NationStates Jolt Archive

Parliament hall, The Hague, the Democratic Republic of Knootoss
The blue seats in parliament hall were all filled, as all 200 members of Parliament were present in what was rumoured to be a historic meeting. Politicians flocked into the hallowed halls of Democracy like vultures that smelled political blood. Swarming around them like parasitic insects. They too smelled change as they fired their questions at the plagued politicians.

http://www.rnw.nl/achtergronden/assets/images/tweede-kamer-vol-230.jpg

Inside
The voice of the old chairman sounded a bit tired as the meeting went into it’s second hour “... next on the agenda as put forward by the RCPK. ‘Cutting contacts with the CACE’ with questions as put forward by Mr. Bolkestein.” The attention of the MPs immediately went up and they straightened their backs and put away their papers.

The conservative had his best suit on, and he was very much aware of all the cameras pointing at him. Bolkestein grinned. For months he had been lurking in what was de-facto the marginalized opposition, largely irrelevant. He had almost longed for his old job in the UTP council until this opportunity came along. He cherished the moment and walked calmly to the stand. He spoke with the typical confident Dutch version of a cockney accent: “Mr. Chairman. I would like to bring to your attention the worsening situation with the CACE, and more notably the Knootian-Anticapitalist relations, which have reached an all-time low. Parliament was informed only yesterday that ambassador Melkert has withdrawn from Celdonia and that this probably only preceded expulsion. Valuable time and resources have been diverted to facilitate discussions with the CACE and while they may have been partly successful in some countries the organisation as a whole remains hostile. All of this leads my party to conclude that the CACE policy has failed.”

The conservative put emphasis on the word ‘failed’ and assumed a dramatic pause before continuing. “Mr. Chairman, while we are discussing this and while the state-secretary seeks a dialogue that is doomed to fail Knootian colonists are still waiting for a decision by the government on their colonising of uninhabited parts of Aperin. For months now this decision has been bogged down in committees and still we have no decision. Mr. Chairman I see these events as being related as obviously the state-secretary has been doing this in the interest of preserving relations. With contacts cut, obviously this is not an issue anymore. My questions for the state-secretary of foreign affairs are:
-Does the state-secretary agree that the CACE policy has failed?
-Does the state-secretary draw personal conclusions from the consequences of her policy?
-Will the state-secretary urge the committees to finish their studies on the colonial question in three weeks? And if not it is not possible within that time period we ask the state secretary to present her findings until then to parliament and leave the decision to us.”

OOC: I’ll continue this as soon as I finish writing it. This is indented to bring about a change of policy and as always you have a say. Groundrules are that if you are an allied or friendly nation you can have national leaders, officials etc present in parliament hall. All nations can have (unarmed) journalists who can ask questions to the politicians outside (where everyone is going after the meeting is finished) Everyone can give thoughts and there is a public live-feed from parliament to the rest of the world. If anyone wants to do more meddling that is possible too but ask first please.

OOC:

Okay, I think that I will officially give you the codename: "Balkans #2" :wink:

OOC: Woohoo! *Meddles*...

IC:

"The question is: If Knootoss breaks off relations with CACE will it lead to war?" Villanova sat as his desk watching the feed. His advisor, and likely the next president, sat on the couch along with Admiral Filbeck and Ambassador Dover. Dover would be leaving for Knootoss to be the woman on the ground.

Edwin mulled it over for a moment. "Possible. It doesn't seem likely though based on what we are seeing here. I don't have all the intelligence at my fingertips though. Of course, if Bolkestein continues to press the point publicly, he may annoy CACE to the point where they feel they need to teach someone a lesson.

I would be more concerned about a single operation against Bolkestein at this point. Remember the Shadow war - Tator's death was more responsible for the war than any other action. Anything that happens to Bolkestein could spark something similar."

Edwin sat back, guessing that Filbeck was about to speak. She stood at the opportunity, and began to pace.

"Part of the reaction last time may have been based on the large amount of friendly and unfriendly forces that were positioned nearby and itching for a fight. Even if Edwin is right, I think we should quietly discourage forces from being positioned nearby just in case something does happen. This will give Knootoss time to try to solve the problem diplomatically before fleets start showing up. If something does happen..."

Fidelo looked over his console. "So perhaps we should be ready, if someone does declare war, but keep them here. Hopefully out of sight, out of mind. What do you think Dover?"

"Honestly, I want to get the feeling on the ground. See what the reaction is of the CACE representatives is to this speech. Prepare your ships, but let's not make it seem as though we are ready to go to war at the drop of a hat."

"Reasonable," Villanova replied. "You will be leaving immediately for Knootoss I assume. When you get there, feel free to request any help you need from our assets in the area."

"I will. Admiral, Mr. President, Mr. Smytheson, good day to you." Dover stood and left, while Villanova shot a message to the Luna group regarding Dover's arrival and permissions.

It was late in Torrhall, espcially in the Residenz. A young woman looked up from her pile of papers at the servent entering the room. Behind him was a Lord Llewyn, Speaker of The FKC Parliment.
"Ah, what brings you here this late in the evening?" She asked the Key as he sat down in an old but comforatble chair.

"I was wondering if any of you on the Privy Council had finished up the agreements between Der Angst, Knotoss over the Tzar's little adventure."
He asked as he brushed down some of his fur. (yes fur)

"Hmm, no not really. The whole thing is a diplomatic mess really, and with Parliment on vacation well things have been hetic for some of us. Hell the President was going insane about some idiotic request about how to make walrus burgers..."

"Well, it appears that Knotoss is debating breaking with CACE, I'm concerned about the Tzar deciding to get even for losing so much. And without a national non-agression agreement, holding him back is going to be problematic at best..."

"Damn..." The youngest known Consul of the FKC looked out her window and sighed. This job had gotten immesurably harder...

OOC:
-Tarasovka: proudly accepts name as "pacifist powderkeg of Nationstates." *almost expects Tarasovkian spies*
-SunsetDover is welcome in Knootoss of course. You do seem to expect the worst immediately :wink:
-Alcona and Hubris: I think the Tzar hates both the CACE and us equally. As we are both evil commies.

Anyways, I finished the second part of the debate...

The stand in Parliament hall
The new state-secretary of the green KGP, Farah Karimi, took the stand. Born originally in Islamic Ummah and or Iranian ethnicity, she had immigrated into Knootoss as a political refugee less then 20 years ago. With the rise of the greens into government she had suddenly become responsible for foreign affairs, under an SLP minister but still. Aperin and CACE policy had been hers all along and last week it seemed as if all ideals in her field were simply fading away.

“Go Farah!” green leader Femke Halsema silently mouthed to the stand as she put her documents in the correct order. Karimi was nervous; Why has van Mierlo been avoiding me all day? she wondered. The chairman interrupted her thoughts: “The state secretary will now answer Mr. Bolkesteins questions.”

Karimi spoke with a timid and slightly outlandish accent: “Mr Chairman, esteemed members of parliament. The choices I made in the policy towards CACE have everything to do with the vision I have for the future between us. It is based on the pillars of international cooperation, human rights, peace and security and international solidarity. I belief this is the right policy.

Change can take place only when the Knootian, liberal and radical anticapitalist pressures are both strong. I may speak as a representative not only of my party but also for our government in Knootoss when I say that we have always recognized the debt we owe to these radicals, whose existence permits us to push further than we would otherwise have dared, all the while posing as compromisers and mediators.”

She saw Bolkestein making his way to the interruption microphone, and conscious of this she continued hastily: “The anticapitalists, however, have been somewhat less sensible of their political debt to us. This is partly because of the rather single-minded discipline they are almost forced to maintain, plagued as they always are by our liberal backsliding and timidity on the one hand and various forms of self-destructiveness and romantic posing on the other.... Our reforms and their radical change are thus complementary rather than antagonistic. Together they make it possible continually to test the limits of what can be done. We never know whether the door is unlocked because we are afraid to try it. The radicals in the CACE, on the other hand, miss many opportunities for small advances because they are unwilling to settle for so little.”

Frits Bolkestein had been tapping the interruption microphone repeatedly and now the chairman recognised this. With a cleverly faked annoyance he said: “Mr. Chairman these are all very nice philosophies but I am a man of practical consequences. I simply want to know from the state-secretary: has her appeasement policy failed?!” Bolkestein closed his mike and walked back to his front seat.

Farah Karimi’s face became a bit pale. She had considerably less experience receiving criticism as she has had giving it as a member of the opposition. Her voice trailed a bit: “yes... I mean, no. I admit that there have been setbacks. Severe setbacks, but there still is hope for the future. I believe that we still can have open relations with nations such as Xiuang who have even offered a place to host our ambassador. I am convinced that from there we can work to restore ties. Diplomatic means still haven’t been exhausted and the Xiuangese are yet to send a delegation to talk with Der Angst. So no, I do not think that the policy has failed. This immediately answers your second question; I do not intend to draw personal conclusions over this.

Bolkestein grinned slyly and then distinctly looked at the leader of the SLP party in parliament: Boris Dittrich. The liberal, a smaller, man with curly hair, ignored the look and was looking quite grim as the debate progressed.

“To answer the last question regarding the studies on the colonial charter. I believe it is of vital importance that the proposals and requests be studied thoroughly. This will not be finished within three weeks and I believe it would be highly unwise to let all their good work be for nothing.” Karimi thought as she observed Bolkestein: “He’s awfully certain of himself.”

Then Dittrich stepped forward: first man of the SLP, which was once again the largest party in Knootoss since the demise of the party of Dick Tator. His face had become even more grim and he carried a paper from which he was obviously going to read the social-liberal parties position…

(OOC: To be continued again in a moment)
(OOC: paraphrased Phillip Slater in paragraph 3/4,)

LRR would be glad to send a negotiating team to Knotoos to prevent armed conflict if you require one. If an armed conflict arises, all refugees may be vectored to LRR ships and stations, and will be protected by LRR frigates if necessary.

LRR would be glad to send a negotiating team to Knotoos to prevent armed conflict if you require one. If an armed conflict arises, all refugees may be vectored to LRR ships and stations, and will be protected by LRR frigates if necessary.
OOC: If you want to know if there is even going to be an armed conflict you are welcome to send journalists/spies. (as appropriate). Politicians will be availiable for interviews after the debate...

#First CACE Tag#

In the United States of Free Socialism, many citizens read the transcripts from the Knootian discussions on this matter relayed to them from the Foreign Politics News Beurau with rising interest, especially the more fierce supporters of either side in the debates on what the Union's vote in the CACE motion to sever ties with SATO/WBO nations should be...

OOC: Well, Knooty, I believe that you even though you are indeed an objective enemy, are far too sensible to take this to armed conflict. And, anyway, you're not the guy with the largest army, even though you have some more scary-looking buddies. We'll see...

ooc: Knoot, would you consider me 'friendly'? If so I'd quite like our ambassadors to be there.

OOC:
-Xiuangese ambassadors can most certainly be there.
-FS: *smiles mysteriously*

The Motion of Distrust
Social Liberal Party leader Boris Dittrich took the stand, and his message to parliament was short. “Best not to cause unnecessary suffering:” he had thought while writing his contribution to the debate.

“Mr. Chairman. We have put our faith into state-secretary Karimi’s policies since she started her job. There is no use in trying to twist the past to be right in retrospective. My party, too, believed that her policies could be successful. However, we must disagree with the state-secretary now that there are still chances to reach an understanding with the CACE as a whole, with the entire organisation. We will need no excuses, what is done is done and in a democratic system there always is the matter of responsibility. And the consequence of responsibility is always accountability for the things that have gone wrong. I do not think the answers of the state-secretary are satisfying and therefore I have co-signed an RCPK ‘motion of distrust’ against the state-secretary, The SLP party no longer thinks that the state-secretary should take her responsibility and resign per direct. A member of government should at all times have the trust of a majority in parliament and that trust is now gone. The SLP believes that new leadership should salvage what relations we can retain with individual anticapitalist nations, and continue to have cultural exchanges and attempts at reconciliation. But the CACE as an organisation is a lost cause. With time it has degenerated in a mere instrument of the SeOCC corporate machine and we should not contend with being mocked all the time. We must also consider our relations with the international community which have been stained by associating ourselves with the universally loathed SeOCC Front desk.”

The atmosphere in the parliament hall was simmering with tension. With this statement, the fate of the green had been decided. Exit Farah. Femke Halsema was visibly angry as she made her way to the interruption microphone. ”To hell with background talks, this is betrayal!” she thought. Dittrich however closed his statement:

”As for the mater of colonising uninhabited Aperin: we agree with the conservatives as well here. We will ask the new state-secretary to finalise the committee’s agreements and if there are no surprising new finds we intend to vote in favour of that. In this time we must be pragmatic and listen to what our people want…”

The debate continued for hours and hours as the greens fumed their helpless anger. In the end however, the vote was taken and the motion accepted. The politicians all went outside where a teeming mass of journalists was waiting for them….

(OOC: The Xiuangese ambassadors are there and they have first pick as they are allowed inside the building. You can ask questions at all the characters if you want to.)

----

KNN radio:
…resigned over the CACE row will now be replaced with a member of a different party in the broad government. The social-liberal SLP voted in favour of an RCPK motion terminating trust of parliament in the green state-secretary. As her replacement, the name of Galadriël Táralóm of the RCPK is often heard. Her candidacy is controversial in political circles, as she is known as a highly pro-Menelmacari Elf. Táralóm had advocated cutting contacts with the CACE a long time ago and also thinks that Knootoss should join CENNA. Sources within the government tell that Prime Minister Lousewies van der Laan and her SLP party have orchestrated this change of leadership in the Foreign Affairs department after her state visit to Menelmacar last week following the breakdown of relations with the Coalition of Anticapitalist Economies. According to sources, van der Laan had ‘begged for the forgiveness of the High Elentari’ for what she now qualifies as a failed attempt at reconciliation with the CACE.

