NationStates Jolt Archive

ooc: this is continued from the "CACE containment alliance signed" thread. But since it has nothing to do with CACE, containment, or alliances, moving to a new thread. Knoot, i made up a name for your ambassador, i'll change it if you have a preference.

In response to the questions, the Knootian ambassador took quite a while to answer, granting an interview after the journalist’s deadline had ended. (He was pretty sure of it, anyways.) When the journalist showed up after all with his tape recorder he quickly gathered some facts and figures:

1a) What fair trade initiatives has Knootoss engaged in?
“Umh… there have been several occasion in which the Knootian government has mediated fair trade agreements. More specifically, the ministry of Economic Affairs appears to be willing to engage in fair trade agreements. An example would be the rebuilding process in the former Vampiric nation of Bloodreign, where SATO was involved in a peacekeeping mission. Other examples would include developing nations in the Columbian region, such as the Knootian support for territories formerly held by the leftist FARC rebels. We’re working together with private industries there for decades. Basically since the first Vogels administration.”

(OOC: little known fact, but together with the Empire of Baron / Chimea, Knootoss holds large parts of Columbia that were formerly FARC commie rebel territory. The territories are somewhat larger then the RL FARC territory, as the rebels had advanced significantly. It’s a long story – one of my first RP’s. Been rebuilding that part of the NS world in our image since then. The FARC player now has a new nation.)

The ambassador sits back for a subject he’s going to enjoy: “Of course, we also engage in more-or-less fair trade with the nation of Ale-Yarok. This (OOC: named after an Israeli political party) nation was ruled in a quite socialist way when they asked for some international guidance and we were glad to step in. Since then, the nation has been moving slowly back towards independence. The economy is really swell, a first world nation basically, so the trade can become more competitive. Ale-Yarok is a good example of successful Knootian guidance.” He sneers as he grabs his coffee: “Kinda what Tanah Burung could have done really.”

But those are just examples with extensive Knootian involvement. I’d like to go on to the next question…

1b)How does the Knootian government define fair trade?
(OOC: EFTA definition with South ---> developing nations)
The ambassador hands the journalist a sheet, and reads it out loud:
"Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers - especially in the Developing Nations. Fair Trade organisations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade".

Fair Trade's strategic intent is:
-Deliberately to work with marginalized producers and workers in order to help them move from a position of vulnerability to security and economic self-sufficiency
-To empower producers and workers as stakeholders in their own organisations
-Actively to play a wider role in the global arena to achieve greater equity in international trade.

2) If Knootoss believes in fair trade, why not sign the IFTA?
The Ambassador frowns and thinks for a moment, leaning back in his chair:

“Well… there are political reasons obviously. We support fair trade as a means, but IFTA has some critical flaws that inhibit our joining. The main reason is that the organisation is CACE dominated.”

His tone becomes more aggressive:
“My government has no desire to be associated with an organisation that is run behind the scenes by a rogue terrorist-supporting puppetmaster. Of course, we will not forget how they openly supported terrorist groups and nearly deliberately caused a thermonuclear conflict just to root out an, umh, intelligence source they already had strong suspicions was there. You know, I hope, of which nation I speak.

The intelligence we have gathered so far indicates that some CACE governments see the IFTA as a possibility to gain economic and political influence over what they consider to be nations that can be easily persuaded. Intelligence reports gave an image of a tone that was actually quite demeaning.”

As if in an afterthought, he adds:
“Also, some of the definitions and regulations in the treaty are incompatible with established traditions in Knootian society, and the scale of the Knootian economy making implementation of the treaty difficult.”

3) If Knootoss believes in fair trade, will it ask for far-trade clauses in trade agreements being negotiated as we speak?
“Well… that depends on with whom we are negotiating. We believe in free trade and optimal competitiveness between nations who have equal opportunities. For example there will be negotiations shortly with the Empire Of The Eternal Dawn within the SCOJAN treaty forum where we also hope to secure trade deals. And the Knootian government also intends to look into any organisation that may emerge out of the ashes of CENNA.

But these are all first world nations who do not need ‘fair’ trade. If you want to know if there are any ongoing negotiations with developing nations right now you should really contact the ministry back in Knootoss.

OOC: just a reminder. This is the Knootian ambassador IN TANAH BURUNG, not a televised address or something. Just a note before everyone starts to flame.


The journalist's story:

Knootian Ambassador dream fondly of colonial days!

UKUN RASIKAN -- Knootian Ambassador Horst van Leur has called for Tanah Burung to be placed under the tutelage of the old colonial master, protesters at the Knootian embassy say.

"There is no place for colonial die-hards here," opposition politician Mau Kiri Rai told a crowd estimated at 500,000 people. "I fought against Knootian colonial rule once. I swear on the blood of the martyrs that fell in the revolution: we shall never be 'guided' by these butchers again!"

Protesters were reacting to comments by van Leur in an interview with this reporter on the topic of fair trade. "Ale-Yarok is a good example of successful Knootian guidance," van der Leur said. "Kinda what Tanah Burung could have done really."

This reporter had asked for comment on different understanding of fair trade, something both Tanah Burung and Knootoss claim to promote, but in very different ways. Indeed, a trade agreement between the two countries was cancelled over what Tanah Burung's then-government saw as a Knootian move to the political right.

"Knootoss speaks the rhetoric of justice, while doing nothing to advance the cause of human freedom," declared Mau Kiri Rai. "They say they have left colonialism behind. And now, their ambassador has the gall to suggest that we would do better if we had not thrown off the shackles of their colonial occupation of our nation. Shall we allow this to go unchallenged? Never, a thousand times never! Ambassador van der Leur's words drop the diplomatic mask that the oppressors hide behind! He has declared his true intention, the intention to recolonize and neo-colonize the developing world. He must be expelled at once."

