Introducing Eleutheria
Eleutheria, is the Greek term for, and personification of, liberty.
Following the 3rd meeting of Parliament in August, and ratified by referendum, it was approved to amend the Interim Constitution to change our official name to the Confederation of Eletheria.
Some background - Beyond Bir Tawil
When we started our endeavor, we called it the “New Nation” Project. This was to emphasize the point of the whole venture - to try and create a new nation, not simply to claim a piece of land just because it is there.
Bir Tawil, one of the last unclaimed lands on earth, was the spark for the new nation project. An area we could venture out into to create a new nation based on liberty.
However, the tragic conflict within Sudan seems to put the whole region of Bir Tawil off limits.
But what if we thought beyond the landlocked borders of Bir Tawil? Could our pursuit of a new nation be in another unchartered territory?
For those who follow seasteading, the answer is yes.
For those who see the success of Free Private Cities and Charter Cities, the answer is yes.
A Sovereign Lease
What we plan to, as a political body, obtain a lease with an existing sovereign country for a territory, land and sea. These types of leases are not very common, but they do happen, with Hong Kong being the most famous and successful example. Hong Kong was leased from China to the UK for a 99 year period. During this lease, the territory was considered to be properly under the political authority of the UK, not China. A the end of the lease the territory reverted back under China’s authority.
It is the ability to exercise sole jurisdiction over an area that allows for a proper nation state to function and be recognised.
What sort of lease would we pursue? We would look to obtain a lease for a period of 99 years, covering a territory of a nation that is happy to lease to us. Why 99 years? This is long enough to establish our nation, and doesn’t prevent the negotiation of future leases.
How would this allow us to launch as a nation? If we are able to secure a sovereign lease with a nation state, by definition we will be recognised by them as the other party to the lease agreement. If any other nation chooses not to recognise us as a sovereign state, they would still have to respect the sovereignty of the island itself, which provides us with a degree of protection.
Where are we now?
We are in discussions to pursue a Sovereign Lease with a nation, which we hope will prove to be fruitful and beneficial for all parties.
2024 will confirm if our initial discussions are moving forward to a possible agreement.
