Zardic World Report
XXIX Edition
Z.E.I. Hosts Fifth Annual T.T.S.
19th June 2828
Zardic Enterprise Institute
On June 17 and 18, the fifth annual Think Tank Symposium, one of ZEI's flagship events, convened this year in Kostandian Bay, Unkassa. Working with the support of the Zardic Colonial Commission, the Think Tank Symposium brings together over 40 leading experts from all sides of Terra to discuss issues of mutual concern.
This year, the symposium assembled panel discussions on the future of Zardugal's Federated Domains in Dovani, Squibble and Vascania, Zardic power and behavior in both regional and international relations, the future of Hanzen, and Pan-Terran strategies for global stability and security. Panel discussions were lead by Gordon Balfour, Director-General of Zardugal; H. L. Kostandian, former Director-General and Chief Advisor to the Axis; Edward Rawlins II, Zardic Institution of Policy Review; Antony Kostandian, Zardic Director of State; Julia Thamion, former Minister of Finance and current Zardic Trade Ambassador; General Aldric Laurence, Chairman of the Zardic Joint Chiefs of Staff; Tabitha Gordon, The Belgae Institution; and Madrick Keegan, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Each of these panelists have submitted a written work on their area of expertise, available for download on the Z.W.R. website.
Minister of Defense General Laurence spoke on the topic of continued international cooperation with Axis member states and released a critical status report regarding the current status of the Zardic Armed Forces. These exercises in his view demonstrated a powerful message to Terra as well as having provided the top brass of the Z.A.F. with an ability to study the strengths and weakness of integrated forces. The future of Terra and of Zardugal's expansive military in General Laurence view was firmly rooted in, 'a highly mobile and responsive permanent international integrated coalition of forces.' As well the Minister of Defense spoke briefly on the progress of operations in Vascania, Squibble and Dovani.
Joining General Laurence on the panel was Edward Rawlins II whom many speculate is to be H. L. Kostandian's successor to the post of Chairman within the F.R.P. as well as involvement in the cabinet on the question of Zardic territorial issues. Mr. Rawlins emphasized the points made by General Laurence and emphasized the new reality in Majatra in light of the rapid expansion of Axis member states. 'I assure everyone, my father whom did not see a fellow Axis nation on Majatra for more than a few years would be bewildered at the fact that now six independent nations on the continent are Axis member states.'
General Laurence During a Break
On the rather contentious issues revolving around the Federation's territorial gains across Terra. A consensus seems to have been formed on the legal rights of the peoples of in Federated Vascania, Dovani and Squibble. For several years the government has been gridlocked on this question. Dozens of committees and court cases have also caused an enormous strain on the Ministry of Justice; an issue effecting both the Ministries of Justice and Finance.
Foreign Affairs Minister Madrick Keegan outlined a plan that would include a series of advisory committees from as many of the Dovani nations as possible. Citing the unique situation the Federation is in, it would be wise to consult with the governments who have the most experience in dealing with such issues. Up and until now the policy employed by the Federation has been to stonewall any attempts to come to any sort of formal terms with the Dovani Governments; a policy Mr. Keegan stated as having been, 'at best criminal and at worse stupidity.'
The issue of formalizing Zardic relations on Dovani with the Dovani Governments did not directly come up in any prepared remarks. However, on condition of anonymity a senior government official stated there was 'more than a slight' disagreement over the panels discussion on Dovani normalization coming from former Director-General H. L. Kostandian. Our source stated, "H.L. and Keegan have never seen eye to eye, I knew his appointment to the Foreign Ministry would infuriate H.L. but, to see him directly challenge him at the panel was quite a sight." Our source went onto say Director-General Balfour was still in good relations with Mr. Kostandian as he has yet to come out and clearly state his view on the issue.
Foreign Minister Keegan Slamming Past Zardic Policies
On the second day of the event Julia Thamion spoke early in the day on Zardugal's economic future. Mrs. Thamion is widely considered the foremost Zardic economist and being the grand-daughter of likely the most well known Zardic economist in history, A. H. Thamion. As Minister of Finance she oversaw the management of a dramatic recession and was relentless at overhauling the financial and regulatory agencies in the government facilitating a dramatic turn around. Despite such an untarnished record many are now questioning her judgment.
During Mrs. Thamion's speech she focused her time to deriding the recent ratification of the Majatran Free Trade Agreement, a treaty heavily lobbied for by officials in Badara. Coming from a lifelong member of the Federal Republicans this was more than a surprise. Mrs. Thamion took issue with the number of nations who have thus far ratified the treaty as well stating, 'this near continental wave of free trade in the present treaty should be called what it is; a direct assault to our national sovereignty. Free trade is paramount, however free trade imposed without the ability to impose tariffs if such a need arises. The treaty in its present form is mentally bankrupt and will surely see us financially bankrupt.' The current Ministry of Finance has released statements distancing the Ministry from the comments made by Mrs. Thamion.
Ending the symposium was Director-General Balfour. The panel was untitled and for reasons that now seem quite obvious. D.G. Balfour spoke on a wide-array of issues in his prepared remarks and took questions for several hours in what some are calling an impromptu cabinet meeting. Balfour devoted a healthy portion of his time discussing mostly international affairs and alliances and the importance thereof. Domestic questions while not the predominate focus of the speech was heavily hit upon during the panelists questions with the audience.
Director-General Balfour spoke candidly for the first time on record and in a public venue on the issue that drew controversy the day before; the issue of normalized relations with Dovani Governments. Often Mr. Balfour specifically mentioned current standing relations with many nations and factions on Dovani. The Greater Hulstrian Trade Agreement, Balfour hailed as an economic boon for both nations and cited the significance of the Zilbershlag Group's incredible positive impact on various financial markets within Terra and specifically Zardugal. Balfour cited the management of the Zilbershlag Group and its significance in Hulstria as a vital issue for the Zardic states upon Dovani.
Director-General Balfour Fielding Questions
On the issue of the recently unannounced trip to Hanzen, which Z.W.R. has previously reported, was a precursor to more formal relations with Hulstria specifically on the question of the Dovani Zardic States, clearly a signal that D.G. Balfour is breaking with the Kostandian wing of the party on the controversial issue of normalized relations for the Zardic Dovani States. D.G. Balfour went onto state that he had made his message clear with the Foreign Ministry and henceforth upon mandate the Foreign Ministry would be pursuing renewed relations with their counterparts in Dovani nations.
D.G. Balfour also took a moment to cite the re-election of Incumbent Governor-General Fuerstien of Hulstria and his remarks in respect to the electorates shift with the progressive social wing of parties In Hulstria and embracing the electorates clearly stated message as the hallmark of a true leader. D.G. Balfour also stated he was more than prepared to meet with his counterpart in Hulstria and other Dovani nations to discuss issues of mutual concern.
Towards the end of D.G. Balfour's speech domestic issues came interwoven into his previous remarks about the significance of greater diplomatic and economic relations with all of Terra and perhaps most vitally friends of the Zardic Federation. Many old so called friends and allies of the Federation were some of the same usual suspects; Luthori, Keymon, New Yishalem, Hulstria, Vanuku, Egelion and others. Some newer names though also drew attention, ranging from Rutania, Jakania, Kirlawa and Lourenne.