SENATE BILL: September 2017 Foreign Relations Review (Passed)

[ZuWo]

I also motion that we lift our sanctions on two Southeast Asian countries: Thailand and the Philippines. They have historically been two of the most pro-Atlasian nations in the region, and they continue to be strong supporters when some of their neighbors are considerably more hostile. Thailand's friendship with Atlasia goes back to the mid-1800s, when their king wrote to President Lincoln about supplying an elephant for the Union Army. Despite any disagreements our government may have with theirs, we need to strengthen our bonds with our allies and ensure that we'll have reliable partners in the Asian peninsula during these rocky times.

I concur. I don't see why we should impose sanctions on the Philippines and Thailand while the Vietnamese regime, to pick another Southeastern Asian example, should be unscathed. It's inconsistent.

[ZuWo]

I agree with the fellow Senator from the South. Considering China's recent muscle-flexing we need more allies in Southeastern Asia, not fewer. Imposing sanctions on a new slate of nations is not going to help in that respect.

[ZuWo]

Nay

[ZuWo]

I motion that we take a bold step forward and recognize the newly independent Catalonia, whose people have been subject to a brutal crackdown by the Spanish government. Atlasia must be a global leader in asserting the right to self-determination no matter what part of the world you may be from.

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I'm afraid I have to disagree with my fellow Senator from the South. While I think there were condemnable instances of police brutality during the (illegitimate) referendum, I side with the Madrid government on the issue of upholding the Spanish constitution and the integrity of the Spanish nation.

[ZuWo]

Are you objecting to the amendment, ZuWo?

I was under the impression we were going to wait to hear the administration's position first but yes, I'm objecting.

[ZuWo]

Nay

[ZuWo]

That's a sensible amendment in my view.