ESA - Questions Answered

Day 486, 12:26 • Published in Ireland Ireland • by Kiemar

I am writing this article for many of the newer citizens that have asked for more information on the ESA. As I've stated before there is a public thread on the forum that is used for discussing the ESA as well as an ESA forum for gathering information, but I will take every step I can to make sure people understand exactly what it is and how we became a member. This is an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in regard to the ESA.

The ESA stands for the European Social Alliance which consists of Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, the Germany-Austria Union, The Netherlands, Portugal, and yes Ireland. It is currently being debated in Italy, Poland, the UK, and other European countries. It has its own forum at http://esa.phpbbhosts.co.uk/index.php. All nations have representation on the Council of Europe by the president and one representative.

The alliance is focused on socially aligning the member nations, meaning fostering cooperation and good relations throughout Europe. PEACE and Atlantis members are allowed to join without abandoning their alliance in an effort to encourage relations outside of the two major alliances. Other than encouraging friendly relations, there have also been ideas such as cooperation to prevent political take overs, a centralized bank of Europe to facilitate easy conversion and trade between nations, organized loans systems between governments, and facilitated charity. The possibilities are endless as to what economic and social benefits this alliance can offer to member nations.

One thing the alliance has not focused on is becoming a third military alliance, similar to PEACE and Atlantis. The ESA has no military obligation, the Council of Europe can ask for member nations to repel wars of imperialism but the member countries are not required by penalty to answer. There is also no penalty for leaving the alliance as of now.

As for Ireland's stance on the ESA, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Michael Collins, on February 26th of this year first began discussion in the Private Dail. There was also a public discussion of the ESA in the Politics section of the forum beginning Feb 10th. Many good points were raised in the Private Forum as discussion went on for most of the month. An unofficial vote resulted in 12-5 in favor of the ESA treaty. Most of the issues raised from the opposition centered around worry about Ireland being involved in entangling military obligations.

Discussion died down by Presidential election time, and in Theus Jackus' manifesto he expressed his desire for Ireland to become an ESA member. As me and Theus saw eye to eye on this, I sought membership as his Minister of Foreign Affairs. I explained in my appeal to Congress in the Private Dail that the ESA has not been fully fleshed out yet, but that Ireland should be a part of the construction. We should not fear what the ESA might become after we join, but instead actively try to fight for it to become what it should be. Any fundamental change to how the military aspect of the alliance works warrants a revaluation of our membership. I explained that neither I, nor Theus, nor any other Congressman I can think of want Ireland to lose its military neutrality, but neither do we want to isolate ourselves from the rest of Europe.

Just as the Raleigh Treaty, and every other international move is made, a vote was placed on the Private Dail which passed 11-0. 44% of Congress voted (11/25), which is a legal vote under the ruling of the Mandatory Congressional Voting Act 2008 which requires at least 25% of Congress to vote. As a result, Ireland joined the ESA on their forum and we now have representation of the Council of Europe. Three days after the passing of the ESA vote, with no issue, Igor Thunderbrow has decided to call this action undemocratic on my part and demand a referendum.

I won't bring up the referendum argument again, but I will say that I am not opposed to a public referendum. I do however believe the original vote was legal and proper and there has never been a precedent in eIrish history for a public referendum. I believe that a referendum will simply be an enormous amount of red tape and time in order to achieve a similar result. However, I will not oppose the voice of the public if they demand a referendum and I want that known.

If you have any questions at all, I urge you to check the forum threads or to pm me. Suggestions for the ESA are great, and you can send them to me or post them yourself on the ESA forum. We as a nation are in a position to be a cornerstone contributor to something truly great and a step away from the polarization of global alliances. I hope all citizens will help me and Theus in forging the ESA into an everlasting bond of cooperation between all European nations.

Erin go Bragh

Kiemar
Minister of Foreign Affairs