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Embassy of the North Pacific

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Thank you for the update Gorundu! I enjoyed reading the interview. ^-^
 
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by Kaschovia, Election Correspondent[/align]


With four months since May now behind us, the North Pacific, over the last few weeks, has undergone its general elections for the Delegate, Vice Delegate, Speaker, and Attorney General positions.



The Candidates


For Delegate: McMasterdonia, Bobberino, Nessuno, and Bormiar.

For Vice Delegate: Artemis.

For Speaker: Gorundu and Dreadton.

For Attorney General: Goyanes, Canton, and Lady Raven Wing.



The Election for DelegateThe Election for Vice DelegateThe Election for SpeakerThe Election for Attorney General
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by Krevt, Interviewer[/align]



Krevt: Good Evening, Ladies and Gentlemen! Today I am joined by General Robespierre of the North Pacific Army, who has been recently sworn in as the Minister of Defense here in the North Pacific. How are you doing, Robes?


RobespierreKrevtRobespierreKrevtRobespierreKrevtRobespierreKrevtRobespierre: Go ahead.


KrevtRobespierreKrevtRobespierreKrevtRobespierreKrevt: Is there something other than NationStates that keeps you nearly as energetic and proactive as you are here? How did you first find yourself coming onto the site?


RobespierreKrevt: What can the people of TNP expect from you and your governance in the coming future i.e what are your future plans within TNP?


RobespierreKrevtRobespierreKrevtRobespierreKrevt: I think it did anything but that, in truth. Anyhow, this has been yet another edition of the Spotlight on the North Star publication! Today it was with Robespierre, but next month it could even be you - find out in coming issues! Good day, and thank you for reading!

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by Robespierre, Military Correspondent
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Leadership


Minister of Defense (MoD): General Robespierre

Deputy Ministers of Defense (DMoDs):

Colonel Koopa and Colonel Trondstorm
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The North Pacific Army's finest line up alongside their friends from the South Pacific Special Forces, the Rejected Realms Army, and the Europeian Republican Navy; excited for a productive day of joint operations
Private Ocelot was promoted to Private First Class

Major Bobberino was promoted to Colonel
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by Dinoium, Legislative Correspondent
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The North Pacific asking what happened to its flag in the Legal Code.


Speaker: GorunduNS

Deputy Speakers: DarcaniaNS

YukkiraNS


[size=medium]VOTING TABLE



EMERGENCY FLAG BILL


Summary of the billthis image. Deputy Speaker Darcania immediately proposed reverting the images back to their previous conditions.


[size=medium]Goals of the bill


Amending the Flag code to revert the Flag and CoA back to its previous status.


Criticism of the bill

The bill surprisingly has little criticism other than jokes about opposing and the question of allowing the Speaker to update the flag in the future in case of file deletion.


Voting Breakdown

]Aye

Xentherida

QuietDad

Great Bights Mum

Zaz

Pallaith

Sil Dorsett

Brendog

Siwale

Malphe

mcmasterdonia

BluieGamer

Dinoium

Syrixia

Artemis

Sanjurika

Drusselstein

Eluvatar

El Fiji Grande

Praetor

St George

Dreadton

Darcania

Scottie

Scorch

Gorundu

Trondstorm

Fregerson

Ali nakhjavani

The Federalist

Wonderess

Kaschovia

Krevt

r3naissanc3r

Yukkira


Nay

Yalkan

Vapia

Lady Raven Wing


Abstain

Lord Lore


THE VEXILLUM BILLUM


Summary of the bill

After years of the same year and due to people begging the question of using the coat of arms on a flag is illegal, Deputy Speaker Darcania and Culture Minister Prydania proposed a new flag.


Goals of the bill

Amending the flag to this.


Criticism of the bill

Many people resisted the change simply because of stubbornness and preferring the current flag over the new proposed one.


Voting Breakdown

]Aye

Xentherida

Great Bights Mum

Goyanes

Prydania

Lotion

BluieGamer

Dinoium

Syrixia

Bobberino

St George

Islands of Tonga

Yalkan

Dreadton

Darcania

Scottie

Trondstorm

Lady Raven WIng

Ali nakhjavani

Wonderess


Nay

QuietDad

Zaz

Owenstacey

Pallaith

Sil Dorsett

Crushing Our Enemies

Brendog

abc

Siwale

Aerilia

Malphe

mcmasterdonia

Sanjurika

Bootsie

Eluvatar

El Fiji Grande

Praetor

Haor Chall

Pasargad

Wilkshire

Vapia

plembobria

Robespierre

Gorundu

Illderia

mikim

Inven

Kaschovia


Abstain

Artemis

ACR of Deerfenland

Fregerson


DISCUSSION TABLE


PEACE TERMS ACCEPTANCE AMENDMENT


Summary of the bill

A newcomer Citizen named IkeaRike saw that there was a loophole in our current laws about accepting peace, so he proposed an amendment to fix this.


Goal of the bill

Amends Clause 6.4, Clause 18 of the Legal Code to state that a state of war exists until formal peace treaty, surrender terms, or similar is 2/3rd approved by the Regional Assembly.


Criticism of the bill

Many people see the term "or similar" as too vague, and many people complain about making it 2/3rd instead of the simple 50%+1.


THE BETTER BANNER BILL


Summary of the bill

Due to confusion of when the CoA is authorized to be used, former Vice Delegate Bootsie proposed fixing the issue.


Goal of the bill

Repealing Section 10.1.5 of the Legal Code because of issues when CoA can be used.


Criticism of the bill

People think the CoA should remain a Government-only thing, and even Bootsie has had some difficulty arguing when for the bill due to the many loopholes that exist.


FOI REFORM ACT


Summary of the bill

Former Speaker ABC proposed a bill to amend the current Freedom of Information system.


Goal of the bill

All governmental archives, both from the Executive staff and Speaker office and on both Discord and the Forums, must be released within 30 days after a year it has been posted or made.


Criticism of the bill

Tons of people are against it because of ABC's intentions and the complications of doing it.


DISCARDED BILLS


REGIONAL ASSEMBLY MODERATION


Summary of the bill

A newcomer Citizen named Adom Jersey proposed a bill which in the end due to spam and unnecessary, was locked.


Goal of the bill

Increase the number of members in all of The North Pacific's "departments", whether it be executive, security, home affairs, etc..


Criticism of the bill

It was honestly silly. There was no way to increase the population of our Ministries and there is no "Security Department". In the end, Deputy Attorney General Dinoium requested for it to be locked and was locked by the Speaker.[/align]


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by Gorundu, World Assembly Correspondent
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]General Assembly

Improving the world one resolution at a timeBan on Forced Sterilisation



Status: Defeated

Delegate's vote: Against

Final vote (World): For - 6374; Against - 7537

Final vote (TNP): For - 180; Against - 343; Percentage of WA nations voting: 39.44%
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Recommendation: Despite the good intentions of this resolution, it falls victim to several discrepancies that undermine its own effectiveness. Firstly, Clause 2.1 allows guardians of minors to legally consent to sterilisation on behalf of a minor, undermining the integrity and the spirit of the bill. In addition, several clauses are plagued by ambiguity that again undermines effectiveness. Clause 3.2 requires a state to "reasonably punish people who carry out illegal sterilisation" which does not specify what might count as reasonable punishment. Clause 4 "urges member states to provide reparations for victims of forced sterilisation." Again, this is too vague to be of any effective benefit and ultimately, no reparation is adequate to any sort of degree as there are no proven ways to give back to an individual the biological means to reproduce once sterilized. While this proposal is well-intentioned, it should in essence, be considered a draft for a much larger and more comprehensive bill on the topic of limiting forced sterilization.


In accordance with the reasoning presented above and in hopes of a redraft, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote Against this proposal.
Repeal "Prohibit Private Prisons"


Status: Passed

Delegate's vote: For

Final vote (World): For - 10599; Against - 3354

Final vote (TNP): For - 466; Against - 84; Percentage of WA nations voting: 42.11%
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Recommendation: The target resolution is well-intentioned, but possesses many flaws that undermines its effectiveness, as outlined by this repeal. Firstly, the target's definition of "prison" was too narrow in scope, excluding facilities holding prisoners before their conviction and any non-permanent facilities, thus creating loopholes for private prisons to exist, and even incentives for private prison operators to delay trials, encourage arrests, and frustrate the justice process. Furthermore, the target resolution also created several loopholes in its definition of a "private prison", including allowing governments to lease prisons to private operators, and minority ownership and operation of prisons by private entities.


In hopes of a replacement that will better protect inmate rights and regulate private prisons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this repeal. resolution
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Security Council

Spreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessaryCondemn Koem Kab



Status: Passed

Delegate's vote: For

Final vote (World): For - 9628; Against - 2648

Final vote (TNP): For - 423; Against - 69; Percentage of WA nations voting: 37.50%
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Recommendation: Koem Kab, as described is worthy of condemnation for their assorted actions in pursuit of their goals in playing the trading cards mini-game. Many of these actions are in direct opposition or strongly disapproved by the majority of the trading cards community. Among these actions is the deliberate hoarding of the cards of certain legendary nations in attempts to ensure that no one else can get any of them, and Legendary cards in general. Additionally, Koem Kab has deliberately inflated the price of many cards in order to artificially raise the value of their own collections and stealing the bank transfers of other card farmers. For future reference, it should be noted that gameplay within this card community is something to behold and acknowledged both in this and future proposals.


For these reasons, and others listed in the Condemnation, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this proposal.
Commend Mikeswill


Status: Defeated

Delegate's vote: Against

Final vote (World): For - 2924; Against - 10905

Final vote (TNP): For - 76; Against - 444; Percentage of WA nations voting: 39.82%
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Recommendation: The SC proposal at hand is written first and foremost by an author universally disliked by the decent regions and nations of the world for both their various self-aggradizaition and fascist nature. Furthermore, the nominee is being commended almost entirely for holding a regional delegacy for a long period of time, with little to no other notable features noted to their delegacy. Additionally, the proposal has received only the minimum of drafting needed in order to secure legality (with a previous version being illegal as submitted). Finally, the proposal asserts that "this Security Council has honoured nations for far lesser feats," a exceedingly false claim and slander against the names of those so commended by the Security Council.


For these reasons the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs strongly and unconditionally recommends a vote AGAINST the proposal.
The North Star: Lighting The Way To The Truth


Publisher: McMasterdonia :: Executive Editor: Kaschovia :: Managing Editors: Dinoium, Marcus Antonius


The North Star is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and is distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.


Index of Issues[/align]
 
xD Thanks for the report and the invitation Gorundu! The gamer party looks super fun... I'm gonna pop in. :3
 
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by Robespierre, Minister of Defense
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Leadership


Minister of Defense (MoD): General Robespierre

Deputy Ministers of Defense (DMoDs):

Colonel Koopa and Colonel Trondstorm
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Troops from the Legio Pacifica of the New Pacific Order arrive at the North Pacific Army's military base stationed on the outskirts of Magicality City in preparation for the East Pacific's liberation effort
Lieutenant Agadir was promoted to Captain

Private First Class Gorundu was promoted to Corporal

Private Greater Saint-Paul was promoted to Private First Class

Corporal Rom was promoted to Sergeant

Warrant Officer (DMoD) Trondstorm was promoted to Lieutenant
TNS Issue XII
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by Kaschovia, Legislative CorrespondentRegional Assembly Highlights, October 2019


Speaker: Gorundu

Deputy Speakers: Yukkira, Darcania


Passed


The proposals that passed through the Regional Assembly in the month of October were the 'Emergency Flag Bill', and the 'Peace Terms Acceptance Amendment'.


Emergency Flag Bill by Darcaniathis image. Deputy Speaker Darcania immediately proposed reverting the images back to their previous conditions.


Results: 34 ayes, 3 nays, and 1 abstention.


Status: Passed


Peace Terms Acceptance Amendment by IkeaRike


Summary: An amendment to Section 6.4, Clause 18 of the Legal Code, this bill clarifies conditions around the recognition of all terms, formal or otherwise, rather than just treaties, that can end a war, and establishing a voting requirement for ending wars through a simple majority vote in the Regional Assembly.


Results: 22 ayes, 9 nays, and 4 abstention.


Status: Passed


Current Business


The proposals discussed for the month of October were the 'Lessening Repeating Work (L.R.W.) Bill', and 'Criminalising Espionage in Our Partner Regions'.


The Lessening Repeating Work (L.R.W.) Bill by Praetor


Summary: An amendment to the way that elections are run in the North Pacific. This bill introduces some grammatical fixes to the election laws, changes the method of election for Court Justices to a preferential voting system instead of first past the post, and includes methods for dealing with candidates that either become ineligible or withdraw during the voting period. This bill additionally deals with instances of ties at the end of the voting period.


Status: In Discussion


Criminalising Espionage in Our Partner Regions by St George


Summary: An amendment to Section 1.2 of the Legal Code, criminalises espionage in all of our partner regions through the rewording of several clauses, so that alliances ratified by the Regional Assembly, and non-aggression pacts, are included.


Status: In Discussion


Clarifying Vagueness in Peace Terms Amendment by Dinoium


Summary: As the title suggests, this proposal aims to amend both a grammatical error, and a vagueness in wording of the Peace Terms Amendment bill passed by the Regional Assembly.


Status: In Discussion[/align]


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by Brendog, World Assembly Correspondent
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General Assembly

Improving the world one resolution at a timeRepeal "Preventing Desertification"


Status: Passed | Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 11,639 (86.6%); Against - 1,797 (13.4%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 465 (90.0%); Against - 51 (10.0%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 39.5%[/align]


Recommendation: The target resolution was an attempt to address the damaging consequences of desertification with a call to action on member states to confront the phenomenon within their nation and a grant of authority to the WA Environmental Council to oversee such efforts. Based on the proposed repeal and our previous arguments found during the voting period of the original proposal, we find the measures urged by this proposal both weak and fair ineffective. Various aspects of desertification and the contributing factors therein are generally ignored and vaguely defined when addressed. The duties granted to the WAEC are fundamentally insufficient to address the alleged magnitude of the issue. This has unfortunately created a resolution that is fiscally unproductive and blocks stronger potential legislation on the subject.


Seeing that this proposed repeal is an ends of means for paving the way for new and improved legislation on this topic, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote ForBan on Sterilisation of Minors Etc


Status: Passed | Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 10,312 (76.7%); Against - 3,139 (23.3%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 440 (84.5%); Against - 81 (15.5%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 41.3%[/align]


Recommendation: This proposal is intended to fill a gap that was highlighted in previous legislation attempts at addressing the rights those who are seeking surgery to alter their sexual identity. This issue boils down to legal guardians having full authority on the sterilisation of their minors they are legally responsible for. This surgery, by nature, is totally irreversible and therefore requires a high level of scrutiny when making this very sensitive medical decision. As such, this proposal will aim to prevent dangerous and/or coerced surgery that the minor does not want or need. This will reduce possible abuse and give rights to those minors who would otherwise be helpless in this situation should it involve parental/guardian bad actors.


In conclusion, it is great to be able to work with and support Imperium Anglorum as a WALL ally in assisting this proposal in passing. Therefore, in accordance with the reasoning displayed above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote ForResponsible Land Mangement


Status: Passed | Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 11,351 (76.9%); Against - 3,409 (23.1%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 481 (91.5%); Against - 61 (8.5%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 42.8%[/align]


Recommendation: This proposal aims to minimize environmentally harmful practices and effects that may lead to desertification. This is achieved through the establishment of a committee that tasks with testing, reporting, and educating member nations so as to how to most effectively deal with the various environmental hazards present in their local region(s). The proposal further targets a few specific scenarios that narrow the scope of the resolution somewhat. While not ideal, this proposal is harmless in application and will work to provide a net gain in environmental awareness and quality to WA member nations.


In accordance with this reasoning, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote ForFinancial and Economic Education


Status: Passed | Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 11,435 (84.0%); Against - 2,185 (16.0%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 482 (91.5%); Against - 45 (8.5%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 42.0%[/align]


Recommendation: The GA proposal "Financial and Economic Education" aims to increase general awareness of important topics such as financial mathematics, currency, and economics, all of which are pivotal concepts that are greatly beneficial to learn. This goal of increasing knowledge among the populace is to be achieved by mandating WA member nations to educate its citizens on these important financial and economic concepts. This acquired knowledge of said concepts can make it significantly easier for those transitioning into adulthood to manage their life and get adjusted to adult living.


Seeing how this proposal is completely beneficial to the greater WA community, the Ministry of WA Affairs recommends a vote ForPromoting Natural Sciences in Schools


Status: Passed | Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 13,316 (91.4%); Against - 1,246 (8.6%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 483 (85.5%); Against - 82 (14.5%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 44.9%[/align]


Recommendation: Against
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Security Council

Spreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessaryRepeal "Condemn The Black Hawks"


Status: Failed | Delegate's Vote: Against

Final Vote (World): For - 2,206 (17.6%); Against - 10,271 (82.4%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 50 (9.7%); Against - 463 (90.3%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 40.1%[/align]


Recommendation: AgainstThe North Star: Lighting The Way To The Truth

Publisher: McMasterdonia :: Executive Editor: Kaschovia :: Managing Editor: Darcania :: Coordinator: Marcus Antonius


The North Star is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and is distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.


Index of Issues[/align]
 
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by Bobberino, War Correspondent
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Leadership


Minister of Defense: Trondstorm

Deputy Ministers of Defense: Lieutenant Rom
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by Angshire, Interviewer[/align]


Angshire: So, first things first, are you new to NationStates? Also, what encouraged you to come to the North Pacific?


Koopa: Im probably around a year old or so, maybe a little more. My nation initially formed in TNP, and after moving around for a while, I eventually found myself back here and ended up staying.


Angshire: Well that's definitely interesting!


Angshire: Did anything in particular bring you back?


Koopa: I guess I always associated it with home, since it was where I started. I was also intrigued by it being a democracy, so I felt like it was a fitting place for what was my relatively small nation to grow.


Angshire: TNP does have a very stable democratic system, that is true.


Angshire: Have you gotten involved in the government, whether in the executive branch or otherwise?


Koopa: I am currently the Deputy Minister of Defense, this being my second term.


Angshire: So you are both a Deputy and an NPA colonel?


Angshire: Quite an impressive resume!


Angshire: So do you have any other goals that you want to accomplish within TNP government?


Koopa: I do hope to become Minister of Defense at some point, and maybe even become a full fledged General down the line.


Angshire: What about the delegacy or anything of that branch of government? Do you see yourself ever ending up there?


Koopa: The delegacy seems like a bit of a stretch, never really had goals in that sector. That being said, I do have a lot of respect for the people who can pull it off.


Angshire: What about the RP section of TNP?


Angshire: Are you active in that area?


Koopa: No, I have yet to engage in the RP sector. I'm not even active on the RMB. Nothing against roleplayers, it's just not my cup of tea.


Angshire: Ah yes, I totally get that.


Angshire: You definitely seem to be very skilled in the defense part of TNP, and I noticed how you have risen through the ranks.


Angshire: Before we wrap this up, do you have any questions you'd like to ask of me, or anything else you'd like to answer?


Koopa: Nothing from me, aside from saying that you have been an excellent host.


Angshire: Why thank you very much!


Angshire: I had a splendid time interviewing you :)


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by Kaschovia, Minister of CommunicationsRegional Assembly Highlights, November 2019


Speaker: Deropia


Current Business


The current business for the RA for the month of November is the act for Committee Codification by Wonderess (in discussion), and the repeal of the Unicorn Star Accord and the adoption of the Unicorn Star Treaty between the North Pacific and the Rejected Realms.


An Act for Committee Codification by Wonderess


Summary: This proposal aims to grant the Speaker the right to create committees made up of citizens to serve the purposes of the Regional Assembly, the structure and scope of which would be determined by law.


Status: In Discussion


The Unicorn Star Treaty


Summary: A proposal which aims to repeal the Unicorn Star Treaty currently legally in effect, and adopt the new Unicorn Star Treaty in its place, between the North Pacific and the Rejected Realms.


Status: At Vote


Passed


The proposals that passed through the Regional Assembly in the month of November were the repeal of the North Pacific and Albion Security Treaty, confirmations of Siwale and Crushing Our Enemies to the Election Commission, confirmations of Marcus Antonius to the Security Council and 'Criminilising Espionage in Our Partner Regions'.


Repeal of the North Pacific and Albion Security Treaty


Summary: Due to an inactivity that does not seem to be ending on Albion's part, the Regional Assembly of the North Pacific, by majority, has decided to repeal the security treaty shared by the two regions.


Results: 24 ayes, 1 nay, and 3 abstentions.


Confirmation of Marcus Antonius to the Security Council


Summary: Marcus Antonius' confirmation of membership on the Security Council was supported overwhelmingly, despite concern over Marcus' lack of experience in major leadership roles, due to his enthusiasm


Results: 25 ayes, 3 nays, and 5 abstentions.


Status: Passed


Confirmations of Siwale and Crushing Our Enemies to the Election Commission


Summary: The Delegate appointed Siwale and Crushing Our Enemies to the Election Commission, and so the RA discussed and eventually voted to confirm the appointees' membership on the Commission.


