[Democratic Republic Of Eiria]

Charles Danton, LIDUN's Secretary General, confidently walked over to the podium that faced the assembled Security Council delegates. His face betrayed no fear or anxiety of his first Security Council discussion, although only a fool would deny the fact that those emotions were plaguing him in this extraordinary moment. He cleared his throat and began to speak, his crisp Northern Eirian accent seeming perfectly suited for speaking in front of LIDUN. 

"Prestigious delegates of this Security Council, my esteemed colleagues, my partners in progress. Today, we are gathered here to begin the first of many substantial discussions on the state of the world today. We have had three discussion topics approved by the Inner Council members, and as such, I will begin the discussions in the order of which they were submitted. First off, we are called to discuss the dire situation in Roucourt, a proposal that has been submitted by the delegate from Lauchenoiria. If they want to make the first statement, they may, or we may proceed to other delegations." He looked around at the circular council table expectantly.

[Lauchenoiria]

"Thank you," said the delegate from Lauchenoiria, Rosalinda Hernandez, before anyone else could interrupt. "We in Lauchenoiria are deeply concerned regarding the budding civil war in Roucourt. This is merely the latest of a large swathe of civil wars across the planet - a trend which is very worrying for all those who care about peace and security. We are very grateful to Haesan for managing to negotiate a ceasefire, but all signs point to the likelihood of this breaking sooner rather than later. It is therefore vitally important that this body examines the situation in detail and decides on which, if any, steps to take to minimise the likelihood and severity of any conflict."

She paused to take a drink of her water, and then continued. "There are numerous factions in this conflict, of course, which will make things even more difficult to resolve. At last count, there were seven unique factions, each claiming at least some territory. This includes one faction which has threatened to commit genocide - the most heinous of all war crimes - alongside a faction adhering to the ideology of the Matriarchy of Kerlile; as you can see on the map provided."



"The international community cannot sit idly by and wait to see if any of these factions commit crimes against humanity," she continued. "We must, at minimum, monitor the situation closely. This is why Lauchenoiria has brought this topic before the Security Council today. I'd like to invite everyone's thoughts on how to proceed, in particular Haesan due to their negotiation of the ceasefire."

Hernandez took her seat, taking calm, deep breaths. The sheer number of recent civil wars had made Lauchenoirians wary; after all, the trend apparently began with them. This is why they'd intervened in Auria, of course. But that had turned into a multi-year expensive foreign war, and they did not want to repeat such a scenario. Therefore, the Lauchenoirian government were hoping that Hernandez would manage to convince LIDUN's Security Council to do at least something about Roucourt. There was a lot of pressure, of course. Still, if Hernandez didn't enjoy a bit of pressure, she wouldn't have taken this job.

[Xiomera]

Tetlahue, the delegate from Xiomera, stood up next, practically launching his burly form upright in his eagerness to speak. "The situation in Roucourt is already being monitored. With the cooperation of the legitimate and internationally recognized government of Roucourt under Svetlana Leclerc, to which we are allied, Xiomera has already placed forces in the country to help stabilize the situation and prevent the government from being overthrown by rebellious and self-interested elements. Unless the government of Lauchenoiria is proposing to bog everyone down in another ill-advised and unnecessary intervention such as their misadventure in Auria, there is no reason to bring LIDUN into this matter."

Tetlahue sat back down, looking outwardly confident. He wished he was as confident as he looked. Maintaining the control of Leclerc's government, or its successor, was key to maintaining Xiomeran interests in their platinum resources. He didn't like LIDUN inserting itself into the situation, and neither did his very demanding bosses back home.

[Sanctaria]

Antoine Rousseu studied a copy of the map disseminated by the Lauchenoirian delegation and compared it with one prepared by the Sanctarian Department of Foreign Affairs. It seemed accurate enough, but SIS sources on the ground had relayed to the mission at LIDUN that the ceasefire would likely be breaking today, with the PNDS eager to push forward. He made notes as the Xiomeran ambassador spoke, nothing the sneering bravado typically displayed by that country's diplomats, but ever cognisant that what they say doesn't always resemble how they feel; Xiomera naturally would prefer LIDUN not to get involved in a nation where they held significant interests, but even Empress Calhualyana would be worried about the gains the non-governmental factions were making.

As Ambassador Tetlahue sat down, Rousseu reached over to switch on his microphone. He wasn't going to stand - it was a bit too dramatic for his taste, and he had no presentation to make that necessitated it.

"I thank Secretary-General Danton for scheduling today's discussion", he began, his Galvian accent betraying the fact that English was not his first language, "and for the delegation from Lauchenoiria for opening the debate". He glanced down at his notes before continuing. "The Divine Federation reiterates its concern at the indiscriminate violence being shown in Roucourt by all sides. It must not be forgotten that non-combatant civilians are still trapped in what are becoming active conflict zones. Their safety and wellbeing must be kept in the center of all of our discussions on the matter, and I implore the belligerant factions to make and enforce plans to evacuate civilians where they are at most risk". He turned a page.

