NationStates Jolt Archive

The previous day had seen much activity in the Republican Council. With the First Republican and the Minister of Foreign Affairs absent the Republican Order Party and the Progressive Republican party used a 4-3 quorum to force the removal of the Free Republic from KIST, a crushing blow to the V.L.P.'s foreign policy. It was made all the worse by the V.L.P. Minister of Defence joining the opposition, displaying her propensity for independence with her almost visceral hatred of foreigners.

Both sides had now re-grouped and prepared , the First Republican, Unrath Assad would be in session with the Council and a fight was expected.

The House of the Republic was packed with reporters and spectators as the Republican Council entered and took their seats , flash bulbs popped as a murmur went through the gallery, the only seat that remained vacant is the First Republicans, afeter several minutes the First Republican strode in.

Unrath Assad , Chairman of the V.L.P., First Republican looked even more fierce than usual, his black eyes made darker by his bronze skin and long black hair, he had chosen a charcoal grey suit, with a longer than usual coat , he looked very much like a barbary pirtae that his ancestors had once been. He circled the Republican Council, passing his chair and moving directly to the podium, his back to the Throne of THE Vaad and the Sword of the Republic. He made no move to place any papers on the podium, he always memorized his speeches, and was a powerful demagogue, he spoke in low reveberating tones.

"It was said by the Minister of Economics , that the KIST treaty entered upon previously has not benifitted the Free Republic. The honourable Minister who recommended the treaty based on recommendations by our honourable friends in the Dutch Democratic Republic, is now, he says, of no use to our people. It was said that economic studies of the past few months show no change, no benefit, that we will not benefit from greater access to foreign markets. These are wrong assumptions.

The KIST treaty may not have moved as fast as we would have liked, nor produced a greater positive impact than we had immediately hoped, but that is no reason to resign from it. That is no reason to throw away oppurtunity simply because we do not receive instant gratification. There are other reasons the Minister of Economics removed his support."

The First Republican waited as the crowd murmured and then continued much louder

"The fact that the Progressives have been agitating to condemn our Knootian allies for 'imperialism' and 'messianic idealism' gave the Minister the oppurtunity to challenge the Council's policies, not for economic reaons, but for political reasons. My administration has moved closer to our friends in Knootoss, to the great benefit of all in the Free Republic, but that benefit hinders the Ministers party and their political agenda. The opposition has seen an opening to attack, but not to attack just me, but to attack our friends for pure political gain!"

There was a roar in the chambers , cameras flashed as the First Republican stood defiantly , glaring at the opposition.

"My administration was accused of being weak on foreign policy, that we were too inward looking. I sought to change that, for the good of the Free Republic. I removed the Free Republic from dangerous allainces, I moved to secure Haven from foreign threats, I moved to open relations with more nations and to help spread free trade. Me and my Minister of Foreign Affairs have made great strides for the Free Republic , we are an international superpower thanks to our leveraging in the international arena!"

The gallery exploded, for a politician in Ilek-Vaad to take personal credit was unheard of, to suggest Ilek-Vaad was an international super-power was unknown. The opposition sat quietly as the First Republican continued

"We now stand on the brink of appearing to abandon our gains and our friends to benefit political motivations. Knootoss has brought stability and security to Columbia, KIST would have brought greater economic oppurtunity, but we need to stand behind both, these matters are too critical to be used as political chess pieces!"

The First Republican finished by pounding his fist on the podium. Most of the gallery were cheering now, ready to support him against the politicos that had acted for personal and party gain.

Then the Right Honourable Sir Valdemar Ishring, the Progressive Minister of Technology, stood with the aid of his cane, he fingered his silver ring, inlaid with an onyx maltese cross. The Right Honourable old gentleman was in his sixties and had held several seats on the Republican Council , he rarely spoke, especially on such matters. His grey eyes locked on the First Republican .

"May Eru's blessing, be on us all." he intoned stonily , echoing the closing words of the Knootian PM's most recent speech, the gallery exploded with jeers and shouts

Sir Valedemar continued, his voice rising against the crowd

"May it be on the Columbians, and then on Tanah Burung, and then who else? I supported removing our nation from KIST, it does not serve us. I support condemning Knootian imperialism, it does not serve us. I ask what is Eru's blessing? Order? Stability? At what cost? Do the Columbians have to pay with their lives to receive Eru's blessing? How much human sacrifice should we tolerate? Let The honourable Prime Minister of Knootoss offer her own life on Eru's alter, we will have none of it, and it should not be forced upon the free People of Columbia!"

The gallery was aghast and silent, such an attack was not usual , religion was normally ignored in Ilek-Vaad , but here Sir Valdemar invoked it's evils

"Does the inquisition of Knootian and Chimean intelligence receive Eru's blessing? What abuses do they commit for the good of Columbia? Lady Nos Cirdan rushes to save the Columbians from themslves, like the inquisition once rushed to Lassic to save us from ourselves!"

