NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: This thread is about a State-visit from the leader of Chimaea/Baron, Lady Bryce to the Knootian Prime Minister Lady nos Círdan. There is a press conference where many current international NS issues are discussed
The first post only describes the arrival of Lady Bryce, the others have been cut up in various posts relevant to different issues . As the ladies haven’t left yet they are still open to other press questions that may arise. Anyone with a press agency can ask questions.

Table of Contents with links to specific posts for your reading ease
-Lady Bryce arrives in Knootoss (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3143260#3143260)
-The Colombian crisis and the International Mediation Council, and Bryce ‘straight talking’ (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3143269#3143269)
-The Syskeyia standoff with Melkor, a joint statement (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3143275#3143275)
-Visit to the Vatican (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3143278#3143278)
-Other stuff (Invisible hand sermons, Drug trade, condemning Iesus Christi) (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3143281#3143281)

Schiphol International Airport
Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss
The runway stretched out long and black in the flat Dutch landscape. The outskirts of an Amsterdam suburb loomed in the distance as ground control prepared itself for the gentle approach of a VIP diplomatic plane carrying Lady Bryce, governor of Chimaea. Chimaea One, the Governor's jet, banked on it's final turn over Amsterdam, angling over the runway and descending slowly, the blunt nose of the plane coming up as its wheels made contact with the runway. The brakes engaged and as it reached the end of the runway it turned ponderously towards the terminal buildings. The plane stopped just short of one them, hissing to a halt into the open air instead of docking with one of the giant slurfs.

A military band began to play as the staircase was lowered. The tones of the Chimaean anthem faded in the wind that blew sideways. A red carpet was rolled out quickly by two Knootian soldiers in dark-blue parade uniform. Other soldiers in the same uniforms formed an honour guard around the red carpet. They presented arms to the esteemed guest of the DDR. At the end of the red carpet, Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan, the Knootian Prime Minister, was waiting. A small crowd of assembled curious people began to cheer as the door of the plane opened.

First out were the Governor's Guard, dressed in black suits, scanning the crowd with the professional look of bodyguards everywhere. Then Lady Bryce appeared in the doorway and waved awkwardly, smiling at the people gathered before her. She descended the staircase, stopping only to eye the crowd and laughingly ask whether anyone in Knootoss went to work these days. The Elvish Prime Minister of Knootoss approached Lady Bryce slowly, dressed for the occasion entirely in a light purple attire combined with Lila. A ribbon held her hat in place with the strong side winds on the concrete airfield plains blowing all loose things away. "Welcome to Knootoss, Lady", she said with a warm handshake and a smile.

They then turned around to face the audience together, photographers already ready to snap some pictures. Lady Bryce smiled at the photographers and the crowd after shaking the Prime Minister's hand, her slightly curly hair streaming back from her head. She noticed some of her staff snapping away too, no doubt for official releases and felt suddenly self conscious. Turning to Galadriël, she said cautiously, "It's great to meet you at last, Prime Minister. I've heard such a lot about you..." The elf self-confidently turned her head to face Lady Bryce, and spoke with a hushed voice, "The feeling is mutual. Your family history is renowned, as is your rise to power," she says referring to the earlier 'coup'. "I am convinced we'll get along."

The two women gave the press some more time for a good photo-op, shaking hands on the red carpet. Lady Bryce and Lady nos Círdan then gently stepped forward, moving towards a long black limousine standing ready. They both got in, and the car drove off to the nearest road, and then on to The Hague. The crowd of tourists and passer-by’s waved to the car as it left.

Nieuwspoort Press Centre, The Hague
That evening
The press centre in the Knootian centre of government was filled with reporters for the occasion. With recent international tensions and the events spinned by KNN as 'the Colombia crisis', attention for this state visit was bigger then usual. The room reserved for the Prime Minister and her visitor was dressed up with huge Knootian and Chimaean flags projected in the background. In big yellow letters, the back wall showed the logo of "Bryce visit 20xx" - Under that the slogan "Democracies... working together."

The two ladies entered, and Galadriël scaned the room of reporters with a frown. Lady Bryce, too, noted the presence of a few Chimaean media representatives and mentally crossed her fingers, hoping she was prepared for the grilling to come. The House of Representatives would be nothing compared to this, she thought as she took her place at a podium behind high pulpits, beside Galadriël. Behind them stood a pair of Knootian and Chimaean flags. A man in a black suit announces with a deep voice with Dutch inflections: "the Prime Minister and the Governor will now answer questions regarding the state visit and current international affairs." He then repeated the same message in Dutch.