"Nevertheless, it is the position of the Divine Federation that for the League to make any kind of uninvited political or military intervention into a domestic conflict of a non-member state would be unwise, particularly as the body's first foray as an intergovernmental organisation. It is regrettable, and most upsetting, that decades of political difference and ideological infighting have resulted in this civil war, but it is for the people of Roucourt to make a decision on their country's future, and not the League. We caution most strongly against the League, or any third parties", Rousseou shot a knowing look at the Xiomeran delegation, " from involving themselves in Roucourt's domestic affairs without fully understanding the long-term investment such involvement may lead to."

"With that in mind, it is our view that the League should offer to host channels to the belligerents in Roucourt where mature, and secure, talks that may lead to a lasting ceasefire may be held, and that concurrently to such a move, the League should be steadfast in our support for the ordinary people of Roucourt currently suffering the trauma of war; we should organise aid packages and evacuation processes for refugees, and negotiate avenues to allow such aid and refugees to transition freely. We must continue to monitor the situation, but the Divine Federation can not support the League moving beyond these measures deemed acceptable to our nation."

"Should, however, all parties come to the negotiation table under the League's auspicies - and do so willingly - and should those parties at that juncture request the League's support in stabilising the immediate post-conflict sphere, the Divine Federation would be then willing to reconsider our position on limited intervention. We are not at that stage, however."

Rousseau glanced down again at his prepared remarks and looked up around the room. "In conclusion, fellow delegates, we have deep sympathy for General Secretary Leclerc and her government that is, as has already been noted, the internationally recognised government of Roucourt. However, the Divine Federation's priority in this conflict is the wellbeing and, if necessary, safe evacuation to non-conflict zones of the ordinary citizens and non-combatant residents of the nation. It is an understatement to say there are deep divisions over who should control Roucourt, and what that governance should look like - but we must stress again, such political differences, even as violent as they are, are not for the League to unilaterally resolve. It is our experience, and I know the experience of many other nations here, that recent international intervention in domestic conflicts have not had satisfactory outcomes. Without an agreed post-negotiation, post-war framework to do otherwise, the League as it stands must act only to ensure safety and security of non-combatant civilians. Everything else is for Roucourtians, and Roucourtians alone, to resolve, ideally through managed negotiations."

[Greater Acadia]

Alicia Xoctli, the Delegate from Greater Acadia, couldn't help but bristle internally at the Xiomeran delegation's declaration that they would be intervening in Roucourt. She hadn't forgotten how Xiomera had "intervened" in Acadia as well, harassing many of her relatives. Hell, she herself had been harrassed by "foreign police" once on her way home from work.

She needed a moment to compose herself before she spoke, which gave the delegate from Sanctaria time to speak. The longer he spoke, the more she realized that her own prepared notes were largely pointless. The Sanctarian delegation had largely echoed the wishes of her own government.

Switching on her mic, she followed the Santarian diplomat's speech.

"Greater Acadia agrees with the Sanctarian position. As of now, this unfortunate conflict remains an internal one for Roucourt. It is the position of the Acadian government that any foreign intervention should be focused solely on limiting civilian casualties, providing critical goods and services such as food, water, and medical care, and evacuating refugees. We should also keep lines of dialogue open between all parties involved, in order to hopefully resolve this situation without further bloodshed. We should not attempt to intervene into Roucourtian affairs and force a specific outcome at this time."

With her piece said, she switched off her mic to hear the opinions of others.

[Slokais]

Roselyn Vianzon Chang the Delegate from Slokais had been appointed by President Brooke Weasley last week, and the former Governor of Colorado had been thrown into a international crisis. She knew her position was temporary as Parilmeant would nominate a full-time delegate to LIDUN.

"Slokais is committed to protecting the rights of civilians, if there is as the delegate of Launchenoria stated earlier, a risk of crimes against humanity, we as the international community must be willing be step in and take action. The current humanitarian situation is alarming and only looks to get worse as the conflict persists, we as a body must act united, not in support of any faction but rather to protect the civilians of Roguecourt, Slokais has already sent a fleet to the southern coast of Roguecourt, and is prepared to deliver necessary humanitarian supplies. At the end of the day, however, any resolution made by this body should not be the only solution, Slokais applauds the efforts of Haesan to end this conflict and encourage other states to support them in this effort. I encourage other states to speak on this issue. And once again, thanks to Launchenoria for presenting this issue to the Security Council"

She turned off her mic and waited patiently to listen to the statements of other members.

[Haesan]

Madeleine Lagrange of the Haesanite delegation reached to turn on her microphone with the kind of practiced restraint that comes with years of experience from some of the most difficult diplomatic missions Haesan has to offer.  She was an aide during the Slokais Straits Accords during the late 80s, navigating the tense negotiations regarding the normalization of Slokasian-Haesanite relations, and later served as Haesan's charge d'affaires in Grapevale.  This issue would be one of her most difficult she had seen, trying to steer the consensus away from the disastrous equilibrium that brought Roucourt to this position in the first place.

