Pan-Gotic Union

December 2018 PGU Chancellor Election.

Nation: Vallish Confederation

Vote: < Abstain >
 
December 2018 PGU Chancellor Election.

Nation: Gotmark

Vote: < Kjeld Svane >
 
December 2018 PGU Chancellor Election.

Nation: Malor-Kanadian Empire

Vote: Kjeld Svane
 
December 2018 PGU Chancellor Election.

Nation: Prydania

Vote: < Abstain >
 
Mr. Løfgren tapped his microphone before speaking.

"We have our results. There are five votes the Prydanian candidate Kjeld Svane. There is one vote for the Andrensk candidate Kari Vistell. Included are five abstentions. Give Kjeld Svane your congratulations as our new PGU chancellor. I give the floor to you."

He shuffled back to his seat.
 
Kjeld Svane took a sip of water and leaned into his microphone.
“Thank you Ambassador Løfgren, and thank you for your service. My first order of business is to ask Ambassador Vistell of the Constitutional Monarchy of Andrenne to to serve as my Deputy Chancellor. I am well aware of the difficulties I face in seeing my promised referendum in Ajovulka to completion. I am aware of the concerns of both the Andrennian and Goyanean governments, and I hope Ambassador Vistell will provide me with the push-back I need as I attempt to see this project through to completion in a way that’s satisfactory to all parties.”
 
“It would be an honor to serve as your Deputy Chancellor, Ambassador Svane. I will fulfill my duties to my best abilities, regardless of the difficulties I may face. Thank you, Ambassador Svane.”
 
Norberg stood.

"I would like to start my remarks with congratulations to my colleagues from Prydania and Andrenne on their respective positions. The Goyanean delegation has great news to announce to this assembly. Construction on the seed bank approved earlier this year has been completed, and is now operational. Countries wishing to send seeds and genetic specimen may do so by contacting the Imperial Goyanean Scientific Ministry. We hope that this may be a source of hope to the world, and a symbol of scientific cooperation. Thank you."

He sat down again.
 
Svane stood and nodded at the Goyanean delegation.

"Excellent news" he said before tacking a sip of water.

"I promised, however, to examine the Ajovulkan situation. I would like to formally propose a non-binding referendum to be held in Ajovulka. We can examine the results by constituency to find a way forward that respects the self-determination of all Ajovulkans."
 
To the nations of the PGU,
I am Prime Minister Sir George Roberts of Ulstome, and I am requesting that Ulstome be allowed to join PGU.
Ulstomian is a conlang combining the native Icenic Haradren people and the Nordic settlers that came to Ulstome from ancient Goyanes, these make up the population of Ulstome with a vast majority of the population being of this North Gotic decent.
We are a stable Constitutional monarchy in South Icenia that had a 74.8% electoral turnout in the last election that allowed me to form a majority government in Parliament to lead Ulstome.
Ulstome has a developed economy with a GDP of 5,490 billion with a population of 137,240,000 to give a GDP per capita of 40,000. With the tertiary sector being the largest sector of Ulstome, followed by the secondary sector.
I hope that this information is sufficient for our nations application, any questions or requirements of additional information ill be happy to provide as best as i can.
 
Årnad stood.

"Mr. Svane, we have made our position clear on the status of Ajovulka that the islands on the west basin belong to Goyanes and the islands on the east basin belong to Andrenne. It has been this way since ancient times, since the great Adriennic Empire. We will not allow our authority to be undermined on the islands by this union, which was meant to bring us together, not break us apart."

He paused and looked around the room before continuing.

"This union is based around the premise of individual national sovereignty. It is why we have an opt out clause in our constitution. The PGU government will never be superior to the individual governments of the member nations, and I am of the belief that if we are to preserve national sovereignty, we cannot allow the PGU to sponsor a referendum that would upset a delicate balance of power that has existed for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Thank you."

He pulled out a memo and read it.

"Regarding the application from Ulstome, we have no qualms with it in its present form."

He took his seat quietly.
 
Marquette stood up, checking her notes before speaking.