It is uncertain if the green KGP party is going to accept Karimi’s replacement and the affair may bring the entire liberal-green coalition in jeopardy. If the cabinet were to fall this would be the shortest-lived cabinet in almost 50 years. Green leader Femke Halsema has…

OOC: http://www.digikitten.com/playhousev2/files/Mishgan/SiriFoxBanner.gif

ooc: Aaww, damn you, Knooty! You should at least wait until the CACE body has finished the vote on severing ties with WBO/SATO, it might be a close call.

OOC: Wonder wether I might send some agents to "destabilize" a little bit

THE DOMINION WILL HAVE IT'S REVENGE!

That is the end of my well hiden

*tag*

*Sends journalists*

OOC: First the Tator issue, now this? Can't you stay stable for at least a little bit? ;)

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

ooc: Aaww, damn you, Knooty! You should at least wait until the CACE body has finished the vote on severing ties with WBO/SATO, it might be a close call.
OOC: FS; I can count. Never let the girl dump you: dump her. :wink: And if you read carefully this is not excluding any contact with individual nations...

OOC: Wonder wether I might send some agents to "destabilize" a little bit

THE DOMINION WILL HAVE IT'S REVENGE!

That is the end of my well hiden

*tag*
OOC: You can do that really. but only if you promise to use a spellchecker or get a new keyboard. ;) No errors in this post by the way. Chapeau!
Oh, and no WMDing and stuff. This is a political roleplay. And please take into account the nature of Knootians; if you have ideas TG me about it k?

*Sends journalists*

OOC: First the Tator issue, now this? Can't you stay stable for at least a little bit? ;)

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

OOC: no, stability is boring. :P And besides, democracies like mine are unstable.


IC:
The Syskeyian journalists arrived in The Hague after a pleasant flight hosted by the Republican-KLM airline. They were a bit dazing from the long flight, and a bit confused with the layout of the parliament area. In the end they just followed the other foreign journalists to the parliament entrance...

After waiting for a few hours they saw the politicians coming outside and they ran forward to get a good view.

(OOC: say who you are adressing and ask questions. Simple as that.)

The Xikuangese ambassadors to Knootoss, though largely unknown outside of the Embassy, can be identified as Mr. Gheng Kharhe and Ms. Tqi Ruijie by the designations on their desk. They are accompaied by a tiny, nameless young woman whose sole purpose seems to be to take notes.

"With time it has degenerated in a mere instrument of the SeOCC corporate machine..." "Crabs and confustication." whispered Ruijie to Kharhe, "tell that to Mr. Kham." Her companion nodded, and rose to speak.

"With respect to the honourable Mr. Dittrich, may I speak, insofar as I can, for the CACE, and offer some clarification on the subject of the prospect of Knootian colonies in Aperin. the matter has received little attention of late, and I apologise if this was not clear, because it has been considered quite settled in the CACE Headquarters. While many CACE nations have a policy of not turning away immigrants, it has been established that the creation of a colony functioning under the auspices of any WBO-affiliated government is not practically considerable. Therefore while Knootian citizens are welcome to emigrate to any one of a number of Aperinian nations the creation of a Knootian colony will not be sanctioned. I hope this clears up an confusion on that matter."

Almost immediately after recieving the final translated speech from the FPNB, different citizens started to submit their views on this matter and how they believed that this will, or should, affect USFS policy in the matter.

"The people of SeOCC was right all along.", stated one Rosa Tandagore, a 27-year old bus mechanic from June 13th City. "The whole so-called reform policy within Knootoss has been a way to act as a mouthpiece for the harldine militant capitalists within the WBO/SATO headed by the loathed Menelmacari. As we have apparently seen through their lies, they have cast away their disguise and now openly show their sentiments.

The Union must vote in favour of full isolation from the imperialists! Furthermore, the USFS should advocate more a more aggressive stance against the capitalists, for this will surely strengthen the imperialists and intensify their threats against our freedom and sovereignity.", she continued.

"This clearly shows how hard-line isolationist policies may, and will, back-lash at us!", stated 56-year old Karl Kettunen, book publisher from the municipality of Bakerhill. "We saw how dialogue and openness was about to lessen the oppression of a nation's population, how good relations with the more moderate capitalists might open their eyes. However, our efforts will now surely be thwarted, and the nation will once again be even more backwards!

The Union must vote against severing CACE ties with the WBO/SATO, and then send an ambassadorial council to Knootoss and some of the other, more sensible capitalists, in order to try to repair the situation..."

Other opinions stated that many of the Knootian proletarians would surely flock to the USFS where they might live a more peaceful life, in a true socioeconomic and political democracy, and motioned for the Union to create a fund to help people in capitalist nations to make the trip to the USFS islands; some voiced the opinion that the USFS must now develop a defence force using violent means to defend the nation and it's allies.

After some further opinions, the netfeed repeated the most important parts of the speeches in the Knootian Parliament, after which it stated that, as usual, debate would continue on local, regional and national discussion boards.

OOC: FS; I can count. Never let the girl dump you: dump her. And if you read carefully this is not excluding any contact with individual nations...

A-haa, you're one of those! I always knew you were evil.

Would that go even if you loved the girl...? :cry:

*** edited some errors.

*bump*

K, you mind if i get my ambassador in on this?

Press Tanah Burung International stringers have been waiting outside as the debate proceeds. As the Chamber empties, they try to swarm deputies for comment. The question to any SLP deputies they can reach is: "Are you stabbing your Green partners in the back?"

*Sends journalists*

OOC: First the Tator issue, now this? Can't you stay stable for at least a little bit? ;)

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

OOC: I was thinking the same thing. :)

OOC:

Knoot, two things:

1. There will be no Tarasovkian spies on your territory.

There are already Taraskovyan spies in Knootoss, of course ;)

2. http://www.digikitten.com/playhousev2/files/Mishgan/SiriFoxBanner.gif <--- That smiley was made by me :wink: :D
You smiley thief :roll:

*************************************************************

OOC: Good morning everyone!

I went away last night without saying really, but I am going to incorporate your replies into the next IC post. Now, to get the OOCishness out of the way:

OOC: FS; I can count. Never let the girl dump you: dump her. And if you read carefully this is not excluding any contact with individual nations...

A-haa, you're one of those! I always knew you were evil.

Would that go even if you loved the girl...? :cry:

*** edited some errors.
It's just a saying. I would never do that to a girl IRL. *puts a soundsealing sticker over the mouth of all the IRC people who want to make nasty comments at this point*

K, you mind if i get my ambassador in on this?
Nope, you'll be incorporated in the next post.

OOC:
Knoot, two things:

1. There will be no Tarasovkian spies on your territory.
There are already Taraskovyan spies in Knootoss, of course ;)

2. http://www.digikitten.com/playhousev2/files/Mishgan/SiriFoxBanner.gif <--- That smiley was made by me :wink: :D
You smiley thief :roll:

*************************************************************
- Argh... well I tried. I've been called Knottos and Knotoos and Knootos and 'hey you there' on occasion too. You're not alone. :wink:
-It's a nice smily for this RP. :mrgreen:

“The Island of
Earthly Delights”

Off the Knootian coasts.

Two troopers were sitting in a rather empty cantina watching at the holoprojector in the center of it. One of them was a Taraskovyan NGF, the second one was a Whispering Voices serviceman.
They were talking about something...
Well - at least, the WV soldier was asking and the NGF was... "responding"...

- So, you're an artificial guy, then?

- Yes...

- Oh! A clone? !

- No...

- But... you mean - you are artificially bred?

- Yes...

- Oh... then you have a mother and a father... sort of?

- No...

- But... uhm... nevermind...
But then, are you a full "human", I mean - can you do all the things a normal human can do?

- Yes...

- You mean even the reproductive part?

The NGF trooper gave a tired, annihilating look at the WV soldier...

- Uhm... I take that for a "yes" then...

The NGF turned back to watch the projector. Boy he wished he was on duty right now...

The holoprojector was showing a direct feed on the Knootian parliament, where some CACE related matters were discussed.
And debates seemed to be hitting up.

- Tell me...

- Yes?

- Do you think that will lead to a war with CACE? I mean, I've heard the Grand Duchy has signed some fancy KRS-ONE (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=79656&start=0) treaty with Knootoss...

- Yes... and?

- Well, if CACE attacks Knootoss, will the TNDF intervene?

The NGF looked at the WV soldier.

- The TNDF is already here, represented by a Taraskovyan garrison...
As is a Whispering Voices garrison on the island...
If CACE attacks Knootoss and one bomb lands on the island... CACE will be no more...

- Oh, yes... well, I hope it doesn't come to a war, would be a big loss to get all these funfair rides destroyed...

- You are right...

The two men continued to watch the live feed...

"So, plans to start a mining outpost on Triton are not yet verified...

In other news, the Knootian government decided to change it´s policy towards CACE to confrontation, or at least it seems so. Sources from the associates, as well as from the 'Circle of non- incorporated organisations' say that this new policy seems to be a result of the SeOCC- led confrontation course.

"It is obvious that an organisation that promotes terrorism while saying it acts in the interest of humanity, an organisation that 'wants the worst to allow the good to spread', an organisation that de facto 'declared war on capitalism', an organisation with members that 'fire workers on the spot' and allow corporations to 'finance favoured politicians', an organisation with members that develop 'class societies', while at the same time claiming being communist simply CANNOT survive. The hypocrisy kills it.

[ooc: All SeOCC]

The total failure of their diplomacy, if one would actually call it 'diplomacy', rather than 'offending everyone who disagrees and isolating oneself from the world', proofs that this organisation is, in fact, worthless.

Not even a danger, but most definitely not a partner.

We applaud Knootoss for both: Their move to create acceptable relationships to CACE, as well as their realisation that it is, simply, impossible.

Mainly due to the fact that their seem to use politicians with 'asshole' DNA.

However, This does not mean that good, productive, peaceful partnerships between communist/ socialist nations and capitalist ones are impossible. Der Angst´s relationship to Valonia is one of the best examples one could think of."

~ Mr. Morden

The foreign minister also said that the associates don´t see this now approaching 'cold war' scenario as a danger, as, to quote Mr. Morden again, 'CACE is Inoperations, impotent and irrelevant.'

The football results from yesterday: Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. Alemannia Aachen 3: 0..."

---

ooc: I`m so sick of SeOCC`s CACE´s constant whining reagrding 'capitalist bias', 'impossible economics', 'modern tech' (But quantum computers from 2100 a.d are allowed... for CACE only...), their magic ability to dodge every attack (heavy, civil helicopters that easily dodge SAM`s... yes, sure...), puppetwanking (Group 4), bitching CACE forums (http://invisionfree.com/forums/CACE), and general inability to RP reasonably due to ooc hate for me, Menelmacar, and capitalists in general (SeOCC and Cirdanistan are wonderful examples of why the sovjet union became the monstrous regime it was... with such people leading a nation, there is just no other way), that they are semi- ignored. I ackknowledge their existance, but i refuse to interact. The ic- post above is entirely directed at Knootoss.

Btw, Communist alliance, if possible with december/ januar nations and at least a few powerhouse economies wanted. Need cold war RP(s) to keep the WBO alive. Previous organisation failed to be playable.

Mike McKay, the Celdoian Foreign Minister sat in his office, reclining with a glass of whisky in his hand, watching snippets of the live feed from Knootoss. It wasn't entirely commanding his attention, but he was getting the gist of the situation. A smirk crossed his face when the Green minister mentioned political debts.

An aide entered the room and approached him.

"The pundits are already beginning to dissect this, and we're getting some ideas of what their comments are likely to be."

"And?" replied McKay.

"Well...the most worrying thing seems to be the number of 'unnamed sources' who are talking about the possibility of armed conflict between Knootoss and CACE."

"Eh??" McKay looked rather surprised. "What the hell gives them that idea?"

"No idea, but quite a lot of them seem to be spinning the story as a possible CACE attack on Knootoss."

"Oh, for crying out loud," McKay said in exasperation, "why the hell would we want to attack Knootoss. We go from warning them about the behaviour of their diplomat in the CACE HQ to the idea that we might be about to attack them. Ridiculous."

"So it would seem."

"Paranoid fantasy. Knootoss is a mess anyway, a few bombs would probably help their reconstruction program."

"Should we make a statement?"

"Certainly not. Knootoss can say what it likes. It's clear this is just an attempt to ditch us because they knew we were about to ditch them. I've got nothing to say to them."

A mountain face, elevation: 3600 metres, Xijin Ulan Hu Province, the Most Serene Republic of Xikuang

Two yak herders are sitting on a rock, sharing hot tea served from an ingenious contraption fashioned of wood and clay.

"So 'dja catch the news this morning?"

"Mmnn-hm."

"What do you think?"

"About the baseball?"

"No, about the Knootoss thing."

"Mn. Well, bound to happen, warn't it."

"'S'pose. I hear there's some foreign speculation about CACE attacking Knootoss."

A yak looks up in languidly expressed surprise as the other man suddenly collapses in a fit of loud laughter. The first joins him, and soon they're both on the ground, leaning against the rock, tears rolling from the corners of their eyes.

"Sure." says the second man. "And I've got a dog with no nose."

"When will they learn?"

"Never, I 'spect."

