NationStates Jolt Archive

Dupré: "I was coming to the issue of the 'army' anyway, gentlemen. Governor Derrod, it's been alleged that the Comando Republicano Espinalense has, or is raising, a republican army. You've said this isn't true. Where do the allegations come from, then?"

Derrod: "All started when the CRE started to grow. We won many regional elections, and had leaders in some important cities, like Srieth. Then the Empire started to act, limiting our budgets, trying to control the elections, infuenciating the people to vote against us, creating false accusations, and other things. For some time they were effective, but soon these tactics couldn't stop the CRE. I won the elections in Espinal and became the first republican governor. Of course this situation isn't good for them, so they tried to show a negative image of my party to the people. They showed in the television that we were destroying the state, that we were stealing money, many lies."

McKeen: "I don't believe that they were all lies..."

Derrod: "Please let me finish, Counselor? After some time, these accusations didn't affect me, as nothing was proved. But when the GECA started to act..."

McKeen: "GECA, for you who don't know, is the name that Doutor Careca gave to the republican army..."

Derrod: "It's not an army. GECA is the acronym of Grupo Especial de Combate Armado, in English it would be Special Group for Armed Combat. GECA's objective was to chase the criminals and stop the drug traffic in the state, one of the most dangerous of the country. We started to use the police's headquarters to train this special group. But, just eight months after the start of the GECA, the Empire interfered in our program and stopped the special group from acting."

McKeen: "Of course. It was clear that the GECA was the first stage of the formation of a republican army."

Derrod: "This is your excuse, you stopped the special group because it was going to reduce the criminality in the state, something that would increase the popularity of the republicans!

McKeen: "No way, you were training them in military combat!"

Derrod: "This is what you say, trying to influenciate the people. But, anyway, now the GECA is over."

McKeen: "It's not over. We have strong suspicions that your army continued its training in the CRE's headquarters. That's why we are investigating your party."

Derrod: "How can you say that a military training is happening in the party's headquarters? It's absurd!"

McKeen: "We'll know the truth, Doutor, we will."

Derrod: "I have nothing to hide, instead of you."

Dupré: "Gentlemen, please. Is this issue a highly controversial one in Cafundéu? And what efforts have been made by both sides to enable the truth to be found?"

Derrod: "This issue is controversial between the political parties only. The people is already tired of it. Some ones think that there is an army, others think that not, but they don't like to discuss this anymore. But between monarchists and republicans, the discussions are strong and many incidents already happen because of that. About the efforts, I know that the Empire is investigating. But they can't invade the CRE's headquarters, as it would give a bad image for the Emperor, as they consider the possibility that they won't find nothing. So they're trying to get proofs from outside to get ready to search in our headquarters. For me, they can enter, as we have nothing to hide."

McKeen: "It is controversial, as the people want to know the truth, and they're looking forward to discover it. They suspect the CRE and defend the investigations. We're looking for proofs before going to the CRE, as this way we can have an effective knowlegde of the dimension of this issue. Of course one day we'll search inside the CRE, but they can't be waiting for us, as they can easily hide the evidences. So the investigation is slow, but will be effective."

Dupré: "I see. We'll be following that when it happens, then. Now, a question for you this time, Counsellor. As we've said, you're influential both in politics and in the business world. You even oversee meetings between businessmen and members of the government. Does this never present a problem, for example when the interests of big businesses' leaders may be seen to conflict with general public interest - with the interest of the country? How do you balance your various hats, or responsabilities?"

(OOC: sorry for the long delay, but today is a Tuesday, I have some problems to get some time in this day of the week)

McKeen: "We have to negotiate for a long time. A good negotiation can decide everything, and we have been successful in most of them. Our goal is to get all the possible deals with the private companies, as they are very important for our economy. But of course we don't let they get whatever they want. We're ready to offer a very good deal, but it must be good for both sides. All the companies that want to make businesses in Cafundéu must accept some requirements. These requirements are very simple and easy to follow, and all our companies do, even the ones which I control. As I know the both sides, I know exactly what things each side wants and needs, so I have an important knowledge. About our meetings, the government already had some problems with companies, but we can negotiate well."

Derrod: "These companies control the country. The Emperor could even interfere in their control, but he doesn't want, as they follow his interests. But the fact is that all the privatization of our economy led to a huge dependance of our country to them. We need to regain the control and minimize their influence. They explore the workers, ask for huge prices in their products, making the people's lives more difficult."

McKeen: "This isn't true. We inspect all these companies and put limits to them. Thanks to them, we are a very modern country, with an excellent level of technology. The population's life quality increases."

Derrod: "Of course the technology increases the life quality of the people, but only for the ones who can buy this technology, and most of the population can't, as the factories and companies explore the workers and the consumers. We have to bring this modernity to the people."

Dupré: "Well, gentlemen, you raise another important issue. We haven't looked yet at political movements and ideas in Cafundéu, beyond the issue of republicanism. Since we're on the topic of the economy, let's stay there for a moment. Big businesses have an active influence in politics. Counsellor, you say this is ultimately beneficial to the country and the people; Governor Derrod, you disagree. What, do you think, is the general opinion of the public in your country? Is there any debate around Cafundéu's economic system, and around the place of businesses in politics?"

McKeen: "These companies bring the technology that Cafundéu still didn't have. We could take ages to develop them with our researchers. They bring us an opportunity, and we can't let them go away to other countries. We're a very attractive place for the big businesses, and, while we help them giving benefits, they help us releasing their products to be sold in our country. I don't see what is wrong on it. The people will have access to the most modern products, to live better. These companies also sponsor many public projects and the sports and culture. We had many movies, competitions and sports teams sponsored by these big companies, and this develop our country. Some people complain that we're "selling the country", but many agree with me. This discussion is usually very intense in Cafundéu."

Derrod: "I must say that what Ray said is the view of a wealthy Cafundelense. For most of the population, the big companies explore the people. When most of the sectors of our economy had public companies, the working conditions were good, and the wages more than sufficient. The people could buy the necessary and something more. Now, the companies explore the workers, giving low wages and controlling a whole sector of the economy. With the control, they can ask high prices for their products. It's easy to understand. With the private companies on control, only the wealthy can have all the technology that Ray said. The poor people won't have enough money to buy even the necessary. We need to give more social equality in our country. The majority of the people hate these companies, but the politicians and businessman defend the companies, so we continue in a bad position. Discussions about this subject happen often, but the politicians ignore it."

Dupré: "Well, you both seem to have very clear opinions on this topic. Since this is a 'face-to-face' interview, I'm going to ask you to respond to each other's arguments. Governor Derrod, first. Counsellor McKeen says that big businesses enable modernity. How woulds you, Governor, keep the country up to date with with... well, technological changes, new inventions, without giving 'economic freedom' to big businesses? Is it important to have access to the latest modern conveniances?"

Derrod: "We don't need everything that the Empire brings to the country. Many times I see a new product for sale which I don't know what this would help my life. The number of trivial products that come to our country is enormous. The companies receive lots of benefits to release them, but few people buy them, even the ones that have money. We need good products, which can be useful for us. And these products must be accessible for the people. Nowadays, most of them are expensive, and most of the people can't afford them. I remembered an old story. When the television was invented, Gaspar Doutrina, former governor of the now extinct Acropolis State, asked the government to bring it to Cafundéu. The Emperor, at that time Benjamin Van Tocco, made an agreement with a company that brought the television to our country. But an interesting thing is that Cafundéu didn't have any television channels, so the television was completely useless. Nowadays we receive products in the same situations. Another thing that I must say is that we won't stop giving some kind of economical freedom to the companies. Of course we will, but we'll strengthen the requirements for a deal, to block useless products or unfair deals. We'll only make deals that will give us a good advantage."

Dupré: "Advocates of a 'free market', though, would argue that it shouldn't be up to the government to decide what products are useless, or what people can buy and have access to. Obviously that's not your view. Would you say, then, that rather than have big businesses having an important role in government, the opposite should be true?"

Derrod: "The government should at least put some limits to the businesses. We must increase the minimum wages, increase the workers' rights and ask for better requirements to the companies. This way, we would minimize the exploration that is happening. It's preferable to put limits in the companies to have our government controlled by their leaders. The big companies even had the power to destroy the smaller ones, and this isn't helping our country."

McKeen: "You are exaggerating, Doutor. The companiers truly are important in our country, but they doesn't control the politics. They can even sponsor their candidates, but can't interfere in the cities and states. We need to give them freedom, so they can bring money to Cafundéu."

Derrod: "They have an indirect way of control, Counselor. They can use their financial power to persuade their sponsored candidates to follow their interests. This is a form of corruption. We must stop this."

Dupré: "Counsellor, Governor Derrod points out that what you say applies only to wealthy Cafundelense. That the poor, or workers in general, don't really benefit from this 'alliance' between the business world and politics. Quite the opposite, in fact - that it may be harmful to them. What would your reply to that be? Has he got a point?"

McKeen: "This alliance brings benefits and disadvantages for the poor. I can't deny that the wages are lower than they were in the past, and the private companies can be a factor that contributed to it, but not the only one. We have to pay huge amounts of money to the pensioners and for the ones that have some kind of physical deficiency because of the work. In the past, it wasn't a problem, but now we're spending too much and we need to control the government spending. The minimal wages had to low a bit, but they're still sufficient for those who receive it to buy what they need. It's only a bad phase, and we're preparing our economy to eliminate this problem. The benefits of this alliance are the job offers. With these companies in our country, many unemployed people find a new job in them, so we get rid of one of the worst problems of the world, which lead to many other problems, as criminality and poverty. With more people working, we all are benefited."

