[Domnonia]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me start by thanking Democratic Republic of Klouch for their very apt and beneficial proposal. It gives our Foreign Affairs ministry a great pleasure and an honour to attend this summit in the wonderful city of Oscon, Klouch. I want to welcome all of you to this place that acquired a special place in history three years ago when then Domini Prime Minister Michelle Vendredi signed a credit card receipt for soiled beddings in her hotel. The passions aroused by her lover were displayed that day when he threw a bottle of ink at the hotel clerk to demonstrate his anger at having to pay for the mess. The Domini rags had a field day with that one. On this occasion, I believe that the question of our former Prime Ministers indiscretions have been sufficiently resolved to place the inkwell incident behind us and that those spouses present here tonight will honor us with their good behavior.

It has been proposed that the IDU and all of it's member states form a body that would legislate and govern the ideals that we commonly support. The mandate of this body is not yet clear, nor its mechanisms. That is what this summit is for.

I'd like to open the floor to introductions and opening statements by the honourable representatives here today, and I urge delegates to keep defenestrations to a minimum.

Right Honourable Prime Minister Taylor Carlson
The Asymetrical Confederation of Domonia

[Grosseschnauzer]

The six nations of the schnauzerlands join in expressing our approval of the concept underlying this summit, and express our appreciation to the Domini government for hosting this summit.

For now, the schnauzerlands Federation government will represent the schnauzervolk in these proceedings; however, with six member nations all located within the region. the federation parliament may well decide that each of the national schnauzerland governments should have a direct presence at this conference. We look forward to finding avenues by which the original proposal of the Kouch government can be more fully developed and implemented.

pauses to read a handwritten note delivered by an aide

Mr. Chairman, and my fellow delegates to this summit. I have been asked to relay the following message from our fellow member nation of the IDU, The Amazing Race. Their government states
Quote: We are currently on our eleventh competition around the planet, and will be unable to attend the summit until after this trip is completed. Should the summit still be in progress at that time, then a representative will appear for us. Otherwise, we will participate in whatever final mechanism is established as a result of the summit. Thank you for the invitation to attend the summit.
We wish good fortune and success for you all in this endeavor. [/quote]

We of the schnauzerlands federation share in the wishes for good fortune and success in this endeavor, and we look forward to the work ahead in these proceedings!

On behalf of the schnauzerlands Federaion:
The Democratic Federation of Grosseschnauzer
The Democratic Federation of Kinderliebstadt
The Democratic Federation of Purple Schnauzers
The Democratic Federation of Schnauzer Dominions
The Democratic Federation of Schnauzer Homelands
The Democratic Federation of Schnauzer States

[Embolalia]

The Federated States of Kedalfax looks forward to the discussion of this topic, and hopes to participate in the organization created therein.

[Eisophca]

Greetings, or, as we say in Ceorana, Yo!

It is my pleasure to represent Ceorana at this convention as its Head of State. Hopefully, we will be able to forge a body that gives all nations an appropriate venue to discuss their interests.

Marshall Friedman
President of Ceorana

[Gnejs]

*Foreign minister Nicholas Winborg takes the floor*

My fellow nations of the IDU. We too would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the Democratic Republic of Klouch for this great initative. The GPRG will glady participate in this debate and the construction of this new important step in IDU history. The Gnejsian voice in this project will be the newly appointed Thomas Mind. Mr Mind is a member of the gnejsian party The Social Libertarian Alliance and a member of the Storting. Mr Mind will make his first formal apparence, in these very halls, within a matter of days.

Before I leave you laides and gentlemen, I too have a message from two other IDU members who could not participate today. They go as follows.

Quote: The Democratic Republic of Tingst have never seen any benefits in being part of anything like this before. We feel that the rules and regulations forced upon us would not be worth the positive effects. But in line with the recent referenda held, the decision was made to enter the project at hand.

Yours

/John Sexsmith, FAM, DR of Tingst.[/quote]

Quote: We will gladly participate in this quest to improve the IDU.

Yours truly

Linda Lunga, FAM, The Federated Islands of Timur Lenk.[/quote]


Thank you all for your time.

*Winborg steps down*

[Antrium]

The Grand Democracy of Antrium would like to be involved in this summit. Our hopes are to help create a body which represents the common beliefs of IDU nations, and which can be a productive and positive force in the maintenance the ideals of our region.

I will be representing the people of Antrium in this summit, and ultimately it will be up to them whether Antrium will be a part of this organization or not, but I certainly hope that we will be, as it seems to be a very good plan.

Prime Minister Aranti Deval?ra

[Quintessence of Dust]

My thanks for your introduction, Mr. Carlson. Although the Democratic States of Quintessence of Dust have only newly been incorporated into the International Democratic Union, we are keen to immediately begin work on promoting and strengthening the union of the region; as such, we thank you kindly for your invitation to participate in these discussions. I would like to briefly lay out my government's position on how we feel these talks might fruitfully progress.

International cooperation is of integral importance to forging a stable new world order within which peace and prosperity can reign, and the liberties of individuals be respected within a framework of international human rights. Any attempt at international cooperation will be met with open arms by the people of Quintessence of Dust.

We feel prime areas of concern for international consideration are migration, capital flow, environmental issues, security and terrorism, arms proliferation, and harmonisation of technical classifications.

Finally, we would very much hope that were any international council or secretariat to be formed as a result of these discussions, it would adhere most strongly to the principle of accountability. Indeed within an International Democratic Union, the importance of the preservation of democratic values at all levels of governance should be quite obvious. International councils can act as fine mediators, but we would hesitate to suggest investing any significant degree of legislative power, particularly regarding matters of significant domestic import, in such agencies, unless adequate provisions for proper systems of checks and balances, and popular representation within them, are reached.

I thank the nation of Domnonia for hosting this conference, and look forward to the interesting discussions it should hold, relaying my nation's fullest desire to become actively involved in any attempts to implement the recommendations of the officials here convening. I wish you all a safe and prosperous future.

-- Secretary of State James Dwight



Towards the back, assorted State Department officials sat shuffling programs, discreetly looking at cellphones, and surveying the applauding audience. Mal Greene leaned across.

"What did you think?"

Jack Young sniffed. "Bit dry."

Mal rolled his eyes. "It's a formal introduction...I suppose you wanted him clambering onto a barricade."

"No, no, not at all. But, well." Jack twisted sideways in his seat. "Not really memorable stuff. No offence intended: it did the job, I suppose."

"How would you have written it?"

"Probably the same. But I'm not a speech-writer: just because I thought it was a bit slow, doesn't mean it was bad. Some speeches just have to be like that."

"I'm not a speech-writer either. I'm asking your opinion."

"For one thing, a little rhetoric could have sweetened it. I don't know...Rob and I were discussing the regional motto: 'justice, environment, industry, education'. If he'd maybe taken them and suggested they be the four pillars on which these discussions are founded..."

"Nice. That would have worked."

"I don't know what form these discussions will take, but if he gets a chance, have him bring it up in a committee."

"Ideas for proposals?"

"Correlating? Off the top of my head: a war crimes court, some environmental agreement, maybe emissions - or quota trading? - some trade elements, and a university exchange..." he tailed off meekly as an austerely garbed woman in front shot an impetulent tut over her shoulder. The next speaker was taking the rostrum.

Mal nodded, and held out a pen, gesturing towards the back of the program. Jack took it, and began scribbling.

[Klouch]

*The President of Klouch stands up and waits for applause to die down*

"Thank you to all IDU nations that have showed up at today's summit at the Democratic Rebublic of Klouch's wonderful Capital City of Oscon. I'm going to keep this brief so the rest of the nations can talk and then we can get on to more important buisness. I just want to welcome you all to my home and now your home too. I hope for long lasting relationships with all of your countries. I also hope that if this first summit goes well we can continue having future summits in this lovely city.

On a military note, our supreme Navy's ports are open to other IDU nations that support and are involved in this summit, we also will allow certain types of military aircraft to use the facilities at our airbase located at Klouch's International Airport.

Thank you for allowing me to speak for these couple of minutes."

*Applause*

*President sits down next to the General of Armed Forces who is grinning.*

[Saidercray]

Dear fellow nations,

as the official representative of the people and the state of Saidercray at this summit, I want to declare our full readiness to participate in the establishment of a generally accepted, democratic international organization within the borders of our Union. Our gratitude goes to all those who participate in this establishment and especially to our kind host.

We see this summit as a chance to strengthen co-operation between the nations, to strengthen the ties of friendship between the nations,to strengthen the community of nations. More than a nation, less than a world, a region offers the opportunity of different nations working together, nations which know each other well, nations which understand and respect each other, nations which are close enough to each other to represent and promote the same virtues, nations which are nevertheless autonomous enough to have different opinions on how to realise the dreams and ideals they share.

Friendship combined with diversity is a profound, is a solid base for productive and constructive exchange of views and co-operation. The foundations have been laid, let us build a house. Let us build it with strong walls guaranteeing a long life, let us build it with comfortable rooms in which one likes to live, let us build it with huge windows so that one can always see what happens outside the house, let us build it with a door that is open for all who want to share the house's community and closed for all who seek to destroy it. Let us build a house today.

Ian Woshkal
President of the Republic of Saidercray

[Embolalia]

A man quietly and briskly walks into the room and over to where the man who had announced Kedalfax's participation earlier was sitting

"Sorry I'm late," he whispers.

He prepares to read the official proclamation of participation he held in his hands.

He stood up and read,
"By order of the Legislation of the Federated States of Kedalfax, and its President de jure, the government of the aforesaid nation agrees to participate in the discussion of the formation of a governmental body within the International Democratic Union. It also looks forward to participation in said governmental body.

The nation hearby declares Arnold P. James of the City of Kennerwyck, located in the State of Kennerwyck in Kedalfax, to be the official speaker and representative of Kedalfax in the discussions on the formation of the proposed regional body.

Signed,
President de jure James C. Linnenbach,
Vice President de jure and Legislation Majority Leader Peter B. Lounello,
and nine tenths of the Legislation of Kedalfax"

"On a less formal note, I would like to introduce myself as Arnold James, and I'll be representing Kedalfax in these discussions.

We believe that there is great potential for great things in this body, and we would like to participate in those great things.

I have also been given a message from the Dean of Admissions at Kentworth University, which is one of the top universities in Kedalfax.
Quote: I would like to suggest that a student exchange program be started between members of this new body. Kentworth would be glad to accept students from other nations.
[/quote]
While on the topic of suggestions for legislation for this body to pass, I would like to suggest that we establish regulations on the emissions caused by factories and vehicles, or other environmental agreements. Kedalfax is very commited to the preservation of our environment, and we would like to encourage others to do so as well.

Thank you."

[OOC] Sorry for stealing your ideas, Quintessence of Dust, but you said it quietly, so presumably only people around you could have heard your propositions. And I figured it was time to get the ball rolling in here.

[Eisophca]

I would like to call this meeting to order, using the authority vested in me as the representative a member who joined on 2006.01.04.

Present at the discussions:

The Democratic Republic of Klouch
The Asymmetrical Confederation of Domnonia
The Schnauzerlands: The Democratic Federation of Grosseschnauzer, The Democratic Federation of Kinderliebstadt, The Democratic Federation of Purple Schnauzers, The Democratic Federation of Schnauzer Dominions, The Democratic Federation of Schnauzer Homelands, The Democratic Federation of Schnauzer States
The Congressional Republic of Ceorana
The Green People's Republic of Gnejs
The Grand Democracy of Antrium
The Democratic States of Quintessence of Dust
The Republic of Saidercray
The Federated States of the Two Islands of Kedalfax
The Most Serene Republic of Baranxtu
(more welcome, of course)

I believe our first order of business is to develop a more well-defined mission.

I yield the floor to whoever may want to jabber on next.

[Baranxtu]

While there is some shuffling as to who should take the floor next, loud, quarreling voices can be heard from the corridor.

"No, you can't go in there now! The summit's already in progress"

"Oh, we will go in there! What would it look like if we wouldn't be there? Now, out of our way, you three-legged, five-wingged son of a ... !"

"Now, watch your language! And please, you had enough time to actually announce your delegation's presence beforehand!"

"Nonsense! There was absolutely no notice on anything anywhere!"

"But...!"

"No if! Now, get away, before I take this - " a swooshing sound was to be heard "and ... " A description of various nasty thing to be done with said "thing" followed, which are non-repeatable here.

"Oh, have it your way!"

A knock was heard on the door. Creakingly, it was opened, and a small group of three women and four men entered. The only one anybody recognized was Aimala Boulea, in her function Prime Minister of Baranxtu, currently in a disshevelled and obviously hurried state.

"Er... hello there... sorry for the interruption... but we kind of, er, missed that this was already taking place... and we wanted to ask if we could still chime in?
I mean, we can obviously take a plane back home... but if you don't mind...
I'm here to represent Baranxtu, the woman on the left of me is the Artamea Nibana, PM and Governor General of Otea, the one on the right is Mari-Kl?re Laporj??, Governor General of Cikoutimi.
Those...," At this point, she indicated the men, "are .
So, can we stay?"

[Embolalia]

Mumbling is heard throughout the room. Kedalfax's representative speaks up.

"Well, I say we form a committee to find out whether he should be allowed to stay."

Yelling starts, mostly along the lines of "No useless comittees!" and "What do you think this is, the UN?" His aide consults him quickly.

"Okay, fine. You can stay."

[Klouch]

The president of Klouch stands up and askes, "Why are we not on the above list? Also we would be happy to have you stay and represent Baranxtu."

[Grosseschnauzer]

The Federal Vice-Chancellor of the schnauzerlands turns on a microphone and simply states:

May I suggest that any IDU member delegation be allow to enter upon arrival without any further impedements? While some delegations are not far from here, other delegations are having to travel much longer distances, and after all this is a working summit conference, not a diplomatic shadow dance!

[Gnejs]

*Thomas Mind rushes in and yells*

Here here! the representative from Grosseschnauzer makes a good point!

*settles down. wipes off forehead. continues*

I am, by the way, Thomas Nico Mind, and I will be the gnejsian voice within these halls. I am 29 years old, single, enjoy the science of silence and men who are not afraid to cry. I will be a pleasure working alongside you all.

[Eisophca]

(OOC: I just made the list so we were clear on which nations were actually participating in this. There's no problem with new ones joining)

[Mikitivity]

*Mintues after the Gnejsian second of motion to allow others to walk in, Maximilian Gottswald enters the chambers and proceeds to the nearest empty seat*

Guten Tag,

On behalf of the people of the Confederated City States of Mikitivity, I am here to represent our cantons in these regional discussions. As the Council of Mayors Council Member of Nolanstadt I am authorized to represent the City States as an executive and am looking forward to our discussions.

-Max

[Domnonia]

*An extremely long, akward silence ensues. Delegates fidget with their notes, seemingly lost at what to do next*

"Ahem"

*Domini Prime Minister Taylor Carlson breaks the silence*

So, it appears that everyone is glad to be here and is willing to discuss this matter. May I suggest we begin the discussing part?

The position of the Domini People is that a region-wide organization be accountable not only to the governments which it will serve, but to the individual citizens of our region. The IDU stands for a balance between individual freedom and national sovereignty. While we respect all claims of sovereignty, we also recognise the oft-occuring need for those borders to blur and for equal rights and opportunities to exist withought restraint.

We must recognise that not all states allied within the IDU are members of the supraregional UN, nor do we enforce that they be so. We believe, though, that every meberstate in our region shares the same principles and ideals. However, this situation can sometimes lead to confusing, unequitable and sometimes even unfathomable changes to the application of the rule of law from state to state.

This organizations aim should be cooperation between its signatories to promote concensus and equality in the rule of law. We propose that a supranational IDU organization be charged with the task of uniting the citizens of our region through common and shared rights, responsibilities and goals.

In doing so, we must be mindful of culture, and cultural differences between ourselves and our neighbours. Culture, of course, is our most precious resource. But that is what will make this initiative successful, I believe. Through a multicultural exchange of ideas and dialogue, only the very best that the IDU can be will come to the surface of discussion.

I dream that every Domini citizen dreams of a better IDU, and not just a better Domnonia. I dream that in every bed of every home someone dreams of a better IDU.

Thank you.

*PM Carlson takes his seat, anxiously awaiting cries of sovereignty infringement*

[Mikitivity]

*Upon hearing Taylor Carlson's speach, Max Gottswald squirms in his seat.*

Hmmm, while for years Mikitivity was not a member of the United Nations, it is simply beyond the authority of any single canton in the Confederation to commit the others to systems of rule. In other words, it is the wishes of the cantons I'm here representing that instead of creating a Federal styled government that instead we look to the relationship between the Council I sit upon, the Council of Mayors, and each canton. A loosely based Confederation of States has the potential to promote the standardization of measures and practices that will bring prosperity to the International Democratic Union as a whole, while preserving the cultural integrity and uniqueness that has existed for centuries in our nations.

I'd much rather talk about ways our nations can work together. That said, working together to promote all the key values of the IDU is certainly something I am happy to agree to.

[Eisophca]

*Friedman gets up, sips some water from his thermos, clears his throat, and speaks.*

Ceorana was never much of one for national sovereignty. We believe that it should be invoked only when it is better to do so, and not just in principle, but also that binding requirements upon nations should be invoked only when it is better to do so as well.

As such, we would propose that this group be voluntary to begin with, but also propose its more contentious resolutions in the form of sub-organizations that nations could join or not join at will. For example, a resolution against torture could be proposed to be part of a "top-level mandate", while a resolution against economic protectionism should probably be set up as a free trade zone or customs union that nations could join at will (as we already have). This would promote a healthy balance between all conflicting factors at work here.

Of course, working together could also be a primary purpose of this group, and could be done likewise: projects in tune with our mutual values could be done at the organization level, while more specialized or contentious projects (that the majority nonetheless agrees with) could be set up as organization-sponsored organizations that nations could join at will.

*sits down*

[Antrium]

*Deval?ra stands up and speaks*

I agree with Friedman's comments about creating "top-level mandates" that all members would have to enforce, and making others optional. Certain things, like the abolishment of torture, freedom of speech, and environmental policies, should be enforced throughout. But things like granting freedom to possess drugs would never be received well in Antrium, and we would have to opt out of it.

I also agree that membership should be optional, and without membership, you don't get any of the group's benefits. Non-members shouldn't be able to join our free trade zones, for example, (although they could because it's a non-member organization right now) without outlawing the things we choose to outlaw in mandates. But we should by no means use our group to harm non-member nations in any way, of course.

*Deval?ra sits*

[Domnonia]

*Taylor Carlson listens with interest, then raises to reply*

I concur with Ceorana and Antrium in regards to organizational and prioritized layers of mandate. To see that some issues of topmost importance be applicable to all members, while other issues of cultural or localized importance only be applicable to those in concensus. I hope that this route will provide the protections sought after by the Mikitivity delegation in regards to culture and customs.

*Taylor sits*

[Quintessence of Dust]

Whilst we generally welcome and agree with the comments being raised by our fellow delegates, we must sound a preliminary note of caution. It is of the greatest importance to the people and government of Quintessence of Dust that if any super organizational body is created, and if significant legislative power is invested in it, it is accountable both to the nations and the citizens its actions would affect. This is not the basis of any proposal, but merely something we hope is borne in mind as suggestions are discussed.

Structurally, I must personally confess to being unsure of what is being proposed: quite probably we have more than model in our minds, and perhaps it is best to initially look at 'how' before 'what', such that we can understand what degree and colourof cooperation is at stake.

Finally, we do place a great deal of importance on national sovereignty, but also recognise the importance of fundamental freedoms. In this case, we would point to the difference between the IDU and, say, the UN. The nations of this region have in general chosen to subscribe to a specific set of values. Further, we exist in close geographic, cultural and economic proximity. Thus, we feel it is in fact important and easy for national sovereignty to be respected, because positive change can be effected anyway. For example, if we feared human rights abuses in Ceorana, we would not need a regional body's mandate: we could directly discuss the matter through diplomatic channels.

There are certain ideals - the free movement of persons, common recognition of property rights, cooperation in environmental and international projects, perhaps some security concerns - that we feel it would be very worthwhile pursuing. But I restate my insistence that where more domestically-involving laws begin to be formed, those lawmakers remain accountable to the people of Quintessence of Dust, and of all nations submitting to them.

-- Secretary of State James Dwight

[Grosseschnauzer]

The Vice Chancellor of the schnauzerlands federation goes to a podium. After pausing for a few moments, awaiting quiet, he begins:[/i]

My fellow delegates:

On behalf of the schnauzerlands, we believe that some form of organizational structure in which to discuss regional issues is necessary and would be useful.

Until two years ago, there was no schnauzerlands federation, and the nations that now are part of that federation within the IDU and have found great benefit in working together. We have been able to standardize matters important to transportation, commercial growth, education, international and interregional trade, and other areas important and essential to the health, safety and welfare of the schnauzerlands as a whole.

The savings in expeditures by these processes have far more than paid for the expansion and development the schnauzerlands have seen even in this short period of time.

So i submit to you all that the primary purpose of a intraregional body should be to encourage voluntary cooperation and common standards in our mutual endeavors, whatever those may prove to be over time.

I recall how, when an international crisis all but embarrassed the nations of this Union when several national governments failed creating a humanitarian crisus that sparked a concerted effort of intraregional cooperation and remediation. It pointed the way towards regional cooperation and recognition that regional standards would be necessary in order to efficently address such crisis in the future.

It also underscores to us in the schnauzerlands the importance of regional communication with a view towards voluntary regional cooperation.

We agree that the appropriate representation within such a regional body has to be on the national, and not supernational level. There are several such multi-nation entities here -- the schnauzerlands Federation is one, and the Commonwealth of Keeslandic States for another -- which we believe would not be as appropriate a level of representation as the nations of the IDU, whether admitted or not to the United Nations.

We suggest then the formation of a Union Council, which any or all of the nations of the International Democratic Union may join, to find voluntary solutions and goals. From our experience within the schnauzerlands, such a level of expanding cooperation will enrich this Union.