The ambassador also referred to the International Fair Trade Agreement, credited with a recent improvement in Tanah Burung's economy, "an organisation that is run behind the scenes by a rogue terrorist-supporting puppetmaster." Reached by mobile phone in Iansisle where he is attending a Christmas celebration, Markus Rumbiak (a leading proponent of the IFTA) called this an unfair characterization. "The IFTA is dominated by no one," he said. "We have had our share of arguments with the country he is referring to, both publicly and privately. We take orders from no country: not our trading partners, and not Mr van der Leur's country either."

From the newspaper Trouw (Loyalty)

Knootian ambassador in Tanah Burung recalled

UKUN RASIKAN – In the wake of massive anti-Knootian protests in Tanah Burung, the local Knootian ambassador Horst van Leur has been recalled from the former Knootian colony ‘for consultations with the government at home.’

The move was made following alleged neo-colonial statements by the ambassador. A government spokesman held a press-conference a few hours after the recall, explaining the ambassadors words. During the interview, the ambassador cited Ale-Yarok as an example of successful Knootian guidance, comparing that nations fate to Tanah Burung. Literally he said: “Kinda what Tanah Burung could have done really.”

The spokesman explained: “The important part here is the use of the word ‘could’, which notes the possibility, and not the normative ‘should’. In fact, the ambassador was merely exploring the theoretical possibility of an alternate historical path, using the example to draw a parallel between economic development in both nations. The government does not even want to set one form of development above the other, as the self-determination of all peoples is central to our policies. Ambassador van Leur was at no point advocating that Tanah Burung should have remained the Knootian East Indies.”

The spokesmen also reiterated Knootian support for “the ideals of” the IFTA. He even called the organisation for fair trade "noble in it's intent".

Critics of the government such as green MP Halsema say that the ambassador made a serious diplomatic slip-up, and that he should apologise publicly. “Instead of making a gesture to those thousands of protestors, the government juggles with Semantics. I think this is a bad signal to the people of Tanah Burung, and yet another weak answer to what is increasingly becoming an SLP/RCPK dominated coalition.”

However the government still denies that the statements were ever intended as neo-colonial. However, anonymous sources have confirmed that ambassador van Leur will probably be transferred to another nation and replaced by another member of the diplomatic corps very soon.

The Old Palace in Ukun Rasikan. Tanah Burung's collective presidency is gathered in a building that used to house the Governor of the Knootian East Indies, back when the city was named New Hoorn. Birdsong can be heard through the open windows.

Violeta Bi Bere, in charge of foreign affairs, is facing an onslaught from her colleagues.

"... van Leur is headed home, and i'm sure he'll be replaced," she says, grasping her cane as she stands at the head of the council table. "Even with that awful woman they've got handling too much of their foreign affairs, the Knootian government is too canny to let a wound like this fester for long."

Mau Tarak, Governor of Loro Sae province, leaps to his feet. The old Rubber Tappers union boss heads the majority faction on the collctive presidency, bankrolled by the powerful worker-owned cooperatives. "Enough!" he shouts. "You've coddled these warmongers long enough! Will you wait until they ring our trade partners about with aggressive armies before you speak out against them? Will you wait until their armies come here? Why, why do you seek friendship with Knootoss?"

Bi Bere breathes in sharply, thinking: I'm getting too old for this. Far too old. "My dear colleague," she begins. "Non-alignment means good relations with all ideological stripes. And still i believe that our friends in Knootoss, people of good will like Femke Halsema, must be supported. I have asked our ambassador in Knootoss-"

"Kay Rala? She was born wearing clogs," Mau Tarak interrupts. "She prefers cheese to a decent plate of rice. Better to call her home and have done with it. Or leave her to split semantic hairs with the Knootian diplomatic corps. I move for a vote of non-confidence in Ms Bi Bere."

One by one, the 11 members of the collective presidency cast their votes.

---

UKUN RASIKAN (PTBI) -- A split emerged today in the Tanah Burung collective presidency. Violeta Bi Bere, people's representative for foreign affairs & human rights, faces a challenge to her position by the cooperatives-backed majority.

Although relations with the former colonial power are the pretext for the challenge, it is expected to turn into a referendum on the future direction of national foreign policy and Bi Bere's "independent but active" stance.

Evil free-love cafeteria Catholics vs. evil free-love atheists. Hard to pick sides, eh? ;)

OOC: Knootoss, since your govt actively supports abortion and euthanasia, I was thinking of havinmg my country suspend all trade with Knootoss and/or Syskeyians boycott Knootian products. Since the embassy debacle is in the spotlight, however, I guess that issue will slide.

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

TAG

Evil free-love cafeteria Catholics vs. evil free-love atheists. Hard to pick sides, eh? ;)

The cafeteria Catholics have better food. :wink:

Evil free-love cafeteria Catholics vs. evil free-love atheists. Hard to pick sides, eh? ;)

OOC: Knootoss, since your govt actively supports abortion and euthanasia, I was thinking of havinmg my country suspend all trade with Knootoss and/or Syskeyians boycott Knootian products. Since the embassy debacle is in the spotlight, however, I guess that issue will slide.

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

OOC:
You just try that - make my RL day my dear 'ally'- and I will make sure that the word of your nonexisting God will never be uttered again in Syskeyia except in ridicule. Churches will burn, as they have burned in Knootoss, and the flaming inferno will light up the sky of the new dawn in a brave new world... *polite diplomatic smile*

In fact, I might just start preparing for that that right now. 8)

To enflame your hatred a little more I did this small writing excercise on euthanasia in Knootoss: In the this perfect day thread right here (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2439037#2439037)

Heil Satan,

The Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss

*gets to work on replying to Tanah Burung in slightly more diplomatic fashion*

OOC:
You just try that - make my RL day my dear 'ally'- and I will make sure that the word of your nonexisting God will never be uttered again in Syskeyia except in ridicule. Churches will burn, as they have burned in Knootoss, and the flaming inferno will light up the sky of the new dawn in a brave new world... *polite diplomatic smile*

In fact, I might just start preparing for that ... right now. 8)

You know, any attempt on your behalf to rid Syskeyia of its Catholicism will result in heaping mounds of Knootian casualties, the devestation of your economy, and little to no headway for the (pipe dream of) secularization of Syskeyia.

