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[Sec. of State Superique]

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Get all the news about Foreign Affairs on this official page of Atlasian diplomacy and national security. Schedules, SoS's agenda and speeches from SoS Superique may be posted here. For more information, Those were the last Secretaries (and their respective Newspapers) of this nation:

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[Sec. of State Superique]

International News

Secretary of External Affairs is in the last day of discussions of the Geneva II Conference. Saudi Arabia and Iran are not present on the talks.

Geneva, Switzerland.
January 27, 2014.

Not so much is expected about the meetings.

The Secretary of External Affairs, Superique, has travelled to Geneva since the beginning of last week. He is currently in talks with both the Syrian Government and the Syrian Opposition, where he hopes that a cease-fire may be settled soon and steps for a transition government is established.  The conference is flooded in so much pessimism that any agreement or deal would be seen positively.  

The beginning of the Conference, which started on 22nd of January, was marked with pessimism by both sides; the Syrian Government moaned about the absence of Iranian Authorities and stressed on the talks that Bashar Al-Assad was not leaving his office and the Syrian National Council was also vocal when stressing their disbelief on Assad’s diplomats. Due mainly to Atlasian and Russian pressure, the General Secretary Ban Ki Moon decided not to invite Saudi Arabia for the talks. One main reason for not inviting the saudis was that the Atlasian Intelligence reported that the country was dropping “uncontrolled huge sums of money” for any opposition to Assad’s Government, icluding groups closely related with the Al-Qaeda.

Secretary of External Affairs highlighted that “Saudi Arabia was in fact supporting radical Sunni terrorists groups such as the Islamist State and only if the stopped funding they should be allowed to participate”. Ban Ki Moon followed the same lines arguing that Saudi Arabia actions could foster terrorism and instability on the Middle East while the main desire of the United Nations was to promote peace and not increase disagreements. Superique did not had the same hard stances on Iran but SNC’s threat of not participating on Geneva II made him worried and, for this reason, was not very enthusiastic about Iranian participation.

Specialists don’t know quite well what may happen in Geneva today but a formal and final agreement may appear. An inside specialist told reporters that “at least something is needed to give us more optimism. We need clear steps to a transitional government and that this bloodshed is stopped once for all".


Canada Update

“Canada is our friend and our great neighbor. We are not enemies; we are allies”
SoEA calls for peace-of-mind of Prime Minister Harper and ask his government to go back to negotiation room.

Nyman, Atlasia.
January 27, 2014.

Meetings with the Canadian Government were not in Superique’s agenda so soon but the head of Atlasian Diplomacy may very well go for a visit on the neighboring country to stop the conflict that emerged with the “Drug-gate”. Most inside specialist believe that the crime is being overestimated by Canadian Authorities and the SoEA has sent a letter to PM Harper assuring Atlasian’s friendship and commitment to Canada’s Security and Canadians peace of mind.

“It’s a shame that all the progress the we’ve made during NAFTA in the nighties and during the Marokai Agreements may go in vain just because of a silly incident with drug addicts”, a chief advisor of Superique told reporters both in Canada and in Atlasia. The State Department hopes to fix the situation quickly, show the misunderstanding and go back to normal relations with the Canadian Government.

[Sec. of State Superique]

Special Edition

An Opportunity in Davos - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told reporters that he was “more than ready to negotiate with Atlasians.”

Davos, Switzerland.
28 of January, 2014

In January 23rd, Hassa Rouhani calls for "Constructive Engagement" to the West

After talks with the Foreign Affairs Minister from both France and Great Britain at the end of 2013, the President from Iran, Mr. Hassan Rouhani told reporters that the Iranian people were ready to negotiate their nuclear program and that the main intent of the Islamic Republic was peace and friendship across the Middle East. The enthusiastic move seen in Davos was not a surprise from anyone. Since November, Iranian Authorities have unilaterally stopped from enriching uranium at 90% levels and invited IAEA members to visit its nuclear sites and see that Iranian was not enriching uranium from levels above 20%. Insiders also see an opportunity for disarmament.

Specialists consider that President Hassan Rouhani is willing to use the mandate of his landslide to defend Iranian interests abroad. The concern is mainly economical, as a special advisor from the State Department mentioned. The sanctions that have been raised against Iran and the quasi-conflict between the Islamic Republic and Israel during the period of Ahmadinejad were very harmful for the Iranian Economy and now Rouhani wants to end this. Actually, more optimistic advisers seem to believe that a Nuclear Deal would be just a small piece of a greater re-approach with the West.

A slow move from the Iranian Government has been seen just after Rouhani election. The new President, after years of distrust from the international society, said during an interview: “Iranians have been for a long time out of the world’s important discussion and it wants more reception on the international summits; to see this happening, we must bring confidence to the rest of the world.” A reverse of course was also seen by the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who lamented for celebrating excessively in an event on 2012 about nuclear weapons and issued a statement that Iran shall be committed with the world’s peace.

Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Zarif, went even further to say that for peace and in the long run, nuclear weapons would have no place in human’s prosperity. The authority however, stressed the importance of allowing Iran to continue its nuclear program by peaceful purposes. “We understand that bringing confidence is something difficult, but the people of the world must also understand that the Islamic Republic of Iran is deeply committed with peace, the protection of innocents and stability in the world”, told one of the main advisors of Zarif for the Atlasian Press.

Superique is optmistic, but it wants transparency

SoEA Superique saw the situation as great news, since the Iranian Government held a small amount nuclear arsenals. “I want to see a world without nuclear weapons and making a deal with Iran is one of the steps needed to make the Middle East and the rest of the globe more peaceful”.  He also mentioned that  “, after 35 years, of distrust and condemnation, it was time to negotiate without threatening, without preconditions and with more confidence in the Iranian Government.”  The reaction of the head of Atlasian diplomacy came with no surprise since, at the hearings of his confirmation, Superique committed himself on seating with Iranian leaders if they showed strong willingness to negotiate and create a deal.

