NationStates Jolt Archive

The Hague, Knootcap: third Tuesday in september

Continuing the old tradition from Royal times, the third Tueday in September was the day the government presented it’s plans for the upcoming year. Every year, politicians and tourists would flock to the capital to witness this event, an exiting mix of politics and folklore. But this time things were different. There was no prestigious carriage-tour of the old city to the ancient throne room, for the old city was no more.

After a cold night the air is clear that moment, and a fresh breeze from the seas chilled the city. A crowd of people had gathered on the side of the road, mostly people from centre of Knootcap.

The members of government, dressed in blacks, silently walked thought the city. Mourning for the city, and giving the people a sign to let them know they were there for them. Personally. The group was led by the middle-aged woman with the blonde hair. Lousewies had a faint, wry, smile on her face. the tour passed the Indian neighbourhood, which had not yet been cleaned up. My goodness… she stopped walking and her eyes turned cold as she watched the remains of the once colourful part of the city. Her throat became dry, and she felt the sore feeling around her eyes of tears coming up. ”Be professional,” she thought. But the people in the streets could clearly see the moist in her eyes. The new Knootian prime-minister rubbed her noseridges and moved on.

Further down the road a little girl of about 6 years stood on the paveway in front of her parents, two intellectuals who were wearing second-hand clothing. The girl, dressed in a coat more suited for winter, had a small purple-white-green flag clenched in her first. When Lousewies saw her she, again, stopped and approached the girl. She approached the child and bowed over her, petting her shoulder and whispering a few kind words. Then she went on to the Binnenhof.

She walked past a delegation of the foreign workers who had come to aid in the rebuilding of Knootoss. She shook hands with the foremen who stood side by side: aid workers from SATO nations, but also detachements from CACE members. Good that you are here Lousewies said to one of the Asian-looking foremen in quirky Xiuangese. They all had been working vigorously to help in the rebuilding of Knootoss and the prime minister spoke many words of thanks.

People were clapping now as the ministers went on, not cheering yet silently but appreciative. The eyes of the nation were on the promising young politician who had grown into a stateswoman.

The wooden door to the old room of the nights in the Binnenhof opened and she went inside…

(OOC: to be continued as soon as speech is finished :P )

*morning bump*

Ridderzaal, The Binnenhof, The Hague

The ridderzaal was willed with officials, members of parliament and foreign dignitaries. Lousewies entered the room and gasped for a moment. She had been here before on the third Tuesday of September, ”but these people are all here for me. And I am going to be the one to deliver the speech. Wow.” She looked around, scanning the room while slowly moving to her seat at the head of the room.

She settled in what once had been the throne of the King of the Netherlands and let her hands glide over the supports for a moment. The chattering in the room stopped and the members of parliament now listened intently.


“Members of Parliament,

The international and national developments in the last year have increased the uncertainties in our daily existence. War, political unrest and other forms of violence have stricken many Knootians. The Shadow War has been a blow to our country in every way imaginable. Politically, culturally, economically and morally

In this new year, we must seek to build a new future. Our goal is clear: to build a sustainable society.

The new government seeks the freedom for everyone to develop in their own way and to live by their own standards and values. While Knootoss is at this time a very free society, more is needed for free and personal development than the formal, liberal freedoms. Personal freedom must be given content. That is why we need to create a social framework for society, such as high-quality and accessible health care and even better education in a well-functioning constitutional state which provides safety, work and social security. Maximum influence and participation of involved citizens are needed for all the social institutions. The government also sees the need to express solidarity with those people who, for whatever reason, can not actively take part in society.

The government will take steps to improve the Social Welfare system while retaining our economic welfare. Social welfare must not become a hammock, but we should provide a safety net without holes. The government also seeks to solidify our freedom internationally. We will begin a major campaign together with industries to increase the exports of recreational drugs. Participation in the WBO treaty limiting international trade of recreational narcotic substances will have to be re-evaluated.

Every sentient being is fundamentally equal and has the possibility to take responsibility for his/her own way of life. Everyone should have equal chances to manage ones life according to ones convictions and preferences. The life of humans and other sentients, public and private, takes place in a natural environment. Life is only possible thanks of this natural environment. It is the resource and the frontier of human and sentient development. We must preserve our natural environment because once lost, it cannot be recovered.

