Shareholders of Lazarus,

I would like your opinion on two diplomatic affairs, since I want to make sure I represent the wishes of the Assembly and the region in my actions. I would like to hear your ideas and comments on these situations, related to our ongoing war with the Pacific and the recent events surrounding it. Therefore I propose two things:

An armistice with the NPO
First of all, this. PR Director Ryccia came up with this idea: it was determined a while ago that keeping the war with the NPO ongoing was the preferred method, even if it was more symbolic than it was out of practical reasons. The war has stalled, and no military action has been taken in months. Our ally Osiris has withdrawn from the war effort. Therefore, the armistice was proposed. It would do the following:

1. It would ensure the NPO can not take military or intelligence action against us. This would ensure that we are safe from their manipulation, at least for the duration of the armistice.
2. It signifies we didn't forgive the NPO. While the armistice prevents open hostilities, it would not be a peace treaty or signify we trust the NPO once more. The proscription would remain in place.
3. It gives us diplomatic room. As recent events with TWP show, the NPO is being accepted again by the Feeders, and we run the risk of becoming isolated from potential allies due to the war. The armistice would allow us to operate a bit more freely, since open hostilities wouldn't be a concern for the duration of the armistice.

This is, of course, subject to the approval of the Assembly. I'd like to know what you all think of the idea, whether we should attempt to negotiate an armistice or we should continue as is.

Actions towards the West Pacific
This will take some explaining. As you might already know, the West Pacific signed a treaty with the NPO. We did not know this beforehand: in fact, we were only approached when the treaty was signed and ready to be published, and the treaty was published before I was available to express any concerns on behalf of the region. The West Pacific's foreign minister did not ask if we had any concerns or comments on the treaty, simply stating this "doesn't change our relationship with [Laz] at all". Apparently our war with the NPO did not mean anything to them and our opinion didn't matter enough to inform us earlier on.

This signifies that the West Pacific did not care for our opinion, and indeed, did not bother to ask for it beforehand. This presents a problem, as we are currently allied with the West Pacific through the Treaty of Fuhuo. We can choose not to do anything, or we can act in the following ways: 

1. We chuck the treaty out the window. This is the agressive route we can take, and it would involve releasing a public statement and withdrawing from the treaty. It would signal we do not simply accept the way we were treated and that we expect better from our allies, but it is the more extreme option.
2. We renegotiate the treaty. Less extreme action can be taken by renegotiating our alliance to a non-agression pact. It would ensure the West Pacific can not support the NPO in offensive military actions against Lazarus. Furthermore, it would signal that we think the way this was conducted is unacceptable between close allies and that we expect better, while also not completely closing out closer ties in the future. A statement would be drafted up expressing our regret but that we do not think the treaty as it stands suits our interests.
3. We withdraw from the treaty while emphasizing that we not hold grudges. We would dissolve the treaty, but make a statement saying that we do not harbour ill will towards the West.

I would also like your opinion on this. We find ourselves in a complicated situation, and I want to ensure mine and Ryccia's actions have the support of the region. Please let us know what you think in this thread. Depending on the answers, we will deliberate a course of action.

Shareholders of Lazarus,

@Ryccia has been appointed to serve as Director of Public Relations. The discussion thread can be found here.

As per Assembly Procedure Act 1.5, this vote will last for 5 days, ending on June 15th, 2020 at 2:22 PM EST. Citizens may vote "Aye" or "For," "Nay" or "Against," or "Abstain" or "Present" .

-- Debussy, Speaker

Shareholders of Lazarus,

@Ryccia has been appointed to serve as Director of Public Relations. As per Mandate 12 IV.6, this appointment is subject to a simple majority confirmation by the Shareholders of Lazarus.

The appointment announcement by Managing Director @joWhatup:

joWhatup;9752 Wrote:

---

Announcement from the Managing Director
Director of Public Relations appointment

Following Domais' resignation as Director of Public Relations, we are in need of a new Director of Public Relations. Therefore, I would like to appoint Ryccia as Director of Public Relations of Lazarus.

Ryccia has been a long-time member of our community, currently serving as a Security Auditor. Ryccia has also served as our Director of Public Relations before, and was very professional and active in the role, before he had to resign because of inactivity. He has agreed to take up the role once more, and I look forward to working with him in foreign affairs, and I hope you will consider voting for his appointment

Hey all. We have lately been in talks with Thalassia, drafting the following treaty. Thalassia is a vibrant, healthy region with no R/D stance and a strong community. I hope you all agree with me that they will make for excellent treaty partners

And with that, I present the treaty of Le Port:

Quote:

Treaty of Le Port

Preamble
Desiring friendship between Lazarus and Thalassia, both parties hereby ratify this treaty.