Crushing Our Enemies: 26 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 abstentions.

Siwale: 28 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 abstentions.


Status: Passed


Criminalising Espionage in Our Partner Regions by St George


Summary: An amendment to Section 1.2 of the Legal Code, this proposal criminalises espionage in all of our partner regions through the rewording of several clauses, so that alliances ratified by the Regional Assembly, as well as non-aggression pacts, are included.


Results: 34 ayes, 3 nays, and 1 abstention.


Status: Passed
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By Deerfenland, World Assembly Correspondent
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General Assembly

Improving the world one resolution at a timeProtecting Borrower Rights


Status: Passed

Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For: 11,637 Against: 3,020

Final Vote (TNP): For: 464 Against: 78 Percentage of WA nations voting: 39.81%


Recommendation: This proposal aims to alter the way we deal with debt and the ability to repay for those who fall into debt. It achieves this by eliminating the harmful practices that deliberately target those who are in debt, such as criminalising the act of having debt so far as to punishing it via forced labor. While not infringing on member nation's ability to enforce the law, this proposal allows citizens the ability to repay their debts by keeping them out of jail and in the workforce or whatever method they may have to procure the required funds to repay their debts. This proposal also protects citizens ability to make investments with higher risk that would otherwise land someone in jail for making an investment that went negatively. This allows greater investment into small business and otherwise risky ventures that could ultimately benefit the greater community via their success.


In accordance with this reasoning, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this proposal.
The Amelioration of Maritime Conditions


Status: Defeated

Delegate's Vote: Against

Final Vote (World): For: 3,286 Against: 11,679

Final Vote (TNP): For: 132 Against: 426 Percentage of WA nations voting: 43.83%


Recommendation: The Amelioration Of Maritime Conditions has the laudable intent of monitoring and reducing the number of pollutants released by member nations into the hydrosphere, however, it fails in properly executing that goal. The Ministry has reviewed the proposal and has found that its scope is too narrow to have any meaningful effect, as it only requires the governments of member nations to record the pollutants they release into water supplies. The Ministry also believes that the pollutant reduction target is poorly set, as the "recorded international average" is a poor metric to use when setting international targets. The mandate of reducing the pollutants by this arbitrary value is also very difficult to enforce given that exactly recording 'any and all' pollutants is an unreasonable task. Further, a committee is perhaps a better option here, by handling the collection and distribution of the data and working specifically with member nations to reduce their pollution where possible.

For these reasons, and in hopes that a redraft will occur, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote against the proposal.




Convention On Animal Testing


Status: Passed

Delegate's Vote: Against

Final Vote (World): For: 7,621 Against: 7,310

Final Vote (TNP): For: 190 Against: 356 Percentage of WA nations voting: 42.62%
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Recommendation: Convention on Animal Testing is well-meaning in its attempt to place ethical restrictions on the use of animal test subjects, however, the Ministry is unable to recommend support at this time. Upon close inspection, the proposal would seem to allow for undue pain and suffering caused by negligence. It should also be noted that the proposal requires that "all procedures" be documented and reported to the World Assembly Bioethics Board. Without a proper definition, the Ministry believes this to be an overreach and would include something as simple as shaving fur for future placement of testing devices. Further, it is concerning that the World Assembly Bioethics Board appears to acts as a judicial entity; while this is something that extant legislation has done in the past, we must question the necessity of the practice in regards to a subject such as animal testing.


For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote against the proposal.
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Security Council


Spreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessary
Commend Grays Harbor

Status: Passed

Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For: 11,013 Against: 2,464

Final Vote (TNP): For: 459 Against: 45 Percentage of WA nations voting: 39.56%
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Recommendation: Gray's Harbor has been a long time member of the NS community who has shown extensive activity in a notable UCR, contributed multiple proposals and GA illegal proposal shenanigans, and is a seasoned RnDer. GH possesses the longest tenure of any other delegate in the new defunct The Heartland in which they helped saved them in 2003 by brokering a deal with Texas and Wysteria to protect The Heartland from invading forces. GH has also passed three General Assembly proposals and established the "Illegal Proposals" thread in the WA forums which became a quickly growing repository of humorous and silly proposal attempts in the GA. Finally, GH has a history as a defender who participated in various notable events as well as designing and a world map for the regions he was involved in.


In line with the reasoning above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this proposal.
Condemn Atlantic

Status: Passed

Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For: 10,050 Against: 3,223

Final Vote (TNP): For: 469 Against: 42 Percentage of WA nations voting: 39.82%
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Recommendation: The Atlantic is a region with a demonstrated history of unbridled imperialism in the NS R&D sphere. Throughout their history they have threatened and invaded close allies and friends of TNP including Europe, The South Pacific, The West Pacific, and The Rejected Realms. Numerous UCRs were also harmed by repeat invasions so much that they were reduced to bits and pieces of their former selves. This behavior in this context is unacceptable, especially so when done to allies of TNP.


In accordance with the reasoning above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this proposal.
Liberate Aurelia

Status: Passed

Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For: 12,414 Against: 2,236

Final Vote (TNP): For: 486 Against: 52 Percentage of WA nations voting: 41.83%
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Recommendation: For sake of clarity in this IFV, Aurelia is the region that was invaded and is being liberated, and Auralia is the invading force that is the aggressor.


The region known as Aurelia has been under the tyrannical control of the similarly-named Auralia for nearly a year. In this time, the invaders have been banjecting the natives, clearing World Factbook entries, suppressing RMB posts, and password-protecting the region to prevent the original inhabitants from reclaiming it. The primary cause for this liberation stems from the fact that the region of Auralia has expressed its desire to refound Aurelia, wiping out all of the region's history and culture permanently. Additionally, Auralia is founded by the individual known as Nephmir, who is known for various acts of attempted raiding and threats against a number of GCRs and UCRs, including 'war' with TWP. They, and their childish creations, should not be allowed victories.


Given the reasons above, the Ministry of the World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this proposal.
The North Star: Lighting The Way To The Truth

Publisher: McMasterdonia :: Executive Editor: Kaschovia :: Managing Editor: Marcus Antonius


The North Star is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and is distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.


Index of Issues[/align]
 
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by Praetor
It is frequently commented that The North Pacific (TNP) is raider in all but name by those outside of the region. Less frequently comments are made of this nature from citizens of the region itself.


Both are wrong.


Raiderism is fundamentally incompatible with TNP. While this should be fairly self-evident, apparently it is not. Prior to explaining the basic facts which make TNP and raiderism mutually exclusive, it is best to specify exactly what is meant by raiderism. By raiderism, I refer not to the raiding itself, nor to the mechanics of raiding, nor regions which are raider. I refer to instead the ideology of raiderism and all of that which is contained within; from raider unity to senseless and purposeless destruction of regions to without reason preventing resolutions from obtaining quorum to knocking over Delegate streaks for their own amusement.


It is this package which is at odds with TNP.



TNP takes part in various regular activities of raiding from replacing native Delegates, tagging, and ejecting nations. The latter of which only done in Warzones or on liberations.


As such any proposals that argue TNP should be raider are advocating for either increased raider activities (either in severity or frequency) or a decreasement in defensive actions. In a similar vein, those that state TNP is already raider ignore the necessity for TNP of defensive actions.





Some of these reasons may be accomplished by more than one different type of operation or may partially be accomplished by all (eg. literally any operation contributes towards maintaining activity). However, each and every other reason will be conducted by the NPA at some point whether deliberate or incidentally in accomplishing another goal.


The mechanics by which each objective can be accomplished differ whether that is by an operation which is classified as raiding or as defending. The NPA is active regardless of whether it is tagging or detagging regions. The NPA can advance our foreign policy by working with other regions regardless of their alignment by once again tagging or detagging regions.





The NPA may partake in different operations whether they be raiding or defending, the proportion and activity of these operations will fluctuate at times.


But at the end of the day? When all is said and done? We may raid but we will never be raiders. We need defending.


Freedom 4 Dummies: A Reader's Guide to the Politics Behind Harmoneia's "In Defense of Morality in NationStates." A Precursory Piece.by Grim Reaper[/align]


Harmoneia's "In Defense of Morality in NationStates" explores the concept of Hegelian freedom as a basis for participation in NationStates as a game. Beginning by stepping away from 'realpolitiks' as a method for understanding NationStates' political relationships, Harmoneia rejects the realist model of politics on the grounds of the meaninglessness of its utilitarianism in cyber-reality. Instead, Harmoneia proposes that politics in NationStates must be understood as an experience only meaningful through the application of ideals & morals - in line with Hegelian ethics, true freedom can only come by being free to adopt a moralist framework that reflects one's personal convictions. To 'win' the game of NationStates, if there is no material goal to achieve, then the goals must be moral ideals.


Harmoneia's work is effectively a meta-ethical approach to the NationStates environment, covering some of the fundamental questions of political philosophy and their applicability to a game. Her argument against 'realpolitiks' is an underpinning concern of modern international relations, where post-realist scholars argue that utility in the real world is similarly immaterial to that of NationStates. The schism of modern IR (international relations) is concerned with the definition of utility, with different schools discussing either an ontological approach (i.e. that states have an identity that they aim to secure, and which traditionally happens to, but does not necessarily, constitute a largely realist approach to the world, associated with "social constructivism"), or a normative approach (i.e. that states aim to maximise their moral structures through both domestic law and international law, the latter of which is facilitated by modern global capitalism, associated with "IR liberalism").


A benefit of her proposed moral truth framework is that it avoids the promotion of meaningless utilitarian goals that lead to zero-sum games - wherein regions can only achieve their goals by damaging the goals of other regions; a critique of modern realism's ability to predict international cooperation. Her seemingly abstract, philosophical argument that Hegelian freedom permits a healthy game-environment for the emergence of new systemic ideals therefore produces a meaningful conclusion, in that it simultaneously maximises the ability for individuals to adopt and achieve non-contradictory political goals.



In Defense of Morality in NationStates: An Argument from the Perspective of Freedomby Harmoneia[/align]






Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows. - George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four





For our purposes, however, I shall define morality as a set of values through which we can measure the rightness or wrongness of our actions, and the game as its life-world, where the players are its agents.





The argument I aim to make is a simple one: that if we take the notion of freedom as a necessary component of the game, then it must be that 1) moral truth is to be measured by what we push forth as the struggle for freedom which, in our case, is the freedom to choose and experience our ends as players; and that 2) objective morality is a necessary element to ensure the flourishing of the whole of the game which is more than the sum of its parts.


Freedom as Objective Ethical Truth














In other words, freedom understood as becoming one with the movement of an organic system, is what relates our freedom to the freedoms of others, presenting us with a robust notion of freedom which is not confined to one section of players, but to others as well, making fulfillment possible in a multi-layered network of players.


In this same vein, freedom as fulfillment appeals to a type of essentialism that is not inherent but is contingent. Ethical objectivity can thus exist but not in a fixed manner; that is, for every circumstance there exists a right that is unquestionably correct, but for every changing circumstance, the objective truth for those specific circumstances are also changing. This is the necessity of contingency that is meant when determining what ought to be done in specific situations, and in this sense it can avoid the problems associated with both the lack of moral truth, but also the dogmatism associated with it when we try to impose a universal set of values for changing situations.





In other words, freedom is only the freedom to play as individual players in an environment of mutual consent. The capabilities of a region to direct its own fate, by its own natives, must be affirmed.


Spontaneous Unity and Emergence


What this means is that everything must be put to an order, allowing for the possibility of moral truth. That is, "freedom" as the freedom not to be infringed; the freedom to be right, in order for the possibility of emergence to exist. In other words, though parts are distinct, they are inherently connected and one small act against the internal movement of the whole can cause significant damage to a significant community.














Footnotes:


The Musings of a Soldierby Trondstorm[/align]


When I joined NationStates, I was solely an issues-answerer. But later on, I wanted to get more involved in the game and explore new ways to play. So, as all new players do, I asked myself: What am I doing here? What should I stay for? And is it worth my time, effort, and attention?

At the surface, NS is a simple browser-based political simulator that parodies real life issues, puts whimsical, exaggerated twists on them, and gives you the choice to implement laws in your own personal and fictional society, with no end, and no victory. You can do what you wish with the people of your nation.



Under the surface, however, there are many different levels to the game. The various communities are proud and vibrant, with ideas and dearly-held beliefs flowing from all corners. Some invest their time in role-playing, while others devote themselves to the advancement of the game-world and its politics, but the most intriguing concept, to me, is participation in Military Gameplay, otherwise known as Raiding/Defending (R/D).





Presently, after serving in several operations, all varying in motives, methods and sizes, I can say that military gameplay is one of the most worthwhile actions in NS. I find it amusing that R/D brings out emotions that may seem outlandish for a Text-Based Political Simulator; There is that lingering enthusiasm for prospective operations, the adrenaline rush for every Go order issued and the sense of accomplishment in every region hit. Even in failed operations, the opportunity to try again and improve are too good to pass upon. The R/D community is unparalleled; with different active organizations, each with their own policies and hierarchies, conducting their own, or joint sets of missions. The camaraderie within an organization is beyond question. These individuals have gone above and beyond to make NS warfare thrilling, and they are not shown signs of stopping.





Independence Builds Strong Communitiesby McMasterdonia[/align]


Independence builds strong communities - and the evidence for this has never been stronger or more apparent. Nevertheless, at times, independence comes under criticism. It cannot fit easily into a box or the more traditional constraints that are placed upon regions, so like anything that challenges the norm - especially as it does so so successfully - it becomes a target of traditionalists. Some vaguely suggest that independence is in decline, or no longer relevant. Others dismiss it as raidersim by another name. A few assert that there is strength in fanatic idealism. However, as with most polarizing arguments in NationStates, examples are rarely offered to support these claims.





This definition has historically come into conflict with the traditionalist view of regions based upon where they sat on the spectrum of raiding and defending. Independence challenges these traditional viewpoints and instead advocates for a more pragmatic approach to military gameplay.


Independence As Foreign Policy

Independence has allowed for regions to adopt a more diversified foreign policy. Foreign relationships and partnerships are based upon the cultural identities of the regions involved. This takes into consideration more important facets of regional life, such as roleplay, issue answering, World Assembly engagement, democratic ideals and more recently, even NationStates cards. Foreign policy of regions that strictly adhere to defending or raiding foreign and military policy are less likely to put much emphasis on these aspects of regional life, as instead, these relationships are viewed entirely through the perspective of raiding or defending.


Effectively, most major regions embrace an Independent philosophy. While some regions may choose to subscribe to another label, the reality is that these regions are taking an Independent approach to their foreign policy. These regions maintain a wide variety of relationships with regions on both sides of the ideological divide - or at least, they attempt to do so, in some shape or form.


The Independent ideology has allowed regions such as The North Pacific to establish long-lasting bilateral and multilateral relationships that have stood the test of time, survived wider conflicts in the NS world, and persevered through many of the summer lulls. These enduring relationships have persevered because of the deep ties that are much broader than the relationships formed by those only concerned with where a region sits on the ideological spectrum.


Independence As Regional Culture

An Independent philosophy assists in the sustainable development of the region. Given that Independence focuses not just on militaristic activity, or how xyz services that activity, it is not treated as the sole priority or driver of a region's success. The result is a holistic development of all aspects of NationStates life - including the development of diverse roleplay communities, a proactive engagement with the World Assembly and the fostering of democratic ideals.


Furthermore, Independence results in a more diverse community. Unlike regions that strictly adhere to raiderism or defenderism, independence fosters community openness. Independent regions are accepting of almost all players and do not set barriers to entry based upon a player's raider or defender alignment. As a consequence, this diversity leads to a better region - and generally a better government. The elected government will be one that prioritizes the delivery of services for the community, ensuring the meteoric rise of officials with diverse skill sets, viewpoints and areas of focus.


Everything put together ensures that Independent regions thrive, and that they will continue to thrive for many years to come.The Northern Lights: Beauty in Truth

Publisher: McMasterdonia :: Executive Editors: Kaschovia & Marcus Antonius


The Northern Lights is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Except where otherwise indicated, all content does not represent the views of the Government of The North Pacific.


Index of issues[/align]
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Double Whammy this time! TNL and TNS just happen to drop at the same time :)
 
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[size=medium]Statement on the Confederation of Corrupt Dictators operations against The North PacificJocosporUnited Massachusettsherefiled indictments against the individuals involved. We will continue to target the Confederation of Corrupt Dictators itself with our retaliatory recruitment and will strike against any region that maintains any ties with the Confederation of Corrupt Dictators.


It is clear from this plot that the Confederation of Corrupt Dictators, with Jocospor at the helm, has delusions of grandeur and empire. Its rhetoric regarding the common nation and opposition to elites rings hollow. It is not a region led by a pretend fascist, but an actual fascist, one who consorts with neo-nazi groups in secret, beyond the knowledge of even his Supreme Council.


We continue to oppose this direction and will continue to stand up against fascist forces in NationStates. We will not stand for this inexcusable behavior, whether it is directed at us, our allies, or our neighbors in this game. And we call on all regions to take the same stand.


Yours sincerely,


McMasterdonia

Delegate of The North Pacific
 
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by Rom, War Correspondent
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Leadership


Minister of Defense: Trondstorm

Deputy Minister of Defense: Colonel Rom
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During the month of December, the NPA participated in a variety of operations. Whether it was going on tag runs, doing some detags, raiding regions with our allies, or partaking in a liberation or two, we definitely had plenty of operations to do in December.



Having just wrapped up our hold in Cretanja Queendom with our allies, we decided to go on a joint tag run with TBH on the 7th of December. In this joint tag run, there were three teams of tag raiders that consisted of both TBH and NPA soldiers, and we were able to tag well over 40 regions between the three teams. We also participated in another raid with TBH, and other allies including the ERN, LWU, LKE, and Balder. With NPA soldiers and soldiers from those allied militaries, we partook in a raid of Cretenja Kingdom during the 22 of December. The NPA would also proceed to stay in the region, and help our friends hold the region until the conclusion of that operation.



The NPA also did several solo operations during the month of December as well, including several tag runs, a detag run, some liberations, and a successful defense as well. During the month of December, we did five tag runs, and tagged a total of 16 regions. Besides the tag runs, we also did a detag run, where we detagged 5 regions. We also liberated our close ally Stargate on the 23rd of December. Other operations the NPA did over December was a Liberation of the region The Tyrannian Empire, where we thwarted a refound attempt that was made by The Vedigothic Imperium during the December 16 Major. During that same update, the NPA also successfully defended a region, World Alliance of Kingdoms and Empires, from a TVI invasion, that one with the help of TITO.



The NPA concluded 2019 with a tag run on the 27th of December, where we tagged a total of 4 regions. We had a very great 2019, where we continued to partake in a wide variety of operations, and we kept ourselves very busy over the last year.


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by El Fiji Grande and Angshire[/align]

El Fiji Grande: What made you decide to join TNP?


Angshire: Well, my nation Angshire was founded here. I decided to start getting involved in the community, first with roleplay, and then with government.


El Fiji Grande: When joining NS, nations are bombarded by recruitment telegrams. What about our community made you decide to stay?


Angshire: One of the telegrams that I received told me to block out all recruitment telegrams, which I did.


El Fiji Grande: It took you nearly three weeks to gain citizenship due to a duplicate account issue. What was that all about?


Angshire: Well, it was my older brother who introduced me to NationStates, and we shared a computer. He was involved in TNP as well, but not to the extent I am.


El Fiji Grande: Right, that sucks. Did you have to kick him off? XD


Angshire: He went off to college starting this September. Which was when I started actively playing and when I founded my main nation.


El Fiji Grande: You appeared on the RMB posters for the executive staff Home Affairs telegram list. Did this reach you/influence your decision to apply for the executive staff?


Angshire: Quite frankly, I don't remember the TG I recieved from Home Affairs. What made my decision to join executive staff was someone recommending it to me on the TNP RP server.


El Fiji Grande: I expected as much, but I figured I'd ask. Who recommended you join the RP server?


Angshire: I believe I found it after I joined the TNP main server, linked to the NS factbook.


El Fiji Grande: Right. Which roleplays have you taken part in since joining?


Angshire: Mainly RMB based ones. Strangereal, Hestis, Tempest Alpha, and Facet, all of which are RMB-based.


El Fiji Grande: For those who don't know, can you explain the major themes behind each of those RPs?


Angshire: Well, Strangereal is based on the modern world, similar to Eras. Hestis was based on the classical world, but I have no idea if Hestis is still running, or if it got discontinued. The rest, I presume, are also based on the modern world.


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: Originally, I joined the Ministry of Culture. After being there for a couple of days, someone else recommended I joined Comms and WA Staff, which I did. Eventually, like a week or so later, someone else recommended that I join all of the ministries, so I could see which ones I liked and disliked. I ended up joining them all, and have decided to stay in them all.


El Fiji Grande: That's good news for TNP :D

You applied for TNP University Senatus on October 28. While the Senatus is now obsolete, do you have any plans to expand your thread on the Basics of Statistics into a full course?


Angshire: I don't know what I plan to do with that.

TNP University is obsolete now, you say?


