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Briefing Room
In the Grigor Stoyanovich Press Briefing Room, Tipolo Imperial Palace provides timely and accurate information about the High Representative's activities.
Here you'll find photos, videos, transcripts, and press releases as well as executive actions such as proclamations and executive orders.
OUR TEAM LEADERS
in the Executive Communications Office
Bulat Putera
Executive Communications Director
Assistant to the Private Secretary
Razak Panay
Press Secretary
Assistant to the Private Secretary
Dana Volny-Raya
Speechwriting Director
Special Assistant to the Private Secretary
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Briefing Room Press Briefing by Razak Panay, 1 April 2021 1.April.2021 • Press Briefings
Grigor Stoyanovich Press Briefing Room
Prospect of UF Membership in IAWA
Q: Salamat, Ginoo. As we all know, the Tusacwyan government has just recently founded the International Anti-Whaling Association. It began as a rag-tag organization of whale-watchers in the late 70s, then one of the influential groups that dismantled the global whaling industry. I think we can all remember in 1995 when General Gat Mutya reversed her predecessor, Vice Admiral Datu Magpantay's whale ban, and the country joined the International Whaling Association. This was reversed by High Representative Valdishah immediately after he assumed office in 1997.
But opposition parties, with the exception of the Makakalikasan Party, and the state and tribal governments of the Kingdom of Atagonan have defended whaling as one of our greatest traditions. There is growing support in lipis and other tribes for a re-entry in the International Whaling Association, with full restoration of rights. Even at the cost of ending newly-established relations with the Tusacwyan government Does the government intend to cement the nationwide ban on whaling by joining IAWA, or will legislative debate take the lead and risk harming relations with Tusacaway?
MR. PANAY: I'd like to share that the High Representative is in line with government policy and continues to support the ban on whaling. In this direction, it is an inevitability the United Federation would join IAWA. In the years towards 1988, when whaling was first banned, and 1995, when whaling was briefly resumed, a significant majority of Makodyans didn't consume whale meat. It was a dying market then and it is a dead market now. Though for official figures, there are research centers who have specially studied this and I'd recommend revisiting a joint 2007 study by the Central Iterian Center for Maritime Affairs and Economics for the Environmental Consultancy. It's called the "Economics of Whaling Today."
This material was by the way referred to me by her Private Secretary — the High Representative personally as she was an advocate against the whaling industry. As a senator in the last years of Bagong Lipunan, she fought against the dictatorship's legalization of whaling despite violent threats on her life by the regime. The High Representative is proud of standing with High Representative Validshah and the efforts made by the first democratic Supreme Batasan in its stand against the abuse of wildlife and the environment.
Q: So when will the United Federation join IAWA?
MR. PANAY: There are still ongoing discussions in Cabinet but the government is determined to join. The High Representative for State and Security Affairs is in active communications with IAWA for coordination and advice — ironing minute technicalities in the United Federation's prospective membership. As chief architect of foreign policy, the High Representative will formally initiate the process of joining IAWA.
Ginang/Ginoo(ng) - Tagapa for Ma'am/Mrs. or Sir/Mr., respectively. Salamat - "Thank you" in Tagapa.
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Briefing Room Statement by UF Embassy in Tusacaway
Spokesperson Luningning Buklod on
the Tusacwyan Embassy's alteration
of their UF ambassadorial standard 31.March.2021 • Statements and Releases
UF Ambassador to the Tusacwyan Confederacy, Raja Mat Daeng, has concluded correspondence with Grand Ambassador Onitawa Mawapiew of Tusacaway on an issue raised by Raja Mat Daeng on a discrepant element of the ambassadorial standard used by the Tusacwyan Embassy in Salurong. Raja Mat Daeng received notification from representatives of the Tusacwyan Embassy Programme and informed her the necessary corrections have been made. In a follow-up call with Tusacwyan representatives, Raja Mat Daeng apologized personally and thanked the patience of the Tusacwyan diplomatic service. The Tusacwyan representatives indicated the alteration was a "sole exception." Raja Mat Daeng noted their concerns on future instances and agreed to work on efforts to make sure it does not happen again. Raja Mat Daeng also assured the Tusacwyan representatives there will be no shortage of internal, departmental, and legislative initiatives in finding a solution.