She started in her slight French accent, "The Haesanite delegation would like to echo the comments of the Sanctarian, Acadian, and Slokasian delegations before us in stating that humanitarian aid, and solely humanitarian aid, should be our primary focus.  At the negotiating table, we have found the government forces nominally run by Svetlana Leclerc and the PNDS are highly entrenched and unwilling to compromise.  The fact that the ceasefire has managed to hold for this long alone is a miracle.  Haesan's diplomats have already surrendered the cause and have left the country ahead of the almost certain break of this ceasefire.  Our aid workers have been evacuated too before the resumption of heavy shelling.  It is unclear whether their safety could have been provided for amidst these rapidly deteriorating circumstances, and with those groups' approval, the Haesanite government has been forced to make the unfortunate decision to withdraw from Roucourt.

However, we were unfortunately not the only foreign power currently trying to force an outcome one way or the other at the current moment.  Xiomeran influence poses a severe risk to the long term consensus as the Xiomeran military officers on the front may soon become the de-facto leaders of the government forces.  In our ceasefire negotiations, one of the constant perils was that there is no clear leader for the Roucourtian forces as after Svetlana Leclerc's mental break no formal successor has been clearly named in the chain of command.  As such, there are multiple different actors who could feasibly lay claim to be the "legitimately appointed" leader of Roucourt even amongst the government forces, and in practice, it is those closest to Xiomeran military resources who have the best shot at actualizing those claims.  As such, we do not believe even supporting the legitimate government is a sound strategy as it could pave the way for future coups and civil unrest.

As for those who are currently involved, you should immediately withdraw your presence from Roucourt.  There will be serious bloodshed, and providing more weapons and an increased capacity to inflict violence helps no one.  Trying to steer a course through this chaos, with at least six different factions fighting for control, is a futile effort and will only hurt your own standing domestically and in the international community.  To that effect, we urge this LIDUN Security Council to create formalized avenues to sanction and condemn all those nations who insist upon unilateral military involvement in Roucourt.  Such recklessness can and should not be tolerated."

With that, Madeleine flipped off her microphone, clearly exhausted by this situation that has been so taxing for Haesanite diplomats over the last week.  She then paused and braced herself for the Xiomeran rebuff that was surely soon to follow.

[Xiomera]

Tetlahue jumped up again, clearly furious. "The Xiomeran delegation notes the words from the Haesanite delegation - a delegation from a nation we had considered friendly to Xiomera - with dismay. They clearly admit their attempts at a diplomatic solution have failed, and yet, they criticize us for our efforts and demand that we withdraw. I think not. We will not be so hasty as to quit before the job is done - after all, we might actually be successful."

The ambassador wagged a finger at Lagrange as he continued. "There is a lovely saying that applies here - facts on the ground. The facts on the ground are simple: as of right now, the Xiomeran government is the only force in Roucourt capable of restoring order. We are allied with the legitimate government of Roucourt, and yet, we are being threatened into abandoning our ally. Perhaps some delegations here value their allies and their promises so little as to break those promises, and abandon their friends, as soon as a little peril arises. Xiomerans place more value on their promises and their commitments than that. We are not withdrawing from Roucourt. We will eliminate the PNDS as a threat to the government and the nation that we are allied with. Period. Those are the facts on the ground. We are there. And we are not leaving until the job is done, unlike some."

Tetlahue gave a fake smile as he continued. "Since there is talk of sanctions being levied against nations 'unilaterally' involving themselves in the conflict, we shall await discussion of sanctions against Slokais Islands. After all, their government unilaterally deployed their navy south of Roucourt in a clear attempt to indimidate the government there and influence the situation. So sanctions against the Slokaisians should be a no-brainer, because this whole talk of sanctions wouldn't be solely an attempt to pressure and intimidate Xiomera, now would it?" The smile dropped, to be replaced by the angry expression from before.

"We are frankly appalled that this is even a discussion. The other factions in this conflict are clearly attempting to overthrow a legitimate government through use of force. They are engaging in horrific and violent acts to do so. And yet, we are treating them as equals to the legitimate government, and not as the terrorists they are? LIDUN should be ashamed for even entertaining such a notion. For the very concept of nations to be valid, we must uphold legitimate governments against such threats. We should all be helping the legitimate government restore order, but apparently only Xiomera has the guts to do so. So be it. Levy your sanctions if you like. Just know that we will respond in kind to any nation that votes to place sanctions against us. I don't think adding a trade war or an economic disaster to the already long list of crises we face in the IDU is a very good idea, but hey, it's your call."

Tetlahue folded his arms across his chest in a gesture of finality. "The Xiomeran Empire will not be intimidated into abandoning an ally. We will not be moved. And we will get the job done, with or without you."

The ambassador sat back down, glaring at everyone in the room. Previous Xiomeran governments, faced with a potential loss of trade, would have backed down. Not this government, and not this Empire. Xiomera could not be bought off, nor could it be intimidated.