"So which way're ya going to vote on Wednesday?"

Nearby, a yak noisily chewed some sparse scrub. Humans.

The Xikuangese ambassadors to Knootoss, though largely unknown outside of the Embassy, can be identified as Mr. Gheng Kharhe and Ms. Tqi Ruijie by the designations on their desk. They are accompaied by a tiny, nameless young woman whose sole purpose seems to be to take notes.

"With time it has degenerated in a mere instrument of the SeOCC corporate machine..." "Crabs and confustication." whispered Ruijie to Kharhe, "tell that to Mr. Kham." Her companion nodded, and rose to speak.

"With respect to the honourable Mr. Dittrich, may I speak, insofar as I can, for the CACE, and offer some clarification on the subject of the prospect of Knootian colonies in Aperin. the matter has received little attention of late, and I apologise if this was not clear, because it has been considered quite settled in the CACE Headquarters. While many CACE nations have a policy of not turning away immigrants, it has been established that the creation of a colony functioning under the auspices of any WBO-affiliated government is not practically considerable. Therefore while Knootian citizens are welcome to emigrate to any one of a number of Aperinian nations the creation of a Knootian colony will not be sanctioned. I hope this clears up an confusion on that matter."

OOC: this takes place after the initial debate but before the politicians go outside.

Parliamentary discussion
The chairman looked annoyed: “This was not the original topic of the debate”, he said, “but Bolkestein did ask questions about it so I’ll allow it for now, Mr. Dittrich?” Boris Dittrich was standing next to Bolkestein’s seat and they were murmuring about something. A strict look from the chairman however convinced him to end that conversation and he walked to the stand at a brisk pace.

"Mr. chairman, honoured Ambassadors.

I'd like to thank Xiuangese for clarifying this matter to parliament; I am sure that not everyone here has had foreign affairs in their portfolio and the diplomatic channels have been quite congested as of late. This is also why the SLP has been advocating to shift more funds to the foreign affairs department.”

Dittrich distinctly eyed the conservative corner during that remark, and the Xiuangese ambassadors concluded that this was probably some domestic affair being dragged into the discussion. Dittrich, meanwhile, droned on: “... I have been personally briefed by the situation in CACE headquarters by our informal ambassador Ad Melkert. Let me evaluate the process again. When the Knootian government was asked to facilitate the requests of the communities for emigration to unsettled lands in Aperin we took this up first with the coalition body. I recall that your nation, Xiuang, was first to offer your support for the matter. We acknowledged requests for a colonial charter to be drawn up and the ministry of foreign affairs set itself to that task. No, the other major CACE and Aperin nations, notably Celdonia, First outside and Cirdanistan did not object to the move. Especially as it was – and still is- a peaceful project.”

Dittrich put his hands down on the desk and looked up at the higher stands, suddenly conscious of the watching eyes. He raised his voice in a dramatic gesture: “The response from SeOCC however was a blunt ‘no’. Their corporate government fears what these people had become: refugees, people seeking to build a new life elsewhere in new lands. Their response was signifying for how their revolutionary ideal has developed into a corporate nightmare. I recall the headlines where ‘SeOCC annexes Areas of the former Aperin Republic’ immediately after denying the refugees a place. Not only did this further reinforce my, and my parties, belief that hypocritical imperialists are leading their people; it also posed a new dilemma for us.

The colonial question has not been solved yet, even if several thousand Knootians have emigrated to various CACE nations the problem of the tightly knit communities remains. The communities want more. If I may be blunt these Christian communities see Nieuw-Nederland as a promised land. My party has never let religious dogma cloud our political judgement but we need accommodate for the wishes of our people in a rational, reasonable manner while also listening to the needs of others. I further note that the communities have already prepared colony ships to go. The Reinland, Lavenrunz and Hollands Glorie are already finished and I believe it is best to reach a decision in cooperation with these communities rather then without them.

The SLP will make up its mind after the colonial debate here, in parliament. The new state-secretary will present her… erm or his.... plans there. The Xiuangese ambassadors are welcome to say a few words on the matter as far as I am concerned. As we no longer have an ambassador in CACE headquarters this would be very much appreciated even. Mr Chairman?”

The chairman looked over parliament room and saw nods from various key figures: “I see there is consensus on that.” He smiled to the Xiuangese ambassadors: “Mr. Gheng Kharhe and Ms. Tqi Ruijie from the most Serene Republic are hereby invited to say a few words on the matter – even during the debate according to parliamentary procedure 156 paragraph 3.”

Green leader Femke Halsema now took over the stand, and as she passed Dittrich she gave him a dismayed look. This was now completely improvised. “Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the Knootoss Green Party I must object to some of the qualifications given here about the CACE by my SLP colleague Mr. Dittrich. I believe that such generalisations are completely unfounded in an organisation as diverse as the CACE. Generalising and going along with the Angstian and Menelmacari cynicism is also dangerous. We risk alienating ourselves from the CACE in the longer term, and in the short term it may influence the vote in the coalition body. I know that there is still a heavy debate going on in nations such as Free socialism and if senior politicians start saying such things then it might just topple the vote in favour of the hawks there. I would like to ask Mr. Dittrich to withdraw his comments.”

Bolkestein and Dittrich were now both standing near the interruption microphone. Frits Bolkestein was first to speak: “Has Ms. Halsema been floating with her head in the clouds during the last weeks? It doesn’t get much more ‘alienated’. For the record: the Real Conservative Party of Knootoss fully supports the qualifications made my Mr. Dittrich.” Bolkestein nodded and walked away and Halsema simply shook her head indicating she had no comments on that. Dittrich then took over: “Well, erm, thank you Frits for your… support. In answer to Ms. Halsema’s call: no I will not withdraw my comments. And I sincerely believe that the CACE nations will make the right choice if they want to and if they don’t it is their loss….

Everyone looked at the Xiuangese…

Press Tanah Burung International stringers have been waiting outside as the debate proceeds. As the Chamber empties, they try to swarm deputies for comment. The question to any SLP deputies they can reach is: "Are you stabbing your Green partners in the back?"

OOC: this takes place after the initial debate AND after the politicians went outside. *begins screwing with past and present tense*

Outside parliament hall
Dittrich gives the Tanah Burung International journalist an annoyed look, and for a moment they can see a bit of pain in his eyes. He doesn’t like it either, one of the more observant journalists thinks. Then the SLP leader copes and gives a fatigued smile to the journalists:
”No, no, really. This is not about betraying the KGP. The decision my party has taken after this debate is simply a pragmatic decision; this is simply a matter of trust and we no longer had faith in Mrs. Karimi’s policies and the way she executed them. As should happen in any democracy, the state-secretaries policies have failed and thusly she will have to be replaced.” Dittrich shrugs: “I really have no quarrel with the KGP and I get along with well Farah too. I plan to have lunch with her soon.”

“She has plenty of time for that now too”, a conservative backbencher walking behind Dittrich sarcastically remarks as he grins loathsomely to the Tanah Burungian…

OOC: PS: interested people can read A bit of daily television on KNN (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=75571&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=20&sid=4c4eb83fdb3be3a58965e55da72d3cb5) and you see that this has been coming for a while, only it is now coming harder then it would have at first. I am referring to the third and fourth news items. It’s dated Sat Oct 04.

OOC: for those who had not figured it out yet, that latest post was mine, my ambassadorial puppet. I do hope I am not writing too long posts here? :?:

That was long?

That was long?
OOC: For some ppl maybe... anyways: *waits for more journies and foreign ambassadors, CACE responses and perhaps a pat on the head from Siri*

ooc: Knoot, I figured that was you, and I don't mind long posts at all. But can the Knootians not pronounce the letter 'k' when it occurs in the middle of a word? ;)

"If we are invited to comment on the matter, of course we shall. There is no objection from, to my knowledge, any of the CACE nations with the possible exception of SeOCC to the presence of Knootian nationals in our lands, and several of us have received Knootian immigrants. The matter of the colony was discussed extensively in the Celdonian offices, and the objection was to the creation of a Knootoss-controlled colony in Aperin, with the possible ramifications for continental security that could be entailed. We do not, in all fairness, have even the slightest expectation that any attack on any CACE nation could be forthcoming from Knootoss in the near future. It is not the refugees, the people themselves, to which we object. It is, em, rather other influences that are of concern. I reiterate that Knootians willing to emigrate are welcome, and the Most Serene Republic still backs the creation of Nieuw-Nederland to accommodate the admirable ambitions of its constituents, but unfortunately, that colony cannot be in Aperin."

Ms. Tqi now rises. "As regards the annexation of areas in the former Aperin republic, these matters have been ongoing for some time, and to large extent with the co-operation of what has passed for government in these areas. May I remind the assembled that the Aperin Republic collapsed only three decades ago, and many areas in the continent have suffered from ongoing instability which has been very difficult to accommodate. Production capacities in Empire and Tellenic Aperin are quite low, owing to the elevation and the terrain, and food shortages naturally supervene. In order to attain sustainability, these nations have opted to join the AECPB, largely under direction of SeOCC. These matters have yet to be entirely resolved. I hope this is sufficient to conclude this discussion."

a pat on the head from Siri*

OOC:
http://www.digikitten.com/playhousev2/files/Mishgan/SiriFoxBanner.gif

A question...
I have forgotten - do I have an ambassador in Knootoss? :?

OOC:
Re: GDT: you did not at first, but after the whole KRS-ONE treaty I guess you have one. Expect it to be clumsily watched by the AIVD though. :wink:
Re: XiKuang: sorry. I'll write something short as relpy to your ambassadors comments after lunch. Basically it does summarise the CACE position so it can conclude the discussion...

On a small grav-destroyer off of the coast of Knootoss, a meeting was taking place. Several Intelligence officers from TMI, Thelas' military intelligence arm, were seated around a table, looking over satellite pictures, communication intercepts, and live Intel (Intelligence gathered by a Real Person, actually in Knootoss). Finally one of the officers, a general by his unit insignia, speaks,

“All right, what is going on this time? Will it involve military intervention from Thelas? And if so, I need locations of troops, SAM sites, and possible landing zones.”

“Well Sir, it looks like Knootoss is severing relations with the CACE. Our current assessment is that it will not involve Thelasian military action.”

“Is there any way we can turn this to our advantage?”

“There is one way…”

OOC: yes, I have started to use a spell checker :D

Space, earth orbit´. It`s as always. vast, empty, impressive, black.

Pale stars in the sky, watching on earth, perhaps wondering why the tiny creatures on earth are always so busy... they life on a different timescale, for billions of years... vast, superior, as they are, they simply ARE.

Orbital reconnaissance drohne #096, Orbit above the Netherlands:

Unusual ship near Knootoss detected.

Try to find matches from previous events.

Match found. File 0574/58.

Ship identified. Thelassian Grav destroyer.

SATO security threat...

...given.

Transmission to command...

... finished.

---

DA, It´s mid- march, the temperature is relatively high, 12°C.

The sky is black, as always. Hydrogen explosions are rare, no thunderstorm above the giant organic skyscrapers which literally reach to the gaudy clouds.

White Hawk isn`t exactly busy. No threads of war, half the employees are on vacations in nations safer, with a more 'healthy' environment.

"Sir, Thelassian ship near Knootoss identified."
"Huh? I thought they were now Siri`s bitches? What do they do there, being what they are?"
"Well, in the last war..."
"I know, i know... But still, it makes no sense... except the Thelassian leadership has the minds of three- years olds..."
"Well, sir..."
"I know, they DO have this minds... So, ok. Who is near?"
"The 7th fleet on excercises. Will need twenty- four hours."
"Hmmm... Would mean overdoing it... send a tactical fleet."
"Will do."

---

About twenty- four hours from Knootoss, the vast, open sea.

Seagulls above the sea, ooccasionally hunting a fish. The sun shines. It´s a beautiful day, 9°C, unlike DA, the air is clean. a single fishing trawler can be seen, it´s crew busy working, fishing.

The seventh fleet, three giant, 400m long battlecarrier, nine 200m long cruiser and twenty- one 100m long destroyer. Artillery, on board planes, all is there. They cannot be seen, they are submerged, deep below the surface.

They aren`t concentrated. DA fleets are never concentrated. Instead, they are spread out over a vast area. One couldn´t even see from one ship to the next, even IF they were above the surface. But clearly, they are not. Submerged, 300m below the surface, they follow their training schedule, only occasional, giant squirts or
sperm whales disturbing their maneuvers in this darkness.

Slowly, three destroyer leave their positions in the formation, heading for Knootoss...

<MARK! WILL POST LATER!>

The Thelasian ship continues to stay in its position 200 miles off of the Knootian coast, still submerged, waiting, watching. (OOC: DA I resent being called Siri's bitches, mostly because that infers something about Sirithil) The meeting continues,

"Okay, the plan is a go from our stand point, if Thelas High Command approves it, we will comence."

"Yes, Sir!"

OOC: replied to your TG Thelas *sighs* X - reply to you will be a bit later; busy working something out with GDT over IRC first...

“The Island of
Earthly Delights”

GDT-WV Military Command Center,
Surveilance Center,
Off the Knootian Coast.

The operators sat by their monitors, watching closely any signatures.
The Surveilance Center was a long room, with surveilance posts the long of the walls. In the center of room were several holo projectors, on which were indicated the data from the different surveilance stations over the island.

The Island was tracing the Thelasian vessel, under the water. Deep beneath, in a submarine hangar, several allied submarine attack craft were readied for action.

Although the GDT-WV garrison wouldn't do anything unless the island was attacked, they were taking no risks. And even if due to recent happenings it would have seemed that Thelas was under Sirithil's boot, you just never knew.