The government will introduce new legislation to regulate business and improve the environment. Production and life must become more durable trough the introduction of durable, sustainable technologies. The programme for environmental public transport initiated by the LSFR will be revitalised and expanded to other public sectors. The environment is an international affair, and simply taking domestic measures is not enough. Internationally we will have to push for global measures to improve the environment, even at the expense of some industries. The government will draft a plan to make international economies more environmentally friendly. The WBO will be one of the international forums were measures will be proposed, but we also seek to work together with other organisations who have a commitment to environmentally friendly solutions, as a clean future is in the common interest of all.

In order to be truly free, we must limit the undue corporate influence on our personal lives. Also in the light of last elections, corporate donations to political parties will be banned. While we recognise the positive contributions corporations have it also should be made clear that they are not above the law in the Democratic Republic. The government will also begin an inquiry in foreign stakes in the Knootian private sector. When needed the government may have to actively intervene in the economy.

The new government aims at a further democratisation of society and of the political system. People should have the supervision over power. Our government believes that Knootians are able and willing to work at a peaceful society. This government believes in the creativity of people. Whenever possible, people should be able to arrange their own affairs near home. I ask the people in Knootoss to work together with the government in an open atmosphere to find concrete answers to the problems in our society.”

The chairman of parliament stood up and yelled loudly, for all to hear: “Long Live the Democratic Republic! “

Resounding in the halls all Knootians shouted: “Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! »

The new Knootian anthem was played and everyone sang along : (OOC: Tune of the Russian anthem)

United Forever in Friendship and Labour,
Our mighty Republic will ever endure.
The Great land of Knootoss will Live through the Ages.
The Dream of a People their fortress secure.

CHORUS:
Long Live our Knootian Motherland, built by the People's mighty hand.
Long Live our People, United and Free.
Strong in our Friendship tried by fire. Long may our Purple Flag Inspire,
Shining in Glory for all Men to see.

Through Days dark and stormy where Great Vogels Lead us
Our Eyes saw the Bright Sun of Freedom above
and Lousewies our Leader with Faith in the People,
Inspired us to Build up the Land that we Love.

CHORUS:
Long Live our Knootian Motherland, built by the People's mighty hand.
Long Live our People, United and Free.
Strong in our Friendship tried by fire. Long may our Purple Flag Inspire,
Shining in Glory for all Men to see.

We fought for the Future, destroyed the invader,
and Brought to our Homeland the Laurels of Fame.
Our Glory will live in the Memory of Nations
and All Generations will Honour Her Name.

CHORUS:
Long Live our Knootian Motherland, built by the People's mighty hand.
Long Live our People, United and Free.
Strong in our Friendship tried by fire. Long may our Purple Flag Inspire,
Shining in Glory for all Men to see.

>allied / neutral nations insert reactions of any officials here. Others can also comment of course but cannot claim to be in the room.<

...but also detachements from CACE members.

ooc: who?

President Villanova clicked off the transmission. While Washington was there in person, he had wanted to watch the speech himself rather than wait for an analysis.

Predictable - with the left-wing government taking power they would likely attempt many reforms. The question was - how successful would they be without damaging their economy? Sacrifices had to be made, and as he knew the things that seemed so little had long and deep impacts. Politicians looked at studies and white papers stating impact, but they were seeing what they wanted to see. Could Knootoss maintain that balance? Maybe - they were a smart people. Something to watch though.

The government also seeks to solidify our freedom internationally. We will begin a major campaign together with industries to increase the exports of recreational drugs. Participation in the WBO treaty limiting international trade of recreational narcotic substances will have to be re-evaluated.

Knootian-Syskeyian relations are about to turn for the worse.

Through Days dark and stormy where Great Vogels Lead us
Our Eyes saw the Bright Sun of Freedom above
and Lousewies our Leader with Faith in the People,
Inspired us to Build up the Land that we Love.

OK, you put your current politicians in your national anthem!?! :?