To enflame your hatred a little more I did this small writing excercise on euthanasia in Knootoss: In the this perfect day thread right here (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2439037#2439037)

I read that. Your government not only funds abortion and euthanasia, but also has a euthanasia quotient? That's just evil.

Heil Satan,

The Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss
Being against organized religionm is one thing, but liking Satan is totally another. http://community.the-underdogs.org/smiley/angry/grindteeth.gif


God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

------------------------------------------
Ukun Rasikan, Tanah Burung
------------------------------------------

A thin figure in a long trenchcoat made it's way to the government buildings. The coat and matching sunglasses looked a bit ridiculous in the sun of the warm Tanah Burung, but they effectively hid the identity of the woman carrying them. The more observant locals could notice that it was indeed a woman, elegantly moving her hips as she made her way to her final destination.

Snow had began to fall in back Knootoss, turning the nation in a winter wonderland. Shadowy figures were now busily plotting the end of Christianity in a certain nation. Telegrams were send, conversations held, people positioned. The evil eye of Knootoss had now turned west, away from Aperin.

But this unknown figure knew nothing of the plotting behind the scenes, or the role that she had to play in the history of Knootoss and – indeed – the world. She walked on, a bit confused with the her surroundings and checking a map at regular intervals.

A nametag indicated she had reached her destination: the office of Violeta Bi Bere, people's representative for foreign affairs & human rights.

The mysterious woman knocked on the door (OOC: or rang the bell, bribed the guard, had herself announced or whatever is customary to get in) and waited for someone to open the door:

Femke Halsema, leader of the green KGP removed her sunglasses. “Merry Christmas, I am here to see Violeta Bi Bere, may I please come in?”

[ooc" apologies for delay: holiday flu :( ]

At the knock, a man opened a sliding panel at the top of the door. The door is green, and so it seems is everything inside. "Closed for Christmas," he grunts. But on hearing the visitor's name, his face breaks into a smile. "Now that's a horse of a different colour!"

Inside, the building it becomes clear is some ancient Sultan's mad dream: an attempt to replicate the fabled Emerald City of Oz in miniature. Femke may like the colour green, but she'll see altogether too much of it here. Furtunately, Voileta Bi Bere's office is a simple room, with only a few house plants echoing the green theme.

Bi Bere is waiting and approaches with her arms outstretched. "Dear heart," she says, "what a pleasure to meet you in the flesh! If only you'd told me you were coming! Let us sit, we two, and commiserate on the troubles of politics. And tell me, to what do i owe the honour of your visit?"

Femke hugs Bi Bere briefly but warmly. Before the two women walk over to the office she hands her a small gift wrapped in green packaging with some shining little paper stars glued onto them. “Here you are, it’s only a small thing. Please think of it as an apology for dropping by unannounced like this.”

She hesitates for a moment, but decides she should trust Bi Bere.
“I am here more-or-less incognito. I am visiting you in person because I fear that any communications are being listened into. It’s strange… I do not have hard evidence of any kind, only clues. Some kind of female intuition tells me to be cautious.” She grins. “I hope you don’t think that I’m some kind of overly paranoid person. Last time I had that feeling was years ago in the run-up to the elections that lead to the shadow war and I was very right back then.”

As they walk to Bi Bere’ s office she looks at the interior with a curious expression on her face. The green makes a definite impression on the woman who since she became party leader has spent most of her time in grey meeting halls and dreary offices. “Interesting decoration… very lively. did you design it yourself?”, she asks inquisitively.

Just as Bi Bere is about to answer, music disturbs the room. Bi Bere is a bit confused, but then she hears the sound coming from Femke’s direction. “Oh, my phone. Sorry.”, she excuses herself as she searches for the gadget. Bi bere then recognises the ringtone as the first notes of the Knootian national anthem.

[OOC: The following conversation is in Dutch, as is denoted by the purple.. So if she speaks it somehow she will understand. Otherwise it will just be a lot of gibberish to her.]

“Femke here. Hi, I’m actually in a meeting right now. Could you…”, she is interrupted. “Oh, urgent? Well go ahead.” The person on the phone tells a long story, and the green leader only grunts now and then. “Oh my. And Lousewies?” , the person reassures her. “Safe. Oh ok.” The voice continues to speak, and seems to be panicky from what Bi Bere can hear. ”Enter the war? What I think? I don’t know, I… I mean you are just telling me this. Yes, I will watch television when I have the opportunity. Thank you dear. We’ll be in touch.

As she puts the phone back her face turns pale and she shudders. She explains herself: “Civil war has broken out in Lavenrunz. (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=109830&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0) One of our closest allies. Apparently Menelmacari forces intervened and now troops are moving everywhere and they asked me what to do. Knootoss may be forced to intervene as well”, she sighs deeply to regain some emotional control. “Sorry… I just remember the Lavenrunzians very kindly. They took care of us when the government was in exile and their government has always been the reasonable voice…” Her voice trailed. Parliament will probably be reconvened on very short notice so my visit can be only short. However I intend to make the most of it.

OOC: the Lavenrunz civil war is/was interfering with my posting apart from Christmas visits and such IRL things. But let's just go on... A happy New Year to all of you!

ooc: And a happy new year back. I'm sure events Lavenrunz will take up most of your posting time Knoot, so we can wrap this up quickly if you like.

Femke hugs Bi Bere briefly but warmly. Before the two women walk over to the office she hands her a small gift wrapped in green packaging with some shining little paper stars glued onto them. “Here you are, it’s only a small thing. Please think of it as an apology for dropping by unannounced like this.”

