no.

As far as the citing of MCUR provisions let me be clear those three articles contain the general minimum guarantees required for treatment of anyone being extradited regardless of signatory status, Achkaerin also doesn't extradite to the death penalty but that's not an MCUR provision. I just happen to think that as extradition is going to be a thing then there should be a common standard for it."

11
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Summit for 357 - Open
« on: March 15, 2025, 11:55:47 PM »
"I'm not overcomplicating anything." Serenity said "Clause B states that however not all nations have those laws and we all know that. What do you expect will happen in the instance of having to go to the Tamoran Government and saying "we want this person extradited for trial on human trafficking charges." incidentally not a crime in Tamora in fact they advocate in favour of it by their advocacy in support of slavery. So there is every need for a clear mechanism to hold those responsible to account, we just need it to be very clear and universally applicable. Something like this would do it."

Quote
article (i) Those arrested on charges of human trafficking shall face justice in the nation of and according to the laws of the victim and where that is not possible in a signatory nation. All proceedings shall be in accordance with articles 4,6 and 7 of the Mundus Convention of Universal Rights.

"Those mentioned articles are the prohibition of torture, right to a fair trial and right to liberty, the same three articles that the Uppsala Convention quotes." Serenity continued "King Durad's proposed article is somewhat unnecessary Article 110 of the FSC already accounts for it. A Water Nomad vessel not flying a recognised flag can be considered as being without nationality therefore it immediately satisfies the reasonable suspicion threshold and can be stopped and searched. Now the broader question of what we can fairly and justly consider a recognised flag to be in respect of the Water Nomads is another matter."

12
Diplomacy and Events / Re: A Letter to Mktvartvelo and Rokkenjima
« on: March 14, 2025, 11:38:00 PM »
Serenity was pleased that both Rokkenjima and Mktvartvelo had taken up the invitation to come and talk this out. The sudden appearance of Evanthe might have surprised Asuna but not Serenity. The Achkaerinese Empress greeted each of the guests she had before her and showed them inside the Palace, her mind was split between knowing the importance of the talks but also her personal concern for Asuna. "Prime Minister, Mr Ambassador, Kōshaku." Serenity said "We'll be holding the talks in here." she opened the door to the lounge. "If you'll give me a moment with Asuna I'll be right behind you."

Once it was just herself and Asuna, Serenity looked at her niece "Go out to the garden, spend some time with your cousins and Euphy and when these talks are done you and I will have a conversation about what happens next." she said, she gave Asuna's hair a ruffle before sending her on her way.

With the various people where she needed them, Serenity headed into the lounge and took a seat along with the Mktvartvelian pair and Evanthe. Looking around at them she took a breath "I honestly don't know how to describe what I think about this whole affair." she said "A simple legal dispute that escalates into what can only be described as a trade war is quite simply preposterous and from where I sit I can see no fault on the part of Mktvartvelo. As far as I can see Abstergo created a product that Mktvartvelian authorities said violated the law, Abstergo appealed and the court said no. As far as I'm concerned that should have been the end of the matter and I have to wonder that if it had been any other Rokkenjiman company it might well have been the end of the matter, but instead I see what amounts to electoral interference, threats, failure to recognise basic realities and to cap it all diplomacy conducted on social media, which is the last place it belongs." she took a breath

"What I'm hoping is that you will agree to a normalising of basic relations, that you'll find some common ground and a mutual respect for each others nations that lets you move forward." she looked at Evanthe "I would like this to start with an apology from the Kōshaku for Rokkenjima's conduct in this affair, admit where the fault lies and then take the next step forward. Evanthe?"

13
Press Offices / Re: Achkaerinese Press Office
« on: March 14, 2025, 01:28:41 AM »

Statement in Regards to Rokkenjima/Mktvartvelo Dialogue

The Achkaerinese Government welcomes the statement made by Prime Minister Chkhartishvili and agrees with her in regards to the nature of the proposed dialogue, it is the intention of Empress Serenity that such a dialogue be as the Prime Minister put it "realistic and prudent" and we hope to welcome her or her representatives to Valtheim for such a dialogue so that this situation can be put to rest.

14
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Summit for 357 - Open
« on: March 14, 2025, 12:01:57 AM »
"Then we should probably also consider what happens after an arrest is made." Serenity said "Point b says nations will maintain laws but the jurisdiction of those laws is their own national borders, given the rest of what's in there and the discussion we've had so far the question needs to be asked - when we've got a trafficker in custody what happens? Where is that person prosecuted? Do we need to establish an international court or tribunal of some description to sit in judgement of those who run afoul of the definition? I think we probably do, though it should probably be more of a backstop thing. Put it this way someone found to be involved in human trafficking in Achkaerin would be arrested, charged, prosecuted and sentenced in accordance with Achkaerinese law. The same holds true for each country represented at this table. However when you get to the main subject of our discussion so far that of the Water Nomads and this would apply across every inch of international waters on Mundus there isn't a legal jurisdiction there. The FSC gives the authority to board a vessel and by implication remove the trafficked victims to safety but to actually punish the trafficker is a lot harder. What I'm saying is we need a clear explanation of what happens when we arrest traffickers in international waters because we do not want to lose trust over this."

