[GA]: 1996 Antarctic Summit [Concluded]

[Hollie]

The Secretary General would address the chamber, "Thank you for your opening statement, Mrs. Wensley. Determining who is right and wrong is not the objective here. This should be carried out by a neutral party to ensure the investigation is done fairly and operates without fear or favour. This seems reasonable and well founded, but Marc Kvet is right. Now is not the time to assign blame because we have 120 Swedish Personnel missing in action. We have a moral obligation to their families searching for closure. Due to the strategic location of British ice-breakers in the Falklands, will Argentina object to them carrying out search and rescue operations? This would be overseen by the Global Assembly in an official capacity. Once the missing personnel are in a place of safety, the rescue teams will return to the Falklands to conclude their search. It's important we act quickly due to the dangerous day to day variations in atmospheric conditions." Naio90 Connor Jamie

​

 

[Naio90]

"The Republic of Argentina authorizes and welcomes the presence of neutral british SAR vessels in the area to safeguard lifes at sea, departing from the Malvinas/Falklands. The only request is to be clearly marked as such, with high-visibility markings and to operate with its AIS active at all times in order to avoid being confused with belligerent ships.

The argentine Navy will be providing positional data to guide the british ship to the exact area of the events if required.

Lastly, it advises the british to proceed with caution as it remains an active warzone."

Hollie Jamie Connor

 

[Jamie]

"Thank you.." replied the British Delegate, taking a moment to remove his Nokia and dial a number. Stepping away for a brief moment before returning back. "The Royal Navy is beginning its deployment, I will leave the command and control over to their Captain. We will do what we can to recover all those that were on the vessel. We have dispatched a specialist dive team from the UK to join the search with our second Icebreaker, as you can imagine, the waters of Antarctica are not all that forgiving."

Naio90 Hollie Connor

 

[Connor]

Marc's eyes dart back to the Argentine representative.

"Your 'exclusion zone' as it is beyond illegal and beyond a breach of international law - I need assurances that the remainder of the Swedish flotilla in Antarctica will not come under further attack from the Argentine Navy during search and rescue operations. The lives of those deemed MIA hangs in the balance. The selfless acts of the British will not go unnoticed, the Kingdom of Sweden will return all expenses as a result of search and rescue operations in Antarctica. I assure you."

Marc makes detailed notes throughout the meet, to the degree that it was almost an annotated transcript. Throughout the meeting various text messages would be sent to ensure the central government were kept up-to-date in respect to any real-time enquiries that need to be conducted. The meeting thusfar was productive and transparent.

Jamie Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"The Republic of Argentina will not engage unarmed vessels conducting SAR or vessels that explicitly make their presence and operations public as part of their SAR efforts. No new swedish warships will be allowed into the area.

Regarding all other active military operations, not destined to rescue operations, the state of war remains and Argentine Naval forces will continue until Sweden ends its militarization of Antarctica and withdraws from the continent."

 

[Jamie]

"Our vessel will be arriving a little later today to begin the official commencement of SAR Operations.
I think now is a good opportunity to ensure these peace talks take place and come to a good negotiation strategy to protect Antarctica, after-all, preserving that part of the world should remain a priority."

 

[Connor]

"Whilst the proceedings of this Global Assembly Antarctic Summit are going forward, do nations present not agree that it would be most appropriate, given the already catastrophic loss of life, that all conflict in the region should cease pending the outcome of negotiations here? Whilst Sweden has evidenced a clear non-hostile and relaxed approach to our presence in Antarctica and a commitment to peace with our arrival here, all we are seeing is continued hostility, contradiction and hypocrisy from the Republic of Argentina whom are willingly deploying assets into the region and continuing to penetrate territorial borders, which the Global Assembly recognise as Swedish, despite us being present in this chamber?

We should not continue to fight a war whilst we negotiate peace.

Sweden is willing to negotiate the peaceful resolution of this conflict, your continued ignorance to this fact does nothing other than show your desire for further death and destruction."

 

[Naio90]

"What territorial borders sir? Argentina does not recognize any swedish claim over Antarctica.

You calling this whole assambly "ignorants" fits well with your arrogant self-perceived position of moral superiority and manifest destiny.