Dupré: "Governor Derrod? Has Counsellor McKeen got a point here? How exactly would you do things differently, without risking high levels of unemployment?"

Derrod: "These companies don't really employ OUR citizens. For the worst jobs, they look for Cafundelenses, but for the best ones, they bring workers from their own country. Nothing against the foreigners, but because of that the wages are lowered and, in the truth, there isn't a big decrease of the unemployment. In the end, we lose. Our poorest workers lose money and the companies didn't give all their work opportunities for the citizens of Cafundéu. I even appreciate to see foreigner coming here, but I would like to see more equality in the job distribution between them and our workers."

McKeen: "How can you prove? The foreigners are coming because our country is an attractive one. The companies decrease the unemployment, and that's a fact."

Derrod: "How many people were fired from the public companies after the Empire privatizated them? The foreigners came in their place."

McKeen: "For me, you're criticizing the foreigners."

Derrod: "You know that this isn't true, I respect them even more than you!"

McKeen: "Don't be ridiculous, Doutor Careca." (low laugh)

Derrod: "Soon you'll have to explain many things about your "strategies" and real intentions, Ray."

McKeen: "I'm not afraid."

Dupré: "To stay on topic, Counsellor McKeen, how does Governor Derrod expressing concern for job losses and low wages among Cafundelense workers amount to criticising foreigners? And are low wages a concern of yours? Or, to rephrase that, perhaps, do you believe the government should intervene to ensure decent wages for all Cafundelense workers, or do you believe the market will sort this issue out by itself?"

McKeen: "Doutor Careca expressed that he doesn't like to see the "foreign invasion" in Cafundéu that is happening because of the privatizations. This is curious, as we had a group, which was stopped by the police force, which used the same argument to try to cover their xenophobia. Of course we can't allow to see something like this happening, as this is an unacceptable behaviour that must be extinct in all the places of the world. I'm not really accusing Doutor Careca, I only commented that he couldn't say that the foreigners are harming the Cafundelenses. We're working together, we're learning new things with each other. Now about the low wages. As I said, our economy is improving and we're making the right steps for it. We can't strongly limit the companies, we must let them grow here. With time, I'm sure that the wages will return to grow. I'm against the intervention."

Derrod: "It's unbelievable to hear you linking me with the Força Anti-Gringos, which the government did well in stopping them."

McKeen: "I didn't link you. I made it clear that I'm not accusing you of nothing. I won't touch in the foreigners issue anymore, as I understand that this isn't the point of our discussion."

Derrod: "Okay. But, about the wages, I don't believe that Ray is right. For me, the companies will continue exploring the workers to try to get the maximum profit, and we need to put some limits on them."

(OOC: this is my last one of today (now 22:15 in Brazil), as Corinthians' game is beginning now. I'll return tomorrow)

Dupré: "Well, you've both made your positions very clear on this controversial issue. Is it a much-debated issue in Cafundéu's politics more generally? Is it a campaign theme in national elections? The economy, I mean, with all the aspects we've just been talking about. Help us get a better understand of the issues that interest voters in your country."

McKeen: "The things that most interest the voters usually are, in this order: economy, corruption, companies' rights, security, taxes, healthcare, workers' rights, new laws, job offer and agriculture. The others are less discussed by the people. Please note that these issues are the ones most discussed by the people in general, but not for the politicians, who talk a lot about education, civil rights, social justice and other things that get less interest of the population. But of course the economy is the most debated issue of the whole country."

Derrod: "Yes, Ray is right. The people like to hear about economy and security, leaving some very important fields like social justice and education with less importance. For me, these issues have as much importance as the economy, but it seems that this country currently can't thing about anything else. About the elections' campaigns, the candidates usually try to talk about all the issues, giving some ideas for each of them. We have some nice debates. But the economy is present in all of them. And corruption too, as the people in Cafundéu really dislikes corrupt politicians."

McKeen: "Yes, we already had many protests in Cafundéu because of some rare cases of corruption. We can't avoid this, but the situation isn't so bad."

Derrod: "But most of the corrupt politicians continue in their jobs, without being accused by the law."

Dupré: "Can a politician be removed from office, legally, other than through elections? And then, to finish on the topic of national politics, are there actual political parties in Cafundéu?"

McKeen: "Yes, any politician, with the exception of the Head Counselor, can be removed from office. The counselor-ministers are chosen by the Emperor, and he can change them at any time. The senators can be removed from office by their state governors, who choose them. The Senate can also remove a senator if he or she is involved in any kind of crime or illegal conduct. In this case, a voting is held between the senators. The state governors can only be removed if there's a proof of their involvement with some kind of crime. The counselor-ministers decide their fate. The mayors and other politicians, for example the members of the parliament or other offices, are judged by the Senate, the same way of the senators. Usually, there isn't changes between the counselors, governors and mayors, but the senators are changed often, because of crimes or because the governor wanted."

Derrod: "Yes, senators are usually changed, but no governor was ever removed from office. About the counselor-ministers, the Emperor only changes one of them in case of emergency. Illness, to promote another politician or due to conflict of interests. This system is fine for me, as we can remove the bad politicians from our politics, I only would make the senators elected by public voting, not chosen by the governors."

McKeen: "And, about the parties, the country has a lot of parties. Anyone can start a party after following some requirements. We have approximately fifty parties and some of them are totally unknown, without any influence. The biggest ones, in this order, are mine party, the Partido Imperial, Comando Republicano Nacional, which the CRE is part of, Partido do Progresso, Organização da Monarquia Soberana, Partido Econômico Corporativo, Partido dos Trabalhadores, Grupo Democrático Social and Partido Comunista Cafundelense. Their acronyms are, respectively: PI, CRN, PP, OMOS, PECO, PT, GRUDS and PCC. And their translations are, respectively: Empire's Party, National Republican Command, Progress Party, Organization of the Sovereign Monarchy, Economic Corporate Party, Labour Party, Social Democratic Group and Cafundéu's Communist Country."

Derrod: "Yes, there are lots of parties, but unfortunately the system isn't so liberal. The most radical parties don't receive the same amount of money of the monarchists parties. The Communist Party is the most clear example, as they don't receive any money and have some limits imposed by the Empire."

Dupré: "When you say some receive more money than others, do you mean from the State, or from private sponsors, or both? Who decides how much money a party receives?"

Derrod: "The parties receive the money from the State, according to how many offices they got in the elections for the mayors and governors. There's a determined budget for the parties, and this is distributed every year. For example, the PI is the biggest party of the country, and has approximately fifty percent of the elected politicians. So, it would receive fifty percent of the budget. The CRN has twenty percent of the offices, so it would receive twenty percent of the budget. But the Empire can change the percentage, according to a law called the "political respect law". With the law, the Empire can give fifty percent of the money that a party would receive to another party, considered more polite. This way, the Empire can remove half of the money that the communist, republican and socialist parties would get, giving it to the monarchists parties, giving the excuse that the more radical parties didn't respect their opponents. Last year, the PCC lost fifty percent of the money, the CRN lost twenty percent, the GRUDS lost twenty percent, the PT lost ten percent and the PECO lost ten too. Most of this money went to the PI or the OMOS."

McKeen: "You shouldn't be complaining. The political respect law is fair, and was made to control the political debates, avoiding fights and verbal and physical threats and false accusations. This way, the elections can have a good climate and the parties respect each other. Unfortunately, the PCC and other parties continue disrespecting the other parties, and we have to control them. If you notice, the PECO is a monarchist party, and lost ten percent of the money that would receive."

Derrod: "But not all the money come from the State. The companies also have the right to "sponsor" the parties that protect their interests. That's why they have so political influence."

McKeen: "The companies must have this right. They didn't have a direct participation in the elections, only help their candidates with money. I don't see nothing wrong in this."

Dupré: "This sounds like an interesting and rather unique law. Could you give us an example or two of what would be considered 'disrespectful', in terms of a party's behaviour? Also, Counsellor, you say that it's 'right' for businesses to sponsor parties that... well, presumably are going to implement pro-business policies. Couldn't it be argued that this is a little unhealthy for democracy, though? Or do you believe that, in Cafundéu's specific situation, it's quite normal?"

Derrod: "The Empire decides which is respectful and which isn't. For example, in last elections for the mayors and regional leaders, PCC's candidate for the Lasft's city hall said that the trusts that were controlling the appliances sector of the economy should be destroyed and all its members deported to Estresse Intenso, to be eaten by the cannibals that live there. This was considered disrespectful. Another thing said by a PCC candidate was accusations against the Counselor-Minister Asano Pender, declaring that the counselor was using the government money to buy his new house in Tijhus. They also considered the CRN disrespectful when I said that the Counselor-Minister Ray McKeen was a assassin. Any accusation, false or not, against the Empire's government members is considered disrespectful. We even had some ridiculous examples, like when a PT member declared that the Emperor made a wrong decision about selling the Vale Negro Company, which was a public company. It was disrespectful. Then, in the end of the year, they decide which parties were more disrespectful and simply give less money to them."

McKeen: "Sorry, but saying that businesspeople should be sent to Estresse Intenso's cannibals is disrespectful! Calling me an assassin is disrespectful! Making false accusations is disrespectful! Making public protests with violence, like the PCC made, is disrespectful! Fights between politicians of these parties and threats are disrespectful too! The Empire is doing the right thing, trying to control you! And don't forget that when the PECO said that the communists couldn't participate of the politics, we punished them too. So, we aren't protecting the monarchists."