“For the negotiations to succeed”, answered Dan Smith (the Secretary General of International Alert and Professor of Manchester University) to the International Tribune, “Atlasians will have to put something in exchange. Large chunks of the deal will depend on Atlasian commitment to reduce sanctions as well as Iranian compromise to attend deadlines and transparency”. It’s not very clear how the dance between Iranian and Atlasian diplomats may go, but most specialists are optimistic about the deal and a lot of talking has been seen not only in Nyman, but also in Tehran.

[Sec. of State Superique]

Breaking News

Encouraged by Herzog’s “Unity for Peace” Speech, Mr. Netanyahu decides to join in government.

February 1st.
Israel, West Jerusalem.

At the first time since the November Elections, Israeli Government has finally a majority in the Knesset. Following a different course than his predecessor, Ms. Yacimovich, Isaac Herzog has finally been able to form a majority that would support a Peace Agreement and a two-state-solution. Although not having the same hawkish stances on Palestine, Mr. Herzog has much better inroads with all sides of the political spectrum.  

The “Unity for Peace” Speech delivered in Tel Aviv in January 2nd was part of the “Great Coalition” that Herzog aims to bring for Israel. After this long waited speech, Shas has joined in Government in January 11th due to good relations with Aryeh Deri and Herzog. Today was time of Mr. Netanyahu that with his moderate-faction lead Likud joined in the Labor-led Government siting that “We need to be united for peace. The survival of the Jewish State depends on this and for our security a solution for this conflict is needed.

"The Peace Coalition"

The Labor Movement– 23
Yesh Atid – 15
Meretz – 12
Likud – 10
Shas - 9

Total – 69 Members of the Knesset


The current government:

Prime Minister:  Isaac Herzog (The Labor Movement - 23)
Foreign Minister: Tzipi Livni (The Labor Movement- 23)
Minister of Finance: Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid - 14)
Defense Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu (Likud - 10)
Public Security Minister: Amir Peretz (The Labor Movement – 23)
Justice Minister: Zahava Gal-On (Meretz - 12)
Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor: Arieh Deri (Shas – 9)

[Sec. of State Superique]

A report of past moments will soon be released.

[Sec. of State Superique]

Israel - Special Report:
After a bad start with Yacimovich. Israel, now lead by Mr. Herzog, has been gradually moving for peace and stability in government.
Tel Aviv, Israel.
February 2nd, 2014.

Troubled Days of Yacimovich

The initial reluctance of the Labor leader resulted on her fall

   

When Mr. Peres tapped Ms. Yacimovich to form a government, expectations were to form a coalition designed to continue the peace initiative started in a troubled way by Benyamin Netanyahu.  At first, a minority government was formed, Labor, Yesh Atid, Meretz, Hatnuah and with a shy support of the Arab parties to the peace process.  However, Shelly decided to focus on the social and economical issues and decided to keep the status quo on the matters of Palestine.  Yacimovich has in fact tried to reinitiate the peace process but with some hard demands, a firm stance on settlements and not a single move to reverse the course of the illegal occupation in the West Bank raised a lot of worries of coalition parties, especially Hatnuah and Meretz.

   Things have gotten worse when there were rumors that Yacimovich was having constant talks with the UTJ, Israel Beitenu and even the Jewish Home while Meretz and Hatnuah threatened to leave government. At the beginning of December, her leadership in the Labor Party and in Government was in shambles. After a tough challenge of her Leadership, Yacimovich ended up loosing against Isaac Herzog by 10 points (55% x 45%).  Fearing that Peres would end up tapping Bennet to form a Government, Herzog made all the legal strategies to be chosen as Prime Minister. The first move of Herzog was to make a merger between Hatnuah and his own party, the Labor Movement. This would lead to a survival of the “peace coalition” or the “the Shalom coalition”.

The pragmatic leader for peace: Isaac Herzog.

Herzog is definitely a different man, a “New Labor” pragmatic leader, he doesn’t want anyone leaving his coalition nor he does want to see anyone deeply criticizing him. Calling for unity since the beginning, Herzog has clearly something in mind “I become Prime-Minister to make an effort for peace and I hope to leave office with a two-state-solution accomplished”. The Labor Movement Chief of Government has accomplished many things with his style: calling for unity more than ever, Isaac made great inroads with parties that are usually considered center-right factions.

New Allies - The Unlikely Alliance between the Haredim, Likud and the left

Social Justice and Peace attracted Shas with the dovish leadership of Aryeh Deri...

After deep negotiations with Yair Lapid and Zahava Gal-On, both coalition partners agreed to reduce their secularist claims, such as the civil marriage and the drafting of ultra-orthodox to attract more leadership from the right to make it possible the passage of the peace deal. “He is no fool,” said an advisor of Mr. Herzog “Livini refused to negotiate with Shas and got Netanyahu as Prime-Minister. He doesn’t want seeing the Jewish Home in power.” Shas then joined in government in January 11th after a deeply negotiated compromise. More support for the poor, higher school allowances, a law with many loopholes on the draft of the haredim, was offered in exchange with full compromise for a peace deal, more financial aid for non-orthodox institutions and an approval of the settlement reduction.

...While National Security rethoric enabled Netanyahu to enter.

While the now more moderate-faced Likud, since most radicals have left government, accepted most of Herzog’s platform, their major desire was a key post on the National Security of the country, where Netanyahu called for “homebuilding”. The former Prime Minister also said that the preconditions of the Bar-Illan Speech that he delivered when he was in government would not be a requirement for the Labor-lead government. “The situation is crucial and we cannot afford loosing confidence of our allies.
 
With 69 MKs compromised with a peace plan that could change the landscape and the alliances in the Middle East, Mr. Herzog now leads a grand coalition with the sole and unique responsibility to foster a deal with the Palestinian Authority.  That could happen in a very few months but no one really knows what is going to happen in the future.

[Sec. of State Superique]

Secretary of External Affairs affirms compromise with Human Rights and Peace in the Munich Security Conference, bashes excessive non-interventionism.

Munich, Germany.
February 2nd, 2014.