The First Republican looked livid, Sir Valdemar stared him down stonily. The gallery was now in an uproar, the campuses outside the House of the Republic began to fill as people that had been watching the debate unfold on television took to the streets. The inquisition was a strong and potent memory to Ilek-Vaad and Sir Valdemar had invoked it's ghost

Sir Valdemar continued "Now , the Democratic Dutch Republic condemns Tanah Burung for 'allowing' it's citizens to smuggle weapons into Columbia!? Every nation on the planet has citizens that break laws in other nations, why are these not grounds for condemnation?Why is it only condemned when it serves Knootoss? Much evil is done by 'messiahs' in the name of divinity.

Lady Nos Cirdan seems to think her mandate and her power comes from Eru, she has forgotten the true power here on earth. The Power of the People!"

This set off a chant of 'All Power to the People' in the gallery the First Republican shrunk back , he was not prepared for so ferocious an attack, Sir Valdemar continued still.

"It now seems that our First Republican thinks that maybe HIS power lies with Knootoss? He now wants us to support a foreign regime, contrary to our very basic ideals?

I now move for a vote of no confidence in this government!"

The last words hit like a shockwave, in hundreds of years there had been maybe 4 motions for no confidence.

The R.O.P. Minister of Economics took to his feet amid the shouts "I second the motion."

The Minister of Education stood " I support, we have a three member bloc, the motion of no confidence MUST come to debate."

The First Republican banged the gavel as the gallery erupted, reporters ran out to make hurried calls.

The First Republican then spoke, his voice was firm but quiet " The motion has opened, I will call a short recess to confer on the format and the timing of the debate........"

Chaos ensued as the Republican Council and their staffs moved out.

******

In the back hall behind the Ministerial galleries two men came face to face , Scipio Nemaraan , Chairman of the R.O.P. and Theleb Kanaan, Chairman of the P.R.P.

Mr. Kanaan spoke first "That worked perfect,Sir Valdemar did exactly as I told him , but of course it was easy, knowing how Unrath would react, he's far too predicatble."

Mr. Nemaraan smiled " We still need a fifth vote to force an election, and it will have to be from the V.L.P."

Mr. Kanaan nodded "I think we can appeal to the Minister of Defence's xenophobia, what we need to discuss is who is the next First Republican, me or you?"

The two men headed out to meet with their parties Ministers.

Oh, most decidedly tagged.

Oh, most decidedly the server's fault.

((d'oh! Guess not; this bloody server does nothing but aggrivate my case of Foot in Mouth disease!))

Oh, most decidedly tagged.

Oh, most decidedly tagged.

((Hopefully, I’ll tag just a little less decidedly than TB :P))

#this tag will magically turn into a post#

We would be closely monitoring the situation but as per our policy, we will avoid involvement unless requested by the legitimate government of Ilek-Vaad.

The President of The Island States was in his hotel room, overlooking the capital of Ilek-Vaad. Just as he was about to return to the desk to sign bills into new laws electronically on his laptop, five armed guards rushed into the room.

"Mr. President, political tensions are becoming very high here. We have to go... NOW." Before the 5-star general could think, his bodyguards had picked him up and were carrying him out to his limo.

"Where are we going?" President Newman said as he was being placed into his limo, one of the bodyguards tapping on the roof just before it sped away.

"We have a helicopter waiting at the airport, it'll take you to the Amphibious Assault Vessel "Janus". It's 10 miles off the coast, we've had it there since you arrived." The limo sped through the town, passing all kinds of vehicles.

"Get me anyone you can wake up in Edolia and Hattia, I want them to know what the situation is and what the USR's overall response will be."

Haton: Prime Ministers House-0143 Hours

Prime Minister Andropov sat in the living room of his home. He suffered from a quite severe case of insomnia and rarely slept, instead devoting his time to various things, such as his hobby of computer programming. T

Though now, he sat in the large brown recliner in front of a small TV. In his hand was a beautiful SKS assault rifle, the wooden stock and various metal spots had been quite industriously polished through the long hours of the night.

He stood up quickly as someone knocked on his front door. "Strange..." he thought, as he rarely got visitors and most things were just told to him over the phone. He got up and opened the door. He was greeted by the sight of the Director of the HFIA. "Vassili...? What are you doing here at this hour...?" said the PM. "Comrade, I've got rather troubling news from Ilek-Vaad..."

The PM nodded, "Yes..." "Well, it seems there is a bit of politicial unrest there, at the point, it doesn't seem to be extremely serious, but there is the possibility of it escalating, The Island States has asked what our opinion on the matter is. Also, your phone is dead..." The Prime Minister rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, notify Commisar Goderenko to keep an eye on it, and tell TIS that we will monitor the situation closely, and I'll get my phone fixed."

<Tag, I don't like the way this smells for Knootoss.>

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The Hague, Knootoss
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”Oh, this is insane… really… insane.”, Galadriël paced about the palace hall at an elevated pace. This was… irritating. She turned to the quivering advisor next to her. ”So let me get this straight. Ilek-Vaad has resigned from KIST because of party political reasons and her excuse is that I hoped to give blessings? In one of my speeches? Because they think KNOOTOSS lets RELIGION play a role in ANYTHING?” She fumed.