As stated before, Argentina is more than willing to return to the status quo before the swedish illegit claim on the whole continent and to discuss a new framework of regulations, as proposed by Australia, to avoid future conflicts."

 

[Connor]

"You don't need to recognise our territorial claim, the Global Assembly does, and we're here to negotiate the release of that territory... but instead of doing that you're taking the lives of personnel following instruction. At no point have I called the Global Assembly ignorant, it is impressive that you play the card of moral superiority following an extensive deployment to Antarctica, the intentional murder of military personnel and your repetitive strike in the media with doctored documentation and evidence. Your own 'moral superiority' has seen this conflict escalate to what you have described as 'acts of war' whilst you desperate chase status in the international community by showing off your military prowess.

If Argentina withdraws the imminent threat, and risk to Swedish personnel within historically claimed territory we will withdraw, on the basis that we are permitted to relocate our claim to the previously unclaimed territory between British and France - the governments of Chile and New Zealand are not present to express their desire to pursue their presence in the region and given that Australia has already sought claim to French territory we see it fit to meet their claim borders. Should a future government of New Zealand or Chile express their interest the Kingdom of Sweden vows, without undue delay, to contact the Global Assembly immediately to seek a peaceful transition and provision of territory in the region.

From the start of this conflict we have only sought to use the region for scientific research purposes but instead we have found a consistent aggression from the Argentine government, resulting in the loss of life - this was an absolutely unnecessary escalation and use of force thus my government has absolutely no interest in proceeding with the aforementioned claim to sovereignty on the continent of Antarctica - instead focusing our efforts in unclaimed territory. This does, however, rely on the release of Argentine aggression to allow the safe transition."

 

[Owen]

Penelope would wake up from her nap.

"Argentina should remove the imminent threat, seeing as Sweden is now cooperating we should be moving to the proposed resolution as it seems to be more or less in line with their position now."

 

[Dutchy]

The Secretary General, having listened carefully to all sides, activated his microphone. "Ambassadors and Representatives, it seems clear to me that all parties are willing to see this conflict come to a conclusion without any further violence or loss of life, and I am extremely grateful that you are willing to come to a diplomatic solution to this crisis. While it is important that we reach a long-term solution to the Antarctic question, it is imperative that we find an immediate solution to the current conflict. On behalf of the Secretariat of the Global Assembly, I wish to offer the following roadmap:


- Demilitarisation of Antarctica, creation of a demilitarised zone southwards of the 60th Parallel South to encompass Antarctica and its surrounding waters.

- With authorisation from the Secretariat, Sweden and participating nations may proceed with SAR/Recovery operations within the demilitarised zone.​

- Initiation of peace talks between the Argentine Republic, Kingdom of Sweden and Kingdom of Norway. (Naio90 Connor Odinson)

- The Secretariat offers to take 'Trusteeship' over the Antarctic continent, to prevent further conflict over the territory until a permanent agreement is reached.​

- The Secretariat offers to both host and mediate peace talks between the nations.​

- Proceed with the open debate on the future of Antarctica.

I call upon all nations to support the calls for peace and for a demilitarised and scientific Antarctica."

 

[Naio90]

The argentine would chuckle at the "historically claimed territory".

"As stated from the beginning, Argentina supports a diplomatic solution and will immediatly withdraw all military units as soon as Sweden demilitarizes the continent by removing the several warships it currently has deployed in Antarctica and formally relinquishes to his absurd claim.

And as far as the swedish only seeking to use the region for scientific research, you don't need a fleet of warships and anti-ballistic radars to do so.

Also, we do not understand why Norwegian should take part in any peace talks. As far as we know Norway is not a belligerent at the moment.

Finally, regarding the claimed areas, we suggest the GA adopts a Resolution that does not recognize any new claims as this would disrupt the balance that was achieved before the swedish move of claiming the whole continent, and focuses instead in the assigned of SAR Responsability Sectors."

 

[Connor]

"It is abundantly clear that Argentina has no interest in peace and tranquillity any more than their of military dominance in the region. We simply desire a location to conduct fair and ethical research of Antarctica. Whilst Argentina appears to love to play the card of balance however it must be stressed that whilst these nations now appear heart-set on local research not a single one of them had ever sent a team to Antarctica to actually conduct the research they are now so desperate to begin.

