Protest about Rokkenjiman Naval Activities

[Cass]

In a recent Press Release from the Imperial Rokkenjiman Press Office the following statement was released "Given prior threats from the Heyran Republic Imperial High Command shall be establishing an exclusion zone around Rokkenjiman vessels operating in the region specifically in regards to foreign naval vessels. Vessels of the Heyran Republic are hereby warned not to approach the exclusion zone."

This concept of an exclusion zone in peace is incompatable with the very document that Rokkenjima are claiming to protect.

While in times of war such zones are sensible and neccessary we are currently unaware of any war being fought in the region. It is stated in the FSC that a nation has every right to enjoy the rights of exploiting its own EEZ and also to have free access to navigation on the high seas. By sticking a massive naval contingent in the region of one of the worlds most used trade lanes and thus attempting to enforce such a zone they are preventing free access and potentially stopping Heyra and other states in the region from exploiting the EEZ. As explained by D.Mundis (see spoiler) Rokkenjima must "demonstrate due regard for neutral rights to legitimate uses of the seas." A blanket exlcusion zone around their vessels which are spread across the region is not giving that regard. Furthermore as they have not complied with the normal procedures of  well established legal guidance which states a need for "public declarations and notifications concerning the geographic and temporal dimensions of the zone and safe passage through the zone under certain conditions. The establishing State must ensure that due regard is given to to the rights of neutrals to enjoy legitimate uses of the seas."  I believe they are also acting against the spirit of the document they claim to be acting in defence of.

So long as they remain in international waters and international airspace, Rokkenjiman warships and military aircraft enjoy the full spectrum of the high seas freedoms of navigation and overflight, including the right to conduct naval maneuvers, subject only to the requirement to observe international standards of safety, to recognize the rights of other ships and aircraft that may be encountered, and to issue NOTAMs and NOTMARs as the circumstances may require.

While we also believe the Iwi to have acted contrary to common decency in dealing with their rightful grievences this does not give a single nation the right to impose upon others. While a nation may attempt to impose a exclusion zone or safety zone around their vessels "Ships and aircraft are not required to remain
outside such zones and force may not be used against such entities merely because they entered the zone. Commanders may use force against such entities only to defend against a hostile act or demonstrated hostile intent, including interference with declared military activities.[1]

It is therefore our hope that Rokkenjima shall clarify the terminology it is using and adopt procedures that will ensure they do not interfere with commercial shipping or the activities of the Cassiopeian Navy. While our Realm does not recognise the current attempts at authority within the document of the FSC we do respect the spirit of it and believe the document could be a great foundation for international co-operation. From statements issued historically by Rokkenjima we believe they share our hopes of international co-operation and therefore we hope they take our concerns onboard and do not interfere with nations in the region until such a time as acts that run contrary to good order are actually taking place.

Signed

Queen Atalanta II

Spoiler: Document on Naval Exclusion Zones written by a guy who was Senior Trial Attorney at The Hague • show

http://etheses.lse.ac.uk/842/1/Mundis_Law_Naval_Exclusion_Zones.pdf

The linked document is written by Daryl Mundis Bio

Zones established in major shipping lanes have the potential to significantly interfere
with the rights of neutrals, notwithstanding the fact that the State establishing the zone must
demonstrate due regard for neutral rights to legitimate uses of the seas. Naval warfare
obviously increases the risks that neutral shipping may be hit accidentally by missile,
submarine or other naval weapons systems. However, the mere existence of the zone may
force neutral merchant shipping to divert course, leading to increased fuel costs and sailing
times

Spoiler: Legal Requirements • show

Reflecting the rules governing blockades, there are certain legal requirements that
States must comply with in order to establish a zone.

Same D.Mundis document

1.	https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/MCTP%2011-10B%20(%20Formerly%20MCWP%205-12.1).pdf?ver=2017-07-11-151548-683

[Beatrice]

A Reply To Queen Atalanta II

As one of the principal authors and co-founders of the Fair Seas Concordat so many years ago the First Empire is well aware of the contents of the Concordat and has not acted against its spirit. What we have before us is a situation where a less experienced member of the Imperial Government has confused terms, an issue which has been addressed in the present and for future situations which may occur. The First Empire apologizes for the inconveniences this situation has created, in addition to any trouble which has occurred as a result. However, we hope that our actions to correct this mistake have been noted and we may discuss a productive path forward.

The Empress remains comitted to the path of diplomacy and looks forward to speaking with you on this matter at your earliest convenience.

Respectfully;

Jason Cole
Imperial Liaison For Diplomatic Affairs
Imperial Diplomatic Corps

[Beatrice]

Spoiler: show

A Reply To Queen Atalanta II

Taking note of the lack of engagement on this issue the Empress has delegated any future engagement with the Crown to Imperial Liaison Gregory McKenna, who shall speak with the authority of the Empress in any discussions, should they take place. The First Empire remains committed to diplomacy and believes that the path of engagement is most beneficial, especially with fellow Ardians.

Respectfully;

Jason Cole
Imperial Liaison For Diplomatic Affairs
Imperial Diplomatic Corps]

No longer relevant.

[Cass]

Following the initial response there was no further need for communication. It was clear that Rokkenjima did not and still does not recognise the confusion it caused by mis-terming publicly the creation of "exclusion" zones. Had such legalese been used correctly we would have no need to issue our first protest. The response received from Mr.Cole was akin to us being a school child being ticked off by a classroom teacher and does not deserve the response of a Head of State, especially one who has lengthy naval experience and does not require the terminology of the FSC to be spelt out to her. Should Mr.McKenna wish to discuss this matter he may as soon as we are assured that no Rokkenjiman or CSTO assets shall operate in our waters without notice.

Queen Atalanta II

[Beatrice]

OOC:

I'm rewinding to here. Let's have some actual fun now.