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

[Connor]

X9712-001XXEMERGENCY SESSIONX
Subject: European Economic Crisis​

CLASSIFIED | Copyright © Nordic Council​

 

[Connor]

By order of the Nordic Council Secretariat the Nordic Council Chambers are announced into emergency session to discuss, with any available signatory state, the subject matter; namely the European Economic Crisis and it's associated incidents. This session has been designated a 'CLASSIFIED' classification and in accordance with the Communications Security and Classification Regulation will not be open to the public or press. All signatory states representation are formally invited to attend the chamber immediately.

President Jessica Polfjärd would take her seat at the front of the chamber, acting as the speaker for this session.

Ambassador for Sweden to the Nordic Council Gunnar Davidsson would too take his seat just behind a small wooden plaque engraved with the word 'Sweden' which sat only a short distance from a small Swedish flag, he would await the remaining members.

Zak Vaka

 

[Zak]

The Norwegian duo of Ambassador Marit Berger Røsland and Supreme Nordic Commander Major General Kristin Lund would arrive into the chamber and would take their seat around the table where they dropped their folders and grabbed two coffees from a junior staffer as the newly appointed members made conversation with their Swedish counterparts as they awaited the Germans to arrive.

Connor Vaka

 

[Vaka]

The German Ambassador Gebhardt von Moltke, rushed into the chambers trying to avoid being late. The Situation in Russia was starting to heat up and he had been on the phone with officials close to the situation trying to get the most up to date reports on the horrible violence that seemed to be going on there. Out of breath, he rushed to the open desk and placed the stack of folders he had in his arms down with an audible "thud". As he sat down in the fine Swedish made chair, he noticed that the the other ambassadors had obviously been waiting on him. Slightly embarrassed he sat up and said.

"I do apologize to the members of the council for the lateness of my arrival. Please President Polfjärd, Let us begin."

Connor Zak

 

[Connor]

"Ambassador Beghardt von Moltke thank you for joining us, please don't apologise, we haven't began yet!" President Polfjärd states across her microphone and echoed through the chamber. With all the representatives present President Polfjärd would lean into her microphone to address the chamber and announce it into session - the first session of the Nordic Council Chambers.

"The time is now 18:44 on the date of December 1997. Representatives are present and I'd like to announce this chamber into emergency session on the subject matter of the currently European Economic Crisis and it's associated incidents. I'd like to make representatives aware that I am being fed real-time information on this situation and the growing threat to national security as violence begins erupt across Russia; during this session I'd like to discuss the potential ramifications to the council, its allies and its partners as a result of this crisis and what action we seek to take as a collective to combat it. I believe firmly that we should stand united both here, independently and in the Global Assembly. Ambassador Røsland, I'd like to pass the floor to you in order to begin with any damage suffered by the Kingdom of Norway thus far and any action taken by your government to combat the crisis or Russia."

Zak Vaka

 

[Zak]

Ambassador Marit Berger Røsland smiles as the Nordic Council President makes her comments, she takes a sip of her coffee as she takes notes down on a notepad before she is introduced to the floor in which she raises her microphone.

"President Polfjärd, fellow delegates - today is a monumental day in which we hold the first sitting of the Nordic Council Chambers and I wish it could be held in better circumstances but Europe has been struck by the European Economic Crisis which is going to hold dire consequences for the continent in which we reside in. Before this session began, I held a call with the Minister of Foreign Affairs who has been informing me of the progress held within the Norwegian Government.

As you know, we currently share a border with Russia and I have been informed that Norway has placed a 'Do Not Travel' ban on Russia due to the violent uprisings and we have closed our border crossing station in Norway to all arrivals from Russia. Our economy is currently stable and we hope that things will stay that way. I'd like to now pass the floor to Ambassador Beghardt von Moltke who can inform us about Germany's stance on the current crisis we face."

Connor Vaka

 

[Connor]

The President interjects before the German counterparts have their say "Ambassador Røsland thank you, I am reassured to hear that you have taken decisive action against the uprising violence in Russia - whilst I understand that this violence is predominantly in Moscow at the moment I see no reason, given the clear and overt disapproval and hostility to the Nordic Council by the central Russian Government, why your decision to ban travel would be unreasonable given you border their state. In the interim, have you experienced any violence or presence at the border at this stage?"