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Briefing Room Press Briefing by Razak Panay, 11 April 2021 11.April.2021 • Press Briefings
Grigor Stoyanovich Press Briefing Room
Possible UF Accession to the Savattenstad and Saintes Conventions
Q: Maraming salamat, Ginoo. Many nations around the world have eagerly ratified the Savattenstad and Saintes Conventions, but many nations have chosen to either ratify specific protocols and more chose not to ratify any of the conventions altogether. The Republic of Mansani and the Astragonese Empires, one of them is a leading military power in the continent, and another a considerable deadly force, and both of them refused to sign any of the conventions.
Opposition leader Asad Alwablah said in the Batasan that, and I quote, "the Government has no majority on either side of Congress. Ratifying Savattenstad and Saintes is different from joining IAWA. The fact that Mansani and Astragon do not accept any standards to the conduct of war and wartime safety of humanity shows they are not committed to the Iterian ideal." Mr. Alwablah also pointed out the Iterian League is not, as some proponents of the Government have said, a "good deterrent." At best, the League is "a forum for dialogue for both war and peace." He also emphasized the radioactive pollution caused by Astragon's reckless nuclear testing every year and the disaster it left in Daresha in 1991. My question is: Does the government have a realistic timeline for the ratification of the Savattenstad and Saintes Conventions?
MR. PANAY: The Government has already given a timeline in Congress. The United Federation will join IAWA, first. Then the Government will proceed to debate, deliberate, and convince the opposite benches to vote favorably for the ratification of the Conventions. The Government is not actively considering withdrawing its support for the Conventions. It will never concede to the opposition. The Batasan must vote to ratify the Conventions.
Q: IAWA is an environmental organization. The Conventions concern lay in the conduct of war. Is the Government realistic enough to realize that neither the Congress nor the Senate will vote for ratification so long as Astragon and Mansani don't?
MR. PANAY: The United Federation will not be dictated to by Astragon and Mansani. They do not represent the will of the Makodyan people. Foreign policy is designed by the High Representative of the United Federation, as our nation's chief diplomat, and approved by the Supreme Batasan. The Government is actively pursuing Astragonese and Mansani representatives in all available diplomatic channels, including in the League, to convince them to ratify the Conventions. If the League's Iterian ideal should succeed, there is no better way than to standardize and, indeed, humanize the conduct of war. Although, I'm sure, we all doubt war will ever come to Iteria. But complacency, time and time again, proved we shouldn't. That is why the High Representative, the Pangulo, and the rest of the Government support the Conventions.
Q: There are reports of Cabinet members who have indicated dissent from the Government's position. What is the Pangulo planning to do to convince the Cabinet?
MR. PANAY: Those reports are unfounded and purely speculative. The Cabinet supports the Pangulo and the High Representative 100%.
Q: But you cannot deny the fact, according to a recent poll by the Katipunan Party, there is a 50/50 split amongst the Katipunanon in ratification. There is growing doubt on both parties seeded by the simple fact that Astragon and Mansani refuse to ratify. Does the Government have a strategy to convince their supporters?
MR. PANAY: I speak on behalf of the United Federation government. Not the Katipunan or any party. But the Government has a strategy to convince all Makodyans that ratification is the solution to a long list of questions about war. We may not eliminate war today, but this is one giant leap for mankind.
Q: Opo. Salamat, po. No more questions.
Ginang/Ginoo(ng) - Tagapa for Ma'am/Mrs. or Sir/Mr., respectively. Pangulo - Tagapa word for "President." Although "Pangulo" is also used for leaders of the UF Republics, it is used in this context to describe the "President of the Executive Council." "Executive Council" is the official name of the Cabinet of the United Federation. Po/opo - Tagapa words used as a sign of respect. Also an alternate word for expressions like "yeah" or "okay." Salamat - "Thank you" in Tagapa.