First off, the man in black gave the reporter from the hosted country an opportunity to ask a question. He pointed to a Chimaean standing in the back. The Chimaean stood up, smiling at the two leaders. "Marcus Comiskey, New Sydney Times. So could you tell us how the meeting went, and whether the issue of the Colombian crisis was discussed?"

Galadriël exchanged a look with Lady Bryce, and answered first. "Well, the meeting went very well, and I think we reaffirmed the common bonds between our two nations and confirmed the strong Knootian-Chimaean solidarity. We did indeed discuss the current situation in Knootian and Chimaean Colombia, but I think I'll best leave that particular issue to Lady Bryce", she said with a slight nod to her counterpart.

Lady Bryce nodded. "Yes, the meeting went fine; our two nations have a strong relationship based on mutual trust and respect. As for the issue of Colombia, I communicated Chimaea’s position to Prime Minister nos Círdan. She reassured me that she understood our concerns, as well as the concerns expressed by the international community, and that the Knootian government was working towards reaching a swift conclusion

Galadriël nodded. "I would stress that we believe that our two governments are on the right track in Colombia. We are helping the people to rebuild, and troops are providing security to the Colombian people," the elf went on with much emphasis, "I personally hope that any doubts about our efforts can be taken away in a quick fact-finding mission by a Mediation Council delegation so foreign politicking will not overly distract us from our job." She smiles for one of the camera's to the right. "And Knootians and Chimaeans are helping the Colombian local authorities in solving any problems that may lead to discontent."

A suited woman with a cameraman stood up. "Emelia Sanderheart, CCBC. Lady Bryce, this is your first state visit as Governor; what are your feelings on this kind of diplomacy? You have a reputation for straight talking, did you find that it went down well?" Lady Bryce’s mouth twitched up in irritation but she answered without changing her light tone, "It’s certainly been an interesting and educational experience and my hosts have been very understanding of my ‘straight talk’, as you put it. Really, I don’t think that the situation dictates how I conduct affairs of state -- I’m the same person who talks during Question Time in Parliament as I am here." Galadriël grinned lightly at the question. "I myself find it most useful to be able to talk frankly. Errr... next question?"

Another journalist with a distinct British accent got a turn: "William Watt, International Herald, what are your opinions on the recent Syskeyia situation?"

Lady Bryce had been ready for this one and fielded it without batting an eyelid. "Syskeyia has always been a good friend and ally to Chimaea, so in the interests of peace and goodwill, I encourage Metus and Syskeyia to enter into diplomacy and round-table talks, perhaps with the services of the International Mediation Council. A mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached on any issues that have come up and I feel it is important that an agreement can be reached--any possible conflict on this scale is seriously destabilising to world peace and all avenues of peaceful means must be explored first."

Galadriël simply added: "This is also the opinion of the DDR government. I would encourage that the Syskeyian government resolves its difference with all nations, including ours. We also discussed this today."

"Yes, we’ve reached an important consensus on that matter in our discussions," said Lady Bryce, giving the cameras what she hoped was a dazzling smile. "I believe it is important for the ill-feeling and awkwardness caused by our respective government’s stance on certain domestic issues to not cloud our historical friendship. It is with this in mind that I give Chimaea’s unequivocal support of Prime Minister nos Círdan’s move to end the boycott of Syskeyia and lift the sanctions imposed. This is a triumph for tolerance and social awareness on an international scale which stands as a landmark in our relations."

Galadriël added again: "Precisely so, I think that different views over domestic matters are less important in the face of history. I call also on the Syskeyian Catholic Church to finally see this wisdom so that we may live and trade together regardless of our beliefs."

Another reporter stood up. "Peter Meerkamp, Algemeen Dagblad, is it true that Lady Bryce is planning a state visit to the Vatican, and if so what is the Prime Ministers opinion on this visit?"

Lady Bryce nodded. "Yes that’s right, I will be flying to the Vatican from Amsterdam. It will be the first state visit to the Hole See from a Chimaean Governor for perhaps decades, and I hope to discuss matters about the Chimaean Catholic Church and other subjects of concern."

"I think the Lady Bryce is free to visit whoever she wants to if she believes it is in the interest of her nation.", the elf commented with a shrug.

A reporter from Vatican Radio stood up: "Did you discuss the anti-Invisible Hand sermons that are being preached?" "No", Galadriël answered shortly, resisting the strong urge to make a hostile remark.

