UN: Space Defense Initiative (voting ends Monday 19th April)

[ceroomaster]

Space Defense Initiative
A resolution to improve world security by boosting police and military budgets.

(This UN resolution can also be viewed by clicking here)

Category: International Security
Strength: Significant
Proposed by: SCOS OJ
Description: RECOGNIZING, the calamitous consequences of an asteroid striking the Earth;

RECALLING, Asteroid 2004 FH, the 100 foot in diameter asteroid which, on 19 March 2004, passed perilously close to Earth;

RECOGNIZING, that the gravity of the harm of such an event justifies measured responsive action;

REAFFIRMING, the duty and obligation of the governments of all nations to defend its peoples;

REAFFIRMING, this council's resolution of 12 November 2002, "Fight the Axis of Evil," calling for an increase in defense spending;

REAFFIRMING, this council's resolution of 6 October 2003, "International Space Initiative", calling for international cooperation in the development and advancement of space based technology;

THE UNITED NATIONS, IN COUNCIL ASSEMBLED,

RESOLVES to undertake the research and development of an orbital defense platform designed to defend Earth from threatening interstellar objects;

URGES the development of proper equipment for said platform, possibly including, but not limited to, long range reconnaissance scanners, tractor beams and energy based cannons;

URGES but does not compel all nations to participate in this endeavor;

URGES each participating nation to contribute its maximum allowance in good faith;

RESOLVES that in order to prevent the orbital defense platform from improper application, each use and deployment of the platform be approved by full consensus of all participating nations;

DECIDES to remain seized of the matter

[ceroomaster]

Ceroo is offically undecided, but is leaning towards against. While it is a worthy idea, whether it justifies an increase in military spending or not needs to be considered.

[Basus]

Basus is for ! we allready explained our motives on the regional forum.

[Ave'Tris]

Against. I like the idea, but I feel that the resolution is over-ambitious.

[GeneralTacticus]

Centralis is against. It's a nice idea, but when their idea of 'proper equipment' includes tractor beams (physically impossible) and energy cannons (needlessly inefficient), it seriously damages the project's credibility.

[Flinx]

Flinxtopia is undecided.

Asteroid 2004FH, actually posed little threat to the earth as it would have probably exploded in the atmosphere and if any bits actually hit the ground, they would have at most destroyed one house.

Flinxtopia is fully supportive of active and aggressive attempts to scan for and track all objects which may pose a threat to the earth, however it is dubious of the UN’s current ability to “prevent the orbital defence platform from improper application” again arbitrarily identified “rogue states”

This said, Flinxtopia therefore is considering voting against the current resolution.

[joncha]

A decision on this matter has been postponed, as debate in the Jonchastani Neighbourhood and Workplace Councils has become dominated by the Frankychanland crisis and on Jonchastan's position regarding the Apolyton Court.

The Central Committee is in favour of the proposal, but is inclined to wait until after the Councils hold their monthly Congress Delegate Elections tomorrow, as the results may have an impact on the political composition of the Central Committee.

It is generally agreed that whatever position the Central Committee ultimately adopts, Jonchastan will vote along with the majority decision in this matter.

[Mr. President]

Karakas is opposed to this resolution, as the government feels that this issue would be better addressed by other means.

[ceroomaster]

URGES the development of proper equipment for said platform, possibly including, but not limited to, long range reconnaissance scanners, tractor beams and energy based cannons;

This was overlooked on the first reading of the proposal in parliament. Upon discovering it, the Cerooan position has be affirmend as against.

[joncha]

It appears that the majority of Apolytonian UN members are opposed to the motion. The Central Committee of the Jonchastani Congress of Neighbourhood and Workplace Councils has accordingly directed our ambassador to the UN to vote against the resolution.

[Guardian]

Guardinia will also be voting against.

[Rasputin]

Auldonina doesnt care what the UN thinks we do our own thing .....

[ceroomaster]

UN Members' Votes

FOR: (3)
Texas
Neon Canada
Basus

AGAINST: (9)
Azure Dianoga
Dunlendor
Centralis
Grumatopia
Twilemen
Karakas
Guardinia
Johnchastan
Ceroo

[ceroomaster]

In accordance with regional opinion the vote has been cast against

[Urban Ranger]

Against.

The Dominion of Noosland has always been against the militarisation of space. The aforementioned platform has few advantages and a great many disadvantages, including the use of weapons against various nations on earth.

In fact, some Apolyton nations have alway been exploring other space, including sending manned missions to Mars (see old threads for details) so I think we should look for other solutions to the problem.