Apparently they think… you are, uh, an …. the advisor whispered the rest inaudibly.

She glared angrily and hurried away through the hallway. ”Knootoss… bloody country… militantly atheist … well maybe not as much as the bloody commies… and now this.”

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Later that night – a conference hall in Zwolle
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The conference hall for the Humanist Societies annual meeting was packed with guests, mainly middle-class men and women. The congress of the Knootian humanists had been going swell, and the mood was upbeat. About halfway in the evening, the parking lot near the conference hall was filled with a wave of new cars, including one stretched black limousine.

The presenter of the evening programme came on stage again after a speaker had addressed the issue of abortion rights in non-UN countries.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a surprise guest tonight. She isn’t on your programme but here she is nevertheless… the Prime Minister of the Dutch Democratic Republic!”

The anthem (http://www.backtonormandy.org/btn/www/html/dl/music/anthemknootoss.mp3) began to play and Galadriël walked on stage, laughing and waving at the public. Camera’s began to roll and flashed for pictures. KNN was filming from the side, having been taken along by the Prime Minister herself.

After the applause had died down she began to speak.

”Thank you all. It is good to be here.

Being here at this conference brings me back to the year 1966 when I also attended this conference. Some of the older people here may remember that time as the start of a great secularisation movement. It was a time of great change – most of you went from more pious then my humble self to decidedly less devout. It took me a few decades of getting used to.”

She grimaced a little bit and there were some laughs from the humans in the room.

“But Knootoss has learned to deal with today’s realities and the humanist values that your Society promotes have been important for this. This is also why I can say that today my government is attached to secular and humanist values with freedom of conscience for all.”

There was applause and genuine agreement on this. The elf motioned happily for calm and continued more informally.

“I would like to talk to you about what I think is important for a secular and humanist attitude in government. First of all, its tolerance. Give people room for personal expression. We must be neither extreme – not the Iesus Christi for whom religion is a matter of state, nor a secular version of such a state. A state that bans its citizens from expressing their identity by law or by attitude towards religious expression. Second of all: an open mind. Be open to other opinions, other customs, other lands. Be ready to discuss your views. Xenophobia has no place just as religion has no place in politics.

A humanist believes that people are a goal in themselves and I believe this too. This goes not just for Knootians, but for all the peoples in the universe.

There was another wave of applause, though this time a bit shorter.

“Some of our friends in Ilek-Vaad have taken offence to me given Eru’s blessing to our people. For me – such a blessing is a personal gesture. It is about the love that I wish to all of you and Eru’s blessing is my personal expression of my love for my fellow sentients. This love extends equally to everyone.

I’m asking our friends in Ilek-Vaad to be open-minded. This is no time for Ilek-Vaad to withdraw from its commitments and turn inward. Life is an adventure that we must explore together. We gladly offer the Vaadians our hand of friendship in good times and in bad times. Together, Knootoss and Ilek-Vaad have been a voice against imperialism and oppression in the past. Together, Knootoss and Ilek-Vaad have been working together on a better world for all.

This morning, I had Fair Trade chocolate-spread on my bread and that was thanks to a company from Ilek-Vaad. I’d hate it if I would not be able to buy more if I run out of it because I quite like their chocolate. This is not just about my appetites – its about fair trade in general and how Ilek-Vaad was making the world a better place. It would be a shame to throw that away...”

The speech continued for a while, turning to the UN abortion resolution and then to domestic matters. But the message to the Vaadians would hopefully come through.

The Republic appeared to be in chaos. The campus of the House of the Republic and many of Lassic's main squares were filling with pro-V.L.P. demonstrators and anti-V.L.P. strangers .

On the grounds of the House of the Republic there was palaple sense that something was about to happen, and then it did. From no where, several thousand men in black trenchcoats with dark sunglasses began sweeping the campus. These were the Guardians of The Black Flag of the Republic. Normally they moved quietly about the campus virtually unseen, but today the came out in force, each of them with a pair of ingram mac-11's, they started at the back of the campus and moved forward in a human wall , motioning for everyone in their path to backup, within 15 minutes the huge campus was cleared and the Shadows of the Republic were closing and locking the gate, where outside a unit (4) of Velite Guard had arrived , there were no injuries and no incidents. Protesters remained in the square outside the gates under the watchful eye of the Velites, the Shadows of the Republic returned from whence they came, two of them remaining at the gate.

*****
Inside the House of the Republic, Unrath Assad was very upset.

"How the hell could you back them? If you had simply voted with the party line none of this would have happened!" He said frirmly to his Minister of Defence

"Because they are right. I joined the V.L.P. because the R.O.P. was wasting all of it's time of foreign relations instead of the peoples business, and now you're doing the same thing. I was assured that when I joined your party I wouldn't have to fight for Velite and Retaliatory Guard budgets, that defence was our concern......well I'm still fighting and you and the Minister of Foreign Affairs are lodged in the ass of any foreign diplomat you can catch. It's bullshit, the only foreign affairs policy we need is the Retaliatory Guard. You lied to me, and now you go down." She shot back

Before Unrath could say anything she had turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs shook her head "we'll have to put it to a debate and then we'll lose the vote for sure without Atalea."