Derrod: "Ah, no? You're not protecting the monarchists? When Paul Badder said that the PT members were a bunch of rude people, the PI wasn't considered disrespectful. When the OMOS's leader threatened me, saying that I would regret if I become the Espinal Governor, it wasn't punished. I have many other examples, but just to end, when you said that the CRE was raising an army without proofs, you weren't punished! The government IS protecting the monarchists!

McKeen: "The Empire knows what it's doing. About the companies sponsoring the candidates, it was necessary, as they are important for the country, participating in our economy and giving jobs for the people. So, we though that they should support their candidates.

Dupré: "Interesting perspectives, there, into how things are seen in Cafundéu. Isn't that saying, though, that any party which advocates increasing regulations on businesses should, if possible, be kept out of office? We're starting to run out of time, so that'll have to be the last question as far as internal politics and economics are concerned, unfortunately."

Derrod: "The will of the Empire is to stop all the parties which don't like the companies' influence. The Empire will try to stop them for taking the offices and put the private corporates' allies in the places of the republicans and communists. They want to stay in the power, and the companies use their money to help that. So, any country with ideas about minimizing the companies' power will be harmed by the Empire, as won't have the same power to defend their ideas than the monarchists, because of the money."

McKeen: "All the parties have chance to succeed, even the ones that don't like the businesses. We let them participate in the elections, they can do nearly whatever they want. We aren't stopping them from defending their ideas."

McKeen: "Doutor Careca has his opinions, and he probably won't change that, but I'm sure that the government system is effective."

Derrod: "Let the viewers decide that."

Dupré: "Let's move on to international issues. Has Cafundéu got any specific policy regarding its relations with the outside world? And if so, what are your thoughts on it?"

McKeen: "Cafundéu is a country that has good relationships with most countries of the world. We have excellent relationships and deals with the capitalist countries and we even have diplomatical relationships with communist countries, although we don't make the same kind of deals with them. Many of the investors in our country are foreigners, and many people come from abroad to live in our attractive country. We export many products to the other countries and we need them too, as we won't be nothing alone. We have some immigration laws, but they are very flexible too."

Derrod: "Cafundéu is a country open to nearly all countries, that's true. Although is clear that the capitalist countries are favoured while the communist ones are viewed with suspicion. But the population respect all the foreigners, and we have a good relationship with them. The government depends on the foreign investiments, as most of the money comes from the them. The Empire tries to avoid deals with communists too, defending the companies' interests, but is friendly with them. Our import taxes are usually low, but in some sectors of the economy it is protectionist."

Dupré: "Well, we've almost reached the end of this interview. To conclude, is there anything further you would lik to say to viewers, on any topic?"

Derrod: "Yes. I would like to just have ten minutes to ask a question about Ray McKeen. Counselor-Minister, I would like to receive a explanation about your... possible involvement in two crimes. The first is the death of Said Rashid, some years ago. The former Counselor-Minister of Transport was found dead in a hotel in Submiria with his wife, Nathália Rashid. The government first thought that Rashid discovered that his wife was having a secret relationship with his assistant, Herbert Borges. They said that he killed his wife and later killed himself. The secret relationship existed, but later it was discovered that it wasn't possible after witnesses told the police that when the first shot happened, Nathália wasn't in the room, being killed minutes later. After investigations, the police found out that it was Gregório Batista, your personal security guard, the assassin. He killed Said and then had to kill Nathália, who entered in the room when Gregório was trying to flee. The former counselor had some discussions with you, and was trying to get support of other counselor-ministers to force the Emperor to remove you from office. You were a strong suspect, but surprisingly the investigations stopped, and Gregório was considered the only guilt."

McKeen: "I had no involvement. Gregório defended me in his way, and I didn't support him. I didn't even know that he was going to do that. I didn't get your point."

Derrod: "I want to understand why the investigations ended exactly when the police was going to link you with the murder. It was clear that the Empire didn't want to see you involved and stopped the investigations."

McKeen: "This isn't true, and you have no proofs."

Derrod: "Well, I think that I won't get any explanation, like everyone in Cafundéu. You're avoiding the discussion because you have something to hide."

McKeen: "This is absurd. I'll reply with another question..."

(wait for next post)

McKeen: "Doutor Careca, when you were just a candidate to state governor, you promised to create a special program to increase the assistance to the poorer of the state. After three years, you still didn't do nothing. Another promise was to increase the number of public schools in the country by fifty percent. Until now, only five percent. The last false promise was to give better working conditions to the public workers. But until now we have just seen public protests, striker and complaints, because the working conditions had just got worse. And, to end with the questions, in your first year as a governor, the football team Espinal reached an agreement with a foreign company, called IFM, which would give them millions to invest in new players. You didn't allow it to happen, saying that the IFM was involved in money laundry without proofs, and took all their possessions. So, what do you have to say about that?"

Derrod: "It's not easy do to everything that you intend to do, Ray. I promised to create a special program, but I haven't receive sufficient support to do that, mainly because the monarchists senators don't want that. But I'll do my best to create it. About the public schools, once again the Empire is interfering, slowing the process and doesn't gave the money that I need. And about the working conditions, they improved. The strikes and protests happen because they want more, and I understand that, as I'm not satisfied with the results of my work until now. But I have one more year to change Espinal, and I'll have to dribble the Empire's interferences to do that."

Derrod: "About the IFM, they were involved with other teams around the world and in all places they're suspects of money laundry. With these suspects, I couldn't allow them to get involved with a team in Espinal, as it could do more harm then good."

McKeen: "Why take their possessions?"

Derrod: "We took computers and documents only, to investigate. They could return to their home country with most of their possessions. Satisfied?"

McKeen: "I think so. That's enough. I would like to conclude saying to the viewers that Cafundéu is a developed and attractive country, and all thanks to the Empire which transformed the society, making it a safer place with less corruption, so the country is following the right path."

Derrod: "I would like to say that I'll keep with my ideas and dreams until the end. Just think about that for a moment, think about what is better. Thanks for the opportunity."

Dupré: "Thank you both very much, gentlemen, for having taken part in this interview.

We return now to the latest news..."


{OOC: Next interview coming soon.}

Robert Choi: “Ladies and gentlemen, good evening, and welcome to our latest interview. I’m Robert Choi (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Robert_Choi). With me is Her Royal Highness Princess Ameria Wasterin, of Aerion.

Your Highness, good evening, and thank you for being here. I’d like to start by introducing you quickly to our viewers.

You currently have the title and function of Lady High Chancellor, which was bestowed upon you by your brother, Prince Damoen, the ruling monarch of Aerion. This means, I believe, that you’re essentially at the head of the country’s diplomacy. You also have a seat on the Crown Board, which controls the Crown’s assets.

Is there anything you’d like to add, about yourself, Your Highness, before we begin?”

Princess Ameria: "Good evening, and thank you for allowing me to speak on your show. I am glad to be here.

You have covered my public roles, yes. I am also involved in some charitable activities, cultural activities, and I am on some corporate boards.

That is correct. My brother, Crown Prince Damoen Wasterin, appointed me as Lady High Chancellor, which is the chief diplomatic officer of the Grand Kingdom. I do have a more conventional Minister of Foreign Affairs below me, who supervises the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service."

Choi: "So, to start on that, what exactly is your task as Lady High Chancellor, Your Highness?"

Princess Ameria: "My brother now, and when he takes the Crown is often busy with matters of state. As Lady High Chancellor, I am his direct proxy representative for foreign affairs. I am next to him himself attending a diplomatic function. My role takes me to various events on the international scene, diplomatic conferences, as well as major bilateral talks with leaders of other nations.

There are many ambassadors, as well as some ambassadors-at-large representing the Crown. I attend to those needs of most importance that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, ambassadors, or ambassadors-at-large or other diplomatic officer are unable to handle or those deemed of particular importance.

I also assist my brother in appointing ambassadors, and supervising major operations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

Choi: "You have an active say, then, in determining the Kingdom's foreign policy? Who else decides on policy for foreign affairs?"

Princess Ameria: "The Crown Prince, myself, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs make decisions on foreign policy. The Crown Prince is assisted by his royal advisors, and of course we are assisted by numerous advisors and experts in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign policy is however something that is much discussed outside of the Royal Government as many Aerionian megacorporations have interests worldwide.

The Royal Aerionian Institute of International Affairs, an non-profit non-governmental organization writes up various reports which we do read from time to time. Their Aerionian Foreign Policy Studies group is a think tank on such issues. Several members of the Royal Government, and major corporations are members of that Institute."

Choi: "I see. Are there any general principles you follow in terms of foreign affairs? How would you sum up the Kingdom's foreign policy?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "Our foreign policy could be summed up with the phrase "International Cooperation and National Sovereignty". We believe in international multilateral cooperation, but not dictation. We do not pass moral judgements on other nations, or choose to interfere with their internal policy.

We believe the only time that international intervention, and international law is needed is in the case of genocide, gross violations of the laws of war taking place, or of course violations of the Vienna Conference on Diplomatic Relations. Or nuclear activities if it poses a threat to surrounding nations. If a nation request's it, we do believe in coming to their aide if necessary.

Moral issues even so far as slavery, and religious law are solely up to a nation's sovereign government. Many nations believe in crusading for democracy or communism and socialism as their foreign policy, we believe in leaving it to a nation's sovereign government to decide their governmental purpose. We do favor capitalist economic systems, and do promote capitalist values as we have economic interests internationally.

We do believe in some international economic laws to preserve the stability of the international economy, and international banks. The effects of an nation's economy collapsing can be felt by many other nations if they trade with them, and therefore we believe in preserving some stability in this area.