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: My biggest concern for a Security Councillor, or for any governmental position for that matter, is activity. While Marcus might have been new to TNP relative to other members of the council, he has consistently shown that he is active and eager to engage in the TNP community.


El Fiji Grande: McM appointed you to the External Affairs Oversight Committee. Can you describe your role as a member of this committee?


Angshire: In all honesty, the External Affairs Committee has been relatively inactive. The chair, St George, recently resigned, so we are currently electing a new chair as of now.


El Fiji Grande: Ideally, what do you think its role should be?


Angshire: I think it's best role is to ensure that the management and administration of WA Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Defense are being conducted with integrity, honesty, and in the best interests of the region and the citizens.


El Fiji Grande: What is your opinion of the oversight committee process - back when it was more active, that is?


Angshire: I believe that it had potential, and I still believe it does, but it seems to have taken a back seat to the ministries, both then and now.


El Fiji Grande: In your opinion, are Ministry reports useful for government transparency?


Angshire: Most definitely. I believe the citizenry is entitled to know what goes on the region and the decisions that TNP is making.


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: I did for a little while, like 2 weeks. Then I ended up getting busier with other governmental things.

Speaking of, I need to check that thread, I haven't checked it in days.


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: Well, me running for Justice definitely gave me a firsthand experience of what the election process is like, how votes are counted, how declarations of candidacy are made, etc. I believe that my experience running directly contributed to and was essential to my appointment as Election Commissioner.


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: Bold of you to assume I was aware of that. Jokes aside, I think what I really focused on with my platform was trying to answer all questions as honestly and to the best of my ability as possible.


El Fiji Grande: I had thought he may have encouraged you to stick with it and un-withdraw from the race. Could you discuss your thinking on what made you decide to run again then?


Angshire: I forget who it was, I think it was Bob, but someone told me that, even if I didn't expect to win, the learning experience would be worth it in the long run.


El Fiji Grande: You ran on a platform of Activity, Fairness, and Loyalty. In your mind, why are those important qualities for a justice to possess?


Angshire: Activity is, in my opinion, the most essential, as a judge who rarely shows up is hardly a judge at all. You have to be actively engaged in this situation to deliver the best verdict. As for fairness and loyalty, I believe that both of those are linked to integrity and transparency, acting in the best interests of the region, regardless of personal preferences, being fair and just to both parties.


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: My biggest concern, and probably my first priority if I were ever to be elected to a higher governmental office, would be to increase citizen participation in the Regional Assembly, most likely through telegrams via Home Affairs. Additionally, I believe that the power the Regional Assembly plays in government operation should definitely be increased, whether that be through referendums or increased checks and balances.


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: Most likely, I think voters voted for me for one of two reasons: either they wanted to see a fresh face in government, or they knew me through my heavy involvement in RP. A lot of the votes I received were from other RMB RPers.


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: Putting myself out there is something I have been doing. I nominated myself for Newcomer as I believed I had a chance of winning. As for Tourist Destination, I had a high in-game tourism stat, and for best flag, one of the other RMB RPers nominated themselves, so I did too. And as for the Judicial race, nominating myself was the only way I would've gotten it: I was a fresh, relatively unknown player in TNP at the time, so it would have been unlikely that someone else would have nominated me.


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: At the time, the TNP University was the only major TNP institution I wasn't actively involved in yet. Additionally, at the time, a lot of the TNP University things were new, and I believed that with my experience in other ministries I could help out and gain some experience as well.


El Fiji Grande: On Nov 14, 2019, you applied to join the NPA and you were accepted the same day. What influenced your decision to join?


Angshire: Someone on the discord encouraged me to join, and I did.


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: I believe it to be beneficial.

I think, based on my own experience, the best way to learn with the NPA is learning through experience.


El Fiji Grande: Have you found someone to mentor you there?


Angshire: Not really, whenever I joined I immediately took part in an operation. It was more like everyone was my mentor.


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: I am still a Private First Class.


El Fiji Grande: I noticed that you've got several hundred endorsements. It suggests you may not be as active in the NPA going forward. What are your thoughts on your future in the NPA?


Angshire: Well, here's the thing: I believe I told you before because I'm in radio, but I don't have regular access to a computer currently. I have a chromebook but eh...and doing ops through mobile is practically impossible.

I don't know whether I'll ultimately choose to stick with NPA or endotarting, it all depends on government positions that I take and my schedule.


El Fiji Grande: On the topic of NS Cards, you obtained your own NS card through the TNP Great Card Giveaway due to your Keeper status. What is your opinion of the program?


Angshire: I personally believe that this program not only has a lot of potential but has also raised involvement in the community. It has gotten players who spend more time on the actual game to get involved in TNP politics, and I think that it is great. Definitely the best thing that McM has done during their term.


El Fiji Grande: What makes you interested in cards?


Angshire: Idk to be honest, I just find it to be a sort of fun minigame in NS. It's something to do when there are no issues to answer.


El Fiji Grande: Do you think NS Cards are a suitable reward for participating in regional programs?


Angshire: It totally depends on whether the person receiving the cards is into it or not. But I think as of now it is the best available reward.

The amount of activity in the Cards Guild is amazing, and it really shows the nations of TNP have some real dedication to cards.


El Fiji Grande: Are they enough to motivate you to do tasks?


Angshire: Sure, kinda. They're not the primary motivator.


El Fiji Grande: What is?


Angshire: My biggest motivator is the possibility of getting noticed by the higher government ranks so I can be nominated for other things. I love trying to make TNP a great experience for all, and I love trying everything I possibly can.


El Fiji Grande: Fantastic! And you've been doing a great job of that :D

On Nov 19, 2019, you applied to join the NS Cards Guild. You were accepted two days later, on Nov 21. Shortly thereafter, you were appointed to become Deputy Guildsmaster by Praetor. What do you believe led him to select you for the role?


Angshire: I think the main thing was my activity. While I certainly don't have the experience, the knowledge, or the skill of the other Deputies, I think what I bring to the table is an undying dedication to be an active participant.


El Fiji Grande: You certainly are active. What are your responsibilities as Deputy Guildmaster?


Angshire: Deputy Guildmaster is slightly different in terms of responsibilities than other Deputy executives in that, for the most part, the Deputy Guildmasters don't have so much to actually do, like make forum posts. The main thing we do is discuss ways to better reach out to the community, discuss events with cards, reward programs, etc.

We are kinda similar to the Ministry of Culture, but with a hyperfocus on Cards and a tie to reward programs.


El Fiji Grande: How does one become a Deputy Guildsmaster?


Angshire: Prae simply messaged me asking if I wanted to be a Deputy, and I said yes. My assumption is that Deputies are tied to the Guildmaster, like other ministry Deputies being tied to the Minister.


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: The Card Giveaway is for Guild members only - basically, you can request any non-legendary card you want, and when our farmers get it, then it is delivered.


The Card Lottery, on the other hand, is for Keepers of the North, rewards for exchanging endorsements and voting on WA resolutions.


The Market Watch, as the name suggests, gives statistics about the current card market in the form of plots and graphs. It includes card values, trades, deck values, and historical records for all of the above.


The Card Queries page can be found on the actual NS forum and basically helps you narrow down your search and find specific cards. For example, if I wanted to find the cards of commended WA nations, I could use the queries page to find it.


El Fiji Grande: How can someone who is new to the game start building a deck? How can they optimize their likelihood of winning a card here in TNP?


Angshire: I'd say the first step is to join the Card Guild. The people in the Card Guild are very experienced and could easily help guide a new player through the experience.

To optimize their winnings, just becoming a Keeper of the North helps tremendously.


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: My DV is almost entirely attributed to TNP card programs. All of the legendaries I have were obtained through TNP.


El Fiji Grande: On the subject of Foreign Affairs, you serve as ambassador to Forest. Forest is a relatively calm, quiet region as compared to some. Do you think such a region is best as the first assignment for someone new to the ministry, or would you have preferred a more engaging assignment?


Angshire: I definitely think that Forest is a suitable region for a first assignment. It isn't too much to handle and it helps an ambassador adjust.


El Fiji Grande: On Nov 5, you claimed the Spotlight interview #23 for TNS XIV. By the 29th, you completed your draft, having interviewed Koopa. How would you rate the experience?


Angshire: Not gonna lie, I didn't prepare enough for it. A lot of the questions I winged it, and I think that contributed to the relative lackluster quality of my interview.


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: Quite honestly I believe that, even though I have done some work, I haven't done as much as I'd wanted to. Personally, I also believe that two people in particular have shown dedication and activity exceeding my own: Deropia and Concrete Slab.

But, overall, it has been nice.


El Fiji Grande: Is WA Affairs the Ministry you're most interested in given your position there as Deputy Minister?


Angshire: As of now, yes. However, that could change, depending on if I get appointed in other ministries.


El Fiji Grande: nods I'll keep you in mind for Radio :p

On Dec 8, 2019, you were appointed to be an Election Commissioner by McMasterdonia. By Dec 14th, you were confirmed by the Regional Assembly. What makes you excited to take on the role?


Angshire: As always, I was excited to try out something new.


El Fiji Grande: In your mind, why is the election commission important?


Angshire: The Election Commission is not just important, it's necessary - having a group of trusted individuals who are able to cross-check each other ensures transparency, which is of the utmost importance.


El Fiji Grande: Of course. I'm glad to hear it from you.

Recently, on Dec 19, 2019, you approached McM and Prydania about having a Christmas-themed flag for TNP. What sparked the idea?


Angshire: I noticed other feeder regions with Christmas flags, and I thought, "Hey, TNP should have one too!" And one thing led to another.


El Fiji Grande: It's really cool the way it turned out. Thanks for the suggestion.


Angshire: My pleasure!


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: My biggest suggestion is to get involved in as much as you can. If that means trying out all the ministries until you find something that calls to you, then so be it.

And the biggest thing is to stay active. If I wasn't as active as I was my first couple of months, I likely wouldn't be anywhere close to where I am now.


El Fiji Grande: What can we look forward to from you in the future? Do you have any interest in running for elected office?


Angshire: I do eventually want to run for Delegate. However, that would be in the distant future, like in 2022. Hopefully I can be appointed as a Minister of some of the ministries, and maybe even become a VD before going for the Delegacy.

As for the near future my biggest goal is to be a Minister.


El Fiji Grande: I look forward to it!

And as a three-time former (and I suppose current) Minister and former delegate, I'd be happy to mentor you as you continue to advance in TNP.

I want your take: is the color of your forum name red or orange?


Angshire: I...I have no idea!


El Fiji Grande: Alas, it shall fore'er remain unresolved.


Angshire: Indeed.


El Fiji Grande: Your forum motto is that "Saying things in French makes you sound more cultured."

Why do you think that's true?


Angshire: My nation's motto in RP is "Longue vie au roi", which means "Long live the King" in French

And let's face it, "Longue vie au roi" just sounds fancier


El Fiji GrandeAngshire: Maybe one question would be about me being one of the supervisors for the current election.


El Fiji Grande: Can you answer your own question?

For instance: What is it like to be a supervisor of the January elections?

Do you expect to encounter any challenges in performing the role?


Angshire: Well, me and Sil are the supervisors of the elections, and it'll be both of our first times. So far, it seems interesting and Siwale has guided us both through the steps.

Since McM is very likely to be re-elected, I expect no real challenges from the delegacy part of the election.


El Fiji Grande: Well, that's all I have. Thanks so much for taking the time to conduct this interview with me. Do you have any final thoughts?


Angshire: No, I think everything has been covered! Thanks for the opportunity for an interview!


El Fiji Grande: You're welcome!


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by Gorundu, Legislative CorrespondentRegional Assembly Highlights, December 2019


Speaker: Deropia

Deputy Speakers: Bobberino, Kaschovia



Current Business


Total Term Limits Act by abc


Summary: This proposal aims to impose a total term limit of two terms for Delegates instead of the current consecutive limit of two terms. Although the author indicated he would be willing to increase the proposed total term limit, the bill was faced with widespread opposition, with the primary reasons given being that it would reduce competition and increase the chance of an incompetent Delegate. Just a few hours later, the author indicated he would like to withdraw the bill from consideration, which resulted in discussions on the Speaker's ability to table (withdraw) bills as rules were unclear. No subsequent action has been taken yet.


Status: In Discussion


Passed


Confirmation of Angshire, Sil Dorsett, Scottie, Dreadton and Darcania to the Election Commission


Summary: Due to the rapidly decreasing number of Election Commissioners due to inactivity and term expiry, Delegate McMasterdonia appointed five new Election Commissioners in a short timeframe to ensure the number of Election Commissioners will not fall below the minimum requirement of five for some time. All five appointees were confirmed, though some felt the process was rushed and the appointees have not sufficiently answered all questions, leading to an objection to vote in the case of Scottie.


Results

Angshire: 16 ayes, 3 nays, 6 abstentions

Sil Dorsett: 24 ayes, 0 nays, 3 abstentions

Scottie: 16 ayes, 4 nays, 7 abstentions

Dreadton: 21 ayes, 0 nays, 6 abstentions

Darcania: 26 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstention


Revision of the Criminal Code to include Perjury by Deropia


Summary: Following a trial in which the defendant presented likely falsified evidence, Deropia proposed to make perjury a criminal offense, separate from the existing crime of fraud, with more specific punishments designated. It is currently at vote where it is expected to pass.


Results: 40 ayes, 0 nays, 2 abstentions[/align]


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by Rocketdog, Deputy Minister
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General Assembly

Improving the world one resolution at a timeRepeal "Ban on Secret Treaties"

Status: Failed | Delegate's Vote: Against

Final Vote (World): For - 5,507 (37.0%); Against - 9,385 (63.0%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 106 (20.1%); Against - 421 (79.9%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 40.7%[/align]


Currently at vote in the Festering Snakepit...er...General Assembly is the repeal of "Ban on Secret Treaties" and to be frank, the argument isn't that compelling. We are being asked to repeal a perfectly functional piece of legislation because of a "joke" within the text of the target resolution. Upon realizing that this was the only argument the repeal made, the staff of the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs spent the night reviewing previously passed resolutions and found that a number of them include these jokes. One proposal calls the assembled ambassadors "drunks, stoners and weirdos" while another repeal includes a recipe for an Orange Julius. Including jokes in proposals has been a part of the institution since its inception.


The Ministry of World Assembly Affairs, having given all due consideration to the repeal in question (which, let's be honest, wasn't very much.) recommends a vote AgainstRepeal "Promoting Natural Sciences in School"

Status: Failed | Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 5,663 (38.4%); Against - 9,087 (61.6%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 346 (64.7%); Against - 189 (35.3%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 41.0%[/align]


Currently under consideration by the General Assembly is the repeal of GA#475 Promoting Natural Sciences in Schools. Focusing on the possibility for intentional misinterpretation of the text of the resolution due to vague language, the lack of a requirement for the scientific information taught to students to have been verified by through peer review and requiring member states to fund the science programmes of private schools. The author makes a convincing argument. Though the Ministry believes that legislation supporting the advancement of the sciences is necessary, we believe that it should be written in such a way that doesn't mandate public funds be used to fund private schools and encourages the use of a peer review system. The Ministry hopes that with the repeal of GA#475 the General Assembly will pass a sufficient replacement that corrects these problems.


For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote ForRepeal "Ban on Secret Treaties"

Status: Failed | Delegate's Vote: Against

Final Vote (World): For - 7,015 (48.4%); Against - 7,456 (51.6%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 170 (31.4%); Against - 371 (68.6%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 41.3%[/align]


Currently at vote in the Festering Snakepit...er...General Assembly is the repeal of "Ban on Secret Treaties" and to be frank, the argument isn't that compelling. We are being asked to repeal a perfectly functional piece of legislation because of a "joke" within the text of the target resolution. Upon realizing that this was the only argument the repeal made, the staff of the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs spent the night reviewing previously passed resolutions and found that a number of them include these jokes. One proposal calls the assembled ambassadors "drunks, stoners and weirdos" while another repeal includes a recipe for an Orange Julius. Including jokes in proposals has been a part of the institution since its inception.


The Ministry of World Assembly Affairs, having given all due consideration to the repeal in question (which, let's be honest, wasn't very much.) recommends a vote AgainstRepeal "Civilian Aircraft Accord"

Status: Failed | Delegate's Vote: Against

Final Vote (World): For - 1,672 (13.4%); Against - 10,810 (86.6%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 74 (12.7%); Against - 507 (87.3%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 44.1%[/align]


"Civilian Aircraft Accord" is an important resolution safeguarding protections for civilian aircraft. The interpretation of this resolution provided by the repeal proposal is unreasonable and made in bad faith. The arguments of the repeal are based on a single sub-clause of the resolution requiring member nations to provide "Assistance to any civilian aircraft that declares itself to be in distress within the communication range of that nation". The repeal ignores the fact that the same resolution ensures pilots are properly trained and would not make false distress calls, as well as the provisions of GA#334 that forbid military combatants from falsely utilising protected status as civilians. Furthermore, the repeal presumes nations would send aircraft to intercept a distressed aircraft, when that is entirely unreasonable as the most effective form of assistance is through air traffic control. The last clause of the repeals poses a more implausible scenario - that nations would send aircraft to hostile territory for this purpose, even though the nation that the aircraft is actually in would be more suitable to handle the distress call.


In accordance with the reasoning presented above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote AgainstEnsuring Commercial Vessel Navigation

Status: Passed Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 11,876 (85.2%); Against - 2,056 (14.8%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 469 (94.4%); Against - 28 (5.6%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 38.1%[/align]


This is a clearly-written resolution with reasonable definitions and mandates that improves the safety of commercial maritime transport. It distributes responsibility to governments, by requiring them to provide and update nautical charts, and commercial vessels, by requiring them to carry nautical charts and instrumentation, and to submit pre-planned routes to governments for approval. Overall, by ensuring governments and commercial vessels are equipped with the necessary tools and information for navigation, the proposal contributes to safer sea travel.


For the reasons above, the Ministry recommends a vote ForDon't Shoot Strangers Act

Status: Failed| Delegate's Vote: Against

Final Vote (World): For - 2,779 (21.3%); Against - 10,285 (78.7%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 78 (17.2%); Against - 376 (82.8%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 34.9%[/align]


Don't Shoot Strangers Act is a well-intentioned proposal to promote world peace, though its definition of acts of hostility would hinder its effectiveness. Of concern is the listing of violating national borders as an act of hostility, without regard for intention and failing to account for nations that may not have exact knowledge of a previously unencountered nation's borders. Its listing of four specific acts of hostility also failed to take into account non-physical hostile actions towards a nation or a nation's citizens committed outside that nation's borders, such as some forms of espionage, or harming a nation's interests internationally.


The Ministry, in hopes of a more effective redrafted proposal, recommends a vote AgainstRepeal "Convention on Animal Testing"

Status: Passed Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 11,532 (90.6%); Against - 1,193 (9.4%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 397 (88.8%); Against - 50 (11.2%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 34.2%[/align]


The target resolution was an attempt to place ethical restrictions on the use of animal test subjects. Based on the proposed repeal and our previous arguments during the voting period of the resolution, we find that the targeted resolution allows for the suffering of test animals through the exploitation of various loopholes. These loopholes include allowing testing facilities to "humanely" kill animals rather than putting them up for adoption and testing facilities setting their own definitions of "ethical testing."


In hopes of a future loophole-free resolution that guarantees the rights of test animals to the greatest extent possible, the Ministry recommends a vote ForWartime Healthcare Protections

Status: Passed | Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 9,966 (74.9%); Against - 3,340 (25.1%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 434 (87.3%); Against - 63 (12.7%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 38.3%[/align]


The proposal aims to protect medical facilities and the rights of injured combatants during wartime. The GA has previously passed resolution protecting civilians, and this would be another step in ensuring that the rights of people in general are protecting even in the chaotic times of war. The passing of this proposal would help to further strengthen the protection of personal rights during a wartime scenario, by protecting the access to medical care and preventing medical facilities from being targeted, thus ensuring the least possible casualties in armed conflicts.

In light of the above reasons, the Ministry recommends a ForSubject State Enforcement Act

Status: Failed| Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 1,942 (15.2%); Against - 10,819 (84.8%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 199 (38.6%); Against - 317 (61.4%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 39.8%[/align]


This is a much-needed resolution that would prevent some World Assembly members from circumventing the enforcement of resolutions in parts of their territories. In doing so, it would ensure General Assembly resolutions are applied more fairly across all member states. Thus, all member states would have General Assembly resolution apply to all parts of its territory, closing any loopholes in this area that may have previously existed.


For the above reasons, the ministry recommends a vote ForData Protection Accord

Status: Passed Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 11,297 (79.7%); Against - 2,875 (20.3%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 450 (87.5%); Against - 64 (12.5%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 40.0%[/align]


Data Protection Accord is a sensible and well-written proposal that would protect the privacy of the individual from data-collecting organisations by requiring explicit consent from individual users for data collection (notwithstanding crime prevention) and ensuring users are informed on how their data is used and/or shared. Additionally, individual privacy is protected against governments as they are prohibited from viewing the data unless given consent by the individual and the data-collecting organisation (notwithstanding crime prevention and judicial orders). Furthermore, the proposal protects minors by ensuring consent for data collection is required from their guardians.