Sir Ilem cleared hi throat and spoke "It's not all that bad, Mr. Assad don't have a debate."

Unrath raised an eyebrow "They have a bloc, it has to come to debate........"

"No, call for a vote on the matter immediately, you will lose it but..........." Sir Ilem smiled

"But what!?" said Unrath impatiently

"A vote against you means that the two weakest seats on the Council must immediately be put up for election, that would be Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Internal Affairs. If you win both of those, you retain one and gain one........then you don't need the minister of defence, if you play your cards right, you consolidate your hold." replied Sir Ilem

Unrath nodded, a look of understanding crossed his face "No debate , we can stop the damage today and maybe swing it against the R.O.P. and the P.R.P., that's brilliant."

Sir Ilem smiled again "I'll go let the Council know that we will reconvene in 30 minutes." he then left.

*****

In the opposition chambers Scipio Nemaraan was talking " We know that Atalea is going to vote with us, the debate will give us an oppurtunity to make our case publicly to the people in advance of elections, we need candidates, should we run one from both our parties for each seat?"

Theleb Kanaan smiled wolfishly "No, that would split our votes, we'll run a candiadte for Minister of Foreign Affairs, you run one for the Minister of Internal Affairs. I'll personally run for Minister of Foreign Affairs, and then you Mr. Nemaraan can be First Republican."

Scipio smiled "well, that takes care of that, there is now way you can lose, next to Aran Adhemar you have the most Forteign Affairs experience in the nation."

There was a knock on the door, and Sir Ilem entered "Gentlemen we reconvene in 30..."

"That was quick" mumbled Scipio as he and his R.O.P. men left, leaving Sir Valdemar and Theleb alone

Sir Valdemar looked to Theleb "Are you so certain you should run? I mean just handing the First Republican to the R.O.P. like that?"

Theleb looked cunning "It's perfect, the next First Republican will be serving a shortened term, whoever it is will be a lame duck. They'll look weak in the next elections and bear any of the blame for lingering doubts about the recall. We'll stay away from that and the R.O.P. deal with it."

Sir Valdemar nodded "That could very well work."

Within thirty minutes the Republican Council ministers had reassembled in the Council Chambers. Most of the spectators had been cleared at the same time as the campus of the House of the Republic. Some two-dozen reporters remained and the session was open, televised live, to the Free Republic.

Thev First Republican wasted no time and moved once again to the podium "Before the debate on the vote of no confidence begins, I move that we hold a vote now, there may be no need for debate."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs nodded "I second that, let's have a vote now and not waste the People's time."

"Then it is carried, we vote now, if for any reason the vote is deadlocked , or the outcome goes against the favour of the motioning parties we will then hold debate on the matter. " stated the First Republican "All who support this government?" 4 including the First Republican raised their hands, all members of the V.L.P. "All who do not?" 5 Ministers raised their hands including the Minister of Defence " The Motion is carried, I will now step down as First Republican, the supplemtary election will be presided over by Velite General Yash Ihsan and voting must take place in two weeks. The seats that will be up for election will be the Minister of Internal Affairsand the Minister of Foreign Affairs."

The First Republican then stepped down and exited the chambers, the reporters murmured and took pictures, as they moved into the halls to place calls to their editors.

*******
Minutes later a somewhat shocked looking Theleb Kanaan greted the reporters , with him was the R.O.P.'s Minister of Internal Affairs

"Gentlemen, I would to announce that I am stepping down as Chairman of the P.R.P. and announcing my candidacy for Minister of Foreign Affairs. I also wish to annouce that Mr. Von Raukov our Minister of Internal Affairs has the complete support of the P.R.P."

Von Raukov nodded " Mr. Kanaan also has the endorsement of the R.O.P., together we will forge ahead with putting the Free Republic back on track."

Reporters moved in to ask questions of the two candidates............

Elsewhere as the campus was being carefully re-opened by the Shadows of the Republic the Minister of Defence is confronted by a gaggle of reporters....

"Minister, why did you withdraw support for your own party?" asked one inquiring mind

"Because they are wrong, I alwys do what I believe is right in the interests of the People. If acting in the interests of the People means that I have no party..." she pauses and shrugs "Then so be it."

Pat the Llama , prize winning repoter for the LNS, cruelly clipped another reporter from behind to get his question in "Madam Minister, what do you think about the situation in Columbia? Why is it necessary that it is even a big deal?"

She paused and smiled at Mr. Llama "That's the point. We shouldn't be involved, we shouldn'r be involved in the IMC, we shouldn't be involved in KIST we shouldn't be in a position where we are forced to support one side of ignorant foreigners against another. Let the Columbians work out their problems, if they want to work it out peacefully fine, if not, fine. It doesen't affect or concern us. It shouldn't be a big deal , this government made it a big deal, this government pinned it's foreign policy on it's dealings with Knootoss. No more questions"

The minister reached her car and got in, driving off.