“With regards to Ulstome, I see no problems with the application. With that I feel it would be a valuable addition to the Union.” She then glanced at the Andrennian and Goyanean delegations before continuing.

“The topic of the Ajovulkan islands dispute is more complicated. Although both Goyanes and Andrenne have reasonable claims to the islands, it should ultimately be up to the residents of the islands themselves who should determine their fate. This dispute can be solved peacefully, democratically, and diplomatically, and as such the Crowned Republic of Highton believes that a democratic referendum is the best way to secure that the voices of the Ajovulkan natives are heard.”
 
"The issue of Ajovulka will be put off until the Ulstome vote, as it's a complicated matter that I feel requires this body's full, undivided attention. On the issue of Ulstome? We have two delegates calling for a vote, which will now commence."

Code: 
[b]Nation:
Admit the United Kingdom of Ulstome as a member?[/b] < YEA | NAY | ABSTAIN >
 
Nation: Kingdom of Prydania
Admit the United Kingdom of Ulstome as a member? < YEA >
 
Nation: Vallish Confederation
Admit the United Kingdom of Ulstome as a member? < YEA >
 
Nation: Gotmark
Admit the United Kingdom of Ulstome as a member? < YEA >
 
Nation: The Greater Ilian Coalition of the Eastern League of Itrea and Icetio and the Western Regent-Kingdom of Taveris
Admit the United Kingdom of Ulstome as a member? The Coalition votes Nay.
 
"With the votes tallied? The United Kingdom of Ulstome is accepted into the Pan-Gotic Union. I welcome them to this alliance, and look forward to their contributions to this council. With Ulsome's admittance tended to? I would like to re-focus on the Ajovulkan situation regarding the potential sovereignty referendum."
 
Årnad stood.
"Returning to the item of debate. My delegation reiterates that the Ajovulkan independence matter is an internal situation between Goyanes and Andrenne, and that the PGU is not to be meddling in our internal affairs, lest with a referendum that undermines national stability."
 
Jaevar Stauffenberg muttered something under his breath and then echoed Arnad’s sentiments. “I too don’t see how this matter involves the PGU. This seems to be outside the purview of this Union and quite frankly, not worth our time. The Federation will not take part in any Ajovulkan nonsense unless the people’s of those islands wish us to, which I highly doubt they do.”
 
Lucie Marquette spoke.

"I'd like to repeat the current position of the Crowned Republic of Highton on the matter of a potential referendum in the Ajovulkan Islands. Highton believes that a democratic and diplomatic solution is best– a free and transparent referendum is the best way to allow the people of Ajovulka to determine their own fate and exercise their right to self-determination. With respect to the Goyanean and Anrennian delegations, the Crowned Republic understands that this dispute has been left unresolved for too long and believes that PGU intervention is necessary to avoid future conflict regarding the sovereignty of these islands."

She sat, scribbling some more ideas in her notebook.
 
Årnad stood once again.

"Madam Marquette, you are sorely mistaken if you believe this situation will lead to future conflict between two nations as close as Goyanes and Andrenne. I'm not so sure the Hightonian Government would like it if we pushed for self determination for your ethnic minorities. The PGU has no legal precedent to put in place a referendum in Ajovulka, and Goyanes will take any attempts as a serious breach of national security."

He took a sip of milk tea before continuing.

"That being said, we are willing to come to the table with the parties at question, under the condition no other diplomatic units are present besides the Ajovulkans, Goyaneans, and Andrennians. We will not allow foreigners who seek an ulterior agenda under the guise of self-determination to interfere in the process that is to be determined. But mark my words, unless it's Goyanean, that ballot box will make it to Ajovulka over my dead body."

He sat down once again.
 
Olera, the representative of the Coalition carefully stood up with the aid of her cane.

"I am sorry to interrupt. But I must make the position of the Coalition be known. We fully understand that this issue is practically not going to end in violence. But, you, your government, and the Andrennians are all being stupid. This has gone on for too long, put three groups that disagree in a box I can guarantee you they will never come to a conclusion.

