[Discussion] Mineral Exploitation in Istkalen by Occupiers
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**The Republic of Istkalen has noted that the forces occupying Istkalen have seized a number of mines in its territory, for their own profit. Both powers are equally involved; this is crystal-clear. Do not deny it here; we have evidence of it.
Our concern is as follows. We are receiving no benefit from this exploitation, nor are any individual workers; there is also some evidence to show that foreign workers are being used in exploitation, although little. We also are fearful that this exploitation is occurring at such a rapid rate, particularly in Vardic-seized mines, that certain mineral reserves will be depleted when handed back over, if even such a thing is to happen.
There has been significant unrest in Istkalen over this issue as well, particularly because many miners have been deprived of a significant part of their income, as well as, perhaps, their dignity, as well as because it seems, to many, to be imperialism.
We understand that this may be a form of reparation, and that would be somewhat, although not entirely, acceptable to us, as the sum of reparation is variable, as well as because it could permanently damage Istkalen’s economy.
We would thus like to inquire into whether this is legal by European law, particularly because these mines were not state owned - none were at the beginning of this policy - whether this is acceptable to the nations of Europe, especially in regards to the possible unusually low price of the minerals in question, as well as regarding the present policy of Europe in regards to this.
Iras Tilkanas
Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen -
Thanks for your testimony, Councillor Tilkanas. I commend you for bringing this discussion into the Council and being able to have a debate about what is, supposedly, taking place in your country.
Even if I would like to believe everything you have just said in this chamber, my experience tells me that we should hear the other side of the argument too, and that is why I am requesting Councillor Yahontov, Councillor Falk or yourself to make contact and invite any representative from the Joint Transitional Authority for Istkalen to come here and tell us about what you are reporting, Councillor Tilkanas.
Nonetheless, if this were to be true, I think the Kingdom of Reitzmag and the Archrepublic of Vayinaod should give this Council some sort of explanations about why they are doing this, and moreover, why Istkalen isn't receiving any compensation for this spoil of their natural resources. I would also like to ask Councillor Tilkanas if this are just void words to make an attempt to generate an international crisis over the Republic of Istkalen, or else if the honourable member has some evidence of this things he is claiming to be happening, such as photos, videos or whatever material he would like to show this Council.
About the European law, that issue should be looked into by the European Court of Justice, that should estitame, under their own view and always having in mind the European Constitution and the multiple acts the European Council has passed through its history; if this is legal or not. Therefore, I think that finding your answer to that question would be easier if you took this matter to the ECoJ as soon as possible.
Thank you.
Donald Tusk
Deputy Speaker and Councillor for Spain -
I would like to clarify that, since the making of this statement, it has been discovered that the Archrepublic of Vayinaod is not involved in mineral exploitation, and that solely the Kingdom of Reitzmag is. The evidence is plainly shown in the fact that the Kingdom of Reitzmag has been exporting rare earth metals since the beginning of the occupation; the reasoning is merely that it is necessary for "national security," which is nonsensical.
Iras Tilkanas
Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen -
Thanks for the clarification and your evidences, Councillor Tilkanas. Then I would like to correct myself and exclude Councillor Falk from my previous statement to the Council.
Donald Tusk
Deputy Speaker and Councillor for Spain
The Kingdom of Spain