[Lauchenoiria]

The Kerlian ambassador, Marzanna Starosta, took this opportunity to add her somewhat tangential point to the discussion.

"I thank my Xiomeran counterpart for his words. As both the Lauchenoirian and Slokaisian delegations have noted, something must be done to protect the people of Roucourt. Xiomera has, so far, been the only nation to assist the government of Roucourt in reestablishing order and preventing further bloodshed and chaos. Of course, we are here to discuss what other measures can be taken, if any, which is why we wish to make a suggestion on a course of action to tackle one strand of this conflict."

She paused, sensing the instinctual hostility directed at her as a Kerlian. Or perhaps she was imagining it. "The Matriarchy of Kerlile intends to ask the forces of the Free Women's Republic to lay down arms and come to the negotiating table with the aforementioned legitimate government of Roucourt. We believe we are in a unique position to assist in resolving the situation specific to this faction, due to their stated admiration for our style of governance."

"I would like to make it clear, however," Starosta looked around the room, "that we have no ties to this group and we do not approve of their attempt to secede from Roucourt. Adding to chaos and bloodshed is not the right way to carry out a women's revolution. We believe we are in a position to negotiate terms between Roucourt and the FWR that will resolve at least one dimension of this multidimensional conflict. We, however, do not intend to act unilaterally on this matter as we know all too well how that will be seen."

"Therefore, we would like to ask this body for approval for us to reach out to the FWR in order to hopefully begin negotiations as soon as is feasible. Due to the number of factions in this conflict, it will be difficult to reach a resolution. Should we succeed with such negotiations, it will free up the other nations on this Council to discuss the numerous other factors of this conflict; and will also reduce the amount of damage and lives lost in the territory presently held by the FWR. I urge you all to accept our proposal and allow us to seek peaceful resolution in at least one area of the conflict."

[Haesan]

Delegate Lagrange reached forwards and calmly switched on her mic, in a stark contrast to the bluster of her Xiomeran counterpart.  She had resigned to address the Kerlians first, after all, she had years of experience in how to best communicate with them.  Making the Xiomerans wait a bit longer for her reply was merely a nice plus.

"First we would like to affirm our support for the proposal raised by the Kerlian delegation.  While we are saddened that they feel that our ceasefire and humanitarian aid which saved hundreds if not thousands of Roucourtian lives did not help to 'reestablish order and prevent further bloodshed and chaos,' we believe that their plan has serious merit.  If anyone would be able to convince the FWR to put down arms, it would be the Kerlians, and we applaud their dedication to working towards peace.  Of course the issue remains who exactly will be representing the Roucourtian government and how well any negotiated agreement would hold up given the uncertainty of that organization.  However, we believe that trying to reach a favorable outcome for peace in Roucourt on this issue is surely worth a try.

Now, please allow for the Haesanite delegation to address the unseemly outburst from our Xiomeran colleague.  Regarding your first point, Haesan remains committed to maintaining the relationship between our two nations, as much as we have ever been.  If the Xiomeran government wishes to violate that trust by undertaking an unnecessary unilateral military action in Roucourt, that is entirely the choice of your government, and you must be willing to accept the consequences of those actions.

Furthermore, while you claim that our efforts at diplomacy were a failure, in fact, your presence at this meeting is evidence of its success.  We knew from the onset that a lasting peace was never going to come from diplomacy.  The only reason both parties in Roucourt agreed to it in the first place was because our negotiators stressed the military advantages of putting down arms for a while.  The point of the ceasefire was to give us here assembled today a chance to gather together and create an international plan for action, or rather, a coordinated abstention from military intervention, that seemingly every nation at this table is willing to acquiesce to except for you.  In that regard, our diplomatic efforts were quite successful indeed.

We appreciate your commitment to your allies, but surely even you can recognize that the current highly fractured government of Roucourt is not the same one that you have promised to protect for all these years.  Ultimately, your choice is whether you want to support what few allies you have left around this table, or your ally in the unstable Svetlana Leclerc, who is barely maintaining control of power.  For us, the choice would be obvious, but for you, it is clearly not so.

Regarding your snide comment regarding the Slokais Islands Federation, I believe you underestimate our resolve.  The Slokais Islands have been nothing but cooperative in this process, and clearly indicate their acceptance to withdraw as long as all parties have left the region.  If they decide to violate the agreed upon consensus, of course the requisite sanctions would apply.  We are not hypocrites, despite how desperately you try to paint us that way.  If anyone deserves that title, it would in fact be you, as you claim to uphold peace in the region by supporting a volatile faction splintering before your very eyes, knowing very well the future unrest this would cause and that it would induce a permanent reliance on Xiomeran support.  These goals are inherently at odds with each other.