15
Diplomacy and Events / A Letter to Mktvartvelo and Rokkenjima
« on: March 13, 2025, 03:07:11 AM »

To the Government of the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo and the Empress of Rokkenjima,

I am personally disappointed that the application of a law against a Rokkenjiman company has been allowed to escalate to this point and both myself and the Achkaerinese Government are frankly tired of having to explain things to try and keep things calm. This has gone on significantly longer than it should have and has veered, and continues to veer, into very dangerous territory. It is clear that a resolution is required therefore I am inviting representatives of both Governments to meet with myself at the Marble Palace in the hopes of finding a solution to the current state of relations between your nations

signed

Empress Serenity

p.s - Asuna either bring Beatrice or McKenna with you please.

16
International News Networks / Re: Achkaerin News Service
« on: March 13, 2025, 01:45:12 AM »


EMPRESS SERENITY ADDRESSES LATEST ROKKENJIMA AND MKTVARTVELO EVENTS


By David Woods: Political Correspondent

Empress Serenity displayed her frustration with the Rokkenjiman government as it yet again chose to unnecessarily escalate tensions with the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo. The matter was brought up in Questions for the Crown by the Leader of the Progressive Party Rosemary Carter who asked - "How does the Empress view the latest round of affairs between Rokkenjima and Mktvartvelo?" to which the Empress answered:

"I thank the Senator for her question. Mr Speaker I view this as nothing less than an ill informed, unprovoked and unnecessary escalation on the part of Rokkenjima. This is a non issue, a newly elected Government choosing to repeal a law that they did not support when in opposition is not surprising and to be fair when you consider what the repealed law can be viewed as meaning they have a fair point. The Mktvartvelo-Rokkenjima Customs Proposal State Act, is explained as it 'compels the Mktvartvelo Government to reduce tariffs to the same level to the tariffs imposed on Mktvartvelian economy or companies by the First Empire of Rokkenjima.' so reading it that way the argument can be made that the Mktvartvelo Government cannot under any circumstances raise tariffs against Rokkenjima without Rokkenjima raising them first against Mktvartvelo. That Mr Speaker is an absurdity and the legal eagles in the Rokkenjiman Government and those who've got their battle scars from major incidents such as Leader Anselmo will surely understand why - it takes a tool out of the box that's the contention made by the newly elected Government. It basically means that if something happened that caused the world to sanction Rokkenjima, Mktvartvelo would not be able to join that effort without first repealing this piece of legislation.

And by the way Mr Speaker that is assuming you subscribe to the position that the Act still applies. Let's be clear the stated intent of this Act that the National Assembly repealed is 'the compromise of the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo to reduce tariffs at the same level than identical tariffs imposed to Mktvartvelo by Rokkenjima, until the minimal tariff regime existing between both nations before the date of January 2024.' - the important part is the final few words, essentially if Mktvartvelo has already reduced tariffs to that level then what's the issue? The Act is antiquated at that point, its fulfilled its purpose. It is entirely appropriate therefore to repeal it. Again I would point out to Empress Asuna that people with legal and legislative experience are aware of this and that includes her most trusted advisors such as her Viceregent and her Kokashu. In truth Rokkenjima's decision to repeal its own Mktvartvelo Trade Act causes more of a problem here because that Act is about compelling the Empress to 'to maintain normal trade relations with the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo as well as the restoration of previous customs practices toward the Unitary State as they existed prior to the start of disagreements' I advise the Rokkenjiman Government to consider the differences in wording and the implications thereof carefully - the Act repealed in the National Assembly is more of a procedural one it's got a lifespan because it's designed to reduce tariffs to a specific point at which time it has accomplished its purpose and would likely be considered irrelevant and no longer enforceable under law. the Act repealed by the Diet does not have an expiration date built into it because the word 'maintain' implies as much. So I'm not seeing an issue here beyond a lack of understanding on the part of the Rokkenjiman Government and a reluctance on the part of both parties to have a common denominator.

But what really frustrates me the most is that every time we see this occur it's left to this Government, to this Senate to point out where the folly lies. I have spoken to the President of Safraen, the Pharoah of Abydos and the Duke of Vanora about the current situation and I've reassured them that we will not permit the kind of escalations that this may lead to in the future to occur. Therefore I will be extending invitations to both Rokkenjima and Mktvartvelo to come and work out a solution in a sensible manner. Let's be clear though this must stop."

17
International News Networks / Re: Achkaerin News Service
« on: March 09, 2025, 11:57:01 PM »


OZZIE ROUNDUP: A HISTORIC NIGHT FOR ACHKAERINESE FILM



By Zoe Tate: Entertainment Correspondent

It has been another successful year for Achkaerinese nominee's at the Ostlake Film Awards otherwise known as the Ozzies. Overall Achkaerinese films scooped up four of the five international awards with only the Ozzie for Best International Song in a Motion Picture getting away on one of the strongest nights in Achkaerinese film history. It's not the first time that the Achkaerinese film industry has swept four awards on Ozzie night but this one feels bigger because finally the big award of the night went their way, Best International Film was won by Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and with that win came three historic moments, not just the first time that an Achkaerinese film had won Best International Film but also the first time an animation film has taken the top international award and to cap it all for the director of the film Jemma Fox (pictured below) it completes the "Ozzie Set", she has now won each of the five international Ozzie's once.