Or is it a "insert current leader here" thing? ;)

Also "Great Vogels?" The same guy who seduced college boys? "Great" Vogels, yeah, sure. :roll:

P.S. Does this take place after the festivities in Lavenrunz? 'Cause my national leader is at the celebration. Once I know the info I'll RP the leders' reactions.

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

Shortly (~one day) after the speech, a DA businessman, together with an EI businessman, met together... after a short conversation, they decided to meet some people in the provisional government... tomorrow.

...but also detachements from CACE members.

ooc: who?

Celdonia has aid workers present in Knootoss, and it appears that senior representatives of the relevant agencies have been invited to attend. Whilst Celdonia has left the descision [to attend or not] to the individuals concerned, they do not represent the Celdonian government.

Celdonian Foreign Ministry

Knootoss has come through fire. We congratulate the new government on its return and its far-sighted policy, and are prepared to offer volunteer labourers for reconstruction if needed. We are sure that the experience of foreign occupation will help Knootians value their freedoms still more, just as former colonized countries learned to value our freedom. Congratulations to Knootoss Democrata.
Violeta Bi Bere
People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights

As Loesewies van der Laan spoke, her words were repeated i whispered voices, translated into the impenetrable native language of those Xikuangese attendants who did not understand them. As her speech finished, they readily joined the cheers of the Knootossians, listening in respectful silence as the new anthem was sung.

Niya Yangchenla, the foreman to whom Loesewies had spoken, nodded approvingly towards the new Prime Minister. Change comes slowly, but these are bold steps forward. I wish you every success. she thought, hoping her sentiments would show in the smile she wore. The last few days had been hard work and coloured with sadness at the destruction and desecration of Knootoss's old city. The Knootossians had need now of hope for a better future-- something van der Laan seemed set to help them achieve. The days and months to follow would show whether or not she would be able to deliver, but the spirit showed here by her people auspiced well.

OOC: tnx for the support @supporters. And yes, it takes place after the party and probably also after the kidnap @sys.

I have little time for RP anymore with school but I will be making these proposals etc. as I get the time...

http://www.halcrow.com/images/industrypollution1.gif
Knootoss to push for WBO environment resolution

KNOOTCAP – During the parliamentary sessions that followed the Day of the Republic presentation of the new government programme by the prime-minister, Lousewies van der Laan announced that the government would be pleading for environmental projects and regulations by the World Business Organization.

The Knootian government, having set the goal of "a sustainable society" has set the environment as a new priority, and also urges for reform on the international level. “Global Environmental problems cannot be solved on a national level: international action by the NS world’s major economies is essential”, the prime-minister said during the debates. She said that there ultimately should be a WBO resolution on the matter, though she did not want to commit herself to concrete targets.

The regulations should encompass several fields. Firstly, the WBO governments would have to set an example by making the government inner workings more environmentally friendly. The prime-minister highlighted the environmentally friendly LSFR Public Transport system. She pointed out that it had been a huge success in Knootoss, and urged for it’s introduction in other WBO nations. “Knootoss has a lot of know-how to offer in this field that should be made available to other nations.” Other examples included more efficient water management and forms of clean energy. However the prime-minister stressed that part of her plans also encompassed environmental regulations for industry to combat excesses.

When confronted with questions from conservative RCPK MP’s, Minister of Economic Affairs Brinkhorst explained why this is a task for the WBO: “While at first glance it would appear that this is not within the jurisdiction of the World Business Organisation there in fact already is an environmental clause in the WBO charter.” The minister was referring to a section of the charter which states that the “WBO also discourages irresponsible business (…) or blatant disrespect for the environment.”

Political analysts view the proposals as fulfilling the KGP input into the new government programme. During the debates Green leader Femke Halsema expressed her strong appreciation for the governments proposals. “Finally the SLP sees that it can accomplish more when working together with us for a more durable society.”
-------

OOC: Also posted on the WBO proceedings forum and the CACE diplomatic lounge to get it on the news there :wink:

OOC: according to the nation description Knootoss is now also "notable for its devotion to social welfare". Entering left-leaning college state soon (I hope)

Lady Adriana Hanse keeps track of the Knootian news with a rabid interest. It was predictable that a left-leaning government would arise after the end of Knootian Civil War. The people would wish to distance themselves as far as possible from the right-wing conservatism espoused by Dick Tator and his neo-Nazis.
Adriana pages her secretary.
A young man enters, "My Lady?"
"Try and arrange an observation box for me at the next parliament covening it might be best if I observed this new government personally."
"Yes, My Lady."