*****

All over the nation the Velite Guard were out in force! Hordes of them activating and testing pollingstations and their equipment.

The satellite linked voting machines took very little time for the experienced Velite Guard to set up. There would now be a mandatory 2 weeks of security and operability checks and tests before polling could begin.

*****

The politicians had begun to disperse and plan their election strategies. Voter turnout was expected to be very high , and Vaadians were not at all happy about the supplementary vote...............................

LNS News Service, Lassic, Ilek-Vaad

The R.O.P. and P.R.P. have wasted no time as the monetary might of the R.O.P. swung into advertising for the Progressive/Republican bloc. The supplementary elections are already becoming the focal point of the People in the coming week. The R.O.P/P.R.P. bloc have already aired 6 political commercials nationwide to point out the shortcomings of the V.L.P. administration.

The main candidate, Theleb Kanaan of the P.R.P. has also been busy making the circuit of speaking engagements. Earlier today he was the featured guest on Lassic Today. He immediately made his stance clear.

"What we have in the Free Republic is cutoff between the People and the Republican Council. What is important to the People is not the business that the Council is taking up. The V.L.P. agenda has been one of garnering international anf political prestige.

The People are overwhelmingly concerned about the economy, education and the enviroment. The V.L.P. have acted on none of these issues. It's time the Council acted on behalf of the people again."

Meanwhile the V.L.P. wasted no time in nominating shipping magnate Vaul Kingston for Minister of Foreign Affairs and re-nominating Sirdar Ali-Shah for Minister of Foreign Affairs, she spoke briefly to reporters.

"It is absolutely outrageous that our opponents that made greater international involvement in the Council now fault us for a broader intenational engagement policy. There is no need to remind voters that the P.R.P. was responsible for Ilek-Vaad's entry into the UN and that the R.O.P. was responsible for joining the UnAPS. We all know how well those worked out.

We are also being faulted for close ties with the Democratic Dutch Republic, a nation that opponents also held in high regards, until it politically suited them."


No polling is allowed in the runup to supplemtary elections and at this point the race is anybodies guess. Previous runoffs and supplementary elections have been plagued by voter anger and apathy, but who it is directed at is yet to be determined.

LNS, World Service

OOC: anyone that wants to jump in, feel free

((OOC: I'm wondering what I could do, if anything at all. It seems Knootian involvement can only worsen the situation. :S Suggestions?))

OOC: Well, someone needs to help the V.L.P. , or they're going down hard ;)

OOC: errr... I figured that. But how? *is confuzzeled* If I go meddle in your election, well, the people might not take it well.

**LNS Exclusive**

Pat the Llama (PTL) interviews the Right Honourable Theleb Kanaan (TK) of the P.R.P.

PTL: Mr. Kanaan , thank you very much for sitting down with me. There has been, understandably, some confusion as to why the P.R.P. and the R.O.P. have joined forces now? After all it was a R.O.P./V.L.P. bloc that put Mr. Assad in power.

TK: Thank you for having me. I think that the main reason we are together now is simply because the V.L.P. squandered the oppurtunity they had to govern. Immediately after being elected Mr. Assad made foreign relations the top priority of his party, not their strong point, and ignored the issues that put them into power. R.O.P. support eroded because the issues with which the V.L.P. and R.O.P. had common ground were simply swept aside.

PTL: Now Mr. Kanaan, you have always been very vocal about active foreign policy, UN involvement , how is it that you find fault in the current foreign policy?

TK: Easily, it is a haphazard mess. The Minister of Foreign Affairs must always remember one thing, Ilek-Vaad does not back allies or friends when they are wrong. There is no honur in backing mistakes when one knows the right course. The Current Minister believes quantity is better than quality she opened relations with nations that we would best not be involved with. Her overtures to Lavenrunz , a dictatorial monarchy, her support of the DDR, she should have condemned their actions in columbia immediately, the Haven meeting in Lassic, it is appalling that monarchists and dictators should have been representated in the People's House.

I believe in the Honoured Statesmens approach of non-engagement/engagement, as the Honoured Statesmen always said 'Your friends will come to you if you leave your door open.'. In each case the minister has had to go personally to meet with foreign diplomats or organize them coming here, leaving a seat on the Council empty.

PTL: I see. You are now running for Minister of Foreign Affairs, what are your qualifications?

TK: (pauses and smiles) My qualifications are well known, but I will gladly list them. I have served as a diplomat before being elected as Minister of The interior for 4 years, I served as Special Envoy of the Republican Council for 3 years and I have been First Republican 5 times. My qualifications speak for themselves.

I will put the People first in foreign policy. We will back nations that are like us and who we have common goals with. Gone are the days when engagement could bring about change, it is a new world.Our job is not to change other nations, or pressure them to change, it cannot be done. To simply forge ties with a nation in hopes they will eventually come around to our way of thinking is ignorant. The UN is corrupt and useless and the Free Republic needs to help ourselves first, help those who share our values second.........and leave the rest to their own devices.