Zak

 

[Zak]

"No Madam President, we have not received any hostility at the border as of this moment but we have banned travel between the two states due to the communist uprising. We do not want this spreading into Norway and that was why we took swift action to counter the threat of Russian actions which could spill out of control."

Connor

 

[Connor]

"I understand. I have been made aware of propaganda posted by the Norwegian Communist Party on social media - whilst I understand this hasn't spread from Russia and doesn't appear to be related to the violence abroad other than support for the cause, have you or your law enforcement and intelligence agencies taken any action to reduce the risk of this extremist view spreading any further? Is there any risk to other represented nations from your intelligence gathering? and is there any risk to Norway that we need to consider our options for?"

Zak

 

[Vaka]

Ambassador Beghardt von Moltke listened intently to both representatives speak. He adjusted his tie nervously as Ambassador Røsland ended her opening remarks. He gave the mic a slight tap to ensure it was on. It was warm in the room. Maybe a little too warm. He paused. He removed a small white handkerchief from his front suit pocket. He wiped the beads of sweat now forming on his brow. "Breathe." he thought to himself.

Thank you Ambassador Røsland. I second you on the notion of the historical significance of the first sitting meeting of the Nordic Council Chambers and the extra ordinary series of events that transpired to force the meeting to be one of emergency. With that being said, the actions of this council need be swift and direct however we decide to act. Eastern Europe are ripe with kinder democracies. These newly born democracies are the divorced children of Capitalist mothers and Communist Fathers. Now.. If the lessons learned from the wise hands of Capitalism are proven to be untrustworthy, this child might run to its father in search of new, more radical answers.

With the loss of confidence in the Russian Ruble we have seen a sort of domino effect across Eastern Europe. Many of the democracies I spoke of depend greatly on Russia's Enterprising nature in one way or another. Some may be utterly dependent on Mother Russia for Trade. A vital lifeline for strategic resources such as Petroleum and natural gas Some for look to the Russian bear for a sense of security. Now it would seem that the great Russian bear has been hobbled. And maybe this time for good.

This will of course create an enormous power vacuum should Russia truly collapse back into Communism. I feel that it is of the upmost importance that this not be allowed to happen. Here in Germany, well more specifically East Germany many groups are starting to get very nostalgic for the old ways. I worry these groups would start to gain favor again with this being and election year in Germany. Now, that said. We do not expect these groups in East Germany to become violent. They are politically ambitious and would never risk potentially eliminating themselves from political consideration. We have not taken any steps to silence these east German groups. Yet. They are allowed to voice their opinion as long as they remain peaceful. The only outward moves we have made have been a travel ban similar to the ban mentioned by Ambassador Røsland enforced in Norway. Now, we do not share a common border with Russia, but this will prevent any Russians coming into Germany amidst the confusion and potentially coming to embolden communists here in East Germany.

Fellow Delegates, What do you each see as a the best possible outcome in this horrible situation and how we should best act in order to achieve it?

He let out a huge sigh of relief. Leaned back in his chair. "That went better than in the mirror." he smiled.

Connor Zak ​

 

[Zak]

After the German Ambassador gave her opening remarks, Ambassador Røsland of Norway offered a reply in response to the Nordic Council President.

"The Norwegian Government believes this is a small scale incident, the Norwegian Intelligence Service in joint cooperation with the Norwegian Police Security Service believes that there is no risk to life or property after the arrest of Runa Evensen who is currently being held in custody. We are currently monitoring social media channels as well as online forums and websites in order to combat the spread of communist propaganda and will keep the council updated if anything changes."

Connor Vaka

 

[Connor]

"Ambassador Beghardt von Moltke, thank you. I have to say I echo your sentiments. The Nordic Council have a substantial amount of political influence amongst us and whilst we have a lot to earn in terms of reputation to our name, it's not an oversight to say our commitment to this council is to ensure the signatory states are accommodated for first and foremost. Together, our combined votes in the Global Assembly make a great dent - at present the most forwardmost solution to the matter is the Global Assembly Resolution on the Economic Situation in Russia and I think we need to decide whether this is something we support... or we don't." said President Polfjärd.