A government bill by the Department of State and Security Affairs introduced on 8 January 2020. This bill is enacted into law as an Act of the Supreme Batasan upon completion of the federal legislative process. This act comes into effect at midnight following Executive Assent, unless a date is specified in the act.
On Friday, 18 June 2020, the High Representative of the United Federation gave assent:
The Mansani-UF Free Trade Act 2020 approves the Mansani-UF Free Trade Agreement (MANUFTA) entered with the Government of Mansani on 1 January 2020, and the statement of administrative action, both submitted to the Supreme Batasan.
The Act authorizes the High Representative of the United Federation to proclaim actions, and other officers of the U.F. Government to issue regulations, as may be necessary to ensure appropriate implementation of any provision of this Act that takes effect on the date the agreement enters into force.
The Act will no longer require future FTA acts to list and identify "protected industry products." Qualifying protected industry products will now be designated by the Department of Economy and Emperor-in-Council.
Provides for:
Authorizes agencies to assign employees in the U.F. Embassy in Mansa to aid with the monitoring and enforcement actions as prescribed by MANUFTA.
Authorizes the Department of State and Security Affairs to provide administrative assistance to dispute settlements. Appropriations necessary for this purpose have been authorized.
Authorizes the Office of the United Federation Trade Representative to establish a joint committee, composed of representatives from both countries, to supervise and monitor the implementation of MANUFTA. They must meet regularly with Mansani to review the overall FTA trade and investment relationship by, primarily, discussing the functioning of the agreement and addressing specific trade issues.
Upon the creation of the joint committee, the following committees must be established: On agriculture, certification and regulation, chemicals and fossil fuels, goods, labor and environment, and sanitary matters; all of which must report to the joint committee.
Specified tariff modifications.
Additional duties, under specified conditions, on protected industry products.
Rules of origin define duty-free products must be 60% grown, manufactured, and assembled in its origin country to qualify.
For actions for relief from imports, Makodyan industries may petition to strengthen and protect their products.
Authorizes the Department of Economy and Emperor-in-Council to determine whether imports from Mansani are a substantial cause of serious injury or threat to Makodyan products and industries.
A government bill by the Department of State and Security Affairs introduced on 29 October 2019. This bill is enacted into law as an Act of the Supreme Batasan upon completion of the federal legislative process. This act comes into effect at midnight following Executive Assent, unless a date is specified in the act.
On Friday, 24 January 2020, the High Representative of the United Federation gave assent:
The Rafhazaan-UF Free Trade Act 2020 approves the Rafhazaan-UF Free Trade Agreement (RAUFTA) entered with the Government of Rafhazaan on 18 June 2019, and the statement of administrative action proposed to implement the Agreement, both submitted to the Supreme Batasan.
The Act authorizes the High Representative of the United Federation to proclaim actions, and other appropriate officers of the U.F. Government to issue regulations, as may be necessary to ensure that any provision of this Act that takes effect on the date the Agreement enters into force is appropriately implemented.
The Act implements provisions that include environment and labor monitoring and enforcement to ensure the rights and safety of workers in all countries that have an FTA agreement with the United Federation (UFTA), and cooperation with all UFTA countries to prevent duty evasion. For both current and future FTA acts, interagency committees will be established for the monitoring and enforcement of relevant labor, environmental, and industrial-related provisions.
The Act establishes the penalties for false certification of goods under Mutual Recognition Agreements (MURA) and rules of origin in all current and future FTA agreements.
Provides for:
Authorizes agencies to assign employees in the U.F. Embassy in Mucath to aid with the monitoring and enforcement actions as prescribed by RAUFTA.
Authorizes the Department of State and Security Affairs to provide administrative assistance to dispute settlements. Appropriations necessary for this purpose have been authorized.
Authorizes the Office of the United Federation Trade Representative to establish a joint committee, composed of representatives from both countries, to monitor the implementation of RAUFTA closely. The joint committee supervises the implementation of the Agreement, addresses specific trade issues, and reviews the overall FTA trade and investment relationship.
