Ibutho Progress Conference

[Kubrick]

Minister Znuksosz and state-secretary Cox first state they greatly enjoyed the national entertainment provided by their gracious hosts before talking about the fact they do believe "Them Dundorfians shouldn't have all the oil, am I right? Listen miss Nolwazi, I hear your nation likes beads and cattle. Guess what we got a lot of in Vanuku? Exactly. Now, our nation is surrounded by water..and power hungry imperialists, but that is not the subject. The thing is, we have centuries of experience with irrigation, sewage, maritime endeavours and whatever else. If we can exploit your natural resources, the minerals and oil, we'll make sure every citizen in Ibutho has drinking water, sewage and a well-sprinkled garden. Then you can leave those precise Dundorfians to their infrastructure and aeroplane exploits. And does your nation have a navy yet, miss? We can make that happen."

[Richard LV]

"Now, how is it that a nation on an entirely different continent can improve your nation without grief coming from the AU? I say it would be a wise decision to help both yourself and your people. Dundorf is one of the most progressive nations in Artania and has the power to bring your nation into the modern age. If you want, let's look at what Dundorf has done within ten years starting with nothing. We have grown into a great power that stretches across multiple nations and on multiple continents. The facts are there that Dundorf has not only the power, but the determination to grow your economy to four times its size in a short few years. Dundorf will also contract the Alorian Navy to create a modernized navy for you, and Dundorf will work closely with your army and air force to upgrade them into the modern era." Mr. Hoffmeister says in response to what was said by the Vanukuian delegation.

[EEL123]

OOC: I think that we can move away from the news format and do this more like diplomatic talks should be - as a discussion.

[EEL123]

The government of Ibutho proposes the following:

a) Special development zones (SDZs) will be established in areas where local resistance to development is expected to be minimal, and there is high potential for resource development.
b) The SDZs will be divided into quadrants (not necessary four).
c) Interested parties may seek licenses from the government of Ibutho to explore and extract the resources in each quadrant.
d) The government of Ibutho will grant licences based on which interested party offers the best terms.
e) The government of Ibutho will grant licences for each sub-quadrant independently; hence the granting of a licence to a particular corporation in one quadrant will have no affect on the licensing process relating to another quadrant.
f) Interested parties external to Artania are advised to consult with Artanian Union officials prior to expressing interest.
g) Licence fees and royalties can be paid in money (preferrably physical beads of exchange) or in goods/services (including technical advice).

[Martinulus]

Hulstria and Gao-Soto send a delegation of business leaders and low-ranking diplomats to the conference, led by the Hulstrian and Gao-Showan Ambassador to Ibutho, who also wishes to present himself to Chief Nolwazi.

The apostolic vicar of His Holiness Arch-Patriarch Theodorus VI in Ibutho, Father Josiah Eberstein, who is due to become Archbishop of Bokufila, also attends the conference, together with 2 of his fellow priests, to see if there is any need for the Church's ministry in the further development of Ibutho. Among others, he offers to set up Selucian Patriarchal schools to modernise education.

[EEL123]

As the first round of talks will mainly touch on natural resources, the government of Ibutho reiterates the seven points previously outlined in that area.

Additionally, the government will be grateful to accept the help of the Selucian Patriarchal Church in providing quality education, although it does request that religious education be given in such a way that is in keeping with the customs and traditional beliefs of the Ibutho people.

[Martinulus]

Father Eberstein explains that spreading the Church's teachings is part of the Church's commitment to Education. He embarks upon a theological discursion that likens Eliyahu in hiding to the concept of Unkulunkulu the Sleeping God and several other aspects, and reaffirms that this is a solid basis for respecting both the Church's interests and the Ibutho government's request about religious education.

[Richard LV]

"Now Chief, Dundorf is your closest neighbor and ally; we should be receive at least 51% of all rights to the progression of your nation. We have the monetary funding available to bring your country into a golden age. You're sitting on a nation full of rich history and culture that should not be exploited by outside forces. The people of your nation are hard workers who deserve to better their own lives. If Dundorf can hold the rights to the natural resources of Ibutho then we will equally spilt the minority shares to the resources to the other nations according to what they wish to hold. This would give every nation a cut of the action, and your people would earn a first-world live enjoyed by everyone else." says Mr. Hoffmeister who looks over classified plans brought to him by a senior intern of the Ministry of Trade.

[EEL123]

The government of Ibutho accepts the SPC's explanation of its intended religious education program and would be delighted to assist the SPC in establishing a modern education system.

In response to the requests of the government of Dundorf, the government of Ibutho reiterates the seven points previously enunciated and states that licences ought to be granted on a case-by-case basis depending which application the Minerals and Resources Bureau of the Department of Trade and Industry deems most satisfactory.

[EEL123]

OOC: Hello?