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Pannonian Crisis

Natal

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DEBATE OF THE 100th SESSION REGARDING THE PANNONIAN CRISIS
MAY 2021

Margaret Stone, Natalian Representative to the European Forum:

Esteemed Representatives,

Those are probably dire times in which we start the 100th session of the European Forum, tackling yet another Gallo-Germanian Crisis, rather than celebrate a century of the EF providing for peace and stability in the whole of Europe. This new crisis has been set by an explosion of xenophobia in Pannonia against the Zarans mostly, but also against the Pannonian Franks and the Serboves living in the nation, especially with the populist and nationalist government of Kovacs Zoltan in power, whose rhetoric cannot but inflame the spirits even more as it seems he pushes the nation away from its traditional civic and autonomous structures, to an overt centralisation, pushing for the primacy of the Bajoran ethnic group over the other peoples living in Pannonia.
This Crisis has attracted many 3rd party elements, such as the Senate and People of Remion, better known as the Remis Republic, whose goal, as a representative of the Tiburan peoples of southern Gallo-Germania is to defend the Zaran minority, but also the nations of the West and South, such as the Federation of Westernesse, the Collectivist Union of Josepania and the Union of Natal, whose support for the Remis and the Zaran and Frankish minorities in Pannonia comes from their entrenched respect towards the self determination of the peoples of Europe and the need for human rights and rule of law to be respected. On the other side, we do see conservative powers supporting the government in Kispest, where we can see the new government of Pelasgia and the Tsardom of Tarusa supporting Kovacs Zoltan in his endeavours.
It is clear by now, that two main camps are developing, and we are seeing a return to the bipolar world which can be characterised by tension, militarisation, bringing back the great risks of global warfare which will end up in thousands of casualties and a complete failure of the European Forum. Those two camps, which I will henceforth describe as the Populists, for those regarding the self-determination of the people as having primacy, does count the Republic of Remion, the Collectivist Union of Josepania, the Federation of Westernesse and the Union of Natal, while the other camp, which I will name henceforth as the Sovereignists, represent the current government of Pannonia, the Pelasgian Union and the Tsardom of Tarusa and its... let's call it... associated state, the Noks Free State.
Should the European Forum fail in bringing peace and allow the sparkle to reach the powderkeg, I fear that we are throwing human history back a century as we will end up waging a war not only for the Zarans in Pannonia, but a multi-faceted war on multiple fronts, as the Zaran dispute will represent only a pretext towards the causes of a greater war which will be brought on by regional rivalries and the entanglement of alliances, which will bring destruction all over the world.
War is closer than we think, and now its time to do something to stop it... more than just offering our concerns, thoughts and prayers for it to go away. In this day and age, neo-imperialism must be squashed as we live in a time where the self-determination of the peoples of Europe is paramount. The recent events with the arrival of Tarusan boots on the ground in Pannonia is no less provocative and instigates to a war, than the Remis declaration of a no fly zone over the Zara provinces. The reaction of even from the Bajoran people is indicative of how the politics of the Kovacs government is affecting them too, as it is reported that morale in the Pannonian army is at an all time low. Why are they fighting for? To preserve their own families? The Bajoran people? Pannonia? or the interests of the oligarchy in power in Kispest, which is now openly using foreign mercenaries to achieve its goals, knowing that they will act like a foreign horde that will have no scruples in pillaging, killing, looting, raping or destroying their enemies, while a virtuous Bajoran soldier will think twice before following such an order, as he has grown up with the idea that Zarans or Franks, as much as they speak different languages, are still Pannonian citizens.
Let us be honest here and say it as it is, the soldiers that have been lauded so much for coming to his aid by Kovacs Zoltan, are not regular soldiers from the Tsarist Army, but rather mercenaries from the Romanov Company, which come from the Noks Free State, and I will say that in the end, it won't be only Zarans and Franks which will be suffering from their presence, but the whole of Pannonia, including the Bajorans. Should a war take place, there will be no winners, only losers and victims. That is why, the European Forum must act, and defuse the current crisis.
I do invite all the governments from both the Populist block and the Sovereignist one, to be pragmatic and to find a common ground that will bring the betterment of the people they represent, rather than a go to war and bring death and destruction.

Thank you!
 

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Bonifác Nagy, Pannonian Representative to the European Forum:

Esteemed Representatives,

The people of Pannonia, one strong union, are perfectly capable of governing themselves. We are a democracy. Kovács Zoltán was legitimately elected Prime Minister by the will of the people's Parliament. Zarans are not entitled to engaged in roughshod terrorist tactics in order to express their discontent with the democratic process or results. If they are unhappy with the status quo, they may express themselves in the next election as they have for over 60 years.

Currently, I must state that the influence of Tarusa is limited, and the activities of partisans that act on behalf of the ideals of their country and against the blind, cruel, and random hate of terrorism.