Sweden has already backed down from continental sovereignty on the understanding that we will be permitted to stake our claim at the aforementioned locations. There is absolutely no reason this cannot take place and it's frankly absurd that Argentina can support the Australian adoption of the French claim, given their lack of interest, yet Sweden is unable to adopt claim as it disrupts the balance? Mr Secretary General, I seek your understanding that Argentina in this matter is clearly not looking for peace and much rather pursuing some kind of personal vendetta against Sweden."

 

[Owen]

"Well.... we did. You captured them. To be frank we're the only nation to demonstrate a willingness for research ONLY, we have sent no military to Antarctica unlike you two. Only research. We continue to conduct Antarctic research within our own sovereign territory on Macquarie Island and the Heard and McDonald Islands. Antarctic research continues to be a formidable part of many of our universities, particularly the University of Tasmania.

To be honest, if Argentina continues sabre rattling we may be forced to side with Sweden, as they are now demonstrating a willingness for a peaceful, demilitarised and shared Antarctica. More or less in line with our resolution which we are eager to debate and adopt. Amend if necessary. Mr. Secretary General, let's not keep making this a Sweden-Argentina thing that needs resolving. We're here as well. The UK and Brazil have shown an interest in Antarctica. We expect New Zealand to also. This is a global issue, not just two countries. That is why we need to move to debating this resolution as soon as possible."

 

[Connor]

"Allow me to explain, the sending of military assets to Antarctica was nothing other that procedure on the side of the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat whom, at that time, did not have the resources or training necessary to begin an expedition to Antarctica other than a small number of icebreakers. At no stage did the Swedish Royal Navy operate any form of weaponry onboard the vessels until coming face-to-face with Argentina aggression, this is data that can be provided by the Swedish Department of Defence in an evidential format if required. I must stress that, and this comes from central government, we have realised that the act of taking Antarctica as Swedish sovereign territory without the consultation of nations holding historic claims appeared aggressive however this was not our intention.

Whilst our plans for the region were extensive, in brief, we intended to manage local governance of the region in order to introduce scientific research to the region in a managed format that would prevent environmental damage and allow for rogue nations willingly causing such damage to be subject to Swedish law and prosecution. In addition we sought opportunity to use our extensive wealth to create number international ports for both naval and air assets to assist in the development of exploration. As I said, this was amongst a number of other plans we had but unfortunately it appears miscommunication and manipulation by the media has seen our interests confused, twisted and deafened.

Our focus now is on the prevention of further catastrophic incident. Argentina is becoming a very real environmental and regional threat with their frankly over-the-top deployment to Antarctica whilst peace talks were in their infancy within the Global Assembly and despite us being here today, talking, discussing the future of Antarctica, the Swedish Royal Navy is still having to battle Argentine hostility.

As I said previously, we are willing to recognise the claims of Norway, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, the United Kingdom and France; given that Chile and New Zealand are not present for this debate and their governments have not stepped forward with any immediate interest in the continent Sweden seeks to take claim of the independent portion of the Chilean claim, as to avoid overlapping with Argentina and British claim, the New Zealand claim and the unclaimed area of Antarctica as to ensure that the continent receives the fullest possible exploration. I will stress, should a Chilean or New Zealand government express their plans to operate in the region we vow to immediately open dialogue."

 

[Owen]

"Would you have used weaponry on the RSV Aurora Australis or Australian scientists had they refused your orders? That's the real question here.

If your plan is, as such, to open dialogue to New Zealand or Chile if they expressed desire, we can make amendments to the resolution in regards to that. If we are going to go down this course of sovereign territory in Antarctica we can make amendments to the resolution as necessary. By and large though, we believe the resolution aligns with the values of Sweden and to a lesser extent, Argentina. If Argentina removes the immediate threat, we can move onto debating the resolution or at least we would hope the Secretary General moves in that direction.

Our request to Argentina is you withdraw this immediate threat as to convince the Secretary General it no longer needs to be debated in this chamber and to allow us to move to the resolution."

Naio90

 

[Connor]

"Absolutely not, Ambassador, we did receive active and illegal resistance by the Australian scientists. To the credit of the Swedish Royal Navy whom were operating under extremely tense and unparalleled circumstances they retained an extreme amount of reserve and discretion when managing a perceived threat to national security. Whilst we have our differences I am sure you can corroborate for the benefit of the chamber that all Australian nationals were managed with respect and their personal safety at heart. Not only that, but this matter was resolved diplomatically, seeing the peaceful return of Australian materiel and personnel.