We do not favor political globalization, but believe that some globalization of the economy is something that stands to benefit many nations."

Choi: "Thank you, Your Highness; that's quite a comprehensive summary. Now, you mentioned 'major corporations' having a say in foreign policy. To what extent does the business world play a part in the Kingdom's politics... its government, its policies, then?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "Megacorporations are a major aspect of the daily life of an Aerionian citizen. The average Aerionian citizen is an employee of a megacorporation. Many often work, live, and shop on the property of the megacorporation they work for. Megacorporations provide good housing to the employees that work for them. We provide basic government services through the Royal Ministries, however, these are not dictated by the megacorporation except in the Corporate Autonomous Territory of Amakrethz Holdings.

It cannot be said that the business world plays a major role in government, though because of their influence on the citizenry they play a major role in the Grand Kingdom.

The Crown, by Royal Prerogative, owns 10% of every major corporation in the Grand Kingdom, and there is an Royal Representative sitting on the boards of directors of these corporations. This is in order that we balance any influence the megacorporations could have on government, and fund the Crown as well as the government beyond the normal Royal Taxation.

When King Wasterin X rose to power, the country was in bad shape after the first monarchy had been succeeded by the fascist government of the Divine Emperor and the Prelacy, succeeded by the military government. The economy was in shambles. The megacorporations allowed restoration of our technology, and rapid restoration of our economy.

There is a good reason for the megacorporations, they play a major vital role in the Grand Kingdom."

Choi: "I see. Now, Aerion has a long and interesting history, with many changes which have led to the current state of affairs. Would you say that you've now found a practical, sustainable balance, in terms of... well, the way society and government function? For example, is there widespread support within the population for the respective roles and influence of the government and megacorporations - their roles and influence on each other and on society? Or is there a lot of debate over these issues?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin These current state of affairs, as you say, have been in place for quiet some time. Since (IC: Several years OOC: 2004) when King Wasterin X restored the Throne the monarchy has been in power, other than a very brief military coup following the death of King Wasterin X, and a terrorist attack on the Privy Council by the communists in (IC: Several years OOC: 2005) which was eventually overcome by restoring military loyalty to the Crown.

The Royal Family has been adored, and known to the Aerionian people for a much longer time. During the fascist government of the crackpot "Divine Emperor" as he called himself, and his successor the Prelacy my family was locked within the estates and puppet Kings were declared at the whim of the fascist government since the First Kingdom Period. Though King Wasterin I, that instituted the monarchy before the fascists, was well received by the people, and so the Royal Family has been a national symbol for a very long while.

There is some contention on the issue, no average citizen I do not believe truly favors their employers, the megacorporations they work for. They see the Royal Government as regulator of the megacorporations. Some would say that we prevent them from taking over the country, but that is a far too hostile asessment.

Overall I feel that the Monarchy is very much a symbol of the people, and that my family as the descendents of First Elder Wasterin V'i are the rightful rulers of the Grand Kingdom."

Choi: "So... Your Highness, is there no contradiction between the monarchy, and perhaps the government in generally, being perceived as the regulator of megacorporations - as protecting people from their employers, in a sense -, when, at the same time, these corporations are entitled by government to have a say in, for example, foreign policy? Or is that not at all a perspective you'd find among people in Aerion?"

Princess Ameria: "I believe perhaps you have mistaken what I have said. Some corporation choose to be members of The Royal Aerionian Institute of International Affairs, a non-profit, non-governmental organization that has a think tank on foreign policy, and international affairs.

It is equivalent to other such organizations in other countries, similar to a Council on Foreign Relations. There are government officials, private members such as academics, and corporate members. We do consider their reports, and their opinion is highly valued. It is "Royal" in that it is an honored organization. However, it is not an official government channel for foreign policy decision-making.

Of course we do consider the megacorporations in our foreign policy, because they have many foreign interests. International business is very important in our foreign policy decisions"

Choi: "I see. Staying on the issue of politics, Your Highness... Aerion is ruled by the monarch and his Privy Council. The Council is entirely appointed by the hereditary monarch, and includes a Lord High Steward, who effectively runs day to day government matters. Correct? Now... does this mean there is no elected component to the government whatsoever? No... Parliament or elected national assembly? Are there elections of any kind, be it merely at a local level?"

Princess Ameria : "Yes, that is correct. The Lord High Steward is the head of government, equivalent you might say to a Prime Minister, and the Privy Council is effectively the King's Cabinet composed of the Great Officers of State, and the Ministers. The Ministers and the various Ministries function practically the same as ministries would function in other countries, the only difference being they answer to various Great Officers of State and the Lord High Steward, and of course ultimately the Crown. Royal Governors are appointed over the provinces, and regional for regions within the provinces.

Primarily the only elected officials are very local officials, such as Ward Councillors of Metropolitan Wards in some cities, and some Mayors of townships. Electoral law depends on a mixture of tradition, and what the Royal Governor of the province or Regional Governor of the region decide, or the Royal Mayor of special Royal Chartered Cities.

The system works well, as there is accountability of performance. The men in these positions earned their position, and do know how to do their jobs. Being they will most likely stay within them for quiet some time, they become quiet skilled at running their respective jurisdictions."

Choi: "When you say they're accountable, I suppose you mean they can be removed by their hierarchical superiors?

How do elections and politics - at these very local levels you mention - work? Are there actual political parties, or political movements?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "They are accountable in that they may be removed by their superiors, yes, though all removals are subject to the approval of the Royal Governor, or for Royal Mayors and special circumstances the Crown.

There are few political movements. Political parties are not an acknowledged entity in Aerionian law, and they do not register in any official capacity. There are ideological nonprofits that are allowed to legally register, such as the Aerionian Association of Environmentalists, and Family Values First but these could not be called political parties though there have been candidates claiming association with them in elections. There are various socialist and communistic groups, but these tend toward the extreme and do not register with the government.

The election of Ward Councillors in Metropolitan Wards, and Township Mayors is very much similar to that in other nations. It is a basic election. At times it depends on the tradition, such as in some townships by tradition only a certain age or an respected elder may run, or only those who own a significant ammount of land in that township. By law the electoral process normally goes as such. Candidates file Nominating Petitions once meeting the minimum required signatures, and are then put on the general ballot for the preliminary election. Voters then select rate their preferred candidate 1, and then 2 and 3 for their other preferences. The 2 candidates who receive the most preferred votes then will move on to the main election, and from these two the Mayor or Ward Councillor will be elected."

Choi: "Interesting. You mention that rules regarding who can stand in an election depend on local traditions. Are local traditions, in a very general sense, still an important part of every day life in Aerion? I'm thinking of the fact that the country used to be divided into clans and tribes. The first national government was a council of tribes. Is this at all relevant today? Are there still tribal traditions and differences, or different customs in different parts of the country? Or is all that very much in the past now?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "As the majority of the population of the Grand Kingdom now lives in urban areas, so much of that is in the past now. There are however still surprising pockets of culture, and tradition scattered throughout the Grand Kingdom. It is common for people to know of their ancestral tribe, of which there are only 20 major ones with thousands of clans under them. These could have been said, in ancient times, to have been like small nations in a way with subtle cultural variation. They formed the basis of the twenty provinces today. A recent resurgence has been for people to also perhaps adopt their ancient clan or family name as their last name.

Some Royal and Regional Governors have allowed what might be called in other nations "reservations" for those who choose to cling to traditional ways, to the extent where the reservation's head is considered a "Township Mayor" but goes by a unique title, and they have their own local government. Alternatively whomever the local government picks through their own customs as leader, the Regional Governor might then appoint that person as County Commissioner as a gesture. These only have populations of a few thousand, at the most I know of is 200,000 and therefore are extremely small compared to the vast populations of the Grand Kingdom.

Tradition is acknowledged by the Monarchy, as well. One of the titles of the Monarch of Aerion for example is still Paramount Chieftan of the Twenty Ancient Tribes."

Choi: "Fascinating. And of course today Aerion also has population of immigrant descent. Have they added to that cultural diversity, or does Aerion expect immigrants to assimilate? To put it another way, is your immigration policy one of assimilation, multiculturalism, or something in between?"

Princess Ameria:"To answer this question I will have to describe the present culture of the Grand Kingdom. The public culture, or the common culture is one characterized by minimalist utilitarianism as said by a friend, a professor at the Royal University. This may have been influenced I feel by the megacorporations, and the previous governments of the Grand Kingdom as well as urban living. Most megacorporations design their spaces and public spaces are in a minimalist modernist style, as was favored by previous governments, and officials in the Royal Government continue this as we feel it creates a more uniform peaceful urban living environment.

Cultural expression, and even moreso religious expression is a very private personal thing. You will not see a church on every corner, or hardly any churches at all neither will you see cultural festivals abounding in urban areas. Most people wear their corporate uniforms to work, or dress in the typical subdued style of the common culture.

The culture of the high society, or wealthy of Aerion is one that is markedly different. Our culture has been influenced by French, Italian, and British high society. Formal galas, formal styles of dress, luxury consumerism, and beautiful architecture is common. The Royal District is in traditional Greeko-Roman architecture with Baroque elements on the interior of many buildings, but Baroque architecture has become the popular architecture of the wealthy, and recently there is an Aerionian Art Noveau movement.

We do not force anyone who moves to the Grand Kingdom to take on our culture, as you can see there is not perhaps a distinct dictated culture in the Grand Kingdom.

One of the most culturally expressive groups are the Pan African African-Aerionians. Pan-Africanism is a widespread movement, and you will see numerous African-Aerionian communities living together by choice throughout the Grand Kingdom of all economic backgrounds. There are just as many that live among everyone though.