For the above reasons, the ministry recommends a vote For
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Security Council

Spreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessaryCommend Duxburian Union

Status: Passed | Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 10,731 (83.6%); Against - 2,111 (16.4%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 492 (90.1%); Against - 54 (9.9%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 41.8%[/align]

The matter before the World Assembly Security Council is the commendation of the Duxburian Union, better known to the international community as Vincent Drake. Throughout their career in NationStates, they have participated in over 6,000 defender operations. Counted among these are the liberations of The Monarchist Entente, St Abbadon, Japan, and Anontia. They also participated in the refounding of both their home region and Greece. The latter which had been under the oppressive rule of Yauna for almost a decade. The Duxburian Union is also credited with the development of Breeze++, a tool used by military organizations the world over. Despite the high quality of writing, potential issues arise in addressing their accolades and accomplishments in a consistent manner given the rest of the proposal.


However the Ministry does note concern with these aforementioned insufficiencies in proving warrant and reputable subject material, we do ultimately recommend a vote ForRepeal "Liberate Aurelia"

Status: Passed | Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 13,497 (93.7%); Against - 2,111 (6.3%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 498 (93.1%); Against - 37 (6.9%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 40.1%[/align]


Shortly after passing of 'Liberate Aurelia', the region was liberated by military forces and power was restored to natives. During a time of rebuilding, a password is very useful in ensuring there is no attempt to retake the region by hostile forces. As such, the liberation has served its purpose and now can be safely removed to allow the natives to restore appropriate control over the region.


In accordance with the reasoning above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote ForCommend Markanite

Status: Passed Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 10,192 (82.2%); Against - 2,208 (17.8%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 419 (90.1%); Against - 46 (9.9%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 35.6%[/align]


Markanite is a long-serving member of 10000 Islands, a commended region in itself. Currently the Chief Executive, and notably having been the longest-serving World Assembly Delegate of the region, Markanite has contributed significantly to the development of 10000 Islands and its place in the world. For an equally long time, Markanite has been a member of TITO, overseeing and participating in missions to restore lawful Delegates in large regions and protect founderless regions from external threats through refounding.


For the reasons above, the Ministry recommends a vote ForCommend Ramaeus

Status: Passed | Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 10,393 (79.7%); Against - 2,654 (20.3%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 445 (90.5%); Against - 47 (9.5%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 37.9%[/align]


Ramaeus is a faithful and long-time citizen of The East Pacific, serving in many notable government positions, most notably three times as Delegate. In these positions, they have contributed to the development of the region internally and externally in a meaningful manner. Although their contributions are mostly concentrated in one region, they have been instrumental in enhancing the region's international image and fostering interaction between the region and the international community through the World Assembly, the East Pacific Sovereign Army, and alliances with other prominent regions. In addition, Ramaeus has been a prolific Security Council author, recognizing other nations for their achievements, and most recently played a significant part in organizing the liberation of their home region from a rogue Delegate.


For the reasons above, the Ministry recommends a vote ForThe North Star: Lighting The Way To The Truth

Publisher: McMasterdonia :: Executive Editor: Marcus Antonius :

The North Star is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and is distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.


Index of Issues[/size][/align]
 
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General Election Report

by Angshire, Deputy Minister of Communications and ACR of Deerfenland


The Candidates

  • Delegate: McMasterdonia, Nessuno, & Felis.
  • Vice Delegate: Artemis & Robespierre.
  • Speaker: Deropia & Dreadton.
  • Attorney General: Vivanco & Hopps

The Election for DelegateThe Election for Vice DelegateThe Election for SpeakerThe Election for Attorney General


Just like the speaker and delegate races, the election race of the Attorney General was also uncompetitive, and one nation came out in a landslide victory over their opponent.


Vivanco ran on three core covenants; justice, a new light, and the people. He also came in with substantial experience under his belt. He acted as an ambassador to the Democratic Socialist Assembly, as well as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. He also showed early on in his candidacy that he was knowledgable about the topic of law and that he is interested in pursuing it as far as he can.


Hopps, unlike other candidates, did not have a campaign, but he, just like everyone else, had his visions that he would follow if he were to win the position.


With 85.19% of the votes, Vivanco was elected Attorney General. Forty-six voted for Vivanco, a mere eight voted for Hopps, and 51 voted to Abstain, but with that, Vivanco was elected as the Attorney General.



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Regional Assembly Highlights

by Artemis, Minister of Communications



Regional Assembly Highlights, January 2020


Speaker: Deropia

Deputy Speakers: Bobberino, Kaschovia



Current Business


Term Limit Removal Bill by Pallaith


Summary: The Term Limit Removal Bill aims to do just as the title says. This constitutional amendment would amend Article 3 Section 12 to strike out a provision that limits the Delegate to being elected more than two consecutive terms. The bill has garnered a large amount of attention from a wide variety of members of the community. Opponents to the bill have indicated that this bill will not lead to an increase in competitive elections and will lead to a stagnation in our executive branch. Supporters of the bill have argued the opposite, citing that this bill will lead to an increase in competition and encourage members to run against incumbent Delegates.



Status: In Discussion


Military Modernisation Bill by McMasterdonia


Summary: Originally drafted as an amendment to the Constitution and the Legal Code, the Military Modernisation Bill has been altered as an amendment to the Legal Code with the promise of discussion on a separate constitutional amendment. The MMB aims to replace from the Legal Code the chapter regarding the North Pacific Army and modernize the laws governing the NPA. This amendment aims to allow more flexibility to the operations of the NPA while still maintaining the Independent ideology and oversight from the Regional Assembly.



Status: In Discussion​



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NPA Report

by Rom, War Correspondent

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Leadership


Minister of Defense:
Trondstorm

Deputy Minister of Defense: Colonel Rom
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WA Digest

[align=right]by Brendog, Minister of Home Affairs



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General Assembly

Improving the world one resolution at a time


Data Protection Accord

Status: Failed | Delegate's Vote: Against

Final Vote (World): For - 3,814 (26.2%); Against - 10,713 (73.8%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 91 (15.8%); Against - 484 (84.2%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 41.9%​

Forensics Accord is a poorly-written proposal that was submitted with virtually no drafting. Firstly, its title is misleading as it suggests the proposal is about forensics in general, when it exclusively covers "forensic genetics". Another major flaw of the proposal is that it does not mandate any action from nations, as its clauses only "encourage", "welcome" or "emphasize" certain things, meaning it is essentially useless and arguably has no area of effect. Its category of health is also arguably incorrect, as it does not fit the description. Furthermore, the proposal is ironically full of both vague undefined terms and unnecessary definitions. It defines the word "forensics", which is not used at all in the rest of the text, while its other definition is for "impunity", a word used only once. The vague term "forensic genetics", which is used multiple times, is undefined, while other terms such as "international sentient law" or "sentient rights international law" are unclear and/or grammatically incorrect.


For the above reasons, the ministry urges a vote Against this proposal.




Ensuring Safe Syringe Use

Status: Passed | Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 13,592 (86.9%); Against - 2,041 (13.1%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 552 (94.4%); Against - 33 (5.6%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 41.9%​

Ensuring the use of safe, sterilized syringes is a worthwhile goal for the World Assembly even if it does not seem like an obvious issue, as it will contribute to the overall reduction in the transmission of bloodborne illnesses. The current proposal does this in such a way that it does not place undue strain on medical systems in less developed member nations.


For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For the proposal.




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Security Council

Spreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessary



Commend Benevolent Thomas

Status: Passed | Delegate's Vote: For*

Final Vote (World): For - 11,930 (81.5%); Against - 2,710 (18.5%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 445 (90.4%); Against - 47 (9.6%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 38.0%​


While previously The North Pacific had voted against commendations for the same individual, we no longer believe that a small incident over a miscommunication should prevent the commendation of a notable individual. Since the previous attempts, The Order of the Grey Wardens, founded by Benevolent Thomas, has cemented its place as a premier defender organization, and Benevolent Thomas has been recognized internationally for dedication to defending. Along with his service in developing several regions, including many prominent duties in European Union, working to revive 00000 A World Power (a prominent defender region) and significant roles in 10000 Islands as delegate, and all achievements highlighted in the proposal, Benevolent Thomas is most deserving of a commendation.


For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For the proposal.



Condemn Norlands

Status: Failed | Delegate's Vote: Against

Final Vote (World): For - 1,741 (12.8%); Against - 11,878 (87.2%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 57 (10.8%); Against - 467 (89.2%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 37.5%​


A roleplay proposal, which not frequently seen in the Security Council, is one that addresses the roleplay activity of a nation, rather than gameplay actions such as raiding/defending or regional politics. A roleplay condemnation is viewed as a badge of honour for playing a good villain IC while contributing to the roleplay community OOC. On the surface, this appears to be a perfectly fine proposal of this category. However, upon closer examination, many actions by the subject, Norrlands, such as launching unprovoked nuclear strikes, or pushing another nation to launch 14 nuclear warheads, is indicative of unrealistic and excessively militaristic roleplay. Furthermore, the subject roleplays solely in the Discord server of Sonindia, and has not made any contributions to the general NationStates roleplay community.


For the above reasons, the ministry recommends a vote Against this resolution.



The North Star: Lighting The Way To The Truth

Publisher: McMasterdonia :: Executive Editor: Artemis :: Managing Editors: Angshire and Bobberino


The North Star is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and is distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.


Index of Issues
 
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Regional Assembly Highlights
by Bobberino, Minister of Communications
Speaker: Deropia
Deputy Speakers: Koopa, Rom, MadJack, Owenstacey


Current Business

Delegate's Report Bill by Brendog

Summary: This bill writes into law the recent common practice of Ministers providing reports as per their administration's requests, following the precedent established by El Fiji Grande in his Delegacy.

Status: In Discussion

Lessening Repeating Work Bill by Praetor

Summary: An election law based bill, this addresses the addition of preferential voting into our judicial elections, eliminates restarting elections, which also permits candidates withdrawing during voting. In addition, it provides yet more power to the oligarchy by stating that after backwards tie-breaking a tie remains, the longest-standing citizen is declared the winner, in a clear bone thrown to the oligarchy to get this passed.

Status: In Discussion

Court Rule Amendments Consulation by Zyvetskistaahn

Summary: A bill that makes some common sense changes regarding the court rules and presents them to the RA. These include the court seeking out government officials for R4Rs relevant to them, a statement re: how to submit and withdraw R4Rs, an extension for opinion drafting and submission from 7 to 14 days, and introducing rules re: Freedom of Information and an insurance plan for vexatious appeals and/or relevant reviews are vexatious.

Status: In Discussion
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NPA Bulletin
by Pierce, Communications Staffer, NPA Soldier
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Leadership

Minister of Defense: Trondstorm
Deputy Minister of Defense: Colonel Rom

The North Pacific Army (NPA) participated in a few operations, consisting mainly of refounds.

From the 29th of February to the 9th of March, a strong force of 20 NPA soldiers participated in a joint operation with The Black Hawks (TBH) on the region of Opstan to prevent a refound by removing the Delegate and all Regional Officers. The operation ended by the Minor update on the 9th of March, by which the region was passworded.

On the 7th of March, Colonel BluieGamer of the NPA refounded Itaque Sanctus Defensus after it had ceased to exist. The region was previously protected by Chapter 7.6 Section 32 and 33, which protects regions and its natives from permanent harm and excessive force through altering the embassy list, password protecting the region, forcibly removing natives, and refounding the region. The section states that exceptions can be made upon authorization of the Delegate and majority approval of the Regional Assembly. Since the region had formerly been an embassy partner with the Confederation of Corrupt Dictators, Delegate McMasterdonia proposed the exception for ISD alongside other regions to the RA on the 15th of February and the exception was approved with a 30-3 vote. The region had ceased to exist during the vote, and it was refounded following the passage of the exception and passworded.

On the 24th of March, the NPA took note during a training operation that the Hitlers Alliance had been abandoned by its natives, and was refounded by Corporal Nimarya and Colonel BluieGamer to prevent the region from being a site for fascists.

Finally, the NPA captured and refounded the region Nessuno (named after Lead Gameside Advocate Territorio Di Nessuno) to prevent its use from outside individuals.
[h][/h]
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March 2020 Judicial Election
by Haven

With four months since November now behind us, it's time for another judicial election. March's vote comes as the Court in recent months has faced criticisms over a series of seemingly over-punitive decisions, including in cases featuring guilty pleas and requests for commutation. It also follows the abolition of the office of the Attorney General with the passing of the AGORA Act, leading to questions of the Court's standing to decide on legal ambiguities in a trial format, among other issues. The field was exceptionally large this month, with six candidates eventually making it to the final ballot. This including respected veterans and a few fresh faces looking to make a name for themselves on the bench.

The Candidates:

Vivanco
Zyvetskistaahn
Wonderess
Lady Raven Wing
Eluvatar
Alamei
MintChocoIC13 (Disqualified)

Vivanco

Vivanco's campaign emphasised his experience as Attorney General, and his record of upholding the independence of the judiciary. Vivanco responded to the issue of harsh sentencing by implying punishments may seem "more harsh [sic]" due to their final nature. Though they seemed to support the idea that the Court should always be open to rehabilitation, they indicated that past good deeds should not negate a bad act in the eyes of the law.

Notably, they supported establishing a civil procedure for the Court, as a forum outside of moderation for the resolution of conflicts among individuals. They stated that the administration would assume the duty of enforcing these decisions, though they did not indicate what penal actions may be incurred upon violation.

Vivanco received 18.31% of the vote and was not elected.

Zyvetskistaahn

Having served as the previous Chief Justice, Zyvetskistaahn's reelection campaign had an air of inevitability surrounding it, heightened by a highly thorough, issue-based campaign. On procedures, Zyvetskistaahn laid out a plan for much-needed reforms following the AGORA Act, including alteration of the requests for review form, the introduction of a form for indictments, and rule amendments to reflect the inevitable delay that will come from appointing a prosecutor after charges are accepted. Other amendments he endorsed included clarifying of indictments and requests for approval for bans, the introduction of requirements that changes to indictments be approved by the Court, and changes to the guilty plea process.

Zyvetskistaahn received 49.30% of the vote and was elected.

Lady Raven Wing

Lady Raven Wing, running a concise but thoughtful campaign, was a clear favourite for reelection as Justice, having received several high-profile endorsements early on. Her time as Justice launched them from a relative unknown in TNP politics to a highly respected and experienced member of the bench.

In the wake of the AGORA Act, she indicated that the Court should, going forward, not be resolving ambiguities of law in the criminal trial process, if at all. She qualified that this pertains only to ambiguities that do not result in "Constitutional conflict". Speaking on penal restrain, she stated that she did not feel any particular cases in recent years were decided improperly or that the Court handed down any unreasonable punishments.

Lady Raven Wing received 50.70% of the vote and was elected.

Wonderess

This was Wonderess' second campaign for Justice, having run unsuccessfully last July in a comparatively bare-bones effort. This time around, he emphasised his conservative approach to interpreting and applying the statute, declaring that it was not the Court's role to innovate on the law but instead to act as a "respectful referee" of the trial process.

On the issue of retribution, Wonderess pointed to The North Pacific v Bobberino as a case in which the Court could have pursued more leniency. He made it clear, however, that he did not see it as his place to criticise the Court for its previous decisions, especially considering we the public may not have all the "pieces of the puzzle". He offered a reasonable position on heavy-handed rulings, emphasising that punishment should be, first and foremost, about the rehabilitation of the defendant and that the Court should use only such legal force as necessary to affect this outcome. He indicated that, especially with as sparse a body of case law as the North Pacific has, precedent should not be the final word, and that each case encompasses unique circumstances that require a unique approach to resolution, even if the charges are the same.

Wonderess received 50.70% of the vote and was elected.

Eluvatar

Eluvatar, the renowned former Delegate and elder statesman who has previously served in the now-defunct position of Attorney General, only tentatively accepted his nomination for Justice. He failed to post a campaign thread, and seemed to have relied on name recognition and a robust record.

Eluvatar received 32.39% of the vote and was not elected.

Alamei

Though a TNP native for some time, Alamei has only recently begun to actively engage in regional government. An experienced legal official for the Versutian Federation, Alamei hopes to bring their philosophy of transparency and impartiality to the North Pacific. They supported the recent reforms under the AGORA Act, stating that it made the Court more accessible to the "common citizen". They also proposed a rule change that would allow Justices other than the Moderating Justice to ask questions of trial participants, suggesting this would allow Justices an opportunity to make a more 'fully informed' decision.

Alamei received 35.21% of the vote and was not elected.

MintChocoIC13

MintChocoIC13 did not post a campaign, and they lost their citizenship during the initial vote. They were struck from the ballot, and a new vote was triggered automatically.

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World Assembly Digest
by El Fiji Grande
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General Assembly
Improving the world one resolution at a time.

Oceanic Waste Disposal Ban
Status: Discarded
Delegate's Vote: No vote
Final Vote (World): For: 13,550 Against: 2,693
Final Vote (TNP): For: 533 Against: 50 Percentage of WA nations voting: 40.3%

No Recommendation

Repeal: "Promotion of Recycling"

Status: Failed
Delegate's Vote: Against
Final Vote (World): For: 3,028 Against: 12,850
Final Vote (TNP): For: 46 Against: 547 Percentage of WA nations voting: 40.8%

Recommendation:
This repeal ironically uses rather ambiguous reasoning to argue that clause 3 of GAR #483 is ambiguous, stating that it creates for possible loopholes and abusive regulations for member nations and large corporations, without providing prove or examples as to how the by the author predicted negative consequences might come to pass. It is also rather contradictory, in claiming firstly that clause 3 was ambiguous, but then stating that clause 3 specifically creates abusive regulations while in fact the resolution itself does not create those regulations, but requires member nations to create regulations or subsidizations and tailor them according to their needs and requirements. Although it is possible for environmental regulations such as those on recycling to impact small businesses more than big businesses, it is up to national governments to craft regulations that do not disadvantage small businesses unfairly.

Considering further that the author of the target resolution is currently working together with other members of the World Assembly to properly repeal GAR #483 and replace it in order to correct actual deficiencies, of which none where mentioned in this repeal, the Ministry advises to vote Against this proposal.

Disease Naming Compact
Status: Passed
Delegate's Vote: Against
Final Vote (World): For: 8,490 Against: 7,203
Final Vote (TNP): For: 210 Against: 379 Percentage of WA nations voting: 40.5%

Recommendation:
This proposal appears to be written opportunistically based on current real-life events. Unfortunately its provisions appear unnecessary as a common name for a novel disease would be adopted by most nations through communications between government authorities, and medical professionals would be aware of different names if they exist. In addition, the large variation in the languages of WA nations will make the task of creating a name suitable for all languages functionally impossible, and nations need flexibility to adopt a name that suits their language.

For the above reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote Against this proposal.

Interference Causing Equipment Act
Status: Failed
Delegate's Vote: Against
Final Vote (World): For: 3,511 Against: 11,040
Final Vote (TNP): For: 51 Against: 500 Percentage of WA nations voting: 38.4%

Recommendation:
While a well-intentioned proposal, it unfortunately falls victim to wording problems, which are at times overly complex while also creating loopholes. For example, clause 2i includes technical vocabulary that is not properly defined. Clause 3 prohibits distribution of non-compliant devices between member states while allowing member states to import and export from non-member states. Clauses 3 and 4 together ensure only member states capable of developing non-compliant devices are able to use them for government purposes such as security and defence, while those not as technologically advanced cannot purchase them, and are left without a vital line of defence.

For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote Against this proposal, in hopes of a better resolution in the future.

On the Health and Financial Well-Being of Workers
Status: Failed
Delegate's Vote: For
Final Vote (World): For: 6,815 Against: 8,326
Final Vote (TNP): For: 463 Against: 101 Percentage of WA nations voting: 39.4%

Recommendation:
This proposal aims to establish leave for workers in the event they become sick, have a family medical emergency, or if they have children. These types of events in a person's life are important for them to attend to, regardless of work obligations. On top of that, in the event they are sick, it would be wise to provide some sort of program that allows them to stay home and prevent the spread of the disease. Further, workers will receive identical compensation as they would have had they been at work, easing financial stress undertaken by not attending work. Creating an umbrella program for each of these, allowing greater flexibility for workers, is the best course of action.

For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote For this proposal.

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Security Council
Spreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessary.

Liberate The East Pacific
Status: Failed
Delegate's Vote: Against

Final Vote (World): For: 6,708 Against: 8,799
Final Vote (TNP): For: 211 Against: 365 Percentage of WA nations voting: 39.7%

Recommendation:
In an event that can only be described as confusing, the Delegate of the East Pacific themselves has called for an end of their tyranny and wishes for a liberation of their region. While The North Pacific is always glad to help the weak and oppressed, we believe in this case it is sufficient to point out all the wonderfull options available to end ones own tyranny and political career, like self-impeachement or a good old donation affair.

While we advise a vote Against this proposal, we sincerely wish The East Pacific all the best in ending its Delegate's reign of tyranny.