On accepting the award for Best International Film, Ms Fox said the following:

"Oh my days... I can't believe this. I don't even know where to start. Firstly I'd like to pay tribute to every film nominated for this award, they're all brilliant and a testament to the strength of our industry, I've watched all of them. I stand here tonight largely because of an investment by the Achkaerinese Government, the creation of the Aspire Award, a national competition held in schools to make a stop motion animated film using a camera and everyone's favourite construction material Lego and a prize that includes a nomination here at these awards. The first time that award was run was six years ago and I happened to be part of the group that won back home and then we came here just five school kids, their families and their teacher and we won the Ozzie that night, that opened the industries doors, so we must always encourage our story tellers, we must empower them. To receive this award tonight is a huge honour, I do have to pay tribute to the magnificent cast and crew that worked on this film and in particular those that worked on the previous Wallace and Gromit films, it's always nerve wracking as a director to be entrusted with a classic and to make the instalment, and it was difficult because the backdrop to Vengeance Most Fowl is in the Wrong Trousers from over thirty years ago, a short film has among other things one of the best villains in animation history and what I would call the greatest stop motion animation sequence of all time. We didn't want to reinvent the wheel, we wanted the same cheese loving Wallace, we wanted the same brainiac Gromit, we wanted the menacing Feathers McGraw and we wanted to tell the story in the same way, with plenty of laughs, plenty of inside jokes and underpinning it all a simple message about family and friendship. Thank you very much."

It wasn't the end of Ms Fox's night as she also won her second Best International Short Film Ozzie with Take Me to Your Influencer, upon receiving that award she said:

"I'll keep this a lot shorter than the last speech. This was a somewhat crazy concept when we developed it over at Dust we weren't sure it could work, but Angelica our favourite influencer in this film was so good in the role that it just started to click and bear in mind that for nearly all of the film it's just her on the set talking into a camera, I'd also like to pay tribute to Keith the father who doomed Mundus and Darcy who gave our alien a voice. I would also like to congratulate the other nominees and say in particular to the students from Mornington Crescent, don't stop and to Cassidy who I can see over there I'd like to say sorry, Sand Castle is brilliant and I thought it had a really good chance of winning this one tonight. Finally thank you to the voting panel and thank you everyone."

The Achkaerinese success at the Ozzies was completed by victory for the Chess documentary Behind the Pawns winning Best International Documentary and by the film Brave winning Best Animated Short. Speaking after the ceremony Fiona North, one of Achkaerin's most notable film directors commented on the evening saying:

"In terms of Ozzie numbers we've seen nights like this before, but this one feels different because we finally got the big one. We've known for a good few years that the Achkaerinese film industry is in excellent health and we're the most successful nation in terms of the international awards here but it never really felt like that was anything to shout about because for all our success we'd never managed to produce what's happened tonight, it was kind of like the metaphorical curse. Tonight is a watershed moment for Achkaerinese film, that curse was broken tonight and in the grandest of manners. But it's where do we go from here? Jemma knows that, Cassidy knows that, Nick, who directed Brave, knows that and you'll see them start to talk about ideas, even tonight they'll have been doing it before hand, that's a bit of a quirk with Achkaerinese film directors we like to bounce ideas off of each other, we like to try and help and inspire each other and Jemma's taking that a step further by setting up her own studio to work with the developing talent in the industry. Tonight belongs to Vengeance Most Fowl but for us as an industry on the global scale its more like future most bright."

18
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Summit for 357 - Open
« on: March 08, 2025, 02:16:30 AM »
"It would seem we all have in theory the different components of a potential means of handling the water nomad factor." Peter said slowly "As I said earlier anything agreed to here must have teeth but it must also be enforceable. In order to be enforceable we have to be able to answer the question under what authority is this done? Serenity has correctly stated the Fair Seas Concordat as that authority it is an internationally recognised treaty with principles that are adhered to by the overwhelming majority of the international community and it would apply to both Water Nomad ships and the artificial constructs on which the Water Nomads live, as we know they do not spend nights on land and rarely venture ashore."[1] he looked around "Queen Natalya has drawn attention to reality of the Water Nomad situation which is the vastness of the area. I do not believe the geography of the area and the current understanding of the situation lend themselves to a heavy handed approach right out of the gate. Just because we can say some Water Nomads are in involved does not mean we can paint all Water Nomad as traffickers.

It would therefore appear that as Queen Natalya is steering towards that intelligence is going to be probably the key component in any system we devise here and I believe Achkaerin can be of some assistance in that respect. Due to events during the Lodjan Civil War, the Achkaerinese navy has been for almost three years now carrying out a rolling humanitarian operation in the island chain, it started as a vaccination program due to the Kaiju virus turning up in the Alucard at that time and has since expanded to include more vaccines, midwifery and other healthcare needs. As you can imagine we have to make use of aerial assets to cover the distances involved but it's done fairly well and we have a measure of trust there, and as we all know when you have someone's trust they become more likely to share things with you. My point here is again to agree with Queen Natalya we don't need to flood the area with ships what's needed is in the first instance the means of gathering intelligence, this we as a community of nations clearly have. What you then need is the means of acting on that intelligence and this I believe is where what Duke Ghyslain has proposed would be a factor, TUNA having the responsibility of operating the sharp end so to speak makes a lot of sense. I also agree with the idea of getting the Water Nomads involved, it's far better to work with them than it is to beat them down."
 1. OOC - If the Water Nomad factbook is correct this is the case.