That is another unique feature of Aerionian culture, if I may say so. Tensions such as race, religion, and political tensions are almost unknown. There are some class tensions, but that is in any capitalist society. For instance the issue of gay rights is something that is simply unimportant in our culture, that is part of a person's private life.

If you are a good employee, and a good citizen then that is good enough in the Grand Kingdom."

Choi: "You bring up several interesting points here. If we can look at a few of them in more detail... What would say is the cause of Aerion's success in avoiding tensions between communities of any kind? Is it simply this... relative absence of public cultural expression, as you said, among the working classes? Or do you think there are other factors?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "I would have to say that it would be, unfortunately due to the repressive former governments. The fascist government, divided into the rule of the Divine Emperor and his successor and government the Prelacy destroyed numerous buildings of religious, and cultural importance in the name of their idealized "fascist society" spurred on by the mad man that was the Divine Emperor. This led to the lack of public expression, and fear of persecution. The situation put everyone either in the fascist Imperial Party, or outside of it. There was no cultural distinctions. The fascists even favored their own architectural style. As you know, fascism often seems to trample any cultures that differ from its idealized closed fascist society.

Once the buildings were destroyed, and the congregations scattered as well as the cultural heritage points in Aerion the idea of expressing your culture in public became something a bit taboo, and it still is today among the working classes. Therefore you simply have people looking at each other as equal citizens, and sometimes not even knowing each other's differences or caring. Anyone who would hang on to their cultural identity in those turbulent times were all persecuted equally, so there is this sense that everyone was in the same boat so to speak and some feel still are as the working class though that is more subversive communist propaganda."

Choi: "We'll talk about 'subversive communist propaganda' in a moment, if you like, but first, do you believe it's a good thing, on the whole, that cultural differences have been confined to the private sphere in this way? Or would you prefer to see more public expressions of cultural diversity?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "I would love to see more public cultural expression among the working classes. Culture is unique, exotic, and very entertaining.

At the Royal Palace we regularly have cultural performances from various nations, and cultures. They are very entertaining, and informative. We recently had a Balinese wayang kulit, or shadow puppet show. They will most likely be invited back, and may even be hired permanently as Royal entertainment. It was interesting to compare it to the Aerionian ancient puppet shows.

So yes, I admire cultural diversity, and believe it is a good thing. I am not so much a fan of public religious expression because of the extremism inherent in religion, though it is something that is legal in the Grand Kingdom, and should be."

Choi: "Ah, that's yet another topic. A lot for us to talk about here, Your Highness... Staying with culture, for a moment. You've explained how there's a... cultural gap between the classes, with a well developed culture of the high society. Is the gap really that absolute? Or is there at least some working class interest in the culture that's maintained by the upper classes? Are there any efforts made to interest the working classes in that side of Aerionian culture? Obviously, a lot of it will be out of reach, simply for monetary reasons. But do working class Aerionians go to museums, art galleries, the theatre?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin:''It is not that there is not an interest in art and culture among the working class, it is that the high society has different preferences than the working classes. The trend has been for the working classes to admire minimalist modern art, sculpture, and industrial art. There is artwork in public spaces, often large metallic sculptures of steel. It has a more stark, realist aethetic to it in contrast to the high society's interest in more classical arts.

There are some very large beautiful modernist museums of art, and sculpture in the cities of Aerion open to the public.

As far as theatres, there are some public theatres though nothing on the scale of for instance the Grand Aerionian Theatre in the Royal District of Astevane.

I would say that the difference is in aesthetic, and the way the artwork is experienced"

Choi: "I see. A moment ago you mentioned the... 'the extremism inherent in religion', I think you said. Presumbably that's not a view shared by everyone in Aerion. Of course there's little in the way of organised religion or public religion in Aerion, but based on census data about 60% of people in your country do express some form or other of religous belief. Do you a draw a distinction between belief and practice, and if so what is it which, in your view, is inherently extremist in religion?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "Religion is a breeding ground for extremist thought. On the other hand, organized religion is often there simply to deceive or dupe the public. Religious leaders are no different than politicians, attempting to influence the public. The difference is that they influence the public with an idea of some higher power controlling their lives. Look at the tensions internationally, it is mostly due to religion. The countries that you see the most discrimination, the most political strife, and extremism in are considered very religious countries. Many civil wars have been caused by religion in many nations. It does nothing but causes public tension, and makes it difficult to cont...to keep the population at peace."

Choi: "Well, that's a view we don't hear often in public. I'm sure many viewers around the world will disagree with that. And many would be interested to see this point developed further. To be perfectly clear, do you distinguish between a sense of the spiritual on the one hand, a feeling of closeness to a specific religion on another... and actual religious worship on, erm, a third hand?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "I distinguish between religious worship , organized religion , and spirituality or personal faith . Many of those you mentioned in that statistic Aerion have a spirituality or personal faith, but do not practice religious worship or belong to an organized religion. Those who are personally spiritual, that is have their personal beliefs perhaps they pray but beyond that they keep their religion private are unlikely to be extremists. Those who actively worship, or are part of an organized religion are more likely to hold divisive views."

Choi: "Obviously this is your personal view, Your Highness, but is it also a view generally shared within government? Do you actually discourage organised religion - and if so, how? - or isn't that necessary in Aerion, in your view?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "The government does watch for religious extremism, but no the government is not in any way against religious expression. We have more problems from communist and socialist extremists in our country. Unlike political parties, religious bodies may register with the government and have special taxation priviliges, etc.

I do wish to note my brother's views vary widely from mine, and as King there will probably be many more open expressions of religion. My brother recently converted to Makan Buddhism, as you may have heard, and His Holiness the High Lama was his personal spiritual advisor briefly before His Holiness assigned a well-known Lama who was made the official Royal Spiritual Advisor. He made a sizable contribution, in the millions to the Makan Buddhists, but at least they used the majority of it for charity unlike many religions.

I do not agree with my brother's conversion, and feel it has had a negative influence on him, but it is his personal choice. Religion as I said breeds extremism, or at the very least clouds clear thinking judgement. It is not good for a Monarch."

Choi: "I see. Do you fear the King may start to rule as a Buddhist... and do you think that's likely? In what way do you think his conversion may have a negative influence on the King? What do you think the consequences may be, if any?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "Ahh no, in Aerionian culture the idea of the Monarch ruling as a Buddhist or any religion is laughable. My brother would never even do such a thing when he takes the crown. It may affect his decisions on policy, however. Many of the megacorporations are unhappy with his conversion. Some Aerionian commentators have said that Buddhism is inherently socialist when it has an influence on politics.

I trust my brother to be a fair level headed ruler, though I do not agree and will never agree with his conversion. I hope that he at some point renounces his affiliation.

The consequences have only been so far that he spent nearly a year in a Makan Buddhist monastery, leaving the Great Officers of State to run the government though they normally do run the day to day business of government themselves. He was widely criticized for this, though he did stay in communication with us. I think it is only one example of the unfortunate influence this religion has had on him."

Choi: "I suppose he, however, says his religion will not influence him in his ruling of the country?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "Yes, my brother is emphatic that it will not affect his rulership of the country. I do trust him, he is a Freemason and among the thinking men of the nation. He has very good advisors and ministers.

My only concern is that he will take a more hands-off approach to rulership, and continue more isolated Buddhist practices."

Choi: "You've twice mentioned 'socialist extremists' and 'communist propaganda'. Could you clarify what you mean by that?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "The most vocal socialist communistic group, or the group that has received the most attention nationally is the Aerion People's Liberation Army. They are terrorists that killed my uncle, King Wasterin X when they bombed his airship, set off a bomb in the Royal Opera House killing several prominent members of society, and several other smaller attacks. Luckily after mass arrests following these occurences some years back, their activities have declined it seems over the past year or two.

These are the extremists. Other socialist groups, if there are any, though they are probably allied with these sometimes issue forth street propaganda. They say that the capitalist system is inherently wrong, which is obviously extremist propaganda just to say that capitalist in every form is wrong."

Choi: "What do you think their aims are? Regarding the terrorists, socialists and communists everywhere would argue that terrorism is incompatible with communism. Have these groups expressed some actual purpose, or are they simply using a name?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "To say that terrorism is incompatible with any extreme ideology I think is a very misinformed statement. Many would say Christianity is incompatible with terrorism, which at face value it is, but we see many Christian terrorists in various nations on the international scene. I won't name names, but suffice to say they are known.

The Aerion People's Liberation Army or APLA terrorist group has expressed a purpose, in a manifesto, and are very ideological though it is an extremist ideology. They wish to liberate the people from what they say is an oppressive capitalist system, and an corrupt monarchy. It is very foolish on their part. They say they are "freedom fighters", they are obviously terrorists."

Choi: "I suppose many Christians, though, would argue that the values and teachings of Christianity are incompatible with terrorism, and that a terrorist cannot claim to be truly Christian.

Regarding socialists and communists, and specifically those who campaign through peaceful means... Are they infuential at all? And are they tolerated?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "Socialists and communists who campaign peacefully are rare, they usually are in hiding because for some reason they say that there are attempts to silence them by some megacorporate agents, and branches of the Royal Government though these accusations are foolishness.

They are allowed to publish some literature, of course, as anyone can write anything. However, the literature is not published by any of the major publishing companies that publish all Aerionian literature, and rarely gets read by many.

Public protests related to socialist, and communist ideas are not allowed as it usually causes a public disruption. They criticize the Royal Government policies on this, but they are for good reason."

