Sanctus – Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Andrew Silk, today announced plans to liaise with other nations in the International Democratic Union with the aim of forming a new regional body. Silk cited continued disorganisation in the region, as well as ample potential for economic growth, as reasons behind this move. Proposing the Council of IDU States (CIDUS), Silk explained that he believed it to be the natural successor to the previous body, the IDU Council – a body that eventually failed to gather any momentum.
In a memorandum sent to nations in the IDU region, Silk outlined a number of areas in which a regional council such as CIDUS would be effective; highlighting regional security and increased economic benefits as two of the more important reasons for establishing the body, Silk also indicated that CIDUS could be instrumental in fostering free movement of capital and people in the region. Stressing that this would be “no World Assembly”, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs also said that it was his intention that the sovereignty of those who join the body would be respected.
Also outlined in the memorandum was some basic logistical functions of the body, including leadership and how CIDUS would operate; currently proposed is a continuous assembly-like meeting, the venue of which should change every few months. Sources close to the Secretary have, however, indicated that this mode of operation is open to change should other nations feel it unviable.
The Minister for Regional Affairs, Deputy Craig Williams, endorsing his superior’s plans added that Sanctarian involvement in the regional body would fall under his Ministry’s portfolio. When questioned whether or not the continuous assembly would merit its own unique and dedicated diplomatic mission – not unlike the current Mission to the World Assembly – Williams said that such a decision would be made in consultation with other nations once a final decision on the format had been decided.
SARAH PLEDYS, Political Editor