Bi Bere is chuffed. "Why, your generosity touches me. Im tempted to ask how you got by customs undetected, but the pleasure of your company has driven all such thoughts from my mind. It's no secret that my whole country wishes your party was running foreign policy, and not that half-mad warmongering elf." Of course, Bi Bere knows Hans van Mierlo is the foreign minister, but never passes up a chance to express her belief that right-wing diehards like Galadriel are the ones really calling the shots. She unwraps the package....

She hesitates for a moment, but decides she should trust Bi Bere.
“I am here more-or-less incognito. I am visiting you in person because I fear that any communications are being listened into. It’s strange… I do not have hard evidence of any kind, only clues. Some kind of female intuition tells me to be cautious.” She grins. “I hope you don’t think that I’m some kind of overly paranoid person. Last time I had that feeling was years ago in the run-up to the elections that lead to the shadow war and I was very right back then.”

As they walk to Bi Bere’ s office she looks at the interior with a curious expression on her face. The green makes a definite impression on the woman who since she became party leader has spent most of her time in grey meeting halls and dreary offices. “Interesting decoration… very lively. did you design it yourself?”, she asks inquisitively.

Just as Bi Bere is about to answer, music disturbs the room. Bi Bere is a bit confused, but then she hears the sound coming from Femke’s direction. “Oh, my phone. Sorry.”, she excuses herself as she searches for the gadget. Bi bere then recognises the ringtone as the first notes of the Knootian national anthem.

[OOC: The following conversation is in Dutch, as is denoted by the purple.. So if she speaks it somehow she will understand. Otherwise it will just be a lot of gibberish to her.]

“Femke here. Hi, I’m actually in a meeting right now. Could you…”, she is interrupted. “Oh, urgent? Well go ahead.” The person on the phone tells a long story, and the green leader only grunts now and then. “Oh my. And Lousewies?” , the person reassures her. “Safe. Oh ok.” The voice continues to speak, and seems to be panicky from what Bi Bere can hear. ”Enter the war? What I think? I don’t know, I… I mean you are just telling me this. Yes, I will watch television when I have the opportunity. Thank you dear. We’ll be in touch.

As she puts the phone back her face turns pale and she shudders. She explains herself: “Civil war has broken out in Lavenrunz. (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=109830&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0) One of our closest allies. Apparently Menelmacari forces intervened and now troops are moving everywhere and they asked me what to do. Knootoss may be forced to intervene as well”, she sighs deeply to regain some emotional control. “Sorry… I just remember the Lavenrunzians very kindly. They took care of us when the government was in exile and their government has always been the reasonable voice…” Her voice trailed. Parliament will probably be reconvened on very short notice so my visit can be only short. However I intend to make the most of it.

Bi Bere is old enough to remember the colonial period, and as one of the educated elite she learned Dutch in school, although she has not used it in years. Not since English replaced Dutch as the official second language, in fact. But she is too polite to admit that she listened to the phone call.

"Ah, Lavenrunz, yes. Wealth is no barrier to troubled times, and of course that conflict will loom large to your countrymen. It troubles me, you know, these rapid resorts to force, these rushes of foreign powers to take sides. But no one knows that better than your country, i suppose: a neo-conservative day at the polls, and suddenly the vultures of war circled. A time to weep, and a tale that i pray will not be repeated in Lavenrunz."

She sighs. "You know, i often wish there was some way we could have helped during your Shadow War. But with no real military to speak of, it quickly moved beyond any hope of help from here. Still, we try to think of ways that we can help without any military force. If there any way a pacifist country can be of service, i hope you'll let us know. I do hope there are those among the allies of Lavenrunz who will seek peace through dialogue and not rush to take up the sword too quickly, before peaceful means are exhausted."

Be Bere casts her eyes about the hallways as the two women walk. "When i look at these walls, i always think about the need for peace. This was the pleasure palace by the sea, built long ago by Sultan Jayawarnam III, whose wars killed so many thousands. And the green stands for Islam, which to him was a warrior faith, though it need not be. He put so many of my ancestors to the sword, as my people fought to defend the coastal kingdom of Atsabe. And for what? Nothing: your ancestors came and shattered the Sultanate and made this city of Atsabe into New Hoorn, and left the Sultan with only this palace to call his own. And now, New Hoorn and the whole of your Knootian East Indies swept away. We called our war for independence a just war, and i suppose it was. I carried food to the guerrillas, so i suppose i was a freedom fighter in that war that we called a war of justice. And yet, so many more died, so much blood...."

She catches herself and stops speaking suddenly. "Forgive me. An old woman's rambling. It's not a time i remember with any great joy, my father dead, my brothers dead. But i suppose i've told you how this palace was decorated, at any rate." She laughs, ruefully. "There are few enough Muslims remaining in this city, which we call Ukun Rasikan now, and our wars of religion are long past. We say we've cast off the colonial age, and it's true we've cast off the colonial names, but scratch one of my countrymen and the memories are still there in our blood."

Again, she catches herself. "Oh dear, i'm rambling again. But here is my office. Please, help yourself to any of the drink and narcotics on the side board. I'm partial to Bliss, myself. I've chaired more than a few meetings on Bliss, it concentrates the mind wonderfully." Bi Bere wets her finger, dips it into the violet-coloured powder, and licks it off.

"So, my dear. Do you need to rush home and deal with a cabinet crisis, or shall we speak a while? I shouldn't poke fun at your cabinet difficulties, perhaps. The ways things are going, i may soon be toppled from power for seeking too much friendship with countries like Knootoss, to be honest. There are those in my country who say your own presence in the coalition is just window dressing for those in Knootoss who love war and profit more than peace and justice and the earth. Ironically, that may mean the end of my career. We'll see, though. I've survived more than one challenge. Maybe i'll survive this one."

Bi Bere also despises double posts.