The fact of the matter is Roucourt's current government can barely be considered to be legitimate.  Roucourt is an autocracy, and as a result, there the right to rule derives from a monopoly of force, a monopoly which Svetlana Leclerc has lost.  It is unclear who the people support and even if the government that is internationally recognized even exists in that same form anymore.  What you are upholding is a mirage, a mirage which you seek to replace with a puppet government of your own.  This notion, along with your imperial ambitions, have been made well known to those assembled today, and we will not stand for it.  Furthermore, your conduct and comportment here today is appalling; this is the seat of IDU government, not a pub in Tlālacuetztla.

The delegation of Haesan is finished with regards to this issue.  If Xiomera decides that they want to continue down this foolish and reckless path, we sincerely hope that the body here assembled will ensure that those actions will come with a requisite cost to the pain they would cause in Roucourt.  Ultimately, the choice is not ours to make, and we sincerely hope that you will not trash our longstanding relationship over this unfortunate and complicated civil war."

Madeleine switched off her mic and sat back, pleased with the strength of the response the new government had allowed for.  It was nice to be a Haesanite delegate negotiating with international support at one's back for a change.  There would be a long evening of briefings ahead, and she braced herself for more complex negotiations that were sure to follow.

[Democratic Republic Of Eiria]

Markus Kaltē, the recently promoted Eirian Ambassador to LIDUN, cleared his throat and stood after the Haesanite delegate had finished her statement. "Before I begin, I must thank Delegate Lagrange for her brave and eloquent statements. If I may, before we continue talking about proposals, I would like to take them further."

"I was also shocked and appalled by the response of the Xiomeran delegate, for a wide variety of reasons. Many of them, such as the false attempt to equate Xiomera's actions with those of Slokais, have already been addressed by the honorable Haesanite delegate, so I will focus on a few other grievances."

"Firstly, Delegate Tetlahue was quick to accuse the rest of this council of being hypocrites, while making some of the most ironic statements ever made in this chamber. Among these, my personal favorite was the comment about certain factions in Roucourt 'clearly attempting to overthrow a legitimate government through use of force.' Hmm, why does that sound familiar?" Kaltē turned to stare down the Xiomeran representative. "It's almost like that exact thing has happened several times recently in East Caxcana, with the backing of the current Empress, no less!"

"From their own rise to power to the current Aurian Civil War, certain Xiomeran leaders have gained a lot of experience in overthrowing legitimate governments with force. And as we will discuss the latter matter soon, I won't go further into that subject." He glanced around the table, addressing the whole council instead of just Tetlahue. "But these matters still illustrate my point. My intention is not to air Xiomera's dirty laundry, but to illustrate the pattern of imperialist actions undertaken by the current Xiomeran government. The claims that they are only supporting an ally are completely farcical, and I doubt that anyone on this council is laboring under the delusion that they are true."

"In addition, Delegate Tetlahue's statements also illustrated the tendency of the current Xiomeran government to make themselves appear as stoic martyrs instead of imperialist butchers. The refusal to negotiate or back down, while an attempt to make Xiomera seem strong and resilient, is more suited for rebellious teenagers than accredited diplomats. This attitude is just part of the transformation of Xiomera from a trade powerhouse to a rogue state where propaganda supersedes reality. I wouldn't be surprised if the Xiomeran government doubles down and refuses to even recognize LIDUN in the future."

"But luckily, the Xiomeran delegate seems to be alone in his position. I must thank the delegates of Haesan, Sanctaria, and Kerlile for stating their positions, and I will assure you that the Republic of Eiria shares those stances. I would also like to thank Delegate Hernandez from Lauchenoiria for bringing this matter before the Security Council. The situation in Roucourt is very troubling, and this council should do everything in its power to protect and aid civilians in affected regions." Ambassador Kaltē cleared his throat again before making his final statements. "To conclude, there is an English phrase about throwing stones in glass houses. And certain delegations on this council seem to be more preoccupied with throwing boulders from their glass palaces than with actually saving Roucourt's civilian population. Thank you." He sat and turned off his mic, the tension in the room palpable.

[Xiomera]

Tetlahue stood up again. If anything, he seemed angrier than before, but his features had assumed an expression of fake civility. "I am so sorry if my words and demeanor have displeased some of you. I don't know all of your backgrounds, but I myself am an old soldier. We are used to being a bit more plain-spoken, and that can be troublesome to the easily offended."

Tetlahue shook his head. "But while you sit here in this safe and comfortable debate hall, and critique my speaking and demeanor while daintily sipping from teacups or whatever it is you lot seem to believe is appropriate behavior, there are indeed people suffering and dying in Roucourt. And your proposed solution will not fix the problem, it will only make it worse."

The ambassador picked up a piece of paper he had been handed by one of his aides while the debate had continued. "I have just been informed that a new General Secretary of the State has taken office, with approval of Roucourt's legislature, to take over for the unfortunately stricken Svetlana Leclerc. A new leader, Volodin Maximovich, is in place over a legitimate and internationally recognized government, with the consent of that state's legislative body. The country he leads now finds itself in a moment of crisis, and we are helping them as a historic ally of theirs. And yet, you seek to intervene......why? The new General Secretary of Roucourt has publicly made it known that he considers a potential LIDUN intervention a foreign invasion, and will respond accordingly. But you still sit here, safely away from the chaos your interventionism will cause, and insist that you must force a resolution. Again, why?"