Commend Kindjal
Status: Passed
Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For: 10,818 Against: 4,208
Final Vote (TNP): For: 519 Against: 72 Percentage of WA nations voting: 40.6%

Recommendation:
While we have our reservations, Kindjal has demonstrated a determination in a popular field of the game that is not usually discussed in the Security Council. Although they intended to dedicate to roleplay, they struggled with writing as English is not their first language. Instead, they chose a path that led to them becoming the best in their field of NS issues. Kindjal, in adjudicating right from wrong, has topped every other nation in 10 different censuses in the game, all of which are highly competitive. We hope that this well-written commendation demonstrates that nations in all fields of the game can be commended, and serve as an inspiration to dedicated issue answerers.

For the above reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this commendation.

Commend Cormactopia Prime
Status: Failed
Delegate's Vote: Against

Final Vote (World): For: 4,255 Against: 8,936
Final Vote (TNP): For: 63 Against: 459 Percentage of WA nations voting: 36.4%

Recommendation:
Cormactopia Prime, commonly known as Cormac, despite being a potentially deserving nominee, is the subject of a rather stale proposal that doesn't paint an accurate picture. Cormac is known for being capricious but still dedicated and charismatic in any role (defender, invader, imperialist, journalist, etc) they decide to take. The proposal doesn't argue that, rather that Cormac has great recognition among their peers for a collection of accomplishments. The proposal is jumpy and doesn't flow well throughout the clauses, each of which is shakily written and barely supports the the initial argument. Several of the clauses, such as the "Affirming" clause on developing stability in Osiris, contradict further evidence on Cormac's history with Osiris.

For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote of Against "Commend Cormactopia Prime", hoping for a better proposal down the line.

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Spotlight - with 9003
by McMasterdonia, Delegate

McMasterdonia: Today I am joined by 9003, a relatively new member of The North Pacific who is already a prominent member of our community and in the Cards Guild specifically. Welcome and thank you for joining me!

9003: Thanks for having me!

McMasterdonia: Firstly, can you tell me a little about your background in NationStates? When did you join and which region did you first call home?

9003:McMasterdonia: What did you enjoy most about your time in Mordor? During your time of supporting regional development in that region, what did you learn?

9003: I learned a lot about developing the region including that the founder and in turn dark lord can be put on trial and serve as the sitting judge on said trial. In a mess of legal debate. My favorite activity in Mordor was spamming on the forum I played every one of the games to a crazy level reaching several thousand posts a week. Raising in the ranks in the forces of Mordor was also fun and fits well with me joining the NPA now.

McMasterdonia: Excellent! We will get to your NPA service in a moment, but before that What made you decide to join The North Pacific?

9003: What made me join tnp was the card lotto after seeing all the legendaries going about I knew I had to get in on the action for some of those!

McMasterdonia: How did you hear about the card lottery? Always interested to know how our outreach is going!

9003:McMasterdonia: Did this create any conflict for you? In terms of deciding to leave Mordor for The North Pacific?

9003: Well all in all I still haven't "left" Mordor my main has due to a small snafoo with NS breeze. Blowing my 7 years of residency. So I switched a puppet in but for the most part the Mordor government has fallen aside and is quite and a shadow of its former glory

McMasterdonia: And ever since, you have been very involved in The Cards Guild! What is it about Cards that you find enjoyable within the context of NationStates?

9003: I love cards because they give nationstates more of an active game rather than logging on once in a while to answer issues.

McMasterdonia: Regarding the NPA, it has been great seeing you get involved there. What made you decide to participate in our Army and how have you found it to be?

9003: After serving in the forces of Mordor and reaching the rank of general there I partook in the UDL for a while before hanging my hat up on r/d for a good while. However, once I saw the NPA was an active army I knew I had to join and give it another shot.

McMasterdonia: Would you say that before joining the NPA you would have identified as a defender?

9003: I would say I identified mostly defender. After some espionage missions among den (pre-predator days) I jumped for a mission or two of tags and always enjoyed it but until now didn't have an army that supported the view. I very much like the NPAs method to preserve the wfe and flag. As the big part of raiding I didn't like was destroying random regions when they didn't do anything warranting destruction.

McMasterdonia: Wow! So you were involved in espionage ops against DEN?

9003: I was mostly just there to muck things up and see if they were up to any large scale raids. The level of opsec was next to zero during that time.

McMasterdonia: So joining the NPA could be another espionage operation? :p

9003: For who! The now defunct forces of Mordor lol. And nah I wouldn't move my main nation into the region if I was, I would have far too much to lose.

McMasterdonia: Naturally I am just teasing! How has your experience differed to your prior military experience?

9003:McMasterdonia: You also mentioned earlier that you like that the NPA does not (as a general rule) do destructive raids. Are there any circumstances where you think a destructive raid is desirable and necessary?

9003: Well in the case of anyone The North Pacific is at war with would be a very justified cause or any region that is causing distress to the greater nationstates community.

McMasterdonia: Do you see yourself getting involved in other areas of The North Pacific? Are you interested in pursuing higher office?

9003: I'm trying to. Truth be told when I first moved here it was during the delegate election and I tried to run to only be shot down by just a few days short on the residency requirement. Now, I have learned that it would be far better to learn more about the position before I try and run for it. But I would love to run for more at some point. For now, I am enjoying serving as a Deputy Guildmaster. It is great fun!

McMasterdonia: What about the executive staff? Have you considered getting involved in other Ministries?

9003: I have been considering joining the culture Ministry. It fits quite well with Cards and I would be interested to get involved in their other activities.

McMasterdonia: That concludes our interview! Thank you once more for your time 9003. We look forward to seeing your future contributions to The North Pacific.

9003: My pleasure, thank you for having me![h][/h]
The North Star: Lighting The Way To The Truth
Publisher: McMasterdonia :: Executive Editor: Bobberino :: Managing Editor: Robespierre and Cosmosplosion

The North Star is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and is distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.

Index of Issues
 
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May 2020 General Election Report


In May 2020, The North Pacific underwent its general elections for the Delegate, Vice Delegate, and Speaker positions. It marks the first General Election since the AGORA Act was passed, abolishing the position of Attorney General. This election was one of the most competitive in recent memory, with six candidates vying for Delegate and four running for Vice Delegate. Voter turnout was markedly higher than the January General Election, as well. The Delegate election entered into an instant runoff and consisted of two rounds, with the candidates with the least number of votes in the first round being eliminated before the second. No nominations were re-opened.



May 2020 Election Results: https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192226/



The Candidates



For Delegate: Prydania, Praetor, Gorundu, Yuno, Rocketdog, and Mall.

For Vice Delegate: Artemis, Lady Raven Wing, Filiposgov, and Tinfect.

For Speaker: St George and Highton.



The Results



Delegate: Prydania

Vice Delegate: Artemis

Speaker: St George



The Election for Delegate



Due to previous Delegate McMasterdonia hitting term limits, the position of Delegate was open to new candidates, each of whom brought their own ideas to the table.



Our first candidate, Prydania, served in a number of appointed positions within TNP, such as Minister of Culture (under Delegates Ghost, Fiji, and McMasterdonia), Lead RP Mod (since late 2019), and Deputy Speaker (under Wonderess). Though he never held an elected position, Prydania expressed his belief that he had "the experience in government necessary to make an honest go of it." Prydania built his campaign around community and integrity. Referring to the ongoing pandemic, he expressed his intent "to use the vast resources our region has to foster a sense of TNP community to make this hard time for us all just a bit more manageable." Prydania outlined his belief in "a measured approach" and bringing transparency and integrity to the office of Delegate, promising to "always be upfront and honest about what [he believes], and what [his] intentions are on any given matter." His proposed agenda focused on strengthening the region both at home and abroad, with special emphasis on increasing the activity and visibility of the Ministries of Home Affairs, Culture, Communications, and Radio, as well as the Cards Guild. Prydania also emphasized his desire to strengthen the region's ties with its allies through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and World Assembly Affairs.



Prydania received 48.92% of the vote in the first round and 50.36% of the vote in the second round, becoming our new Delegate.

The details of Prydania's platform can be found here: https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192152/



Our second candidate, Praetor, built his platform around revitalizing the region through bold new initiatives. Speaking on the matter of transparency, he asserted that he would "openly accept applications" to the executive staff and "continue the tradition of meritocracy in our democracy." He also promised to "provide an update every week to the region on the progress of the government: what have we accomplished, what are we planning to do, and what did we fail to do." Praetor articulated several new ideas he wished to implement in the various Ministries, such as "a format for players to bring ideas that they have for the region to the Home Affairs" and having the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs "maintain a list of potential resolutions for new authors to work with."



Praetor received 30.94% of the vote in both the first and second rounds, and was not elected.

The details of Praetor's platform can be found here: https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192154/



Gorundu, our third candidate, pitched his potential Delegacy as a natural extension of his time in TNP's government, which included serving as Minister of World Assembly Affairs and Speaker. Rather than making grand promises, Gorundu vocalized a desire "to be a representative for all TNPers." In short, his campaign focused on "presenting solid, realistic and insightful plans that can take the region above and beyond." Gorundu elaborated on policy objectives such as expanding hiring for the executive staff through "specific advertisements for each ministry," and being "more active on the Regional Message Board." His proposed agenda for specific ministries included continuing to expand upon the mission of the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs, and improving the frequency of content creation by Culture, Communication, and Radio through increasing available staff pools.



Gorundu received 9.35% of the vote in both the first and second rounds, and was not elected.

The details of Gorundu's platform can be found here: https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192153/



Our fourth candidate, Yuno, ran a simple and straightforward campaign, promising to "send daily telegrams advertising ministries, games (especially free games)," distribute "lesson resources... and tell more people to vote." As the former Delegate of The East Pacific, Yuno possessed a level of experience above that of other candidates. She expressed her wish to make government recruitment less traditional, with "regional TGs [being used] more often for accessories stuff that 'regular RMBers' might be interested in" and more personal telegrams and citizen applications.



Yuno received 6.47% of the vote in the first round and 9.35% of the vote in the second round, and was not elected.

The details of Yuno's platform can be found here: https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192151/



Rocketdog, our fifth candidate, pledged to focus "on consolidation and collaboration" within the region's government. "Having served as Minister of Home Affairs, Communications and Foreign Affairs, some multiple times, over the past few years, [he articulated his desire] to use that experience to foster more cooperation between ministries, other entities and resources." Rocketdog's proposed agenda was built around fostering collaboration between individual Ministries. Specific policy proposals included modernizing the region's handbook dispatches, promoting recruitment, releasing more tutorials, and increasing the frequency of The Northern Light's publications.



Rocketdog received 2.16% of the vote in the first round (tied lowest with Mall), and was therefore eliminated as a candidate.

The details of Rocketdog's platform can be found here: https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192155/



Mall, our sixth candidate, ran on a platform of "Let's Make Things Worse". Mall promised to "burn this region to the ground" by calling "upon every major raider org to endorse" him and purging TNP. Mall stated that, towards the conclusion of his term, he would ban as many nations as he could before conquering The Rejected Realms. Additionally, he expressed a desire "to continue the fine tradition of the NPA raiding Nazis."



Mall received 2.16% of the vote in the first round (tied lowest with Rocketdog), and was therefore eliminated as a candidate.

The details of Mall's platform can be found here: https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192159/



The Election for Vice Delegate



Our first and incumbent candidate, Artemis, pitched his potential additional term as a continuation of his existing agenda. Artemis' platform was very straightforward, with a focus on active endotarting, "working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to work on retention of the recent surge of nations," continuing the tradition of Weekly Vice Delegate Updates, and attempting to make TNP the number one region in average World Assembly endorsements.



Artemis received 87.69% of the vote, and was elected Vice Delegate in a landslide victory.

The details of Artemis' platform can be found here: https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192160/



Our second candidate, Lady Raven Wing, built her campaign on a promise of "Security for None". Pledging to work alongside Mall should he become Delegate, Lady Raven Wing's platform included denying citizenship applications, extending all Security Council votes indefinitely, and granting any citizens deemed worthy access to the SC forums.



Lady Raven Wing received 7.69% of the vote, and was not elected Vice Delegate.

The details of Lady Raven Wing's platform can be found here: https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192161/



Our third candidate, Filiposgov, ran as a relative newcomer to the region. His campaign focused on improving the retention of new nations and assisting the Delegate in strengthening the region overall. On 11 May 2020, Filiposgov conceded the election for Vice Delegate.



Filiposgov received 3.08% of the vote, and was not elected Vice Delegate.

The details of Filiposgov's campaign can be found here: https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192175/



Our final candidate, Tinfect, accepted a nomination for Vice Delegate, but did not outline a campaign platform.



Tinfect received 1.54% of the vote, and was not elected Vice Delegate.



The Election for Speaker



St George
, who previously served as Acting Speaker, applied a frank tone to his candidacy and announced his intention to not engage in "overly ambitious campaign promises." St George pledged to make "sure the work gets done, [increase] the speed of the checks and [ensure] the team around the Speaker is at its best at all times." The particulars of St George's platform included increasing the speed of Speaker's checks for citizenship, using the Speaker's Staff to rotate into the role of Deputy Speaker, and working to continuously hold the region's government accountable.



St George received 82.31% of the vote, and was elected Speaker in a landslide victory.

The particulars of St George's platform can be found here: https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192150/



Our second candidate for Speaker, Highton, addressed his lack of experience in the position of Speaker, but expressed his belief that "it ain't an election if there's only one candidate" (that being St George). Highton cited what experience he did possess, including serving in the positions of Deputy Minister of Culture and Gameside Advocate.



Highton received 17.69% of the vote, and was not elected as Speaker.

The particulars of Highton's platform can be found here: https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9192172/



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The Spotlight - Interview with Rom

by Pierce & Bormiar

Pierce: Good evening! Tonight we sit with Rom, current Minister of Defence and General for the North Pacific Army. How are you this evening, General?



Rom: I'm doing good. Little tired but glad to be doing this.



PierceRom: I've liked what we have been able to do in terms of our joint OP's that we have done so far, and another thing is that we have worked with a wide variety of orgs so far, some of which it had been a while since we had previously done stuff with. Take that fash bash we did not that long ago ~ we worked with Legio, a org that we really hadn't worked with for a long time, and hopefully the next time a fash bash comes up we can continue to work with them. I've also really liked our soldier participation so far as well, as we have been averaging over 8 NPA soldiers participating in an OP this term, and I only expect that number to increase as the term goes on as hopefully sometime in the next couple weeks the delegacy transition is complete and we can start doing more holds and other types of operations that are more than just tagging and detagging.



Pierce: What other military organizations might we see NPA work with on future operations in its endeavor to beat the fascists across NationStates?



Rom: Off the top of my head, obviously Legio, and I do know that TGW has done a great job and is more than willing to do fash bashes. Really there is a lot of orgs out there that do fash bashes, and it is great to see that because obviously they have no place on NS.



PierceRom: I made my first nation in 2011 as me and some of my RL friends had made a RP region, so I made a nation to join that region. I did some things in that RP region, like we did some fash bashes with MT Army and Vippertooth33. However that was the extent of what our region did in terms of Gameplay, but by 2014 we were wanting to get more involved in Gameplay, specifically defending. So, considering that the FRA was the biggest defending org of the time, our region decided to reach out to the FRA to apply to become a member region of the FRA, and I got sent to represent our region on our behalf. Now, our region never became a FRA region member, but I found defending and the FRA to be quite interesting, so I ended up joining a couple regions that were FRA members at the time - The Rejected Realms and Global Right Alliance.

So I ended up joining the RRA and and also the GRADF, and I've been involved in GP ever since.



Bormiar: What has been your general impact and history with any of those groups (FRA, TRR, GRA)?



Rom: I never really did a whole lot with the FRA. GRA and TRR is where I did more things during this time ~ like in GRA I as I mentioned earlier was in their regional military, and also I believe did some ambassador things with them. RRA one of the first things I remember doing was doing a TBR infil. Not a whole lot came out of my infil, but I would remain involved in TRR to this day. As for RRA, I left them in 2015 I believe to join the first version of TGW. That was also um interesting. Wouldn't be until 2018 I believe until I rejoined RRA again, and I'd stick around in there until I went and joined NPA. Actually had just received a promotion from Fratt a couple weeks before I left lol.



Bormiar: Why did you decide to leave defending for the NPA?



Rom: I had kinda gotten bored of GP around the time I left the RRA, so I considered the following ~ either retiring from GP and focus on getting endorsements or whatever, join a new defending org (I really thought about going to SPSF), or trying something new and join a org that does raiding. From there I decided to give NPA a try mostly because I was friends with Bob, and I figured it could be fun to do some more GP stuff with him. I'd say I've had some fun in the NPA.



Bormiar: What has been your favorite part?



Rom: My favorite part? I'd say some of the raids that we have done since I joined have been very enjoyable. Iran in particular. It was a lot of fun holding that region, and successfully defending that region from all the liberation attempts that libcord had made towards the region. I think there was over 50 defenders that jumped one time? And they came really close to liberating it, but we did a good job in having people on ready to banject defenders before the region updated. I'd love to do more holds like that in the future as well too.



Bormiar: How did you rank up so fast in the NPA?



Rom: I participated in a lot of OP's from when I joined the NPA, and now I've participated in over 100. Also I really haven't ranked up that much, since I'm still technically a Lieutenant :p



Bormiar: What would you say to a prospective NPA soldier on how to get involved?



Rom: I would say that there is several ways to get involved within the NPA ~ whether you are simply piling or you are active during updates. Also there is plenty of things to do when we are not doing operations, like graphics for example. And the NPA is also very much a rewarding and enjoyable thing to do, because GP is honestly a lot of fun, and there is so much to do.



Bormiar: Going off of the point on "plenty of things to do when we are not doing operations", is it possible to assist the NPA casually and without updating?



Rom: Absolutely! We love our pilers, and they are a crucial part of the NPA's success. Pilers are essential to a mission's success after we initially get our target after the jump, and the NPA has one of the best piling forces on NS. We can usually provide 20+ pilers into a region after the jump when needed, and very few orgs can say the same.



Bormiar: Thanks for the interview! Is there anything else you want to say for your plans for the NPA?



Rom: I want us to continue to diversify our OP's. We just did a joint detag run with RRA, SPSF, and EPSA, and I plan on continuing to do more detags and do more defenses and liberations as well. I think we have been doing a solid job at doing a wide variety of OP's, and it is something I hope to continue throughout my term.



Bormiar: Thanks for participating!



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North Pacific Army Bulletin - April to May 2020

by BMWSurfer

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Lieutenant Nimarya successfully refounds a region



The North Pacific Army has had one of its most eventful months yet from April to May, trying out a bunch of new tricks and finding new partners to work with.



In April, the North Pacific Army conducted 23 operations, with many successful blockade runs, a plethora of tag raids, and several refounds of fascist regions. This continued the use of exceptions to refound fascist and fascist-sympathizing regions with the authorization of the Regional Assembly under Chapter 7.6 sections 32 and 33 in our Legal Code.



Over several days in April, the NPA, in coordination with The West Pacific Armed Forces, the Legio Pacifica, the East Pacific Sovereign Army and the Balder Jomsvikings, conducted blockade runs against a Security Council proposal by the fascist Confederation of Corrupt Dictators, which ultimately failed to reach quorum due to our efforts. Afterwards, we took a pit stop to refound Republican Army, which was one of the aforementioned exemptions, after a 6 update hold in which 25 soldiers participated.



Going into May, the North Pacific Army participated in Pacific-Con and joined in wargames alongside the 4 other Pacifics. These wargames were a fun way to bring the armies of the 5 regions together, and an opportunity to recruit newer players curious about R/D. This was an all-around fun event, and we look forward to participating in similar events in the future.



The dictatorship delegacy of McMasterdonia ended in mid-may with the election of Prydania as our new delegate, marking the start of the new term. With this new term, we said goodbye to Trondstorm as our Minister of Defense and Rom was appointed as our new MoD. General Rom selected BMWSurfer and Robespierre as his Deputy Ministers of Defense. This new term has so far brought us much success, with many joint operations conducted and several important refounds.



Lieutenant Nimarya successfully refounded The Spartan Empire, another region on our exempt list. We also conducted a joint raid alongside the Legio Pacifica and The Grey Wardens against The Third Coalition. The NPA also conducted a joint hold of SECFanatics alongside The Black Hawks and several other militaries, to close the over 2000 embassies that have been spammed over the years, and successfully defended Warzones Airspace and Australia against raiders associated with Opstan. So far, we have conducted operations with soldiers from with The Black Hawks, the Europeian Republican Navy, the East Pacific Sovereign Army, Lone Wolves United, the Land of Kings and Emperors, Balder, the Grey Wardens, Lily, and the Legio Pacifica.



The North Pacific Army continues to have tremendous involvement from our soldiers, with an average of 8 soldiers present in each of our non-joint operations. We hope to continue this into the next month, and look forward to another month of successful operations.





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Regional Assembly Highlights - April to May 2020

by Robespierre, Deputy Speaker



Speaker: St George (MadJack)

Deputy Speakers: Robespierre, Owenstacey, Bobberino, and Crushing Our Enemies





Current Business



The current business for the Regional Assembly for the months of April and May is the Security Council Application of Wonderess.



