The Original Alliance

NATO was originally formed between the four nations of Celack, Haraki, Ruhr and Sigma Octavus, as a mutual defensive pact between the four nations, which had in the past been considered allies and had fought beside each other in several wars. The founding of NATO was primarily a vocalization of this unwritten alliance, a way to bring OOC friends together, and a chance to accept others into the group.

It grew quickly, with nations friendly with the four founding members joining the ranks, and fairly quickly NATO was a large, well-respected alliance. Ultimately, after a long period of sabre-rattling with the Drakonian Imperium, it became involved in a series of wars with smaller nations called the NATO Wars, in which NATO overwhelmed its opponents and resoundingly defeated them.

Over time, however, NATO fell apart. Inactivity and lack of joint alliance operations killed it, and it, like so many other great alliances, died. Its members scattered to the winds, with several of them leaving to found new alliances of their own, such as the Black Diamond Initiative founded by Ruhr. The first incarnation of NATO was a success and a powerful alliance in its time, but internal strife and inactivity tore it apart.

Some time later, NATO was revived by two of the original members, Celack and Sigma Octavus, as well as newcomer Automagfreek.

Original Charter and Organization of the New Alliance Treaty Organization

Charter of the New Alliance Treaty Organization (NATO)

• The New Alliance Treaty Organization shall herein be referred to as NATO.

• Member Nations are urged to open trade routes with one another. Not every nation must open routes with all consistent members, but trade and interaction on some level is preferred.

• Nations may not petition to join NATO soley for membership and no other action. Upholding of this charter and the responsibilities and duties that come with the status of a NATO member is required. Inactivity or failure to follow the rules and guidelines of this charter will result in a review/dismissal of said nation's membership status.

• Active and Respected Member of the International Community. (OOC: Reputable RP record.)

• Nations may apply for Economic Boost Packages, Defensive Boost Packages, and other benefits that will be exclusive to NATO members.

• Nations may petition for a redress of grievances in a International Consortium Court, if they believe a member nation has acted unaccordingly to the Charter. The court will be a panel of 3 persons from nations that do not hold cabinet positions, therein creating a 'check and balance' system. This 3 person panel shall be known as the International Consortium Court.

• No nation may attack another nation within NATO, period. All grievances must be brought before the International Consortium Court. Those nations that do attack a member naton will be expelled from NATO immediatly, and summarily have sanctions placed upon them.

• All nations are given the right to rule in sovereignty, NATO, the International Consortium Court, may not pass any statute that interferes with the sovereignty of a member nation. Save in place of sanctions or other disciplinary actions that may be decided upon by the International Consortium Court.

• NATO shall be ran by a singular individual, and an appointed Congressional Board. This board shall consist of five nations, appointed by a majority vote from Automagfreek, Sigma Octavus, and Celack.

• The International Consortium Court shall be appointed by the head of NATO, with an approval measure of 75% majority vote from the Congressional Board.

• The head of NATO may propose a new amendment to this charter, or to remove an existing one. The Congressional Board shall decide to remove or add by a 75% majority vote in accordance witht eh head of NATO's wishes.

• In cases of tied votes in the Congressional Board, the head of NATO will make the final decision.

• The head of NATO shall hold Executive Authority to declare an Emergency state on a trade route or Nation/State, and deploy NATO forces to protect them/it. If after 45 days the Congressional Board decides that there is no Emergency Situation, or the situation no longer requires NATO forces, they may, by a 50% Majority vote, order the withdrawal of forces.

• The Board shall hold the authority to approve or disapprove membership, to a petitioning Nation. This action can be vetoed by the head of NATO if just cause against the applying nation is shown.

• All NATO member nations must stand ready to commit military forces in any conflict against a NATO member. While not required to go to war immediately when when a conflict arises, all members must be ready and on alert if the Congressional Board feels that said member is innocent of provocation. Provocation of a attack without NATO approval will result in an emergency meeting of the Congressional Board to discuss the situation and rule on it accordingly. Suspension of NATO membership for unjustified aggression can result at any time by either a 50% vote from the Congressional Board, a 50% vote from the International Consortium Court, or a singular vote by the head of NATO. This action can only be appealed by a member of the Board or the Court, and NOT by the member in question.

• The Congressional Board may review the membership of a current member-state of NATO. If the Congressional Board finds due cause, with a vote of 4/5ths a member-state may be expelled from NATO. A member-state may also be expelled, with due cause, by a simple majority vote of both the Congressional Board and the International Consortium Court, if action is taken this way the NATO Leader may veto the decision.

• The Leader of NATO may, with due cause, suspend a member-state for a period not to exceed 14 days. During that time the Congressional Board shall review the member-state's conduct, should a majority of the Congressional Board find against the aforementioned member-state, explusion will occur. If the Congressional Board finds for the aforementioned member-state, they shall be reinstated into NATO and the Leader of NATO may not suspend their membership in NATO for a period of at least 14 days.

Congressional Board

Hamptonshire: I have been chosen by my fellow Board Members to be Chairman of the Board. I act as spokesman of the Board so that the Board speaks with one voice and at the proper time. When the Board has come to a decision, you'll see me making one of those "Official Statement from the Congressional Board" posts.

Additionally, the CB "authorizes" ultimatums, declarations, etc. The Leader can "issue" them on behalf of the alliance. In this manner its similar to the relationship between the American Senate and the American President.

Sarzonia to the position of Research Assistant (1st), The Island of Rose (2nd) He will be helping the Board in its decisions on membership applications and hopefully he will help us make the membership process streamlined and more efficient.

International Consortium Court

First Bench

• Schultaria Prime
• Western Asia
• DontPissUsOff

Council of Twelve

The Council of Twelve has replaced the Congressional Board and Internation Consortium Court. It was created as part of the December 2004 reorganization effort. The C12 is the central element of a three part reorganization of NATO.

First- Democratically elected President of NATO. The President must be one of the three Founders. The President of NATO reserves all the powers previous given to the Leader of NATO under the NATO Charter.

Second- Council of Twelve. The two remaining founders have seats as do 10 other NATO members. Terms are staggered. Two Councilors would stand for election every two weeks with a term of office 10 weeks. The Council of Twelve would serve as the Cabinet/Advisors and senior legislative/judicial branch. In the capacity as senior legislative house, the Council of Twelve can veto legislation passed by the General Assembly. If necessary Ministers/Secretaries of NATO come from this branch. The Council of Twelve reserves all the powers previous given to the Congressional Board and International Consortium Court under the NATO Charter.

Third- NATO General Assembly. All NATO members have a single vote. Membership votes, treaty ratification, and most general orders of business are carried out through the General Assembly. The General Assembly can override a Council of Twelve veto by a 3/4ths vote.

Member Nations