Choi: "But you wouldn't say these megacorporations are a threat to freedom of expression and dissent? You mention literature, for example. In practice, does literature need the backing of major companies in order to reach a wide public, and if so what are your thoughts on that?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "Yes, in practice literature does require the backing of one of the major publishers to reach the general population. This is inherent in the capitalist systems. Businesses grow into corporations which then began to largely dominate their sector of the market, and what reaches the public is often by commercial means. It is not that we do not have small local publishers, but these do not hardly reach anywhere outside of the town, county, or small region they are in.

Their not a threat to freedom to expression and dissent any more than major film or news companies are. You cannot say that PENA for instance does not have editors who decide what stories are to be broadcast. In the same way, corporations may decide what they choose to financially back. Publishing companies have the right to decide what they publish, and what reaches the general public by their financial backing."

Choi: "We have fairly little time left, Your Highness, but a few points more... The Internet is generally not accessible in Aerion. Instead, private networks provide alternate service, but seperate from the World Wide Web. Could you tell us why this is?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "There is a lack of Internet or access to the World Wide Web in Aerion because it is generally not seen as an recreational or communicative device. Government offices, and major corporations have access to the World Wide Web through satellite uplink though generally only some of the wealthy choose to have access to the WWW such as businessmen among the public users.

Pivate networks are generally corporate, government, or school networks that are used for such purposes. Most people do have an employee email if they work for a corporation, the government, or a student email if they attend a school though these generally do not communicate between networks though they can be used to send personal messages to friends or family.

Most use their dataphones to communicate. The dataphones are on what could be called fifth generation cellular technology (5G). The dataphone is a combination videophone, pocket computer, has live streaming television capability with major Aerionian broadcasters, and also may be interfaced with more advanced smarthome home automation systems. Most people also have accessories to it such as wireless keyboards and headsets. The dataphone has replaced conventional telephones, and often is placed in a cradle at home and interfaces with basic home automation systems so you may speak to someone in each room of your home as you walk around or by wireless headset.

The World Wide Web is simply just not used by the general public in Aerion despite the modern technological advances."

Choi: "But all this technology you refer to is strictly internal to Aerion, correct? It's not conntected to the outside world. So a person in Aerion can't actually access any foreign website. Is there a lack of interest in the outside world, would you say? A lack of awareness on the existence of such technology? Or is contact with the outside world discouraged?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "Yes, some of the technology is connected to the outside world. As I said, government offices, major corporations, and some of the wealthy have access to the World Wide Web.

I would say there is an lack of interest of the general public in outside affairs, but many of the wealthy and upper classes do watch outside news, have access to the World Wide Web, etc. PINA is for instance broadcast usually into homes in this demographic category.

The general public is simply, I should say, not interested in the outside world. They have their smaller daily lives to worry about, their corporate work, etc.'

Choi: "And... is there any attempt by anyone in the upper classes to... bridge the social gap, and widen the perspective of the general public? Which leads us to another, related question, actually. How would you describe the type of education working class people receive in Aerion?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "I am not sure what you mean by bridge the gap, but the wealthy do not feel that it is their responsibility or needed to bridge the gap. It is simply two different societies.

The public education system is good. Basic classes are taught, as well as special programs on languages including French starting as early as the 4th grade. The public education system is very geared toward career skills. When one reaches what could be called High School, classes began to focus on the career or work the student showed aptitude in. There the student is put into a slot after several detailed psychological, and review tests to determine where the student would work best. High scores and aptitude often result in supervisor positions in the megacorporation they choose to work for. Career classes are taught along with the basic mathematics such as algebra, history classes and such. Traditional classes such as Ancient History, Aerionian History as the history of the country. There is also an class on Comparative Religions, geared toward rational thinking on what religion is and examining religious extremism.

The majority of the wealthy, and government officials send their children to private school. There are some very prestigious, well known private schools in Astevane and across the Grand Kingdom, as well as many private schools ran by megacorporations for their corporate executive's children as part of their benefits package. The Royal Government also offers a similar program to government officials of a certain salary rank.

The private schools have some of the best curriculum, and have a much lower teacher to student ratio. They are taught more traditionally than the somewhat electronic computer based education of the public education system. Though the public education system is funded well enough to provide mass education to the working classes."

Choi: "You mention aptitude, psychological tests, putting people in a 'slot'... To what degree does a person choose his or her own career?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "The standard psychological and aptitude tests determine the top probable choices of best careers for the students, and they then choose out of those approximately 5 choices what field interests them. They will then go on to get the standardized educaton along with their career education which they will receive a standard degree, and a specialized career certificate which will be what will allow them to get into the megacorporate job path."

Choi: "That's a fairly unusual system. Is it generally well accepted? What kind of an unemployment rate is there?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: "The employment rate is actually very low seeing that the tests have a very high effective rating and are comparable tests in other nations. It does not leave one confused about what they wish to do. Adjustments can be made based on the national demand for certain jobs. Megacorporations also can choose students before they graduate, and therefore the student is secured a job. Though of course if a student falls out of the system, as it were, there are plenty of manual labour, food service, and basic retail jobs available as in other nations."

Choi: "Who designs these tests, by the way? The government? Megacorporations? Or do the schools do so themselves?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: The Ministry of Education along with think tanks of noted psychologists, educational psychologists, testing specialists etc. We also bring in psychologisys, and testing specialists from other nations if necessary. We continue to upgrade, and evaluate the effectiveness of the testing. The psychological tests are said to be 85% effective at determining the student.

Choi: "And -to finish on this- if a mistake has been made, can a student later go back and choose a career other than one of those initially offered?"

Princess Ameria Wasterin: Yes, a re-evaluation is possible though it is unlikely such a mistake would occur.

Thank you for having me, and a good evening to all.

Choi: "Thank you for being here, Your Highness... although if you would like to say anything else before we go off air, please do so."

Princess Ameria Wasterin: The Grand Kingdom of Aerion looks forward to opening cultural and diplomatic relations with many nations. You will see more cultural exchange programs as time goes by. We also welcome anyone to visit the Grand Kingdom by applying for a tourist visa. There are many places outside of the megacities to see, including pristine Royally protected wilderness areas.

Choi: "Well, I'm sure that message will have reached many people. Thank you again, Your Highness, for talking to us today.

That concludes our interview. We return now to the main news..."


{OOC: Next interview coming soon.}

Mélanie Dupré: "Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon, and welcome to today's interview. I'm Mélanie Dupré (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/M%C3%A9lanie_Dupr%C3%A9), and with me are Her Royal Highness Princess Serena (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Serena_Eu) of San Adriano, and her husband His Royal Highness Prince Willem.

Your Highnesses, good afternoon to you both and thank you for being with us here today. Your Highness, Princess, you're the ruling monarch of the tiny Sovereign Village of San Adriano, a fully independent village-nation with fewer than five hundred inhabitants, entirely surrounded by Uhuh-Topia... which is your home country, Your Highness, Prince Willem. Our viewers can see an aerial photograph (http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/8046/testsa51yg5.jpg) showing your two countries in relation to each other.

Prince Willem, you're the brother of Emperor James of Uhuh-Topia, making you, in fact, the link uniting the royal families of the two countries. Your children, Prince Mauro and Princess Petra, are of course first and second in line to inherit the throne of San Adriano, but they are also in the line of succession for the Uhuh-Topian throne.

We'll be talking mostly about San Adriano today, of course, but to begin with, could you tell us a little about the relations between your two countries?"

Princess Serena: "Thank you very much for this opportunity. It's a pleasure to be here. My country, and Uhuh-Topia, both have ancient and strong relations with Ariddia, and my husband and I are pleased at this opportunity to address an international audience. As you know, my country has no television media of its own... although I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate and encourage the staff of the Corriere del San Adriano (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Corriere_del_San_Adriano), who do so much to give our village a voice on the international scene.

To answer your question, Ms. Dupré, relations between San Adriano and Uhuh-Topia go back a very long way. San Adriano actually predates Uhuh-Topia. San Adriano officially became a sovereign State in 1641, and Uhuh-Topia in 1723. But when I look out of my window or step outside, I see Uhuh-Topia. Our relations have always been very good, and San Adriano has depended on Uhuh-Topia in many ways. We have no hospital of our own, no firefighters, no university. No supermarket. Sanadrianese often cross the border to make use of services provided by our neighbours."

{OOC: Bump for Uhuh-Topia}

Prince Willem: "Indeed."

Dupré: "Your royal house, Your Highness, goes back to the seventeenth century, in an uninterrupted line. 1648, to be precise. That's quite an achievement for a microstate. How difficult has it been to maintain a viable country with so few inhabitants and so little infrastructure?"

Princess Serena: "To a significant extent, we have Uhuh-Topia to thank for that." (smiles slightly at Prince Willem) "Of course, there's also the resolve and dedication of the people of San Adriano. We maintain our community all together. There's a strong sense of being Sanadrianese, as distinct from being Uhuh-Topian. Language and culture play an important part in that, I think."

Dupré: "What would you say, then, is specific to San Adriano, and distinguishes it from Uhuh-Topia?"

Princess Serena: "I would say differences are due primarily to our history, and to our small population. The latter means that, to a significant degree, everyone knows everyone else in San Adriano, and that has an important bearing on the way government is conducted. Our national politics are, in many ways, village politics... and I mean this in a positive sense. We have a form of partial direct democracy which enables all citizens to have a say in government. That's possible only thanks to our country's small size.

Village life also means that we all share a sense of solidarity and mutual commitment. If anyone has a problem, the rest of the country will help. Members of Parliament are accessible to listen to all Sanadrianese, and my home, the Palace, is open for anyone to come and talk to me.