Section 1. Recognition

 (1) Thalassia recognizes the government of Lazarus set forth in the Twelfth Mandate of Lazarus.
 (2) Lazarus recognizes the government of Thalassia set forth in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thalassia.
 (3) Both parties pledge to recognize each others’ legal successor governments as the legitimate government of their respective region.

Section 2. Pact of Non-Aggression

 (1) Both parties pledge to not declare war on the other.
 (2) Both parties pledge to not knowingly conspire to or raid or otherwise attack the possessions or home region of the other, and to inform the other of a pending attack or raid on their home region or possessions, post haste.
 (3) Both parties agree that the deployment of military forces on opposing sides, in a region that is not the home region nor possession of the other, is not a violation of this treaty.
 (4) If both parties agree, they may conduct joint-military training with the other, and such action is not a violation of this treaty.

Section 3. Cultural Cooperation

 (1) Both parties will endeavor to seek cultural cooperation when appropriate.

Section 4. Diplomatic Cooperation

 (1) Both parties pledge to maintain on-site and off-site embassies and to send diplomatic envoys to the other.

Section 5. Pact of Friendship

 (1) Both parties recognize the close relationship and friendship between them.

Section 6. Termination and Amendments

 (1) All amendments made to this treaty will be made through bilateral negotiation and agreement.
 (2) If either party wishes to terminate this treaty, they may do so by informing the other, and in such an event, the treaty will hold full effect for two weeks and during this period the respective party may withdraw their termination order. 

Quote:

Incorporated Rum Pack

Whereas the Governments of The North Pacific and Lazarus, hereafter jointly referred to as "the signatories", are cognizant of their shared status as governments of the game-created regions; and

Whereas the signatories wish to develop closer ties with one another through continued discussions, as well as the undertakings set forth herein;

Therefore, the signatories agree as follows:

Section I - Mutual Recognition

1. The signatories acknowledge the constitutional governments acting at the time of ratification of this Pact to be legitimate and sovereign governments of their respective NationStates regions.

2. The signatories will maintain their established in-game embassies (i.e., on the NationStates site) and off-site embassies (i.e., on their respective regional forums) with each other.

Section II - Non-aggression

1. The signatories will not engage in any military hostilities against one another’s home regions, their event regions, jump points, or any other regions owned by the signatory.
Participation on opposing sides of a military engagement that does not involve an attack on any of the above qualifiers shall be exempt from the above requirement.

2. The signatories will not attempt to subvert or undermine one another's legitimate and sovereign governments in any form.
The signatories will not in any way initiate or participate in espionage, subterfuge, or other clandestine operations against one another. For this purpose, a "clandestine operation" is one or more persons acting under false pretenses in one signatory's home region or regional forum, without that signatory's knowledge, and at the behest of the other signatory.

Section III - Communication

1. In the event of a security-related contingency or compromise of another feeder, sinker, or mutual ally, the signatories will inform each other of their respective positions and share pertinent information regarding the matter without unduly risking sensitive information or jeopardizing operations.
1.1 All information shared shall be kept confidential for use of the receiving signatory’s government only unless the release of such information is explicitly allowed by the providing signatory

Section IV - General Provisions

1. This Pact shall come into effect upon its ratification by the duly authorized individuals or bodies of both signatories.

2. The signatories reserve the right to nullify this pact with the approval of their duly authorized individuals or bodies. In the event of such, the nullifying signatory must notify the other as soon as practicable

Yesterday, I made some controversial comments on the NSGP Discord and Forum. Admittedly, those have damaged my reputation and it’s my belief that my continued service as your Minister of Foreign Affairs will lead to Lazarus’ reputation being damaged. I will defend myself against the accusation that I am a fascist or sympathise with them: I am not, nor have I ever been. However, knowing that my personal reputation has been considerably damaged, I can’t logically remain in my position as the leader of the Foreign Affairs department. So I will do what a sensible person in my position would do, resign as Minister of Foreign Affairs, effective immediately. I will not be departing the region nor the department, however.
-Now Former Director of Public Relations Domais.

Quote:

Amendment to the Assembly Procedure Act (May 2020)

Proposed by: @Domais

Section 1. Amendment of the Assembly Procedure Act (August 2018)

(1) The relevant section of the Assembly Procedure Act, as currently written, reads:

[Table][cell]

(2) In order for a proposal to be brought to vote, a citizen eligible to vote on that proposal must make a motion to vote, and another such citizen must second the motion. A motion to vote may only be made by the initial author of a proposal unless the initial author is no longer a citizen or has not posted on the off-site regional forum for more than seven days without posting a leave of absence.