Pannonia is not against foreign aid in this situation and has gladly accepted such aid. If Remion so wishes, in good faith, the Pannonian People invite 500 aid workers to come and observe. The situation on the ground is difficult. The mercenaries spoken of engage on behalf of the so-called State of Eugenia. They readily establish a military presence in the countryside.

Our people are not toys to be played with by foreign powers. This no fly zone appears to treat us this way. No warning was given. No discourse or dialogue has occurred either. We urge the representative of Remion to explain the actions of his country. We have graciously agreed to talks should the no fly zone be suspended, but we are on the path of immediate war due to this obvious attack on our sovereignty. The fact we did not immediately respond with missiles or a test of the no fly zone I believe places Pannonia on the right side of history!

Thank you, I yield the floor.
 

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Arcangelo Udinese, Remion Representative to the European Forum:

Esteemed Representatives,

The Senate and the People of Remion have no interest other than to protect the peoples of the East and Wast Zara against the abuses perpetrated by Prime Minister Kovács Zoltán. It is true, and undoubtedly, that the elections that led Kovács Zoltán to the office of Prime Minister were democratic, free and free of fraud. But from that day to today, the work of the Prime Minister has corrupted the democratic, legislative, executive and judiciary system of the whole Pannonia.

In a short time we have seen peaceful demonstrations suppressed with excessive force, trials within the courts influenced and guided by the Prime Minister himself to politically useful verdicts, up to the use of the military in domestic operations against the Zaran peoples. A few days ago we learn that Prime Minister Kovács Zoltán, certainly of that his men are incapable of carrying out such a brutal repression against their own people, decides to hire Tarusa's mercenary forces.

The NFZ will still be operational, as we do not believe the signs of collaboration produced by the government of Pannonia to date are sufficient. However, we accept the offer and will send 500 unarmed observers within the Zara East and West regions to monitor the activities.

However, I would like to urge colleagues not to monopolize the discussion exclusively on the Zaran people, other ethnic groups have also shown their discontent with KISPEST by declaring their independence unilaterally.
 

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Master Baron Boris Bakhmeteff, Tarusan Representative to EF


We have seen troop buildups along the border of Bajororzsag by the Remions long before this "No Fly Zone" was implemented. Then that is followed by this declared No Fly Zone which clearly dictates what will be targeted within the sovereign territory of Bajororzsag, roughly 1/3rd of the countries territory to be exact. What is to be targeted by Remion aircraft? Defensive equipment and virtually any military position it deems fit for destruction to open the door for an all out invasion by removing the ability for Bajororzsag to protect 1/3rd of its nation that is what.

Here now, even their Representatives state that Kovacs is the legitimate and legally elected ruler of Bajororzsag. But they do not like him, so they seek to remove him from power as well as strip him of rebellious territory. It is the right of a nation to protect its people, and its borders, from forces foreign and domestic that seek to overthrow a legitimate government. These are terrorists and rebels who cannot come to terms with their legitimate losses, and they are now being promoted to carry out further acts of destabilization by the Remion Government.

That is not one, but TWO acts of war virtually declared by the Remions. As such we fully support the Kovacs regime if it acts in a military nature to protect its territorial integrity.
 

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Arcangelo Udinese, Remion Representative to the European Forum:

Esteemed Boris Bakhmeteff,

It is Remion's right to conduct any kind of exercise within its borders, even if you deem it to be one of the two violations it accuses us of. Once again we reject any direct and indirect responsibility for what is happening within Pannonia. It is not in Tibur's interest to have a neighboring country, unstable and on the brink of civil war.
 

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Demetrio Verdugo, Representative of San Jose to the European Forum:

It is the view of the Archipelagic Collectivist Republic of San Jose that, while the election of Prime Minister Kovács Zoltán was indeed the result of a free and fair election, the Prime Minister's subsequent refusal to treat minority groups such as the Zarans and Franks within Pannonia with respect and equality as previous Prime Ministers had done violates the social contract he had made becoming the leader of all people within Pannonia, not just the Pannonian nationalists who seek to dominate these minority groups. He has met protestors with the army, responding with violence rather than dialogue, and when that inevitably failed, made secret backroom deals with foreign powers to bring in mercenary forces to do his dirty work for him, revealed only through the careless Twatts of a tyrant.

It is from this sober and reasonable observation that San Jose openly stands with the people through recognizing their declarations of independence, supporting their inalienable rights to defend themselves against oppression, regardless of whether it comes from abroad or from within. The Global Exploitation Conspiracy knows no national borders, and must be opposed at every turn, at minimum through words and declarations, or by violence in the name of self-defence if need be. Thus, while we commend the honorable Natalian representative's desire for peaceful discussion and the search for common ground between those who oppose the Global Exploitation Conspiracy and those who propagate it, San Jose is skeptical that any such common ground exists, as the latter thrives on inequality and oppression, be it against their own people within their own borders or abroad in colonies and so-called mandates, which are nothing more than colonies wrapped in legalistic bureaucracy, and the former should not give ground on these two fronts.

