Foreign Relations of Easway

The foreign relations of the Common Union of Easway defines the core relations between Easway and other nations and sovereign states and are set via foreign policy, with the Grand Councillor and Regent Councillor through their joint-foreign affairs offices managing diplomatic avenues and the Minister of Economics heading economical ones. The recognition of sovereign states and foreign governments requires the majority vote of the United Common Assembly. 
== Powers ==
* The Grand Councillor acts as the head of foreign affairs and works with the incumbent Regent Councillors (switching between the Marquis of the Council periodically) to set foreign diplomatic policy.
* The Regent Councillor is officially the junior head of foreign affairs; working with the Grand Councillor to set foreign policy, and holds the title of Minister of Foreign Affairs, during their Regency term, although the relationship between the GC and RC acts more like a consulship, as both positions may veto each other.
* The Minister of Economics is responsible for setting trade and business policy with other nations and sovereign states.
== History ==
Before the 25th of May 2020 with the formation of the federal Council, the foreign relations of the Realm was spearheaded by the head of nation, who was referred to in English as the Imperial; now translated as Grand Councillor, with foreign recognitions held by vote between the Imperial, President and his governors. Once the Council was created the position of Regent Marquis (now Regent Councillor), which was a follow on from that year's 14th January created Regent Governor position, was set as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, creating an unofficial consulship in foreign affairs, which was part of the state's policy of Directorialism. With the 14th January changes that changed both the titles of the Imperial and Regent Marquis to similar names, (the Regent Marquis in all official languages) this has only solidified the idea of a consulship, although the Grand Councillor holds many. (see Grand Marshal and Grand Paladin)
== Asia ==
=== Iraq ===
Diplomatic relations were opened with Iraq on the 20th March 2021. Kasimo Meroi who is of Iraqi descent served as its first consul from the same day until the 29th July 2021 when he became the Grand Marshal of the Easwegian National Guard; co-commander in chief of the national militia.
The Government of Easway does not entertain any idea of an Iraqi government that is not secular and promotes and respects human rights. Neither has it shown any opinion on the current Iraqi government. The Emizerri has been called a Ba'athist by observers for his eagerness for a federalised Syria and Iraq union, of which absorbs Kuwait into Iraq, to further the nations coast and area. This, he wants in the future and not by force, like Saddam Hussein used in Kuwait, which the Emizerri refers to as a tyrant who did irreversible damage to a Pan-Arab vision. The Emizerri also wants Jordan to become part of Iraq. He believes not only are the cultures virtually the same, and speak the same language, but also that this would mean all Northern Arab countries are next to Palestine to give it any assistance it needs, furthering the pressure an end to apartheid in the region. The Emizerri has proposed the term "North Arab Confederation" as one possible name. Alderman Gaia Grìbhinneach suggested the "Fertile Crescent", a historical name for the general region as another.
The Emizerri and then Grand Marshal Maximus Desourrë released a joint statement on Monday 15th January 2018, 32 days after independence declaring ISIS a terrorist organisation and enemy of humanity after the suicide bombings which took place in Baghdad. The Emizerri expressed condolences to all those affected by the evils of ISIS. Further in the statement the Emizerri and Desourrë directly named and condemned George Bush, Tony Blair, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton as claiming their actions in the illegal Iraq War, Libyan intervention, and Syrian bombings "left blood on their hands" due to the destabilising of those states leading to radicalism and the past selling of arms to extremists. The Emizerri later stated that the flag of the US and UK in the middle east "symbolises a butcher's apron now symbolised by the terrorist ISIS flag."
=== Kazakhstan ===
In the mythology of the Easwegian People it is suspected that the old Hezaareix tribe; the ethnic group which originated from Russia, may have travelled through Kazakhstan and as such Easwegians have a very favourable view of Kazakhstan's culture, although the Ezerryen Easwegian Language is related (although not part of) the Uralic, not Turkic language branch.
During the 2022 Kazakh unrest, Easway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement advising against travel to Kazakhstan. This advise was dropped on the 1st Feburary 2022 after a period of calm.
=== Palestinian Region ===
The multi-ethnic region of Palestine, split across two opposing states; Israel and Palestine, are officially recognised by Easway under its classification of a "regional territory without recognisable sovereign administration" or RTWRSA.
=== India ===
Diplomatic relations were opened with India on the 26th May 2022. Don Cho, a seasoned member of the National Directorate became its first consul the same day.
The former Director Swapardeshi who is of Indian descent served as the first official female representative within the Easwegian government.
Easway recognises Arunachal Pradesh, Kalipani, Jammu & Kashmir, and the Siachen Glacier as Indian territory. 
There are no diplomatic ties to India's neighbour of Pakistan.
=== Diplomatic Consuls to India ===
Don Cho: Since 26th May 2022
==== Israel ====
Easway announced they were officially ceasing all recognition of the state of Israel, which has controlled much of the region of Palestine since 1948, on the 14 May 2022, which coincided with Israel's initial declaration of independence. Easway's federal Council cited Israel's ethnonationalist claim of dominance over the region of Palestine, which the state has used to justify the oppression and expulsion of Palestinians. The head of Easway, Grand Councillor Emizerri, has long argued against what he calls state mandated apartheid in the Israeli state and has stated that "it is clear, if you are a Palestinian in Israel, then the experience is a military dictatorship." This sentiment is felt among the vast majority of the Easwegian government and in the citizenry.
