Councillors, as you know, a month ago, I initiated a discussion regarding the happenings in the Republic of Istkalen. Since then, the situation has gotten significantly worse. The National Salvation Council (which will be referred to as the NSC from now on) has arrested the elected and popular officials of Istkalen such as Indras Uskeled, Luke Kareskenet and Mary Kareskenet on nonsense charges of treason, and their safety is not guaranteed, as the NSC has threatened to execute them. Additionally, the freedom of expression in the country, a value that the European Union explicitly stands for, has been severely damaged. Because of these developments, I believe that condemnation is long overdue.
CONDEMNATION OF THE NATIONAL SALVATION COUNCIL OF ISTKALEN
PREAMBLE
As clearly defined in its constitution, the European Union stands for human rights, the rule of law and the principles of democracy. However, the takeover of the democratically elected government and the arbitrary arrest of political figures directly contradicts these values.
SECTION I: DECLARATIONS
SECTION I: SANCTIONS IMPOSED ON THE NATIONAL SALVATION COUNCIL
Wirt Harland
Internal Affairs Commissioner of European Union
Debate begins NOW and will continue until 23:59 GMT on 3 July 2023.
Iras Tilkanas
Council Speaker and Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen
Full support.
Merte Maksile
Deputy Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen
Istkalen 26 Jun 2023, 20:46
His Majesty's Government supports the motion and so do I.
Ed Miliband
Councillor of The United Kingdom
While supportive of measures in this regard we must proceed carefully. We do not want to punish the people of Istkalen for the NSC's actions and policies. I am concerned a ban on luxury goods trade could be doing this. We must also consider the impact on the EU nations with regards the possible effects on the economy and green transition. Remember they are in an alliance that can order all rare earth exporters to cut off exports if sanctions are placed on them unilaterally by states or the sanctions are too harsh. We need to move forward in a measured and considered response to ensure that the people of Istkalen aren't hurt further and that the economy of Europe is considered.
James Mizrachi-Roscoe, Councillour for United Duchies
The Democratic Republic of Czech Slavia will not support or intorduce sanctions against the sovereign state of Istkalen and will oppose any tyrannical attempts to dictate its trade policies. I propose the following Amendment that fully respects the independence of the Member States and their right to pursue their own foreign policy, while condemning the actions that have taken place in the Republic of Istkalen.
Amendment I
SECTION I: DECLARATIONS
SECTION I: SANCTIONS IMPOSED ON THE NATIONAL SALVATION COUNCIL
1. All military trade agreements between EU member states and the territory currently known as the Republic of Istkalen are suspended and banned until further notice, effective immediately.
2. All luxury goods traded between EU member states and the territory currently known as the Republic of Istkalen is embargoed until further notice, effective immediately.
Sofie Čikarová
Councillor for Czech Slavia
Oh great, here comes the amendment that effectively neuters the EU's response.
Regardless, I would like to propose the following amendments for further clarification and following certain concerns mentioned by councillors:
AMENDMENT II
SECTION I II: SANCTIONS IMPOSED ON THE NATIONAL SALVATION COUNCIL
Wirt Harland
Internal Affairs Commissioner of the European Union
I am more aligned with all member states pursue their own actions and foreign policies in regards to the current crisis in Istkalen. If other member states want to pursue a trade or military policy regarding Istkalen they are free to do so. Sanction or military action or something else entirely. We are not in the business of enabling bad policies at the expense of other member states.
Izumi Miwako
Councillor of the Federal Republic of Yosai
While I believe this is a good proposal, and I will support it if amended, I believe Councillor Čikarová wording of Section I could be better than the current one submitted by the Internal Affairs Commissioner. In addition, I think there needs to be a European approach to this issue, and that failing to achieve it so would be another boycott by the same people to our Union. Therefore, I propose the following amendment:
Amendment III
SECTION I: DECLARATIONS
I am opposed to Commissioner Harland's proposed amendment, as encouraging the alternative sourcing of cobalt, the extraction of which the economy of Istkalen is heavily dependent on, will only further destabilize the country and turn the population towards even greater extremism. It is an extraordinarily hostile measure which is tantamount to a declaration of war, and I will go to any and all lengths to ensure that it does not pass.
Merte Maksile
Deputy Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen
Deputy Councillor Maksile, would you accept the very same amendment if the part that you consider hostile to your country were to be removed?
Donald Tusk
Councillor for Spain
While I would accept such an amendment, I would ultimately prefer a version of this condemnation along the lines that you proposed, Cllr. Tusk. I do not see it as necessary to propose another amendment modifying that of Commissioner Harland; I merely made my comment to stress the possible consequences of his proposal.
Merte Maksile
Deputy Counclllor for the Republic of Istkalen
While the situation in Istkalen may appear to be changing, I must emphasize that many of the authoritarian laws that led to the proposal of this Condemnation are likely to remain in place. While my country may soon have a civilian head of state, whoever is given the position is virtually guaranteed to continue the path and direction by the NSC, and ought to be considered a derivative authority.
Merte Maksile
Deputy Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen
Indeed. This is why I oppose any weakening of the condemnation with the removal or reduction of sanctions.
Wirt Harland
Internal Affairs Commissioner of the European Union
I would like to ask Ms Maksile for any clarification about the recent development and current situation in her home country, before we can make a decision. Thank you.
Sofie Čikarová
Councillor for Czech Slavia
The National Salvation Council, until recently, was composed of a coalition of three factions within the officerial ranks of the Istkalenic armed forces - of reformists, conservatives, and nationalists. The past weeks saw what was essentially an attempted palace coup on the part of nationalist forces, eventually thwarted; what we are now seeing is an attempt by the other two factions to save face by handing over power to an agreeable civilian in light of the embarassment and instability caused by this.
Merte Maksile
Deputy Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen
Thank you for the information, Councillor Maksile. With that, I now wish to withdraw this motion and find alternative solutions to put an end to this crisis. I would like to thank all councillors for their collaboration.
Wirt Harland
Internal Affairs Commissioner of the European Union
This condemnation has been withdrawn.
Iras Tilkanas
Council Speaker and Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen
Istkalen 4 Jul 2023, 15:36 Istkalen 4 Jul 2023, 15:37
I am more aligned with all member states pursue their own actions and foreign policies in regards to the current crisis in Istkalen. If other member states want to pursue a trade or military policy regarding Istkalen they are free to do so. Sanction or military action or something else entirely. We are not in the business of enabling bad policies at the expense of other member states.
Izumi Miwako
Councillor of the Federal Republic of Yosai
The Kingdom of Spain