*tagged, oooooooooooh! The intrigue! :) *

Bi Bere is chuffed. "Why, your generosity touches me. Im tempted to ask how you got by customs undetected, but the pleasure of your company has driven all such thoughts from my mind. It's no secret that my whole country wishes your party was running foreign policy, and not that half-mad warmongering elf." Of course, Bi Bere knows Hans van Mierlo is the foreign minister, but never passes up a chance to express her belief that right-wing diehards like Galadriel are the ones really calling the shots. She unwraps the package....

“Ah, well, thanks”, she says, blushing slightly at the compliments. “We try to though”, she adds with a smirk. She watches as Bi bere opens the package. It contains a Delft blue coloured coffee mug, depicting a serene oriental scene with a small village by the waterside. There aren’t any westerners on the display. “I know, she excuses herself, “it’s probably the most politically incorrect gift imaginable. There is a small shop in Amsterdam where they sell these things…”

---

Bi Bere is old enough to remember the colonial period, and as one of the educated elite she learned Dutch in school, although she has not used it in years. Not since English replaced Dutch as the official second language, in fact. But she is too polite to admit that she listened to the phone call.

"Ah, Lavenrunz, yes. Wealth is no barrier to troubled times, and of course that conflict will loom large to your countrymen. It troubles me, you know, these rapid resorts to force, these rushes of foreign powers to take sides. But no one knows that better than your country, i suppose: a neo-conservative day at the polls, and suddenly the vultures of war circled. A time to weep, and a tale that i pray will not be repeated in Lavenrunz."

She sighs. "You know, i often wish there was some way we could have helped during your Shadow War. But with no real military to speak of, it quickly moved beyond any hope of help from here. Still, we try to think of ways that we can help without any military force. If there any way a pacifist country can be of service, i hope you'll let us know. I do hope there are those among the allies of Lavenrunz who will seek peace through dialogue and not rush to take up the sword too quickly, before peaceful means are exhausted."

Be Bere casts her eyes about the hallways as the two women walk. "When i look at these walls, i always think about the need for peace. This was the pleasure palace by the sea, built long ago by Sultan Jayawarnam III, whose wars killed so many thousands. And the green stands for Islam, which to him was a warrior faith, though it need not be. He put so many of my ancestors to the sword, as my people fought to defend the coastal kingdom of Atsabe. And for what? Nothing: your ancestors came and shattered the Sultanate and made this city of Atsabe into New Hoorn, and left the Sultan with only this palace to call his own. And now, New Hoorn and the whole of your Knootian East Indies swept away. We called our war for independence a just war, and i suppose it was. I carried food to the guerrillas, so i suppose i was a freedom fighter in that war that we called a war of justice. And yet, so many more died, so much blood...."

She catches herself and stops speaking suddenly. "Forgive me. An old woman's rambling. It's not a time i remember with any great joy, my father dead, my brothers dead. But i suppose i've told you how this palace was decorated, at any rate." She laughs, ruefully. "There are few enough Muslims remaining in this city, which we call Ukun Rasikan now, and our wars of religion are long past. We say we've cast off the colonial age, and it's true we've cast off the colonial names, but scratch one of my countrymen and the memories are still there in our blood."

Again, she catches herself. "Oh dear, i'm rambling again. But here is my office. Please, help yourself to any of the drink and narcotics on the side board. I'm partial to Bliss, myself. I've chaired more than a few meetings on Bliss, it concentrates the mind wonderfully." Bi Bere wets her finger, dips it into the violet-coloured powder, and licks it off.

"So, my dear. Do you need to rush home and deal with a cabinet crisis, or shall we speak a while? I shouldn't poke fun at your cabinet difficulties, perhaps. The ways things are going, i may soon be toppled from power for seeking too much friendship with countries like Knootoss, to be honest. There are those in my country who say your own presence in the coalition is just window dressing for those in Knootoss who love war and profit more than peace and justice and the earth. Ironically, that may mean the end of my career. We'll see, though. I've survived more than one challenge. Maybe i'll survive this one."

“Oh, I have time, please take the time”, she insist. “Life is no good rushing through things like a rabid dog, moving constantly from one place to the other.” She shifts her legs to make herself more comfortable: “I have the mixed blessing of not being in the cabinet so I don’t need to rush off every time.”, she grins, “And with Galadriël off in Iansisle it will be Van Mierlo who is guiding policy alone, which is a good thing I guess. He isn’t as eager to jump to war. With Lavenrunzians it is always complicated. They have somewhat strange conceptions of honour and loyalty that are the driving force behind their lives and it is easy to misjudge them.”

She focuses on the matter at hand:
“But I really was here to visit to talk about your challenge. I would hate it if you were to lose office”, her face has a caring expression with a hint of guilt, “especially when it is really our fault.” “I understand that matters can easily turn for the worse if we interfere, but you see, it’s not just the greens that are worried about it. Besides me and my party there is really nobody back in Knootoss who wants relations to turn sour. I may be able to strike a deal – if there is anything I can do to help you, just ask…”

((OOC: the Lavenrunz crisis is more or less solved now btw, but this is, erm, taking place when it wasn’t, ok?))

(ooc: Of course! Fluidic time shall remain undisturbed.)

Bi Bere smiles to see the Delft coffee cup. Such things, of course, are no longer manufactured here. It's strange for her to see that they still are in Knootoss: like seeing a piece of the past suddenly brought whole into the present. But then, she thought, it must look odd to people from other countries that Tanah Burung uses only the blimp and the hot-air balloon for air transport. What's new to one country is old-fashioned to another.

And so she smiled, but said only: "You honour me, dear heart."

Turning to the substance of what had brought her visitor so mysteriously to the country, Bi Bere dropped her smile. "How can you help? Well, i suppose bribing the voters might go down poorly," she says with a laugh. "No, perhaps not that. Your concern for my position touches me. A word of regret from your ambassador might help defuse the tension, and of course it might be best to replace him altogether. But that's not really the problem any more."