Wonderess' Security Council Application



Summary: After applying to the Security Council on the first of May, Wonderess failed to be recommended for admission. The Regional Assembly then began a discussion to examine the proposition of upholding or overturning the Security Council's decision.



Status: Motioned for Vote



Passed



The proposals that have passed through the Regional Assembly in the months of April and May include the Incorporated Rum Pact treaty with Lazarus, the Delegate's Report Act, exceptions to the NPA doctrine under Sections 32 & 33 of Chapter 7.6 of the Legal Code, and confirmations of Holdac, Siwale and Artemis to the Election Commission.



-~-



Exceptions under Sections 32 & 33 of Chapter 7.6 of the Legal Code



Summary: These batch of exemptions were presented to the Regional Assembly by McMasterdonia in an effort to permit the North Pacific Army to target fascist regions in addition to regions that maintain embassies with region's previously exempted for their nazi ideologies. With little opposition, all five exemptions were passed by the Regional Assembly.



Results:



The Union of Dictators -
34 Ayes | 6 Nays | 10 Abstentions

Jon - 33 Ayes | 7 Nays | 10 Abstentions

People are Worthless - 34 Ayes | 6 Nays | 10 Abstentions

Pax Britannia - 38 Ayes | 5 Nays | 7 Abstentions

Fifth Empire - 39 Ayes | 4 Nays | 7 Abstentions





Status: All Exemptions Passed as of 3 May 2020



Confirmation of Holdac as Election Commissioner



Summary: Holdac was nominated to the Election Commission by then-Delegate McMasterdonia in mid-April of 2020. Due to their almost exclusive activity in the North Pacific's roleplay community, Holdac received many questions from their fellow citizens. After answering the questions proposed to them, Holdac's knowledge and understanding of the electoral procedure was sufficiently tested and they were later confirmed, by a majority, to take their seat and be admitted to the Election Commission.



Results: 29 Ayes | 5 Nays | 19 Abstentions



Status: Confirmed as of 4 May 2020



Delegate's Report Bill by RocketDog



Summary: The Delegate's Report Act was originally introduced to the Regional Assembly a year ago during El Fiji Grande's term as Delegate as a way to clarify when the executive administration was to give reports on its activities. After a period of dormancy for many months, discussion surfaced again in late March of 2020 and after a few revisions the bill later passed.



Results: 24 Ayes | 20 Nays | 10 Abstentions



Status: Passed as of 11 May 2020



Confirmation of Siwale as Election Commissioner



Summary: As a constantly active and notably consistent member for two terms prior, Siwale was nominated by then-Delegate McMasterdonia in early May of 2020 to continue their service on the Election Commission. In light of their invaluable experience in the role, Siwale was successfully confirmed as an Election Commissioner once again after little debate.



Results: 50 Ayes | 1 Nay | 1 Abstention



Status: Confirmed as of 15 May 2020*



*Bill was subsequently vetoed by the Delegate after passage



Confirmation of Artemis as Election Commissioner



Summary: After answering a few standard questions that North Pacifican citizens typically ask nominees to the Election Commission, Artemis was successfully confirmed as an Election Commissioner following their nomination by then-Delegate McMasterdonia in late April of 2020.



Results: 53 Ayes | 1 Nay | 3 Abstentions



Status: Confirmed as of 20 May 2020



The Incorporated Rum Pact



Summary: The Incorporated Rum Pact is a non-aggression and communications agreement between the North Pacific and Lazarus. Although a last-minute situation emerged in which the Director of Public Relations of Lazarus publicly posted questionable comments regarding the Confederation of Corrupt Dictators, the treaty nevertheless passed, with said Director later resigning.



Results: 38 Ayes | 5 Nays | 8 Abstentions



Status: Passed as of 29 May 2020​
 
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Editor's Note

by Gorundu, Minister of Communications
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A TEP Story: Interview with Libertanny, Delegate of TEP

[align=right]by Gorundu, Minister of Communications

Today I'm joined by Libertanny, who was just recently elected Delegate of The East Pacific in an unusually a election. Welcome, Libertanny! How are you going?



Hello Gorundu! I would say that I am doing rather well. I wasn't sure what to expect after being elected, but it seems similar to being Vice-Delegate, you just have to sign papers more often and answer to more pings. I am, for sure, positively surprised how few little changes in Cabinet and election of new Delegate boosted Cabinet's and Executive's activity by few times.



Well, those pings are the price you have to pay :p

If you don't mind, let's wind back a bit. How did you make your start on NationStates?
Wow, that's a colorful career in a short time! What made you decide to come back in 2019, and how different was it from when you left?



In The East Pacific we have a saying, which I would say is highly linked to Todd - "You are here forever". There is some kind of truth, that even if you leave, you are missing something in your life. It's an addiction that is hard to get rid of. Speaking of Todd McCloud, he played an important role. After incident in 2018, he was the one who contacted me and told me story about one of former Delegates. They got a second chance in TEP and became a Delegate one day. Maybe it was his story? Maybe not. (Editor's Note: We believe the story is referring to Der Fuhrer Dyzsel, a former member of Empire who participated in its coup of TEP, but later was legitimately elected Delegate) But I've always had that story somewhere in my mind. So why I came back was probably the motto and story Todd told me. I then stayed in TEP as Fedele and Co welcomed me warmly. Ironically, I then became one of biggest people in opposition to his administration. I took what he offered and used it against him.



I think the main difference was in me. That break changed me - I stopped being an annoying teenager and became a more stable person. Which had a huge impact on my career, people started trusting me more. Speaking of differences in TEP - everything seemed different. Executive was dead, Fedele had his people in Magisterium, they were already preparing for what's to come. Thankfully, there was more people than me who noticed it. I would say that I started building resistance against Fedele from first days since I came back, whilst at the same time actively VCing and 'making friends' with Fedele and his people.



Well, we all know what happened after that...when you made it back to the Executive under Marrabuk's Delegacy as MoFA, what were the first things you did?



I would say that the first steps was trying to find out what I am even supposed to do. I was appointed MoFA, as I had some experience with dealing with FA and I had contacts all around NS. But I had frankly no idea, what to do as MoFA. First contacts with other MoFAs were terrible - everything seemed so serious and so professional. But I managed to break the ice and start making 'friends' with other officials, to the point that sometimes talking FA stuff was the minor part of conversations. I think the first real steps were total reorganization of MoFA server and structure of Ministry - abolishment of Deputy Minister of FA, introduction of four-level hierarchy (Junior Diplomat, Diplomat, Senior Diplomat, Minister) alongside introduction of spheres (overseen by Seniors). In a longer run, I'd say it pretty much paid off. The idea has also evolved to the point where MoFA is not lead by just the Minister, but by "Inner Circle" - a Council of Seniors, Minister and Delegate.



Speaking of contacts around NS, did you build any relationships outside TEP before Fedele's coup and then becoming MoFA?



My main FA experiences during before coup were experiences before December 2018. Serving as Minister of Information, then Minister of Propaganda and then Chief Minister of Comms (second-in-command) I have been reaching out to people mostly regarding events, newspaper and other stuffs of that kind. There was a moment when we were even working on inter-Pacifican newspaper - the idea, however, died. I made a few contacts in the NPO, TNP and TRR mostly. During my journey after December 2018, I also met new people in TNP, Gay and TRR, as I have been in these regions for a moment. Most of contacts I made were mostly due to me actively talking on foreign Discords. I have then used these contacts before coup, whilst working on resistance. I was getting notifications from other regions on how they perceive TEP and Fedele's actions. After becoming the MoFA, it was a total boom. I rapidly got in touch with most of friends of TEP, but I have also started reaching our to new regions, meeting even more people. The list of "cool people I met" would probably make a long list. Just to list a few? Most of Senators in NPO; Kuramia, Dax, Pichto, Peeps from Europeia; Syr, Holdac from TNP or Andy, Appleberry, Helvetics from Thaecia. The list is really long, as there are many awesome people in NS.



I'm sure these people will all appreciate your shoutouts :p

If you have to pick however, who would be the one or two people that you would say have influenced you the most?




Frankly, I would say that people that influenced me the most are all former or current TEPers. I use to call Mecovy (former EPNS Editor) my "first and main Mentor", but there was also Queen Yuno and Aelitia Astor, that all played important roles. I cannot forget about Atlae and Tretrid, who helped be build my first Ministry. All these 5 people helped me a lot during my first steps in Gameplay, which I consider to be abolishment of EPNS and creation of Ministry of Information. There's also a loud shoutout to Xoriet, who serve with awesome advice and Grey, who tried to teach me R/D. Most recently, it was Bachtendekuppen, who influenced me a lot. So probably as I said, all of these people were or are TEPers.



What would you say were your proudest achievements in your roles as Minister of Information and MoFA?



My proudest achievement in all of my GP career is the Ministry of Information itself. I wasn't really sure what and why I am doing, but with advice from people mentioned above, I have managed to do a huge change. We had EPNS, which served as newspaper body. Taking advice and talking ideas with Yuno and Aelitia, I proposed the repeal of the EPNS Act (as I stated, it was too restricting); I built a new Ministry from scratch (with help from Atlae and Tretrid). During the best stage of this Ministry (when it was called Ministry of Propaganda), it had around 23 workers and several tasks: doing newspaper, doing informational dispatches, being a hut for coders and designers, doing text editing, preparing regional TGs and probably few more I'm forgetting. So that is my proudest achievement. Building "My Little Empire" from scratch. The fact that it was then successfully abolished and ruined by Fedele very rapidly is whole another story.



Speaking of MoFA, that is probably the creation of "My Second Little Empire". I reorganized the Discord server, introduced new liberalized FA Policies and most importantly, introduced a four-level hierarchy, which is still in place today. The hierarchy is split into 4 levels: Junior Diplomats (who serve as right hands of Diplomats), Diplomats (who oversee regions), Seniors (who oversee whole spheres) and Minister. This idea has also naturally evolved enough, to change the whole leadership of Ministry. It's no more the Minister's playground. Our FA is now lead by "Inner Circle" - a Council made of Seniors, Minister and Delegate. All leadership job is done by team as a whole and so are taken all decision. Ministry of FA is an example of perfect teamwork and how it pays off in a longer run.



Is there an article you're most proud of that was published during your time as Minister of Information? Or do you love all of them equally?



Haha. I would say that I love them all equally, as it was another example of teamwork. What is, however, worth noting is that there was a moment when we had an additional RMB Newspaper! That was for sure what we were all proud of, especially since it made RMB interact with Government (i.e. answering in polls for newspaper needs). Such interaction paid off, as RMBers started applying for Citizenship and joining Ministry of Information!



Alright then. Let's move on to the future now. What are you most excited about doing, now that you're Delegate?



That'd probably be introducing the "more original" ideas from my campaign. Firstly, that is Bureau of Public Affairs, which is supposed to be a channel between Region (Residents and Citizens) and Government. As a part of that idea, RMB RP and Forum RP are allowed to elect / select their representatives to the Cabinet. There is also few other tasks, but all of them are aimed towards Government interacting with the Region more. Second thing would be the idea, that started during Marrabuk's administration - formation of Consortium. As of now, we have already began planning stage of it. But from less practical and more theoretical things, I'm excited about having a possibility to work on betterment of our region as Delegate.



I was quite amazed to notice a while ago that TEP is a treatied ally with every feeder and sinker, except for Lazarus (which I believe TEP intends to negotiate a treaty with soon). As MoFA during the negotiation of a quite a few of those treaties, obviously you had a lot to do with them. Why did TEP decide on this FA approach, and do you believe it's better to have as many allies as possible?



Firstly, I would like to make it clear, that I for sure do not support the approach of "let's make a treaty with everyone around us". Treaties are to be well-thought and they need to be beneficial for both sides. Many treaties were made before I probably even knew about Gameplay. As for the recent ones, I would not say that this is anything of an approach or FA target / policy. It's simply the fact that both sides were interested in a treaty and we decided to pursue for them. From TEP's position, it's also rather easy to become "friends" or "treated allies" with many regions. We are known for being neutral diplomatically and unaligned militarily. So conflicts of interest are rather non-existent. The only restriction, I would say, is the fact that a treated ally, or any region we are establishing relations with, has to accept our general approach to GP - "You are independent and sovereign, we won't interfere in your internal or foreign affairs, unless asked to. But we require the same from you."



Speaking of general approach to GP, how much attention would you say TEP pays to the NSGP community, and when does TEP choose when to listen to or ignore what NSGP has to say?



I would say that we pay attention to NSGP. I can't say if it's little or much attention. I would say, that we are rather up to date with things, but we don't see a need to participate or have a stance in the 243rd conversation about a coup of region X.



When do we listen to NSGP? Probably never. NSGP is full of manipulation and we also don't go with the mainstream. If we find some topic important, we always try to get more background and information, to see the whole picture and have a neutral stance (as in - not manipulated by any side). We, however, rather rarely share our opinions, as we have more important tasks than dealing with NSGP dramas.



Of course, TNP ourselves have been an ally of TEP for quite a while now. How would you say we have been as an ally during your time?



The North Pacific has been an awesome ally, from what I heard (mostly). I myself haven't had too much of an interaction with TNP, except for hosting Paradoxical'20 together. But hearing a lot from Marrabuk, I was painted a picture of TNP as an awesome ally. The best example would probably be TNP reaching out to us and proposing is to use their tools, without expecting anything in exchange or trying to show, that "North is the better Pacific". It is common that people tend to become arrogant as the power comes. I haven't noticed or heard anything of that kind regarding TNP - it tells a lot about the region. What I am hoping for is for sure more events, we enjoyed first edition of Paradoxical a lot.



Thanks for the flattering comments! Last question - who do you think was the best Delegate of TEP and the one you will look up to the most?



I would say that every Delegate did something I can support. Yuno's administration was very liberal towards how Ministers organize their Ministries. Marrabuk boosted regional unity. Fedele actively interacted with Residents. That's the recent examples. I would say that most of TEP Delegates were awesome, and I will look up not to people, but to their ideas.



Hehe...I was kind of expecting that you wouldn't just name one person. Anyway, that's all we have time for! Do you have any parting words?



I guess I do. I'd like to order a release of your newspaper with your signature on it! And thank you for the interview.



Thanks for coming too! Hope you have a great day, and a great Delegacy!



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The Power20: How not to rank players

by Bormiar, Deputy Minister of Communications; Officer of WA Affairs and former Media Officer of The Rejected Realms

To readers who have not yet heard of "NationStates Today", the newspaper reports on common events such as elections on top of recording podcasts with popular figures. The gameplay-centric organization frequently affiliates itself with other regions in cross-promotional agreements. It has hosted election debates in Thalassia, The Leftist Assembly, and Lazarus.



NationStates Today hosts a biannual publication entitled the "Power20", the product of a panel of experienced players' interpretation of the most influential. The publication has been heavily vilified, which begs the question: "Why don't players like the Power20?"



The paper is known for skewing towards members of regions such as Osiris and the West Pacific, and the latest Power20 is no better than the rest. The graph in the next page shows Power20 members by affiliated region (some are members of multiple):



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Region affiliation is determined by the descriptions provided, as the article states that "the panellists were also asked to provide reasoning for each choice, which was used to determine descriptions". The only exception is Kuriko, where her influence can be presumed as heavily part of her role as 10,000 Islands delegate.



As can easily be seen in the above graph, Osiris, The West Pacific, Karma, The Black Hawks, and Balder have a substantial skew in members (though readers of the Power20 would not find this surprising whatsoever). While bias cannot be concluded from this information alone, members of regions such as The East Pacific, 10000 Islands, The North Pacific, The Rejected Realms and Lazarus should be immediately confused, given that all of those regions have immensely influential, active players. Even further, the delegate of 10,000 Islands wasn't even credited for that as a source of influence; r3naissanc3r, an incredibly important member of The North Pacific was credited first for creating automated tools for Balder and Europeia; and Frattastan's influence in the Rejected Realms was briefly noted as "a major voice in policy". Why does a single sinker somehow have more hyper-influential members than three other GCRs, combined? Why is over half of the Power20 members credited for work in Osiris, The West Pacific, Balder, or The Black Hawks?



Bias can only be determined if the results do not match reality, or if the methodology is provably designed to favor a certain result. A strong case can be made for both. First, the North Pacific's member on the panel, Madjack, was never sent the link to vote. A note from Wymondham states that this was due to "an unforeseen family emergency", though that did not affect any other panelist, and Wymondham originally didn't even know that there was a TNPer on board. McMasterdonia immediately confirmed that no member of the North Pacific's cabinet said they were asked to participate, which is questionable considering the panelists were mostly made up of high-level government members. While real-life is a valid excuse, it does not make the list any better at expressing the opinion of the North Pacific. Second, many of the regions "neglected" by the most recent Power20 have large militaries, significant diplomatic sway, a large playerbase, and high-influence players who control them. It seems unlikely that many of the North Pacific's extremely prominent members (and yes, this author and publication potentially harbors unintentional bias), who could influence a large military, the most World Assembly votes in the world, and all the prestige and sway of a GCR, would not appear on the Power20, aside from McMasterdonia. This is more surprising upon considering that the delegacies of Osiris and the West Pacific were considered prime reasons to place Rigel and Bran Astor, respectively, on the list (neither had been on the previous list). Upon first glance-- and first deep dive -- it seems clear that the list is biased.



However, NationStates Today's definition of "an influential individual" is... murky. "An individual who has been actively influential in the GP community in the last 6 months or who could have been actively influential in an impactful way, if they chose, in the last 6 months". The definition seems innocent, but "community" is extremely ambiguous and not defined. It could mean the broader gameplay world, regarding the less noticeable powers who are not active within the gameplay forums or discord, such as a region-builder in any GCR or a leader of an isolationist military, in which case there would be no reasonable claims of bias. "Community" more likely means the influences within the gameplay forums and discord, indirectly -- but most likely directly -- present. These are the players who influence the perceptions and gameplay of other players in their community. GCRs which are less involved in this NSGP community are free from their networking grasp, and free (mostly) from the Power20. That's why such an odd focus has been made on the position of NSGP admin (referring to the discord server). That's also why there's a skew towards regions whose members involve themselves in NSGP, such as Osiris and The West Pacific. Disregarding the Madjack snafu, the list is not biased, simply useless for determining true gameplay prominence.



Therein lies the problem with the Power20. The Power20 focuses almost entirely on a subgroup within gameplay of players who network, appeal to, and manipulate other members of that subgroup within gameplay. Gameplayers within that subgroup are known to like the Power20 because it appeals to their community, and gameplayers distant from it criticize it relentlessly.



Why don't players like the Power20? It's just not written for them.



So if it probably won't be reasonable to me as a North Pacifican, is there any good reason to read it? Nope! :)

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Europe: Elections, Fraud and Secrets

by Canibull, Reporter for The Northern LightsThe Northern Lights: Beauty in Truth
Publisher: Prydania :: Executive Editor: Gorundu​
The Northern Lights is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Except where otherwise indicated, all content does not represent the views of the Government of The North Pacific.
 
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World Assembly Digest


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General Assembly

Improving the world one resolution at a time.





Prevention Of Forced Sterilisation

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 10088 Against: 2172

Final Vote (TNP): For: 826 Against: 110 with percentage of WA nations voting: 50

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 111 Against: 27 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 207 Against: 40 with percentage of WA nations voting: 47

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 291 Against: 44 with percentage of WA nations voting: 61

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




"Prevention Of Forced Sterilisation" is a proposal that seeks to put an end to involuntary sterilisation (that is, the involuntary "removal of an individual's reproductive ability"), an immoral and inhumane act often used to oppress the rights of people and groups, as well as an ineffective punishment. It accomplishes this goal in an effective and concise manner. It is a necessary and adequate extension to the extant resolution Ban On Sterilisation Of Minors Etc, especially through clause four of the proposal. The proposal demonstrates the sophisticated handling of the subject at hand and would make an excellent addition to international legislation.



For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote For this proposal.



On Marijuana

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 4253 Against: 7060

Final Vote (TNP): For: 192 Against: 636 with percentage of WA nations voting: 43

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 35 Against: 102 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 83 Against: 170 with percentage of WA nations voting: 47

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 100 Against: 181 with percentage of WA nations voting: 47

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




While On Marijuana is well-intentioned, those intentions are not sufficient enough to make a well-written proposal. First of all, considering the vast variety present in World Assembly nations, it is almost nonsensical to write a proposal on such a narrow category of drugs - it would've made more sense to write a proposal on a wider category of drugs. Beyond the topic, the proposal text is equally flawed. For one, in the Mandates clause, the phrase "incarcerated for marijuana and marijuana related paraphernalia" simply makes no sense because people can only be incarcerates for crimes related to the drug. If we were to interpret is this way, the proposal becomes extremely problematic as it would require dealers and even violent offenders to be released, whose crimes are not victimless, unlike possession. In the Ensures clause, without a proper specification of the percentage for reparations, the clause is meaningless as nations can set any percentage they want, including almost zero.



For the reasons above, the Ministry recommends a vote Against this proposal.