=== Philippines ===
Easway considers its relationship with the Philippines as of extra importance and brotherly. Both are both multi-ethnic island nations and coincidentally share a national day; both having their modern flags made official on the same day: 12 June. The Easwegian government views it as important to foster diplomatic ties and create new trade deals with the Philippines and has shown solidarity with their fisherman in the South China Sea since early 2019, as Easway views China's 'nine dash line' claims, which effects countries in the area, including the Philippines, as invalid. It has sometimes been reported that some high representatives of the Easwegian government disagree with much of the Philippines policies. When in 2022 the Easwegian public broadcaster Eix Easway reached out for comment on the Grand Councillor Emizerri's views of the new President Bongbong Marcos, son of former President and kleptocrat Ferdinand Marcos, who the Emizerri has previously stated he agreed with widely agreed up concensus that he was a brutal dictator, he responded to the reporters in what has been described as a "Jiang Zemin moment" stating: "We do not comment on every single head of state and whether we choose to denounce them or not. Yes, Easway respects sovereignty and international law, but unless blatant democracy and human rights are being clearly violated how do you expect me to be the arbiter of justice in the world? You will have to speak to the American government for that one. So you ask me do I support the current President of the Philippines? Of course I support him. He is the elected leader. There can be no other answer."
=== Syria ===
The Government of Easway has recognised Bashar Al-Assad's Ministry as the legitimate government of Syria, since 2019. As with support from International Law, the Realm of Easway reiterates that the Golan Heights is rightful Syrian territory. In July 2018, the the provisional government congratulated the Syrian armed forces for recapturing the east Golan from IS.
Emizerri supports the idea of a federalised Syria, and wished for Assad to enter his next 2021 presidency by enacting sweeping constitutional changes of which was planned before the Civil War. He condemned the 2021 elections for both their non secular requirements and what he said were clear state manipulation of the process and results. He said he would not pursue a western style condemnation and regime change attitude on Assad's government, but was deeply disappointed with how Assad's leadership had turned out.
The Government of Easway recognises since 2019 the Syrian Democratic Forces as a terrorist organisation. It has cited village ethnic cleansing reported by multiple international organisations as its reasonings, and the government when questioned in 2021 and 2022 on this policy reaffirmed their classification.
=== Thailand ===
Diplomatic relations were opened with Thailand on the 29th April 2020. Algy became the first consul to Thailand the same day and has been serving to this day.
=== Turkey ===
Controversially, the Grand Councillor Emizerri had Easway recognise the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on the 19th of February 2020 under the advise of Alperen. This was immediately reversed on the 25th of May 2020 on the day of the then Imperial Council formation under the leadership of Regent Marquis Lord Csyeigo.
All diplomatic ties with the Turkish government led by Erdogan were ceased on 15th December 2022, 4 days before the 5 year anniversary of Easway, when Erdogan-allied courts sentenced principle opposition leader Imamoglu to two years in jail, in another of Erdogans anti-democratic crackdowns. 
== Europe ==
=== Belarus ===
The Easwegian government has not recognised the current Belarusian government controlled by President Lukashenko since 23rd September 2020. Easway concurred with the widespread condemnation of the 2020 Presidential elections in Belarus which were seen as another in a series of rigged election to keep Lukashenko in power as he had been since the country's independence in the 90s. The Easwegian government called for new elections to be held observed by foreign delegates.
=== Cyprus ===
Diplomatic relations were opened with the Republic of Cyprus on the 7th February 2023.
Historically, relations between Easway and the island of Cyprus have been frayed. The first Marquis of Essrina, Alperen, convinced the government of the day on 19th Febuary 2020 to recognise the largely unrecognised client state of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which was unrecognised again only a handful of months later on 25th May, at the formation of the first federal Council. Although since this point, Easway recognised both state entities on the island of Cyprus collectively as "regional territory without recognisable sovereign administration," although not without occasional calls to end this and recognise the southern Republic of Cyprus, which claims the entire island of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The Council was ultimately resistant for many years, stating that it would not change its status quo until further efforts were made to give both communities of the Cypriot nation an equal and proportional voice in governance.
The Government's position on this matter finally budged, following breakdowns in relations with the Ankara government and major geopolitical changes in 2022, which had given Easway time to reexamine its stances and priorities on the global stage. Cypriot pressure groups within Easway were also seen to be heard.
==== List of Diplomatic Consuls to the Republic of Cyprus ====
* Syri: Since 7th February 2023
=== Germany ===
Official diplomatic relations were opened with Germany on the 3rd June 2020. Lea became the first consul to Germany the same day, in which she served until the 1st April 2021.