The Secretary of External Affairs delivered a speech (later to be posted) calling for Atlasian activism on security issues and its main advocacy on Human Rights and the nation’s compromise for peace. The SoEA said reporters that Atlasia “should not remain in silence for global injustices” and that “the purest form of non-interventionism is not a triumph, but out of purpose resignation”.  The Secretary of External Affairs then called for the importance of diplomacy other than the use of force to solve the world’s security problems and it also called that Atlasia’s main intentions is to help on bringing more stability on the Middle East, especially considering the Israel-Palestine Conflict and the nuclear deal in Iran, and advocating for Human Rights. It also said that the BRICS could be greater allies of the world on promoting more stability and diplomatic solutions for the issues that most people “are concerned with”.

[Sec. of State Superique]

Superique leaves Munich at night and will visit personally Prime-Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa.

Munich, Germany.
February 2nd, 2014.

After a hard day stressing Atlasian compromise with Human Rights and its strong willingness to deal with the world’s injustices, Secretary of External Affairs canceled its scheduled for Jerusalem tomorrow to make a personal visit to Canadian’s Prime Minister, Stephen Harper. The Chief of Staff of the head of the State Department told reporters that official apologies were sent to Prime-Minister Herzog and President Abbas and that the delay was not criticized by any of the two authorities. The Palestinian Authority leader has even written an open (little provocative) letter saying, “The Israel and Palestine agreement shall be made with calmness and peace of mind. Atlasia will not help us in our pursuit for peace if their own country cannot find stability with its neighbors.”

Mr. Superique may arrive at the morning and hope to start emergency talks with Mr. Harper as soon as possible. Close sources say that the Secretary will stress the importance of economic ties between the two nations and that a “minor incident” shall not destroy the good relations between the two countries. Some rumors also say that Superique will accept that Canada temporarily raises vigilance of borders but say that he will try to convince the Prime-Minister to give up of its nationalistic moves. “Sanity in Ottawa will prevail!” told Superique before leaving Munich.

[Sec. of State Superique]

Criminals that physically assaulted Atlasians are busted and condemned by Canadian PM in a National Broadcast.

Ottawa, Canada.
February 7th, 2014.

As the first move after negotiations with SoEA Superique, Stephen Harper announced that those Canadians who assaulted Atlasians in January 27th have finally their identities revealed by local neighbors and were finally caught by Canadian Authorities.  The Secretary of External Affairs celebrated the situation and called for a real and strong punishment for those muggers, while closer fonts in the White House said that Duke was satisfied with the occasion. The Canadian PM decided to make a national broadcast condemning the violence around that matter and asked “for the sound discretion of the judiciary to punish those smugglers that acted with a blind and terrible nationalism”. This act of solidarity may signal something good for Atlasians authorities and it seems that negotiations are being very helpful to Atlasian citizens in Canada.

[Sec. of State Superique]

A Week Review will be released today or tomorrow.

[Sec. of State Superique]

Week Review  (January 9th to January 14th) - 2014

Canada

PM Stephen Harper and Secretary of External Affairs Superique sign a deal of compromise.

Ottawa, Canada.
February 9th, 2014.

It was a long time, but the week that Superique passed in Canada was very worthy.  The Canadian Prime Minister and the chief of our State Department signed an interim deal that basically reaffirmed Canadians own sovereignty rights and Atlasians cooperation to fight against drug dealers doing illegal international schemes.

The informal deal was very efficient for both sides; while Atlasians did not convince its partners to change its drug policies during negotiations, the nation’s diplomacy was at least able to keep it up with borders and ports open for human movement and capital influx. Canadians were also very happy and PM Harper was even quoted saying “I could not be more satisfied with this agreement. Some things did not proceed the way I wanted but at least we have settled this problem.” Atlasians compromised on many areas: the State Department agreed to cooperate on investigations against the so called “Cartel”, it accepted that Canada increased border patrol and it would increase security measures on airports.

The deal was basically an informal document but the two parties of negotiation are respecting the clauses decided. The Canadian Parliament has recently voted down a bill closing borders and it’s expected to reverse the course of its recent actions and Atlasian has been taking its measures basically by the use of Executive Orders. With Canadian borders very controlled, security checks enhanced and Canada conceding on key issues, relations between the two countries are expected to be normalized soon.

Middle East

Arab leaders approved change on the Arab Peace Initiative. Leaders from the Middle East agrees on land swaps against Israel fully withdrawing from the pre-1967 borders.
Doha, Kuwait.
January 13th, 2014.

After hosting private talks with leaders from all across the Middle East, Atlasian diplomacy was able to work on with Arab leadership to formalize a compromise of accepting “minors land swaps” on the Arab Peace Initiative.  During the meetings, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, seeking to restore the image of his country internationally, told reporters “if the Palestinians are going to be happy with peace agreement, we would be happy as well”. This shown a great sense of flexibility of Arab Leaders, that now, with an almost imminent possibility of finally having a peace accord, are providing incentives to the Israeli Government.

Secretary of External Affairs saluted the decision by Arab decisions calling it “one of the most important changes of the Arab Peace Initiative and a wiser step for peace”.  There are some showings that Israel is also happy with current news, Prime-Minister Isaac Herzog says that the guidelines for a deal will be a responsible blend of the Arab Peace Initiative with some of the framework of Olmert’s 2008 Negotiations and the recent talks of Netanyahu from last year, it’s the first time in Israeli History that a Prime-Minister officially recognizes the initiative as part of its basis for the peace process. President Peres stressed that “the Arab Peace Initiative would be very helpful and welcomed the current efforts of Arab Leaders.”

Other issues discussed during the Arab League meeting were a great concern over Iran’s (that even not appeared on the event) possession of nuclear weapons and an official note calling for the de-nuclearizing of the Middle East was issued citing the sinful nature of weapons of mass destruction and the high probability of nuclear power falling on the wrong hands. The countries of the Gulf also mentioned about the purpose of introducing an AMB system, which Atlasia supports, to protect itself from any threatening related with Iran’s nuclear power.

Israel

High Court’s Haredi Draft ruling starts protest and massive opposition from the Ultra-Orthodox, shaking coalition.
West Jerusalem, Israel.
February 10th, 2014.