PTL: That's quite a shift from your former stance.

TK: It is. I am a Progressive,part of that is changing when the circumstances do. I am not afraid of Change, and I will change as the People's needs change.

PTL: Quite....What about the Democratic Dutch Republic? Sir Valdemar's attack focused solely on them, why?

TK: Invading another nation is wrong. Invasion can be justified, but even when justified it is still basically wrong. To invade a nation that is experiencing turmoil is doubly wrong. What gives outside nations the right to end a civil war? or to bring 'order' and decide who has power? Nearly every democratic, free nation has had a period of bloodly conflict and civil war, it is sometimes part of a nations development. Columbia does not border Knootoss, unrest in Columbia is a tragedy, but using military force to try and end it is a farce. Knootoss and Chimea's actions in Columbia are not only wrong, but they are also unjustified, especially in the light of Knootian companies treatment of Columbian workers.

The Democratic Dutch Republic is our friend, but when they are wrong, they are wrong. I will never defend wrong actions.

PTL: Interesting, so how should the current government have handled this? Mr. Assad and the Minister of Foreign Affairs remained silent on the matter.

TK: Silence is complicity.

PTL: I see. How would you handle the situation?

TK: I would have a very long, frank discussion with the Knootian Minister of Foreign Affairs. The DDR obviously needs our help.

PTL: Help? Does that mean military help, or some other form of help?

TK: (smiles) I mean advice.

PTL:Interesting. What about other nations in Haven? How would you approach them?

TK: I wouldn't. We know who our friends are, and any that wish to become our friends are welcome to come to Lassic. I would serve the People first and if any nation wished to send representatives to meet with me, around the People's schedule, then I would meet with them and tell them exactly what we expect and and how they can expect us to react. I am not adverse to opening relations with any nation, but I will not go out of my way, and waste the People's time to do so.

PTL: Well, thank your Mr. Kanaan. We are out of time, as always it has been a pleasure to speak with you."

TK: Likewise Pat, thank you, and thank you to the People of The Free Republic.

PTL: This has been an LNS Exclusive Interview, I am Pat the Llama, now back to the studio.


**LNS Exclusive**

**LNS Exclusive **

In a follow up to the interview with Minister of Foreign Affairs candidate the Right Honourable Theleb Kanaan, our Pat the Llama (PTL) has also sat down with current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Sirdar Ali-Shah (SA). Now to Pat the Llama.

PTL: Thank you for coming Dr. Ali-Shah. I first have to ask, what do you think created the rift between you the V.L.P. and the R.O.P. and created the current situation?

SA: Thank you Pat. Well that's all to easy to see now. The R.O.P. were the main factor in our aggressive and active foreign ploicy, it was their insistance that their support for our government would be conditional on maintaining the sort of foreign policy put in place by the late Aran Adhemar whom preceeded me.

It is obvious that they did this to drive a wedge between us and the Minister of Defence and use the oppurtunity to get themselves back into power. We bent over backwards to act in conjunction with the R.O.P. they obviously did not act in good faith with us.

PTL: I see, I see. What of the Minister of Defence? Are there plans to expel her from the V.L.P. ?

SA: Not at all. Ms. Grant is a superb and experiened Minister and her opinion matters very much to the V.L.P. , we of course wished we had known her opinion sooner and could have addressed it within the party. We do not disapprove of dissent , and as I understand the main goal of the party now is repair relations with Ms. Grant.

PTL: Very interesting, do you believe your support of the DDR is a mistake?

SA: Absolutely not. First of all Knootoss has brough stability and democracy to Columbia, even if we are not prepared to take on humanitarian actions ourselves we should not criticize others for doing so. Let us all remember that we are waiting for a report from the IMC and THE Nachxa, we shouldn't jump to conclusions before we have all of the facts.

PTL: Do you believe military invasions are patently wrong?

SA: No, I do not. I can remeber two invasions undertaken by our own Retaliatory Guard with a unanimous vote of the Republican Council, including the Progressives. If it was wrong why did they vote to allow our Retaliatory Guard to inavade Allanea and end the conflict in Haven? I do not believe Mr. Kanaan when he says such things are always wrong and that he will not support them, he has supported them.

PTL: Good point, What will you do differently is re-elected?

SA: Work closer with the Minister of Defence, co-ordinate our foreign policy with our defensive aims.

PTL: That could be dangerous, combing military and foreign polivies?

SA: Not at all, military action is a result of failed foreign policy, not all foreign policy can be successful so it is best to make sure that our miliatry is prepared for the possibilty of action when such a failure occurs.

PTL: I see. What else would you say to the People?

SA: I will always work within the confines of my Ministry to do what is best to secure peace and stability for the Free Republic and it's people. I will also take action to make sure our Region of Haven is as free from conflict as possible and I will meet with foreign leaders and diplomats as required to make this a reality.