Not so long ago, the Grand Duchy and Whispering Voices were on Thelas'es side through the Dominion. And now - Whispering Voices had joined CENNA and the Grand Duchy was improving relations with the SATO members...

ooc: no prob. Have to take the dogs out now and out this eve; won't be able to respond until tomorrow anyway...

The orders went right back down the line, the operation had been given a “no go”. In other words, the destroyer was to continue watching Knootoss, but to not undertake any black ops. The destroyer was also ordered to stay out of Knootian territorial waters, as any infraction could jeopardize the ongoing SATO negotiations.

<Global transmission>

Whilst the High Council of Whispering Voices does not really care if any damage is done to the regime of Knootoss, gratuitous or irresponsible attacks on the populace of Knootoss or on the Garden of Earthly Delights will be met with full force.

The sabre rattling is now over.

"If we are invited to comment on the matter, of course we shall. There is no objection from, to my knowledge, any of the CACE nations with the possible exception of SeOCC to the presence of Knootian nationals in our lands, and several of us have received Knootian immigrants. The matter of the colony was discussed extensively in the Celdonian offices, and the objection was to the creation of a Knootoss-controlled colony in Aperin, with the possible ramifications for continental security that could be entailed. We do not, in all fairness, have even the slightest expectation that any attack on any CACE nation could be forthcoming from Knootoss in the near future. It is not the refugees, the people themselves, to which we object. It is, em, rather other influences that are of concern. I reiterate that Knootians willing to emigrate are welcome, and the Most Serene Republic still backs the creation of Nieuw-Nederland to accommodate the admirable ambitions of its constituents, but unfortunately, that colony cannot be in Aperin."

Ms. Tqi now rises. "As regards the annexation of areas in the former Aperin republic, these matters have been ongoing for some time, and to large extent with the co-operation of what has passed for government in these areas. May I remind the assembled that the Aperin Republic collapsed only three decades ago, and many areas in the continent have suffered from ongoing instability which has been very difficult to accommodate. Production capacities in Empire and Tellenic Aperin are quite low, owing to the elevation and the terrain, and food shortages naturally supervene. In order to attain sustainability, these nations have opted to join the AECPB, largely under direction of SeOCC. These matters have yet to be entirely resolved. I hope this is sufficient to conclude this discussion."

Last call in parliament hall
As the Xikuangese ambassador speaks of ‘other influences’ the parliament hall becomes unruly. Conservative MP’s dash forward and an incoherent shout can be heard from one of the backbenchers. The chairman however does not allow it and hovers his hand over the big oak hammer beside him. “Order please! Order!” he shouts. The mood is still boisterous as Ms. Tqi speaks. “…So SeOCC brings in the troops! Imperialism that’s what it is!” the same backbencher now yells standing up forming a cone with his hands. Frits Bolkestein had been sitting there slightly embarrassed for his party members and he turned around gesturing the MPs to calm down. That seems to have the desired effect and the RCPK section calms down.

The chairman sighs a small sigh and visibly relieved he closes the meeting: “Parliament is now in recess. We will reconvene tomorrow at noon to debate proposition Dittrich-643 regarding the foreign affairs budget gap.”

Aids appear to show the Xikuanese and the other officials their way out…

(OOC: and this is far from over :P )

The Peoples Paper

http://www.vaalor.com/support/icons/female-elf8.jpg
Galadriël Táralóm – a profile
KNOOTCAP - Prime Minister van der Laan today announced the appointment of Galadriël Táralóm (RCPK) as the new state-secretary of Foreign Affairs. In this function she will be responsible for handling the affairs of several important portfolio’s in the department, as well as having responsibility for relations with several key geographic regions such as Lodoss and Aperin. She will work in a team in the ministry together with the green minister of development affairs, and Foreign minister Hans van Mierlo of the SLP. On her rests the arduous task to set out an Aperin colonial policy and present it to parliament within four weeks when the debate has been scheduled.

Táralóm was born 750 years ago and migrated to what is now Knootoss during the industrial revolution in 1885. Together with several associates she set up a successful brand of Elvish root beer. After 50 years she had required a majority in it’s ownership and sold the company off in little pieces. Since then she has not had to worry about financial matters and pursued other interests including playing the flute and engaging in politics for the conservative party. Since then she has also been on the boards of several large businesses such as the British-Knootian Oil company ‘Hell’, where she impressed her human colleagues with her great experience. She is also a senior member of the Elven Pride Committee, that organised ‘we love the Elven queen day’ to promote Sirithilism in Knootoss. Táralóm herself has always denied being a Sirithilist though and worships Eru and other Elvish deities.

Her candidacy is surprising as she is considered a right-field candidate, even for the RCPK and political analysts have expressed doubts about her match with the current government programme which is largely inspired on Green and Liberal values. Galadriël Táralóm is highly pro-Menelmacari, and was even called ‘a rabid Elvish supremacist’ by criticasters before the Shadow war. Táralóm has supported cutting contacts since Knootoss joined the WBO and has also been part of a conservative think-tank that wants Knootoss to join CENNA. She may get the opportunity to execute these views, as a small majority in parliament now appears to agree with her on the CACE. She may have to swallow her views on CENNA though, as minister Hans van Mierlo is supposedly fanatically opposed to joining the organisation that binds Menelmacar, EOTED and other key nations.

Táralóm was a personal friend of the late conservative state-secretary of Defence Aikanáro Arcamenel, who was assassinated by a pro-Tator mob. Táralóm left the conservative party along with Bolkestein because of the harsh anti-Elvish sentiments displayed by Mr. Tator.

It is still not known if the KGP will swallow their parties Farah Karimi’s replacement by this new appearance on the Knootian political scene. If the government indeed falls over the affair surrounding Galadriël Táralóm’s appointement will indeed be cut very short.

OOC: I am still looking for someone who wants to have either Táralóm or green leader Femke Halsema in a news show for an interview that is to be worked out over MSN or IRC.

The nameless young Xikuangese woman taking notes continues to take notes, evincing not an iota of emotional response, or indeed any response other than writing a bit more quickly, as the atmosphere in the room becomes heated and the conservatives start shouting. As the aides approach, she caps her pen and snaps her notebook shut with a sense of grim finality and rises without looking up.

As they are bustled from the chamber, Tqi speaks softly in the impenetrable Xikuangese to her companion. "I don't like it, Kharhe." she mutters. "I'm getting the distinct impression that we aren't welcome here. As if anything we say will be turned around..." "You just have to have a little faith, Ruijie." Kharhe replies, but the worry he doesn't verbalise shows in his expression. "I'll admit the situation is rather delicate, but the Knootians are reasonable on the balance. We're going to have to tread carefully, but I'm sure there's good we can do here." "I only hope you're right." Tqi sighs as they are shown through the large double doors. "I've got a bad feeling about this."

A gap opens up in the crowd, and through it, one of the younger and more impetuous of the Knootian conservatives comes into view. Catching sight of the Xikuangese, he glares balefully at them, but something about the unmoving set of the features and the coldness in the eyes of the nameless young woman as she meets his gaze makes him turn away, and then they are lost again.

(ooc: i'm trying a leftist supermarket tabloid to see if it works)

From the Tiga Burung Inquirer

Knotty Questions http://www.footandankle.com/askdpm/question.gif

Some troubles in the old colonial master, mates. Don't they ever settle down?

Fresh from a rather nasty and brutish war, they've gone and got themselves into another parliamentary crisis. This one's a doozy.

Seems the Knoots are all tied up in knots over foreign relations. Natch. The foxy Farah Karimi is out, knifed by her own coalition partners, the smug and self-satisfied SLP. The even foxier Galadriël Táralóm is in.

Who's Galadriël Táralóm, you ask? We didn't know either, some wench from the old conservatives. Yeah, that lot, back again. So we looked it up. Seems she's an exec with Royal-Knootian Hell, the oil-spill experts, so a bizarre choice to handle relations with the Commie Continent.

Aperin? Take two and call me in the morning. Sure, there's real CACE of navel-gazing over in Aperin right now. Sure, CACE won't let a bunch of Knootian God-freaks set up a new country over there in Aperin. But so what? Send them to another continent. Hell, send 'em here. There' lots of space in our continent, and at least it'd look familiar to them. The Knoots have their knickers in a twist over nothing.

Or do they? Seems to us that Hell Oil doesn't stand to gain by closer ties between Knootoss and the CACE countries. Could it be the hand of corporate greed behind all this? What makes the world go round? Give you a hint: it's green, and I don't mean green like poor Miss Karimi's ideas. The sort of green, the sort of greed really, that could buy more than a few votes from the fats cats in the SLP.

Is money running the show back in Knootoss, mates? This reporter thinks so. And we're trading with these SLiPpery characters? I say, time for Knootoss to choose: are they going Green and working with other liberal countries? Or are they selling their country to Big Oil?

OOC: I am kind of confused, can someone telegram me a moderately comprehensive rundown?

[OOC: An edit of an IC IRC log I had with Knootoss on this matter ;) ]

Hilton Hotel, Amsterdam, Knootoss

Hans van Mierlo, the Knootian minister of foreign affairs, was waiting in the restaurant attached to the Hilton Hotel. He had an appointment with the Taraskovyan ambassador but apparently the ambassador was a bit late.
It was a nice day outside – a small breeze kept the temperature rather cold and t would appear that rain clouds were forming over the city. Just the perfect day for an unofficial meeting.
A rather tall man, wearing a black costume entered the restaurant, which and dignity. The man was Leib-Count Grigory Malishev, the Taraskovyan Special Ambassador to Knootoss. He nodded to van Mierlo and moved on to take his seat by the table.

- Pardon me for my late arrival, dear sir, there have been some 'issues' to take care of at the embassy...

Van Mierlo stood up to shake Malishevs hand and the two men greeted each other.

- Good to meet you Herr Leib-Count. I was just about to order dinner.

Van Mierlo raised his hand and a waiter approached.

- Gentlemen? – he asked. Van Mierlo confidently replied:

- I'll have a beer please. A local brand. And for dinner I would like the menu of the day.

- Thank you. And what can I get you Sir? – the waiter asks. Malishev nodded to the waiter.

- I will take the 'specialite maison' and some red wine. The best that you have, of course.

With that, he turned back to van Mierlo.

- Dear Minister, the latest 'statements' done in the Knootian parliament have quite intrigued the TDFA. High Councilor for Foreign Affairs, Leib-Count Nemirov is personally 'interested' by this matter and has appointed me to take some... precisions concerning the matter...

Van Mierlo nodded:

- Well, I understand. I just lost a state-secretary today and I am going to have to replace her.
And of course, there is the relation with the CACE which has been degenerating over time... I don't know how much you know of this situation?

Malishev sat back in his chair.

- I will of course not speak of everything we know about the CACE, but lets just say that the TDFA considered Knootoss friendly to CACE nations. And not long ago... and now such a statement...

Van Mierlo frowned:

- Well it is a difficult matter. Relations with them have always been quite delicate. Our attempts at getting better relations have been motivated by our belief that left and right are fundamentally not antagonistic but complementary. Farah and I shared that vision but the CACE apparently does not.

The restaurant all around them was busy. Waiters were going between the tables serving and clearing dishes, bringing drinks to the customers. Outside, the weather was still pretty much the same. Melishev gave a quick look at the hall, spotting a member of the Taraskovyan staff back at the embassy. “TDI or just a coincidence?” – he thought to himself, but since the young woman was completely not paying any attention to the ambassador and chatted with some other women, he thought that it was just a coincidence. At any rate, the TDI didn’t really ask TDFA’s permission to ‘take adequate measures’ towards the diplomatic staff, so he really didn’t care. He was pretty sure that there were spies around the hall, both Taraskovyan and Knootian, but he was also sure that they were there to keep the place safe, so that some crazy guy doesn’t just come in and blow the place up.
Diplomats were talking, agents were guarding, and everyone seemed happy with their tasks.
Especially when you get to eat to your will in a high class restaurant and your bill is completely covered by the government.

Malishev turned back towards van Mierlo.

- Left and Right are complimentary, yes, as can be judged by the Grand Duchy. We have many social freedoms and welfare programs, but we have a market economy. Only that it is a pity that some are obstinate radicals that see an enemy in anything different... But it would seem that your nation, dear sir, has taken a difficult role. If I understand correctly - it wanted to be the 'missing link' between CACE and the WBO?

Van Mierlo nodded back appreciatingly:

- Yes, you understand! Great..." - his voice trailed:

- But now several key figures in the SLP believe that this line of thought is not working out with the CACE. And instead they have turned to work with the conservatives to play out that little charade you saw in parliament.

-
He shifted in his seat:

- You see, the announcement will be made tomorrow that Farah is to be replaced by a conservative...

Melishev shook his head:

- Yes, times do change. Not so long ago, Knootoss was at war because of the acting of the conservative leader of that time... And now they seem to be going back into power again... Indeed, times change. And that is the problem. The TDFA is surprised by such an aggressive attitude of the Knootian parliament, who, for the most of its history, used to be quite... diplomatic...

Van Mierlo nodded to the Ambassador and gave a quick look over the hall, spotting several familiar faces. Or so it would have seemed…

- Well... I do want to make a firm distinction between Dick Tator and his mockery of conservatism and Bolkesteins party. Bolkestein really is a moderate; a person you can work with. In fact, he left Tator’s party during their rise to power.

The waiter came along with a plate carrying the drinks.

- Here you are, Sirs, he said as he put down a beer and a glass of quality red wine.

