Conference of the Americas

[Voodoo Nova]

"We have nothing to add at this time." said UnderSecretary Ventura to the Vice President.

Edited April 5, 2012 by Voodoo Nova

[Isaac MatthewII]

[i]"Well, if you have already said this and I missed it on acccount of being late, what are you proposing? A treaty? A handshake of some sort? Gallifrey hasnt associated its self with these a lot of the respective nations here so we really do not have many thoughts on the matter unless someone wants to propose something."[/i]

[Mara Lithaen]

Minister Kehenna spoke up."Currently the subject is economic cooperation between the nations represented in this room. I, for one, and I am sure I speak for my Empress on this - " he said, smiling " would certainly be glad to expand the Imperium's economic horizons, as well as those of any nation who would work with us."

[Generalissimo]

Politely waiting for Minister Kehenna to finish her statement Professor Rei Meekitjuk-Ugyuk finally addressed the conference, “Any nation In This Room?
Northern Imperium supports economic cooperation between the nations represented in this room. . .
Any nation In This Room?
Does that include Procinctia-In-Exile?
Despite remaining a government-in-exile we’re actually managing territory these days.
Procinctia-In-Exile, somehow, is actually a real country.
Free markets between *all* American nations seems unlikely with Procinctia’s ongoing pseudo cold war with Northern Imperium.
Northern Imperium regularly, however ineffectually, opposes Procinctia’s right to free commerce.
Despite a few hiccups on the fringes Comrade Vivian's proposal still holds promise. . .
Yet the ideas Comrade Coleain’s suggestion carries America’s interests without requiring the same level of commitment.

Edited April 6, 2012 by Generalissimo

[TheShammySocialist]

Although the Atlantic Confederacy had stayed quiet for most of the proceedings, as the talk of economic cooperation began to take some form, Edward Ouellette would break the silence from the table of Confederacy representatives, which was a rather large conglomerate of aides, academics, and the two government officials. Ouellette would make note of his intent to speak and be recognized, before standing up, clasping his hands behind his back as he did.

"Make it be known that the Atlantic Confederacy would have no problem with trading with any nation that is represented in this room today, but if economic cooperation is to be fostered here today in any sort of written document, our government cannot accept it without limitations to that said treaty. Our country may have been built on free market polices, that good old free hand that guides the markets, with limited government intervention here and there, but we cannot erode all of our economic barriers that keeps our own economy growing. Every country has its own specialties, it has certain industries that make it unique, and our economy has a strong standing and growth invested in these specialized industries that our own nation is able to build and maintain through the onward march of technology."

Ouellette would clear his throat, taking a sip from a glass of water before continuing, "We cannot erase all trade barriers that help our own companies flourish, we need to have tariff fees imposed on companies who can build these products for less money elsewhere, for whatever reason that may be, to stop the ability for importers to flood our markets with such goods. The Atlantic Confederacy is still growing, and it needs to keep its own economic affairs in order to ensure that growth, and limited protectionism is part of that strategy, worked out between our government and corporate leaders. We can bring down some trade barriers to help foster potential exporters' trade in our nation, but we cannot erase all, we [i]do[/i] see economic cooperation with other nations in this hemisphere to be an integral part in fostering more unity across the hemisphere, but this economic cooperation needs to be calculated, and done with significant planning."

"On the line of thought of trying to impose some sort of demilitarized zone for major economic land routes through countries, as well as the commercial use of airspace during times of war, there is very little that I believe can be done to ensure that economics are impacted by conflict. Major economic land routes in our nation are also an integral part of our defense, and we cannot shut them down at our own strategic expense. Our nation already imposes Civil Air Agency radio checks of civilian and military aircraft that pass close or through our airspace right now, it is part of our Free Use of Territory Act that was passed by our Parliament shortly after our independence. Civilian shipping is already protected by our Coast Guard, and by extension, the Confederacy's Navy, in our exclusive economic zone, and even beyond if in distress. What we can agree with in any sort extension of recognizing international trade routes, is ensuring that air and sea route traffic continually broadcast their flags of origin, as well as the continued recognition of the Panama Canal, the various passages of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, the Northwest Passage, and Drake Passage as international waterways."

[Mara Lithaen]

Christian listened to the Confederate speak, nodding in agreement to his points. When Ouelette had finished speaking, Christian signaled his intent to speak again, and rose. "I concur with the Confederacy's view that there must remain some trade barriers in order for the growth of our respective corporations to continue." he said, addressing the room. "I think what would be best is for the nations of this room, mine included, to agree to free passage of civilian shipping and freight through international borders and waterways, thereby allowing the unimpeded movement of goods among all those represented here today." he said, and sat down.