Other than that... There's culture. Sanadrianese speak mainly Italian and Wymgani, the languages of our ancestors, not Dutch, the language of Uhuh-Topia. We use Dutch or English to interact with our neighbour, but not within San Adriano.

But we have a lot in common with Uhuh-Topia too. We have access to their media, and Uhuh-Topian cultural influence is fairly strong in San Adriano. Some of our people marry Uhuh-Topians... just as I've done." (smiles again) "Our children are multicultural, and although they're Sanadrianese first, being Uhuh-Topian is part of their identity."

Dupré (to Princess Serena): "Your Highness, a question for you specifically. As monarch, you're excluded from taking part in politics... but that doesn't mean you're detached from the lives of your subjects. Could you explain to our viewers what the role of a Sanadrianese monarch is, exactly?"

Princess Serena: "Of course. My function is ceremonial. I have no say or role in the running of government; that's left to Parliament, and to the citizens. I represent our country abroad. In a purely ceremonial sense, of course; I can't commit San Adriano to anything Parliament has not agreed to. And as representative of San Adriano on the international stage, I must be above all political issues. My status as princess means I am not entitled to vote, for example.

But as you said, I'm not detached from the everyday lives of my fellow Sanadrianese. They can visit me at any time to talk, and of course I always welcome everyone warmly and give them my full attention. I don't spend my life in the Palace, either. I'm often outdoors, and my fellow villagers can talk to me there, too."

Dupré: "I understand you even do your own shopping at the village market, Your Highness?" (smiles)

Princess Serena: (smiles) "Yes, of course. Just because I'm royalty does not mean I am different or above my fellow villagers. My ancestor Prince Vincenzo, in the seventeenth century, was a commoner who was elected Prince by the other villagers. So yes, I go out and do my own shopping. Not just in the village market; I go to a supermarket in Uhuh-Topia too. I do my own cooking as well, mostly." (smiles again)

Dupré: "Your Highness, before we move on to international issues - and talk about San Adriano's place in Uhuhland and in the world - I'd like to ask you a very specific question about your country's specificities. We have here some Sanadrianese lira (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Sanadrianese_lira), your national currency, and I understand the images on the banknotes (coming up on screen for our viewers) are considered national symbols. Could you explain them, very quickly? To give our viewers an idea of what is unique to San Adriano.

The 20SL banknote, which our viewers can see now, has an image of several hundred people standing together. A sort of huge group photograph. Presumably all the inhabitants of the village?"

Princess Serena: "I'd be glad to. Yes, that's a group photograph of all the villagers at the time. The intent was, essentially, to show that the nation is, above all, the people that comprise it. I do believe our country is unique in having all its inhabitants depicted on a banknote. Let's see...

The 50SL note describes our history, and the arrival of Wymgani in what was, at first, an Italian village. Our nation was born of the unity between these two ethnic, linguistic, cultural communities. It was bicultural from the very start, and this unity in diversity has been one of our greatest strengths. On the 100SL note, you have a representation of the proclamation of sovereignty two years later. In 1641. The birth of the Sovereign Village as an independent nation.

On this one you have portraits of two of our great contemporary athletes, who have contributed to making San Adriano famous abroad. Thomas Peruzzi, our village grocer, took part in two Winter Olympic Games, and won a silver medal then a bronze. Sabrina Vannucci, our village hairdresser, is an Olympic champion in swimming. We're extremely proud of both of them.

Now this of course is the Royal Palace, one of our most recognisible buildings. The 5000SL note has the National Museum, a wonderful museum which, amongst other things, helps visitors understand our history and culture. On the 10,000SL note, here, this is the National Assembly Hall, which is where Parliament sits, and where public debates take place. It's a living symbol of our democracy."

Dupré: "And on this last note, of course, - twenty thousand Sanadrianese lira - this is you. Your portrait." (turns to Prince Willem) "Your Highness, you're a member of both the Uhuh-Topian royal family, by birth, and the Sanadrianese royal family, by marriage. Your son Prince Mauro will one day inherit the Sanadrianese throne. Presumably you consider yourself to be both Sanadrianese and Uhuh-Topian? More importantly, perhaps, do you feel you can have an active role to play in stregthening relations between the two countries?"

Prince Willem: "I don't know really. The relationship between our two countries has always been very good... Well, nearly always. Only a few months ago it was discovered that George the Massacrer had plans to annex San Adriano during the Second Ropa-Topian War. Luckily, this plan, and the Uhuh-Topian occupation of the Uhuh-Ropean capital of Ropadam, led the Uhuh-Topian army to a mutiny against their emperor. If that hadn't happened, the relationship between San Adriano and Uhuh-Topia would have been completely different. Not to mention our relationship with most other nations in Uhuhland, including Ariddia."

Dupré: "Indeed. A dark chapter in the continent's history." (turns to Princess Serena) "Your Highness, if we could move on to international issues now? A few years ago, San Adriano introduced an Uhuhland Citizenship Act into Uhuhland Union legislation. Amongst other things, this means that Sanadrianese, Ariddians, Esati, North-West Ariddians and West Ariddians now share a common Uhuhland citizenship, with common passports. But the Ropa-Topian States opted out of this agreement. What do you think the effects of this Act have been? Have they been positive? And have they moved San Adriano closer to the Ariddian Isles, and away, to some extent, from the Ropa-Topian region?"

Princess Serena: "In response to your last question: I don't think so, no. There's no reason for our relations with the Ropa-Topians to weaken in any way. On the other hand, San Adriano is now part of a common citizenship zone with the Ariddian Isles, so this has strengthened our ties to the Ariddians without compromising our friendship with Uhuh-Topia.

We're all Uhuhlanders, all part of the Uhuhland Union. It has been the wish and decision of the Sanadrianese citizens for our country to be a member - and an active member - of the UU. As monarch, I respect, uphold and represent the decision of the citizens.

Shared citizenship strengthens our relations with our neighbours, and gives us a stronger voice in the region. We are equal partners in the Uhuhland Council."

Dupré: "As you say, San Adriano is an equal partner, in the Uhuhland Council at least. Your country has one of the seven seats in the Uhuhland Council... but just one of fifty-one seats in the Uhuhland Parliament. Of course, all important decisions are in fact taken at Council level, and never deferred to Parliament. Is it in San Adriano's interest to make sure that the Uhuhland Parliament is sidelined, and that only the Council is able to make decisions?"

Princess Serena: (smiles) "I'm sorry, but I really can't comment on that. That takes us into politics, and I'm constitutionally bound not to delve into politics."

Dupré: "Quite recently, San Adriano blocked a request by Ariddia to defer a decision to Parliament, raising questions regarding how democratic that 'veto power' is. No? All right. Let's look at other aspects of international relations then, Your Highness. San Adriano has made efforts, recently, to increase diplomatic relations with foreign countries. This has had the positive side-effect of bring material aid and wealth into the country."

Princess Serena: "Yes. Of course, San Adriano has never been isolated. But it was felt, by Parliament, that our country should extend its diplomatic relations beyond the borders of Uhuhland. And, as you quite rightly point out, the benefits to our country, thanks to the great generosity of our new friends, have been significant. I would particularly like to extend my gratitude once again to the Scandinvan Empire and Laquasa Isle, who have done so much to help San Adriano's development.

Our village is always willing to establish new diplomatic relations with foreign countries."

Dupré: "You mentioned San Adriano having been founded as a bicultural society. Today, San Adriano is, in some ways, multicultural. Is that an asset? How does it work in such a tiny society?"

Princess Serena: "A majority of us, myself included, are lwealsol’o - of mixed ethnicity -, and speak both Wymgani and Italian. Almost half of us are fluent in Dutch as well. About 5% of our population is of recent Ropa-Topian origin, including first generation immigrants. And then there's religion. We have atheists, agnostics, Catholics, Protestants, Jews and Muslims. So yes, San Adriano is, in a very real sense, multicultural.

This is, of course, an asset. Living in such close proximity to one another, we naturally learn from one another, and understand and respect one another. There's no ethnic or religious tension. As you can see I have brown skin, and I have both Wymgani and European ancestors, while my husband is white. I, and our royal couple, embody our country's diversity. Our National Museum also reflects and encourages that diversity.

We have only one religious building in the village, and it's used by everyone. You will see Christians, Muslims and Jews praying there together. This is one of the strengths of our society.

At the same time, of course, we are all Sanadrianese. We have a common history, a common national identity. We belong to the same society, the same community."

Dupré: "I see. On a completely different note, Your Highness, you'll soon be travelling to Kelssek to study at Lionsgate University. You insist that you'll be a student like any other. But won't you also be a visiting head of State, hoping to strengthen relations between San Adriano and Kelssek?

Princess Serena: "Yes, of course. Although relations between our two countries are already very good. I'm looking forward to experiencing life in Kelssek, and understanding their culture and society, and way of life. Obviously I'll be representing my country. But most of the time I will be there as a student, a student like any other. And I'm confident I will be treated in exactly that way by university lecturers, tutors and staff. I'll also need to find accomodation. As I mentioned earlier, I'm used to doing my own cooking and cleaning, so I don't think it will be difficult to adapt." (smiles)

Dupré: "A rather unusual perspective, Your Highness, from a monarch." (smiles) "One final question, if I may. One of your titles is 'Lady of Erigatad'. I understand this was confered upon you by the Emperor of the Scandinvans, and that it gives you, in essence, feudal authority over thousands of farmers on lands far away from your native country. Isn't that a little strange?"