"You all claim that it is to prevent further violence and chaos in Roucourt. But the existing government there considers you invaders. So how, exactly, will you prevent violence and chaos when the existing government has sworn to resist you? You will not. After all, there will be no citizens of Roucourt in the streets to welcome LIDUN-flagged invaders with flowers and hugs. Your presence will only invite further violence and warfare. Do you propose to now overthrow Maximovich's government by force, to reach your desired outcome? I hear an awful lot of talk in this hall about what Xiomera does, but would such an action be committed by those with clean hands?"

"And thus we get to the root of the problem. Roucourt was labeled an autocracy by the Haesanite delegation; Xiomera as imperialists by the Eirian delegation. Let's be clear for once and not hide our true feelings behind pretty words. You feel you have a right to intervene because nations like Roucourt and Xiomera are not like you. You have made it plain, with every word that falls from your lips, that you have complete disdain for nations that don't follow your 'ideal democratic model'. This makes you think that you are somehow better than us, and thus that gives you the right to force us to change or follow your lead because you are 'better'. You are yourselves all imperialists, you just hide it in clever words and the vestiges of 'democracy' that you wrap around yourselves like a fancy cloak. It is your brand of modern-day imperialism that even allows you to think that you have some right to determine Roucourt's future, over and above the right of the existing government and its established friends."

Tetlahue shook his head again. "It is that brand of modern-day imperialism in a democratic guise that even gives you the self-righteousness to sit here and debate these matters in the abstract, in this place of safety and comfort, while soldiers like I once was try to actually fix it on the ground. Xiomera is there to help Roucourt, all your sneering implications about our intentions aside. The only way to help Roucourt that will last is to support the existing government re-establish civil order in the country. But instead, this 'great democratic body' seeks to give terrorists and insurrectionists such as the PNDS an equal seat at the table. Do you not realize that you are only giving the PNDS and the other rebellious elements in Roucourt a stature and a recognition they do not deserve as a reward for their violence? You are enabling and empowering these violent extremists with your recognition, placing them on the same ground as a legitimate and recognized government. And now, with talk of LIDUN involvement, you have placed an even bigger chair at the same negotiating table, giving these violent extremists even more stature. For all your talk about wanting to stabilize nations, you're quite excellent at doing the exact opposite. And again, it is soldiers who have to bear the consequences of your dilettante meddling, as well as the civilians on the ground."

"So, by all means, let's continue to undermine existing governments and the very concept of nation states, while empowering terrorists and giving them international stature, with useless meddling that will impose an outcome on Roucourt just as surely as anything Xiomera might do, and only lead to further violence just as much as anything Xiomera might do, simply because you don't like Roucourt's government. You all here think that will lead to peace, You could not be more wrong. Slander Xiomera all you like. We know you're wrong, and will not waver from the right course, which is to provide all necessary support to the existing government in putting down these terrorist insurrectionists and restoring the legitimate government's full authority over its own country."

Tetlahue sat back down, leaning over to whisper with an aide while reviewing some more papers he had been handed.

[Xiomera]

Capanetzin, the Huenyan delegate, was next to speak. "It is not the demeanor or the language used by the Xiomeran ambassador that offends us all so much, I think. Rather, it is the insult to our intelligence that every single word falling out of his mouth conveys."

She brushed a stray hair from her forehead as she continued. "I thank the Haesanite and Eirian ambassadors for so ably pointing out the irony and the lies in the comments from my Xiomeran colleague, as well as shining a light on the true imperialism here - that being exhibited by the literal Empire which is trying to force an outcome in Roucourt that favors Xiomera, and only Xiomera. I also thank the other delegations which have spoken up to now, and would particularly like to thank the Kerlian delegation for offering a proposal which could lead to a peaceful outcome for at least one part of this multi-faceted conflict."

Capanetzin put a fake smile of her own on as she looked at Tetlahue. "I am sure that the Xiomeran ambassador was merely mistaken when he expressed his belief that there were too many seats being brought to the negotiating table on this matter. After all, the more people are working towards a peaceful outcome, the more suggestions and ideas shall come forth which would lead to that desired outcome. Surely, Xiomera couldn't be seeking to limit the number of nations working on this crisis due to some agenda of its own!"

"The delegation of the Huenyan Federation would call for LIDUN to appoint a negotiator to seek to enter independent discussions with the different factions in Roucourt to encourage them to come to peace talks led by this body, in order to ensure a truly just and peaceful resolution. We would also call for the nations of LIDUN to agree to place significant economic sanctions on any nation that seeks to unilaterally force an outcome in Roucourt, or that hinders efforts by this body to bring about a negotiated outcome. We would truthfully like for there to be a sanctions regime for any nation, in any situation, that unilaterally imposes itself in such conflicts, or that unilaterally annexes territory belonging to others - but that point can come later." The smile she aimed at Tetlahue grew sharper, bearing him an unpleasant promise.