A protest in Jafa turns violent

The Israeli Government has been found on the middle of an unexpected crisis after Israeli’s High Court had ruled against the extension of the Tal Law, a legal mechanism that prevented the ultra-orthodox from serving in the military.  Instead of waiting for a voting on an agreement, Yair Lapid used his power on the Ministry of Finances to cut funding of yeshivas, which railed even more the Haredi against the court’s decision. A mass of draft dodgers and Haredi protesters were seen on Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, Modi’in Illit and Beitar Illit. After some tension and aggression between Haredi communities and IDF and police forces, the Israeli PM Isaac Herzog said that “the current situation was unsustainable and that a compromise would need to be found”.  


The move taken by the High Court almost broke away the coalition. Two sides were seen about that matter: Labor, Likud and Shas promoting a very toned down Haredi draft legislation while Yesh Atid and Meretz (though more shyly) calling for a very strong bill against funding of Yeshiva, former Hatnuah MKs are keeping a middle ground. After being called by the UTJ leader in Knesset, MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni, as “the greatest enemy of the Torah world”, and after being pressured by PM Herzog, Yair Lapid opted for a U-turn and agreed to delay cut funding from Yeshivas before a deal regarding Haredi draft is voted. “The most important thing is the peace process,” said Lapid.

The Ultra-Orthodox and The Secular: the two sides from Herzog's government.

The Draft Equality Bill that is currently being discussed on the Knesset has opposition majorly from two sides of the spectrum, Yesh Atid is unwilling to compromise but could end up voting for it and United Torah Judaism leaders told reporters that no compromise other than keeping up with status quo would be accepted (Note 1). Although opposing almost everything that is being done in government, even Jewish Home and Israel Beitenu are willing to compromise. Bennett mentioned, “A unilateral approach won’t work to draft the Haredi”.

The final agreement is expected to be highly comprehensive and open-votes from Meretz and Yesh Atid MKs are expected to happen while Herzog is said to be discussing with Arab Parties and right-wing political parties to garner individual based support. Avigdor Lieberman (Note 2) also approved an open vote while Bennett is not going far enough. Ariel Deri has been leading the process of designing the legislation with some members of the Labor Movement. The bill is expected to include a draft of non-full-time students from Yeshivas, financial incentives for joining in the military and special services (less demanding and emergency-focused) designed to Haredi people. Some private sources are saying that the bill will have a short-term focus, giving a boost for the coalition to focus on security arrangements and on the peace process.

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Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni goes to Ramallah, discusses with President Abbas and Palestinian Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat about continuing deals for peace, partly stagnated during Yacimovich’s tenure.

January 14th, 2014.
Ramallah, West Bank.

"Now it must be for real" said Abbas

The Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni is formalizing a return to negotiations with Palestinian Authority leader Mr. Abbas and Mr. Erekat; they discussed about a wide variety of issues such as settlement blocs, the right of return, the issue of water, the Jordanian Valley security and about the Holy Basin.  Sources coming from Livni’s office told that the meeting “was very productive and that Israel and Palestine are closer to a deal than never before”.

While there has been some tension in Gaza after rockets were sent to Israel, there’s no evidence yet that this would lead to a third intifada or anything big enough to disrupt peace talks. The Israeli Government has been following a compromising attitude on the last months and agreed that, while keeping up with many settlements, there would still be thinner blocs in the end of the game and many isolated cities and outposts would have to go.


There are still many concerns about the “Jewish State” matter and authorities from both sides are looking forward to a sentence that could contemplate both the centrality of Judaism on Israeli public life and the respect of the Arab Minorities. Another issue of tensions between the two sides is related with the settlements of Ariel, Kedumim and the E1 project. Those are topics that are expected to be treated on more formal talks.

[Sec. of State Superique]

I apologize for not bringing new material last week. I intend to produce something this week at last.

[Fritz]

Dear SoEA Superique,

It has been brought to my attention the existence of an Atlasian-Canadian Common Market Agreement.  This Agreement would appear to authorize the Registrar General to recognize voter registrations in the Canadian provinces and territories.  Given the delicate nature of the current situation with Canada, I am wondering if there is any reason you would advise against implementing such a policy at this time.  It just seems prudent to consult with you and get your approval before moving forward.

Thanks,
Fritz

[Sec. of State Superique]

Dear SoEA Superique,

It has been brought to my attention the existence of an Atlasian-Canadian Common Market Agreement.  This Agreement would appear to authorize the Registrar General to recognize voter registrations in the Canadian provinces and territories.  Given the delicate nature of the current situation with Canada, I am wondering if there is any reason you would advise against implementing such a policy at this time.  It just seems prudent to consult with you and get your approval before moving forward.

Thanks,
Fritz

The Secretary of External Affairs

Dear Fritz,

There is no doubt that relations between Canada and Atlasia are not at the best situation we've ever seen, however things have gotten much more calmer after tense and lengthy negotiations with Prime Minister David Harper and his government that resulted in an informal agreement. Aggressions against Atlasians have been reduce significantly and the Canadian Government seems to be honoring their compromises. So, in a Foreign Affairs basis, Atlasians registering in Canada shall not be a problem. I don't believe that Atlasians will have any problems doing so and I strongly call you to accept their registration.

However, I have just a few reservations and that has nothing to do with External Affairs. What I'm pretty concerned is that we have not seen any move from Regional Governments to recognize their Canada-living citizens. Maybe, if we accept their registration on the Federal Level, that would still not mean that Regions recognize those citizens. I don't know if the Supremacy Law applies to this case and maybe it should, but if it doesn't, we may see the appearance of sub-class citizens that are allowed to have their Registration Place recognized on their ballots on the Federal Level but are not recognized by their own Regional Governments. Hence, I believe that after recognizing those registrations in Canada, I believe that you, Mister Fritz, should call for Regional Legislation regarding the recognition of Atlasian Citizens that live on Canadian Provinces.

I hope my advice was useful,

Yours sincerely,

Secretary of External Affairs - Superique.

Edit: The Pacific Region is the only region that has not yet recognized the Canada-living citizens.

[Sec. of State Superique]

After special meetings in Jerusalem and Ramallah, Erekat-Livni-Superique starts consolidating the Peace Framework in Lisbon.

Lisbon, Portugal.
6th of March, 2014.