[/cell][/table]

(2) The amended Section of the Assembly Procedure Act shall read:

[Table][cell]

(2) In order for a proposal to be brought to vote, a citizen eligible to vote on that proposal must make a motion to vote, and another such citizen must second the motion. A motion to vote may only be made by the initial author of a proposal unless the initial author is no longer a citizen or has not posted on the off-site regional forum for more than seven days without posting a leave of absence. Only the citizen who made the motion may withdraw it, unless that citizen is no longer a citizen, then the Speaker may withdraw the relevant motion. Once a motion is withdrawn, voting shall cease immediately. [/cell][/table]

Shareholders of Lazarus,

A motion and a second have been received for the Incorporated Rum Pact. This is a vote on a treaty. As such, it requires a 50%+1 majority to pass. Citizens may vote "Aye" or "For," "Nay" or "Against," or "Abstain" or "Present."

The timing allotted for this vote is five days. Voting will end on Thursday the 28th of May at 2:20 PM EST.

The discussion thread is here.

Quote:Whereas the Governments of The North Pacific and Lazarus, hereafter jointly referred to as "the signatories", are cognizant of their shared status as governments of the game-created regions; and

Whereas the signatories wish to develop closer ties with one another through continued discussions, as well as the undertakings set forth herein;

Therefore, the signatories agree as follows:

Section I - Mutual Recognition

1. The signatories acknowledge the constitutional governments acting at the time of ratification of this Pact to be legitimate and sovereign governments of their respective NationStates regions.

2. The signatories will maintain their established in-game embassies (i.e., on the NationStates site) and off-site embassies (i.e., on their respective regional forums) with each other.

Section II - Non-aggression

1. The signatories will not engage in any military hostilities against one another’s home regions, their event regions, jump points, or any other regions owned by the signatory.
Participation on opposing sides of a military engagement that does not involve an attack on any of the above qualifiers shall be exempt from the above requirement.

2. The signatories will not attempt to subvert or undermine one another's legitimate and sovereign governments in any form.
The signatories will not in any way initiate or participate in espionage, subterfuge, or other clandestine operations against one another. For this purpose, a "clandestine operation" is one or more persons acting under false pretenses in one signatory's home region or regional forum, without that signatory's knowledge, and at the behest of the other signatory.

Section III - Communication

1. In the event of a security-related contingency or compromise of another feeder, sinker, or mutual ally, the signatories will inform each other of their respective positions and share pertinent information regarding the matter without unduly risking sensitive information or jeopardizing operations.
1.1 All information shared shall be kept confidential for use of the receiving signatory’s government only unless the release of such information is explicitly allowed by the providing signatory

Section IV - General Provisions

1. This Pact shall come into effect upon its ratification by the duly authorized individuals or bodies of both signatories.

2. The signatories reserve the right to nullify this pact with the approval of their duly authorized individuals or bodies. In the event of such, the nullifying signatory must notify the other as soon as practicable

Quote:

Criminal Code Act Amendment (May 2020)

Proposed by: @Domais

Preamble

In order to better ensure the fairness of the outcomes of our elections we, the Citizens of Lazarus, enact this amendment. 

Section 1. Amendment of the Criminal Code Act (September 2018)

(1) The relevant sections of the Criminal Code Act, as they are currently written, read:

[Table][cell]

Section 11. Conspiracy

(1) Any person who prepares, incites another or plans to commit an offence enumerated herein, shall be guilty of conspiracy to commit that offence.

Section 12. Guilt and Sentencing

(1) No person may be found guilty of a crime not listed in this act.

(2) If found guilty of a crime, the Delegate may impose upon the person any punishment proportionate to the offence.

Section 13. Definitions

[/cell][/table]

(2) The relevant sections of Criminal Code Act, as amended, shall read:

[Table][cell]

Section 11. Electoral Fraud

(1) Any person who, during the course of an election, uses the communications powers granted to regional officers in an attempt to influence, promote, or damage an electoral campaign shall have committed electoral fraud.

(2) Any person who, during the course of an election, uses any monetary method including stamps to promote themselves, their campaign, damage the campaign of another or likewise shall have committed electoral fraud.

Section 12. Conspiracy

(1) Any person who prepares, incites another or plans to commit an offence enumerated herein, shall be guilty of conspiracy to commit that offence.

Section 13. Guilt and Sentencing

(1) No person may be found guilty of a crime not listed in this act.

(2) If found guilty of a crime, the Delegate may impose upon the person any punishment proportionate to the offence.

Section 14. Definitions

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