NationStates Jolt Archive

The Dominion announces it's formal withdrawl from KIST. After many months of consideration, we feel that a continued presence in Knootoss lends support to activities and government policies that we cannot ourselves condone. This decision did not come easily, and it pains us to resort to these measures, but given the current political environment, we feel it is the correct course.

We intend to continue to honor any and all trade agreements pertaining to KIST, should those we have made such arrangements with desire it. If such arrangements are unacceptable to our trade partners, we are more than willing to renegotiate terms.



http://home.mchsi.com/~ketri/wsb/links/bernardo_di_medicism.jpg
--Bernardo di Medici, Dominion Minister of Trade
On behalf of Cesare Calabrese, Chancellor

See if we care. We are unaware of any specific requirements you do not condone nor have you ever voiced even the least concern. In your "long" deliberations you might have done that.
~Message

OOC: Yay acting IC for OOC reasons. Begone.

ooc: Um, Knoot ... I've been pondering this for a long time. I didn't want to bring it up during all the Lavenrunz mess JUST for those reasons. I'm sorry you think this is ic out of ooc, because it isn't. I've been observing ic actions on your part, and others here, for some time now, and have tried to consider the ic attitudes the Dominion would have on it. Given we're already dealing with some issues on other fronts, this was one we didn't particularly wish to continue.

Nice IC response there. I'm sure that'll go a LONG ways in keeping any sort of relations going in the least. It's a pity you of all people can't seem to separate ic and ooc for long enough to play the goddamn game. Lately, everything I've seen from you is hysterics and shitflinging any time things don't seem to go quite your way, and all about supposed ooc stuff, proven or otherwise.

I'm not trying to take away from KIST. Nothing I've done ought to do that. You've got a solid trade alliance in your own right here - I'm doing my own thing for a bit. No more, no less. It's a damn shame you can't get past your own insecurities and issues, and understand that this isn't all about you.

For some of us, it's just the game.

Response:

To: Bernardo di Medici, Dominion Minister of Trade
From: Laurens-Jan Brinkhorst, Knootian Minister of Economic Affairs

I received word yesterday of your announcement to withdraw from the KIST treaty. It was a move which, I must admit, came like a thunderstrike at a clear blue sky. The first thing on my mind – and undoubtedly on the minds of businessmen both in the Dominion and in the DDR – is if the Dominion will still honour standing economic agreements with the Dutch Democratic Republic. In the interest of Market stability it would be only rational that our governments provide clarity on this pressing issue as soon as possible.

What I found particularly surprising was that this decision was made after many months of consideration, as the KIST secretariat or the Knootian government were never consulted regarding any existing problems. Therefore we have no idea which particular activities and policies you disagree with. Had we known about your objections we would have attempted to address any issues you might have brought to the table. Even so, and despite your withdrawal, we are still prepared to engage in a constructive dialogue regarding any such issues in the interest of maintaining bilateral relations.

I could also not help but notice your Trade Network Association launching parallel to your withdrawal. Traditionally the DDR government is tentatively positive towards any new development in the area of economic forums as they need not compete but can rather complement each other. But before any further statements on this subject are made it might be better to first know what your reasons were for withdrawing from KIST in the first place.

I sincerely hope that any issues that may come between our two nations can be resolved diplomatically.

Yours,

Laurens-Jan Brinkhorst

To: Laurens-Jan Brinkhorst, Knootian Minister of Economic Affairs
From: Bernardo di Medici, Dominion Minister of Trade

Your response comes as somewhat of a surprise after the initial missive we recieved on your behalf stating, and I quote, 'See if we care'. Still, it is always nice when clarification can be achieved, and so in the spirit of good will and communication, I will endeavor to do so.

In regards to your first question, may I restate what I had previously, as you seem to have missed it:


We intend to continue to honor any and all trade agreements pertaining to KIST, should those we have made such arrangements with desire it. If such arrangements are unacceptable to our trade partners, we are more than willing to renegotiate terms.

