Written late at night. Be gentle please.

RATIONALE:

We find ourselves in an ever more difficult position- particularly within the realm of foreign policy and international relations. As of this very moment, much of the shard of Naunet refuses or ceases to work with Concordia. Some of our own neighbors are jealous or angry over our vast claims of land. Currently, much of the shard is frightened and confused over recent events. We need to send a clear signal that we are:

a. Willing to compromise,

b. Not warmongers, as is often claimed,

c. Most importantly, still in control.

I would argue that we can hit two birds with one stone, by redrawing our national borders. Creating a buffer zone between Naunetian and Concordian lands would show Naunet that we shall no longer continue to escalate in that region. At the very same time we can also give much of the less-populated lands to the south to nations that are known to be friendly to us. Removing claims to western land near Rockwood Grove and Iria would be a friendly gesture, ensuring further cooperation with these nations. In this way, we secure our western and southern flanks, while lessening the tension over claims across the whole shard.

Some may consider that this effort to ease our neighbor's frustrations may do little to achieve its goal. I would argue the opposite. It is well known among many Concordians that issues with claims have been a flashpoint in international politics. In Tjikko, some of our neighbors feel as though we have claimed too much land that we have no use for. This is overwhelmingly true- in fact, we have even designated almost 1/3 of our territory to become a mostly-useless Wildlife Preserve. Southern areas outside of this Wildlife Preserve have also yet to prove to be an asset to the Concordian State. The reality is that due to our declining population, we have no feasible way of homesteading the Ironside Mountains. Thus, we should 'cut off the useless limb,' so to speak.

In order to quell the unrest over overreaching claims, we need to, of course, end our overreach. At the same time, dropping even 1/3 of our land claims would soothe conflict with Naunet and the server overall. Giving some of these 'plots' of claims to friendly nations will secure our borders, and further develop areas that we have no ability to develop. In my opinion, this is a great start towards normalizing relations with our neighbors, and, Civcraft overall.

WHEREAS:

The southern regions of Concordia, namely the Ironside Wildlife Preserve and surrounding wilderness, are depopulated, difficult to govern, and unused,

The eastern border of Concordia, along the Portal to Naunet, is a flashpoint of conflict with the peoples of said shard,

Northern and western neighbors of Concordia have either directly or indirectly expressed disdain over Concordia's large, unused land claims,

The Federation of Concordia finds itself in difficult political straits, with many expecting the entire collapse of the Concordian state,

LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT,

• The Concordian Prime Minister, and other such relevant citizens as he selects, divide up lands into 'Plots' to later be given to close allies, friends, and neighboring nations.

• Treaties with foreign nations pertaining to the giving away of land, be created. No land may be given away without a relevant treaty concerned with the Plot of land. Said treaties must of course identify the tract of land to be given, along with any terms demanded on the part of Concordia.

• A strip of land 20 blocks wide, which shall curve along the border with the Portal to Naunet, be created into a 'Neutral Zone.'

• Within this zone, the Government of Concordia shall not construct, demolish, or otherwise change, nor advocate to change, the landscape or structures existing there as of the adoption of this bill.

• Future agreements with relevant Naunetian nations, creating a 'Neutral Zone' of similar design, are encouraged.

• An exception to the above statements regarding a Concordian 'Neutral Zone,' is the creation of a landmark area, as detailed by the "Wall Museum Act" passed by Parliament on the 8th of August, 2016. Any other law pertaining to the Naunet-Tjikko portal that was signed before the adoption of this bill into law, shall also be an exception.

• If a suitable owner has not been found for any particular land claim, the claim shall remain a full part of the Federation of Concordia, until such time as a suitable owner has been found.

• Any aggressive or otherwise warlike actions taken by nations to whom Concordia had given land, shall be seen as a breach of contract. Therefore, any land claims given by Concordia to that particular nation shall be rescinded.

EDIT: Making minor word choice changes, clearing away small amounts of clutter in the preamble, clarifying a few key parts of the bill that were slightly vague. Formatting.