- Also, - van Mierlo continued a bit defensively , - the Knootian parliament can be erratic sometimes. And I must admit it is my party changing its position this time. But they do have a good reason I must admit.

Melishev nodded to the waiter, took the glass and sipped some wine:

- Yes, Dick Tator really was a... specific person, - Melishev put the glass down,-and I really hope that Bolkenstein is far more 'reasonable' than Tator was. And... you mentioned a reason... Might I inquire into what this reason is? If you are mandated to reveal such information, of course... – Melishev sighed and added:

- We are part of the same system in a way - we can only speak to an extent...

Melishev sipped some wine and added.

- And I can assure you, that at this particular occasion, I am mandated to a rather large extent...

Van Mierlo drank half of his beer in a single gulp:

- Well... there is little secret about it. The CACE was about to completely freeze relations with all the WBO and SATO nations, including us. And the SeOCC foreign policy has been on a ramming-course ever since we sent Melkert to CACE headquarters in Celdonia in the first place and the MP's just took the bait, is my analysis. And if I had not gone along they would have had my head too.

Van Mierlo seemed pondering something for a moment… for a moment

- But you spoke of your mandate, - van Mierlo slyly grinned, - How far does that mandate extend? And what do you have to say?

Melishev thought it over for a moment:

- My mandate extends... far... One of the things I have to say is that the Grand Duchy is ready to support the Knootian government, whatever the course of action it decides to take. Of course - as long as it doesn't directly go against the Grand Duchy or any of its 'interests'. And currently - it is in the interest of the Duchy to support Knootoss.
And as you understand, it does not have entirely to do with the KRS-ONE partnership treaty. The Grand Duchy is quite 'interested' in both SATO and the WBO and upholds friendly and allied relations with some of the members... Currently the Grand Duchy wishes to expand its 'friends list'. And aiding such a prominent SATO/WBO member as the Democratic Republic of Knootoss might raise the esteem of other SATO/WBO nations towards the Grand Duchy...

Van Mierlo nodded, thinking the ambassador’s words over.
- Ah, yes, I understand now. Well you can be sure that we have similar interests. We seek to improve our relations with the Sisgardian nations and it would be best if the problems between our two nations would be smoothed out as much as possible.

Melishev sipped some more wine:

- Well then, to have problems smoothed out, I first need to learn about the clear intentions of the Democratic Republic of Knootoss vis-à-vis of the CACE... Does it go 'further' than an actual cut of ties? The TNDF specialists are already talking about a possible conflict... and as you understand - the Grand Duchy has, - Melishev tried to find an exact description, - direct interests in Knootoss, or at least near it...

Van Mierlo laughed for a second.

- Yes. That nice tourist accommodation. Maybe it is time for me to bring an official visit to it. I have seen so much of it already but actually being there is different, -van Mierlo said hinting at the telescopes peering at the island off the Dutch coast…

- But you asked me about our intentions, - the minister cleared his throat and looked slightly worried.

- Well, I must admit that at the moment even I don't exactly know. Galadriël Táralóm new appointment wasn't really my choice and she is going to have a big influence on Knootian policy towards the organisation. You see, while I am primarily responsible for the CACE Aperin policy is now in her portfolio. And the fate of Aperin, CACE and Knootoss are becoming increasinly intertwined. The colonial policy may become the decisive factor.

The Ambassador looked… slightely surprised.

- Intertwined? What do you mean to actually say by that? Does Knootoss depend so much on its Aperin colonies?

Van Mierlo explained:

- Oh no, it is not a matter of rational dependence. You see, this is a matter of conviction. After the Shadow war many wished to leave Knootoss. Particularly, those of the Christian minorities. There aren't many Chrisitians left in Knootoss but those that are still there are a tightly knit community. And you know how fundy Christians get if they have their minds set on something.

Melishev agreed with that. He came from a 'Native Taraskovyan' Family and worshipped the Seven Deities. Although his father was an ethnic Russian.

- Yes, Christians do get... obstinate sometimes... So, if my understanding is correct, Knootoss is being slightly emptied of a part of its population which is moving to Aperin? Interesting... but why Aperin? Do the Christian communities support the CACE? I have a doubt on this subject, but maybe I do not know the Knootian people long enough. After all, my appointment is only very recent...

Van Mierlo thought the words over for a moment and replied:

- Well, I don't think there is one single reason for it. But then again I am not one of the people who want to move. I know they want to start over with a completely new land and that this is availiable in Aperin. I also know about the history between the old Aperin Federal Republic and Knootoss. You see, Aperin wasn't always communist. There was a capitalist government ruling the various CACE nations and there were many good trading contacts.

Melishev seemed to be quite interested:

- Interesting, I wasn't briefed in on that part of world history. Pray, tell me all about it... The current situation is very, very interesting. If Knootoss cuts all ties with CACE, it will have direct consequences on the Knootian colonies in Aperin, - with that, the Taraskovyan Ambassador added – , maybe they will even want to break away from the metropoly... But these are my personal thoughts, not the official position of the TDFA.

- Oh, there are currently NO colonies of Knootoss in Aperin. - van Mierlo insisted - But there is a lot of sourness, especially between the SeOCC government and some Knootian businessmen. You see, a lot of their possessions were stolen from them by the revolutionary usurpers.
And there are family relations, you see, since several notable Christians were amongst those who lost fortunes with the dawn of SeOCC. These are strangely enough the same people who wish to return to Aperin. Even if it is somewhere else on the continent.

Three waiters arrived, bringing in the meals. The men in hotel-uniforms carefully put down the plates in front of the Minister and the Ambassador. The meals looked delicious and the officials wish each other a good meal before they dig in.

- Absolutely delicous, -van Mierlo commented to the waiter. Then he turned back to business:

- But really, I hope that the colonial manner can be resolved peacefully. If not.... – his voice trailed.

Melishev nodded:

-Yes, peace is not always brought by diplomacy. When it just doesn't work, you need to use... 'other' means... And I am mandated by not only the TDFA, but also the TDI and the TNDF to voice full support of the Grand Duchy to the Democratic Republic of Knootoss. Of course - we are interested in knowing just what support do you need and to what 'extent', if I may add...

Van Mierlo forked in another bit of food as Melishev was speaking:

- This is good to know, - he said as he wiped his mouth. -And ironically the answer at this moment is 'at little as possible'. The less means we will have to use to reach our goals the better we are off.

He continued:

- But it would be nice to get a public statement of support from your government. Just to reaffirm our friendship."

- Public statements can always be made. But then again, what are the means you speak of? As you already know, small things can trigger... larger ones... – Melishev ate a bit of the meal.

- Well, in diplomacy the golden rule is to speak softly but to carry a big stick. I am not asking you to ECTOS the SeOCC capital city though. - "I already know plenty people who would.", the minister added in his mind. - I would just like to know if we can count on you in the unfortunate event that the detente is broken and the conflict becomes military. - He paused for a second: - Hypothetically speaking of course.

Melishev nodded slightly and finished the bit of the meal he was busy with:

- As I have already told you - the Democratic Republic has full support of the Grand Duchy on this matter. I of course hope it will not come to the point when we will have to turn the CACE nations into one giant jungle, but the TNDF stands ready.

- I appreciate it and so does my government, - van Mierlo replied thankfully, - by the way have you heard that latest rumour that Sirithil is pregnant? I can hardly believe it...

The Leib-Count and the minister chatted away the rest of their meal, putting aside official business and discussing the latest news from a bit all over the world.

Outside, the rain clouds vanished all of a sudden and rays of sun light warmed the ground…




***



On the following day, an article appeared in the Knootian newspapers. It would have been just an other article, among many others, if only it didn’t have a small special text in it.
It was a very short text, which was of a very high and important significance.
It was the…


Official statement by the High Council of the Duchy.

Under the authority given to it, having fully analyzed the recent developments and having taken appropriate measures and decisions, the High Council of the Duchy voices unanimous support to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Knootoss in its moves vis-à-vis of the Coalition of Anti-Capitalist Economies.

The Grand Duchy of Tarasovka stands together with the Democratic Republic of Knootoss on this issue and will provide any and full support, requested by the government of the Democractic Republic of Knootoss.


And even if each newspaper gave its own opinion about the statement, the fact that it was there and that it showed the official stance of the Grand Duchy on the matter was now a public fact, known to all.

OOC: I am still looking for someone who wants to have either Táralóm or green leader Femke Halsema in a news show for an interview that is to be worked out over MSN or IRC.

OOC:I would interview the green, although it'd have to be over MSN.

OOC:
-Valinon you have a 'moderately comprehensive' TG
-Tanah Burung: very nice indeed. :lol:
-Xikuang: see you at the next debate in four NS weeks.
-Tarasovka: Well done! I like the result. *urges everyone to read it*
-Weegies: I am going to take you up on that offer. MSN is fine.

Confidential communication to Femke Halsema, Knootoss Green Party:

As you know, we recently negotiated an agreement for trade in agricultural products and narcotics with your government, as an expression of support for the new liberal course of the coaliiton government.

Today, we are not sure who is running this government, or what its course is. Recent events seem to suggest that the KGP policies are no longer in favour.

Can you please advise on who is running your country's foreign policy? If the KGP policy of detente is still in control, then we are pleased. If the die-hards of the Conservative party are returning to power, it will be difficult for me to hold off those people here in Tanah Burung who wish to end our trading agreement. I would value your comments.

In soldarity,
Violeta Bi Bere
People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights

A rather tall man, wearing a black costume entered the restaurant, which and dignity. The man was Leib-Count Grigory Malishev, the Taraskovyan Special Ambassador to Knootoss. He nodded to van Mierlo and moved on to take his seat by the table.

- Pardon me for my late arrival, dear sir, there have been some 'issues' to take care of at the embassy...

Van Mierlo stood up to shake Malishevs hand and the two men greeted each other.

- Good to meet you Herr Leib-Count. I was just about to order dinner.

Van Mierlo raised his hand and a waiter approached.

- Gentlemen? – he asked. Van Mierlo confidently replied:

- I'll have a beer please. A local brand. And for dinner I would like the menu of the day.

- Thank you. And what can I get you Sir? – the waiter asks. Malishev nodded to the waiter.

- I will take the 'specialite maison' and some red wine. The best that you have, of course.

With that, he turned back to van Mierlo.

- Dear Minister, the latest 'statements' done in the Knootian parliament have quite intrigued the TDFA. High Councilor for Foreign Affairs, Leib-Count Nemirov is personally 'interested' by this matter and has appointed me to take some... precisions concerning the matter...

Van Mierlo nodded:

- Well, I understand. I just lost a state-secretary today and I am going to have to replace her.
And of course, there is the relation with the CACE which has been degenerating over time... I don't know how much you know of this situation?

Malishev sat back in his chair.

- I will of course not speak of everything we know about the CACE, but lets just say that the TDFA considered Knootoss friendly to CACE nations. And not long ago... and now such a statement...

Van Mierlo frowned:

- Well it is a difficult matter. Relations with them have always been quite delicate. Our attempts at getting better relations have been motivated by our belief that left and right are fundamentally not antagonistic but complementary. Farah and I shared that vision but the CACE apparently does not.

The restaurant all around them was busy. Waiters were going between the tables serving and clearing dishes, bringing drinks to the customers. Outside, the weather was still pretty much the same. Melishev gave a quick look at the hall, spotting a member of the Taraskovyan staff back at the embassy. “TDI or just a coincidence?” – he thought to himself, but since the young woman was completely not paying any attention to the ambassador and chatted with some other women, he thought that it was just a coincidence. At any rate, the TDI didn’t really ask TDFA’s permission to ‘take adequate measures’ towards the diplomatic staff, so he really didn’t care. He was pretty sure that there were spies around the hall, both Taraskovyan and Knootian, but he was also sure that they were there to keep the place safe, so that some crazy guy doesn’t just come in and blow the place up.
Diplomats were talking, agents were guarding, and everyone seemed happy with their tasks.
Especially when you get to eat to your will in a high class restaurant and your bill is completely covered by the government.

Malishev turned back towards van Mierlo.

- Left and Right are complimentary, yes, as can be judged by the Grand Duchy. We have many social freedoms and welfare programs, but we have a market economy. Only that it is a pity that some are obstinate radicals that see an enemy in anything different... But it would seem that your nation, dear sir, has taken a difficult role. If I understand correctly - it wanted to be the 'missing link' between CACE and the WBO?

Van Mierlo nodded back appreciatingly:

- Yes, you understand! Great..." - his voice trailed:

- But now several key figures in the SLP believe that this line of thought is not working out with the CACE. And instead they have turned to work with the conservatives to play out that little charade you saw in parliament.

-
He shifted in his seat:

- You see, the announcement will be made tomorrow that Farah is to be replaced by a conservative...

Melishev shook his head:

- Yes, times do change. Not so long ago, Knootoss was at war because of the acting of the conservative leader of that time... And now they seem to be going back into power again... Indeed, times change. And that is the problem. The TDFA is surprised by such an aggressive attitude of the Knootian parliament, who, for the most of its history, used to be quite... diplomatic...

Van Mierlo nodded to the Ambassador and gave a quick look over the hall, spotting several familiar faces. Or so it would have seemed…

- Well... I do want to make a firm distinction between Dick Tator and his mockery of conservatism and Bolkesteins party. Bolkestein really is a moderate; a person you can work with. In fact, he left Tator’s party during their rise to power.

The waiter came along with a plate carrying the drinks.

- Here you are, Sirs, he said as he put down a beer and a glass of quality red wine.