She sighs, and decides to speak directly, as she never would in public. "You see, i've become identified with your country in a way that does my popularity no good. When the Greens joined the Knootian government, and your government seemed to be moving in a direction we wanted to support, i proposed a trade deal which Knootoss was good enough to accept. You know this, of course, but it made me the 'pro-Knootoss' politician here. And now we've signed the International Fair Trade Agreement, and it's done our economy a world of good. So everyone loves the IFTA, which your ambassador has said some unpleasant things about."

Bi Bere closes her eyes and tents her fingers, taking a pause so long her visitor might think the old woman has nodded off. Then she begins to speak again, much more slowly. "It's not for me to tell Knootoss how to behave. And maybe not even for you, politics being what it is. But if a certain government was interested in helping me and maintaining good relations, it could perhaps do so by proving the accusations against it wrong in some way.

"Fair trade might be the answer. Express some good will towards the IFTA, and correct some of your allies who insist on denouncing it as a plot by the CACE nations -- why, the Lady Sirithil will have her little jokes and call it the Unconditional Surrender Treaty. Or, perhaps, put some action where your ambassador's words are, and impose some fair trade conditions on your own international trade. Anything that showed Knootoss acting as a force for human rights, rather than a left-leaning ally to some rather unsavoury states, would improve the Knootian image here. We always look for allies to help us promote human rights internationally, and link trade with human rights, and personally i'd be honoured to associate with Knootoss in some sort of international human rights effort. But again, it's not for me to say what you should do, and good realtions with Tanah Burung must come second to your ties with your own allies, i presume."

As Bi Bere speaks of bribes, she rolls her eyes slightly and laughs along.
“If only you knew… that was exactly what Hein proposed to me. Fortunately I didn’t go along with that. After all, these people aren’t as easily bribed with shiny things as some…”

---

“Actually, I think I can arrange something. My voice still carries some weight, and your cause is important to all of us in the DDR. A government official already told me that the ambassador is going to be replaced shortly, along with some written apology in all the papers – you know those things, the government-approved kind. I believe he’s being transferred to a post somewhere in, Ruhr, I think, or, no, to Thelas. As ambassador in a Menelmacari dominion he can’t really do much harm.”, she smiled.

“As for fair trade and human rights and fair trade, I’ve spoken with some… people… “, which people was still hanging in the air, “…before I went here. They were very open to ideas, and I’m convinced they may even go along with this. As for the pro-IFTA declaration, I think that can be managed with some political handywork. It’s harmless, after all, even to the conservatives. Knootoss can never join the organisation anyway for as long as it is in the WBO so rhetoric in favour or against will only have political consequences”, she sighed again, “which is probably why they will gladly make this concession. Though I doubt a real government condemnation of our allies is possible. I can always try though.”

She smiles, getting an idea: “If you don’t mind I’ll put in fair trade as one of your tough negotiating points. That way I may finally be able to push this trough. We’ve been trying to get a better policy for years now, and this may just swing the SLP… opportunists as they are sometimes. Would that be enough?”

Femke also despises double posts :)

(ooc: sorry for the long delay, but back at a functioning computer at last. I'd say something about the Knootoss leaves SATO thing, but i guess in this thread it hasn't happened yet....)

Bi Bere shudders slightly at the thought of being posted to Thelas. Better him than me. And turns to her vistor.

"Enough? Hard to say, the voters being a fickle bunch. But a great step forward, if you can pull it off. I should think those are all things your party would want to do anyway!" She laughs, a little, then coughs.

"Excuse me, i must see a doctor about that, if i can get an appointment." The medical system is notoriously slow, concentraing as it does more on prevention than treatment of disease. "Yes, please do call fair trade one of our tough points, as it seems to have taken over the rest of our foreign policy."

She toys with the Delft porcelain. "More tea, my dear?"

OOC: What's with the OOC hostility between Knootoss and Syskeyia? I damn well hope you're acting out some pre-planned story arc or something, 'cause I'd be very dissappointed if you're letting your personal opinions 'cause tension :( Specially in a roleplay! C'mon people!

Femke frowns, thoroughly concerned with Bi Bere’s health. ”After all she is not so young anymore.”, she reminds herself. “Yes thank you, some tea would be nice.”

She watches as Bi Bere pours a cup, and then carefully takes a sip. She closes her eyes momentarily to savour the flavour, nodding thankfully as she reopens her eyes. Femke then speaks again about the topic at hand:

“Well, I think that it can be done. Times are changing back home, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with some of the upcoming developments… a law that will institute progressive income tax is in the making, for example, and… other… things.” The green leader has an idea about the security developments going on, but is bound by her oath not to speak of it. ”I trust this woman, she thinks, ”but she has some friends with precarious ties... she’ll know about SATO soon anyway. It is not going to be long.

With a light tone she asks:“Is there any sort of public statement that we, or de government, could make to help you besides having them realise our parts of our party programme?”

OOC: Well, I most certainly have a story arc in mind. Dunno about Sys though.

"What we've done with the IFTA is make our trade conditional on the human rights records of other countries," Bi Bere says, refilling her own cup once more. "Which is to say: if they don't meet certain standards, we won't trade with them. If Knootoss linked trade and human rights, then that would be a great thing. In fact--"

The telephone rang. Arrayed on Bi Bere's desk were half a dozen phones in various colours. Looking annoyed, she looked down to see which one was ringing.

"Oh dear. It's the mauve phone, the private line from my chief of security. Please forgive me, i must answer this one."

She picks up the receiver.

"I said no calls ..... Well, what is it then? ..... What? How did they find out? .... When? .... All right. Keep me informed."

Bi Bere turns back to her guest. "I'm deeply ashamed, but word of your arrival has leaked out, and there is a group of protesters on the way. I don't believe they know who you are. My security chief tells me they have banners saying Knootians Out! but nothing specific. I think i shall have to go out and meet them in a few minutes to defuse the situation. Perhaps you would like to join me?"

Femke's skin became a bit more pale, how would they have... She interrupted that thought and did not pursue it. It was irrelevent after all.