Building confidence in Lisbon

Mr. Superique has started since Monday an important move to formalize the first guidelines of the Israel-Palestine Peace Agreement, the draft plan or the Peace Framework. Without the huge setbacks of a very specific first plan, the chief of Atlasian diplomacy hopes that the draft plan can bring more confidence for both sides of the aisle while creating as well an environment open for debate and compromise.  Livni, Erekat and Superique had started meetings in the Pestana Palace in Lisbon and talks are being very constructive. An Atlasian authority told reporters that “Palestine and Israel were never as close of peace as they’re today.”

There’s however some worries about the current situation in Gaza, due to some recent actions of the Islamic Jihad and the undercover of a naval force that was delivering a great cargo of Iranian missiles to terrorists factions. Israeli Defense Minister and Former Prime-Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has been very vocal against the terrorist factions in the Gaza Strip and he told in a press conference that he was not convinced “that Hamas was doing enough to prevent other terrorist groups from launching missiles”.  The Palestinian President, Mr. Abbas, played down the issue saying that this conflicts in Gaza won’t disturb the peace efforts. Many specialists are not yet convinced of what may happen.

Despite tensions in Gaza, the framework is expected to be comprehensive and the main topics are going to be borders, security, Jerusalem, refugees and resources, the future Peace Plan is expected to contemplate all those issues.  There have been some difficulties already but, with the lukewarm reception of many Portuguese that are hosting the talks, the chief negotiators are encouraged by the future prospects and so are their leaders: Mr. Abbas congratulated the efforts in his official web page while Israeli PM Herzog delivered a speech in AIPAC that “peace was coming to Israel from Lisbon”*.  Hope about the peace talks is increasing since January and if the Lisbon Framework is signed, things will likely move fast to peace plan.

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[Sec. of State Superique]

Erekat and Livni signs Framework Agreement.
Final Peace Talks will start on April, may happen even earlier.

After busy week, a pause for a photo!

Lisbon, Portugal.
14th of March, 2014.

Livni and Erekat have today given the first steps for a final settlement of a peace agreement between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. After tough but decisive talks in Lisbon, both Erekat and Livni came to an agreement of the main guidelines of a peace talk and they are already preparing themselves for a new Camp David Summit that is going to happen already in April. The Framework came with no surprise by closer experts that have already known that both the Palestinian authorities and the Israeli Government were meeting constantly on private meetings.

The Specifics:

The simple Framework has established some of the major issues that both governments could agree with while letting a “comfortable ambiguity” when it comes to major issues. The framework guidelines will be the following:

Previous Agreements and Boundaries:

The Peace Talks for the creation of a Palestinian State and the regulamentation of its borders with Israel will be based on the 1967-armistice lines with some minor land swaps in order to include the larger settlements of Israel. Both Governments have agreed on establishing comprehensive borders and there are many rumors that they will follow similar lines by those discussed by Prime-Minister Ehud Olmert and Abu Mazen during 2007-2008 and by the Netanyahu leaked map, although nothing in the Framework says so.  The recognition of Israel as a Jewish State was not included in the draft plan since the Palestinians were vocally opposed to starting peace talks with that idea.

Large Settlement Cities such as area are a concern of Israeli Government. "Mostly because of security reasons rather than historical ones" told former Prime-Minister Ehud Olmert

Many Palestinians would prefer something more favorable to their side, such as the Geneva Initiative, but Israelis are concerned by the burden that it would have to withdrawn large cities inside settlement blocs. While refusing to say how the borders might look like, a inside source on negotiations of the Israeli Government argues that “Israelis are really committed to peace, that’s why we want to integrate the largest number of settlement blocs as possible in order not to see the same results of the unilateral withdrawn from Gaza. We are concerned about the reaction of the national religious movement in some cases.”

Security:

Israel has agreed to gradually withdrawn its forces from the West Bank after a consolidated Peace Agreement and it has agreed with Palestinians “a withdrawn process shall be taken quickly after the signing and confirmation of the peace plan.”  Palestine’s wish of not having a standing national army was also put in the deal and there was also a clause that could later serve to legally support NATO peace-effort forces acting in the region to guarantee sustainable security in the first years.

Palestinian Security Forces may receive anti-terrorist training from NATO forces

Both authorities have condemned terror actions and there is even a small ambiguous part in the framework saying, “Both countries will cooperate to fight any terrorist action that could harm the peace plan”. Moreover, there is a clause calling for the International Community’s support under the training of Palestinian national security officials.

Refugees:

While not officially recognizing the “Right of Return”, Israel has made some concessions on that matter by making symbolic developments regarding the refugees. The framework deal assesses “both nations are concerned about the Refugee Issue and that a comprehensive approach based mainly on compensation, while also including some sort of integration, must be taken. The refugee crisis solution shall consider the strategies outlined by the UN. General Assembly Resolution of 194 and the Arab Peace Initiative”.

While not defining a quota of how many Palestinians will be able to return to Israel, both nations have agreed that compensation for those who return to Palestine (the greatest part of it), integration for those who rejoin Israeli Society , inclusion for those who are on other nations and bold alternatives (such as a Guest Worker program) would be the wiser answer.

Secretary of External Affairs Superique, early in the week, told reporters that the Refugee Crisis would only be resolved if “we can help Palestinians adapt their cities and their infrastructure capacities to receive the greatest part of refugees while giving full priority for family reunification and being 1949 Refugees as the main criteria’s for the selection of Arab refugees that want to return to their previous residencies in Israel”. The SoEA also stressed the importance of compensation and it has proposed that a Guest Worker program should be included in the final agreement. “Israeli’s are concerned that they will loose their Jewish aspects if they allow to many refugees to become citizens. That’s why we must consider bold alternatives, such as Guest Worker programs: part of the Palestinians that return to Israel will keep their Palestinian Citizen status but would still be united by its family and it would have all the rights reserved to Israeli Citizens with the exception of not having the right to vote on Israeli’s election” told the head of Atlasian diplomacy.