- Also, - van Mierlo continued a bit defensively , - the Knootian parliament can be erratic sometimes. And I must admit it is my party changing its position this time. But they do have a good reason I must admit.

Melishev nodded to the waiter, took the glass and sipped some wine:

- Yes, Dick Tator really was a... specific person, - Melishev put the glass down,-and I really hope that Bolkenstein is far more 'reasonable' than Tator was. And... you mentioned a reason... Might I inquire into what this reason is? If you are mandated to reveal such information, of course... – Melishev sighed and added:

- We are part of the same system in a way - we can only speak to an extent...

Melishev sipped some wine and added.

- And I can assure you, that at this particular occasion, I am mandated to a rather large extent...

Van Mierlo drank half of his beer in a single gulp:

- Well... there is little secret about it. The CACE was about to completely freeze relations with all the WBO and SATO nations, including us. And the SeOCC foreign policy has been on a ramming-course ever since we sent Melkert to CACE headquarters in Celdonia in the first place and the MP's just took the bait, is my analysis. And if I had not gone along they would have had my head too.

Van Mierlo seemed pondering something for a moment… for a moment

- But you spoke of your mandate, - van Mierlo slyly grinned, - How far does that mandate extend? And what do you have to say?

Melishev thought it over for a moment:

- My mandate extends... far... One of the things I have to say is that the Grand Duchy is ready to support the Knootian government, whatever the course of action it decides to take. Of course - as long as it doesn't directly go against the Grand Duchy or any of its 'interests'. And currently - it is in the interest of the Duchy to support Knootoss.
And as you understand, it does not have entirely to do with the KRS-ONE partnership treaty. The Grand Duchy is quite 'interested' in both SATO and the WBO and upholds friendly and allied relations with some of the members... Currently the Grand Duchy wishes to expand its 'friends list'. And aiding such a prominent SATO/WBO member as the Democratic Republic of Knootoss might raise the esteem of other SATO/WBO nations towards the Grand Duchy...

Van Mierlo nodded, thinking the ambassador’s words over.
- Ah, yes, I understand now. Well you can be sure that we have similar interests. We seek to improve our relations with the Sisgardian nations and it would be best if the problems between our two nations would be smoothed out as much as possible.

Melishev sipped some more wine:

- Well then, to have problems smoothed out, I first need to learn about the clear intentions of the Democratic Republic of Knootoss vis-à-vis of the CACE... Does it go 'further' than an actual cut of ties? The TNDF specialists are already talking about a possible conflict... and as you understand - the Grand Duchy has, - Melishev tried to find an exact description, - direct interests in Knootoss, or at least near it...

Van Mierlo laughed for a second.

- Yes. That nice tourist accommodation. Maybe it is time for me to bring an official visit to it. I have seen so much of it already but actually being there is different, -van Mierlo said hinting at the telescopes peering at the island off the Dutch coast…

- But you asked me about our intentions, - the minister cleared his throat and looked slightly worried.

- Well, I must admit that at the moment even I don't exactly know. Galadriël Táralóm new appointment wasn't really my choice and she is going to have a big influence on Knootian policy towards the organisation. You see, while I am primarily responsible for the CACE Aperin policy is now in her portfolio. And the fate of Aperin, CACE and Knootoss are becoming increasinly intertwined. The colonial policy may become the decisive factor.

The Ambassador looked… slightely surprised.

- Intertwined? What do you mean to actually say by that? Does Knootoss depend so much on its Aperin colonies?

Van Mierlo explained:

- Oh no, it is not a matter of rational dependence. You see, this is a matter of conviction. After the Shadow war many wished to leave Knootoss. Particularly, those of the Christian minorities. There aren't many Chrisitians left in Knootoss but those that are still there are a tightly knit community. And you know how fundy Christians get if they have their minds set on something.

Melishev agreed with that. He came from a 'Native Taraskovyan' Family and worshipped the Seven Deities. Although his father was an ethnic Russian.

- Yes, Christians do get... obstinate sometimes... So, if my understanding is correct, Knootoss is being slightly emptied of a part of its population which is moving to Aperin? Interesting... but why Aperin? Do the Christian communities support the CACE? I have a doubt on this subject, but maybe I do not know the Knootian people long enough. After all, my appointment is only very recent...

Van Mierlo thought the words over for a moment and replied:

- Well, I don't think there is one single reason for it. But then again I am not one of the people who want to move. I know they want to start over with a completely new land and that this is availiable in Aperin. I also know about the history between the old Aperin Federal Republic and Knootoss. You see, Aperin wasn't always communist. There was a capitalist government ruling the various CACE nations and there were many good trading contacts.

Melishev seemed to be quite interested:

- Interesting, I wasn't briefed in on that part of world history. Pray, tell me all about it... The current situation is very, very interesting. If Knootoss cuts all ties with CACE, it will have direct consequences on the Knootian colonies in Aperin, - with that, the Taraskovyan Ambassador added – , maybe they will even want to break away from the metropoly... But these are my personal thoughts, not the official position of the TDFA.

- Oh, there are currently NO colonies of Knootoss in Aperin. - van Mierlo insisted - But there is a lot of sourness, especially between the SeOCC government and some Knootian businessmen. You see, a lot of their possessions were stolen from them by the revolutionary usurpers.
And there are family relations, you see, since several notable Christians were amongst those who lost fortunes with the dawn of SeOCC. These are strangely enough the same people who wish to return to Aperin. Even if it is somewhere else on the continent.

Three waiters arrived, bringing in the meals. The men in hotel-uniforms carefully put down the plates in front of the Minister and the Ambassador. The meals looked delicious and the officials wish each other a good meal before they dig in.

- Absolutely delicous, -van Mierlo commented to the waiter. Then he turned back to business:

- But really, I hope that the colonial manner can be resolved peacefully. If not.... – his voice trailed.

Melishev nodded:

-Yes, peace is not always brought by diplomacy. When it just doesn't work, you need to use... 'other' means... And I am mandated by not only the TDFA, but also the TDI and the TNDF to voice full support of the Grand Duchy to the Democratic Republic of Knootoss. Of course - we are interested in knowing just what support do you need and to what 'extent', if I may add...

Van Mierlo forked in another bit of food as Melishev was speaking:

- This is good to know, - he said as he wiped his mouth. -And ironically the answer at this moment is 'at little as possible'. The less means we will have to use to reach our goals the better we are off.

He continued:

- But it would be nice to get a public statement of support from your government. Just to reaffirm our friendship."

- Public statements can always be made. But then again, what are the means you speak of? As you already know, small things can trigger... larger ones... – Melishev ate a bit of the meal.

- Well, in diplomacy the golden rule is to speak softly but to carry a big stick. I am not asking you to ECTOS the SeOCC capital city though. - "I already know plenty people who would.", the minister added in his mind. - I would just like to know if we can count on you in the unfortunate event that the detente is broken and the conflict becomes military. - He paused for a second: - Hypothetically speaking of course.

Melishev nodded slightly and finished the bit of the meal he was busy with:

- As I have already told you - the Democratic Republic has full support of the Grand Duchy on this matter. I of course hope it will not come to the point when we will have to turn the CACE nations into one giant jungle, but the TNDF stands ready.

- I appreciate it and so does my government, - van Mierlo replied thankfully, - by the way have you heard that latest rumour that Sirithil is pregnant? I can hardly believe it...

Baron Shein turned the recording off and turned to the War Council members. As had often happened lately, the Archduke Valerian was sitting in for the Empress.
"Filthy atheists." said the Archduke with distaste. "So we spy on our allies now, Shein?"
"Ally is a dubious word at times." remarked Shein. "In this situation this could work to SATO's general advantage, but I must point out that yet again Knootoss only turns to SATO when dirty work has to be done. When they have the chance, they try to make their own plans and force them on the rest of us."
"Well..but if the Greens get into power..."
"I am wondering, Highness," broke in Aurora von Konigsmark, "If that mightn't be to our advantage. After all, Knootoss--rightly--is held in suspicion by a number of CACE nations. Lavenrunz is at least regarded as a nation with integrity. If the Greens come into power, it will remain for them to prove themselves and still manage somehow to placate their allies. That will put us in a position of distinct advantage."
Archduke Valerian nodded. "Keep me informed." he said, and rose. They bowed as he left.
"How much of Knootoss is 'black bagged'?" asked Chancellor der Waal of the Baron.
"As much as I damned well could." he said, taking a drag of a cigarette.
"And well you did." growled General Schlabel.

Confidential communication to Femke Halsema, Knootoss Green Party:

As you know, we recently negotiated an agreement for trade in agricultural products and narcotics with your government, as an expression of support for the new liberal course of the coaliiton government.

Today, we are not sure who is running this government, or what its course is. Recent events seem to suggest that the KGP policies are no longer in favour.

Can you please advise on who is running your country's foreign policy? If the KGP policy of detente is still in control, then we are pleased. If the die-hards of the Conservative party are returning to power, it will be difficult for me to hold off those people here in Tanah Burung who wish to end our trading agreement. I would value your comments.

In soldarity,
Violeta Bi Bere
People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights

Communication to: Violeta Bi Bere
People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights
Tanah Burung

Ms. Bi Bere,

Firstly, let me assure you that we in Knootoss are all very glad to have signed the recent treaty on limited trade. I feel that this was a great step forward in healing the wounds between our nations: my party has nothing but good intentions towards Tanah Burung and is committed to repaying the colonial debt we have caused. Therefore, we also look forward to continue improving fair trade between our nations.

I can understand the confusion caused by the debates on foreign policy and the recent resignation of our state–secretary Farah Karimi. But now let me turn to the political reality of the day: after the Shadow war and the demise of Tators conservative party a broad coalition was formed which, theoretically, included all the parties left in parliament. However SLP and KGP are by far the largest and dominate the political landscape. Thusly, we managed to dominate the new cabinet together and I can proudly say that much of our party programme has finally been realised in the new government programme. However the SLP believes it can also form a majority with the so-called “moderately-conservative” RCPK and the tiny Knootian Elvish Party if this is convenient. This is what, according to me, caused the appointment of Galadriël Táralóm: a conservative Elf. This move has caused pressure from within my party to step out of the broad coalition and go in the opposition. However I am personally hard-pressed to do this. If we stay in the coalition we retain the common programme and the ability to make a difference but we will have been beaten and humiliated. If we break, we lose everything but our pride and honour. This truly is the dilemma of power.

As for the Knootian foreign policy: this can be indicated by a simple schematic.

Parliament
|
The Minister of Foreign affairs Hans van Mierlo (SLP)
|
State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Galadriël Táralóm (RCPK) and State-secretary of Development Affairs @@randomname@@ (KGP)

So in daily practice three parties now share power in the ministry. However the upcoming matter of colonial policy is firmly in the portfolio of the state-secretary. If I know van Mierlo one bit he is trying right now to influence Táralóm to make the proposal reasonable though. I have a feeling they are going to make a deal somehow. I know the RCPK politicians want to give off a signal to Aperin, and notably to SeOCC and I bet he is going to give her such a thing. However if he fails to make a deal, parliament is the only place where her plans can be stopped.

I hope I have informed you, if you have any more questions do not hesitate to ask.

Yours,

Femke Halsema
Member of Parliament, Knootoss Green Party (KGP)

-snip-

Baron Shein turned the recording off and turned to the War Council members. As had often happened lately, the Archduke Valerian was sitting in for the Empress.
"Filthy atheists." said the Archduke with distaste. "So we spy on our allies now, Shein?"
"Ally is a dubious word at times." remarked Shein. "In this situation this could work to SATO's general advantage, but I must point out that yet again Knootoss only turns to SATO when dirty work has to be done. When they have the chance, they try to make their own plans and force them on the rest of us."
"Well..but if the Greens get into power..."
"I am wondering, Highness," broke in Aurora von Konigsmark, "If that mightn't be to our advantage. After all, Knootoss--rightly--is held in suspicion by a number of CACE nations. Lavenrunz is at least regarded as a nation with integrity. If the Greens come into power, it will remain for them to prove themselves and still manage somehow to placate their allies. That will put us in a position of distinct advantage."
Archduke Valerian nodded. "Keep me informed." he said, and rose. They bowed as he left.
"How much of Knootoss is 'black bagged'?" asked Chancellor der Waal of the Baron.
"As much as I damned well could." he said, taking a drag of a cigarette.
"And well you did." growled General Schlabel.

OOC: Jo, the 'greens getting into power' thing isn't entirely correct. I'll see if I can get to you on IRC so we can talk this over ok? I am being pictured here as a manipulative parasite and that really isn't the public image I am aspiring to have... :P

Menelmacar congratulates Galadriël Táralóm for her appointment to the State portfolio. Perhaps this heralds a chance for Menelmacar and Knootoss to heal the rifts in our relations that arose out of the earlier part of Lousewies' administration.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
Chancellor of CENNA
"We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. We will see freedom's victory."
~US President George W. Bush
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
Clicky-clicky!

----------------
To Galadriel, from the executive producer of ISN's show Silmariel Andunewen's 'Elfline'.

We'd like to offer you a chance to be interviewed on Elfline, to be aired directly opposite your predecessor's interview. We look forward to your prompt response.

Tagdamnitwhydoialwaysfindthesethingsafter3pageshavealreadybeenwritten

Menelmacar congratulates Galadriël Táralóm for her appointment to the State portfolio. Perhaps this heralds a chance for Menelmacar and Knootoss to heal the rifts in our relations that arose out of the earlier part of Lousewies' administration.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
Chancellor of CENNA
"We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. We will see freedom's victory."
~US President George W. Bush
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
Clicky-clicky!

