Eriadu Trade Summit
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The Eriadu Trade Summit was proposed by Senator Palpatine in 33 BBY to discuss the issues surrounding Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum's proposal to allow the Trade Federation an increase in standing permissible armament in exchange for Galactic Senate taxation of free-trade zones. It would also provide a forum for discussions on ending the violence of the Nebula Front and similar groups.
It was held in Seswenna Hall in Eriadu City on Eriadu. It was hoped that by holding such an important meeting in the Outer Rim, the Galactic Republic could show its dedication to the outlying sectors. In addition, Palpatine was friends with the planet's lieutenant governor.
Organizations and governments invited to the Summit included the Association of Free Trade Worlds, Commerce Guild, Corporate Alliance, Hutts, Rights of Sentience League, Senex Sector, Stark Veteran Assembly, Techno Union, and the Trade Federation. Although the Republic was represented, many of its member worlds were allowed their own delegations, including Bothawui, Clak'dor VII, Falleen, Malastare, and Sullust. The Nebula Front itself was not invited because Valorum believed that that would only grant them legitimacy.
As it was essentially a meeting of the Republic and Trade Federation, those organizations were represented by their leaders, the Supreme Chancellor and the Directorate, respectively. However, it was to be a serious mistake; in an act orchestrated by Darth Sidious, security droids assassinated six of the seven Directorate members and made an attempt on the life of Valorum, making it look like the Nebula Front was responsible.
As a result, the Summit ended prematurely, with nothing resolved. It was a major public relations disaster for both the Jedi who failed to prevent the attacks, and for Valorum himself. The Senate unilaterally passed its new taxation laws anyway, while also passing restrictions on the Chancellor's use of the Judicial Department and Jedi Order. The deaths of his companions allowed Viceroy Nute Gunray to assume direct control of the Trade Federation and order a blockade of Naboo as retaliation against the Republic and its senator who had proposed both the summit and taxation. Thus, the Summit's failure set the stages for the blockade and Battle of Naboo.
[edit] Appearances
- Cloak of Deception (First appearance)
- Labyrinth of Evil (Indirect mention only)