[Markus Wilding]

Councillor D'Aoust was about to speak but before he could the soldier next to him tapped his shoulder. "What is it," he whispered impatiently. The soldier whispered something to him in Russian and the Councillor's face turned grim. Nodding, he stood. "Excuse me, I am terribly sorry to inform you all of this, but pressing matters require my attendance at home. I must take leave from this conference or I fear I may not have a home to return to." With that, he and the soldier would exit as quietly as possible and take the next flight to New Iberia.

[Tanis777]

OOC @ Zarfef: What wrote is just giving my style towards the conference towards an implied state of order. So what has occurred so far is fine by me as an agreement to the tone I've set. Also, I can produce a possible draft later tomorrow.

Councillor D'Aoust would be escorted out of the building by CIIS agents to an awaiting convoy to take the Central American Union delegation back to the airport.

Secretary Patterson nodded to all whom have talked. After getting recognized by Coleain once again, she began speaking, "We find that the tone of free trade was an over-extension and hopes of free trade promoted by Edean. There is nothing wrong with that, but I know many of the nations here are simply not ready for free trade yet, and one especially at the continental level. We do press that avenues for truly free trade are possible on individual diplomatic channels, but in the interests of making headway here, I speak for mostly everyone here that free trade is a dead starter to further negotiations on more unified trade.

We do agree with Edean on recognizing international waterways and air lanes for safe travel in the Americas with all the turmoil the two continents have faced over the last several decades. I know that land traffic is more of sovereign and defense issue and is also most likely a non-starter here. Although we think that streamlining peace-time commerce by land would be beneficial to all of us in the end. There is not much any of us could be flexible in a war-time, let's be honest here. Let's focus what we can do in peace time periods.

We propose a general treaty and an trade organization for those who wish to put their signatures in here today and develop greater framework for it down the road to the changing landscape and evolution of the continents. It would pave the way to have countries here in the Americas a place to seek lower tariffs, while strongly emphasizing the elimination of tariffs altogether is up your respective nations. Seek the ability to have private companies have access to each nation's customs and procedures to streamline goods entering in and leaving signatories countries. The provision of international waterways and airspace will be in there, throwing in unified transponder system for all civilian aircraft. I'm throwing ideas to get something on paper for us on this agenda, so we can get somewhere. Ease the ability of private transportation companies access into each signatory nation with say a unified 'passport'. Obviously, this will all take time to implement, but everything doesn't have to solved here, but we start on the path of greater growth. Thoughts folks?"


Vice President Coleain spoke up, "We'll have a short reply time for the ideas presented by Secretary Patterson here for a few minutes, followed by a voting period on it. We'll be discussing defense related issues here shortly. Floor is open for discussion again."

[Mara Lithaen]

(OOC: Bump.)

[MostGloriousLeader]

President Bronson stood to speak after being recognized. "I for one feel that a relaxation of trade barriers between nations could lead to better economic development and cooperation but I also understand the point made by others that the total elimination of such things is probably impossible in the short term. I do support the idea of creating a inter-American trade organization to facilitate a increased level of trade. Perhaps at some point we could implement some sort of common intermediate currency to ease transactions between different nations. I feel we should be able to proceed with this issue if we were to at least put a initial draft in writing and go from there".

[Tanis777]

(OOC: Been getting my affairs in order before I ship out on Monday, ick)

The draft treaty would be handed out and presented as well on the projector screen be reviewed.

[quote]
[center][size="3"][u][b]Drogheda Economic Agreement[/b][/u][/size]
Draft Form[/center]

[u][b]Preamble:[/b][/u]
The Parties of this agreement recognize that our view of economic relations and trade with a view to raising standards of living, ensuring full employment and a large and steadily growing volume of real income and effective demand, and expanding the production of and trade in goods and services to achieve sustainable development. Recognizing further that the positive efforts designed to ensure of developing countries, secure a share in the growing American trade zone to connect with their nation's economic development.

The Parties desire to of contributing to these objectives by entering into reciprocal and mutually advantageous arrangements directed to the substantial reduction of tariffs and other barriers to trade and to the elimination of discriminatory treatment in American trade relations.

The Parties resolve to develop an integrated and durable multilateral trading system beyond current liberalization of individual trade agreements so far,

Determined to preserve the basic functions of this trading system and further the objectives set out by this agreement.


[u][b]Article I -[/b] Establishment of the Organization [/u]

The American Trade Organization is hereby established.