OOC: Did I miss the tea RP? If so I am sorry, I have been very busy.

OOC: just replied to the tea RP. Enyoy it, it's Tanah Burung import. :wink:

Where is the tea RP? Would hate to miss Tanah Burungian tea.

OOC: It's right here. (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=71195&start=60)

Still remains from Colonial times I suppose... Prime Minister Vogels was known to have a large private stash, but his own family lived there when he was young. Grandfather was in the colonial government... All IC.

Oh yeah... and any of us likely to be at the tea? Given it may be the last time any of us speak to you for a while... :(

Oh yeah... and any of us likely to be at the tea? Given it may be the last time any of us speak to you for a while... :(

OOC:
It's a planned private meeting with the Valinon people by their request. But you are mentioned in a megauberpost by me in a thread called "Vrak communicates with Der Angst". Shows Xiuangese aid workers. I guess that if the motion passes they will have to leave as well.

:cry: Indeed. I was really dissapointed with dr. Xu's second speech really. And so are the Knootian people in the Celdonian CACE HQ.

Please read: http://invisionfree.com/forums/CACE/index.php?showtopic=331

Your intelligence agency also has a message in it's inbox in that post

ooc: I read the post and just posted my reply. Yes, we're upset about it as well-- we very much do not want to break off relations with Knootoss, especially now that Knootoss is moving so far towards ideals we like. Our aid workers will be as sad about being withdrawn as we will be back home about withdrawing them. But the situation is awfully serious, and we will stand by our allies in the CACE.

A bit of daily television on KNN:

…”But I had never heard that you could also invest in Leemans&Co Short Sea Shipping. Knootian flag, high returns.
(Narrator) Leeman&Co, excellence in Short Sea Shipping.”

(Cool guy) “Hey! Have a Pink Bunny Cola! Chicks dig Pink Bunny Cola.
*Cool guy wipes PBC off his mouth and kisses pretty girl*
… “Ah, that was good.”
*Pink Bunny Cola logo appears*
(Narrator) “If you drink it, you’ll just want to hop to the store for more”

*Ti ti ti tit tit ti ti ti ti ti tit bang!*
You’re watching KNN, the headlines.

(KNN Newsanchor) “Good afternoon. Government just announced it has bought 60 percent of KLM shares, effectively nationalising the Knootiaanse Luchtvaart Maatchappij. Despite longstanding rumours, the move was kept secret until yesterday when the KLM board and government officials from the ministry of Economic affairs finalised their secret negotiations. Minister of economic affairs Brinkhorst, usually a staunch supporter of liberalisation, said the move was “necessary to protect the nations vital industries from undue foreign control”. He did not specifically mention the Angstian/Endlessian holding group controlling large parts of the Knootian economy, yet experts believe this is part of his fight to regain domestic control.

The major Knootian and Dutch airline, while having been brought under government control got assurances that is would be completely free to operate. The airline may now style itself “Republican KLM” and is entitled to get low-interest loans from government and will get advantages in landing rights across the Democratic Republic and it’s protectorates.

The government also announced that, in the interest of cultural exchange, subsidies per-passenger will be granted to flights on Tanah Burung. This is expected to increase tourism to the former Knootian colony.

Government also has unconfirmed plans to take a stake in the nations other main industries, such as the recreational drugs industry and the media. Noted names were KNN, Telegraaf Uitgeverij book publishing, the Peoples Paper and Pure RecDrug Incorporated, Shares from rumoured companies rose sharply after the news leaked.

------

A 29-year-old man was arrested today after he allegedly used his Drion suicide pills on someone else. The man was accused by hospital personnel of feeding the thee-stage pill to his demented and hospitalised mother over a period of days. No motive for the alleged crime is known.

Scientists are debating whether the pill would actually have killed the woman, as the legal Drion suicide pills are genetically tailored to fit a single person. However because of the close genetic match between mother and son the pill might still be effective. Whether this factors into the charges remains to be seen.