Jerusalem and the Holy Basin:

In one of the most contentious issues of the Palestine-Israel dilemma, short but courageous steps were taken. The agreement defined, in a very ambiguous way, that “Jerusalem will be the undivided capital of both Israel and Palestine and both nations will have a shared sovereignty over the city.” There are major speculations about how this work but specialists are considering two alternatives, a free movement zone for Jerusalem based on two municipalities with Israel having sovereignty over West Jerusalem and the Jewish Neighborhoods while Palestine holds control over the Arab East Jerusalem or another proposal considering an umbrella municipality for both cities.

Shared sovereignty over Jerusalem and joint International Action on holy sites, such as the Old City (above)

The religious sites were also part of the agreement: “The Holy Basin will include the Temple Mount and the Old City and it shall be administrated by a joint action between the Israeli Government, the Palestinian Government and by an International Committee later to be defined.” There are also many rumors that the Mount Olives maybe on a later agreement inside of the Holy Basin but giving it a special status while keeping it on Palestinian Sovereignty has also been considered.

Atlasia has also made some commitments in the deal, compromising with financial, military and diplomatic support for both nations, as long as they honor the clauses of the deal and as long as they consolidate the peace agreement during the next month. President Mahmoud Abbas has arrived in Nyman already and its holding talks with the press and with university students, as well as talking with pro-Palestine Senators in Nyman. Prime Minister Isaac Herzog is expected to arrive already during the next week and there are some specialists considering that talks might start earlier than agreed. “There is a strong sense of urgency, Abbas will not be there forever and it has frozen his unilateral moves for Palestinian Recognition by a long time, propelling popular criticism against him, while Herzog is holding a very complex Government that will not survive without the Peace Plan” tells Jim Fox, a Foreign Policy Specialist of the State Department.

[Sec. of State Superique]

On the UFOs

State Department's Press Secretary Mr.Urquhart announces official Atlasian position on the UFO event.

Nyman, Atlasia.
20th of March, 2014.

The current reports of strange clouds surrounding Algeria, Latvia and other countries were certainly a big and unexpected event for every single authority in the world. We would like to ask for everyone to keep it up your normal lives while we certify what exactly happened today. For those who believe that those flying objects are aliens all I can say is that you might very well think that, I couldn't possibly comment.

There will be upcoming reports on what might be those strange cloudy figures that have sprung up in our skies and we will ensure that Atlasian Citizens are safe. Remaining calm and not spreading euphoria, rumors and chaotic theories shall be the duty of every citizen in Atlasia. Other than this strange event, nothing seriously happened at all, no deaths, no injuries, no message sent, we are still safe and we will be safe in the future.  Good Afternoon and Dave Bless Atlasia!

[Dr. Cynic]

I thought for sure he couldn't possibly comment.

[Sec. of State Superique]

Camp David III has already started in April 1st and Israel and Palestine are having tough but positive discussions.

Camp David, Maryland.
April 6th, 2014.

Prime Minister Isaac Herzog and Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni joined Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat at the first week of the historical negotiations hosted by President Duke and Secretary of External Affairs Superique in Camp David.  This week was marked with a little tensions since IDF forces has stricken some Palestinians in a response for some rocket lunches coming from Gaza. Later in the week, however, Palestinian Authorities were more relieved due to Israeli willingness to have a comprehensive and solid agreement.

After arriving in Nyman in the end of March and before an official meeting with President Duke, PM “Buji” Herzog told reporters “Israelis have never been more open for a peace agreement than now” and, during this week, that statement seems to be especially true. There have been a lot of discussions about Jerusalem, Security Arrangements and the Right of Return.  Points where heavy disagreements have been seen since talks started in the beginning of this year.

Although meetings are being held in private and almost every authority is being very careful to ensure that not single controversial information is leaked there are some small details that are being unveiled.  Atlasian Diplomacy announced this week that both parties have started to design a special quota and mechanisms of selection to choose how many Palestinians and which Palestinians will be able to return to Israel. Furthermore, Atlasian authorities have confirmed their willingness to accept a great number of refugees to its lands but also announced that the new Palestinian State shall have the responsibility of absorbing the significant part of them.

Buji and Abbas caught on a photo by an official officer of Atlasian Diplomacy

There have also been talk of special security arrangements inside and outside the city, a special UN peacekeeping force would protect Jerusalem and NATO would also assist on Jerusalem Security arrangements.  While in the Rest of the West Bank would see an IDF withdrawn of about 3 years and Special NATO or UN Forces would secure Palestinians lands with the assistance of a Palestinian Police Force that would be trained by an International Special Commission supervised by NATO.  Israeli Negotiators are considering a higher time of withdrawn from specific areas such as the Jordan Valley and is also calling for special authorizations of military flights and patrol under the upcoming Palestinian airspace.

Public Reactions

While many in Palestine are praising the results of talks by now, some in Israel are not seeing quite well the negotiations. Later this week, on Friday, Mr. Netanyahu, the Defense Secretary, told that he was not yet so confident about the results of talks but that his priority in government is to safeguard Jerusalem unity (although the Minister has been avoiding the worlds “ full sovereignty”), the protection of Israel and it settlement blocs.  Bayit Yehudi Leader, Mr. Bennett, told reporters that he is organizing protests within Israel and in other blocs against the Camp David III but his move angered many secular pro-peace Israelis. The Justice Minister and Meretz Leader, Zahava Gal-On, is also organizing popular mobilization in favor of the peace plan.

Naftali Bennett - Opposition against peace agreement is lousy, but poll shows it forms a minority

A lot of pressure is coming up on the Mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Bakat, which is facing opposition from religious groups for remaining in quiet about the whole process and even his Labor supporters are not so happy with him. Mr. Bakat told reporters that he would prefer having a fully Israeli controlled Jerusalem rather than what is being considered but that he wouldn’t comment anymore on this topic because he would not want to interfere on greater national matters that are not up to his responsibility.