Repeal Reproductive Freedoms

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 3333 Against: 8792

Final Vote (TNP): For: 159 Against: 770 with percentage of WA nations voting: 45

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 33 Against: 108 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 41 Against: 204 with percentage of WA nations voting: 45

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 67 Against: 234 with percentage of WA nations voting: 46

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




The proposal at vote, "Repeal: Reproductive Freedoms", attempts to repeal a resolution that is known for its longstanding protection of women's rights, and namely the right to have bodily autonomy in regards to the termination of pregnancy. The author wishes to repeal the target solely for the fact that he has a natural dislike of abortion.



While there are some concerns that are not completely without merit, these are mostly able to be overlooked, given the fact that Reproductive Freedoms does actually supply more societal good than the moral outrage that some may have over it causes. The author attempts to claim to be concerned with the flaws they believe are present in the resolution, ignoring the fact that none of the "flaws" are unobjective, and are rather moral concerns, which, in most cases, is not grounds for repeal. Even in the case that these claims were factually accurate, the author is intentionally misleading with them, given the fact that they have no intention to actually have a replacement go into effect.



For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote Against this proposal.



Ban On The Administration Of Unwanted Substances

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 6902 Against: 4645

Final Vote (TNP): For: 704 Against: 190 with percentage of WA nations voting: 42

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 53 Against: 77 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 112 Against: 117 with percentage of WA nations voting: 43

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 209 Against: 55 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




"Ban on the Administration of Unwanted Substances" is a well-written proposal that is the natural continuation of previous proposals to ensure the right to bodily autonomy. Giving reasonable exceptions to its mandate, it adequately prevents nations or any other entities from applying substances to most individual that would not want that substance applied to them. Additionally, it allows a pathway towards future legislation further covering information in the proposal, including adding more exceptions to the proposal if need be.



While there has been some criticism over the proposal allowing "anti-vaxxers" to put the public at risk of being infected with preventable diseases, these are unfounded concerns. There is a clause that specifically allows the administration of substances deemed necessary "for the widespread public health of either the nation or the large." Furthermore, due to the phrasing in clause two that says "Subject to other World Assembly Legislation...", this resolution, "Public Health And Vaccinations Act", would be in effect and negate any concerns of public health in regards to vaccines.



For these reasons, the North Pacific Ministry for World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For the at-vote proposal.



Standards For International Road Freight

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 3256 Against: 7393

Final Vote (TNP): For: 143 Against: 691 with percentage of WA nations voting: 39

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 29 Against: 113 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 54 Against: 147 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 63 Against: 191 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




This proposal attempts to create a comprehensive set of laws for international cargo transport by road vehicles, but fails to do so reasonably. In clause IV, member states are required to enforce a fee on all road cargo transport entering their nation, which prevents free movement of goods. Clause II mandates that all said transport must be planned beforehand between the foriegn transporters and the domestic national services, a useless and bureaucratic procedure that will rarely be beneficial in practice. Clause VI bans the formation of preferential trade agreements by mandating all nations of origin to be charged the same fee. Lastly, Clause III takes away member states' control of their own borders, requiring entry points to be open at all times except under "compelling purposes".



For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote Against this proposal.



Repeal Data Protection Accord

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 1809 Against: 8761

Final Vote (TNP): For: 102 Against: 703 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 25 Against: 105 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 15 Against: 199 with percentage of WA nations voting: 39

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 23 Against: 211 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




Repeal "Data Protection Accord" is a highly flawed proposal that doesn't identify any legitimate issues in the target resolution. A majority of the arguments are based on the premise of national sovereignty, which are not grounds for repeal, and those arguments which are not based on national sovereignty are generally non-issues or nonexistent in the first place. For example, the proposed repeal claims that allowing individuals to see data collected on them is "impractical" - when it should not be impractical to simply allow the viewing of collected data.



Furthermore, there are several points where the proposed repeal claims the target to be vague or otherwise nonviable, which is simply untrue. In all instances where this is mentioned, the issue is not present if good faith compliance is occurring - which all compliance must be - making these issues practically entirely fictitious. It would be one thing if these issues were addressed with an adequate replacement proposal, but no such replacement exists.



For these reasons, the North Pacific Ministry on World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote of Against the at-vote proposal in the General Assembly.



Requiring Promulgation Of National Laws

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 4955 Against: 5004

Final Vote (TNP): For: 191 Against: 543 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 34 Against: 89 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 80 Against: 119 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 63 Against: 180 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




The current proposal at vote, Requiring Promulgation Of National Laws, is flawed in an assortment of ways. Primarily, this legislation is ripe for abuse on multiple levels. There is concern of a potential loophole allowing nations to abuse the period of vacatio legis to indefinitely delay the application of legislation they do not wish to comply with. Regardless of a good faith issue, the proposal does little to outline any restrictions on how vacatio legis may be used. Additionally, this mandated waiting period adds unnecessary bloat to member states' domestic legislative systems, and restricts their ability to quickly deal with any issues that demand haste. Furthermore, there is a gross overreach in empowering the Judicial Committee of the Compliance Commission to shut down emergency legislative functions during a State Of Emergency if they feel you are not in enough "danger" to justify it. Not only should that be a power held only in the hands of each nation's sovereign government, it should not be able to be reviewed by a party that does so only to evaluate the legislative processes of a government in its more dire time of action.



In accordance with the reasoning displayed above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote Against this proposal.



Repeal Ensuring Safe Syringe Use

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 8004 Against: 1474

Final Vote (TNP): For: 687 Against: 64 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 123 Against: 13 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 167 Against: 22 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 196 Against: 18 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




The repeal at vote is well-written and outlines a few major reasons that the target should be repealed. These points were actually pointed out near the beginning of the voting period for the target resolution, but it wasn't enough for a lot of people to vote against without replacement legislation. Now, replacement legislation has been drafted and is simply waiting on "Ensuring Safe Syringe Use" to be repealed. Both the repeal and the replacement adequately address the issues that are in the initial proposal, without being too over-the-top about it. While the repeal is rather short and you can read the issues there, a brief synopsis of them is that some of the wording is overly ambiguous, to the point where the meaning is muddled, and that it constantly refers to "syringes" despite the author meaning to address needles, not syringes. The replacement proposal has neither of these issues.



For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For the at-vote proposal in the General Assembly



Ethical Treatment Of Animals In Research

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 7553 Against: 1763

Final Vote (TNP): For: 654 Against: 84 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 101 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 180 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 202 Against: 14 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




This proposal serves as a well-written answer to the current dearth of animal rights legislation in the World Assembly. The legislation effectively restricts excessively cruel animal testing, while allowing member nations enough flexibility to engage in testing when it is justified. Additionally, several key clauses ensure that animals are humanely treated both before and after testing, along with prohibiting experimentation on species at risk of extinction unless it will aid in conservation efforts. The establishment of an Animal Experimentation Board is handled well, and allows member nations to receive the necessary funding to comply with the act's provisions.



For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the resolution, "Ethical Treatment of Animals in Research".



Military Identification Tag Act

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 8036 Against: 1194

Final Vote (TNP): For: 697 Against: 47 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 122 Against: 11 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 142 Against: 51 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 204 Against: 12 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




This resolution clearly from the beginning defines a purpose; which is to install military identification tags for the militaries of WA-member states and it reminds all voters that the absence of medical treatment to recovered, but unresponsive soldiers due to lack of identification on their person is a problem that needs to be fixed. This resolution clearly states the reasons of why such a move would be beneficiary. These include the identification to return fallen soldiers to families and to seek missing or killed soldiers. The steps needed to be taken are also very simple steps to take and the information needed per soldier is not too outrageous. Not only this, but this resolution also protects the soldiers identification from destruction from the opposing sides. This means that under this act, soldiers killed-in-combat will be able to have their remains brought home to their loved ones relatively easily, in theory.



For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the resolution, "Military Identification Tag Act".





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Security Council

Spreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessary.



Condemn This Game

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 5212 Against: 2195

Final Vote (TNP): For: 232 Against: 378 with percentage of WA nations voting: 41

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 106 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 148 Against: 28 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 88 Against: 12 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




The Ministry acknowledges the humorous intent of this proposal, and as it has completed its purpose of coming to vote on April Fool's Day, the Ministry sees no benefit to passing a joke proposal. Therefore, we recommend a vote Against.



Commend Kuriko

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 5259 Against: 1302

Final Vote (TNP): For: 407 Against: 123 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 48 Against: 51 with percentage of WA nations voting: 23

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 135 Against: 24 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 74 Against: 19 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




"Commend Kuriko" hits all the points to be made for why Kuriko has had an exemplary impact on NationStates. The first predominant reasoning is that Kuriko is a consummate Security Council player, having written the most SC resolutions by any one player, many of which being liberations to protect invaded regions. Kuriko has also been elected Delegate of 10000 Islands three times, a position she served with distinction as her World Assembly experience allows her to spur rational discussion. In the same role, which also gives her responsibility for Foreign Affairs, Kuriko led a notable shift in a region which has been isolationist for the majority of its 17 year history, towards increased cooperation (including with The South Pacific, the Rejected Realms, and Yggdrasil). This has helped to solidify 10000 Islands as a member of the worldwide community, particularly in defending. Kuriko is also the founder of The Hole to Hide In, an impressive role-play region.



TNPers may recall a campaign by Kuriko against a commendation for prominent TNPer Crushing Our Enemies based on his past raiding activities. The ministry recognizes that this came from a strong ideological position which she is obligated to uphold and does not reflect ill on her person or negate her abilities or achievements.



Therefore, the Ministry has come to a conclusion to recommend a vote For this commendation.



Condemn Nations Creating Regions For SC Props

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 1214 Against: 6177

Final Vote (TNP): For: 51 Against: 545 with percentage of WA nations voting: 40

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 8 Against: 107 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 19 Against: 155 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 19 Against: 99 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




Condemn Nations Creating Regions For SC Props' must be the last proposal of its kind to reach the voting floor of the Security Council. As this proposal correctly points out, creating regions as props to commend or condemn them is an awful trend. It is one that began as a joke, admittedly a bit funny as well, yet it has become an annoying bit that must be quashed. There is no effort put into these proposals, no research conducted, and nothing positive is ultimately contributed to the Assembly by them being voted on and potentially passed. It is imperative for us to euthanize this cancerous trend once and for all.



For these reasons, the ministry highly recommends a vote Against this proposal.



Repeal Condemn This Game

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 5968 Against: 4347

Final Vote (TNP): For: 664 Against: 167 with percentage of WA nations voting: 47

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 79 Against: 33 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 156 Against: 42 with percentage of WA nations voting: 40

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 194 Against: 71 with percentage of WA nations voting: 54

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




"Condemn This Game" was a resolution intended to be a joke for April Fools' Day, which the Ministry had opposed due to its lack of purpose. The repeal currently at vote recognizes this, and exemplifies the arguments that jokes shouldn't be made simply for the sake of being made in the Security Council. The repeal also satirises comments from other attempted repeals, taking the assertions and taking it to the extreme, stating that the intent to bring traits such as "good-will", "joy", and "humor" into the Security Council is an overall bad thing and "should be eradicated."



All in all, the author has gone above and beyond to provide a fitting repeal to a light-hearted proposal that wasn't meant to stay. Thus, the Ministry recommends a vote For the proposal.



Commend The Holy Principality Of Saint Mark

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 7672 Against: 2854

Final Vote (TNP): For: 370 Against: 431 with percentage of WA nations voting: 42

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 92 Against: 33 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 181 Against: 41 with percentage of WA nations voting: 41

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 196 Against: 89 with percentage of WA nations voting: 50

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:
the West Pacific, we are left with no understanding of the "Imperial Culture", the "Manners of Governance", or what events Halo responded to "in a thoughtful, reasoned way". On the many treaties negotiated, it fails to state any positive impacts. The resolution also vaguely references "[encouraging] internal reforms in The Pacific" without explanation of what internal reforms or what work was done by Halo to cause them. The mention of NSToday's News Partnership Framework is bewildering as there is no evidence of whether the organization has become a positive force, or whether there are any benefits to the regions themselves, of which Halo is a leader (as stated throughout the proposal).



In hopes of a proposal which will more clearly demonstrate the commendability of the nominee, the Ministry recommends a vote Against the proposal.



Condemn Deruuu

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 1564 Against: 8987

Final Vote (TNP): For: 82 Against: 733 with percentage of WA nations voting: 41

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 11 Against: 118 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 31 Against: 184 with percentage of WA nations voting: 40

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 38 Against: 213 with percentage of WA nations voting: 42

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




The Security Council is polluted by an excessively-large series of joke proposals, each one more tiresome than the last, and many players are fed up with it. "Condemn Deruuu" is yet another one of these resolutions; one which should've been posted on the forums to entertain without being submitted. The resolution is centered around a single, 20 minute YouTube video around NS by Drew Durnil, who owns Deruuu and recruited players to NationStates with the video. He only did things any new player would do: answered issues, read telegrams, voted on WA resolutions, made fun of Marrabuk, etc. This objectively makes Deruuu no better as a NationStates player than anyone else. The above-average quality about Deruuu is that they run a popular YouTube channel, something which is irrelevant to a NationStates World Assembly. If that weren't enough, the resolution claims that a temporary site outage was caused by the influx of nations from Drew Durnil's YouTube channel, when in reality there was a pre-existing break. This inaccuracy unravels the claim made in "Condemn Deruuu".



For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote Against "Condemn Deruuu".



Commend Destructive Government Economic System

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 9529 Against: 1720

Final Vote (TNP): For: 812 Against: 86 with percentage of WA nations voting: 43

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 106 Against: 19 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 189 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 40

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 246 Against: 33 with percentage of WA nations voting: 41

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




Early on after trading cards were introduced, Destructive Government Economic System (DGES) discovered the essential value behind cards with ex-nation flags: they realized "ex-flags" wouldn't exist in later seasons. DGES argued for the special recognition and collection of these cards (inspiring many members of the community), and paid enormous markup for these ex-flags. The card community has dedicated itself to collecting ex-flags is normal and, with the discovery that ex-nation's cards only spawn while at auction, a culture (which DGES has greatly assisted in) of paying a high amount of bank for some ex nation cards has sprung up. DGES has paid a massive markup to collect and display thousands of ex-nations, and has collected virtually every major ex-nation card. In addition, DGES has also helped the community in their role as a Deputy Guildmaster of the Cards Guilds of The North Pacific, the largest region-based cards community that has benefitted countless TNPers, and by authoring a comprehensive guide to cards for all nations to use.



For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote For the proposal.



Commend Almonaster Nuevo

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 9659 Against: 978

Final Vote (TNP): For: 771 Against: 60 with percentage of WA nations voting: 39

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 105 Against: 13 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 182 Against: 17 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 236 Against: 12 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




The flag of one's choice is often difficult for them to obtain, but some players devote their time to making them for other players. Almonaster Nuevo has spent a half a decade selflessly making flags for hundreds of strangers, notably in this thread. They're respectful, prolific, and serviceable in their work, making them extremely well-known for flag making. Additionally, Almonaster Nuevo has been a wonderful inclusion to the communities they have participated in, including consummate ambassador work and NationStates World Fair maintainence. We find the sheer abundance of this unrewarding work to be enough to commend Almonaster Nuevo.



The North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote of For "Commend Almonaster Nuevo".



Condemn Psychotic Dictatorships

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 8011 Against: 2454

Final Vote (TNP): For: 697 Against: 115 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 95 Against: 33 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 175 Against: 33 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 183 Against: 46 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




"Condemn Psychotic Dictatorships" is an entertaining (and well-written) proposal, but nonetheless recognizes the region as an example of how dictatorships should be played. Psychotic Dictatorships reflects their name well. The region strictly divide real life atrocities with their roleplay, and enforce silly rules characteristic of a stereotypical tyranny, which provides a great example of how to roleplay a tyranny without disturbing others. Ironically, this unique and vibrant dictatorship is worth emulation to any prospective and current dictators on NationStates.



For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote For "Condemn Psychotic Dictatorships.



Commend Audioslavia

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 8869 Against: 1010

Final Vote (TNP): For: 735 Against: 51 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 103 Against: 11 with percentage of WA nations voting: 24

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 188 Against: 18 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 210 Against: 15 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




Roleplay resolutions are quite uncommon, so it's always pleasing to see one appear. On top of this, "Commend Audioslavia" is an excellent resolution. The proposal is written by an experienced roleplayer who clearly went though adequate research and drafting to document Audioslavia's history in NationStates. Audioslavia has contributed to the NationStates community in roleplaying consummately in sports competitions. This is made evident by their achievements in winning football (aka soccer) competitions, amalgams of randomness and roleplay skill. They have also given back to the community as demonstrated in clause 2, where Audioslavia is cited as running competitions, teaching new players, and providing football assistance through "kits".



The North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote of For "Commend Audioslavia".



Condemn Auphelia

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 5789 Against: 3172

Final Vote (TNP): For: 594 Against: 143 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 38 Against: 79 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 122 Against: 55 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 119 Against: 80 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




This is a well written, highly creative, and humorous RP condemn of Auphelia, a prominent member of the TSP community. We believe that the proposal fulfils its main objective, to jokingly condemn Auphelia for RP actions. While some were put off by the graphic descriptions of torture within the proposal, they mirror the style of Auphelia and are a creative addition to the proposal. We believe proposals that are well constructed and employ humour tastefully should be supported, this being a great example of such.



For these reasons The North Pacific's Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote of For "Condemn Auphelia".



Commend Candensia

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 7408 Against: 1184

Final Vote (TNP): For: 656 Against: 62 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 92 Against: 22 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 156 Against: 21 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 194 Against: 7 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




Commend Candensia is a well-written, unique take on a unique nation who has applied themselves to the admirable but under-appreciated cause of music education, as well as some other niche but similarly important topics such as last meals for criminals on death row, and several takes on environmental issues among several others. In addition, Candensia has applied themselves to protecting and serving the region of The Hole to Hide In - in their offices as WA Delegate and Chief Moderator, has contributed to the Security Council by authoring SC#275 "Commend Jutsa" and co-authoring SC#291 "Commend Duxburian Union", the latter of which is notable for commending a defender and member of European Union.



All of these factors come together to form a well put-together, deserving case for Candensia's commendation and applause from this Security Council. For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote For this resolution.



Commend Vilita And Turori

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 6825 Against: 1228

Final Vote (TNP): For: 617 Against: 67 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33.56For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 92 Against: 24 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26.36

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 141 Against: 14 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30.55

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 176 Against: 30 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32.14

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




In the opinion of the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs, "Commend Vilita and Turori" is a shining example of what a well-done Security Council resolution should look like. The proposal rightly commends Vilita and Turori, a roleplayer of exceptional caliber and staunch contributor to the NationStates sports community. The proposal highlights their contributions and achievements in great detail, including creating Atlantian Oceania (a core region in the NSSports community), spurring development of the Baptism of Fire (a tournament for new players), and hosting a remarkable number of competitions both big and small. Significant thought clearly went into writing this proposal, and it stands as a fitting way to commend such a deserving nation.



For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the resolution, Commend Vilita and Turori.



The North Star: Lighting The Way To The Truth

Publisher:
Prydania :: Executive Editor: Gorundu :: Managing Editor: BMWSurfer, Bormiar



The North Star is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and is distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.



Index of Issues
 
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The Spotlight - Interview with Prydania

by Chinese Rebel, Reporter for The North Star



Chinese Rebel: Well everyone, here we are with our Delegate Prydania. I have a few questions I'd like to ask. Let's start from the beginning - How did you get started in NationStates?



Prydania: So I got started in NationStates like so many do, as a teenager who was interested in politics and history.



I was in my grade twelve year of high school and I had just finished with Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four. And I stumbled upon NationStates. I was still thinking about a passage form Nineteen Eighty-Four that explained that the totalitarian INGSOC regime had built a statue to honour Oliver Cromwell. Something about a socialist Britain that found common cause with Cromwell was very interesting, so I created Inglo-Scotia. It was a Britain expy whose government was a mix of Orwell's INGSOC regime and Cromwell's British republic.



I can't remember where I spawned, but I quickly joined the Lexicon where I met Eluvatar. That was back in 2006.



Chinese Rebel: That is such a long time ago! How did you eventually make your way into The North Pacific's government?



Prydania: I came to TNP full time in the summer of 2017. I had some bad experiences with game play and regional government in my last region, Taijitu. I had been there for nine years by that point, but it ended in a very explosive way.



So I decided I only wanted to be part of RP in TNP. No government stuff. Problem was I was a good enough RPer to be made a RP mod! And that got some attention from the GP community. I had to turn down multiple offers to be Minister of Culture. I finally accepted when Minister of Culture MadJack resigned in the final two weeks of Ghost's last term. I agreed to fill in. And Fiji, who succeeded Ghost, convinced me to stay on. I ended up staying on as Minister of Culture for a year. And then enough people who I respected in GP convinced me to give a run at Delegate a try. And here I am!



So I got started in TNP government through slow, eventual capitulation to peer pressure! Not a good look for a teacher, I admit, but I'm glad I did. I'm proud of what I've been able to do as both Minister of Culture and as Delegate.



Chinese Rebel: That is an extremely interesting experience! So for most of your time in government you have been Minister of Culture. What did you oversee and accomplish in that position?



