The Galactic Accord of Systems came into being around 972 BBY. Its creation followed the Jedi-Sith War and the subsequent restructuring of the Galactic Republic. This Accord outlined a series of engagement protocols to be followed if another war were to erupt. One such rule was that an enemy who wishes to surrender must be given the opportunity to do so. Despite the fact that the Galactic Empire frequently disregarded this accord, Grand Vizier Mas Amedda cited it to Mon Mothma and Leia Organa on the planet Velusia.