Confirmation Hearing: Dr. Cynic to be Sec. of External Affairs (Confirmed)

[Dr. Cynic]

It is rather depressing sitting in this empty Senate chamber all by my lonesome. Perhaps a Senator could come keep me company until the vote?

[Dr. Cynic]

I like the idea of the committees. It gives particular Senators with a specific interest or talent an outlet to work on that field.

I have mixed feelings on it. I can understand the point behind it, but I do worry that if perhaps what would happen if a mean-spirited Senator were to get in charge of a committee and began suing countless Atlasians in the Supreme Court? Obviously such fears are probably ill-conceived, but they do exist in the back of my mind.

Well, I'd like to be in regular contact with the GM and have between 2-4 foreign stories a week. I'm hoping that in doing so, I'll be presented with an issue by the GM. I would meet with the President to discuss a responsible course of action and then carry that action out and see where it leads. That's my hope. As far as what I'm doing on my own, I will take foreign trips, meet with leaders and keep a regular Atlasian Factbook Entry detailing our relationships with each nation as Senator Ben used to do.

As far as discussion or debate, as I said, regular meetings with the President an our Ambassadors. I'd also like to meet with the Senate Standing Committee on National Security at least on a weekly basis.

[Dr. Cynic]

As far as what I'm doing on my own, I will take foreign trips, meet with leaders and keep a regular Atlasian Factbook Entry detailing our relationships with each nation as Senator Ben used to do.

As far as discussion or debate, as I said, regular meetings with the President an our Ambassadors. I'd also like to meet with the Senate Standing Committee on National Security at least on a weekly basis.

  I like you!  And for the record, the "fact book" is supposed to be issued by every SoEA on a four month basis.

Ah ok. I hadn't seen it done since you left so I was never sure if it was required. Either way, I liked it and it's something I intend to keep.

[Dr. Cynic]

As far as what I'm doing on my own, I will take foreign trips, meet with leaders and keep a regular Atlasian Factbook Entry detailing our relationships with each nation as Senator Ben used to do.

As far as discussion or debate, as I said, regular meetings with the President an our Ambassadors. I'd also like to meet with the Senate Standing Committee on National Security at least on a weekly basis.

  I like you!  And for the record, the "fact book" is supposed to be issued by every SoEA on a four month basis.

Ah ok. I hadn't seen it done since you left so I was never sure if it was required. Either way, I liked it and it's something I intend to keep.

I think the last one was introduced under Ben and passed under myself. We haven't done one since the April 2012 one, which didn't pass until June; since they're on a 4-month basis, we'd be due for another one in about a week. Looks like you've got an assignment for your first week.

If I'm confirmed on time.

[Dr. Cynic]

What role should our country play in the tensions between Israel and the Palestinian people?

Impartial mediator. I'm neither predisposed to bias from the Israelis or the Palestinian peoples. I'm more interested in coming to some sort of satisfactory arrangement for both.

[Dr. Cynic]

Personally, I think it should be taken on a case by case basis. But as I have had no talks with the Israeli government as yet, nor have I had the opportunity to speak with our other allies about this issue. When I do so, I will be able to formulate a clearer plan.

[Dr. Cynic]

I'd like to formulate a coordinated plan with our allies in order to stop Iran from gaining the nuke. Russia will be an important partner in this endeavor. But ideally, I would like to use diplomacy and sanctions if necessary to make the Iranians see things our way. The old saying goes, sticks and carrots. I'd like to prevent an outbreak of conflict with the Iran if at all possible.

As far as Syria is concerned, the Atlasian government will not continue to tolerate the gross human rights violations that are currently going on. I will personally speak with our allies across the globe as well as the Syrian government to bring about an end to these issues. If Syria refuses our entreaties, then it will require bold action. Again, I want to work to prevent and end conflict, not exacerbate it.

[Dr. Cynic]

What will be your policy regarding Atlasian diplomacy in the East Asia, especially with China? And we can't talk about China with discussing what is going on in parts of Africa. How concerned are you about the situations with the miners in Zambia and other related areas of concern?

I want to persue a policy of peace with China. However, I won't be tolerant of any unfair trading practices and we will continue to press them to improve their human rights record. Atlasia must make this clear. If China can do that there's no reason there can't be cooperation between us.

Africa is a major source of concern. There are nations suffering from rampant poverty, disease, human rights issues and instability. In regards to that particular situation, we should attempt to mediate this where possible. I'd like to prevent the outbreak of conflict between China and Zambia. I'll do all I can in this endeavor with the help of our global allies. Unfortunately this vague answer is the best I can deliver until I can hear from the Chinese and Zambian governments.