A poll made by the center-left newspaper Haaretz in Israel shows a nation encouraged by the framework deal of last month. The approval ratings of Buji have increased from just 41% to 49% but, more importantly, the Peace Plan approval ratings have strongly increased. From 46% of approval of the Plan against 27% of disapproval, the support for the Superique-Erekat-Livni Plan or the Abbas-Buji Effort (The way it’s usually referred in Israel) has risen to 58% against 31% of disapproval. A survey made by Google and Al Jazeera in the West Bank shows a quite fascinating reality. Although Palestinian tended to be skeptics on public surveys, the poll showed a very different result. Before the Framework, Camp David III was getting just 43% although disapproval was ranging only 21%, but after the framework, the plan got the support of 55% while disapproval remained stable within the error margin, 23%. Abbas approval skyrocketed as well, from 45% to 58% of support giving the mandate that the Palestinian leader needed.

The next week looks to be pretty harsh for both sides since leaders are expected to deal with the Ariel Bloc and to draw the lines of the settlement blocs to be given by Israel. In exchange for the Jerusalem negotiations, the willingness to withdrawn the Palestinian State and to what is supposed to be some sort of recognition of the refugees’ problems, Mr. Abbas and Erekat will try to be reasonable on his land demands but both leaders have already announce that they would stand firm on “Palestinian land integrity”.  In a meeting with the main media channels, Secretary of External Affairs told “despite disagreements, in the end of the day, we will have a peace deal.”

[Sec. of State Superique]

Putin things straight
Superique announces tougher stances against Russia. Lumine to substitute Sjoyce

Nyman, D.C.
April 14th, 2014.

The Department of External Affairs of Atlasia has officially announced that it will be working on lifting a full military embargo against Russia. The Secretary of External Affairs announced that “he wasn’t happy to take those actions but they were necessary due to Russians’ lack of cooperation and collaboration to find a diplomatic solution for the Ukrainian Crisis”. The SoEA announced as well that he has been in contact with other European Union members and that he was organizing with them a join effort against Russian actions to undermine Ukrainian Sovereignty.  

Crimea was the main reason for the embargo since the decision from the State Department came as a result of Vladimir Putin’s refusal to meet with the current Ukrainian interim government leaders and deal diplomatically about the Crimea Peninsula issue (something that Superique was trying to accomplish). Putin claimed in a  joint phone call with Superique and President Duke that he would only deal with President Yanukovich, the constitutional chief of state of Ukraine. “The Crimea Annexation is certainly a serious problem,” told an official diplomat from the Department of External Affairs, “there is no legal basis for taking over a region from a country and annexing it with a controversial referendum, there is no international law to support by any means this Russian unilateral decision.  

Answering a question from a BBC Reporter about a possible UN-supervised referendum to solve this specific issue of the crisis, Superique said that he wouldn’t totally oppose a referendum in Crimea but not in the current increasingly suspicious situation. He cited the Falkland’s Island example, claiming that a referendum was only made many years after the conflict, while also mentioning the inconsistency of political support for Crimean secessionism.  “There has never been a solid movement for Crimea’s Independence and integration with Russia but suddenly, just after Russia’s intervention and spread of Russian militias across the Crimean peninsula, Crimean Leaders decided that they want to split apart from Ukraine. This is not a really legitimate and consensual movement coming from the population; it was an imposition that arrived from Moscow ”

There is also a general fear across Atlasian Diplomacy from an epidemic of secessionism across Ukraine. The Department of State said that some sort of decentralization and allowing Russian as a second language in some regions would be important for Ukrainian long-term stability, but advised Ukrainian authorities to be careful with Oblast Empowerment.  The Department also gave a small comment about the Russian Minority issue: Russian Diplomacy claims of minorities’ systematic repression were lies but Atlasians were particularly concerned about the significant importance of Svoboda in government.  Superique acknowledge that Svoboda has been assuming more moderates stances on issues but had no fears to say that he still doubted of the party’s commitment to human rights and democracy.

Another important change was made. The Secretary of External Affairs also announced a change from its own Special Envoy to the Ukrainian Crisis. Senator Lumine, a very compassioned statesman and a fighter for Atlasian participation on international debates, substituted Sjoyce, former SoEA and respectable name of Atlasian Diplomacy.

[Simfan34]

Could I publish a letter to the editor?

[Sec. of State Superique]

Could I publish a letter to the editor?

Yep!

[Simfan34]

Atlasia and NATO must make stand for Ukrainian sovereignty
Attorney General says firm stance is needed in regards to Russia



By all accounts, the Ukrainian Crisis should not be happening. Whether it be through the assurances given by Russia in the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 to respect Ukraine’s “territorial integrity”, the clear and sharp detrimental economic effects that Russia would be (and is now) incurring, or the general idea of an age where interstate war has been consigned to the pages of history, the idea of Russia openly staging an armed invasion of its neighbor would not have been predicted by many a few days ago. But it is now happening.

At the heart of the situation is the mentality of Vladimir Putin and his colleagues at the Kremlin that Russia’s time has come once again. Following their line of thinking, Cold War-style interventions can and should be staged to preserve Moscow’s influence in the “near abroad”, as Russians tend to characterize the former nations of the Soviet Union that are now members of the Confederation of Independent States (CIS). And under the shadow of the Beijing Olympics in 2008, Russia did just that, invading the nominally independent “republic” of South Ossetia—a region internationally recognized as part of the Republic of Georgia—to ostensibly protect it from “Georgian aggression”.

This time around, however, there is no rogue, self-proclaimed ‘state’ on whose behalf Russia can claim it is intervening. The Crimea remains a part of the Ukraine, as recognized by every country in the world, and only became a nation for the sake of being gobbled by Russia. Furthermore, Russia is actively threatening to invade the whole of the country, its parliament has authorized an intervention across the Ukraine, and the head of the Black Sea Fleet, based in the Crimean port of Sevastopol, has issued an ultimatum to Ukrainian forces demanding it surrender. Russia appears prepared to not only wrest control of the Crimea from Ukrainian hands, but to overtake the whole of the country as well. What, exactly, would this mean?

It could very well mean that the West, and the United States in particular, which has dominated global politics for the past two and a half decades since the fall of the Soviet Union, no longer can muster the force necessary to exert hegemonic control over global affairs. In other terms, it would be the much-anticipated end to American unipolarity—but at a much sooner time than was ever expected.

