Eriadu Trade Summit

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 Trade Federation armanent in replace for Galactic Senate taxation of free-trade zones, as well as provide a forum for discussions on ending the vioence of the Nebula Front and similar groups.

It was held in Seswenna Hall in Eriadu City on Eriadu, the reason which was that, by holding such an important meeting in the Outer Rim, the 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 Galactic Republic was represented, many of its member worlds were allowed their own delegations, including Bothawui, Clak'dar, Falleen, Malastare, and Sullust. The Nebula Front itself was not invited, due to Valorum's view 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, the Nebula Frotn assassinated six of the seven Directorate members, and made an attempt on the life of Valorum.

As such, the Summit ended prematurely, with nothing resolved. It was a major public relations disastor for both the Jedi who failed to prevent the attacks, and for Valorum himself. The Senate unilaterally passed its new taxation laws anyways, while also passing restrictions on the Chancellor's use of the Judicial Department and Jedi Order. The deatsh 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.

Appearances

 * Cloak of Deception