Repeal the Condemnation of the Coup in Icholasen
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There is no evidence to prove that any freedoms are suppressed to a significant extent in the UNSR. Candidates opposed to the state are allowed to run for political office, and have in fact won political office; a number of significant protests against government policy have occurred. There are a number of EU nations which are accepted as democracies, particularly Nofoaga and Inimicus, which do not possess, at the very least, the same separation of powers as exists in the UNSR - although I do not deny that they are, of course, democracies of their own type. I would not say that it is a full democracy; but it is, to an extent, one, in that the people have choice and a significant level of control over the functioning of the government.
All of these allegations are simply coming from its name, I imagine - people hear "socialist," they hear "communist," and they immediately begin to scream about human rights violations without ever actually looking at the genuine situation. I would not even say that the UNSR is very orthodox in regards to its ideology - significant politicians are opposed to communism, instead beliving in some form of return to primitive tribalism, and this is meant in a completely literal sense - others claim that communism entails, even requires, a free and unfettered market. All of these people form various factions and are in direct competition with each other, and it is not as though the state seeks to oppress them - they are recognized completely, and have won multiple seats in elections, in fact holding important legislative and government positions. I think some will say, "it's all fake, all a show, all these people are just pretending and actually support a totalitarian agenda," but I have not seen any state which has had such elaborate pretentions that its politicians regularly denounce each other, vote against each other, block proposals of the other side. Occam's razor should be applied here as we would anywhere else.
I also do not think it is the place of any member-state to force its own foreign policy on the rest of the EU. This is an issue of pragmatism. Whether any country decides or does not decide to recognize or sanction the UNSR is their own decision; but this EU-level legislation is unneeded and has come to hamper the ability of the Nicoleizian people to be represented on this level.
Iras Tilkanas
Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen -
Before coming to this discussion, I have asked His Majesty's Government on their thoughts so as to allow them to express their opinion regardless of my own opinions on this matter. I'll start with the official statement from the government before I express my thoughts on this.
HM Government
The Black House, Hampton City, Kingdom of Reitzmag
December 14 2021The Government of the Kingdom of Reitzmag sends a warm greeting to all esteemed members of the European Council. It has come to our attention that the European Union's legislative body has begun discussions on another attempt to repeal the Motion that Condemns the Coup in Icholasen. And for this we are thankful for our nation's councilor to give us a voice on the matter.
It is worth noting that we have stood neutrally on the situation in Icholasen following the recent situations involving our nation and both the UNSR and the UDI. Last year, the UNSR had attempted to destroy a large part of our work in astronomy through the Cansey Space Station by detonating an anti-satellite weapon through an ICBM. Meanwhile, extremist refugees from the UDI had caused chaos by terrorizing a world-class settlement project known as Copala City while it was temporary leased for a good cause to the Nicolezian Government-in-exile. Both these events have heavily affected our foreign policy, especially on the situation in the Nicolezian Island.
Due to this, we do not see any reason to support or recognize any of the parties in the conflict. However, we have been more lenient to accept the possibility of the UNSR becoming the true administering state in the Island of Icholasen subject to certain conditions. The following are the conditions we wish to see in order to support the UNSR as the new state in Icholasen:
- Human Rights of all Europeans, especially Nicolezians, are respected and treated fairly. The UDoHR in the Constitution of the European Union must be embodied.
- There must be a legislative body elected to some degree and that Independent candidates may at least be allowed to run regardless of ideology, religion, and gender.
- The nuclear stockpile must be reduced, or eliminated if possible, so as not to pose any further threat of invasion or irresponsible handling of weapons of mass destruction.
This decision to offer a chance to the UNSR to be accepted by the nation as the legitimate state of Icholasen was carefully studied. Primarily it has been caused by our distrust with the UDI following the events that have occurred in both Copala City and Anastasia City. However, we also see the importance of this for the betterment of the region. The conditions we have set are aimed to ensure safety and security for all persons, and will not be aimed at forcing any economic ideology such as capitalism nor communism. And for that, we hope the UNSR accepts these conditions for the peace and prosperity of all of Europe.
