[Nordic Council]: Emergency Session [9712-001]

[Zak]

"We totally understand where you're coming from Ambassador Davidsson and I want to echo the words of Prime Minister Solberg in her New Years address that the people of Norway have her commitment, we want to build a future for our youth, their ingenuity, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit is evident to all thus we want to create vast opportunities in technology, agriculture, business process startups and in the entertainment industry.

Thus, we are willing to vote against any resolution and stand by whatever our fellow Nordic Council states decide to do."

Connor Vaka

 

[Vaka]

"I agree. I feel it would set a terrible president if the GA were to bail out a nation that practiced a latent disregard for responsible government spending and an out of control military budget. They have placed the Nordic Council as adversary for some unknown reason. I think it has something to do with old cold war tensions in believing that the Nordic Council has replaced the void left by the dissolution of NATO. No doubt they hope to keep Europe well divided, keeping us economically and militarily weak. I do believe that they fear the economic strength of Sweden and in the same token the whole Nordic Council. With the United States taking a step back on the global stage, they saw the opportunity to retake their previous status as a world power. I think this rush to the stage is what ultimately lead them to massive overspending and crashing their economy."

"I whole heartily agree that we should reject the GA resolution. Russia caused this mess. We shouldn't have to clean it up."

Connor Zak

 

[Connor]

"Ambassadors, quite on the contrary, I think it could be catastrophic to our own economies if we were to reject the resolution. In it's current form there is no obligation for any nation to provide funding to Russia to assist with their economic downturn, it instead gives the Global Assembly further powers and oversight into their national expenditure and provides the option for an 'interest-free' bail-out should nations wish to take part. I can categorically tell you that given their blatant hostility to the council that Sweden will not be donating a dime to Russia - as Ambassador Gebhardt quite rightly said, the Russians have found themselves in this situation with their out of control military budget and complete failure by central government to... govern. I believe it would be catastrophic to the reputation of the council if we were to take part in the bail-out clause however I see no issue with providing other nations with the capability... and certainly providing the Global Assembly Secretary General with the greater powers to oversee the nations economy.

Not to mention this resolution is well written... and presented by the South Korean delegation who, I'm sure you're all aware, are going through the legislative necessities to see themselves assume an observer role within the council. I think it would be a good step for our public relations and certainly relations with the Republic of Korea if we were to vote to approve the resolution however, as I said earlier, invest domestically rather than towards a Russian bailout."

Zak Vaka

 

[Vaka]

"I withdraw my previous statement regarding a vote to block the GA Resolution.. I was under the impression that this GA legislation would require member nations to provide monetary support for these Interest Free Bailouts. I believe now that I was mistaken and can see that a vote to approve the Resolution is the only viable option. I might remind that the ambassador that the Russian state in not very popular in the general public back in Germany. Especially in East Germany. Often, being seen to help Russia can be used against one politically. But I completely agree with your assessment the resolution and the overall situation. We will vote with the Council in favor of the resolution."

"We also have nothing but wonderful things to say about the South Korean Delegation. It has been a pleasure to work with their government and should they be granted observer status, I believe they would make a power addition to the Council."

Connor Zak

 

[Zak]

"If that is the case, Norway is willing to support the bill laid out by the South Korean representative but will not be committing funds to bail out the Russian Government as its in the best interests that our government supports Norwegian interests. We also agree that South Korea will be a welcome addition to the council and we will look forward to working with them in the future to protect the Nordic Council's interests whether they're in Europe or Asia."

Connor Vaka

 

[Connor]

"I am pleased to hear all the representatives agree... this chamber is already, in its first appearance, more collaborative than the Global Assembly - this really does set the president for some real change in the world." President Jessica Polfjärd mumbles into her microphone "On that basis, the Nordic Council will vote to approve the Resolution on the Economic Situation in Russia as presented to the Global Assembly by the Republic of Korea - this brings us forward nicely to the subject of domestic stability within signatory states, at present this economic downturn is only effecting Europe and as such we should collaborate in order to counteract the subsequent stress of government balance. At presence I note the existence of bilateral trade established between the German and Swedish representation, is there any scope for both Sweden and Germany to establish trade routes with Norway?"

Zak Vaka

 

[Zak]

"It is paramount of the Solberg Administration that we hold close ties between our Nordic Council partners and a wide range of topics are going to be brought up in visits down the line and I do believe that there is plans to open up trade routes between Norway and Sweden and Norway and Germany and down the line, between Norway and South Korea. I will have this passed along to the Prime Minister to make a priority when she reaches out to both countries in the coming weeks and months ahead."

Connor Vaka

 

[Connor]

"Thank you, Ambassador, on the basis that this matter is solely a domestic responsibility we will leave it to your Administration to ensure the establishment of fair trade within the council - on that matter I open the question to the chamber - do we currently have any economic matters which could substantially effect the financial integrity of any signatory state present? Debt? Investments? Projects?"

Zak Vaka

 

[Zak]

"I don't have any questions from this side of the chamber, but we are thrilled to see news of a new government elected in Denmark and we have been reached out by them so we will be speaking on the topic them potentially retaking their founding member state and returning to the Council."

Vaka Connor

 

[Vaka]

"We had hoped that Chancellor Kohl would be able to make a trip to Oslo as soon as he returned from his work in Southeast Asia to discuss working with the Norwegian Government on a number of topics. including trade But I fear in light of the current uncertain economic climate, that we should instead schedule a video conference with Vice Chancellor Kinkel in Berlin to help expedite trade talks in helping establish some level of economic stability between member nations."

"Also on the topic of economic security, I feel that some level Government spending will need to be diverted from the military budget and redirected to other government projects that would secure employment for large numbers of its citizens at least in the short term. I think it would be a wise idea to set a target level of government spending for each nation to be set aside for Infrastructure, Industrial, and Commercial Projects. This target goal would be for the finical year of 1998. I believe that with this approach not only would we help insulate ourselves from the growing economic uncertainty growing in Eastern Europe but potentially have each member of the Nordic Council come out much stronger on the other side of this economic mess. Spending would need to be substantial given the scale of potential economic unrest that could threaten member states. I propose an initial goal of roughly $2.5 Billion for the fiscal year 1998. I would like to open the floor for discussion on such a goal and if merits interest, would this level of spending be appropriate? What projects should be prioritized?"

Zak Connor

 

[Connor]

Ambassador Davidsson would lean into his microphone following on from the Germans:

"I have to say that trade is going to be a fundamental part of local growth and will in essence limit the effect a drastic reduction in trade from other European states will have on signatory states within the Nordic Council; to some degree this will make us self-sufficient for at least the rest of this year. I can only encourage all signatory states to pursue fair and lawful trade agreements with one another and, in turn, Sweden will be pursuing the same - free from tariffs. We need to enrich our own economic foundations to ensure we can stand proud, despite the vice-like grip Russia appears to have on the stock markets.

I would agree that money should be taken from other areas to be directed towards short-term local growth and expansion to ensure that, domestically, we are stable and able to combat an inevitable upsurge in crime, health and social demand. The proposed $2.5 billion is definitely a substantial amount of money to go towards this area of work and on top of this I would like to welcome a support package offered by my central government. I have been in close consultation with the Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Nordic Cooperation whom, in turn, has worked closely with the Department of Finance recently as you can probably expect. Together, they have ringfenced a large sum of money to be dedicated solely to the growth of signatory states - on the provision that signatory states meet the $2.5 billion dollar investment locally, Sweden will add an additional $1,000,000,000 on top - making a total of $3.5 billion investment. I must stress that I hate the word 'donation' but this is by no mean a loan, there is no expectation that this money ever be paid back. A token gesture of our commitment to the council."