In short, yes, the Dominion will still honor standing agreements, as we have said. Your pardon, but I was under the impression my original statement made that patently clear. If there are difficulties somewhere in all of that, please notify our offices so that we may begin steps to remedy the situation as best we can.

As to your next point, yes, the decision was made without consultation with your government. If you are at all familiar with the Dominion, then you know our long-standing policy of sovereign right, and indeed, the policy of the NDA, of whom we are a founding member, that reflects that stance. I think it becomes somewhat easier to understand our hesitancy to appear to be dictating policy to a foreign power, even if in gentle terms of suggestion. We feel there is no need at this time for such discussions, as your business is your own. Just as ours, is ours.

The Association is something we had discussed for some time, considering our plans for opening Machiavelli. I believe our intentions for forming the Trade Network were made quite clear in our opening declaration. We would of course be pleased to have the DDR join us in expanding the Association, should you decided the supplementary network would serve you in your endeavors.

As for issues to be resolved, there are none that I am aware of at this present time, and should any happen to arise, I would expect nothing less of my government than to take the proper diplomatic approach. It is after all, what we try to do.

With respect,

--Bernardo di Medici



ooc: apologies for the delayed response, long story, absolutely nothing personal.

To: Bernardo di Medici, Dominion Minister of Trade
From: Laurens-Jan Brinkhorst, Knootian Minister of Economic Affairs

Thank you for your invitation to join the Trade Network. After consultation with my fellow ministers we have decided to join the network and sign any paperwork forthwith in the expectation of ratification by the Staten-Generaal in the shortest possible timespan.

Broadly speaking, We share the Dominions the policy of sovereign rights of nations, although we disagree with your interpretation in this situation as there is a strong and immediate threat against the integrity of the Knootian Federation in Tanah Burung that could not be resolved through diplomacy. Remembering how we worked together during the One Day War, both supporting the occupation by the FSP of Allanea* I would have expected otherwise. However rather then seeking the debate to you by this letter it is a matter I will leave to the philosophers to argue over. History, I feel, will redeem our actions as having been regrettable but necessary.

I look forward to continue to work with you and the Dominion in the future.

Yours,

Laurens-Jan Brinkhorst

*This is before he sank into the sea, so it’s possible to reference the past. I believe you have a similar policy regarding these events. Also, no offence taken at delays.

To: Laurens-Jan Brinkhorst, Knootian Minister of Economic Affairs
From: Bernardo di Medici, Dominion Minister of Trade

I am afraid I do not understand your reference to our 'interpretation' of any particular situation, as I had not offered any specifics in my previous missive, honorable Minister. That being said, I hardly know what interpretation you believe us to be wrong in. If there has been a public statement made by the Dominion concerning Tanah Burung, then I offer you my apologies for having missed it - our Trade ministry has been rather busy of late.

Our support of FSP in what was once Allanea was another matter entirely, and not one that need be delved into now, all things considered. I am certain that if you have questions concerning that, our foreign affairs office would be happy to make any clarifications on our previous policies concerning that particular situation. Yet another situation for History to judge, no doubt.

On a more pleasant note, we are pleased to have the DDR sign on to the Association. Access to the network will be provided immediately. There is truly nothing to sign, as this is an entirely non-binding association, as our initial proposal states. This is simply an additional opportunity for those interested to more easily meet and greet and find common grounds where they might benefit one another through trade, and hopefully more amicable relations overall, in addition to a few small convenient services for our members.

In hopes of a prosperous continued relationship,

--Bernardo di Medici



ooc: No, we have never retconned what went on concerning Allanea, simply recognized that it sank is all. For those who wish to claim 'conspiracy', kindly sod off. It was an IC action of his that was up for more than long enough to be recognized, and I chose to, given the fact I had no desire to pursue any further interaction having seen enough abuse.