==== Diplomatic Consuls to Germany ====
* Lea: 3rd June 2020 - 1st April 2021
* Teireet 1st April 2021 - 1st January 2022
=== Kosovo ===
Easway has recognised the politically contentious region of Kosovo as a sovereign state since the 11th August 2021, although the Serbian majority areas of Northern Kosovo have been recognised by Easway as belonging to Serbia since the 28th September. The Imperative Council states this as their de facto position although they state that both the Serbian and Kosovar governments should meet together to negotiate and decide a fair demarcation line. The recognised Kosovar territory by the Imperative Council of Easway is shown below.
=== Lithuania ===
Diplomatic relations were opened with Lithuania on the 20th May 2020. Sneawy has served as the first consul to Lithuania since the same day.
=== Norway ===
Efforts to open diplomatic relations between the Easway and the Norway have been considered, since independence, a major foreign priority. Peaceful relations between the two states is considered by the Easwegian government as imperative. 
The Easwegian Government's position with Norway has always been clear cut: the territory of Bear Island and the historical Pomors territory of southern Svalbard is the sovereign territory of the people of Easway who shall have self-governance protected by the Easwegian government, but that Norwegians have an equal and constitutionally guaranteed place in Easwegian society with free movement for Norwegians guaranteed. These provisions have been guaranteed since 2017 independence.
The government of Easway since independence has worked on creating new codified law fit for the Easwegian way of life and the people's democratic will, although uses Norwegian law for non codified law that doesn't conflict with the Easwegian Constitution.
The first Governor of Urdport was Norwegian, serving from the 6th September 2019 to the 2nd February 2020. 
Frankie served as the first diplomatic consul to Norway from the 2nd January 2021 to the 1st January 2023 and Marquis of Urdport since the 1st January 2023.
=== Poland ===
Diplomatic relations were opened with Poland on the 30th April 2020. Koziorek served as the first consul to Poland from the 30th April 2020 to 26th May 2022.
==== List of Diplomatic Consuls to Poland ====
* Koziorek: 30th April 2020 - 26th May 2022
* Dawid (Ⰴⰰⰲⰻⰴ): Since 11th August 2022
=== Romania ===
Diplomatic relations were opened with Romania on the 19th December 2017. Founder and the second Grand Marshal Aleksou Meizchernei Desourrë is of Romanian descent and was made diplomatic consul to Romania, a position he would serve in until the 12th June 2018 when he became the first head of government as President.
On the 29th December 2022, the Easwegian Government officially congratulated the Romanian police for the arrest of controversial media figure and former kickboxer, Andrew Tate, who has been accused of human sex trafficking and moved to Romania in an alleged attempt to avoid charges and continue his career with, self-admitted, less chance of involvement from authorities."The Easwegian Government congratulates and stands in solidarity with the Romanian police, who have today arrested accused offender Andrew Tate. We wish for a fair trial that seeks justice and truth and we stand against the misogyny, bigotry and greed that the arrested promotes."
==== List of Diplomatic Consuls to Romania ====
* Aleksou Desourrë: 19th December 2017 - 12th June 2018
* Neicou: Since 29th December 2022
=== Russia ===
The relationship between the government of Easway can be described as an estranged cousin. Because of the importance both culturally and economically of Russia as one of two major countries near its borders (the other being Norway who Easway has seperated from), the unofficial stance of the Imperative Council as mandated by its Grand Councillor concerning the Putin administration was usually one of silent opposition. Easway's Seven Masts Philosophy does seem to go against the authoritarian tendencies of the Russian bear, but the Easway preferred to be diplomatic and not make public denouncements. This policy was maintained from 2017 until February 2022 when Russia declared Donetsk and Luhansk as sovereign states, which led to an opposition statement by Easway's Council which opposed the unilateral declaration of independence and Russia's recognition of this, but did not outright oppose the concept of the Russian areas of Ukraine being independent or joining the Russian federation if done through democratic means in a situation where foreign observers were involved and the area was not under direct military occupation by either side, contrasting with the Crimean referendum.
Breaking the status quo of neutrality over Russia was a subject of much debate between the heads of state within the Imperative Council; the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the 24th Feburary was the straw that broke the camels back as the people of Easway and the Grand Councillor Emizerri's key allies quoted the philosophy of maintained sovereigntism within the constitution as justifying a response. Therefore on the 25th Feburary the Council announced an embargo on certain imports and exports which could help the Russian military. This embargo will be reviewed once the conflict has ended.
==== Transnistria ====
Easway has recognised the Moldavian breakaway republic of Transnistria; also known as Pridnestrovia, since the 11 June 2020, although this is not without controversy in new Council administrations.
=== United Kingdom ===
Diplomatic relations were opened with the United Kingdom on the 19th December 2017. Founder Oelaanni, who is of British-English descent was made the first consul the same day and served in this role until the 20th May 2019.
The paramount founder and current Grand Councillor Emizerri was born in the United Kingdom. In the mythology of the Easwegian Commonwealth, after the mass exodus of Bear Island in 1821, many Easwegians fled to the United Kingdom; then both Great Britain and Ireland, until many returned in the early 20th century and more, including the Emizerri in the 21st century to work for full independence. Therefore there is a deep historical connection between Easway and the UK which has helped foster diplomatic and trade relations.
Easway has openly called for further international efforts by individual states and the UN to be taken to sanction officials which were responsible for the Iraq war, namely Tony Blair.