Zak Vaka

 

[Jay]

Republic of Korea Embassy, Stockholm, Sweden
​

At the Korean Embassy in Stockholm, Ambassador Lee would come out of a briefing session with the Foreign Minister and National Security Council over the situation with regards to the Nordic Council. In his capacity as Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, he would temporarily be responsible for the ROK Mission to the Nordic Council. Without additional staff he would have to strategically reallocate his current staff until the Nordic Council Mission was finalized. 4 members of the ROK Embassy in Stockholm would be given special clearances to attend the briefing session to assist the Ambassador. The Ambassadors to Germany and Norway were also in attendance, to allow the updated communications on bilateral relations between Korea and Nordic Council members.

Ambassador Lee and his team would get a special briefing on the ROK-Sweden Arms Agreement recently signed, and would also get access to the NSC files on the Nordic Council accession discussion. The Swedish Government had graciously provided a transcript of the meeting up to where it had progressed so far, allowing the Ambassador to arrive fully aware. The Swedish Government hoping that the Koreans could attend as soon as possible, would work closely with the Embassy to get the Ambassador there as soon as possible. Outside, the Ambassadors motorcade was already waiting while the Ambassador changed into a silver toned suit, putting on a light blue tie. The weather was still a little cold, and so he carried a grey overcoat and white scarf if the temperatures got colder.

He and his small team would get into the motorcade, reviewing the statements made thus far and alternative plans. Considering the GA resolution as well, he would call his colleague at the GA Campus, Ambassador Oh who was still in session, instead talking with his Chief of Staff to get a picture of the process and update. The situation was steadily improving and financial records shared from the Korean Economic Intelligence Unit would allow the Ambassador to get a grasp on the situation in Russia. Where mild improvements were still being made, but red-flags being arisen as India and Thailand entered $6 billion in debt, pitting Asia's economic situation into the more dangerous financial crisis.

The Korean Government outlined four new projects to consider, including a $800 million direct stimulus package to Korean Citizens, a $3.2 billion city project to move government ministers from Seoul to new cities (Sejong City), the ROK Hydroelectricity energy interdependence program under discussions aimed at $1.8 billion, and the renovation of existing ports and airports at a $2.6 billion. All these programs had been stalled due to the financial crisis, however, as the crisis continued to wean on, the Korean Government would begin considering implementing the foundations for each of the proposals.

The Ambassador would arrive at the Nordic Council building, where he had previously attended the flag raising ceremony for the Korean Flag as it stood waving away in the winds that with it carried the cold weather. He had already put on his coat, but would also wrap his scary around his neck. He would be escorted into the building, where he passed through the security checkpoints and received his tag and passed the others to his staff. Stopping before the door as the Council bureaucrats checked in with one another to avoid interrupting a speaker or motion. The door would open, and the Korean Delegation would step in led by the Ambassador. Ambassador Lee would take his seat at the neatly arranged desk where the sign read Republic of Korea, and his delegation sitting in the chairs behind him. He would be there as the Swedish Ambassador would be speaking in response to the Germans, and would listen through his translator. Waiting until this round of discussion and finished before speaking.

Connor Zak Vaka

 

[Connor]

President Polfjärd stands as a sign of respect for the arriving Ambassador for the Republic of Korea, a smile embraces her face as they walk in.

"Representatives, please welcome Ambassador Lee whom will represent the Republic of Korea in their interests within the Nordic Council following their ascension as an observer state. Ambassador Lee you join us just in time-... I have just been provided with the necessary framework documentation for the Infrastructure Mitigation Programme spearheaded by the Kingdom of Sweden."

 

[Vaka]

​

Ambassador Gebhardt von Moltke eyes lit up as soon as the South Korean Ambassador stepped into the chambers. He knew how important this was. South Korea was quickly becoming a world power. This was a special moment in time that would be in every history textbook written after today. He had heard from other German ambassadors how wonderful the South Koreans had been to work with. And hey, at least he wasn't the new guy anymore. He stood up as a sign of respect and once President Polfjärd ended his introductions, Ambassador Gebhardt von Moltke leaned into his mic and said,

"I would like to be the first to welcome Ambassador Lee to this honored chamber. Our two nations have been working closely on matters of defense and trade. South Korea has become an invaluable ally to Germany in the past year. The Nordic Council as a whole will be strengthened by their presence here in this chamber."

"I'm sure you have been brought up to speed on the nature of the meeting we are attending today. We are currently discussing the Infrastructure Mitigation Programme. The aim of which is roughly earmarking funds to be set aside for investment in infrastructure, Industrial, and Commercial Projects. These funds are to insure a steady stream of employment and a certain level of government support to ensure economic stability during these troubling times in the global market. The current spending goal set by the Infrastructure Mitigation Programme is $2.5 Billion. The Kingdom of Sweden has graciously offered to add an additional $1 Billion in spending grants for each member nation that is able to hit the initial spending goal."

"My question to you Ambassador Lee and to the rest of the chamber is to what project should have priority? Are there any projects that could be funded that would not only strengthen our own nations but the interconnectivity of other Nordic Council Nations? We must also be aware of the potential environmental impact some of the projects might have. In leu of a few Large scale projects, should we instead focus on many smaller improvements? I would also like the councils opinion on direct stimulus. This is an easy way to sure up commercial spending and making sure that all citizens have access to the everyday items they might need. But there is also the fear of inflation should the amount given be too large. Our Federal Parliament, The Bundestag, is currently hotly debating the topic. I would like to open up the floor for debate on these topics."

Connor Zak Jay

 

[Jay]

Ambassador Lee after sitting down would listen to his Swedish and German counterparts. He would then press on the microphone to speak as his aides put a binder in front of him with a number of proposals from the Blue House. The Korean aides would hand over three other smaller binders holding the Korean proposal for a Hydroelectric Development Project to the Council staff who would distribute it to other Ambassadors.

Ambassador Lee: "Thank you both for the warm welcome. The Republic of Korea hopes to continue the every growing bilateral relationship with the individual members of the Nordic Council. By becoming an observer state in the Nordic Council, the Republic of Korea hopes we have taken a collective step in raising the multilateral relationship between member states. We hope that we can all be assets in the long-term development of the council as a transcontinental institution promoting peace, development and progress. The current session reminds us that together we can achieve a lot more than individually. We look forward to a healthy and fruitful discussion as well as an outcome optimal for development of the council.

Thank you for the update Ambassador von Moltke...the Republic of Korea has a handful of proposals we have been considering and with the generous offer of the Kingdom of Sweden, we are hoping we can present our Hydroelectric Energy Development Proposal. The Swedish offer to provide additional financing would greatly assist the Republic of Korea in completing the project which was designed by Minister Park and Minister Roh. As you implied Ambassador von Moltke, the projects should to a degree, be beneficial to all. We hope the proposal is adequate to the vision of the council with regards to the investment program. The Proposal would be financed by Korea at an initial investment point of $2.3 billion, and followed up with the additional spending. The proposal indicates that our stimulus proposal will make up for the $200 million deficit required to meet the benchmark for the IMP financing scheme.

With regards to your questions Ambassador, the Republic of Korea is setting a $800 million stimulus package to assist Koreans who are earning below the national average, and will break it down into four waves of $200 million. The program will be regional specific, and the primary goal is to raise consumption for SME and local businesses who would be apart of the program. The National Assembly is expected to pass these measures in the coming days from my understanding. However, as you may know, the Republic of Korea is not necessarily in a similar economic condition to the European portion of the Council, as well as regional initiatives not necessarily being in the aggregate beneficial to the Republic of Korea due to factors such as distance. Inflation while being a factor of a consideration, should also be looked under the lens of consumption levels. Even if inflation grows at smaller levels, temporary inflation can lead to a boost in consumption which would raise highering and reduce the unemployment conditions. When you look at the economic indicators for the council members in Europe, health is high and unemployment is negative or extremely low. The expectations of the stimulus may be dangerous if the stimulus cause a bubble to develop in stock or housing markets as people put their investments into long-term profitability assets. It may, as a result of Northern Europe suffering from a stock-market crisis cause consumer confidence to resume. With the GA resolution recently passed, it could very much provide the grounds for stock market growth. In the case of Korea, the stimulus is limited to regional businesses apart of the program.

However, I do believe a set of small programs conducted to increase ease of transit and transfer e.g. a bridge between Kiel to Copenhagen, and a Copenhagen to Mamao bridge could help reduce the costs of trade and travel inside the Nordic Council. Inter-council infrastructure programs could also be developed to raise energy capacity through pipelines and other modems of transfer between member states in the Northern European region. Since distance is an issue, I think focusing on Inter-Nordic efforts within Europe are important. Making small infrastructure projects that both renovate existing infrastructure, but develop new infrastructure will not only be beneficial now, but the future as well."

Vaka Connor Zak

 

[Nathan]

Presuming he is now allowed inside with the Signatures of the required treaties and ratifications by Parliament. Christian Thøgersen, a stalwart veteren of the Diplomatic Service would arrive at the meeting area. Travelling via a variety of public transport, he would quickly adjust his suit before stepping inside the building. Once passed the security checkpoint, he would make his way into the meeting room. Greeting the members of the meeting with a smile, a Danish Flag lapel pin on his lapel hopefully giving some indication of who he was;

"Good evening Ambassadors and Mr President, I hope I am not too late"

 

[Zak]

"Welcome Mr. Thøgersen, it's a pleasure to have you here and to have Denmark take their position in the council once again. Denmark will go down in history as being a founding member and we're glad to have you back. It's also a pleasure to finally have you here Ambassador Lee. It's a pleasure to have an Asian nation in the council."

Connor Vaka Jay Nathan

 

[Connor]

The President diverts her attention immediately to the Republic of Korea whom speak within the chamber, their right to speech being exactly the same irrespective of their membership status within the council. She would listen intensively and expect the chamber to follow suit until directed to give response, if necessary.

"The very foundation of the council is, as you say, to collectively raise the multilateral relationship between all signatory states, irrespective of their position on the globe, the technicalities of their membership status in the council or political difference. I am sure I speak on behalf of all signatory states when I say we are excited and encouraged by the introduction of the Republic of Korea to strive towards a stronger and better ties internationally. Our reach is far beyond just the Nordic region.

I am very pleased to see your presentation of the Hydroelectric Energy Development Proposal and whilst on the subject I must stress the importance that other signatory states take advantage of the funding made available by the Kingdom of Sweden and not to allow this to swirl around the drain. Whilst the investment is substantial, it could reap substantial profits year-on-year as a result of infrastructure development which is exactly what we need to see all signatory states strive towards during the European Economic Crisis. Nonetheless, your proposal will be passed onto the Committee for Economic Affairs and Trade for consideration and the necessary transfer of funding on behalf of the Kingdom of Sweden; expect correspondence in the new few days expressing confirmation."

Jay

Ambassador for Sweden to the Nordic Council would stand and take to his microphone:

"On the matter of trade, this had been a hot topic within the council for some time - whilst I understand signatory states may have a number of bilateral trade arrangements amongst themselves I would like to encourage the production of a multi-stage trade agreement within signatory states in the council which could automate the existence of trade arrangements and elimination of tariffs for signatory states. Whilst distance is a factor I think modern technology far outweighs any reasons to eliminate transcontinental trade and I do not foresee any reason why the Republic of Korea should be excluded or given any less benefit from such a scheme. With this consideration I am also overtly aware that there is an overhaul of Swedish-proposed agreements within the council, is there any other state willing to take the project on to develop an agreement?"

Zak Nathan Vaka

 

[Nathan]

The Danish Ambassador takes a seat before turning to his Norwegian counterpart "Thank you it is a pleasure to be here"

"We would be happy to take on this project if that is supported by the rest of the council? How do you see this trade agreement working?"

 

[Zak]

"Said agreement is also supported by the Kingdom of Norway as we have nominated a candidate to stand in any future election and a council-wide agreement was on the plans for our candidate profile. A council-wide agreement would be beneficial as it does not require the need for individual country to country agreements. If country to country agreements are in place between members then I believe these should be nulled until one member state leaves the council and then said agreement can be reinstated should those countries wish to do so."

Connor Vaka Nathan Jay