Determined she answered: "Yes, I'll join you if you want to. But are you sure that it is wise for you to appear alongside a Knootian at this crucial moment? Perhaps we should go seperately, or I should remain inside?"

Femke had led protests before, but this was the first time a protest was being staged against her...

A car went by outside the building, it had a bumper tag saying:

"Honk if you love muffins"

Congratulations on buying one of the first cars manufactured in Tanah Burung!

Femke's skin became a bit more pale, how would they have... She interrupted that thought and did not pursue it. It was irrelevent after all.

Determined she answered: "Yes, I'll join you if you want to. But are you sure that it is wise for you to appear alongside a Knootian at this crucial moment? Perhaps we should go seperately, or I should remain inside?"

Femke had led protests before, but this was the first time a protest was being staged against her...

Bi Bere is distressed. "Someone at the door must have recognized a Knootian name and leaked word. Honestly, i've tried to plug the leaks in this office, but it's impossible. The whoole country might as well be one big gossipy village. Well, i must go. I'll speak to them and tell them why my policies are what this country needs. For me, it would be an honour to stand alongside you, but i will not insist. You asked if you could make a public statement of any sort .... this might be the time, if you are so inclined. Your decision, of course."

Femke nods, distressed but determined. "Of course... I'll come with you."
When they go outside to meet the protestors she doubts again… ”I hope appearing alongside Bi Bere won’t hurt her reputation… severely… and hopefully I can improvise speaking against an angry mob as well I can speak for them.”

Bi Bere strides through the hallways towards the entrance. A line of security police form up around the doors as she exits and faces the crowd. Angry shouts subside into silence as the protesters recognize her. Although an unruly bunch, the people of Tanah Burung at least respect the elderly. And they respect their longtime foreign minister.

"Ibu Violeta, why are you entertaining the colonialists?" one protester shouts at her. (This and the rest of the dialogue is in the national language Tetemelayu, but radio crews will be catching it and the English translation will be easy to come by.)

Bi Bere smiles and grabs a megaphone. She is in her element. "I think that my guest might have chosen more entertaining diversions than a harmless cup of tea with an old woman," she says. "But truly: why should i not entertain this visitor? This is no warmonger, this is Femke Halsema, the leader of the Knootoss Green Party. This is the voice of peace within the councils of the Knootian government. Who else would i speak with? Should i turn her away like a dog who begs for scraps? No, that would be to break the sacred laws of hospitality."

As some of the protesters start to shout, she silences them with a look and a gentle word to some of the hot-blooded youngsters among them. "Arianto, would your mother want you to curse like that? And you, Dominggos -- who taught you to interrupt? Now, today i speak with a visitor from Knootoss, and yes they have been our adversaries at times. Yes, their ambassador spoke foolish, stupid words, the arrogance of the diehard. And yet, so what? Is our skin made of fine silk, so we cannot bear to hear a harsh word? No, our skin is thick from hard work and sweat and the wind. Our skin is hard, like the soil of the city." She takes her cane and raps the earth for emphasis.

"My friends, you may shout. I may shout myself at some of the injustices of the world. But i stake all that i believe in on this: i shall speak with the diplomats of any nation, for only in that way may peace be built. It is not with Knootoss alone that i speak. I have invited the government of SeOCC to come and talk with me here. And i know there will be others who will protest their presence here, for SeOCC too has insulted us sometimes. I will stake my career on this: the doors of diplomacy are open to all. I will close the doors on no nation, and seek friendship with all. So: today i announce there will be a special election for the post of People's Representative for Foreign Affairs. If you do not like my policies, then vote against me. But if you want peace and friendship with all natipons, then i stand ready to serve."

(If Femke wishes to speak, then go ahead, the crowd will understand English just fine.)

(bump for anything Femke might want to say before i start an election poll thread)

((OOPS, I missed it... I'll post tonight. Only though open doors!)

Femke takes the megaphone with a smile. She nods quickly and murmurs some appreciating words before she speaks to the crowd.

“Thank you. I am not here just as a Knootian who takes advantage of Tanah Burung's legendary hospitality. I also have an announcement to make, one that I could not even share with Mrs. Bi Bere yet. In just a few weeks' time our parliament, Knootoss' highest political body, will take a vote on leaving the South Atlantic Treaty Organisation and fully restoring friendly relations with Tanah Burung. This symbolises the changes Knootoss has gone through since the end of the shadow war and the confrontation between democracy and dictatorships. It is also reinforces a message that is very dear to us: Knootoss and Tanah Burung should be Partners. A self-confident, democratic Tanah Burung benefits the whole of this continent and the world.

When Tanah Burung gained its independence, you set out on a major transformation. Tanah Burung embarked on this venture from a position that was far from enviable. At times, the challenges before you must have seemed insurmountable. And yet, within a few decades, your nation has managed to emerge as a respected player in the international arena. With its commitment to democratic and economic reforms, with its enlightened policy on ethnic minorities, and with good relations with all of its neighbours, Tanah Burung has demonstrated the responsibility and foresight that befits a major NS power. Tanah Burung has consolidated itself as a viable state. It has also demonstrated that working with SATO nations and having good relations with the CACE are not mutually exclusive. This is largely thanks to the excellent leadership of mrs. Bi Bere, something that I am very thankful for, and I believe it is also something you can be proud of.

Clearly, neither the transition of Tanah Burung nor that of the NS world as a whole is complete. There is still a gap between a prosperous first world and a less prosperous third world. But if we have a compass, if we have a sense of direction, if we share a common purpose, this journey will ultimately lead to its destination.

"We" -- this is not just my nation. "We" -- this means many nations from across the ocean, outside of the Emerald Heights, or in Europe, or even from other planets. "We" -- this also means Tanah Burung.”