The first reporter stood up once more and addressed his question to Lady Bryce. "Marcus Comiskey, New Sydney Times. Do you have a position on the open trade of drugs that Knootoss is involved in? Chimaean policy, both domestically, internationally and in Chimaean Colombia has alwlays been to crack down heavily on the drug trade, so how does that effect our alliance with such a major player in the drug industry?" Lady Bryce regarded him stonily for a moment, then exhaled softly. "Our position on drugs, as you say MR. Comiskey, has always been one of zero tolerance. This has indeed featured on our talks today and Chimaea’s position is not going to change. However, as with all things, there must be a certain level of give and take in international relations. The Knootian drug trade is what can be referred to as a ‘safe’ one—it is heavily regulated by the government, which reduces a lot of the problems linked to drugs, such as crime, prostitution, infected needles and impure drugs. As a matter of fact the Knootian security forces in Colombia have been very pro-active in helping eradicate the hold of the drug-cartels in that nation. Of course, I encourage Knootoss to adopt a similar position as Chimaea has, but we accept the current state of affairs as it is."

As there appear to be no more questions for the moment, Galadriël clears her voice. "Finally, I would like to tell you that Lady Bryce and I both discussed the worrying developments in Iesus Christi. We both strongly condemn the Iesus regime and its recent arrests of Church officials. I would also like to plead for their immediate release."

((This is where people can step in with questions, if there are any. Cursing emperors seeing their evil plots foiled are also appreciated ;)))

A small woman stood and cleared her throat. "Alva Jaelani, PTBI. I have a two-part question. First, did you discuss the Mediation Council's plans to send a delegation to investigate the Colombia situation? And when will this delegation make its visit? Second, we have just obtained a new statement from sources in the interior of Colombia, i wonder if i might have your reactions?"

She looked at a piece of paper and started to read.

The leaders of the countries that are occupying our land are met in their finery. But who thinks of the people of Colombia, oppressed and denied our freedom under the high heel of tyranny? Where are the voices raised when our people are attacked with tear gas and our farmers punished for growing their traditional crops?

The leaders of the countries that occupy us speak of development and stability but they give us none. If they believe in democracy, why not offer it to us? We appeal for a referendum under international supervision, to let the people choose: independence or continued rule by foreign powers.

Viva Colombia Independente! Viva Democracia! Referendum now!

Galadriël paled, caught off-guard. Immediately, most of the camera’s turned towards Alva Jaelani while she was reading the piece of paper.

“I… I… Well, that’s really two questions. Lady Bryce and I discussed the best way to suppre..support a quick fact-finding mission by a Mediation Council delegation, yes, as for the timing of the visit, preparations are being made.

As for this… piece of paper… I cannot really comment on it right now without being able to judge it properly. I would suggest you hand it over and tell us a bit more about the source after the press conference.”

Lady Bryce glared at Alva Jaelani, the set of her jaw and the tensing of her cheeks reminding those gathered that she was very much her father's daughter. "Indeed we did discuss the IMC's fact-finding mission, which we have made preparations for. Details will be forwarded to the relevant bodies. Now I don't know where this 'statement' came from, or the vague details of 'tyranny' it claims, but let me tell you this: had it not been for our intervention, Colombia would now be under the heel of a rag-tag, disorganised bunch of bloodthirsty geurillas. These traditional crops you speak of... what were they? Cocaine? Poppies? Marijuana? These 'traditional' crops were forced upon a desperate population gripped in poverty by vicious warlords and drug-smugglers. Instead of growing foodstuffs and so on, these Colombians were paid with the devalued and virtually useless peso, and with not much of that, to buy goods from a marketplace that was hardly regulated or controlled. Illness, starvation, lack of basic shelter... These were the problems we are dealing with and have dealt with.

"As for a referendum, Chimaea knows the need to give Colombia independance as soon as possible--but if we do this too quickly, Colombia will once more degenerate into corruption and bloodshed. This isn't a run-of-the-mill peacekeeping operation, and the international community should be aware of this. We are building a nation from scratch. There are plenty of good, well-intentioned people in Colombia but without resources and prsoperity and the lessening of poverty they will be ineffectual, much like the Weimer Republic.

"I'd like to stress this once and for all. We are not leaving Colombia to suffer anymore. We will not allow Colombian policy to be dictated by third parties who do not know the situation on the ground. I encourage you all to withold your opinions until an IMC fact-finding mission has done its job."