This is why I am failing to see the justification of the Argentine forces whom have proactively taken lives, escalated tension in the region beyond reasonable stature and seen to countless violations of international law when Sweden has acted peacefully throughout our time in Antarctica, with or without the Swedish Royal Navy. It is frankly unjustified and clearly displays a personal goal that none of us are aware of.

I think it's important to remember that this session is not purely for the passing of the aforementioned resolution which, I personally, requires extensive read-through and amendment to meet global demands from each and every nation expressing an interest in the region, but also to resolve the ongoing conflict. There is still a threat to life in Antarctica and we cannot purely focus on the organisation of paperwork until that is resolved."

 

[JakeDorent]

Fernando took a breath in, listening to both sides before leaning into the mic to speak, speaking in his calm tone.

"Excuse me, If I may.

Brazil would stand with Australia. If Sweden agreed to Demilitarize alongside the Argentineans, which they have not done.

Quite frankly, why would the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat even require a Military deployment in the first place, If what you say is true about "No other nation being interested in the continent"? I'm sorry but that just does not make sense.

Sweden had already become a regional threat when they deployed Military assets to Antarctica, without prior warning to the nations which had historical claims to the continent, and claimed the entirety of the Continent, which, may I add, is of the size of all of Europe, minus Russia.

Argentina's deployment was justified in that their vessels had been struck and were now in danger, Which is why I request that both parties stand down before any more lives are lost, from both sides."

Fernando would sit back to listen to the other representatives.

 

[Connor]

"Brazilian representative, we have already explained why the Swedish Royal Navy deployed to assist in Antarctica, it had nothing to do with a threat being present - the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat did not have the materiel or training to appropriately and effectively deploy to the region for research and development capabilities... Sweden has been peaceful start to finish, not once have we shown any sign of aggression in the region.

The Argentine deployment is not justified in the slightest. There were no threats, no correspondence, no attempts for dialogue between Sweden and Argentina - just aggression. You cannot justify the actions of the Argentine Armed Forces when Sweden had not even done so much as to lift a rifle. Your view appears tainted, especially since nations around the world appear to have slowly come to the realisation that Sweden has remained peaceful and transparent throughout. That is evident with the processing of Australian personnel and the countless attempts to communicate our intentions with the Argentine deployment.

We have lost lives needlessly in the conflict, all for what? For Argentina to show off their military prowess. Is that was the Global Assembly is wanting to support? Whoever shouts loudest?

Could Sweden have operated in a more inclusive manner in Antarctica? Yes. Could Sweden have explained the presentation of military assets in Antarctica? Yes. We do not deny our flaws, but we will not stand and be trampled over by Argentina when we have done nothing to deserve this level of aggression. Sweden will immediately withdraw all infrastructure and material from claimed Antarctica pending the ratification of a Global Assembly on the condition that Argentina withdraws to a safe distance and allows us to operate our withdrawal safely and uninterrupted."

 

[JakeDorent]

Fernando would take a sip of his coffee, listening to the Swedish Representative's response before leaning back into his mic to speak

"Mr Kvet, I assure you that my views are not tainted, the way I see it, Argentina deployed its Navy in response to their vessel, which maintained its course for the entire time, colliding with a Swedish Warship which moved into a collision course with a larger ship. However, I will agree with you and say that I do not believe Argentina to completely blameless, both sides are guilty of what has ensued."

Fernando would turn his gaze to the Argentinean Representative.

"I'm sorry to say this, but diplomacy should have been first attempted before any deployments were made by Argentina, Lives could have been spared."

The Brazilian would then turn back to the Swedish Representative

"Again. Both sides are guilty of the escalation that has occurred. Which is why I requested that both sides stand down, and with Sweden being willing to do so, I shall stand with the Australians and request that, for the sake of Peace negotiations, Argentina withdraw its forces from the region.

For the sake of all the men and women involved in this conflict, Let us not drop blood where words can be used instead. Thank you."

The Brazilian would nod to the representative before sitting back on his seat, rubbing his own face with his hand, a low sigh coming off his lips.