Mr. Speaker,
This enquiry is for the Foreign Affairs Minister
@Antaglha Xhenerös Somelieir The Minister described an agenda which has the support of the Green Party but we are keen to confirm there is progress on it.
Recalling Minister Somelieir's statement in reply last month:
Quote from: Antaglha Xhenerös Somelieir on May 14, 2025, 07:56:50 AMThe ministry of Foreign Affairs, over the course of the coming Ziu, shall work with HM the King to reach out to other micronations, to put Talossa in even greater awareness and to find good allies and partners.
The core aims shall be:-
* Look for micronations that share common values and principles with the laws and citizens of Talossa and reach out to them
* Strengthen diplomatic ties with others in the community of micronations
* Look at how Talossa may participate in events hosted by groups of micronations
We hope to work towards these goals over the course of the incoming Ziu session which we believe will be of benefit to Talossa. We will be willing to hear out requests from citizens with offers of help/ recommendations, and to other micronations, to hear and contemplate individual proposals from foreign nations.
Antaglha Xhenerös Somelieir
Minister of Foreign Affairs
I ask for the Minister to please describe recent efforts by the Ministry specifically and not in cooperation with His Majesty to develop micronational relations and to participate in micronational events or groups.
I thank the member for their question, The ministry is currently looking into options of what would work for Talossa and we are working on possible nations to form relations with. But we are not yet ready to announce any details as things are being worked out.
Specifically with events or groups, these are currently on lower priority but is something we are looking into and will update the nation if there is any progress.
I will advise the member that until details are ready to be made public on relations or events, it will often be difficult to provide much information on, as by nature of any discussions needed to take place to participate in events/groups, or cooperation with other micronations, such discussions are required to remain confidential until such a time where the ministry is able to announce an agreement of some kind has been made. Due to the nature of having to work with other nations in order to participate on a larger stage.
I hope the member can understand this and exercise patience until the ministry is able to make such announcements
Quote from: Antaglha Xhenerös Somelieir on June 04, 2025, 04:52:42 PMI thank the member for their question, The ministry is currently looking into options of what would work for Talossa and we are working on possible nations to form relations with. But we are not yet ready to announce any details as things are being worked out.
Specifically with events or groups, these are currently on lower priority but is something we are looking into and will update the nation if there is any progress.
I will advise the member that until details are ready to be made public on relations or events, it will often be difficult to provide much information on, as by nature of any discussions needed to take place to participate in events/groups, or cooperation with other micronations, such discussions are required to remain confidential until such a time where the ministry is able to announce an agreement of some kind has been made. Due to the nature of having to work with other nations in order to participate on a larger stage.
I hope the member can understand this and exercise patience until the ministry is able to make such announcements
I thank the Minister for her very rapid response. But note very little information is included in it beyond a request for patience unfortunately. I will check in again in July, which will be Month 3 of this term, and will expect more than a request for patience or that discussions are confidential when reporting to the Ziu.
Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on June 04, 2025, 05:18:55 PMQuote from: Antaglha Xhenerös Somelieir on June 04, 2025, 04:52:42 PMI thank the member for their question, The ministry is currently looking into options of what would work for Talossa and we are working on possible nations to form relations with. But we are not yet ready to announce any details as things are being worked out.
Specifically with events or groups, these are currently on lower priority but is something we are looking into and will update the nation if there is any progress.
I will advise the member that until details are ready to be made public on relations or events, it will often be difficult to provide much information on, as by nature of any discussions needed to take place to participate in events/groups, or cooperation with other micronations, such discussions are required to remain confidential until such a time where the ministry is able to announce an agreement of some kind has been made. Due to the nature of having to work with other nations in order to participate on a larger stage.
I hope the member can understand this and exercise patience until the ministry is able to make such announcements
I thank the Minister for her very rapid response. But note very little information is included in it beyond a request for patience unfortunately. I will check in again in July, which will be Month 3 of this term, and will expect more than a request for patience or that discussions are confidential when reporting to the Ziu.
If I may respond to this, What I have said, is in line with how pretty much all foreign ministries operate around the world. Especially as a lot of foreign affairs handle matters that cannot be made public until agreements are made from Talossa and foreign nations. I have answered in the way I have as it would go against to interests of Talossa and the foreign ministry's ability to work on such agreements if a blow by blow account is needed each month. It is not as simple as a ministry operating solely within Talossa as the ministry of foreign affairs handles relations and negotiations with other nations. As such, confidentiality is a needed element of the ministry, even before the Ziu, until such a time when things can be disclosed.
And the members assertion that confidential matters should be disclosed before they are ready, is against the interests of Talossa on a global stage. Which the member should be aware of and able to understand the ministry's position on this matter.