Ambassador Davidsson leans into his microphone "Fundementally, Madam President, Ambassadors, Sweden has followed suit with travel restrictions as we agree with the Presidium that we need to appear as working together on this matter. At present Sweden has seen losses of over fifty billion dollars in stock investments and this will continue if something does not change drastically. I think the likelihood is that this situation, economically, will continue to spiral through Europe until we see our own national budgets shrink into oblivion - not to mention the violence. Homelessness, unemployment and a drop in public spending will mean that crime rates soar - we need to take action to combat this early."

Vaka Zak

 

[Zak]

Supreme Nordic Commander Major General Kristin Lund receives a phone call and quietly departs the chamber as she takes the call, her eyes widening as she is informed of the attack in Oslo back in her homeland - she returns to the chamber minutes after trying to compose herself, she returns to her seat with her eyes still full of fear as she begins to speak into her microphone.

"M-.. Mad-.. Madam President, I have some unfortunate news that Oslo has been rocked by a terrorist incident. We also believe that it is not connected with the ongoing rise in communism but I cannot be sure until more information is passed onto me by the Norwegian Police Service."

Connor

 

[Connor]

Ambassador Davidsson immediately darts his eyes to Major General Kristin Lund. It was no secret that he was contemplating the fact she had only just assumed office and her first spoken words in the first session of the Nordic Council Chambers was to inform us all of the impending doom that could well be enveloping Scandinavia - he too would lean into the microphone, bypassing the chamber President and speaking directly to the Norwegians... a lump in his throat and a slight tremor in his tone he would ask:

"Major General, can you elaborate on what you mean by a 'terrorist incident'?" within moments of finishing his question he would eagerly complete of notes in a small black notepad bound by metal loops at one side and a thick black elastic on the other.

Zak

 

[Zak]

"There has been a terrorist attack in Central Oslo, someone has opened fire on a crowd of people near a Christmas market and there have been many deaths, including the suspect who took his own life. The Norwegian Police Service are working in joint cooperation with the Norwegian Intelligence Service and I will feed any information back to the chamber as and when I receive it."

Connor

 

[Connor]

"Is there any specifically identified threat by your domestic intelligence services to suggest that there may be any threat to Sweden, or any other signatory state for that matter? Naturally the Swedish law enforcement agencies are at your disposal to assist with any ongoing investigation which may cross borders but primarily we need to focus, as a council, on nipping this in the bud immediately not only to prevent a public relations disaster but also to prevent further loss of life...- Madam President, I think it's fundamentally important here for us to address a larger, more substantial threat to the integrity of the council. If terrorist cells have struck Norway it will only be a matter of time before they seek soft, easily accessible targets!"

President Polfjärd awaits further input by the Norwegian representation whilst a nearby aide whispers legal implications and powers to the President, keeping her informed on powers available to her in this situation.

 

[Connor]

Zak

 

[Zak]

"I have received word that the suspect is of Libyan origin and originally travelled to Norway via France. There is no intelligence to suggest that another attack is imminent and we believe that no threat is posed to Nordic Council states. Our intelligence agencies have also been monitoring the situation arising in India and are currently deciding whether it is suffice for the Norwegian Government to evacuate our embassy in New Delhi, we want our diplomatic staff to remain safe at whatever costs."

Connor

 

[Vaka]

Ambassador Beghardt von Moltke sat back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the Norwegian ambassador. He rested his hand on his chin as listened closely about the horrors of the terrorist attack in Oslo and newly developing situation in New Delhi. He imagined the carnage rout by a single gunman in a crowed Christmas market. He was secretly glad that that at least none of the terrorist or communist activities had happened anywhere in Germany. After the thought crossed his mind he immediately felt shame for it. People had died and the fact that they were not German was no cause for celebration. But then again, why hadn't they taken place in Germany? Was it only a matter of time. Or perhaps was it something else.