Its time for you three, the Goyaneans, Andrennians, and Ajovulkan to try one more time, and if you three can't come to a solid agreement its not time to force ourselves onto the situation with a referendum that is not going to happen as far as I am concerned but it is our time to step in as friends and to mediate and push you people out of the stagnant situation you have put yourself in. Its time for an intervention because the Goyaneans and Andrennians are addicts and Ajovulka is their drug of choice.

And if you Mr. Arnad have any evidence to back up your assertion to bad faith and ulterior motives. I ask that you please unveil this motive and present your evidence."
 
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Kari cleared her throat to stop the conversation for just a moment.

"Mr. Årnad, Mrs. Olera, refrain yourselves from letting emotion get the best of you. This is a civil, logical debate and it will remain as such. Furthermore, stay on topic."

Kari took a sip of who knows what from her mug.

"On behalf of the Andrennian delegation I must state our own position. The Andrennian government believes that the PGU has no place in Ajovulka. We thank the PGU for their concern and revival of referendum ideals, as Andrenne would like to keep Ajovulka happy, however, Andrenne must also stand it's ground. It would be against the will of my government to allow the PGU to place a referendum on Ajovulka, but in my position as Deputy Chancellor, should the PGU vote in favor of a referendum I will not attempt to stop it. I can not guarantee that the government of Andrenne will do the same."

There was a long pause as she let that sit for just a moment.

"Should the vote not pass, Andrenne, like Goyanes, is more than willing to come to negotiations under the same conditions that Mr. Årnad mentioned. I can't say that I or the Andrennian government agree with Mr. Årnad's statement other than that, but know that we are willing to talk it out should we need to. Before Chancellor Svane's term is over, this issue will be settled, one way or another."
 
Mykhajlo Menkhorst took a drink of water before he spoke. Recently with the United Fatherland Party taking power and the formation of the Malor-Kanadian Empire, the old Ambassadors to the Pan-Gotic Union had been replaced and Menkhorst had been sent to be their replacement. He was almost 90 years old but the same Malorian Patriotism and nationalism he held when he served in the military during the Malor-Ninhundish War and the Iterian War had never left him. After Helmer was overthrown and the democratic government was installed with Alexander as the new emperor he was one of the original members of the United Fatherland Party and he left the military to pursue a career in the Department of Foreign Affairs. In the Foreign Affairs Department he served as the Ambassador to Skanda and several other nations in Iteria rising up the party to become one of its leading officials until it lost power in the 90s. From there he ran in his home district for the Assembly of Deputies where he won and served on the Committee for Foreign Affairs and Intelligence and with the new government’s ascension to power nominee for the Ambassadorship to the Pan-Gotic Union and his nomination passed. Now he was here and ready to represent his new empire.


He refused to raise up from out his seat seeing no point in it, preferring to use the microphone at his seat rather than getting up and making his old bones quiver and started speaking in Malorian.


“Where does it say in the constitution of this union that it has the right to intervene in its member’s internal affairs? Where does it say that it has the right to force its members to cooperate with something it doesn’t believe in? When these things happen this stops being a union and turns into a centralized body that turns into a dictatorship and I don’t think anyone of us here have signed up for a dictatorship or to surrender our sovereign rights to our own affairs to this union either. So to the PGU acting in the business of the people that give it authority I say get the hell out because we don’t want you in it. This is the equivalent, like Mr. Arnad said, how would any of you like it if we pushed for the independence of your ethnic minorities and the separation of your states? I can tell you that Maloria would not like it.


So why is this even a matter of debate when it is unconstitutional and is an overreach of power by this governing body? I don’t think it should be and I say if you want the matter solved leave it up to the member states involved because there is no justification for us to be involved in this matter. This is not what any of us signed up for and I think the idea that conflict between two sister nations like Goyanes and Andrenne is ridiculous due to their close relationship. We don’t have the potential for conflict and we have an unconstitutional vote. So when you say that if you put three opposing groups in a box that they will never come to a conclusion I can agree with that, but when you put three groups in a box that share a close and strong bond like that you will have a resolution to it.