[Lauchenoiria]

Rosalinda Hernandez had been listening and waiting calmly as others said their piece. Lauchenoiria deeply hoped that LIDUN would be able to find some kind of action they could take to resolve the conflict, but the more Hernandez listened, the more she realised that they were stuck between a rock and a hard place. There was very little that LIDUN could do with the new General Secretary Volodin Maximovich stating that any intervention would be considered a foreign invasion. Now with Queen Aiyisha of Doatia calling on LIDUN to intervene in spite of this, Hernandez was worried about the possibility of making things worse.

"I'd like to thank everyone for their contributions," Hernandez began as she switched on her mic. "If you will permit, I'd like to attempt to summarise the different viewpoints we have heard so far. Xiomera would prefer unilateral involvement on the invitation of the established government of Roucourt; while Slokais believes that this body should consider intervention. Haesan and Huenya, on the other hand, wish to sanction any states who engage in unilateral action. Sanctaria and Greater Acadia would prefer that LIDUN refrains from any interference other than humanitarian aid, and that other parties do also, except to offer to host a platform for negotiations if the belligerents willingly agree. Eiria agrees with both of the previous positions; and the Kerlian delegation has focused on one aspect of the conflict and proposed to assist in finding a solution there."

"In light of the statement by the new General Secretary Volodin Maximovich that any LIDUN intervention would be considered an invasion, Lauchenoiria cannot support any military involvement on our part," she continued. "While we are deeply concerned regarding the autocratic nature of the regime in Roucourt, it is not our position to involve ourselves in what would amount to forced regime change. And as much as we are sceptical of Xiomera's motivations, they were invited into the country, therefore it would be somewhat difficult for us to fully justify sanctions solely for involvement."

"We brought this matter before this Council in the hope of finding a solution. Unfortunately, the only proposal so far which we feel would aid in the end of this conflict is that from the Kerlian delegation," she said. Surprisingly, she thought. "And even then, their proposal tackles merely one aspect of the conflict. Now, to be clear, I do not believe that the lack of solutions is the fault of anyone present. It may be that there simply are no solutions to be found. I hope, however, that we continue to search for them.

She turned off her mic and sat down. She was followed in her statement by her Kerlian counterpart, Marzanna Starosta.

"Thank you. Firstly, we are grateful for the consideration of our proposal. Secondly, I'd like to issue an apology to Haesan for my omission in my previous statement. I should have said, rather, that Xiomera was the only nation which had so far in this Council suggested a route forward for the future. Haesan's involvement in the very recent past has indeed been helpful in seeking a resolution," she admitted. It had been a genuine omission on her part, and so apologising was the logical response.

"I would, however, like to ask that we focus on finding solutions rather than using this forum to criticise each other's actions in the past," she said without looking at anyone in particular. It was up to everyone to interpret her statement themselves. "Lastly, given the general approval of our proposal, I'd like permission for us to take it forward and set up lines of communication with the FWR."

[Lauchenoiria]

Following a break in the session, the Marzanna Starosta of Kerlile was back, and she was not happy. At first, it seemed as if things were going swimmingly for the Matriarchy - they'd spoken to Roucourt and the Free Women's Republic and managed to negotiate a deal which both sides seemed to accept. But before either party, or Kerlile itself, could publicise the conclusion of their deal, in swept Doatia. Now, the three democratic groups had a better deal, and Kerlile did not know what to do next.

"Good morning everyone," Marzanna said the moment she had the opportunity to speak. "When we last met, we proposed hosting negotiations between Roucourt and the Free Women's Republic. I can now announce that these were successful, and an agreement was made between the FWR and the USSR where the territory presently held - the county of Kostronetsk - would become a semi-autonomous state of Roucourt following the conclusion of the armed conflict; with the leadership of the state entrusted to women for a period of at minimum 50 years, and a guarantee against retaliatory action against the leadership of the FWR."

She paused to let people take note of Kerlile's first diplomatic success. It would, however, be short-lived. "This is, of course, sure to be good news for all parties. However, events appear to have moved forward in an unexpected fashion in recent days. Doatia has produced an agreement between three breakaway factions and the government of Roucourt; bypassing this body without even notifying us! Now they are carrying out airstrikes, unilaterally, without any consideration of the work done by other nations."

"Now I am not naive," she continued, "and nor is the Kerlian government. We are fully aware of how we are seen in the pat... in the wider world. Our reputation could be better. But in spite of all of this, and all of our history, we came here before we took any action. We have not sent a single soldier or weapon to the FWR despite what many would have expected. Yet here is a supposed democracy, swanning in without even so much as a 'thank you' to the nations that came before them. Where is their recognition of the work Haesan did regarding the initial ceasefire? Where is their notification of the forces of Xiomera and Slokais already in the area, so as to avoid any mishaps which could provoke wider conflict? Their actions are, quite simply, dangerous."