Thank you Elentári, for the kind words. I believe that we should take this opportunity for the Democratic Republic and the Eternal Noldorin Empire to come together; in both our well-understood interests.

With your permission I intend to make a tour of all the Elvish nations as soon as my busy schedule permits. At the moment though I have to get my new department up and running. During the first days of my appointment I have learned that to govern a nation filled with humans requires an infinite amount of patience. Fortunately we both have that patience.

~Lady Galadriël Táralóm
State-secretary of the Knootian Foreign Affairs Department
http://www.vaalor.com/support/icons/female-elf8.jpg


To Galadriel, from the executive producer of ISN's show Silmariel Andunewen's 'Elfline'.

We'd like to offer you a chance to be interviewed on Elfline, to be aired directly opposite your predecessor's interview. We look forward to your prompt response.

OOC: Invitation for Elfline accepted. Want to work it out over IRC? I’ll see you there then…
Same goes for the Weegies btw. I will be available on MSN tomorrow for most of the day.

Communication to: Violeta Bi Bere
People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights
Tanah Burung

Ms. Bi Bere,

Firstly, let me assure you that we in Knootoss are all very glad to have signed the recent treaty on limited trade. I feel that this was a great step forward in healing the wounds between our nations: my party has nothing but good intentions towards Tanah Burung and is committed to repaying the colonial debt we have caused. Therefore, we also look forward to continue improving fair trade between our nations.

I can understand the confusion caused by the debates on foreign policy and the recent resignation of our state–secretary Farah Karimi. But now let me turn to the political reality of the day: after the Shadow war and the demise of Tators conservative party a broad coalition was formed which, theoretically, included all the parties left in parliament. However SLP and KGP are by far the largest and dominate the political landscape. Thusly, we managed to dominate the new cabinet together and I can proudly say that much of our party programme has finally been realised in the new government programme. However the SLP believes it can also form a majority with the so-called “moderately-conservative” RCPK and the tiny Knootian Elvish Party if this is convenient. This is what, according to me, caused the appointment of Galadriël Táralóm: a conservative Elf. This move has caused pressure from within my party to step out of the broad coalition and go in the opposition. However I am personally hard-pressed to do this. If we stay in the coalition we retain the common programme and the ability to make a difference but we will have been beaten and humiliated. If we break, we lose everything but our pride and honour. This truly is the dilemma of power.

As for the Knootian foreign policy: this can be indicated by a simple schematic.

Parliament
|
The Minister of Foreign affairs Hans van Mierlo (SLP)
|
State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Galadriël Táralóm (RCPK) and State-secretary of Development Affairs @@randomname@@ (KGP)

So in daily practice three parties now share power in the ministry. However the upcoming matter of colonial policy is firmly in the portfolio of the state-secretary. If I know van Mierlo one bit he is trying right now to influence Táralóm to make the proposal reasonable though. I have a feeling they are going to make a deal somehow. I know the RCPK politicians want to give off a signal to Aperin, and notably to SeOCC and I bet he is going to give her such a thing. However if he fails to make a deal, parliament is the only place where her plans can be stopped.

I hope I have informed you, if you have any more questions do not hesitate to ask.

Yours,

Femke Halsema
Member of Parliament, Knootoss Green Party (KGP)

Dearest Ms Halsema,

Many thanks for your prompt and informative reply.

Let me be quite frank. I support trade ties with Knootoss, and was able to get this accepted by arguing that Knootoss, like ourselves, stood for good relations with both sides of the ideological divide. There were many at home that opposed trade ties with Knootoss, for historical reasons which you are more than familiar with.

Today, there are those that wish to sever trade ties with your country and would use the recent shift at the foreign minstry as a pretext. Certainly, trade with CACE nations offers us more in strict economic terms, but i am trying to keep the door open to trade with Knootoss for political reasons. If the political situation in Knootoss shifts towards confrontation, then i will almost certainly be out-voted and my government will end its trade agreement with your country.

Obviously, i hope this will not happen. Obviously, it is entirely your own government's affair. But i know you will agree: it is best to be frank now and avoid misunderstanding later.

If i am outvoted at home and forced to suspend our trade agreement, i would like to replace it with something else. I am certain that i could gain my government's agreement to cultural and educational exchanges. We certainly wish to keep the friendship of Knootoss, so hard-won after so many years of animosity.

Bi Bere

Wombat News Report (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1951365#1951365)

OOC: TB: understood. Halsema's IC reply would be something along the lines of "we don't want confrontation and will do anything to prevent it."

Wombat News Report (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1951365#1951365)
LOL - read people read!

... and in other news: Wombat News ratings up again!

Despite chronic lack of time I made a nice IC post to keep the strory progressing...

Enumatil, Groningen province, northern Knootoss

The small village of Enumatil was one of the ‘special’ places in Knootoss. When asked about it, people usually said something like: “oh, that is were the religious people live right?” with a wary expression. In the minds of the ordinary Knootian, little good could come from those last refuges of Christianity in the avowedly atheist Democratic Republic. The villagers proudly supported one of the last remaining churches. Most churches had fallen to the demolitionists hammer or had been turned into supermarkets or art galleries. But the villagers of Enumatil had kept their reformed church, had kept their reformed school and had kept their reformed traditions. But the horizon was no longer one of grassy far sights. On the horizon, Groningen metropolitan city, capital of the northern district loomed. Swallowing up ever more land the city crept upon those villages that had so far remained relatively independent. Pressed with the need for expansion, city officials now greedily turned their eyes to the grassy lands surrounding Enumatil….

There had been a peak in activity around the village church during the last weeks in the otherwise quiet village. Crates of household goods were being loaded on the village square and people were preparing themselves to move. Between the scattered goods, a family was busy packing. A girl of about seven years of age was whinging and pulling her mothers skirt: “Mommy? Why do we have to go?” she kept asking. The mother now put down her things and pulled the child on her lap. “Because God wants us to go”, she said stroking the child’s hair. “Believe me, you will love Nieuw-Nederland. Nature in Aperin, where we are going, is still beautiful. And there and lots of other kids to play with,” the mother said in a hushing voice.

“When will we go?” the girls eyes now glimmered expectantly. “Soon… just wait my deary. The Reinland will leave in 4 weeks if all goes well.”

morning bump...

Ambassador Tqi sat in her cramped Knootcap flat, a rangy grey mongrel she had adopted off the streets curled up asleep at her feet, watching the news. Frustration escalated quickly to anger as she watched a short piece in the local news having to do with departure preparations in the village of Enumatil. The piece over, she picked up her phone and pressed one of her quick-dial codes.

"Hello?"

"Kharhe, are you watching the news?"

"Yes. I was just about to call you."

"But they know the proposal has been denied!" she practically shouted. "They know the CACE won't shift whether or not they send the boat! What does the Knootian government think it can gain by deceiving these people?"

"I have no idea..."

"And the timing! I mean, the voting in the CACE is to conclude tomorrow. Coincidence? I think not."

"Ruijie, calm down There's still time. I have a train schedule in front of me now, and I'm intending to go talk with them directly. (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1961577#1961577) I'll leave first thing in the morning."

"It smells rotten, Kharhe. It really does."

"I agree. You'll handle the Embassy stuff if I'm detained, yes?"

"That's not all I'd like to handle. But yes. Let's just hope we can sort this mess."

"Right. See you later."

"See you. And be careful. I hear they're pretty fundamentalist out there. Don't get yourself lynched."

The Ambassador heated a small jar of rice wine for herself and gave a biscuit to the dog, calming her thoughts before making a quick mental calculation. It's late at home, but if I know him at all, he'll still be up. Taking a quick look at her organiser, she picked up the 'phone again and dialled an international number. The line rung twice before being picked up.

"T'qirshii."

"Hi. This is Ambassador Tqi in Knootoss."

"Oh, hello. What can I do for you?"

"Councillor Kham, we may have a problem."

OOC: replied to you in the other thread. Nice.

OOC: Cheers. Replied back.

Rotterdam Harbour, Knootoss

The Dutch harbour in Rotterdam stretched out over the horizon as far as the eye could see. A long and extensive network of rivers, canals and passageways giving room for ships to load and unload, massive concrete slabs covered the land designated to storing containers. Stacked high were these containers in endless rows containing goods from all corners of the world. This mainport truly was an achievement, and the beating heart of the Knootian export economy. The ‘Hell’ petrochemical installations littered the horizon with steel-blue pipes churning out thick white and auburn smoke that mingled with the cumulus clouds overhead as if it was a painting of an old Dutch master.

Next to a wide, straight line of dark blue water that could be recognised as the river Rhine, one of the largest surface vessels the world had ever seen was about to be commissioned. The ship dwarfed the other freighters passing, as the ship could accommodate for exactly 2,807 colonists.

In a yard about a kilometre further downstream, the carcass of another colony ship began to take shape. The Lavenrunz was impressive to see even if it was merely a skeleton at this point.

…

“I dub thee, the Knootian Colony Ship Reinland – may God bless her and her passengers.”

A bottle of champagne was smashed against the hull of the ship and as it broke into pieces a crowd began to cheer.

One of the main donators to the ships held a gleeful speech.
“This new ark of Noah to carry the God fearing people to their new promised home. Truly it shall be the children of God that will settle in the new land. This ship…” he pointed to the Reinland in a wide armed gesture “… will mean freedom. To start over free of the prejudices that have divided us for so long.

The man now came to the personal part of his address, and his voice softened as memories came back to him:

“I remember my mother who had to leave Aperin in a hurry when the revolution started. I also remember my father who stayed. Loyal and dedicated as he was he stayed to protect the interests of ‘Hell’ oil. My father was taken from me by the mobs of so-called revolutionaries. But he is with God in Heaven now; I believe that with all my heart. We must forgive those who have done us wrong, we should not bear malice towards them. The people of the city where my father lived have created their own devils; their revolution ending in a corporate technocratic nightmare. For them, too, God has a plan.

This will not be a journey of desperation, but one of hope. We have survived. We will be back, against all odds. Now let us pray…”

The tower of the Prime Minister, The Hague
Lousewies van der Laan was in a sour mood. She had spent the entire morning doing foreign affairs business. The new state-secretary Galadriël was also busy contacting nations and plotting and she continually emphasised the importance of having the leader of the nation negotiate directly with other leaders “as a sign of respect.” Lousewies was complaining to her personal assistant: “She almost treats me like a subordinate. She is just an inch away from giving me orders all the time. I’m really pissed. She is worse then all the other Elves I’ve met. If I didn’t know better I would think that it was Prime Minister Táralóm.” She ranted on “It’s time I put my foot down here. Especially as Hans (OOC: the minister of foreign affairs) is away visiting Valinon.”

The assistant reminded the prime minister: “But at least the colonist policy is about to be resolved. Hans told be that he had agreed with Galadriël on it. The colony ships will be unarmed and we will not claim any land.”
“What! But what about the fate of those colonists!”, Lousewies shouted out. She pictured the scene already. Unarmed colonists being arrested… or worse.
The assistant nodded. “It was the only workable compromise. And actually she seemed quite happy to drop her plans for heavy military escorts; which is what her party wants.”
“Strange”, Lousewies thought. “If she is happy with that compromise then something fishy is going on.” Her voice became a bit authoritarian “Stay on it, watch it closely”, she ordered.

She put on her coat and prepared to leave for an appointment in the Peace Palace. She was to meet with the new elected members of the High Court….

(OOC: Supreme Court in the US; applying the new issue here. And at that appointment she will find out that Empress Joanna has been killed (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=87656&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0))

From: KNN News Online

Knootoss raises terror alert
Van der Laan authorises troops to be called up

THE HAGUE - The Knootian Government has put the country on the second-highest level of security alert because of an increased risk of terror attacks on Knootian targets at home and abroad. The prime minister gave her personal authorisation for soldiers to be drafted in to boost security at Schiphol airport and other sites in Knootcap, says a government representative. A total of 750 troops have joined 2.000 extra police officers in patrolling the airport as part of a tightening of security at sites across the capital. The heightened security is linked to intelligence concerns that the Volunteer Army or other terrorist groups like the feared ‘Group 4’ may be drafted in order to stage attacks against targets in capitalist nations.

The SeOCC government recently offered a general amnesty for all Volunteer Army members “willing to report for active duty as a defence force.” And rumour has it that Volunteer Army members incarcerated are offered this same deal. The measures are a response to the evidence compounded by AIVD security chiefs warning of possible terrorist attacks in the Netherlands region and Aperin towards the end of the week, including the use of poisons, chemicals and a device to spread radioactivity by the Volunteer Army, which is on the national list of terrorist organisations. With tensions rising over a Knootian/Skargarden military pact and the SeOCC government spreading the message that “Invasion is imminent” the AIVD feared that the VA might take retaliatory measures.

The prime minister's spokesman said action to deploy troops at Schiphol would not have been taken unless it was thought to be necessary. The spokesman again vehemently denied that Knootoss would engage in military action against SeOCC, calling the idea “ridiculous and insulting.” The move to raise the alert was "an ongoing operation in relation to a specific threat", the spokesman said. "The threat is real and the response to it will go up and down accordingly," he added. "This is not an exact science. There is no rulebook on how to deal with these things. The guiding principle is to protect the security of the people of this country consistent with not wanting to do the terrorists' job for them."

Troops from the Third Battalion ‘Peacekeeping’ began their patrols on Tuesday. A Ministry of Defence spokesman told KNN News Online the soldiers would be on guard for as long as the police needed their support. The prime minister's official spokesman said the public recognised the threat from Volunteer Army terrorism was real and the government had to respond accordingly. Gerlach Cerfontaine, managing director at Schiphol Airport, said safety and security was its number one priority as he called on passengers to be vigilant and patient.
A KLM spokeswoman said they had not being told of heightened security at other airports.