Quote from: Antaglha Xhenerös Somelieir on June 04, 2025, 05:34:45 PMQuote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on June 04, 2025, 05:18:55 PMQuote from: Antaglha Xhenerös Somelieir on June 04, 2025, 04:52:42 PMI thank the member for their question, The ministry is currently looking into options of what would work for Talossa and we are working on possible nations to form relations with. But we are not yet ready to announce any details as things are being worked out.
Specifically with events or groups, these are currently on lower priority but is something we are looking into and will update the nation if there is any progress.
I will advise the member that until details are ready to be made public on relations or events, it will often be difficult to provide much information on, as by nature of any discussions needed to take place to participate in events/groups, or cooperation with other micronations, such discussions are required to remain confidential until such a time where the ministry is able to announce an agreement of some kind has been made. Due to the nature of having to work with other nations in order to participate on a larger stage.
I hope the member can understand this and exercise patience until the ministry is able to make such announcements
I thank the Minister for her very rapid response. But note very little information is included in it beyond a request for patience unfortunately. I will check in again in July, which will be Month 3 of this term, and will expect more than a request for patience or that discussions are confidential when reporting to the Ziu.
If I may respond to this, What I have said, is in line with how pretty much all foreign ministries operate around the world. Especially as a lot of foreign affairs handle matters that cannot be made public until agreements are made from Talossa and foreign nations. I have answered in the way I have as it would go against to interests of Talossa and the foreign ministry's ability to work on such agreements if a blow by blow account is needed each month. It is not as simple as a ministry operating solely within Talossa as the ministry of foreign affairs handles relations and negotiations with other nations. As such, confidentiality is a needed element of the ministry, even before the Ziu, until such a time when things can be disclosed.
And the members assertion that confidential matters should be disclosed before they are ready, is against the interests of Talossa on a global stage. Which the member should be aware of and able to understand the ministry's position on this matter.
Mr. Speaker,
This is a change in the answers from the Foreign Affairs Ministry during just the last term. When a similar terpelaziun was lodged last term, S:reu Puntsmasleu was able to answer with specific information without concern for harming Talossa on the global stage.
For Minister Somelieir's assistance, here is how a Minister is able to answer the question without hiding behind confidentiality or requests for patience:
Quote"A new approach being considered to augment, not replace, the current is to ask of our new friends in Aerica to put us in contact with other nations. Another approach being considered is to apply for membership in an intermicronational organization (perhaps LoSS, as we had a role in forming that, or GUM). There is also the possibility of working on a joint project with other micronations in order to 1.) build our reputation in the micronational community and 2.) do general goodin the world. The cabinet has discussed a project involving climate change in Antarctica, given our territorial claims there. A logical partner for us would be Westarctica, although we would have to put aside, at least temporarily, our competing claims."
Notice, the answer includes actual organizations and the name of at least one micronation demonstrating some ministerial activity. And Talossa's global image did not appear to suffer any great damage with this disclosure. The Opposition expects actual answers to enquiries and not requests for patience or appeals to confidentiality which do not allow for insight into the activities of the Ministry nor for accountable government. We will enquire in July, and as suggested, expect an answer that does more than request patience.
Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on June 04, 2025, 06:02:25 PMQuote from: Antaglha Xhenerös Somelieir on June 04, 2025, 05:34:45 PMQuote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on June 04, 2025, 05:18:55 PMQuote from: Antaglha Xhenerös Somelieir on June 04, 2025, 04:52:42 PMI thank the member for their question, The ministry is currently looking into options of what would work for Talossa and we are working on possible nations to form relations with. But we are not yet ready to announce any details as things are being worked out.
Specifically with events or groups, these are currently on lower priority but is something we are looking into and will update the nation if there is any progress.
I will advise the member that until details are ready to be made public on relations or events, it will often be difficult to provide much information on, as by nature of any discussions needed to take place to participate in events/groups, or cooperation with other micronations, such discussions are required to remain confidential until such a time where the ministry is able to announce an agreement of some kind has been made. Due to the nature of having to work with other nations in order to participate on a larger stage.
I hope the member can understand this and exercise patience until the ministry is able to make such announcements
I thank the Minister for her very rapid response. But note very little information is included in it beyond a request for patience unfortunately. I will check in again in July, which will be Month 3 of this term, and will expect more than a request for patience or that discussions are confidential when reporting to the Ziu.
If I may respond to this, What I have said, is in line with how pretty much all foreign ministries operate around the world. Especially as a lot of foreign affairs handle matters that cannot be made public until agreements are made from Talossa and foreign nations. I have answered in the way I have as it would go against to interests of Talossa and the foreign ministry's ability to work on such agreements if a blow by blow account is needed each month. It is not as simple as a ministry operating solely within Talossa as the ministry of foreign affairs handles relations and negotiations with other nations. As such, confidentiality is a needed element of the ministry, even before the Ziu, until such a time when things can be disclosed.