------------

The SeOCC motion in the Coalition of AntiCapitalist Economies is progressing steadily, and most member nations are suspected to support a complete freezing of diplomatic relations between CACE and the WBO/SATO member nations. The vote moves on despite attempts at intervention by the Knootian government. An official stated that this would be “a highly inadvisable move on the part of CACE”, as it would remove all prospects of lasting peace.

Knootian Parliament is to debate the situation after the vote ends, and conservative RCPK MP’s are already arguing that the government should reposition itself again, and move in for closer relations with Menelmacar instead. Frits Bolkestein: “The prime minister doesn’t realise yet that the lefties don’t want her. They prefer isolating themselves and are pushed around by Sea-OKK. Well, I say we focus on our real allies such as SATO and notably Menelmacar. I am sure that if we are kind enough Lady Sirithil will forgive us now, but if we continue on this road we are really making a mockery of our own foreign policy.”

The Green KGP state-secretary of foreign affairs defended her policy, stating the vote had not yet passed. However there is increased criticism on her from parties inside parliament and if CACE indeed breaks off relations she may lose SLP support and will have to resign. Indeed, the affair threatens to break the entire credibility of the new green representation in government, especially as environmental reforms are still lagging behind.

----------------

In related news, pressure on government from community lobby groups to approve the colonial charter is increasing. The various communities who want to leave Knootoss in the wake of the shadow war have grown in size and now have thousands of members who want to settle in as-yet uninhabited parts of Aperin. Notably two small Christian communities have
been pushing for the rapid establishment of settlements. They claim that the new colony, Nieuw-Nederland, is rightfully theirs to settle as no other nation has claimed the ground as of now.

In advance of the decision, the groups have already prepared colony ships, which are to be used in settling on the continent. The ships, the Reinland, Lavenrunz and Hollands Glorie are already in the final stages of construction and a community spokesperson has threatened to go regardless of permission.

The Knootian military has already dispatched a small taskforce led by the battleship KDF Zhakarov to the region, officially on an antiterrorist mission.

Now over to the stock market…”

*Fast tune*
(Female voice) Economia is brought to you by the Endlessresearchgroup.

(Economy newsman) “And shares have been going up and down today, as the news is mixed. KLM, or rather Republican KLM now, has risen sharply after the generous government takeover bid as you can see here.” *points to charts*

“In response to rumours of more government takeovers KNN shares rose 5,4%. The rumoured takeover spree caused Telegraaf Uitgeverij to rise a sharp 15,2%, the Peoples Paper was deemed less likely for takeover and rose 4,1%. Taking into account the measures already promised by government Pure RecDrug Incorporated is hinted as a serious candidate and rose a shocking 36%. This number is unprecedented in the corporation’s history. However shareholders also took into account the Pure RecDrug announcement that heroin and XTC sales had gone up sharply after the shadow war.

For the most part however, shareholders are, completely disregarding domestic news and focussing instead on what is happening in Menelmacar. The strong Euro is still expected to strain exports to Lodoss due to higher prices, keeping down the Knootian stock market. The Menelmacari credit now buys at…

The government also announced that, in the interest of cultural exchange, subsidies per-passenger will be granted to flights on Tanah Burung. This is expected to increase tourism to the former Knootian colony.

In response to the news, the Sunny Tanah Burung Tourism Bureau has negotiated permission for visas for Knootian citizens to be freely extendable for up to one year, compared to the previous six months. The government of Tanah Burung is also prepared to consider favourably any applications for permanent residence from Knootians formerly resident in Tanah Burung. We believe this will remove one of the last irritants in our bilateral relations.

Confidential communication from Rosa Almeida, people's representative for co-operatives & economic affairs, to stae secretary for foreign affairs Femke Halsema:

"Some time ago, the previous government of Knootoss offered a free trade agreement between our countries. We were not able to accept the offer at that time. However, changes in political & economic conditions may now make some economic ties advantageous. We would be prepared at this time to conclude an agreement for free trade in food products (including all foodstuffs, wine, beer and narcotics). Please let us know if this is of interest to your government. And please be assured of our highest regard for your current course of action, and our determination to lend any support necessary."