These additional committees are established and report to the joint committee on specific areas of RAUFTA: On automobiles, certification and regulation, goods, industrial products, labor and environment, religious practices, sanitary matters.
Specified tariff modifications.
Additional duties, under specified conditions, on protected industry products.
Rules of origin define duty-free products must be 50% grown, manufactured, and assembled in Rafhazaan to qualify.
For actions for relief from imports, Makodyan industries may petition to strengthen and protect their products.
Authorizes the Department of Economy and Emperor-in-Council to determine whether imports from Rafhazaan are a substantial cause of serious injury or threat to Makodyan products and industries.
A government bill by the Department of State and Security Affairs introduced on 15 December 2020. This bill is enacted into law as an Act of the Supreme Batasan upon completion of the federal legislative process. This act comes into effect at midnight following Executive Assent, unless a date is specified in the act.
On Saturday, 6 March 2021, the High Representative of the United Federation gave assent:
The UF-UK Free Trade Act 2021 approves the UF-UK Free Trade Agreement (UFUKTA) entered with the Government of the United Kingdom on 8 November 2020, and the proposed statement of administrative action to implement the Agreement, both submitted to the Supreme Batasan.
The Act authorizes the High Representative of the United Federation to proclaim actions, and other appropriate officers of the U.F. Government to issue regulations, as may be necessary to ensure that this Act that takes effect on the date the Agreement enters into force is appropriately implemented.
Provides for:
Authorizes the Department of State and Security Affairs to provide administrative assistance to dispute settlements. Appropriations necessary for this purpose have been authorized.
Authorizes the Office of the United Federation Trade Representative to establish a joint committee, composed of representatives from both countries, to monitor the implementation of UFUKTA closely. The joint committee supervises the implementation of the Agreement, addresses specific trade issues, and reviews the overall FTA trade and investment relationship.
These additional committees are established and report to the joint committee on specific areas of UFUKTA: On agriculture, financial services, goods, labor affairs, and mass media.
Rules of origin define duty-free products must be 80% grown, manufactured, and assembled in the United Kingdom to qualify.
For actions for relief from imports, Makodyan industries may petition to strengthen and protect their products.
Authorizes the Department of Economy and Emperor-in-Council to determine whether imports from the United Kingdom are a substantial cause of serious injury or threat to Makodyan products and industries.
A government bill by the Department of Economy introduced on 7 March 2021. This bill is enacted into law as an Act of the Supreme Batasan upon completion of the federal legislative process. This act comes into effect at midnight following Executive Assent, unless a date is specified in the act.
On Thursday, 22 April 2021, the High Representative of the United Federation gave assent:
An act to ratify and implement the Mutual Recognition Agreement between the United Federation and the United Kingdom.
Act summary | View full text
The UF-UK Mutual Recognition Act 2021 approves the UF-UK Mutual Recognition Agreement (UFUKMURA) entered with the Government of the United Kingdom on 8 November 2020, and the proposed statement of administrative action to implement the Agreement, both submitted to the Supreme Batasan.
The Act provides recognition within each state party to the UF-UK Free Trade Agreement of regulatory standards adopted in another state party, and vice versa, regarding goods and services.
A government bill by the Department of State and Security Affairs introduced on 13 April 2020. This bill is enacted into law as an Act of the Supreme Batasan upon completion of the federal legislative process. This act comes into effect at midnight following Executive Assent, unless a date is specified in the act.
On Thursday, 16 November 2020, the High Representative of the United Federation gave assent:
The Astragon-UF Free Trade Act 2020 approves the Astragon-UF Free Trade Agreement (AUFTA) entered with the Government of Astragon on 14 February 2020, and the statement of administrative action proposed to implement the Agreement, both submitted to the Supreme Batasan.
The Act authorizes the High Representative of the United Federation to proclaim actions, and other appropriate officers of the U.F. Government to issue regulations, as may be necessary to ensure that the provisions of this Act that takes effect on the date the Agreement enters into force is appropriately implemented.
Provides for:
Prohibits the U.F. Government from procuring military products and services in Astragon.