[u][b]Article II -[/b] Scope of the Organization[/u]

1) The organization shall provide the common institutional framework for the conduct of trade relations among its Members in matters related to the agreements and associated legal instruments included in later edits of this agreement.
2) The agreements and associated legal instruments included as part of [i]future[/i] Multilateral Trade Agreements, are integral parts of this Agreement, binding on all Members. (Currently, none in existence, but provision included)
3) The agreements and associated legal instruments included as part of existing Plurilateral Trade Agreements are also part of this Agreement for those Members that have accepted them, and are binding on those Members. The Plurilateral Trade Agreements do not create either obligations or rights for Members that have not accepted them.
4) Other future trade and tariff treaties amongst the Members will be added under the scope of the Organization.

[u][b]Article III -[/b] Functions of the Organization[/u]

1) The organization shall facilitate the implementation, administration and operation, and further the objectives, of this Agreement and of the Multilateral Trade Agreements. It shall assist in the implementation, administration and operation of Plurilateral Trade Agreements if requested; however, it is mandatory for the organization to be informed of new agreements in pursuit of Article II, Section 3.
2) The organization shall provide the forum for negotiations among its Members concerning their multilateral trade relations in matters dealt with under the agreements.
3) The organization will handle Member and non-Member trade disputes in accordance to the Rules and Procedures to Governing the Settlement of Disputes.


[u][b]Article IV -[/b] Structure of Organization[/u]

1) There shall be a General Council Conference consisting of representatives of all the Members to be held every two years. The representatives has the power to carry out the functions of the organization and take necessary action.

[u][b]Article V -[/b] Relations with Other Organizations[/u]

1) The General Council shall make appropriate arrangements for effective cooperation with other intergovernmental organizations that have responsibilities related to those of the organization.


[u][b]Article VI -[/b] Decision-Making[/u]

1) The organization shall practice of decision-making by consensus. If consensus cannot be made, the matter at issue shall be decided by voting. Decisions of the General Council shall be taken by a majority of the votes cast.
2) In exceptional circumstances, the General Council may decide to waive an obligation imposed on a Member by this Agreement or any of the Multilateral Trade Agreements, provided that any such decision shall be taken by three fourths of the Members.
a) A request for a waiver concerning this Agreement shall be submitted to the General Council for consideration for up to 25 days. If the Council fails to address the request, it shall be voted upon with an approval of three fourths of the Members.
b) A request for a waiver concerning the Multilateral Trade Agreements shall be submitted to the General Council for consideration for up to 25 days. If the Council fails to address the request, it shall be voted upon with an approval of three fourths of the Members.

[u][b]Article VII - [/b] Recognition of International Trade Routes and Safe Air Travel in the Americas [/u]

1) The Members agreed that the strength of the global economy rests in ensuring continued free and safe access to major waterways and air routes through various nations in the Americas. We commit to maintain that these routes be maintained to be open through peace and war as neutral entities.
2) The Members recognize the following to be important routes as international passage: Panama Canal, sea lanes in the Caribbean Sea, Windward Passage, Strait of Florida, St Vincent Passage, and Mona Passage. Sea Lanes in the Far North America, Northwest Passage and Bering Strait and in South America, Drake Passage.
3) In the interest of safe air travel in the Americas, the Members commit to unifying transponders on all aircraft and the supporting network to ease travel at all times.

[u][b]Article VIII -[/b] Agreement on Future Tariff and Trade Restrictions[/u]

1) The Members commit to the objectives of seeking lower tariffs and eliminating trade barriers where possible in this Agreement and in future Agreements.
2) The Members seek to streamline land, air, and sea customs by allowing better information access to various Members custom's requirements and future ID unity system for easier crossing. Members will collaborate on providing the highest security measures towards the eventual creation of a continental border access database as well as the future Americas Mobility ID system.
3) The Members will place keep existing customs protocols in place; however, in the interest of providing greater information. A website displaying all Members required documentation, IDs, and other papers to be shown at their respective borders to be submitted to the committee of overseeing the website.

[u][b]Article IV -[/b] Amendments[/u]

1) Any Member of the organization may initiate a proposal to amend the provisions of this Agreement. Such a proposal shall be reached by consensus. Failure to pass by consensus will be by a super-majority vote of 60% of the Members to approve a change in the Agreement.

[u][b]Article X -[/b] Withdrawal[/u]

1) Any Member may withdraw from this Agreement. Such withdrawal shall apply both to this Agreement and the Multilateral Trade Agreements and shall take effect upon the expiration of three months on the date of submitted papers on the intent to cancel to the General Council.

[/quote]

Edited April 16, 2012 by Tanis777

[Tanis777]

"Folks, we have a draft form completed. Due to the limited time left allotted for the conference, we'll be cutting short the agenda to just the discussion of the draft in it's current form, a voting period and short discussion on defense issues," Coleain stated.

