SENATE BILL: September 2017 Foreign Relations Review (Passed)

[Wikipedia delenda est]

Seeing that my previous amendment failed on the grounds that it placed sanctions on Southeast Asian countries, I propose a revised amendment:

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[Anna Komnene]

I'm not sure of the order of things, but I'd like to propose an amendment too to address the concerns I mentioned about complying w/ the come out of the shadows act and also the Iran relationship.

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[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

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Sponsor Feedback: Friendly
Status: Adopted

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Sponsor Feedback: Friendly
Status: Adopted

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Without objection, Senator Siren's amendment is adopted.

Thoughts? Comments? Concerns?

[PPT Spiral]

I motion that we take a bold step forward and recognize the newly independent Catalonia, whose people have been subject to a brutal crackdown by the Spanish government. Atlasia must be a global leader in asserting the right to self-determination no matter what part of the world you may be from.

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[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Before I deem the amendment, I would like to hear the administration's position on Catalonia.

[ZuWo]

I motion that we take a bold step forward and recognize the newly independent Catalonia, whose people have been subject to a brutal crackdown by the Spanish government. Atlasia must be a global leader in asserting the right to self-determination no matter what part of the world you may be from.

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I'm afraid I have to disagree with my fellow Senator from the South. While I think there were condemnable instances of police brutality during the (illegitimate) referendum, I side with the Madrid government on the issue of upholding the Spanish constitution and the integrity of the Spanish nation.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Are you objecting to the amendment, ZuWo?

[ZuWo]

Are you objecting to the amendment, ZuWo?

I was under the impression we were going to wait to hear the administration's position first but yes, I'm objecting.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

I'll let the administration speak on this and then open a vote.

[GMantis]

Europe   Bulgaria   Normal but we are concerned about issues concerning criminal justice and freedom of religion   

What exactly is the problem with religious freedom?

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Europe   Bulgaria   Normal but we are concerned about issues concerning criminal justice and freedom of religion   

What exactly is the problem with religious freedom?

Probably this:

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https://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/2010_5/168301.htm

[Wikipedia delenda est]

I oppose Catalan independence. While the police crackdown was brutal and overbearing, in my mind this does not justify independence. Although over 90% of voters voted for independence, turnout was less than 50%, which in my opinion invalidates the referendum. Because the Spanish government declared that the referendum was illegal, almost everyone who opposed independence didn't vote, meaning that the results of the referendum were highly skewed towards pro-independence voters because they were hugely overrepresented.

Also, I believe that in some cases, being a diverse state with a multitude of different ethnic groups is a good thing. However, there are some cases where I do support independence, and that is if the ethnic group has been subject to a lot of discrimination, as is the case for the Kosovars and the Kurds.

One of the main reasons why Catalonia wants independence is because they are one of the richest regions in Spain, and they don't want to help out the poorer regions. I see this as selfish and wrong. This is why I also oppose nationalists in Northern Italy and Flanders.

[fhtagn]

Apologies for not seeing this when it was addressed.

I had been approached previously asking if my administration will be seeking to recognize Catalonia, however at this time and after long discussions with my advisers, this is not something we intend to do, and will be supporting our longtime friends and allies on this issue.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Thank you, Madam President.

The Senate will now vote on the amendment proposed by Senator Spiral.

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Sponsor Feedback: Hostile
Status: Rejected

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Nay.

[PPT Spiral]

Aye

[ZuWo]

Nay

[Wikipedia delenda est]

Nay

[Anna Komnene]

Abstain

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Abstain

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

With one vote in favor, three against, and two abstentions, the amendment is rejected.  Debate resumes.

[Anna Komnene]

I'll put forward the House amendment so we can try to start getting our bills aligned.

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Sponsor Feedback: Friendly
Status: Adopted

I suggest everyone take a look through to make sure there isn't anything else we want to amend or debate too. It's been a while since we've talked about this one.

[ZuWo]

That's a sensible amendment in my view.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

The amendment is friendly.