And the members assertion that confidential matters should be disclosed before they are ready, is against the interests of Talossa on a global stage. Which the member should be aware of and able to understand the ministry's position on this matter.
Mr. Speaker,
This is a change in the answers from the Foreign Affairs Ministry during just the last term. When a similar terpelaziun was lodged last term, S:reu Puntsmasleu was able to answer with specific information without concern for harming Talossa on the global stage.
For Minister Somelieir's assistance, here is how a Minister is able to answer the question without hiding behind confidentiality or requests for patience:
Quote"A new approach being considered to augment, not replace, the current is to ask of our new friends in Aerica to put us in contact with other nations. Another approach being considered is to apply for membership in an intermicronational organization (perhaps LoSS, as we had a role in forming that, or GUM). There is also the possibility of working on a joint project with other micronations in order to 1.) build our reputation in the micronational community and 2.) do general goodin the world. The cabinet has discussed a project involving climate change in Antarctica, given our territorial claims there. A logical partner for us would be Westarctica, although we would have to put aside, at least temporarily, our competing claims."
Notice, the answer includes actual organizations and the name of at least one micronation demonstrating some ministerial activity. And Talossa's global image did not appear to suffer any great damage with this disclosure. The Opposition expects actual answers to enquiries and not requests for patience or appeals to confidentiality which do not allow for insight into the activities of the Ministry nor for accountable government. We will enquire in July, and as suggested, expect an answer that does more than request patience.
I remind the member that although this may have been the policy in the past to respond as the previous minister, I will point out that I am not said minister and I am following international precedent in my role.
Also I may also point out that the response from the previous minster quoted is a perfect example of why we shouldn't announce things before they are ready, as to my knowledge very little, if any at all of those things mentioned in the quote from the member actually came to be.
It is much better to present something tangible to the Ziu than empty promises that have made no progress since they were made.
And as the member has little to offer in understanding, it will be our policy from now on in this ministry to give only the bare minimum, mandatory responses to the member in question. As there has been a breakdown in respect and understanding between this ministry and said members, we shall simply interact as little as possible.
But for others. We will happily engage with reasonable questions and feedback from other members other than the member who brought this terp except in mandatory terp responses which won't be to this members liking I imagine
Quote from: Antaglha Xhenerös Somelieir on June 04, 2025, 06:15:35 PMAnd as the member has little to offer in understanding, it will be our policy from now on in this ministry to give only the bare minimum[\b], mandatory responses to the member in question. As there has been a breakdown in respect and understanding between this ministry and said members, we shall simply interact as little as possible.
Mr. Speaker,
So the Minister is saying she will continue doing what she just did. Giving the bare minimum...
I clarify that the above is only in reference to the above member and not the Ziu or my official duties as minister
Quote from: Antaglha Xhenerös Somelieir on June 04, 2025, 06:19:54 PMI clarify that the above is only in reference to the above member and not the Ziu or my official duties as minister
Mr. Speaker,
Seeing that answering terpelaziuns from an elected member of the Ziu is an act governed by statute not by the level of respect you have for the member...that clarification is meaningless.
It appears that the member missed when I said this :-
" But for others. We will happily engage with reasonable questions and feedback from other members other than the member who brought this terp except in mandatory terp responses which won't be to this members liking I imagine"
I never said I would not be answering terps from the member, just that they won't be to the members liking going forward.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to seeing more than the "bare minimum" from the Minister next month.
The Cosa will be in order.
This Cosa is not the place for back and forth engagement that rises to this level. Members are reminded that Terps are to be respectful in tone, which I interpret to span throughout a single Terp thread.
As to the accusation of a failure to answer, the Honorable Member is reminded of Lex.H.1.2.4.3, which allows the government to declare matters confidential, and thus this would forbid the Minister from answering. With that said, I do think the Honorable Minister has fully answered the Terp by outlining the government's work, priorities, and its belief in the need to keep intricate details of ongoing, unannounced projects confidential at this time.
As to the Honorable Minister's suggestion that the government will treat any future properly and politely phrased Terps posed by the Honorable Member differently than other members, I would remind the government of its statutory duties.
Going forward I will expect all Terp threads to remain within reasonable bounds of decorum. Failure to accede to the statutory rules of procedure by any party may be subject to some form of disciplinary action dependent upon the circumstances. I advise parties within the thread to consider taking a voluntary pause from posting for the remainder of the evening to allow cooler heads to prevail tomorrow.
For the purposes of this Terp, I deem that the reasonable number of supplementary questions have been asked by the submitting party per Lex.H.1.2.3. And although other Members of the Cosa and Senators may add to the discussion, I have the further power to excuse the Minister from answering further questions per Lex.H.1.2.4.2, and am doing so.
As this Terp has thus been ended by default, I exercise my power in Lex.J.2 to lock this thread at this time. (Or have someone lock it if I can't figure it out.)