PrydaniaChinese Rebel: So now that you are Delegate, what has been your most challenging problem so far?



Prydania: So that's an interesting question! This is my first shot at being Delegate in my long time spent in NationStates, but that long run in the game has given me a good idea of what the position entails. My good friend Sovereign Dixie was a multiple time Delegate or Taijitu, and I served as his Vice Delegate for one of those terms.



So I decided to run for Delegate it TNP with a pretty good idea of what the job would entail. As such most of the trials of the office haven't bothered me too much. I knew what I was signing up for, essentially.



I would say the biggest problem I've had is dealing with what I didn't expect. TNP is a very large region with a lot of moving parts. Of course as Delegate I oversee many of those moving parts but even so. It seems like a lot of people, both inside TNP and outside, are of the belief that I'm the guy who can snap my fingers and address whatever problems they have. I've been inundated with requests about the Civil Defence Siren and embassies and "grand initiatives" random players dream up in their spare time since I was sworn in.



The trials of the Delegacy- working to accomplish goals I want to see accomplished- I'm fine with those. I knew what I was getting into.



Being the point man to absorb everyone's random thoughts or grievances, however, has taken some adjustments.



Chinese Rebel: Of course, there will eventually be a time when you are no longer Delegate. What do you plan to do then?



Prydania: I plan on focusing on my roleplay. Both as an active participant in the roleplay community and with my duties and lead RP mod.



Chinese Rebel: One thing I've been wondering - did you ever consider joining the NPA?



Prydania: No. I had a few unremarkable stints in the Taijitu army but military gameplay isn't really my cup of tea. That being said, working with Rom as my Minister of Defence and the rest of the NPA has been an enlightening experience. The work those guys and girls put into the Army is incredible.



Chinese Rebel: Now, as a Delegate, I'm sure you've looked to past Delegates for inspiration. Who was the delegate when you first arrived and do you think they did a good job?



Prydania: I arrived in the summer of 2017, and the Delegate was Ghost. I thought he did an amazing job, despite being hampered with the RMB drama that was kicked up just before his term started. I have a lot of respect for Ghost, and it's been an honour. Both to kick off my Minister of Culture career under his Delegacy and to have him on board as my Minister of Foreign Affairs.



Chinese Rebel: And who was your favourite Delegate?



Prydania: A lot of them are quite good. McMasterdonia's ability to be everywhere at once was something to admire. McM has also been a great mentor for me in both the Delegacy and earlier in the Ministry of Culture. Fiji provided calm, stable leadership that I personally see a lot of myself in. Ghost is that special sort of leader who can just get you to do anything after a pep-talk! Siwale did a lot for the RP community and the RMB, which I think speaks a great deal to his character because he's not really part of either community. Yet he went the extra mile for both communities.



Those would be the favourites of mine since I've been here, but if I had to pick one? Geeze...I would go with Fiji because I tend to jive with his leadership style and it's one my own is closest to.



Chinese Rebel: Well, unfortunately, that's all we have time for. Thank you for joining us in this interview, Prydania!



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North Pacific Army Bulletin - June 2020

by Gorundu, Lieutenant of the North Pacific Army



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Leadership



Minister of Defence: General Rom

Deputy Ministers of Defence: Colonel Robespierre and Colonel BMWSurfer




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The North Pacific Army and The Black Hawks wait for orders to enter Liberty Nations Alliance during RaiderConcringeworthy
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Regional Assembly Highlights - June 2020

by Cretox State, Deputy Speaker




Speaker: St George (MadJack)

Deputy Speakers: Robespierre, Crushing Our Enemies, Cretox State, and Bobberino





Current Business



The only current outstanding business for the Regional Assembly from the month of June is the Court Amendment Act.



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Court Amendment Act by McMasterdonia



Summary: Proposed by former Delegate McMasterdonia, the Court Amendment Act would attempt to modernize the Court's operations to be more in line with the region's present needs. In its form as of writing, the bill would shift Justices to being appointed by the Delegate and confirmed by the Regional Assembly on a rolling basis, with each Justice serving six-month terms. The bill is currently being revised and discussed, and will likely be submitted at some point in the future.



Status: Proposed



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Passed



The proposals that have passed through the Regional Assembly in the months of June and July thus far are the Confirmation of Dreadton, Sil Dorsett and Eluvatar as Election Commissioners, the Confirmation of Dreadton as Prosecutor in The North Pacific v. Pigeonstan, and the Lessening Repeating Work (LRW) Bill.



-~-



Confirmation of Dreadton and Sil Dorsett as Election Commissioners



Summary: Nominated to the Election Commission in early June 2020 by Delegate Prydania, Dreadton and Sil Dorsett had both garnered acclaim for their previous work on the Election Commission. A week after the opening of debate on the subject, both nominees were deemed to have responded to questioning satisfactorily and a motion for a vote began. Both Dreadton and Sil Dorsett were later confirmed by near-unanimous majority Regional Assembly vote, and were admitted to the Election Commission.



Results:

Dreadton:
51 Ayes | 1 Nay | 4 Abstentions

Sil Dorsett: 51 Ayes | 0 Nays | 5 Abstentions



Status: Confirmed as of 21 June 2020


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Confirmation of Dreadton as Prosecutor in The North Pacific v. Pigeonstan



Summary: Dreadton was appointed in mid-July 2020 to serve as Prosecutor in the criminal case The North Pacific v. Pigeonstan. A vote was quickly opened and scheduled to run for the shortest possible duration of three days. Dreadton was confirmed by majority vote at the conclusion of the voting period.



Results:Status: Confirmed as of 23 June 2020



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Lessening Repeating Work (L.R.W.) Bill by Gorundu



Summary: Initially brought before the Regional Assembly by Praetor in mid-July 2019, the L.R.W. Bill was revived and revised by Gorundu in mid-March 2020. The bill sought to implement a preferential voting system for Judicial elections, and passed the Regional Assembly by majority vote.



Results: 30 Ayes | 5 Nays | 13 Abstentions



Status: Passed as of 1 July 2020



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Confirmation of Eluvatar as Election Commissioner



Summary: Eluvatar was nominated to the Election Commission by Delegate Prydania in mid-July, 2020. Eluvatar has previously served on the Election Commission, and the confirmation was expected to pass easily.



Results: 37 Ayes | 2 Nays | 4 Abstentions



Status: Passed as of 27 July 2020




Failed



-~-



Two proposals have failed in the Regional Assembly since the last update, being Wonderess' Security Council Application, which failed to reach a two-thirds majority Regional Assembly vote, and the Delegate's Report Bill, which failed to reach a majority.



Wonderess' Security Council Application



Summary: After applying to the Security Council on the first of May, Wonderess failed to be recommended for admission. The Regional Assembly then began a discussion to examine the proposition of upholding or overturning the Security Council's decision.



Results: 37 Ayes | 42 Nays | 12 Abstentions



Status: Failed as of 25 June 2020



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Delegate's Report Bill by RocketDog



Summary: The Delegate's Report Bill was originally introduced to the Regional Assembly a year ago during El Fiji Grande's term as Delegate as a way to clarify when the executive administration was to give reports on its activities. After a period of dormancy for many months, discussion surfaced again in late March of 2020 and after a few revisions the bill was later passed by the Regional Assembly and vetoed by the Delegate. On 14 July 2020, the bill has been brought to vote again after further revision.



Results: 9 Ayes | 23 Nays | 19 Abstentions



Status: Failed as of 21 July 2020​



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World Assembly Digest

[align=right]by BMWSurfer

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General Assembly

Improving the world one resolution at a time.



Rights Of The Employed

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 11828 Against: 10133

Final Vote (TNP): For: 330 Against: 365 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 76 Against: 45 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 116 Against: 53 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 169 Against: 23 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:


Despite being written with the commendable goal of fighting workplace discrimination, "Rights of the Employed" is marred by several glaring issues which leave it unable to achieve its lofty goals. Though ostensibly intended to ensure "a range of rights" for workers, the proposal inexplicably omits freelance workers and most contractors from benefiting under its clauses. The Ministry of World Assembly Affairs finds it troubling that the first thing a resolution against workplace discrimination does is discriminate against certain types of workers.

Additionally, some of the proposal's language is questionable at best. For example, the legislation places the burden on the employee to prove to their employer the need for breastfeeding at work, which is unacceptable for what should be obvious reasons. On the subject of breastfeeding, the proposal mandates that "a private, safe, hygienic and ventilated area in [the] workplace, separate from any toilets" exists solely for breastfeeding, which is unrealistic for many small businesses. Furthermore, the proposal's heavy-handed banning of "intimidating behavior" is wholly incompatible with certain professions built around experiencing such. We recommend that the authors revise their work, and cannot, in good faith, recommend voting For this proposal.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting Against the resolution, "Rights of the Employed".





Proper Hygiene For Medical Instruments

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 18256 Against: 1803

Final Vote (TNP): For: 696 Against: 17 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 126 Against: 6 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 189 Against: 7 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 193 Against: 8 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:


Proper Hygiene For Medical Instruments" is a well-suited replacement of the recently-repealed "Ensuring Safe Syringe Use" - not only does the replacement cover up all the issues that the repealed resolution had while still maintaining the integrity of the legislation, it also has a far broader scope so as to ensure proper sterilization of all susceptible medical instruments and not just syringes. The topic it is on is an essential area of legislation in ensuring that the spread of disease through improperly sanitized equipment in medical settings is minimized, and it legislates on this topic very effectively.

For these reasons, The North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For the at-vote proposal, "Proper Hygiene For Medical Instruments".



Language And Education Rights For Deaf Individuals

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 17814 Against: 1221

Final Vote (TNP): For: 692 Against: 38 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 105 Against: 12 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 161 Against: 15 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 171 Against: 16 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:


Over the years, the General Assembly has sought to protect the rights of all people to enjoy the same freedoms and opportunities afforded to their peers, regardless of categories like race, gender, or sexual orientation. Unfortunately, international law has not afforded deaf and hard of hearing individuals this protection until now. "Language and Education Rights for Deaf Individuals" seeks to remedy this deficiency, by guaranteeing deaf individuals the right to an equal education, freedom from discrimination, and the ability to fully participate in society through recognition of non-audial languages. The proposal displays good writing, and effectively legislates on an important topic.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote proposal, "Language and Education Rights for Deaf Individuals".





Regulating Desalination

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 11930 Against: 6378

Final Vote (TNP): For: 300 Against: 389 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 106 Against: 27 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 103 Against: 66 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 166 Against: 34 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:


Written with the goal of curbing the possible negative environmental effects of desalination, "Regulating Desalination" naturally legislates on a very narrow topic. However, this limited scope does the proposal more harm than good. For starters, the legislation's clauses are quite weak, and do not take advantage of the proposal's narrow topic to effectively regulate desalination. The issues posed by desalination are not limited to waste products harming ecosystems; rather, they include risks to human health, which are not covered by the proposal, and ocean-specific issues such as the intake and destruction of animals and eggs. Additionally, the proposal fails to address the potential commercial applications of waste products, nor does it effectively address the financial issues plaguing desalination in water-scarce areas or encourage water conservation measures. It is our belief that a proposal on such a narrow topic must take full advantage of its limited scope. Otherwise, it may as well be rewritten to regulate water treatment or land-based industry in general.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting Against the proposal, "Regulating Desalination".



Supporting And Valuing The Humanities

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 15221 Against: 3197

Final Vote (TNP): For: 638 Against: 58 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 105 Against: 13 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 128 Against: 31 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 161 Against: 16 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:


Supporting and Valuing the Humanities is a proposal that firstly notes the importance and rightful mention of the humanities within the halls of the WA, coming after GA# 475 which spoke on the importance of the Natural Sciences. This resolution not only speaks about the humanities' importance, but takes steps to ensure their presence and usage in member nations' curriculums. Funding is offered for those nations who may not be able to support such curriculum with their own national budget through the World Humanities Fund. Such funding has been given concrete objectives to ensure that no money is being improperly used. These funds are not limited to only governments, but are extended to non profit entities who help further the mission of this proposal.

Built into the proposal is the formation of the Department of External Auditors, which ensures funds are being responsibly allocated to avoid wasteful spending and ensures transparency when it comes to the use of funding.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the proposal, "Supporting and Valuing the Humanities".



Standards On Police Accountability

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 7075 Against: 10160

Final Vote (TNP): For: 195 Against: 457 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 46 Against: 73 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 70 Against: 84 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 133 Against: 37 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:


While the proposal reveals the noble intentions of its author, "Standards On Police Accountability" does not achieve the goal its title suggests. Potentially its most significant problem is the fact that the proposal does not mandate that bodycams and onboard cameras ever be turned on, providing nations with a major loophole. Secondly, the proposal defines "police force" and "law enforcement officer" in a way that is overly broad and includes institutions (e.g., intelligence services) that are not intended to be included. Lastly, the proposal jeopardises the safety of undercover officers by requiring them to wear bodycams.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting Against the GA proposal, "Standards On Police Accountability".



Fair Arbitration Act

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 13157 Against: 2532

Final Vote (TNP): For: 549 Against: 53 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 106 Against: 14 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 129 Against: 12 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 151 Against: 14 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:


"Fair Arbitration Act" (GA) fulfills an important role in comprehensively regulating arbitration agreements, which are agreements that mandate the resolving of legal disputes by an independent arbitrator, rather than a court of law. The proposal seeks to ensure that these agreements are only valid when they serve the public good, and accomplishes this effectively by prohibiting all such agreements with respect to matters of antitrust violations, civil rights, consumer goods, and employment. The proposal sees to it that arbitration agreements will only apply between two parties of relatively equal bargaining power, and will never unduly interfere with the ability of an individual to seek legal action over alleged wrongdoing. The proposal nicely complements prior resolutions passed by the General Assembly, by ensuring that individuals can enforce their rights in court.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote General Assembly proposal, "Fair Arbitration Act".



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Security Council

Spreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessary.



Commend Crushing Our Enemies

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 15370 Against: 5135

Final Vote (TNP): For: 599 Against: 79 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 89 Against: 23 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 112 Against: 49 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 170 Against: 20 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:


"Commend Crushing Our Enemies" is a well drafted resolution that recognises the substantive work that Crushing Our Enemies (also known as "General COE" has undertaken during their time in NationStates. Their tireless efforts have included vastly improving The North Pacific's internal security, laws and policies, publications, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government institutions as a whole. Crushing Our Enemies is one of the modern founding fathers of The North Pacific and his contributions are too numerous to mention in a single resolution. Crushing Our Enemies has a proven record of valuing regional sovereignty, military service, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. In addition to his contributions to The North Pacific, Crushing Our Enemies has helped to develop a culture of professionalism and responsibility in The Black Hawks and ensured compliance with international law following the use of the military weapon "Predator". Crushing Our Enemies is a very deserving candidate as is reflected in the resolution.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting FOR the resolution, "Commend Crushing Our Enemies".



Commend 9003

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 13882 Against: 4806

Final Vote (TNP): For: 605 Against: 61 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 58 Against: 62 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 115 Against: 41 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 173 Against: 16 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:


Commend 9003" outlines a most eloquent and refined set of rationales for the favorable recognition of 9003 by this most noble World Assembly. A truly cultured nation, 9003 is most deserving of this pinnacle of honors, as exemplified by its everlasting commitment to the collection of "artwork" in the form of cards from across NationStates. The proposal articulates two fine reasons for why 9003 is to be commended, those being its noteworthy history of tasteful card collection and its storied history of involvement with both the North Pacific Army and the forces of Mordor. Special emphasis is placed on the nation's role as Deputy Guildmaster of the North Pacific Cards Guild, and its hosting of Olympic Games for art. In the opinion of the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs, both this proposal and this nation will undoubtably age as befitting a bottle of fine wine.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the Security Council proposal, "Commend 9003".



Repeal Liberate Iran

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 16861 Against: 2416

Final Vote (TNP): For: 606 Against: 58 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 57 Against: 51 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 134 Against: 21 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 110 Against: 74 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:


[No Recommendation]



Commend Apulita

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 4153 Against: 11716

Final Vote (TNP): For: 112 Against: 529 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 20 Against: 105 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 43 Against: 103 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 75 Against: 100 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:


"Commend Apulita" is a resolution that seeks to recognize a prominent native of the Warzone regions for their lengthy tenure as Delegate of Warzone Europe and for their supposedly invaluable influence in keeping the region stable. If Apulita is commendable, this resolution does not make the case. The resolution misrepresents the influence The North Pacific (TNP) had in protecting Warzone Europe which at the time Apulita was Delegate was a protectorate of Equilism, a treatied ally of TNP. TNP deployed to the region a number of times when the region was under threat and TNP's support of Apulita served to dissuade regions from toppling Apulita. The proposal additionally falls into the trap of just listing positions (eg. Senator, President, etc. ) without specifying what exactly Apulita did in those positions.

Additionally, it should be noted that simply reigning as Delegate for an extended period of time in one's native region is not a commendable feat on its own and as such this proposal relies far too heavily on that one subject.

Thus, for the reasons outlined above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote AGAINST the resolution Commend Apulita.



Repeal Condemn Vandoosa

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 4007 Against: 11916

Final Vote (TNP): For: 409 Against: 232 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 19 Against: 78 with percentage of WA nations voting: 22

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 22 Against: 103 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 26 Against: 128 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:


Repeal: 'Condemn Vandoosa'" makes a well-formulated and straightforward case for why its target resolution would best be repealed. The target resolution in question (SC#188), a condemnation of the now-defunct Vandoosa, is largely obsolete at this point. The proposed repeal notes the depreciated nature of the target resolution (especially considering that the nation in question has since been refounded under a new name), and highlights several deficiencies in its clauses, such as the overinflated description of the nation's actions alongside numerous errors, which the author of the target themselves attested to.

For these reasons, The Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the Security Council proposal, Repeal: 'Commend Vandoosa'



Commend The Salaxalans

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 13640 Against: 2763

Final Vote (TNP): For: 555 Against: 62 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 84 Against: 19 with percentage of WA nations voting: 24

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 114 Against: 18 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 142 Against: 8 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:


The Salaxalans is one of the most dedicated players in the game, dedicating over eight years to their home region of Spiritus. Over this time, he has spent six years as delegate, furthering the community around it and thrusting the region onto the international stage. "Commend The Salaxalans", gives a superb demonstration of this dedication, and shows how Spiritus would not be the region it is today if not for The Salaxalans' leadership, amongst other various accomplishments. Among these accomplishments includes the dispersion of the "potato" meme amongst NationStates, a meme so widely popular that it was recognized by Max Barry, superb leadership through both Z-Days and N-Days, and becoming the first-ever Vice WA Secretary-General.

For these reasons, The North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote FOR the at-vote proposal, "Commend The Salaxalans."



Condemn Australian rePublic

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 9371 Against: 4794

Final Vote (TNP): For: 499 Against: 76 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 78 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 85 Against: 32 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 136 Against: 20 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:


A focused and well-written proposal, "Condemn Australian rePublic" (SC) makes a thorough and humorous case for why its target is to be condemned by the Security Council. The nation in question, Australian rePublic, is one of the game's most prominent issue authors, with a full seventeen (17) published issues to their name, and a consistent presence in the "Got Issues?" subforum. While the seemingly logical decision would be to commend the target for their lasting efforts rather than condemning them, the proposal's author blends the meta with the in-character to build a compelling argument that is pleasing to read and feels entirely appropriate in its conclusions. Additionally, the fourth wall in our office went missing shortly after one of the "missions" mentioned in the proposal, and we want it back.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote Security Council proposal, "Condemn Australian rePublic".



The North Star: Lighting The Way To The Truth

Publisher:
Prydania :: Executive Editor: Gorundu :: Managing Editor: BMWSurfer, Bormiar



The North Star is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and is distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.



Index of Issues
 
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Dedicated entirely to defining, exploring, and evaluating Information For Voters releases (IFVs), this piece takes an in-depth look at an increasingly critical component of many regions' WA programs. This essay also takes a look at the dual nature of IFVs: they serve to both amplify regional voting power and provide players less involved in WA matters with a means of gaining greater insight into a specific proposal.
Kenmoria - The Role of IFVs in the General Assembly

This relatively shorter essay defines and examines liberations in the modern sense- specifically, offensive liberations and their defensive (or "standard") counterparts. Liberations are a potent tool, which can be wielded to protect native populations- or to harm them.
Lord Dominator - Offensive and Defensive Liberations

This piece explores the logic that often shapes big Delegate voting in the General Assembly, and examines several differing schools of thought when it comes to determining how regional Delegate votes are cast. A secondary purpose of this essay is to examine the factors that often determine a region's voting stance on a particular proposal, and the role of IFVs in shaping how votes are cast.
Maowi - Regional Delegates and General Assembly Canon

Interpreting committee provisions within General Assembly resolutions is inherently a point of some controversy due largely to the significant differences in how national governments and WA committees create and enforce regulations, and the increasing reliance of proposals on committees. This piece argues in favor of applying the reasonable nation test (nations would not interpret provisions in a self-detrimental way) to committee provisions.
Imperium Anglorum - Interpreting committee provisions
 
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