OOC: this is kind of an 'in-between' post, as the planned political debate can only begin after the Xikuangese ambassador has completed his visit to that reformed Church. I already did some work on that debate btw. In the meantime this is my domestic Re: ’SeOCC Mobilises Against Invasion' (http://invisionfree.com/forums/CACE/index.php?showtopic=455) from the CACE boards.

Also see for reference to what SeOCC is mad about:
A military pact with Skargarden and international war games (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1988494#1988494)

Iesus Christi, the Reich
Autobahn near the border
The network of autobahns stretched out over the entire Reich, connecting the homes of Fascism in the NS world together in an intricate network. Special ambassador to the Reich Mat Herben often used them to get around quickly, even though the travelling distracted him from his studies.

It had become dark and the Autobahn the car was driving on practically empty. The chauffeur did not say anything and there was a respectful silence. In the dim light, Herben reflected on the meeting he had had with the leadership of Iesus Christi. “Protecting the interests of devout Christian colonists worldwide.” was the story he had to sell. The meeting had gone well, maybe too well. Herben sighed; it really was difficult to tell. Reich foreign policies were erratic at best. And after hearing for decades that war was imminent on one front or the other he tended to take all things Reich with a grain of salt. Still, he could send an optimistic report back to Galadriël… if war would break out it could mean… what really? He thought for a minute about the significance of it. Then his mind turned elsewhere, Galadriël had the job that had been his for years, and now she was his direct supervisor. How strange things could turn out.

As they approached the border a banner came into view: “EIN GOTT; EIN REICH; EIN FÜHRER” it said. Below it was a small border station. The car stopped and a Wehrmacht soldier approached them: “Heil Iesus!” he shouted. Herben hailed back weakly. “Heil Iesus,” he mumbled as he showed his diplomatic passport from the window.

The car continued on its way and Herben was reminded of the past. Chants echoed through is mind; “Heil Knootoss! Heil Knootoss!” Eerie voices, as if it were people coming from the dead coming to grab him. He leaned back and closed his eyes, almost involuntary. The voices became clearer now and it appeared as if he was back in that fatal party conference in Knootcap.

Red flags, armed brownshirts, people slamming their fists on their chests and putting them in the air. “Heil Knootoss”, it echoed. Above all was the powerful, angry voice of Tator that dripped with hatred. The memory was painful. He, too, had been in that mass that evening. And before he knew it he had been chanting as well. He had felt like one with the masses but now it alienated him. He shuddered and forced himself to open his eyes. There was nothing there but the car and the Autobahn passing away underneath…

OOC: secret-Icifying an OOC conversation on IRC here

Note: Mat Herben is a character who was used by me in an earlier RP. He is a member of the conservative party who converted to Puritanism during a diplomatic mission in the Reich. This meeting during the funeral of a Reich general was one of the things that probably prevented a SATO/Reich war from happening. Since then Herben has been living in Reichskamhen studying theology for several decades. He also was one of the candidates who stood in elections against Tator and lost, and he is not particularly popular amongst the avowedly atheist government back in Knootoss. Pops up now and then.

CROSSLINK: MORE ON THIS HERE (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2023080#2023080)

OOC: Hmmm... haven't read the whole thread, but anything that my journalists can do? :D

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

OOC: Just thought of something - are the majority of colonists Christians and is this thing ICly to get rid of the remaining Christians in Knootoss? Something my reporters could investigate?

Could this be possible:
THROWING THE BUMS OUT
DEPORTATION AND DISASTER FOR CHRISTIANS IN KNOOTOSS

:?:

Making good use of a double post. ;)

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

The heightened security is linked to intelligence concerns that the Volunteer Army or other terrorist groups like the feared ‘Group 4’ may be drafted in order to stage attacks against targets in capitalist nations.[/b]

ooc: wanted to make a couple ooc points here:

1) what is Group 4? did anyone ever identify themselves as Group 4? how did you find out their name was Group 4? since you never bothered to RP an investigation of the guys who attacked the oil rigs all you could be refering to in this post is the rather bumbling security agency of the same name. really, how did you find out what they call themselves, if Group 4 is what they call themselves at all?

2) you think the VA is going to attack Knootoss? are you even familiar with their MO? the VA inserts themselves into UNSTABLE regimes that have a STRONG LOCAL ANTICAPITLIST MOVEMENT, or in the case of SR, a strong social justice movement. the VA then destabilizes the government and lets the locals finish the job, acting as a catalyst for revolution. Knootoss, as the official capital of neo-liberalism, is neither unstable nor has any local movements for the VA to help, and therefore it's utter ballocks to say the VA might attack Knootoss. this should be common knowledge in your intelligence department, meaning these are willfully false statements. enjoy.

OOC:
Re: 1) I assumed it would be the public / intelligence community name. Otherwise it would be 'the guys who attacked the Angstian oilrig.' or something.

Re: 2) As with Saddam Hussein attacking Great Brittain or the US, it is still possible for them to strike against Knootoss. Not very likely maybe, but possible. Especially in unique circumstances. The government now also uses the VA to patrol the streets of SeOCC remember?

This does not make them false statements per se, more of an umh, 'creatively interpreted' threat. Taking stern measures also helps to increase security awareness among the population.

Knootoss, as the official capital of neo-liberalism,
Thank you, I am flattered. The capital, who would have thought. :P
Social-liberalism btw. is a huge, environmentally stunning nation, notable for its devotion to social welfare, ánd it's punitive income taxrates. Doesnt sound very neoliberal to me... but if you want to reply to this please don't do so in this thread. (PM, TG, whatever)

is neither unstable nor has any local movements for the VA to help
I think Knootoss, as a semi-anarchy and a true democracy is one of the most politically instable nations in NS with the exeption of those actually engaging in civil war. You did not notice foreign policy changing every two weeks? Most of the socialists are pacified in the SLP though, I grant you that. The instability is in other areas.

Re: 1) I assumed it would be the public / intelligence community name. Otherwise it would be 'the guys who attacked the Angstian oilrig.' or something.

ooc: i'll say this and then drop it: if you recall the investigation Svea Riga and the SeOCC MSA did, the Volunteer Army was found to be the culprits in those attacks. so actually, the international intelligence community, unless they did an investigation of their own (oh wait, you didn't! you all left and ignored the attacks for no good reason) then really you should be spending more time bitching about the Volunteers rather than a mystery nation name nobody knows anything about.

edited for clarity, since nobody knows who the name Group 4 denotes. could be a VA code word...

Parliament, The Hague, Knootoss

Parliament in Knootoss gathered again to decide the fate of the nation. But this time it was different from the last meeting. Armed guards had taken up positions around the parliament building and several high-ranking ministers had bodyguards. For a normally so peaceful place, the atmosphere was tense.

…

The chairman opened the meeting: “We will now have a minute of silence to commemorate the life of the Empress of Lavenrunz.”

Respectfully, the gathered the MP’s and members of government bowed their heads and thought of Joanna. Her death had been a shock to many, especially the older ones who had resided in Lavenrunz after the Shadow war. After these sacral meetings the house was in session.

“The state secretary of Foreign Affairs will now present the new colonial policy document.”

Galadriël Táralóm stepped up to the stand.

“Thank you Mr. Chairman. This house has asked me to make a policy regarding colonisation after the various communities expressed their wish to leave. I will divide my address in two parts: firstly I will deal with the principles involved in this matter. After this has been sufficiently discussed I intend to move on to the policy specifically dealing with the communities who wish to head for Aperin.

In discussing the duties which fall to the Knootian nation from its history and its general as well as particular endowments in this policy, I attempted to prove that a consolidation and expansion of our position among the Great Powers of Nationstates, and an extension of our colonial possessions, must be the basis of our future development.

The political questions thus raised intimately concern all international relations, and should be thoroughly weighed. We must not aim at the impossible. A reckless policy would be foreign to our national character and our high aims and duties. But we must aspire to the possible, even at the risk of war. This policy we have seen to be both our right and our duty. The longer we look at things with folded hands, the harder it will be to make up the start which the other Powers have gained on us....

The sphere in which we can realize our ambition is circumscribed by the hostile intentions of the other World Powers like the Reich, by the existing territorial conditions, and by the armed force that is at the back of both. Our policy must necessarily be determined by the consideration of these conditions. We must accurately, and without bias or timidity, examine the circumstances that turn the scale when the forces that concern us are weighed one against the other....

Green leader Femke Halsema intervened. Furiously she addressed the state-secretary: “Why is this necessary? What duties? If I hear this correctly Mrs. Táralóm proposes that we become some sort of imperialist nation. Those attitudes belong in Drum Gods or your beloved Menelmacar, not here!

Galadriël responded coldly: “If Mrs. Halsema would allow me to continue my address I will answer her ‘question’. Mr Chairman I continue.

Under the conditions in the Nationstates world the position of Knootoss is extraordinarily difficult. We not only require for the full material development of our nation, on a scale corresponding to its intellectual importance, an extended political basis, but we are also compelled to obtain space for our increasing population and markets for our growing industries. But at every step we take in this direction the organisations like the CACE will resolutely oppose us. SeOCC policy may not yet have made the definite decision to attack us; but it doubtless wishes, by all and every means, even the most extreme, to hinder every further expansion of Knootian international influence. The recognized political aims of SeOCC and the attitude of the SeOCC Government leave no doubt on this point.
Since the struggle is, as appears on a thorough investigation of the international question, necessary and inevitable, we must fight it out, cost what it may. Indeed, we are carrying it on at the present moment, though not with drawn swords, and only by peaceful means so far. On the one hand it is being waged by the competition in trade, industries and warlike preparations; on the other hand, by diplomatic methods with which the rival states are fighting each other in every region where their interests clash.

With these methods it has been possible to maintain peace hitherto, but not without considerable loss of power and prestige. This apparently peaceful state of things must not deceive us; we are facing a hidden, but none the less formidable, crisis--perhaps the most momentous crisis in the history of the Knootian nation.

We are already one of the leading Powers of The Netherlands; we now must decide whether we wish to develop into a status of World Power, and procure for Knootian spirit and Knootian ideas that fit recognition which has been hitherto withheld from them.
Does this House have the energy to aspire to that great goal? Are you prepared to make the sacrifices that such an effort will doubtless cost us? Or would you rather recoil before the hostile forces, and let us sink step by step lower in our economic, political, and national importance?”

[will be continued.]
[Thanks to General Friedrich von Bernhardi, ‘The Next War’ for part of the speech.]

Viewage bump

A big bump, but thought i'd keep this ont he same thread rather than starting a new one.

Confidential communication to Femke Halsema, Knootoss Green Party:

As you know, we recently negotiated an agreement for trade in agricultural products and narcotics with your government, as an expression of support for the new liberal course of the coaliiton government....

Can you please advise on who is running your country's foreign policy? If the KGP policy of detente is still in control, then we are pleased. If the die-hards of the Conservative party are returning to power, it will be difficult for me to hold off those people here in Tanah Burung who wish to end our trading agreement. I would value your comments.

In soldarity,
Violeta Bi Bere
People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights

Communication to: Violeta Bi Bere
People's representative for foreign affairs & human rights
Tanah Burung

Ms. Bi Bere,

Firstly, let me assure you that we in Knootoss are all very glad to have signed the recent treaty on limited trade. I feel that this was a great step forward in healing the wounds between our nations: my party has nothing but good intentions towards Tanah Burung and is committed to repaying the colonial debt we have caused. Therefore, we also look forward to continue improving fair trade between our nations....

Femke Halsema
Member of Parliament, Knootoss Green Party (KGP)

Dearest Ms Halsema,

It is with the greatest possible regret that i inform you that the collective presidency of Tanah Burung has voted to abrogate our trade agreement. This is a source of great personal regret to me, but i am sure you will understand the compromises that are sometimes necessary in a democratic society.

As i have indicated previously, the trade agreement was entered into on the understanding that Knootoss was moving left. Since that time, Knootoss has moved sharply to the right. I know that is none of your doing, but nevertheless the course of your country's foreign policy means that support in my countrry for Knootoss is drying up. If we do not suspend trade, i fear that Knootians in Tanah Burung will become targets for reprisals. Many people here are very angry with the policy of one member of your government in particular, who seems to be in control of many elements of Knootian foreign policy.

Therefore, i hereby give notice of our intent to end our trade agreement one year from this date. This is a step i take with sorrow. It is no indication of a lack of friendship for your country, which we continue to hold in high esteem. We continue to welcome tourists and visitors from Knootoss, and all regulations allowing immigration from Knootoss to Tanah Burung for elderly citizens of your country remain in full force.

In addition, we would like to offer enhanced cultural contacts. The historic ties between our countries should not be allowed to evaporate. We would like to propose a cultural agreement which allows for scholarships for Knootians to study at Lovefest University in Tanah Burung. You may wish to reciprocate with similar spots in Knootian universities. We would also suggest that an exchange of dance, music, art, literature and other cultural organizations between our countries could be of great value. Our embassy is also interested in establishing an Indies Institute for culture and historical study in Knootcap, should this be acceptable to your government. To this end, we are prepared to return copies of certain materials seized during our revolution from the colonial government archives.

We hope that the end of trade relations will be seen, not as a setback, but as an opportunity for closer ties in other areas.

La'o hamutuk, mau bere!
Violeta Bi Bere

ooc: Tanah Burung, you have a telegram!