The government also announced that, in the interest of cultural exchange, subsidies per-passenger will be granted to flights on Tanah Burung. This is expected to increase tourism to the former Knootian colony.

In response to the news, the Sunny Tanah Burung Tourism Bureau has negotiated permission for visas for Knootian citizens to be freely extendable for up to one year, compared to the previous six months. The government of Tanah Burung is also prepared to consider favourably any applications for permanent residence from Knootians formerly resident in Tanah Burung. We believe this will remove one of the last irritants in our bilateral relations.

In a public statement, the Knootian tourist association welcomed the news and expressed it's gratitude towards Tanah Burung officials for the new opportunities this would create.

The ministry of foreign affairs also commended the move to allow more applications for permanent residence. The migration office reported a sharp increase of elderly people applying to remigrate to Tanah Burung under the new procedure. One of the more famous migrants being members of the Vogels family. (OOC: former Prime minister)

Confidential communication from Rosa Almeida, people's representative
for co-operatives & economic affairs, to stae secretary for foreign affairs Femke Halsema:

"Some time ago, the previous government of Knootoss offered a free trade agreement between our countries. We were not able to accept the offer at that time. However, changes in political & economic conditions may now make some economic ties advantageous. We would be prepared at this time to conclude an agreement for free trade in food products (including all foodstuffs, wine, beer and narcotics). Please let us know if this is of interest to your government. And please be assured of our highest regard for your current course of action, and our determination to lend any support necessary."

(OOC: Halsema is the leader of the Green party in parliament, but never mind. She'll act as state-secretary for now then. But this one is relayed to the ministry of economic affairs. :wink: )

We are always glad that there is support for our government policies abroad. Acceptance of policies by the international community is also a vital part of our government strategy. The propsed agreement is warmly accepted. I believe there is great opportunity for mutual trade, from both sides. In Knootoss Tanah Burung tea is still considered a delicacy, and spices have been needed since the first Knootians set foot on Tanah Burung soil. On our behalf, Knootoss is not a major producer of agricultural goods and we, in fact, rely on imports but we do have some specialties that may be worth your attention. I have spoken with a representative of Pink Bunny Cola inc. about your offer and he said the company would be most eager to establish sellingpoints in your nation.

Pure RecDrug Incorporated is always interested in expanding thier narcotic markets, but we have agreed only to allow them if a seperate trade agreement is signed, considering the ethical problems some nations have with the use of recreational drugs. However the medicinal industry also has other organiations which specialises in medicin, such as HIV-inhibitors or antidotes. There also is a wide array of companies specialising in all sorts of treatments.

As for Beer, the central Grolsch brewery has been bombed in the shadow war but it is expected to be up and running in three years.

If the agreement works out to our mutual satisfaction we may, perhaps, expand it in the future.

~LJ Brinkhorst
Minister of Economic affairs.

Puppetstate BUMP

And bumparoo...

The ministry of foreign affairs also commended the move to allow more applications for permanent residence. The migration office reported a sharp increase of elderly people applying to remigrate to Tanah Burung under the new procedure. One of the more famous migrants being members of the Vogels family. (OOC: former Prime minister)

TIGA BURUNG (PTBI) -- In a gesture of reconciliation, people's representative for territorial defence Mau Kiri Rai today personally delivered a permit of permanent residence to Wim Vogels, the eldest member of his family to apply for a residency permit. The Vogels family is notorious for its role in the former Knootian colonial administration of Tanah Burung.

"This marks the end of our hostility with the former colonial power," said Mau Kiri Rai, an elderly former guerrilla fighter in the country's war of independence. "The wounds of the past are behind us; we set out today on the path of forgiveness and friendship."


We are always glad that there is support for our government policies abroad. Acceptance of policies by the international community is also a vital part of our government strategy. The propsed agreement is warmly accepted. I believe there is great opportunity for mutual trade, from both sides. In Knootoss Tanah Burung tea is still considered a delicacy, and spices have been needed since the first Knootians set foot on Tanah Burung soil. On our behalf, Knootoss is not a major producer of agricultural goods and we, in fact, rely on imports but we do have some specialties that may be worth your attention. I have spoken with a representative of Pink Bunny Cola inc. about your offer and he said the company would be most eager to establish sellingpoints in your nation.