She brings her hand to her heart, trying to gesture ‘we’

“Together, Knootoss and Tanah Burung can make progress none of us could achieve alone. You, in turn, can use your relationship with the DDR to chart her own distinct path into the new world. These were the arguments that inspired Knootoss-Tanah Burung relations from the moment Tanah Burung’s independence was recognised -and that should have been done at once! - They have led us to participation in the Developing Nations programme and other agreements. Considering where we started a few years ago, we have made tremendous headway.”

She looks around seeing that there are still faces in doubt.

“I am fully aware that many here in Tanah Burung had their share of doubts about what Knootoss is doing in SATO. Indeed, some of the decision made by – and in - that alliance have been the most controversial one in our history. I am not here to defend those decisions. I share your outrage over some of the things that organisation has done in the past.”
She pauses for a moment, thinking that while she may think that it probably doesn’t fit the standard image of a Knootian. She shouts once more into the megaphone.

“The Knootoss-Tanah Burung relationship holds much potential that is still untapped -- potential that we must exploit to the fullest. Some of my people must stop being fools – and they will.

Knootoss can assist Tanah Burung. But "assist" does not mean "impose" anymore! As long as I have anything to say about it, Knootoss is not seeking to impose its views on anyone. Both nations have adopted its own solutions tailored to its own ideas and experiences. A good relationship can serve as a pool of ideas and experience -- something Tanah Burung could draw from as develops its own reforms.

The stage is set for a Partnership that not only reaches across governments, and hopefully our parliaments, but across the full spectrum of our societies. In this spirit, I would like to invite you all to visit my nation.

You, the people, will bear the responsibility for consolidating Tanah Burung's new place in this new World. How you will master this challenge is up to you. But I am certain that again and again you will find what other nations have found, too: that by cooperation one can achieve more. Again and again you will find that you need the support of other nations, that you need trusted and reliable Partners. My message to you today is that in Knootoss, Tanah Burung has such a partner and that in Mrs. Bi Bere, Tanah Burung has such a trusted and reliable foreign minister.

double post :roll:

The crowd disperses. Slowly, with some protesters pleased, others muttering their discontent, others still chanting "Knootians out." Election preparations begin ... and several weeks later, the election call goes out: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=122562&highlight=

OOC: so it was a so-so speech? *pouts*
Anyways, we could end the RP here, or Bi Bere could comment on Knootoss leaving SATO... whichever you prefer ;)

(ooc: actually i thought it was a great speech, i'm already lining up to vote for Femke in the next Knootoss elections! But these are not all people that are willing to be convinced by anything a Knootian politician says! It was a good enough speech that they didn't start throwing rocks, which was the original plan! I'm ready to end this and put any follow-up in the elections thread, but i guess an epilogue would be good...)

Bi Bere escorts her visitor back inside. "Dear heart, what a magnicent oration! There are some people here that will hate your country no matter what it does, but they are fewer and fewer by the year. And leaving SATO, what a gesture!" She pauses, before continuing.

"I think, perhaps, we can work together now in the cause of international conciliation. For me at least, you have laid to rest the bad taste your ambassador left with his callous remarks. You know we have long worked with developing nations as our closest friends. I think that the time has come to for us to broaden that and make common cause with non-aligned countries of all political stripes, Knootoss among them. If i'm re-elected, you'll see us act more as a conciliatory middle power, and i hope Knootoss will act the same way. You certainly seem to be off to a great start in that direction, my dear."

((OOC: ah, thanks :) well, lets wrap this up then, one for the archive perhaps? The Lavenrunz remark is because this is still happening in the past, of course, at the point before intervention is avoided. Thanks to the here much criticised SATO, ironically.

I realise that sending the shuttle is probably a breach of borders, so I recon that they had permission from your shuttle-control for the operation. If it was not given I’ll edit accordingly and have her go to the airfield or something.))

----------------------------
Epilogue - Walhalla
----------------------------


“Thanks”, replies the woman, still somewhat bemused by what just happened. “I hadn’t expected to be making these announcements now. And I certainly hope that you will be re-elected”. She smiled warmly: “Perhaps, one day, the alternative voices will be heard.”

Her telephone rang again as they walked back to Bi Bere’s house. “I’m sorry”, she excused herself, “I should have put that thing away.”

She answered the mobile in Dutch:
“Femke here. What is it Paul?” … “A fascist you say? And a member of the aristocracy? But…” … “Well, yes, if the AIVD says so.” Her voice sounded wary of the Knootian intelligence agency. “Leading the Lavenrunzian forces – and the Empress approved?! Damn.” A long explanation followed and she turned away from Bi Bere, this wasn’t meant to be heard. The greens voice, however, did carry. Yes, I understand. I will return immediately. Military support you say? What do these halvegaren at intelligence plan to do? Invading our ally?!” She frowned. ”I’ve heard enough. Tell the Walhalla that I am ready to leave.”

She closed a flap and put away the device, turning back to Bi Bere.
“I’m afraid this Lavenrunz situation is getting serious. I’m being repatriated by starship. A shuttle from the orbiting ambassador-class vessel Walhalla is coming to pick me up.

The two women parted company, and Femke briefly hugged the frail and elderly Bi Bere. Femke then faced skywards, pointing something out to Bi Bere. A white cube fell out of the sky like a falling star, heading towards them. Shuttle descended rapidly, before fluorescent lights began to burn and it landed, gently, on the open spot where the protestors had been.

The name of the mother vessel was painted on the sides. The name, in Nordic mythology, for heaven.

With a hiss, the door on the back of the cube-shaped shuttle opened and two unarmed soldiers in came out. The uniforms would have been all too familiar for elderly people in Tanah Burung, but on their arms they wore the shiny emblems of the space navy.


“Mevrouw?”
“Ik kom.”

Femke wrapped the cloak that had brought her there incognito around her body and quietly entered the shuttle through the back door with the soldiers. As the door hissed again, she looked back one last time, to see the sunny country and the frail old woman.

((OOC: uhm... it is me! Knootoss. Though that should hardly be a surprise.))