It would further mean the European Union could not guarantee its eastern neighbors security from invasion and dismemberment by a resurgent Russia. It would signal to the world that the major Western powers—the United States, the United Kingdom, and France—did not possess the wherewithal (or the desire) to uphold their treaty obligations in the face of resistance, as the three nations had pledged in the Budapest Memorandum to respect and maintain Ukraine’s territorial integrity in exchange for the surrender of its nuclear stockpile. It would signal a retreat from the world, and inspire a crisis of confidence in states that currently rely on the West to bolster their ability to resist the encroachments of expansionary powers.

The alternative outcome of the Ukrainian Crisis is radically different: a Russia permanently removed from great power status. If the West comes down fast and hard on Russia, pulling no punches (but firing no shots), the geopolitical landscape of the world could be forever changed in ways favorable to Western interests. And here’s how it would happen.

First, the United States would immediately and thoroughly cease its diplomatic relations with Russia, allowing no contact on any issues, no matter how trivial or minor; this would be followed by the removal of all non-essential staff from the embassy in Moscow, with great show. US citizens would be advised not to travel to Russia; other Western nations would advise their citizens to follow suit. Limiting visa issuance for the Russian consular officials to the embassies in Kiev and Tbilisi would subject them to public derision and agitation in front of a swarm of international news cameras. These opening shots, in combination, would demonstrate above all that the future of Ukraine is not up for debate: it is completely non-negotiable.

Vladimir Putin was able to come to power in Russia by co-opting the country’s oligarchic elites. Thus, through comprehensive and painful sanctions, this power structure should be placed under as much stress as possible: major Russian companies should be the subjects of economic sanctions; the assets of Russian business and political elites should be frozen; special tariffs should be imposed; and the Magnitsky Act, which prevents the entrance of a few dozen Russian officials into the American banking system, should be expanded correspondingly. A public declaration would follow announcing that if Russia did not immediately evacuate the Ukraine, the revenues gained from the sanctions and frozen assets would then be used in support of the Ukrainian government.

Further, US ports and airspace should be closed to Russian traffic. Turkey’s Bosporus Strait, which sees 2.5 million barrels of predominantly Russian oil pass through its waters, should be closed to all Russian ships immediately, thus crippling the country’s ability to export valuable goods: a de facto blockade. If possible, the Skagerrak Strait between Denmark and Norway should too be closed, thus sealing off Russia’s Baltic coast from the Atlantic entirely.

This intense economic strain would hopefully compel Russia to disengage, at the least, by sending its economy into a tailspin. But are these measures sufficient?

It is not just the United States that has leverage on Russia; the Russians, through their gas and oil exports to European nations (30% of which travel through Ukraine), exert significant pressure upon US allies on the Continent. The European gas and oil supply would thus be secured through other means—the United States. With great haste, the restrictions on exports of oil and natural gas should be repealed, and the fuels directed towards Europe. Since the price of US exports of natural gas would more than double from $5/Mil. BTU to about $11/Mil. BTU, and thus be rendered dangerously close to the present price of around $11.60, these new fuel exports should be subsidized by the revenues drawn from Russian tariffs and frozen assets. Turkish help in facilitating gas exports from the Caucasus and the region should also be sought, and would have the positive side-effect of forging closer EU-Turkey ties at a time when the two are growing increasingly distant.

Beyond the sphere of economics, Russia would be subjected to intense military pressure. The recently-cancelled negotiations on missile defense systems proposed under the Bush administration should be resumed and openly cited as a formal response to the present crisis. In cooperation with Japan and South Korea, the United States should carry out major war games in the Pacific, where an Asia-Pacific Treaty Organisation (APTO) should also be publicly proposed. If need be, the United States could even intimate that it supports Japanese claims to the Chushima (Kuril) Islands—a contentious point for Russia.

Outside the Pacific, NATO troops should increase their presence in the Baltic states, Norway, and Poland, and NATO itself should construct new bases in Ukraine—both in friendly regions and close to the border with Russia. In Georgia, Turkish and NATO troops should be brought up to reinforce Georgian positions in the South Ossetian and Akhabazian borders. And finally, in Central Asia, a diplomatic offensive should be undertaken complete with highly public assurances of protection against Russian incursions offered, while the Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan should be kept open (forcibly compelling the Kyrgyzstanis to consent with this, if need be) and reinforced.

The combined pressures of these acts would present Russia with a fait accompli: resistance from all directions, an economy under immense strain, and economic elites enraged by the seizure of their wealth. Under such pressure, it is not unrealistic to imagine a scenario where Putin is seen as having recklessly ruined Russia’s position and standing in the world, and is compelled to step down—taking with him his whole system. For the coup de grace, a new Georgian offensive in its breakaway regions, a Japanese movement into the disputed Kuril Islands, and a joint NATO-Ukrainian “restoration of order” in pro-Russian, eastern Ukraine, would almost certainly create the perception of a relentless assault and a complete collapse of authority—again, with no shots fired.

In such a scenario, perceptions would become reality, and Russia would be subject to the will of the West and politically-neutral oligarchic elites (for proof of their power, look to London or New York’s luxury apartment market). In such a scenario, the fantasies of American foreign policymakers—Russian denuclearization and expulsion from the U.N.Security Council, NATO expansion into Eastern Europe—could very well become reality.

Or, as was said before, the West could do nothing, and slide into irrelevance. Ukraine represents an immense opportunity for world leaders to reshape the global geopolitical landscape. But such action must be swift and coordinated—and this has not been forthcoming.

-Simfan34

[Sec. of State Superique]

I would prefer that criticism or suggestions of this greatness were given in private since this could affect the very directions of discussions and the way that Russian Diplomacy deals with us. I would have preferred to see that before allowing you to post it. Anyway,  it seems to me that you, Simfan, has a very romantic view of Atlasia. We are certainly a great power in the global scenario but we are not the sole major agent in this world.

[Simfan34]

I would prefer that criticism or suggestions of this greatness were given in private since this could affect the very directions of discussions and the way that Russian Diplomacy deals with us. I would have preferred to see that before allowing you to post it. Anyway,  it seems to me that you, Simfan, has a very romantic view of Atlasia. We are certainly a great power in the global scenario but we are not the sole major agent in this world.

You should have said that before you gave me the all-clear, Mr. Secretary.