Pure RecDrug Incorporated is always interested in expanding thier narcotic markets, but we have agreed only to allow them if a seperate trade agreement is signed, considering the ethical problems some nations have with the use of recreational drugs. However the medicinal industry also has other organiations which specialises in medicin, such as HIV-inhibitors or antidotes. There also is a wide array of companies specialising in all sorts of treatments.

As for Beer, the central Grolsch brewery has been bombed in the shadow war but it is expected to be up and running in three years.

If the agreement works out to our mutual satisfaction we may, perhaps, expand it in the future.

~LJ Brinkhorst
Minister of Economic affairs.

(ooc: i'm aware that offering trade in agricultural products is greatly once-sided -- it's an attempt to capialize on "the politics of guilt" and get access to your agricultural markets without giving up much in return. Also, don't want to hijack your thread too much with this.)

Tea is only the beginning. We can also offer natural rubber, syrup, medical raw materials from the rain forest, nuts, bananas, coffee, beef, pork, cassava, coconuts, all types of vegetable and legume, etc. All products are produced by agricultural cooperatives using no pesticides of any type, organic farming, and the highest environmental standards.

Pink Bunny Cola is a legal products in Tanah Burung, although our experts have determined it has minimal nurtitional value. We are currently not able to lower tariffs on this product. It may however continue to be sold. We are afriad that foreign investment of any type is banned, so a PBC operation in our country would not be possible.

We are prepared to conclude an agreement for free trade in narcotics immediately. Since neither of our countries has any objection to mood-altering substances, this should not present a problem. Our products incldue extensive marijuana cultivation, opium poppies and products, Burung Bud Brew (beer enhanced with marijuana), and various psychedilics and hallucinogenics including Rain Forest Punch ("a punch to your synapses!"). Beer production in Tanah Burung is extensive, although wine and spirits are rare.

(OOC: agreement accepted of course. And BUMP)

We welcome this news with glad hearts. With is diplomacy-speak for "bump."

Some cultural news:

Cinetour10-24 Aug. promotes Knootian-made movies and culture

Two weeks of celebrating Knootian film heritage kicks off this weekend. The aims are to get mostly younger people to enjoy more Knootian and Dutch films - which is to say, films from other countries in Nederland. The Knootian culture commissioner Rolf Holland says Cinetour is about making people like their own national productions and their neighbours'.

There are also seminars, debates and special television programming to fill out the experience blitz, in hundreds of cinemas, festival venues and schools across Knootoss. The Amsterdam Film Festival director Frederik de Waal’s advice is to remember the lighter side: "Sure it's our culture, but we could do like the Angstians a bit when you throw culture at them they always say, 'no, it's entertainment.'"

Rare is the Knootian film, such as De Waarheid, which with 34 million euros in receipts broke records with runaway success in the WBO nations. On the other hand, at least seven out of ten movie tickets sold in Knootoss are for foreign films. Cinetour will try to instil a different reflex in Knootians.

21st century pop music a taxing political question
Platinum calibre artists are working to persuade Knootian politicians that tax on compact discs is strangling sales - they need a shot of oxygen. While the finance minister and the CPB discuss the effects of changes, entertainment industry executives have been lobbying the Knootian Parliament.

He calls Knootian VAT rates on music a life and death issue for the business. "There is a real discrimination between music and all other forms of expression. Do we consider in Knootoss that Shakespeare, Umberto Eco, Nietzsche or Victor Hugo have a value 15% more than Beethoven, Edith Piaf or the Beatles?"

VAT on music in the Democratic Republic is around 20 percent on average but roughly four on books. Laws are to be implemented that will allow a reduced rate of sales tax (VAT) for cultural products such as books and cinema tickets, but not sound recordings.

Parliament has been listening to the industry's complaints about falling sales, and will take a position after the Central Planning Bureau has advised the Broad Coalition and the ministry of Education, Culture and the Sciences whether tax rules should be changed.

OOC: semi-stolen. But nicer then “BUMP”