Sir Simon Bridges, KCMG
Prime Minister, Kingdom of ReitzmagChung Eui-yong
Minister of the Crown, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
And now for my opinions as Councilor. I do agree with the fact that the European Union has indeed accepted nations regardless of whether it is a dictatorship or a liberal democracy. It is explicitly stated in the Constitution of the European Union under Article I, Section II, Paragraph 1, "All sovereign states are free to join the European Union. No approval is necessary". In addition, I do agree with the government that there should be some conditions met in order for the UNSR to prove themselves capable of being recognized as the legitimate state in the Nicolezian Island. It is important to ensure that our decision here in the European Council is not a mistake that we will regret in the future. And finally, I think we should agree that what the Condemnation Motion had done no good nor any change in the situation. Therefore, I stand in support of repeal as long as the conditions that His Majesty's Government had set are met and proven through an official truthful response from representatives of the UNSR.
Yuridiana Yahontov
Councilor, Kingdom of Reitzmag -
As I have categorically stated, repealing this condemnation does not require recognition or even admission of the UNSR. That should be covered by a separate piece of legislation. All that this would do is open the opportunity for recognition and admission, which will be handled at a later time.
Iras Tilkanas
Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen -
I must say to this council that while I personally share skepticism of the government of the UNSR, what I am seeing from many in this chamber is unfortunately baseless speculation about what is actually happening the UNSR. As Councilor Tilkanas rightly pointed out, there simply isn't any credible evidence from the UNSR of any significant human rights abuses, or other infringements on freedoms that otherwise could be found among nations within the European Union. In fact, if we are to believe reports of what is happening throughout the Union, it would appear the UNSR is a freer society than some of our member states. Shall this be our reason to remain hostile to a regime that has shown no intention thusfar of agression? If that is the case, let it be known in the record that Ruthund will be proposing later other proposals to penalize certain nations for more credible reports of human rights violation and in particular, infringement on political freedom. And if we find ourselves in that situation, I best not hear from members from this Council that we "need to respect the right of self-determination". But I am sure Councilors Tusk, Yahontov, Bordaberry, and Mizrachi-Roscoe will support these future bills.
Prince-Councilor Tony Odhinazen
EU Councilor for Ruthund -
I would like to thank Councillor Tilkanas for her clarifications, which are indeed useful not just for me, but for everyone. Apart from that, my apologies for the misleading statements I might have done about the Union of Nicoleizian Soviet Republics.
As requested, debate will be extended for 72 hours, until 22:47 GMT on December 20th, 2021.
Donald Tusk
Deputy Speaker and Councillor for Spain -
I would like to request a second debate extension.
Iras Tilkanas
Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen -
I must say that the Right Honourable Councillour Odhinazen has made a good point. We cannot possibly justify keeping this legislation over human rights and issues over democracy while less democratic countries are in the Union. While of course democracy is optimal we cannot achieve this through sanctioning and activism in the EU. Any movement for democracy must come from within. After hearing many good points I have no doubt that repeal is in order. We must work to find other ways to find common ground with UNSR and achieve reform perhaps offering benefits for reforms they make extra funding for example. We must use the carrot in this situation since the stick is obviously not working .
James Mizrachi-Roscoe, Councillour for United Duchies
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I do believe, Councillor Tilkanas, that this extension is needed and they will still take place until both the Fremetian and Nicoleizian Councillor make their appearance on the chamber.
As requested, debate will be extended for 96 hours, until 22:47 GMT on December 24th, 2021.
Donald Tusk
Deputy Speaker and Councillor for Spain -
I would like to request, yet again, a debate extension.
Iras Tilkanas
Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen -
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Debate is now over. Voting begins NOW and will last until 14:17 GMT on January 3rd, 2022.
Donald Tusk
Acting Speaker and Councillor for Spain -
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On behalf of the Kingdom of Spain, I vote FOR this repeal.
Donald Tusk
Acting Speaker and Councillor for Spain -
Voting has now concluded. With 8 votes FOR and 1 vote AGAINST, this repeal has PASSED.
Donald Tusk
Acting Speaker and Councillor for Spain
The Kingdom of Spain