19
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Summit for 357 - Open
« on: March 02, 2025, 02:54:09 AM »
"If I may." Serenity said "I believe the mechanism that Minister Strand speaks of is one that already exists. It's in the Fair Seas Concordat articles 99-111 broadly underpin this, but specifically the basis on which you can stop a ship in international waters is found in article 110." she brought the relevant article up on the screens.

Quote
1. Except where acts of interference derive from powers conferred by
 treaty, a warship which encounters on the high seas a foreign ship, other than
 a ship entitled to complete immunity in accordance with articles 95 and 96,
 is not justified in boarding it unless there is reasonable ground for suspecting
 that:
 (a) the ship is engaged in piracy;
 (b) the ship is engaged in the slave trade;
 (c) the ship is engaged in unauthorized broadcasting and the flag
 State of the warship has jurisdiction under article 109;
(d) the ship is without nationality; or
 (e) though flying a foreign flag or refusing to show its flag, the ship
 is, in reality, of the same nationality as the warship.

"You'll see I've highlighted three of the grounds that justify boarding a vessel, which is in effect a stop and search, the most obvious is participation in the slave trade which to apply what Duchess Orlaith has said in this context would be argued as being the moving of someone from point A to point B and because it's across international waters it's most certainly across borders. If that doesn't pass muster then given how piracy is defined in article 101 of the FSC ' any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for private ends' the word detention in the context would certainly imply someone being held against their will which fits elements of the trafficking definition we have so far. Finally on this point as Minister Strand has raised the Water Nomads as a specific point I would highlight the without nationality ground because if the contention is that the Water Nomads are not a sovereign state then a Water Nomad ship is without nationality as far as the legalities go.

I would just add that  in the past when this method has been raised various governments have said 'we're not complying' and that's fair however there is no duty anywhere placed on the ship being stopped the article states 'a foreign ship' it doesn't say 'a foreign ship whose government is playing ball' if anything a vessel from a nation whose government is kicking up a fuss over something like this would arguably be under suspicion through no fault of their own, and a vessel failing to stop also raises suspicions further. The proposed intelligence sharing aspect would naturally be about gathering information and from information comes reasonable suspicion.

I also presume based on King David saying that the ship targeted by Operation Branthis was in international waters that this method is the legal authority that it was done under, I'm sure he will correct me if I'm wrong on that."

Serenity took a moment to take a sip of water before she glanced back at her notes.

"I do like the nature of the approach and I look forward to having the slavery conversation later, can I ask for a clarification on what we're envisaging abuse of vulnerability to mean within the definition? Is that intended as a catch all or is it specific to something?"

20
International News Networks / Re: Achkaerin News Service
« on: February 28, 2025, 12:11:14 AM »


COUNTESS TALKS MKTVARTVELO AND CLYSPERIS DURING QUESTIONS


By Roisin Shaughnessy: Chief Correspondent

Countess Sakura Sheppard (pictured above) stood in for Empress Serenity at Questions for the Crown today - owing to the Empress being in East Moreland during the school half term break. The session was expected to be routine however new developments in the northern ocean region centred around the elections in Mktvartvelo and subsequent statements made by the Pharaoh of Clysperis, in fact such was the number of questions that the Speaker of the Senate took the unusual step of hearing all the questions in turn before allowing the Countess to answer them en bloc. To which she said:

"Firstly I welcome the results of the elections in Mktvartvelo, we are pleased to see that the democratic will of the people was expressed and we look forward to the continuation of our relationship with the new government once it is determined. I will reiterate that the foreign interference seen before the election was unacceptable, and undoubtedly a pollster or pollsters somewhere had the sense to include the question 'did the comments of the Rokkenjiman Empress and Pharoah of Clysperis influence your vote?' so maybe one day we'll know to what extent such comments shaped the election result.

Now in regards to comments made by Pharaoh Akasha she states that 'Clysperis will not retreat' it is however unfortunate that she has retreated to her populist roots rather than continuing to act in a dignified manner that befits a head of state. The Pharoah has made what can only be described as a number of outrageous comments in relation to the National Renovation Party and what makes them outrageous is that they are unsubstantiated, she has referred to the Party as 'vile' as sharing 'the same stench as the force that sought to impose their will upon our cherished Kingdom.' meaning of course the USR, as a 'cancer'. My question for the Pharoah is this - where is your evidence supporting any of these assertions? In their manifesto for these elections the National Renovation stood on a platform of strengthening national unity, defending national sovereignty, and continuing to defend the interests of all citizens with the aim of building a fairer and stronger society. I do not wish to embarrass anyone in this chamber but these promises are not dissimilar to ones that each and every person sat on the Senate seats ran for office on. Frankly I see nothing wrong with that platform, certainly nothing that suggests they are anywhere close to the politics of the USR, in fact if we were to ask who sounds more like the USR in this instance it'd be interesting question - is it the state that has just democratically elected a new government or is it the country whose leader states that democracy is overrated?

If the Pharaoh wants this to be the year that she begins to reclaim or reassert Clysperi dignity in the manner that she has previously described then alienating the nations that she is going to need to talk to in order to achieve such things is not the way to do it. She is not the arbiter of who is and is not a welcome partner in the affairs of Northern Aranye, nor is Empress Serenity, the Duke of Vanora, the President of Safraen, the King of Renaku, the King of Seaforth, the leader of the Charterlands, the leader of Hozland, the Emperor of Neu Uburzis, the Pharoah of Abydos or the Government of Mkvartvelo whoever that may be when its makeup is determined. The reason is quite simple none of them have the authority to speak for all of Northern Aranye. If such a voice is to exist one day then it will take the combined effort of all nations in region to create it and if the Pharoah wishes to pursue such an endeavour then she is welcome to talk to us about it. The Senate is advised that Empress Serenity has spoken with the President of Safraen and the Duke of Vanora in regards to the threat of constant Clysperi patrols and we are working on a unified position in response to that which will be communicated to both Mktvartvelo and Clysperis. In short the Pharaoh must either produce the reasoning that justifies such wild accusations as those she has made or apologise as a matter of dignity and decency."

21
Diplomacy and Events / Re: FusRokkAch: The Shout Behtesda Cut From Skyrim
« on: February 22, 2025, 10:51:54 PM »
Serenity took a moment to consider just how wicked a sense of humour fate seemed to have - when Seaforth had kicked up a fuss in the Ilumic eleven years ago, Achkaerin had made an offer to Rokkenjima that had seen the Rokkenjiman military remove the IRN's northern fleet from QAMB and station it up in Achkaerin, a fair and simple compromise under the circumstances at the time, the provision had become part of the treaty of friendship between Achkaerin and Rokkenjima and it had lasted until Kyoko's reign in Rokkenjima.

"Would I agree to it? Yes. Queen Cecelia base still sits there, the complex is unoccupied it's an easy task to locate there." Serenity said "But I'll make the same point that was made eleven years ago when we negotiated with Beatrice - I have no problem with Rokkenjiman or Fusanese forces being stationed in a joint operation base on Achkaerinese soil but let me make two things clear. Firstly the Great Northern Ocean is the region of Mundus Achkaerin calls home, it's a region where we have strong diplomatic relationships establishing themselves, relationships that may grow into other things I do not want a presence from either Rokkenjima or Fusan that would give the impression that the region is incapable of dealing with its own affairs. Secondly I would insist on, and would agree to the same in return, an undertaking that no foreign asset may be deployed out of any joint military base without the agreement of the host nation or under the circumstances where the Aegis Council would have to order it." she glanced at Asuna "Would you be wanting to include Antares in this?"

22
Map / Re: Claiming Your Spot on the Map
« on: February 22, 2025, 04:38:47 PM »
New Map:



Removals

The following nations have been removed:
  • Rhand
  • Matthelon
  • Kaimaya
  • Rosieland
  • Zolo

Additions

The following nations have been added:
  • Listeria
  • Tavanca
  • Gyoen

23
Convention Centre / Re: Ostlake Movie Awards 2025
« on: February 21, 2025, 01:45:05 AM »
BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM

Name of Film Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Genre Animation/Comedy
Nation Achkaerin
Brief Outline Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is a 2024 animated comedy film. It is the sixth Wallace & Gromit film. It features the return of Feathers McGraw from The Wrong Trousers (1993), who is out for revenge on Wallace and Gromit and turns the former's latest invention on the duo to do so.
Link to the trailer Link

Name of Film The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
Genre Anime/Fantasy
Nation Achkaerin
Brief Outline  Set around 200 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, it tells the story of legendary Rohan king Helm Hammerhand. When the neighboring Dunlendings propose a marriage to his daughter Héra, Helm unintentionally kills their leader which starts a war.
Link to the trailer Link

Best International Short Film

Name of Film Lego Prison Break
Genre Animation
Nation Achkaerin
Brief Outline In this Lego stop motion animation film a cellmate doesn't like his prison food. What is he gonna do? Follow all the shenanigans he gets into. This film was made by the students of Mornington Crescent High School and won the National Achkaerin High School Award for Film Animation.
Link to the trailer Link

Name of Film Take Me to Your Influencer
Genre Science Fiction
Nation Achkaerin
Brief Outline An alien mistakes an influencer for the Leader of Mundus, putting the fate of the planet in the hands its most popular teenage girl.
Link to the trailer Link

Name of Film: Chateau de Sable (Sand Castle)
Genre: Animation
Nation: Achkaerin
Brief Outline: In the middle of a desert, soldiers are protecting a marvellous pearl, but a huge creature is going to try and steal it.
Link to the trailer: Link

Best International Song Featured in a Motion Picture

Name of Artist Paris Paloma
Nation Nominating Achkaerin
Song The Rider
From the Film The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim
YouTube link Link

Best International Documentary

Name of Documentary Chess: Behind the Pawns
Nation Nominating Achkaerin
Topic Covered Chess Culture
YouTube link Link

Best Animated Short

Name of Animated Short Brave
Nation Nominating Achkaerin
YouTube link Link

24
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Summit for 357 - Open
« on: February 19, 2025, 03:21:31 AM »
This was an interesting summit for Peter, the former Emperor was sat there for the first time in such a scenario knowing that all the secrets were out - he had two daughters and one granddaughter in the room and it was the first opportunity he'd have to actually be able to openly show his feelings on such in such an environment. More importantly however was the subject matter on the table.

"If I may." Peter said looking around the table "Before Empress Serenity gives her opening statement I'd like to say a few words." he took a breath "I've sat in a lot of summits in my time, one of the most notable being the talks that resulted in the Uppsala Convention, the rules of warfare. It's perhaps the rarest of moments in any summit I've been to in that there was no haggling over any of the content, yes there would be additions made later, but everyone understood the magnitude of the subject that was being dealt with and everyone understood that we needed something serious, something practical and something enforceable and that was what we got. Today we come here to talk about human trafficking this is one of the greatest challenges Mundus faces today, whatever is agreed here must have teeth, must be functional, must be enforceable and above all must be devoid of controversy. Our conversation here will directly impact people's freedom and how we combat criminal elements on Mundus we owe it to every trafficking victim to get it right." he nodded to Serenity

Serenity took her time looking around the table "Firstly may I say it's good to see so many nations represented here, I've been in a lot of summits, sat at a lot of negotiating tables and this is the most nations I've seen represented at a summit in a long time." she smiled "Human trafficking is both an evil in its own right but also part of a greater evil that still persists and I believe that as we are going to be talking about human trafficking then we must surely also address the elephant in the room. Just as the Tavancan representative did I'm talking about slavery. However while I would also like to see efforts in regards to assisting former slaves I believe we must also turn our attention to those still bound in chains. pressure on individuals who believe it acceptable to deal in human misery or even the nations who may permit such actions. There's one nation on Mundus that permits human misery to this extent." Serenity let the reference to Tamora hang in the air for a moment "And it's well past time there was a clearly identified approach in dealing with them." she took another look around the table "357 trafficking victims is 357 too many. I will place on record that I am prepared to offer all assistance in finding them and getting them home to their loved ones. But again I must urge that we have the full conversation rather than attack what might be seen as only part of the problem. The 357 are deserving of our very best efforts, do the 40 million slaves in Tamora deserve any less?"

25
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Taking Care of Business (Kalasin & Achkaerin)
« on: February 12, 2025, 03:27:45 AM »
To those who knew the reputations of the two Generals flanking Serenity it might have seemed odd that she looked to Rhyth first, but there was a reason for it and the female generals eyes were lit up like a kid on Life Day who'd gotten exactly what they wanted if not better. Rhyth's nod was all Serenity needed in that respect.

"As long as we have somewhere to train them that we have control over, can station personnel at and so on that works." Serenity said with a sideways glance at Rhyth who again nodded.

"As far as aid is concerned." Michael said finding his voice "We can offer you a stimulus package to get you going, you're not the first nation we've this conversation with so we do understand what we're doing in this respect, we can certainly give your economy a kickstart, we'd be looking at something along the lines of investment opportunities for companies to come to Kalasin, to conduct business using local resources, employing the local population and so on, generate job opportunities, get people earning and get your economy in gear. Meanwhile we combine that with a humanitarian aid effort to ensure everyone can eat, can drink, has access to healthcare and so forth. As I said we've done this many times before and I'm sure we can do it again. In short we can certainly put a fair amount in to building up the infrastructure, we can put work in with civil authorities to ensure that the house doesn't fall apart once it's built, communication and consensus on the road map is going to be the key to a smooth transition, that's something we're no strangers to either. It's mostly a case of setting the terms under which things will progress that's easy enough for the coalition partners to work with you on and for us to then work from, we don't move faster than we can though - if we say that by June 2026 we're going to have the Kalasin army conducting its own operations free of supervision then that means provided the Kalasin soldiers are competent and that people in authority are happy to sign off on that. There's no value in rushing to the finish line if it hurts you in the long run."

26
Press Offices / Re: Achkaerinese Press Office
« on: February 11, 2025, 11:25:48 PM »

Statement in response to Rokkenjima


The Achkaerinese Government continues to be increasingly concerned at the alarming rhetoric being spoken by prominent figures within the Rokkenjiman Government. Rather than seek to reassure or address concerns raised we have seen statements that are revisionist, pointless and completely unbefitting of a nation that has previously described itself as a supporter of democracy. Leader Anselmo has stated the following:

"Electoral interference isn't always a bad thing... especially when dealing with hostile regimes, which is why I offered my opinion to the Empress when she asked and she has seemingly embraced. When one is in a position of strength you act as such; if the people of Mktvartvelo vote for a future which is harmful to their own interests they are now fully informed on the consequences. Would the Holy Empire speak against a Rokkenjiman-led effort to transmit unfettered information into Soviet states and label that as electoral interference as well? The voters know fully well on the options they're voting for; economic cooperation versus economic ruin, and there is no reason why this First Empire should choose to restrain itself. They may vote for cooperation or hostility; is this not democracy?"