[Isaac MatthewII]

Who or what would enforce this treaty if a member is found in violation?

[Zoot Zoot]

Michael began to speak.
"In its current state, the Commonwealth cannot sign this treaty. It would be in breach of our economic policy regarding one or two states with representatives in this room."

[Tanis777]

"Enforcement of this agreement is done through the foundation of the organization, currently named the American Trade Organization, either to be kept or someone suggests another name. They will have an investigative side to uncover violations. Currently, there are no Multilateral Trade Agreements on the agenda, in which, the ATO is mostly concerned about. There are also very little Plurilateral Trade Agreements, but that is currently of little scope of this organization to be founded. If you look up the legal term for the Multilateral Trade Agreement, it's an agreement between all members, which none does exist, as I've already stated."

The Commerce secretary continued on Micheal's reply, "We're puzzled to see that this Agreement would breach any policy you currently have against another representative's nation here today. This isn't a trade agreement of any sort, [u]but the setting up of a unified trade network here in the continents.[/u] There are waivers built into the Agreement on possible Multilateral Trade Agreements when they are proposed. We question Umbrella's position on what specific areas of the Agreement hampers them?"

[Isaac MatthewII]

John Smith stood again. "Gallifrey does not see a problem with this agreement. Though the Umbrella Commonwealth has a ban on everything to do with Gallifrey for an undetermined reason. So I see why UC would not want to sign."

Edited April 14, 2012 by Isaac MatthewII

[Mara Lithaen]

"Given the current malleability of the document and the provisions laid out for conflict-resolution, the Imperium finds no fault with the treaty in its current form."

[Generalissimo]

Procinctia-In-Exile will sign the current agreement.
Procinctia’s expatriate business community is particularly looking foreword to commerce opportunities with Northern Imperium.

[Shadow hawk]

Dominic would single his intent to speak for a second with a wave of his hand, and stand "As the document is currently written, Newfoundland finds it with no faults in it."

[TheShammySocialist]

"The current agreement is one that we can currently sign, although given the crisis that has stemmed from the Midwest Republic, we must be careful when considering streamlined border access. Although access to a unified customs database would alleviate some concerns we have with streamlined border access, there needs to be more coordination between our countries in enforcing customs and security checks for travelers. Our country has suffered heavily from a high crime rate due to the fact that organized crime was able to embed itself into the system, and we are still rooting those elements out as we speak. If we have a streamlined border access system, high standards of security of customs databases as well as foreign service document issuing agencies need to kept by all of our states. All of them need to be held up to the a high standard of security," noted Ouellette, after exchanging quiet words with Marty Gibbs for a moment.

[Tanis777]

"The concerns of the abuse and lack of coordination of border access is vaguely reflected in the agreement. It seems it could be eased with a better clarified position on security in the article pertaining to it. The unity ID system is a future system that will need a separate venue to address the specifics of that issue." replied Patterson.

The team of lawyers went back to Article 8 of the agreement and revised it to define security measures and meeting existing conditions at everyone's borders at the present time.

"Anyone else needing to put their two cents in?" Coleain inquired. "If not by tomorrow, all those who've agreed can relook the draft and put on their signatures if they want to agree."

EDIT: last couple sentences added.

Edited April 15, 2012 by Tanis777

[MostGloriousLeader]

"I will be willing to sign this treaty although a full commitment is pending until it has been approved by the Senate. Given this initiatives probable effects to improve economic activity and international relations it will most likely not be too much of an issue".

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Charlotte raised her hand, asking to make a statement. After being granted the right to speak, she stood up and asked. "I hope it was already implied in our invitation, but we would still like to confirm, wether or not it is possible also for us to be part of this. France would approve of closer economic cooperation with the Americas and therefor, in the case we are allowed to, it'd be an honour to set our signature on this." Then she arranged her glasses to sit fittingly on her nose again and sat down, afterwards fiddling with her pencil, waiting for a reply.

[Tanis777]

"Calfornia does not object to France's entry on the Agreement, as long as other American representatives here do not object as well. We see no reason to restrict your entry on the agreement; however, I assume the evolution of the Agreement towards non-American nations, no disrespect Madam, will be quite different than what is currently drafted. The great European and Asian powers are here also in our gesture to foster greater cooperation not just amongst ourselves by as well as external trading powers that do extensive trading with us currently," replied President Farren.

"If the others object, I'm sure that some sort of observer status will be given," injected Commerce Secretary Patterson.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"Well, strengthening our trade is something we would look forward to, but we can understand individual nations' doubts. Should those be existent, we are content with an observer status, otherwise, we'll have to just expand our trade on our own with those willing to trade."