Prohibits the sale, consumption, and use of Fabreshah and Kosh products in Makodya.
Increased spending for the U.F. Border Agency to expand services in order to accomodate Astragon-UF border movement in a safe, secure, and smooth environment in response to increased border activity. In full compliance with Title III Chapter 8 Section 1 of the Iterian Code.
Authorizes agencies to assign employees in the U.F. Embassy in Bayyah Na Tyrooz to aid with the monitoring and enforcement actions as prescribed by AUFTA.
Authorizes the Department of State and Security Affairs to provide administrative assistance to dispute settlements. Appropriations necessary for this purpose have been authorized.
Authorizes the Office of the United Federation Trade Representative to establish a joint committee, composed of representatives from both countries, to monitor the implementation of AUFTA closely. The joint committee supervises the implementation of the Agreement, addresses specific trade issues, and reviews the overall FTA trade and investment relationship.
These additional committees are established and report to the joint committee on specific areas of AUFTA: On agriculture, automobiles, certification and regulation, goods, industrial products, labor and environment, religious practices, sanitary matters, and weapons and dangerous substances.
Specified tariff modifications.
Additional duties, under specified conditions, on protected industry products.
Rules of origin define duty-free products must be 70% grown, manufactured, and assembled in Astragon to qualify.
For actions for relief from imports, Makodyan industries may petition to strengthen and protect their products.
Authorizes the Department of Economy and Emperor-in-Council to determine whether imports from Astragon are a substantial cause of serious injury or threat to Makodyan products and industries.
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Briefing Room Bill Signing: International Membership Act 2021 17.May.2021• Legislation
A government bill by the Department of State and Security Affairs introduced on 1 April 2021. This bill is enacted into law as an Act of the Supreme Batasan upon completion of the federal legislative process. This act comes into effect at midnight following Executive Assent, unless a date is specified in the act.
On Monday, 17 May 2021, the High Representative of the United Federation gave assent:
An act to streamline the process of U.F. membership in international organizations, and define and classify such organizations that may or may not require legislative consent.
Act summary | View full text
Under the International Membership Act, the U.F. Government joining an international organisation that does not require ratification of a treaty, impose legislation, or legislate on behalf of member states, shall not require legislative action to take effect. They shall be defined as "non-treaty organizations." Also, "treaty organizations" shall refer to organizations that affect national law.
A private bill by Jaya Rana (Salurong-Kapatagan Batasan) introduced on 22 August 1902. On Monday, 7 September 1902, His Imperial Majesty The Emperor gave assent:
An act funding the commission and erection of a statue of Nurha Khagan upon the Palace of Nations in the Free Imperial City of Salurong.
Summary | View full text
The Nurha Khagan Memorial Act approves funding for the construction of the Nurha Khagan statue in the Palace of Nations. Selection of the sculptor will be decided in a design competition and the winner shall be awarded with Ł100,000. A committee for raising additional funds will be formed to finance the renovation of the chamber housing the statue. The committee shall comprise members appointed by His Imperial Majesty The Emperor.
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Briefing Room Executive Order on U.F. Membership in
the International Anti-Whaling Association 17.May.2021 • Executive Actions
By the authority vested in me as High Representative of the United Federation by the Constitution and the laws of the United Federation of Iteria, it is hereby as follows:
Section 1. Policy. Whales are an endangered species. It is vital for the United Federation to understand and learn more about the consequences of animal abuse and extinction. Humans, like animals, are intertwined with the diverse network of ecosystems around the world. Recent history filled with poor judgement and ignorance have proven the hubris and dangers humans can bring upon, not only on animals, but on ourselves as a species. Furthermore, the whale is a sacred animal to several countries and cultures. It is detrimental to the U.F. foreign policy to recklessly endanger the lives of animals important to the unique culture of our partners. The policy of the Timuan-Nakashad Administration is to protect threatened wildlife species and conserve natural resources, curtail and put a stop to environmentally hazardous activities, and to ensure public health and safety. In this policy, our administration will include active advocacy and participation in intergovernmental efforts on ecological conservation.