"Major General, you have Germany's and my personal deepest sympathies for the wonton disregard of human life that has occurred in Oslo. The German Rapid Response Division is at your disposal should you need help tending to situation. Specifically the 1st Emergency Medical Company is equipped to handle mass casualty events by setting up field hospitals and medical emergency evacuation should you need it. I feel this is a good time to bring up the Rapid Response Division in light of recent events. They are purposely put together for situations like this. They are equipped as I stated before to deal with large scale medical emergencies, chemical attack containment and decontamination, terrorist Attacks or Potential Military Deployments. They are equipped with Transport Helicopters that will allow them to be deployed anywhere in Europe within 48 hours with as little as 8 hours notice. We want to make them available to assist the Nordic Council in close coordination with Major General Lund. We currently have the Rapid Response Division on high alert should they be needed."

"That being said, I want to find a way to prevent future radical ideologies from turning into violent revolutions. If the reports from New Delhi media are to be believed, The Indian Army is going violently crush any communist resistance that dares take to the streets. Now, the attacks made by the Indian Communist party or what ever they are calling themselves these days are deplorable and should be met with a proper military response. But my question is, How did they get to this point? Communists in India were forced out of Indian politics and they had their political parties banned. I'm sure they, now without a voice and no place to turn, felt they had no other option than to turn to terrorism. Would things had been different if they had been allowed to participate in Indian politics? Might they have turned to the ballot box instead of the Kalashnikova."

"The ideas of Communism are backwards and ultimately doomed to fail. This is why in Germany we allow them to keep their status as official political parties. Allow them to run for office. Even invite them to political conferences to share their beliefs with others. Normal rational people when given the choice between democracy and communism on a balanced stage will always choose the freedoms and luxuries of Capitalism. By letting these ideas die naturally and out in the open, we boost the merits of democracy and let the more hardened communists become much more revisionist and closer to much more reasonable title of Socialist. No blood shed required."

"Now I am not advocating for just letting radical groups just run around risk free in Germany or any nation for that matter. Its just that when groups like communists are brought to the negotiation table, they can be properly recognized and made official. With that comes the explicit requirement that they follow all of the laws that other political parties must also abide by. They must keep records of members and finances thus making it harder for them to operate in secret or to plan clandestine actions. Its a simple matter of the age old adage to keep your friends close but your enemies closer."

"I would like to ask the council what are their thoughts on this matter, how can we be more proactive about the radical ideologies that are emerging? Also in regards to the GA resolution on the Russian Situation. Where do we all stand? I feel we should weigh the potential outcomes should we support the resolution or reject it. Regardless of what we decide, I do support that we act as a cohesive voting block by sticking together on a decision."

Connor Zak

 

[Connor]

"I can only echo the values of Germany in that we will make as many resources available to our Nordic brothers as possible to assist in the aftermath and subsequent investigation into the attacks that have taken place in Oslo - its of an utmost priority that we seek the origin of this attack in detail and observe any potential further terrorist cells that may be harbouring further barbaric attack intentions in Germany, Sweden or perhaps even a second attack in Norway. Major General if you have your team inform the Committee for Defence and Intelligence your requirements we will divide it between signatory states as appropriate.

Personally we have run a crisis scenario in Sweden which included the resolution presented to the Global Assembly - from our reading, not including any proposed alterations, this agreement is primarily giving the Secretary General and the Global Assembly an observer role into Russian politics which I cannot foresee them signing on the basic principle of national security concerns. Whilst the resolution detauls numerous ethical obligations for member states, there is nothing requiring funding being provided to Russia and certainly nothing legally binding which I think is sensible. Our review of this situation is fairly clear - pending the comments by the Presidium - we, as the Nordic Council, should have no involvement in any Russian bailout and should instead facilitate the capability of other nations to make that decision themselves by enabling the passing of the resolution. Russia has continuously expressed a blatent disregard for the Nordic Council and a disrespect for our signatory states without good cause... unfortunately, given we are the wealthiest International organisation on the globe, that view of us has bitten them back in the one period where we could seriously assist in their regrowth.

Naturally this is down to the council as a whole, but I think it would be sensible for us to invest domestically and stabilise any local economic collapse at home."

Zak Vaka