"Doatia applies to be, and is accepted as, a member of LIDUN and mere hours later, undermines the work being done at LIDUN, and the discussions being held here. How is this acceptable? I ask all those present who threatened Xiomera with sanctions for their unilateral action to explain if they would also sanction Doatia, or why not, and how they could justify refusing to do so?"

She sat down, her unblinking stare landing on Lagrange of Haesan and Capanetzin of Huenya in turn. She was interested to see their responses: if they would engage in mental gymnastics to threaten Xiomera but spare Doatia; or if they would surprise her and commit to a condemnation of their fellow democracy's actions. It was a nice change for the Kerlians to know they had done everything 'right' so far, and that nobody could honestly condemn their actions. Righteous indignation felt good sometimes.

[Haesan]

Madeleine really didn't want to wade back into this rapidly spiraling mess, but the remarks from the Kerlian delegation unfortunately forced a response.
"Dear Delegate Starosta, we share your concerns regarding Doatia's recent intervention, and we hold them to the same standard as other nations.  Earlier in this session, we said that we would sanction Slokais if they continued their intervention, and as you are no doubt aware, we share far more economic, historic, and cultural ties with the Slokaisians than we do the Doatians.  Of course we believe their actions should not go unpunished.
That being said, Doatia's current intervention may classify as a wholesale invasion of another nation.  Landing 100,000 troops is unprecedented in the IDU, this is significantly more than nations sent in the Second Lauchenoirian Civil War, and far more than international forces participating in the Xiomeran Civil War.  With only vague promises of stability and actions that seriously undermine their words, the delegation from Haesan in no uncertain terms condemns the actions taken by Doatia in Roucourt.
Now, as to what should actually be done about this, Haesan recommends that LIDUN members enforce sanctions against those who continue to remain military involved in Roucourt.  We believe that targeted sanctions against assets of key leaders of those nations along with broader economic sanctions targeting those nations' ability to produce military equipment would be the best course of action.  Haesan has a long history of avoiding sanctions whenever feasible, and we stress that we will not move alone on this effort.  Only if the council here assembled chooses to move through with this plan of action will we follow suit.
That is all we have to add at this point.  We hope this addresses the concerns of the Kerlian delegation."
Madeleine switched off her mic, at this point visibly exhausted.  This war and LIDUN in general was rapidly turning into a headache for Haesan, and the incessant pace of the developments in Roucourt meant rapid fire memos from Hwagang.  It was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up, but at least Haesan had finally established some sort of presence on the world stage. For now, that was enough.

[Sanctaria]

Rousseau nodded along with the ambassador from Haesan as she spoke. Making notes, he quickly switched on his microphone as she finished speaking. "Sanctaria must echo the words from the Haesanite delegation", he began. "It is the position of the government of Sanctaria that any unilateral intervention in Roucourt is not only foolish, but dangerous and puts regional stability at risk. We will be transmitting to the Doatian government in strongest terms our grave concern at their actions in Roucourt over the past few days. We must agree with the perception as suggested by Ambassador Lagrange that it appears more like a force built for invasion rather than intervention." He reviewed some of his papers.

"We are, however, concerned that this discussion may veer away from helping the innocent civilians who remain within Roucourt, and instead become focused on the actions of Doatia or Xiomera, and how the League might punish them in some way. It is important for us to register our frustration with these unilateral actions, but we must also move quickly to recognise the situation on the ground; if these international actors can help the League achieve our aim of humanitarian and aid access that is unimpeded, then we should work to ensure these lanes are established and protected. The League can then consider, when conflict is over, our collective response to these unilateral actions. Political points should not be scored when genocide is threatened and lives are at risk." He took a sip of water. 

"It remains the position of the Divine Federation that the League should act only insofar as ensuring the aforementioned safe access of refugees and aid. I urge all factions, the Doatian government, as well as our fellow councilmember Xiomera to work with the League to see this aim is met."

[Xiomera]

Capanetzin stood up next. "We do agree that ensuring the safety of refugees and civilians, and providing needed aid, is of paramount importance. We also echo the calls for all sides involved in this conflict to guarantee safe passage of aid workers and supplies, and also call for the creation of demilitarized areas where such aid can safely be distributed and refugees can find safe haven. The exact disposition of such zones can be coordinated with the different groups present in Roucourt, and we urge that this be done speedily."

"While we do understand the concerns of our Sanctarian friends as far as not letting the plight of the people of Roucourt be lost in our other efforts," Capanetzin continued, "we hope that this body does not forget to address the unacceptable conduct of Doatia and Xiomera, or loses its nerve to do so, once the fighting is over. The landing of a sizeable Xiomeran military force, followed by the landing of a much larger Doatian force, strikes us as frankly suspicious. Our suspicions are even more raised by Xiomera's current military positioning, occupying the platinum mining area that is Roucourt's major economic generator. To be blunt, everyone involved seems to be working together a bit too comfortably for the satisfaction of the Huenyan Federation, and we hope that this matter is thoroughly investigated once the war ends."

Capanetzin sat back down, staring hard at the Xiomeran side.