It is not easy to forge a successful foreign policy, but I am committed to the hard work that it takes for the good of the People. It is my burden to deal with foreign powers so that the People may safely live as they always have, without worrying about the actions and policies of foreign nations, that is my job, on the Peoples behalf.

PTL: Very good, thank you Dr. Ali-Shah.

SA: It's been a pleasure Pat, thank you.

PTL: Now, back to our studio and then Match of the Day. The Lassic Lions take on the Ilek Wanderers in Premier Rugby Union action.

**This has been another LNS Exclusive Report***

**LNS Exclusive**

Pat the Llama (PTL) interviews the Knootian Prime Minister Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan (GA)

PTL: Lady Galadriël, thank you for being here.

GA: It is good to be here in Ilek-Vaad. I like the country and have a deep respect for its people.

PTL: Even after the recent withdrawal from KIST and the fall of the government?

GA: Yes. I think as friends you can have disagreements. What is important for friendship is not having no disagreements whatsoever, its about how you work together to resolve these disagreements and come to practical solutions. I hope that Ilek-Vaad is still open for this, since I have heard very little from Vaadian politicians lately. It is a shame really that this domestic political struggle is impeding an effective foreign policy and this will be hurting Vaadian interests on the whole.

PTL: How so?

GA: As it stands, neither side of the argument is getting its way and events on the world stage will continue with or without Vaadian input. And obviously, this whole affair hurts Vaadian credibility. My position has always been that KIST helps stimulate economic growth in the long term. But even on the short term, the credibility of Ilek-Vaad is at risk. Businesses of nations who wanted to invest suddenly see their door shut, but governments will also think twice to place trust in a nations government if they withdraw from all the international treaties they sign at rather erratic moments.

PTL: You yourself made Knootoss resign from UnAPS some time ago.

GA: Yes, but only after long deliberations with allies and with my government, and the deaths of over three hundred brave Knootians who died defending our allies. It was a tough decision, but I think it was based on a strong moral case that was supported by virtually all parties in our parliament.

PTL: Quite.... what about your own domestic troubles, like in Colombia? Sir Valdemar here vehemently condemned your actions there. What would you say to him?

GA: (nods) Well, I respect Mr. Valdemar, but there are some basic historical facts which do not fit his story. The DDR and Chimaea – two liberal democratic nations – did not invade Colombia at all. We had an aid presence there and entered the country with peacekeeping forces only after a negotiated invitation by the Colombians. This had the support of most of the international community back then. (smiles) I think there are more severe cases of imperialism for the Vaadians to worry about. Knootoss has traditionally stood against imperialism.

PTL: How do abuses by Knootian corporations in Colombia fit into this picture?

GA: There was an incident recently involving a mine, yes, and this is being investigated. I know some of the people involved and they take this matter very seriously. If there have been abuses they will be dealt with.

PTL: Are you following the elections here?

GA: Whenever I can, yes, but I must admit there is a lot on my mind lately.

PTL: Rooting for any particular party or coalition?

GA: I do not take sides in foreign elections. That is up to the Vaadian people themselves and I am hopeful that they will make the right choices.

PTL: Thank you.

GA: You’re welcome.

**LNS Exclusive**

((Hope you don’t mind me claiming LNS. If its not good then it’ll be KNN World News, if I can edit that with this new server. :(

I also had in mind that this election would take place *before* the Tanah Burung mess because of when you withdrew and all... well, at least this interview would be from before the mess. ;) ))

OOC: I don't mind anyone using the LNS, I assume they have branches everywhere, plus I think Pat the Llama may be in line for another Nobel Prize in Journalism! Has the mess in Tanah Burung started yet? I'll have a chat with our guys in intelligence...................

LNS, Election Watch

Polling begins today

As of 8 A.M. this morning polling in the supplementary election for the seats of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the interior were officially opened by the Velite Guard. Voting is scheduled to last through the next four days. Reports show that turnout has been very ligh so far today.

The P.R.P. and R.O.P. have combined to form a voting bloc with the Right Honourable Theleb Kanaan of the P.R.P. running for Minister of Foreign Affairs and encumbent Valumar Von Raukov of the R.O.P. looking to retain his seat as Minister of the Interior. The Progressive/Republican Bloc has theoretically 2/3rd's of the electorate.

The V.L.P. is running encumbent Dr. Sirdar Ali-Shah to retain the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and new comer and popular business magnate Vaul Kingston to challenge Minister Von Raukov.

Reporters caught up with the Right Honourable Theleb Kanaan as he voted this morning near his home in Lassic, he spoke briefly when questioned about Ilek-Vaad's international credibility

"The only credibility I care about is the Republican Council's credibility with the people. The Free Republic will always do what we see as right, if other nations believe we are less credible because of our actions, then, sorry, I simply don't care what they think. I don't need the blessings of any foreign government , only the support of the People, All Power to the People!"

With no polling allowed in a supplementary election, it is anybodies race until Monday afternoon when all votes are tallied.