This statement is based upon a false premise. Firstly Mktvartvelo cannot be in anyway classed as hostile, in fact we note that Prime Minister Tamriko Tskhovrebadze declared her willingness to remove the bilateral sanctions and engage in dialogue with Rokkenjima this is not a hostile position, nor is it the seeking of one. We therefore do not believe that the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo can be considered as a hostile regime when they are not engaging in hostility. Further what Leader Anselmo misunderstands is the circumstances of Empress Asuna's statement to say "An immediate resumption of the suspension on normal trade relations with the Unitary State in addition to 200% tariffs, across the board and without prejudice," in the event of the Unitary State electing representatives who seek to harm Rokkenjima is voter intimidation, coercion and electoral interference. And no it is not democracy - the foundation of democracy is the right to vote in free and fair elections - the Achkaerinese Electoral Commission now believes that the coming elections in Mktvartvelo cannot be regarded as free and fair as a direct consequence of Empress Asuna's statements the idea that "vote for the people who like us or else..." can be said and not challenged is wrong and we would urge the Imperial Government in Rokkenjima to consider the damage such statements will inevitably do to their own credibility and act as required. The reality is that political parties in Mktvartvelo now have grounds to challenge the election results courtesy of the ill advised Rokkenjiman statements, this is why such statements should wait until the circumstances that would give rise to the measures actually happen.

Furthermore Leader Anselmo states in relation to the RSOC ""You're unnecessary overhead for a process Asuna started with the Fusanese Emperor: you were never needed to secure the peace that her and Ejiro secured as it was already secured. Removing RSOC personnel from Rokkejiman territory is a win two fold: they get to go home, and we get to manage our affairs on our terms. It's time the RSOC stops taking credit for the efforts of the Empress and Emperor who secured a peace before the involvement of the Assembly. The honour acredited to the Assembly is misplaced and should instead be shone upon two monarchs: Asuna, of Chrysanthemum Throne and Eijiro; Emperor of Fusan."

This is revisionism, inaccurate and misses the point that she is responding to. Empress Serenity correctly stated that "No RSOC does not mean no independent verification" as the only terms of the Ardian Assembly Resolution affected by the ending of the RSOC are article 8 and a limited impact on article 5, as per the implementation of article 9. Nowhere in that resolution does it state that the terms of the resolution cease to be binding upon the dissolution of the RSOC, or that the terms change, therefore Rokkenjima and Fusan are still bound to those terms and nations may still take steps to verify their compliance, all that dissolving the RSOC does is make it easier for that verification to occur. The Achkaerinese Government appreciates that Leader Anselmo was incarcerated under house arrest at the time of the events in question so she may be interested to know firstly that the resolution was signed on the 11th of May 2023 and that the peace between Rokkenjima and Fusan was agreed in June of 2023, so it would clearly appear that the Assembly acted first and acted decisively. Secondly we would inform Leader Anselmo, who again we appreciate was incarcerated at the time, that the Treaty of friendship that established the peace in June of 2023 was signed at Commonwealth House and was brokered by Empress Serenity at the request of Empress Asuna. So if we're going to talk credit where credit is due then let's do so in full knowledge of what actually happened.

There remains no evidence to date of any bad faith negotiation, corruption or malpractice on the part of Mktvartvelian authorities in this matter, if Rokkenjima has that then they should produce it now and if they can't then there must as a matter of decency and integrity be an immediate apology for this most egregious assault on the sanctity of democracy.

27
Diplomacy and Events / Re: FusRokkAch: The Shout Behtesda Cut From Skyrim
« on: February 11, 2025, 02:08:31 AM »
"I'll get the paperwork drawn up shouldn't take too long." Liosa said, she picked up the bits of paper and headed for the door so the legal eagles could get to work piecing it all together.

"Liosa who would you recommend for Chief Commissioner?" Serenity asked "You ran the CSU so I'm just curious."
"I would certainly recommend Madison Pryde, whether you want her in an interim role or to take the full first term is your call. But she knows the system that you've agreed to and she knows a fair amount of the personnel, I'd say let her take the wheel initially to get you off the ground."
"Thanks." Serenity said, Liosa nodded and left.

"We can deal with appointments once we've signed something." Serenity said "Meanwhile are there any practical or logistical considerations we need to address while we wait?"

28
International News Networks / Re: Achkaerin News Service
« on: February 11, 2025, 01:52:05 AM »


EMPRESS FRUSTRATED BY ROKKENJIMAN STATEMENTS


By Roisin Shaughnessy: Chief Correspondent

"I thought we were past this." the general sentiment of Empress Serenity (pictured above) in regards to recent Rokkenjiman statements. The Empress, who is currently spending time with her family on holiday in East Moreland for her daughters half term break, was reportedly woken up in the early hours of the morning to be briefed on the latest statements coming out of Pyretannia. When asked as part of her regular phone in on Radio Achkaerin what she thought about recent Rokkenjiman statements the Empress said:

"I really thought we'd gotten past the point of this. Let's be clear about one thing, I'm not happy about the most recent statements made by Empress Asuna they are nothing short of electoral interference and bullying and all because of a root issue that is the folly of a Rokkenjiman company. I have some sympathy with Abstergo in regards to the use of national security as a reasoning against them but you have to operate according to the laws of the market you're in. As far as the 1974 State Security Powers Act goes, and I'm making this point to Asuna, the incorrect application of that Act is the basis upon which the appeal is made, that means Abstergo has seen the text of the Act when building their case so unless Abstergo's lawyers are completely incompetent or the Mkvartvelian establishment has behaved corruptly, and there is no evidence of either at this time, then it must be assumed that due process was followed to the letter. And then we have silly threats about a blockade, I'll be clear again such an action in this context has no justification its mere mention is attempted strongarming and intimidation of an electorate that has the right to choose whoever it pleases to run the country. I'll also be clear that just because she can order a blockade does not mean it will be effective or that it will be agreed with. Frankly the entire statement could and should have waited until such a time as there was a 'hostile unitary state' this timing is shambolic and the behaviour does not befit an Empress. I suggest Asuna issue an immediate apology for her remarks.