Our empire’s mind is made up in this problem and I say that if this vote makes it to the floor we will vote no. There is no basis for this and there is no reason to support it. I yield the remainder of my time.”
 
"This is not internal affairs" Commissioner Olera snapped back as she turned her attention Representative Menkhorst.

"The current topic of debate has nothing to do with the sovereign affairs of one state it has to do with a dispute between the States of Andrenne and Goyanes with the people of the islands caught between the Hammer and the Anvil. I would also implore the Representative to actually read the constitution, if their memory has failed them I will read the relevant, Article 1, Section 3, 'Legislation passed by the PGU Council outside of the Constitution is in no way binding, and member states may choose not to participate with legislation' I see no limitation in said passage that would bar us from crafting or passing anything really, if you feel this is in error I ask you to please craft and submit a proposed replacement.

This is not about stripping away states that belong to countries but mending this long standing rift between two of our members, I would argue that there is no better venue then the PGU to finally craft a lasting solution, because if they can't then it does nothing but hurt Goyanes, hurt Andrenne, and devistate the people of Ajokulka who are left in a political limbo."

Olera carefully sat back down as her ankles started to hurt from standing.
 
Menkhorst chuckled to himself as he knew he struck a nerve with the representative from the Coalition and that made him feel pretty accomplished. It’s not everyday that someone is able to make a diplomat lose their cool but he was able to. It didn’t take him long before he was able to formulate his response.


“First of all my official title is Ambassador and not Representative as my official rank within the Department of Foreign Affairs is that of an Ambassador so I would kindly ‘implore’ the Commissioner to address me as such. Now onto the matter of interpretation for our constitution.” He took a nice long drink while remaining seated before continuing.


“I know you might be accustomed to the act of different interpretations and a spinning of words in your native land by the Communists and the Socialists there but I think you will find most here will not give you such treatment Madam Commissioner. I have read the Constitution through and through and nowhere once I have seen where the Union is given the power to intervene in its member’s internal affairs.


Yes, that’s right, internal affairs. Why is it internal affairs? Because if I remember correctly, which in my old age I don’t think I have dementia, that Goyanes and Andrenne are members of this Union are they not? This is a territorial dispute between them as I can tell you now we do not recognize the Islands as being independent so it is a matter of intervening in ‘internal affairs’ Commissioner.


Now if you recognize the Islands as already independent be my guest but our empire does no such thing so we will not act like it. However, if the people want indepence I say let Goyanes and Andrenne solve the issue amongst themselves to do so because it is not our place. It is our responsibility as, I implore you as well Madam Commissioner to read the Constitution, the Pan-Gotic Union Council according to Article 2, Section 1, that “The PGU Council may set legislation on the general functioning of the PGU, trade relations, amend the PGU Constitution, and accept and eject members.”


Does that say getting involved in its member’s internal affairs? I implore the Commissioner to reread that if doesn’t make sense as I will give her some time to do so if she so needs it.” Menkhorst waited a moment before continuing.


“So I will reiterate my point. It is not the place of the Pan-Gotic Union to intervene in the internal affairs of the members of this union. It is not our place or we suffer from centralization that I feel is not healthy for this union or its member states.”
 
Kjeld Svane's glance occasionally shot to the mug he had that read "Prydansk Landsvísu Körfubolta lið" (national basketball team) under a picture of a cartoon deer twirling a basketball on its hoof.

"I would like to insist on civility above all else."

"Regarding the issue of this being an internal matter. This is a question of sovereignty between Andrenne and Goyanes. This is not an internal issue. It is a question between two sovereign PGU states. It is therefore the opinion of the Chancellery that it falls within the purview of the PGU."

He looked across the room.

"I do not propose this referendum lightly. I merely recognize where we are on this matter. The question of sovereignty over Ajokulka has yet to be resolved. It's been unresolved since the UKAG era. The Fascist War didn't even solve the issue. I do not want to push the referendum option, and yet I feel like we have no choice if Andrenne and Goyanes can not reach a settlement."

He took a sip from his tacky mug.

"I would like to formally invite a member of the Ajokulka independence movement to address the PGU council."
 
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