LNS , Election Watch

Progressive/Republican Bloc takes Majority

Election results released today after a weekend of relatively light polling , around 48%, shows that Theleb Kanaan has defeated the encumbent Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Sirdar Ali-Shah with 65%. Valumar Von Raukov, the encumbent Minister of the Interior retained his seat with 58% of the vote against the V.L.P.'s Vaul Kingston. Mr. Kingston's numbers were suprising considering this was his first foray into politics.

The vote is seen as a rejection of the V.L.P.'s foreign policy. Later today it is expected that Scipio Nemaraan will be voted in as the First Republican. The Progressive/Republican bloc has a 2 vote majority with the Progressives holding 3 seats, the Republicans holding 2 and the Vaadists holding 3.

Major policy changes are expected in the coming weeks.

Great Lassic, Ilek-Vaad

The newly reconfigured Republican Council moved into the Council Chamber in the House of the Republic. There are murmurs from the spectators as the Ministers greet each and seat themselves.

Minister of the Interior, Valumar Von Raukov is the first to speak "I move that we act to elect a new First Republican , I would like to nominate Scipio Nemaraan , chairman of the R.O.P."

There was a murmur as this was expected, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs added " I second the motion and the nomination."

There was no dissension, the remaining V.L.P. ministers did not seem to have the heart to debate the matter, their party had been damaged badly, it would take months, perhaps years to repair it. A vote was swiftly taken and Scipio Nemaraan was quickly confirmed to the applause in the gallery as he moved from the R.O.P.'s gallery section down onto the floor to take his post.

True to from, Scipio wasted no time in getting down to business taking stock of the situation

He turned to the Minister of Defence "Atalea, find out the status of our Tactical Group en route to Tanah Burung and have Uncle Istvan prepare a brief for us in case it is necessary that we vote to take action. I also want budgetary numbers for next years Retalaitory and Velite expenditures, let's try and have a budget wrapped up before this month is out."

He then turned to the Minister of Foreign Affairs "Theleb, if the Knootian PM is still in town, meet with her, let her know what is up and where we stand EXACTLY."

Theleb nodded "I'll do what I can."

He then addressed the whole Council "Now then, everyone clear your afternoon schedules I want a briefing of the situation in every ministry so that we can co-ordinate our actions, I don't forsee any major changes in the works most of you are undertaking, I just want to know what's going on.

Tomorrow we will begin debate on something that is long overdue, adding new ministries. The Ministers of the Interior, Economics and National Defence are seriously over worked, we could conceivably split off a ministry from each of these? or one or two new ones to combines some of the overflow? I don't know, I want everyone's input, any Ministry we add I want a unanimous vote to add it so think about what you think we need."

There was quite a murmur at that, adding new Ministries was an uncertain thing and a bit unexpected, although it had been kicked around by the previous government.

The Minister of National Security spoke up " I think that at least it's important that we keep the seats an even number, and give more opposition voice to the new posts, even though they won't be able to vote until the People add elected Ministers."

Scipio smiled "That sounds good, make sure you bring that up again tomorrow, now we'll recess while I meet with all of you individually."

The Republican Council then recessed. The Free Republic began functioning normally again.

The First Republican sat in his office reading various briefs, the Minister of Defence arrived and entered right on time, she was always punctual. The First Republican looked up and nodded.

"Atalea, how are you? I do hope you've spoken with Uncle Istvan?" he put away the papers on his desk and gave her his full attention'

"Yes, I have." The Minister replies tearsely

The First Republican looks around "Well? Is it top secret, or can you tell me?" he pretended to check under his desk, for bugs, or midgets.......

The Minister narrowed her eyes "As you know the emergency powers act allows the Supreme Republican Commander to act and give himself mandate if there is no functioning government." She pauses and places a paper on his desk "This is the mandate as he has written it."

The First Republican looked at it and looked very concerned, it was one line, he read it outloud

"Prevent or end hostilities in The United Provinces of Tanah Burung." he rubbed his chin "We can revoke this mandate with a unanimous vote of the council............."

The Minister of Defence spoke quickly and firmly, cutting him off "I will not vote to release the mandate until I am explicity asked to do so by the Supreme Republican Commander himself."

The First Republican nodded "You always say that, so, you want war with Knootoss and whoever shows up on their side?"

The Minister shrugged "That's for Uncle Istvan to decide, I trust his judgement."

The First Republican shook his head "That could be dangerous, this could all be very bad."

The Minister chuckled "I don't think so, if the Knootians don't back down they'll find out what the slaughter really means."

The First Republican looked very serious "I don't think this is funny, I know that Uncle Istvan will have their heads on a stick, but what I don't want is us to use military force to protest military force, it's like drinking to cure alcoholism!"

The Minister shook her head "Once the Knootians and the Tanah Burungi see the price they'll have to pay, I think they'll stop fighting, after all the Red Jaguar are with Task Force Sir William Issem and will be landing in Tanah Burung soon."

The First Republican shook his head again "I don't like any of this."

The Minister smiled as she got up to leave "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn."