Knootoss
03-01-2004, 18:43
International televised address made to the word by Lousewies van der Laan, Prime Minister of Knootoss.
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“Nations of the world. The situation in Lavenrunz is rapidly escalating. The coup led by Count Mirbach has set in motion a chain of events that must be stopped. I come here today with a message of reconciliation, hoping that all parties will listen to the voice of reason. We must keep the interests of the people of Lavenrunz in mind here. The escalation into foreign involvement and perhaps even an inter-alliance war must be prevented. At the same time, a legitimate authority must be established in Lavenrunz. One that can rest upon the laws and constitution of the Empire. I believe these are goals that everyone can subscribe to. I hope that count Mirbach, in his call for elections, was sincere in that respect.”
She then looks directly into the camera, which gives a close up of her face, as if she is to address the nation directly.
”Firstly, we must prevent loss of life. I would urge all Lavenrunzian military forces to take into account a policy of not firing unless being fired upon. Think about it, officers of the Empire, firing upon your own countrymen would be a grave violation of your oaths. We must prevent a bloodbath.”
She takes a sip of the water standing next to her.
“Foreign military intervention in this situation is highly undesirable, from all sides. More specifically, I urge parties such as the Reich and their allies to stay out. As long as no legal and proper government has been established we will interpret Reich forces moving towards Lavenrunz as violation of their sovereignty and as an attack on a SATO nation. This invokes the charter and it is a de-facto declaration of war which will be met with the ultimate means that the DDR possesses. I will be very blunt today to Mattew Iesus: invade Lavenrunz and we are prepared to use tactical nuclear weapons against Reich targets in retaliation as we would have when the Reich had invaded us. Stay out, this is not your fight.”
She pauses, thinking for a moment. But just for a moment. ”Ok, so far for the peaceable DDR. This is going to be a PR hit in the ‘ethical’ department but at least the point will get across. Let’s just hope they aren’t calling it a bluff.” Then she continues:
“Free and fair elections are needed, and they should be held in due time. But they cannot take place when under the regime of an armed coup with tanks in the streets. I’m calling for Lavenrunzian generals and naval officers to come to an agreement, calm down and demobilise. Leave politics to the politicians. Use words, not weapons. My government proposes that a meeting of all of the Lavenrunzian flagstaff takes place and that a plan for this is made. We are willing to host such a meeting if desired.
Furthermore we should remember the one authority that is recognised by all. Soldiers of Lavenrunz remember your loyalty to the Empress, listen only to her own words in this time of doubt! Let us remain calm until Empress Aurora can speak for herself, in a neutral nation that is mutually acceptable. We would offer to host it, if desired but we understand if this is not an option to the insurgents. Let the Empress decide for herself, without pressure. I knew late Empress Joanna personally, and I know she would have wanted it this way. She loved her proud people too much to see it destroyed by internal strife.
Long live Lavenrunz! Long live the Empress!
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The screen blacks out.
“Well… I’ve come a long way towards Mirbachs demands. And let’s hope now that the man is not some insane dictator trying to get power to himself.”
Note: Appropriate messages have also been sent to all involved parties.
---
“Nations of the world. The situation in Lavenrunz is rapidly escalating. The coup led by Count Mirbach has set in motion a chain of events that must be stopped. I come here today with a message of reconciliation, hoping that all parties will listen to the voice of reason. We must keep the interests of the people of Lavenrunz in mind here. The escalation into foreign involvement and perhaps even an inter-alliance war must be prevented. At the same time, a legitimate authority must be established in Lavenrunz. One that can rest upon the laws and constitution of the Empire. I believe these are goals that everyone can subscribe to. I hope that count Mirbach, in his call for elections, was sincere in that respect.”
She then looks directly into the camera, which gives a close up of her face, as if she is to address the nation directly.
”Firstly, we must prevent loss of life. I would urge all Lavenrunzian military forces to take into account a policy of not firing unless being fired upon. Think about it, officers of the Empire, firing upon your own countrymen would be a grave violation of your oaths. We must prevent a bloodbath.”
She takes a sip of the water standing next to her.
“Foreign military intervention in this situation is highly undesirable, from all sides. More specifically, I urge parties such as the Reich and their allies to stay out. As long as no legal and proper government has been established we will interpret Reich forces moving towards Lavenrunz as violation of their sovereignty and as an attack on a SATO nation. This invokes the charter and it is a de-facto declaration of war which will be met with the ultimate means that the DDR possesses. I will be very blunt today to Mattew Iesus: invade Lavenrunz and we are prepared to use tactical nuclear weapons against Reich targets in retaliation as we would have when the Reich had invaded us. Stay out, this is not your fight.”
She pauses, thinking for a moment. But just for a moment. ”Ok, so far for the peaceable DDR. This is going to be a PR hit in the ‘ethical’ department but at least the point will get across. Let’s just hope they aren’t calling it a bluff.” Then she continues:
“Free and fair elections are needed, and they should be held in due time. But they cannot take place when under the regime of an armed coup with tanks in the streets. I’m calling for Lavenrunzian generals and naval officers to come to an agreement, calm down and demobilise. Leave politics to the politicians. Use words, not weapons. My government proposes that a meeting of all of the Lavenrunzian flagstaff takes place and that a plan for this is made. We are willing to host such a meeting if desired.
Furthermore we should remember the one authority that is recognised by all. Soldiers of Lavenrunz remember your loyalty to the Empress, listen only to her own words in this time of doubt! Let us remain calm until Empress Aurora can speak for herself, in a neutral nation that is mutually acceptable. We would offer to host it, if desired but we understand if this is not an option to the insurgents. Let the Empress decide for herself, without pressure. I knew late Empress Joanna personally, and I know she would have wanted it this way. She loved her proud people too much to see it destroyed by internal strife.
Long live Lavenrunz! Long live the Empress!
---
The screen blacks out.
“Well… I’ve come a long way towards Mirbachs demands. And let’s hope now that the man is not some insane dictator trying to get power to himself.”
Note: Appropriate messages have also been sent to all involved parties.