Sec. 2. Membership. The United Federation of Iteria will hereby submit an official request for membership in the International Anti-Whaling Association (IAWA). The Kanselor of State and Security Affairs, the Kanselor of Environment and Natural Resources, the U.F. High Representative to the Tusacwyan Confederacy, and the Cabinet Secretary, shall utilize agency actions and provide any administrative assistance in the membership process as may be required by IAWA, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, that advances the policies set forth in Section 1. of this Order.
Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) The Executive Council must notify the Supreme Batasan its intention to submit an official request to IAWA.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
A government bill by the Department of Transport introduced on 12 June 2001. This bill is enacted into law as an Act of the Supreme Batasan upon completion of the federal legislative process. This act comes into effect at midnight following Executive Assent, unless a date is specified in the act.
On Monday, 23 August 2001, the High Representative of the United Federation gave assent:
An act to phase-out fossil-fuel vehicles in the United Federation over a 20-year period, abolish the Republican Guard Forces and the Department of Defense, and reallocate military spending to fund transport subsidies and other provisions.
Act summary | View full text
The Zero-Emission Vehicles Act will enact a 20-year government plan to phase-out fossil-fuel vehicles, both private and state-owned, in all states and regions of the United Federation.
The Act also creates mandatory standards for clean and environmentally-friendly levels of fuel efficiency to gradually reduce dependence on oil and reduce costs of driving. Fuel efficiency standards are indexed to the price of gasoline.
The government plan provides for:
Authorizes the Department of Transport to establish the Fuel Efficiency Agency to enforce fuel efficiency standards.
Prohibits further sales and registration of new vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE). But the most efficient diesel engines can be an exception. To qualify, ICE vehicles must pass a standards test conducted by the Fuel Efficiency Agency. ICE vehicles that pass the standards test are defined as "low-emission vehicles" (LEV). ICE vehicles that fail the standards test are unqualified, defined as "high-emission vehicles" (HEV), and, therefore, are banned under the provisions of this Act.
Gives the Fuel Efficiency Agency the right to certify ICE vehicles as "alternative renewable vehicles" (ARV) for exemption in all future ICE bans. It must meet long-term, low-emission standards.
Existing cars sold and registered before the implementation date of this Act shall remain legal to drive in public roads for 10 years.
LEV vehicles shall remain legal to drive on public roads for 20 years. After which, all ICE vehicles, except ARV vehicles, will be banned from public roads.
Gives the Fuel Efficiency Agency the right to grant permits to operators and drivers to purchase and use ICE vehicles on a case-by-case basis.
Directs the U.F. Traffic Safety Administration to designate "carbon exclusion zones," if the Fuel Efficiency Agency advises it, where frequent, incoming foreign traffic are exempt from domestic ICE bans and mandatory fuel efficiency standards, and allow them smooth access to international highways and other major thoroughfares.
Creates funding for purchase of electric vehicles to replace and convert the entire federal transport fleet. By 2020, the federal fleet must be 100% electric.
Prohibits purchase of non-electric vehicles for federal transport fleet by 2010.
Increases bus subsidies to reduce traffic congestion and encourage bus travel. This includes the creation of school bus subsidies.
Creates bicycle subsidies and additional funding for campaign to promote bicycling as an easier and cheaper alternative for transportation.
Creates car-pooling subsidies to encourage more people to combine available transport means, all to reduce traffic congestion and strengthen communities.
Creates Achik Kawallu Co. to build a standardized, nationwide recharging system for electric cars.
Nationalizes railway and awards consortium MITA, led by GJ Verve and Daambakal Corporation, a concession to modernize, electrify, and operate the national railway systems.
All federally-operated mass transport systems shall offer free travel to all citizens.
The Act abolishes the Republican Guard Forces and the Department of Defense. All assets shall be either repurposed, sold, or decommissioned, as would be determined by the Department of Administrative Affairs. The Iterian Gendarmerie Force shall take over peacetime military operations until the reconstitution of the U.F. armed forces by the Supreme Batasan. The majority of military spending shall be redirected to funding the Zero Emission Vehicles Act.