While I'm on the subject of Rokkenjima I will briefly address the other recent statement by Empress Asuna - no RSOC does not mean no independent verification. Rokkenjima and Fusan are still bound to the terms of the Ardian Assembly Resolution and we will of course take steps to ensure their compliance with the terms of the resolution and if we find breaches to occur we will see them addressed before the Assembly. We're very proud of the work that the RSOC has done and we're not prepared to see that be for nothing."

Empress Serenity was also asked about comments made by Grand Maester Yuna that the "Blessed (of Islyna) is sacred and inviolable" to which the Empress said:

"Sacred perhaps that's a matter for the Rosari Faith, it's no different to other faiths across Mundus in that respect that have sacred bloodlines, inviolable however no, absolutely not. I'm not privy to the conversations that went into Rokkenjima's constitutional reform but I would surmise that recent history contradicting that particular article might have played a part in why it was dropped - to say someone is inviolable is to say you can't criticise them, you can't infringe upon them, you can't dishonour them - all of these have been proven false, we've seen plenty of criticism in respect of the Empress's who've held the title, we've seen Beatrice investigated, arrested, charged, prosecuted, convicted, imprisoned and so on over the Andean Genocide. That's not inviolable, history proves that the blessed of Islyna is not inviolable and other articles within Rokkenjima's current Constitution also prove that."

At the end of the phone in the Empress was asked whether she was enjoying her time in East Moreland to which she said:

"Yes I am, I'm looking forward to a few days relaxation and I'm planning a little trip up to Silverhills to see some old friends at Legionaire Legacy and probably getting thrashed at wheelchair rugby in the process."

29
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Summit for 357 - Open
« on: February 08, 2025, 10:52:34 PM »
For Serenity this was the latest stop in a long journey around a few events on Mundus, it would probably be remembered as her honeymoon world tour, purely because everything had fallen into place along the route. In keeping with the way the Achkaerinese had operated on foreign visits in recent years this wasn't just a case of fly in, have the meeting and fly out again, no this was planned to be a few days of rest and relaxation after the talking had been done - spend a few days at Highwick, a quick trip up to Silverhills to see some old friends, probably catch a MMMA fight or two and if the girls behaved themselves maybe a trip to the egg cup museum in Northfort would be on the cards.

The flight into Ostlake had been more of a short domestic hop than coming in from overseas, for the business of the day Serenity and her father Peter would be attending the talks while the rest of the family spent some time sightseeing, enjoying the countryside and unbeknownst to Peter worked on his Birthday surprise that was looming up on the horizon. For father and daughter the subject matter of these talks was something they both knew well, something they'd both grappled with and something they both viewed as part of one of the greater evils that stalked the lands of Mundus. Serenity wore casual attire - a black knee length skirt with a white t-shirt and a yellow and black woolly jumper, incidentally the colours of Leith AFC the football club that she owned, while Peter wore a pair of black trousers with a dark blue open necked shirt and a black jacket.

Stepping down from the aircraft Serenity and Peter had a few moments to take in the scene before them, Freya they knew, Princess Kivuli they didn't personally know but they knew who she was, the woman presently engaged with the hosts they hadn't met before but that was part of what made occasions like this so interesting it was a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Once it was their turn Serenity and Peter made their way up to Freya and Kivuli "It's good to be here." Serenity said greeting the pair "And it's good to meet you in person Princess Kivuli." Peter had been busy exchanging pleasantries with Freya, something understandable and to an extent predictable. "We'd like to thank you both for the opportunity to discuss and hopefully devise a methodology to dealing with this particular scourge." Serenity could only hope that this would have more success than previous calls had had.
 

30
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The New Gothi
« on: February 07, 2025, 11:43:43 PM »
Serenity was quite well versed in the art of being 'at the edge of the frame' at this point, this was Olivia's day, this was Nya Aland's day, so she stayed as out of the way as much as she could so it was that she and Euphy watched from the ground. While Olivia addressed the crowd, and the watching world, Serenity found herself nodding along a little, one of the most frequent accusations thrown by certain disruptive elements over recent years had been the 'weaponising of international treaties' and while in regards to  those disruptive elements it was unfounded there was little doubt that those who made such remarks in respect of Nya Aland were off the mark, especially those who mentioned the MCUR. She did giggle a little at David's new title it seemed like the Morelander King was on the road to giving Elwes and Akasha a run for their money in that score.

Hand in hand Serenity and Euphy found their way to Olivia "Congratulations on your inauguration." Serenity said extending her hand, followed by Euphy doing the same "And welcome to the Heads of State club, on behalf of my nation I look forward to continuing our friendship with Nya Aland and to working with you." she smiled and presented Olivia with a leatherbound book inscribed with the date on the cover to commemorate the occasion, the pages were full of well wishes, congratulations and encouragement from Achkaerin's JET personnel some of whom had worked side by side with Olivia at one point or another while the inside front cover had Serenity's contact information and an open invitation to visit Achkaerin if Olivia wanted to. Then just as David had done Serenity and Euphy moved on.


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