We feel the only reasonable solution that does not result in bloodshed, be it civil war or a large-scale war, is a renunciation of state-sponsored and out-sourced violence by the government in Kipest as a strategy to solve the problems addressed by these Zaran and Frankish independence movements, the dismissal of foreign mercenaries and standing down of its army, and the commitment of itself to open dialogue with these groups, respectful of their concerns and responsive to their demands. It is through humble submission to the will of the people they claim to govern that the Pannonian government will finally meet the standards they set for themselves: as a free and fair democracy of, by, and for the people.

Until this commitment by Pannonia is made, the Archipelagic Collectivist Republic of San Jose, while committed to the Collectivist tenets of Peace, Prosperity, and Progress, shall remain openly and unashamedly supportive of the Zaran and Frankish people in their noble desire for freedom from tyranny and a removal of the yoke of the Global Exploitation Conspiracy.

I yield the floor.
 
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Ernst Winter, representative of the Republic of Ostmark to the European Forum.

Esteemed Representatives,

As representative of the Republik Ostmark in this assembly, i would like to make an appeal to Prime Minister Kovacs even tho he is not in this room today, and also to all the nations represented here, directly involved in the issue currently at hand.

I will try to be as frank as possible, but also pragmatic. This is not a personal attack. The Republic of Ostmark has not forgotten the political and diplomatic support received by Pannonia after the fall of the regime, and it is for this reason that Ostmark has so far refrained from recognizing the self-proclaimed entities that have recently issued unilateral declarations of independence in Pannonia. We do not, and never will, turn our backs on those who supported our nation, and our people, during challenging and difficult times. That's why i want to state very clearly that Ostmark will not support any side, in this debate.

We understand that the current situation cannot be completely blamed on your government and your political agenda. It seems clear, and logical, that the ongoing escalations and tensions are the result of past hostilities, and rivalries, that previous administrations have failed to address in time. An election, a democratic election, allowed you to surge to the highest political office of your country, to serve your country, and be subservient to the needs of your country and people, thus making you responsible for the resolution of the ongoing crisis. Had someone else won those elections, we believe we'd still be gathered in this room today to hold this debate.

Ostmark believes that a united Pannonia is a stronger Pannonia and therefor a guarantee of stability in the region. We believe that Pannonia should continue to exist as a free, democratic union of peoples, of cultures and languages, firmly anchored to the democratic values expressed and written in its constitution. We strongly, vehemently condemn the violence perpetrated by separatist movements in your nation, but it seems clear, by now, that none of the parties involved are willing to take a step back. However, they must do it now. Wether they like it or not.

Pannonia is, and we cannot deny it anymore, on the verge of a societal collapse. By the moment foreign military forces stepped over your soil, or skies, or waters, Pannonia has entered its road to a civil war and, ultimately, to its permanent dissolution. Sometimes rulers must take a step back, rethink of their actions, and act in the interest of its people, whatever the cost in image and political authority may be. A loss of 'prestige' or 'political credibility' is acceptable if the goal is to preserve the integrity of the nation, its social peace and independence.

Herr Kovacs, do not sell your nation's soul to the highest bidder. Whatever asdvantages you may gain initially, it's not for free. It never is. There will be a high price to be paid, which will be paid not by your administration but by your citizens, your people. Ostmark has done that, in the past, and we are still paying the consequences. Short term benefits might look appealing but the long term ones will leave permanent scars that future generations will hardly forget. War, violence, suffering. That cannot be the solution, Pannonians do not deserve it. Pannonia must not consume what's left of its soul to find out who to blame, and who to punish. Pannonia must be protected, from violence, from foreign intrusions, from the civil war looming over its cities.

This is our appeal to Prime Minister Kovacs, but also to the leaders of the self-proclaimed republics of Bourdignie and Eugenia, to the leaders and militants of the various armed resistance groups involved: you are subservient to the Nation and its well being, you have been elected, or proclaimed, for the sole task of working and acting in the supreme interest of the workers, their families, their children. Your children. You must take a step back and drop your weapons. Our appeal is extended to all the nations involved: the Republic of Remion, the Federation, the Collectivist Archipelago of Josepania, the Tarusan Tsardom - all of you. Withdraw your troops, recall your planes, shut down your missile batteries and move them back to the barracks, recall your operatives on the ground, stop the supply of weapons and equipments immediatly.

Let us be very clear: we do not side with any of the governments involved. We do not take sides, ever. We do not side with your administraion Prime Minister, nor with the Tarusan Tsardom. We do not side with the Republic of Remion, or the Federation, or Josepania, or Bourdignie, or Eugenia. Ostmark sides with the elders, the workers, the children, the sick, disabled, the fathers and the mothers, the students, the doctors, the professors, the poets of Pannonia, who will be the ones who will pay the highest price. We side with the poor, and the weak, and the victims, always.

