Ariddia
18-09-2005, 15:48
“Good evening. I’m Ahmed Jones, and you’re watching the eight o’clock news.
Before I give you the headlines, we go live to the city conference centre in Rêvane-Ouest, where Prime Secretary Aj Ud himself is about to address the public. It is thought the Prime Secretary wishes to announce a fundamental policy change in the nation’s foreign– Well, he’s about to start, so let’s go live to hear what he has to say.”
The image of the television studio shifts to that of a large, amphitheatre-type room with many chairs, and gradually zooms in on the small podium, until we see an ageing man with pale brown skin and the ethnic features of an Indigenous Ariddian. Standing beside and slightly behind him is Louis Jacobson, Secretary for External Affairs – that is, foreign relations.
The Ariddian head of State looks round the room, his eyes sharp, intelligent but kind in a face beginning to show definite wrinkles. He begins to speak, looking not at the cameras but at the public in the room with him, and on the screen his speech, in Wymgani, is translated through subtitles into both French and English.
“My fellow Ariddians. Good evening. Good evening also to those of you who are watching us from around the world. Tonight I’d like to put before you a new idea, which I hope will reshape our nation’s place in the world.” He pauses, just for a moment. “For a long time, we have lived in relative isolation. We have friendly relations with many countries who share some of our beliefs and principles, but no binding ties. We have sought our own way, politically, economically and socially. We have created a society which is unique. I believe that, together, we have built a society which is to the benefit of all of us, a society of responsible, caring citizens who strive to make sure that the people, the beings, the land and nature around us is cared for, and that we exist in harmony with one another and with our land. I know that most of you, my fellow Ariddians, agree and approve of what my government has made every effort to accomplish, with your unwavering support.
We have had little time or care for our place in the world. Ariddia is not an influential, powerful nation, nor does it seek to be so. We are a nation of what is often called the Third World, and we have had our own concerns to tackle. But I believe it is time now for us to open up to the world again, and find our place in it, among allies, and above all among friends. We are a nation blessed with peace and stability. We have no need for the help of other nations, but perhaps there is something we can contribute to the world. In the spirit of the generosity, the solidarity, the sense of community and respect for the environment which have all shaped us as a nation, we can now join those who share in these fundamental beliefs, and make our voice heard, together.
Today, I address the nations of the world, to say that Ariddia is willing to consider any treaty, any alliance which is grounded in the principles of international fairness, equality, democracy, social and human rights, environmental policies, or any other policy or belief shared and advocated by the progressive nations of this planet. Together, we are a force able to help the planet we all share, and there is much for us to learn from the nations who share our beliefs.
My fellow Ariddians, I will keep you informed of any international responses, and I invite you all to make your thoughts known to me. All will be done with the consent and support of the Ariddian citizens. I know my fellow citizens, and I am proud to be one of you. Thank you, and have a good evening.”
Before I give you the headlines, we go live to the city conference centre in Rêvane-Ouest, where Prime Secretary Aj Ud himself is about to address the public. It is thought the Prime Secretary wishes to announce a fundamental policy change in the nation’s foreign– Well, he’s about to start, so let’s go live to hear what he has to say.”
The image of the television studio shifts to that of a large, amphitheatre-type room with many chairs, and gradually zooms in on the small podium, until we see an ageing man with pale brown skin and the ethnic features of an Indigenous Ariddian. Standing beside and slightly behind him is Louis Jacobson, Secretary for External Affairs – that is, foreign relations.
The Ariddian head of State looks round the room, his eyes sharp, intelligent but kind in a face beginning to show definite wrinkles. He begins to speak, looking not at the cameras but at the public in the room with him, and on the screen his speech, in Wymgani, is translated through subtitles into both French and English.
“My fellow Ariddians. Good evening. Good evening also to those of you who are watching us from around the world. Tonight I’d like to put before you a new idea, which I hope will reshape our nation’s place in the world.” He pauses, just for a moment. “For a long time, we have lived in relative isolation. We have friendly relations with many countries who share some of our beliefs and principles, but no binding ties. We have sought our own way, politically, economically and socially. We have created a society which is unique. I believe that, together, we have built a society which is to the benefit of all of us, a society of responsible, caring citizens who strive to make sure that the people, the beings, the land and nature around us is cared for, and that we exist in harmony with one another and with our land. I know that most of you, my fellow Ariddians, agree and approve of what my government has made every effort to accomplish, with your unwavering support.
We have had little time or care for our place in the world. Ariddia is not an influential, powerful nation, nor does it seek to be so. We are a nation of what is often called the Third World, and we have had our own concerns to tackle. But I believe it is time now for us to open up to the world again, and find our place in it, among allies, and above all among friends. We are a nation blessed with peace and stability. We have no need for the help of other nations, but perhaps there is something we can contribute to the world. In the spirit of the generosity, the solidarity, the sense of community and respect for the environment which have all shaped us as a nation, we can now join those who share in these fundamental beliefs, and make our voice heard, together.
Today, I address the nations of the world, to say that Ariddia is willing to consider any treaty, any alliance which is grounded in the principles of international fairness, equality, democracy, social and human rights, environmental policies, or any other policy or belief shared and advocated by the progressive nations of this planet. Together, we are a force able to help the planet we all share, and there is much for us to learn from the nations who share our beliefs.
My fellow Ariddians, I will keep you informed of any international responses, and I invite you all to make your thoughts known to me. All will be done with the consent and support of the Ariddian citizens. I know my fellow citizens, and I am proud to be one of you. Thank you, and have a good evening.”