Lady Bryce had been ready for this one and fielded it without batting an eyelid. "Syskeyia has always been a good friend and ally to Chimaea, so in the interests of peace and goodwill, I encourage Metus and Syskeyia to enter into diplomacy and round-table talks, perhaps with the services of the International Mediation Council. A mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached on any issues that have come up and I feel it is important that an agreement can be reached--any possible conflict on this scale is seriously destabilising to world peace and all avenues of peaceful means must be explored first."

Galadriël simply added: "This is also the opinion of the DDR government. I would encourage that the Syskeyian government resolves its difference with all nations, including ours. We also discussed this today."

"Yes, we’ve reached an important consensus on that matter in our discussions," said Lady Bryce, giving the cameras what she hoped was a dazzling smile. "I believe it is important for the ill-feeling and awkwardness caused by our respective government’s stance on certain domestic issues to not cloud our historical friendship. It is with this in mind that I give Chimaea’s unequivocal support of Prime Minister nos Círdan’s move to end the boycott of Syskeyia and lift the sanctions imposed. This is a triumph for tolerance and social awareness on an international scale which stands as a landmark in our relations."

Galadriël added again: "Precisely so, I think that different views over domestic matters are less important in the face of history. I call also on the Syskeyian Catholic Church to finally see this wisdom so that we may live and trade together regardless of our beliefs."

A reporter from the Ankalina Reporter raises his hand.

"Lady Bryce, whatever happened to former Chimaean Governor Sir Reginald Styles?
Also, why do you insist that the Syskeyians drop their boycott of Knootoss?"

He then turns to Galadriël. "Lady nos Cirdan, are you aware that the movement to boycott Knootoss started independant of the Catholic hierchary in Syskeyia?

Also, why has this administration, as well as previous ones, accused the Catholic hierchary of theocratic mingling in politics wenever the Syskeyian people act on their Catholic principles?

Furthermore, how do you answer the charge that since the Knootian government funds abortion and euthanasia, and since money from trade with Knootoss would go to the government via taxes, anyone who trades with Knootoss is therefore directly materially supporting abortion and euthanasia, which most Syskeyians consider to be nothing less than murder?"

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

Lady Bryce looked faintly nonplussed, but rallied. "Sir Reginald Styles is currently under house arrest pending a High Court hearing on charges of treason, amongst other things. I'm not at liberty to say where he is exactly or the nature of the charges, for legal and security reasons.

"What I said earlier was, actually, that the sanctions imposed by Knootoss on Syskeyia be lifted as a gesture of good faith and goodwill, and yes I hope that Syskeyia does likewise. We live in a world of greatly differing beliefs and cultures; we must learn to co-exist, specially in times of such world instability as these. Also, our alliance should not be marred by these issues and this bad blood.

"If I may also answer the point you brought up... Dealing with the Knootian government does not mean that both parties are actively supporting euthenasia, or abortion. Just as Resi Corp dealing in gold with the West African States does not mean that Resi Corp is dealing in the WAS slave trade. Just as Chimaean dealings with Syskeyia doesn't mean Chimaea is a Catholic nation."

Alva Djaelani finishes scribbling notes, and passes a piece of paper to the Knootian Prime Minister's press aides: a copy of the statement she has just read.

"Thank you both. A follow-up regarding the mediation council visit: will the delegation be granted access to the foreign citizens currently imprisoned in Colombia?"

The elf nods to Lady Bryce before continuing, suppressing her annoyance with the Ankalina Reporter journalist. “Indeed, it is as Lady Bryce says. I am also calling to a democratic government of Syskeyia, and to the local church. If the Syskeyian people can bring themselves to dealing with Chimaeans, they can certainly deal with Knootians.”

The questions seem to have hit a particularly nasty nerve and her eyes glare: “If the church feels its important however to continue to be both stubborn and hypocritical then so be it. It is only natural selection that those who refuse to change with the times be thrown on the ash heap of history. If the Syskeyians feel it can do better business with Morgoths black legions of horror then this is their choice. Never let it be said that we have stood by and did nothing to save our former ally from foolishness. Our hand is stretched out, but perhaps the Catholic church prefers to fall down the cliff.”

Several Knootian journalists mutter befuddled and raise their microphones. The elf, however raises her hand in a solemn gesture. “This was the last question on this subject.”

She lets out a small breath of relief as she turns again to Alva Djaelani. “Now, regarding the Mediation council visit. I don’t actually know about the exact details of the visit but I don’t think foreign prisoners will be on the busy agenda. It is primarily about gauging the situation there on the ground, and how that situation is for the Colombians.”

Final bump