We are aware that our words will be intepreted in many different ways, and we know that our nation holds little or no influence in the complex and wide geopolitical stage. We have no interests to defend, no profits to be made, no greater goals to achieve. But maybe this is the only reason why everyone, in this room, should listen to our appeal.

The past cannot be changed. It is your turn, now, to write the future. You are still in time.
 

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Demetrio Verdugo, Representative of San Jose to the European Forum:

In response to the Honorable Representative Ernst Winter of the Ostmarker Republic, the Archipelagic Collectivist Republic of San Jose proudly and loudly proclaims that it does, in fact, side with the poor, the weak, the victims of aggression. These are the Zarans and the Franks who witness their grievances with the Kovács government met with violence and repression by the Pannonian military. Is it any wonder that they turn to violence as a means of self-defense against this agression? These are the soldiers of the Pannonian military who even now are reportedly deserting in droves in the wake of news of Tarusan mercenaries operating within Pannonian territory. Is it any wonder they refuse to fight their fellow Pannonians when the government is clearly in favor of hiring thugs to do it for them? These are the Pannonians who react with outrage that their leader, the Prime Minister, does not base his government of, by, and for all the people, but only some, the select few who share his ethnic background and political leanings. Is it any wonder that the minority groups within Pannonia seek self-determination when their government refuses to give them decency and respect?

Ostmark may proclaim their refusal to take a side, and that is their prerogative which shall be respected despite our disappointment. However, San Jose has no such hesitations, for we too are a people with little influence in the world, but that will not stop us from standing with those who are in danger of being silenced by the Global Exploitation Conspiracy.

We state, again, our conviction that Prime Minister Kovács Zoltán has the power to undo what damage has already been done, by dismissing these Tarusan mercenaries from Pannonian soil and standing the army down, reaching out to Zaran and Frankish separatist movements for peace talks. If these movements welcome these overtures, made with words rather than bullets, then San Jose shall support them and their efforts to find common ground. Their desires to be heard, treated with dignity and respect, and safety from tyranny, however, should not ever be compromised on, and San Jose will support their convictions in that regard as well.

I yield the floor.
 
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Roland Hörschelmann, Eiffellandian representative to the European Forum:

My esteemed colleagues,

The only thing I can do here, is echoing the concerns voiced by Mrs. Stone and Mr. Winter. The situation in Pannonia is spinning out of control. No matter what everybody's interests are, we have to avoid a region-wide war now that we still can. It is of utmost importance that negotiations are started, either in the European Forum or somewhere else. The Holy Frankish Empire offered to host peace talks; as far as we know, that offer still stands. Also Eiffelland is willing to host peace talks.
We have seen willingness to start peace talks; we would like to commend people for that. We have also seen that countries connect conditions to the start of peace talks. Remion explicitly wants the Tarusan mercenaries to withdraw; a demand that Prime-Minister Kovács is not willing to fulfil. Prime-Minister Kovács wants Remion to lift the no-fly-zone; a demand that Remion does not want to fulfil. From our point of perspective, these two demands erase each other. Meaning: Both sides will meet on equal grounds when they start peace talks.
The main topic of these peace talks will be the future of Pannonia. During these peace talks, it will become clear whether Pannonia can continue to exist as unified nation or not. If it can, the peace talks will have to focus on turning Pannonia into the country it used to be, i.e. a nation in which several ethnicities live together in harmony. Structural reforms may be needed for that. If Pannonia cannot continue to exist as unified nation, the negotiations will have to focus on drawing the borders between the new countries that will arise from it, and how to divide assets and debts.
But peace talks are needed. It is in nobody's interest that the conflict in Pannonia continues as it is now. War may seem attractive, because that will solve the conflict soon, but that solution will only be a short-term solution. Pannonia, or the future former Pannonia depending on the outcome of the war, will be a boiling pan whose lid will have to be pushed on it permanently to prevent that its contents are spilled; furthermore, the defeated nations will seek revenge. With that, the cards will have been mixed for the next war to break out.

At this moment, Eiffelland is conducting a mass-evacuation of foreigners out of Pannonia. This mass-evacuation is also open for non-Eiffellandian diplomats and their families. Furthermore, Eiffelland is setting up refugee camps, and is preparing for sending humanitary aid to Pannonia.

For the recognition of the Self-proclaimed Republics of Eugenia and Bourdignie, we consider it too early to do so. However, we do recognise the government of the Self-proclaimed Republic of Eugenia as the representant of the Zaran people in Pannonia, and we also recognise the government of the Self-proclaimed Republic of Bourdignie as the representant of the Francophone people in Pannonia. This means as well, that we recognise the governments of these self-proclaimed republics as equal sides in the peace negotiations for the case that they start, and their presence at those negotiations to be essential.
 

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Antonios Antoniou, Pelasgian Representative to the European Forum:

Esteemed Representatives,

Setting aside the Honourable Ms. Stone's j'accuse against the Sovereigntist States, while she comfortably sweeps her own side's instigation of this war under the rag, I will join her in using the terminology "Sovereigntist" and "Populist", which she has come up with. Indeed, these terms allow us to get a clear image of what this dispute is all about: a dispute between those States for whom sovereignty is meaningless and those for whom it is paramount. I do not say this in a pejorative sense, but as a statement of fact. For, if the National Sovereignty of a democratic State can be abolished by a small segment of its inhabitants for no better reason than that they have chosen to do so, what exactly is National Sovereignty but a sham? The people of Pannonia--all the people of Pannonia--elected Mr. Kovacs, whatever his policies may be, lawfully and democratically. A small segment of them cannot say that, simply because they do not like his policies, they will exclude themselves from the rest of Pannonia illegally and unilaterally. That is so absurd as to almost appear farsical; by that logic, what is there to stop a smaller group within "Zara" from declaring its own independence ten years down the line? Should humanity be reduced to petty tribes squabbling over villages? The point of government, esteemed Representatives, is to prevent preventable evil. If we allow National Sovereignty to dissolve, chaos will reign across the world, as States will no longer be able to democratically function, lest any minority, no matter how small, be displeased. Indeed, human civilization consists of the submission of the desires of various group to an increasingly broader and more common framework, for the betterment of all mankind; this, after all, is how human rights came about.

Speaking of human rights, esteemed colleagues, the Government of Remion alleges that Pannonia has veered toward a dictatorship and has violated the rights of its citizens. To this end we ask: what proof does Remion have to shew its claim? We have seen neither repression nor restriction of rights, other than that which is justified in a free and democratic society seeking to defend itself from thugs and outlaws, who willingly place themselves outside the laws of a democratic State. That these measures have grown increasingly dire is only a result of the outlaws' own growing radicalism, which has been fuelled and encouraged by the Populist States. This encouragement and enabling of international illegality culminated in unilateral declarations of independence; first there was one, then many, as the Populist States continue to encourage the radical fringes of Pannonian society, while pretending that this is merely an organic expression of the Pannonian people's will. Pannonian sovereignty belongs to the Pannonian people; if there is a civil war there today, it is because the Populists have enabled it, despite our best warnings. Now, with Remion and the Federation's illegal and downright criminal NFZ, they have used military force to aid and abet insurgents seeking to overturn the democratic will of the sovereign Pannonian people. This is an outrage, and Pelasgia will not suffer to be made the moral equivalent of these actions.

To the Pelasgian Union, the solution to this dispute appears clear: the countries that have enabled and thereby caused Pannonia's descent into civil war should withdraw from that country and allow Pannonia to settle its own disputes peacefully, under international supervision, preferably through observers sent by this Forum. All illegal declarations of independence should be denounced, to make it clear to the outlaws who are attempting to establish parallel regimes in Pannonia that they cannot abolish Pannonian and international law. Without the foreign interference that lies at its roots, the Pannonian Crisis will simply fade away.

Pelasgia is more than willing to discuss this or any other equally effective solutions with all countries at any time, on the condition of good faith, honesty, and frankness. Any solution must recognize that constitutional democracy can only function within the confines of law-abiding and mutually respectful Sovereign States. Anything else is a recipe for anarchy on a global scale.
 

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Roland Hörschelmann, Eiffellandian representative to the European Forum:

My esteemed colleagues,

I have to correct our honourable colleague from Pelasgia Mr. Antoniou on one thing. Prime Minister Kovács was not elected by a majority of the Pannonians, and definitely not by all Pannonians. Actually, he is currently governing Pannonia with a coalition that is based on only 32% of the seats in the Pannonian Parliament. I have to look for the exact numbers of seats of the political parties in the Pannonian parliament, but we can safely presume that mostly 32% but probably around 30% of the people voted for Prime Minister Kovács's Forward Pannonia or one of his coalition partners. I can't call that a majority. It also amazes me that it is possible under Pannonia's constitution that the Prime Minister can establish so much power with less than 1/3 of Parliament backing him. In Eiffelland, he would have faced a motion of distrust within a week.

I fully understand Mr. Antoniou's concerns about unilateral declarations of independence. Strictly speaking they are indeed illegal. We also understand that governments are legally allowed to take steps against such unilateral declarations of independence. But what should be done when an ethnic minority wants to crouch away from under the yoke of a tyrannical regime? Aren't there mitigating circumstances in that case?And what should be done if ethnicities cannot continue to live together in one nation any more?

I have to conclude that Prime-Minister Kovács is acting in a way that fires up desires for independence. A country can only exist when enough people want to be part of it. A country can only emerge when enough people want to become part of it. When Prime-Minister Kovács would not have acted against Zarans in general as response to the ZLA-committed terrorist attack on the Kispest underground, but only have focused on eliminating the ZLA, there would not have been enough backing for an independent Eugenia. Even better, the Zarans would have disapproved the ZLA's actions.

I disagree with Mr. Antoniou that countries like Remion and The Federation of Westernesse would be the forces behind the independence movements in Pannonia. It can be that these countries are supporting such movements, but they emerged because of the internal situation in Pannonia.

I agree with Mr. Antoniou that a peace conference on Pannonia is needed. Definitely for reconciliation. But such a peace conference can also conclude that the ethnicities forming Pannonia cannot continue to live together in one nation. We have to face that possibility.

OOC: For the numbers I used:
 

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Margaret Stone, Natalian Representative to the European Forum:

It is mine and my government's belief too that unilateral declarations of independence are problematic, and with this I must agree with Mr. Hörschelmann and Mr. Antoniou, but at the same time, the realities of geopolitics are more grey than they are painted in the black and white colours of textbooks. We cannot stand here and condemn the Zarans, Franks and now Germans too, for wanting to fight for their own national revival, while observing that Pannonia is transforming into a husk of its former self. What is, in the end, a state, if not the sum of institutions in place that govern and administer the land inhabited by a certain people. When the said people want to flee from it, it is clear that the said state has failed them and is losing its sovereignty and legitimacy.

I say this because I don't want Pannonia to turn into a meat grinder where the many ethnicities of the nation will massacre each other, should a war start, but rather, because for a long while, Pannonia offered Gallo-Germania a model where many ethnic groups could live in peace together. It is clear that the administration of Kovacs Zoltan has all but shattered this dream, with his ethnic nationalism that pushes the Bajorans in front, while making life a living hell for the others.

What does the European Forum want? A civil war in Pannonia that is be so multi-faceted that it will end up lasting years and years, creating countless victims and sending ripples of waves of refugees to neighbouring nations that will end up being overwhelmed too? While we debate about how the constitution of Pannonia works or not and how it is ethical or not, there are people there suffering, wanting to live a normal and peaceful life, and they are terrorised by the state itself, which are supported by foreign mercenaries.

The European Forum was created to act so as to make sure that such events won't happen again. Exactly for this, I propose that we move forward and I thus ask for the Forum to discuss the creation of a peacekeeping force made out of soldiers from the member countries, that will act as a buffer between Bajoran authorities and the minorities of Pannonia, in the name of the EF. While at it, I also propose an EF enforced weapons embargo on the Kovacs government, so as to be sure that at least for a while the escalation of violence can be stopped. A peace conference can only take place when peacekeepers have boots on the ground so as to make sure that violence won't be used by either side against the other as a way to gain favours at the conference.
 

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Roland Hörschelmann, Eiffellandian representative to the European Forum:

Esteemed colleagues,

Let it be clear that also my government wants to prevent that Pannonia sinks into a civil war. I also indicated that Eiffelland is flexible in accepting the solution that is best for the Pannonian people.
However, we have to discuss this through thoroughly. If we take hasty decisions, we may create a combination of arguments that can be misused in a future crisis. I have to paint out a multifaceted problem here. please let me finish my words; I will answer questions afterwards.

It is needed to point at the legal side of the situation. We have to point at the fact that a secession is illegal, and that, therefore, there must be a very good justification why a secession is accepted. We have to formulate that very clearly, so that the current situation in Pannonia cannot be misused in the future as an argument for pushing through a secession that the people living in the area subjected to the secession do not want.
Therefore, I have objections against the notion that every ethnic group has the right to self-determination, because this argument can be misused. Suppose a country with a stable and moderate government on top. In that country, there is an ethnic minority called the, let's say, the Varbians. There is no discrimination against the Varbians, and they are equal members of society. Now the Varbian Freedom Party, the VFP, emerges with a demand for independence for Varbia. The VFP's plans for an independent Varbia are such that the majority of the Varbians don't want those plans to be carried out. Furthermore, the Varbians know that they will have a better life when they remain citizens of the country they are currently live in. If we use the argument that every ethnic group has the right to self-determination for recognising the breakaway republics emerging in Pannonia, we have no argument to stop the VFP in its endeavour to impose an independence on the majority of Varbians who don't want to become citizens of a VFP-ruled Varbia.

So if the European Forum decides to recognise the breakaway republics of Pannonia as independent countries, that decision will have to be based on a different argument. For instance, when an ethnic minority is constantly discriminated against, a secession is justified. Not legal, but understandable, so justified. Or when the population is subjected to state terror, a secession or a revolution is justified. Not legal, but understandable, so justified. On the other hand, in the situation I just described for Varbia, a secession imposed on a population that doesn't want to secede, would not be justified.

I agree with the proposal by our honourable colleague Mrs. Stone to form a peace keeping force for Pannonia, as well as to impose an EF-backed weapons embargo on Pannonia. Peace negotiations between all the ethnic groups in Pannonia are needed, however.

My government will recognise all the countries that seceded from Pannonia, if it becomes clear that a unified Pannonia has no future. We prefer to wait with that recognition until after peace negotations though; however, we do recognise the governments of all the Pannonian breakaway republics as representants of the people they govern.
 

Tarusa

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Master Baron Boris Bakhmeteff, Tarusan Representative to EF

It is currently the point of conviction of my government that while the situation in Pannonia continually unravels that these actions are at the behest of foreign actions that are promoting these breakaway movements. All one has to do is look and see that not all areas of these "breakaway" provinces wish to be independent or even part of a neighboring nation.

Would we have these radical elements having this much capacity to push their agenda if the military forces of Pannonia was allowed to actually carry out its duty and enforce measures to bring back stability within its borders? I think not.

As it stands we currently have a No-Fly-Zone willfully stating its intention of violating the territorial borders of the Pannonian nation at their discretion. This only further encourages these actions. There is also a sizeable military contingent just across the border, and lets call it as it is at face value, an invasion force. When you have several military divisions from a nation that has shown its willingness to buck at international norms and support your cause, you will of course take greater actions to solidify and justify your unpopular rebellion.

We could very well have stood an entire army group at the border with Ostmark in the days of the end of Grasserism. We could have pushed our own no-fly-zone upon it. Had we done so, I think we would be looking at a very different Ostmark today than we currently have as the army may have very easily chosen to stand with the man who is now facing prison time had he had a large foreign army ready to back him into office.

At this moment we will not say whether we stand in favor or against peace keepers, but if it was put to a vote now, we would wholeheartedly vote against such a proposal as it is nothing more than consenting to a legalized invasion under EF helmets of the Pannonian nation by the powers that currently stand ready to invade it already.
 

Jydsken-Østveg

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Bonifác Nagy, Pannonian Representative to the European Forum:

Esteemed Representatives,

Bajorország categorically rejects any issue or call of peacekeepers to this region. As it stands there is a no-fly zone imposed upon our proud nation and a military invasion upon our doorstep. Thus far no laws have been broken in Pannonia. Objections to the manner in which business is conducted in our assault of terrorist factions do not warrant this response. Our very honor stripped away from us by these impostors and ruining our union.

The humble representative for Eiffelland, Herr Hörschelmann may be correct though. The actions of our de-stabilizing neighbors may have pushed this conflict to a place where we may not return. With the support of the representatives from Tarusa and Pelasgia, I am authorized by my Government to hold peace talks in the Frankish Empire or the European Forum at last resort. Our earlier requirement for peace talks required the end of the no-fly zone which was rejected by Remion.

For new a new attempt at talks, we will allow the no-fly zone to continue.

We request the meeting to occur in the H.F.E. and that any foreign military at our currently recognized borders withdraw from our borders. As a compromise for the removal of troops, the no-fly zone will be tolerated and agreed to by this Government for the period of the talks and at least five days after the end of talks should no agreement otherwise be reached.

The goals of these peace talks will be on the broader basis of the future of Pannonia. What zones of territory will be enforced by which parties, what governments shall be allowed to govern whichever zones, and the end of the no-fly zone and general hostilities. We agree to the participating nations being generally open to all parties that have a vested interest; however, only legitimate governments and thus EF members will be recognized in attendance. I implore the Governments of Tarusa and Pelasgia to be in attendance as their legal scholars and opinions are paramount to the interests of the region. Otherwise, so long as a nation is recognized in the EF, we are open to them attending. A well met meeting will conclude with a general agreement between all parties; however, the most concerning agreement being between the Governments of Pannonia and Remion and thus an avoidance of war.

Should these terms and these goals be seen as acceptable, we wish to begin posthaste. This is the last attempt this Government will make for peace. Let it be known that should Remion not be willing to accept the removal of their military assets from our border, any future maneuver of aggression is not because this Government did not attempt peace, it is because our neighbors never desired it.

Thank you, I yield the floor.
 

Imimoya

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Arcangelo Udinese, Remion Representative to the European Forum:

Esteemed Representatives,

We appreciate that the Pannonian authority recognizes the legitimacy of the NFZ in the East and West Zadar territories. We are also positively impressed by the willingness of the Republic of Bajorország to want to participate at the peace table. However, we believe that the requests to the Republic of Remion by the Pannonian authorities are completely out of place. Asking us for the demobilization of our troops from our territories near the borders with the Zaran regions is entirely annamisible.

The Bajorország authorities themselves, as well as several accredited international media, have confirmed that the regular Pannonian army is in complete chaos, with high desertion rates and unattended military material, probably now that materils is in hands of criminals and arms traffickers. The armed forces of Remion are in defense of the safety of the citizens of Remion, by contrasting the trafficking of international weapons stolen by criminals in the deposits of Pannonia.

If in addition to this, we consider the presence of mercenary troops at the balance of the office of the Prime Minister of Bajorország, our refusal to withdraw troops, should not surprise anyone. We are however willing to be peacemakers, therefore we offer the possibility of lightening the presence of our troops on the border with Panonia, in exchange for a total withdrawal of mercenary troops and their armament, from the territories of the Republic of Bajorország.
 

Ostmark

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Ernst Winter, representative of the Republic of Ostmark to the European Forum.

I must agree with Herr Antoniou when he says that foreign interference is seemingly contributing to a deterioration of the internal politics of Pannonia and the escalation of hostility between the central government and the break-away entities that have recently declared independence and, at this point, given Pannonia's positive feedback on the beginning of peace talks, i wonder if all the parties involved are willing to take a step back and allow Pannonia and its internal factions to settle down the crisis and agree to an immediate cessation of violence and saber rattling. This, however, can only occur if all the parties involved are willing to back down, even tho we must also understand the concerns expressed by Herr Udinese, given Remion's proximity with areas affected by an alarming level of lawlessness.

As for the statement of Herr Bakhmeteff, we fully agree. And that's exactly the reason why we hope that the Herr Kovacs and the governments of the self-proclaimed republics will accept to take part to peace talks before Pannonia becomes the playground a foreign ruler. We believe, we strongly believe, that Pannonian citizens, including those who live in the self-proclaimed republics, are not willing to sell their sovereignty to the highest bidder, in the same way Ostmark accepted the risk of freezing to death and categorically refused to bend the knee infront of the Tsar.
 

Rheinbund

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Roland Hörschelmann, Eiffellandian representative to the European Forum:

Esteemed colleagues,

There are two things I want to say. The honourable representative of Pannonia Mr. Nagy said that he would agree with me in the sense that actions by neighbouring countries would have destabilised Pannonia to a point-of-no-return. I want to make very clear that that is not what I said. I did say that Pannonia may be on a point-of-no-return, but I did not say anything about the reason why Pannonia is in its current situation.. The suggestion that neighbouring countries would be destabilising Pannonia is completely, for the full 100%, Mr. Nagy’s suggestion, and not mine. I would like to ask Mr. Nagy with very much emphasis to not put words into my mouth that I did not say.

Then the other thing I would like to say. I want to laud Mr. Nagy for showing the willingness to negotiate. I have a question about his remark that Pannonia would only want to negotiate with legitimate governments. The problem that I see, is that a solution to the situation in Pannonia cannot be reached without involving representatives of the self-proclaimed countries Eugenia, Bourdignie, Hohensee, Bécs-Altstadt and the Serbove Satellite Republics. At least that point-of-no-return has been reached. The peace talks will be about the people of the self-proclaimed countries Eugenia, Bourdignie, Hohensee, Bécs-Altstadt and the Serbove Satellite Republics. If the countries taking part in the negotiations take decisions about these people while without these people, we will only lay the basis for future unrest.
 

Jydsken-Østveg

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Bonifác Nagy, Pannonian Representative to the European Forum:

Esteemed Representatives,

The military of Bajorország is a first rate, highly capable, and well trained force. This Government does not know where others may have gained their information or what magazines and comics they read, but any suggestion otherwise is a lie. In confirmation of this, the Pannonian Government will release the mercenaries from their contracts that will coincide with the day that talks are to begin.

To be clear, there will be no mercenary forces in Bajorország the day the peace talks begin.

Next, the Government of Pannonia does not recognize any of the suggested so-called Republics that have been declared. We will not negotiate with entities that do not exist. We recognize that there may be a problem for ethnic and civil strife within the borders of modern Pannonia and that there are foreign interests and stakeholders that are driving these forces. That is why Pannonia is nearly at war with Remion. That is the primary interest in these talks, to defuse this potential war between Remion and Pannonia. If that means changes in the dynamics in Pannonia's union, that may be discussed in peace talks. We will not outright recognize any rebellious faction by meeting with them however. They do not exist. Entities that do not exist do not get seats at the table. Whatever altruism Eiffelland wishes to engage in is their business. This Government will not make the habit of engaging in discussion with non-entities.

Thank you, I yield the floor.
 

Imimoya

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Arcangelo Udinese, Remion Representative to the European Forum:

Esteemed Representatives,

As expressed by my colleague, Bonifác Nagy regarding the withdrawal of mercenary troops, if this happens, we would be happy to be able to reduce the number of our men at the border. Of course, I must also specify that mercenary equipment must also be withdrawn, as I said in my previous intervention. There must be no troops or equipment.

We will observe the withdrawal from the ground with our unarmed observers authorized by the government of pannonia and from space, to verify the actual withdrawal.
 
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