Princess Serena: "I suppose it is, in a way." (laughs lightly) "The title was a gift from the Scandinvan Emperor. It gives me, as you say, feudal authority over precisely 65,000 acres of land and 12,000 farmers, all of which is being managed locally in my name. As Lady of Erigatad, I make sure all the individuals under my authority in the Empire are treated with respect and dignity, and have full access to all the necessities of life. Those lands are my personal possession, though, and are not in any way under Sanadrianese sovereignty. But henceforth the title will be inherited by every monarch of San Adriano. My son, His Highness Crown Prince Mauro, will be the next Lord of Erigatad."

Dupré: "I see. Well, that brings us to the end of our interview, Your Highnesses. Would either of you like to add anything in conclusion?"

Princess Serena: (gently) "Only that I'd like to thank you for this opportunity. And that should any of you, viewers, wish to visit our country, we will always make you feel very welcome. We are always pleased to welcome visitors who are interested in our country and in our way of life.

Thank you again, Miss Dupré."

Dupré: "Thank you very much, Your Highness, for having been here with us on PINA.

That concludes today's interview. We return now to the main headlines..."


{OOC: Next interview will start soon.}

Mélanie Dupré: "Good afternoon and, if you're just joining us, welcome to PINA. I'm Mélanie Dupré (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/M%C3%A9lanie_Dupr%C3%A9). Today I'm honoured to conduct this interview in Singapore, Southeast Asia, where Prime Minister Yao Yang Nelson Neo will be answering our questions. Prime Minister, thank you very much for inviting us here, and for being here with us today.

Southeast Asia remains a part of the world which is not extremely well known to most Ariddians. We'll be talking about various aspects of your country - or countries, since you govern a union of officially sovereign nations. In fact, to clarify, perhaps we should start with that. What is Southeast Asia? How does a single government rule over several nations which are described as 'sovereign'?"

[OOC: I've decided that this shall be in the Emerald Executive Recluse of Singapore. Oh, and the way Neo speaks is calm, cool and relaxed, and he has a mixed Asian-Western accent (with predominant American traces).]

Yao Yang Nelson Neo: The two official pretitles are merely references to the past, to the original sovereign countries - Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, East Timor, the Phillipines, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia and Brunei - which were all members of the preceding Association of Southeast Asian Nations (A.S.E.A.N.). ASEAN was an institution that was a forum for regional discussion to settle disputes, and manage regional trade matters. It was, if you will, the precursor to what is currently not a geopolitical subregion of Asia but an actual country."

"The two long formal names are also a reference to the Federal-Parliamentarian Government. This is the national government of Southeast Asia, and as the title of the institution implies, it is a blend of both the federal Washington-styled congressional system of the United States and the devolved unitary Westminster parliamentary system of the United Kingdom. The blended style of democratic leadership combined with the varieties of traditions and lifestyles found in Southeast Asia is what allows us to have a united country, truly worthy of the saying which embodies our beliefs: 'In varietate concordia'."

Dupré: "Interesting. To what degree do the former nations retain self-government? And - I think many will be wondering - what led each country to abandon its sovereignty and join a wider Federation?"

Yao Yang Nelson Neo: "The member-states of ASEAN disbanded through democratic procedure through their respective national legislatures...they integrated to form the Union thanks to national security concerns, the economic benefits, and the long-term political expediency that came with it. Some of the countries are still unchanged on the map in their political borders...as in to say, they look very similar to their original national borders pre-Union Act. Others are not. Of those locations, they were divided into smaller states for more efficiency."

"The original ASEAN countries are mentioned in history books of course, as one cannot forget their past in order to advance in the future. Administrative divisions are referred to as "states", and can style themselves as they wish...an example would be an archipelagic island called Java, their official title in governmental records is the "Grand Republic of Java". The Federal-Parliamentarian Government is a strong national government, but the states have a strong degree of managing affairs concerned with themselves. For example, some states allow mandatory state militia service, and others believe that state militia service should be the right of the individual, and they can manage their state budget and healthcare."

Dupré: "And on the federal level, how is government chosen? To what extent is each state represented?"

Dupré: "And on the federal level, how is government chosen? To what extent is each state represented?"
Yao Yang Nelson Neo [chuckles lightly and softly]: "As stated earlier, via the combination of Westminster and Washington styled representative democracy systems. The Federal Parliament is found in the national capital of Singapore. The Federal Parliament is, much like the United Kingdom's Parliament and the Congress of the United States, a bicameral legislature with two chambers. There are two Members of Parliament - the Upper Parliamentarian and the Lower Parliamentarian - the former travels to the Upper Parliamentarian House and the latter to the Lower Parliamentarian House. The UPH has the ability to veto the laws, which are then sent to assent or veto by the Presidency, and to a lesser extent, create laws. The bulk of the laws are created by the LPH."

Dupré: "And is there a strong sense of shared nationhood? Do people, in general, consider themselves citizens of Southeast Asia first, or is the state level - the former nations - more meaningful? For example, do members of the Federaal Parliament represent their states first and foremost, or is their affiliation more to federal political parties?"

Yao Yang Nelson Neo [giving a warm smile]: "Citizens of course do consider themselves Southeast Asian, and on the issue of the Members of the Federal Parliament...I would say that they prize both on the issue of loyalty. They consider themselves both loyal to the state they come from and to their respective political parties."

"As for loyalties to their own respective states...well, I suppose that at swimming competitions, baseball matches, rugby matches and cricket matches and various other sports competitions executed in Southeast Asia, you could see some displays of state pride. But at the end of the day, we are all Southeast Asians, all united in the objective of helping the Union advance."

Dupré: "Interesting; thank you. Now, let's talk more specifically about you, Mr. Prime Minister. You were elected as representative of the Federal New Liberal Party. Could you outline your party's key policies and beliefs?"

Dupré: "Interesting; thank you. Now, let's talk more specifically about you, Mr. Prime Minister. You were elected as representative of the Federal New Liberal Party. Could you outline your party's key policies and beliefs?"
Yao Yang Nelson Neo: "The Federal New Liberal Party's social ideology is that of New Liberalism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_liberalism), known in other countries in different jargon such as "social liberalism", for example. The Federal New Liberal Party's stance on economic affairs is generally considered that of the 'Third Way', and we also advocate principles from the late John Maynard Keynes. When it comes to international relations theory...in what one could describe as a paradox, we hold both moral principles and pragmatism and practicality."

Dupré: "I think most people would agree conciling pragmatism and ethics isn't necessarily a paradox." (smiles) "But before we move on to your country's foreign policies - and we'll definitely talk about those - what do social liberalism and the 'Third Way' mean in practice for the people, workers and businesses of Southeast Asia? Could you give us examples of specific policies or laws that come from your interpretation of these theories?"

Yao Yang Nelson Neo: "I would say that in practice New Liberalism has done well for the Union of Southeast Asian Nations. It allows the individuals that make up a group of people in Southeast Asia, to do as they wish within reason and law. Southeast Asia, being a constitutional federal republic with Westminster parliamentary system, helps multiculturalism and respect for other cultures flourish. The Western concept of individual liberty, combined with a more tolerant social mindset, combined with the features of Southeast Asian culture, has helped the United Sovereign Nations prosper.”

“Corporate practices are tightly regulated, but a firm is fine should the institution not go excessively out of line…then the consequences are predictable for a heinous corporate crime anywhere, is it not? Environmental regulations help protect biome, endangered species and what not…it is admittedly financially costly, but other than that, businesses are quite free. Foreign investors come from all over the place in spite of a tendency towards protectionism, like people from the Big Three (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Big_Three) states for example, and OMP (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Organization_Of_Maritime_Powers) member countries like Isselmere-Nieland (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Isselmere-Nieland) and the Incorporated States (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Sarzonia). The Third Way provides Southeast Asia with a realistic perspective that countries cannot be too favoring a laissez-faire capitalist policy or an overly command economic policy. For private industry does not provide public goods or merit goods and monopoly not under the state may not be a good thing, and state-controls in an economy in a time of recession can be a soothing to the said dilemma. The latter economic philosophy in excess causes inefficiency and economic floundering.”

Dupré: "Thak you for clarifying that, Prime Minister. Now those are, of course, your views and those of your party. What of the main Opposition parties? Do they agree on these points? And if so, what distinguishes them from your party?"

Neo: "The primary opposition political bloc to the Federal New Liberal Party is the Conservative Parliamentarian Republican Party (CPRP). The CPRP, as the first part of it's name implies, is more of a traditionialist party. They advocate a more unitary state and even further reduction of the executive functions in the Office of His Most Esteemed Presidency and the Office of His Right Honorable Prime-Executive Leadership...in spite of general political analyst agreement both domestically and outside the Union that the executive functions are sound and well-countered."

"They are more funding to religious institutions in general regardless of what theist ideal it is, be it polytheist or monotheist, and are more favorable to lesser gun laws on a national level. Also, the leadership of the CPRP believes in a more interventionist Southeast Asia and even larger funding to the defense sector of the Union. They are also more laissez-faire to business and economic issues, but not as much as the Paleoliberal Party. On the issue of international relations, the CPRP are more prominent about ideals...they generally believe that the concept of realpolitik to be the abandoning of Southeast Asian principles and like-minded allied countries of the United Sovereign Nations, and generally are a bit at odds to the concept of national sovereignty."

Dupré: "Those sound like very different views and perspectives. And since you mention it again, Prime Minister, this brings us to the question of foreign policy. It seems to be a debated issue, and you've mentioned 'principles'. Earlier you talked briefly about 'moral principles' in international relations. What principles are those?"

Neo: “Principles as in principles one would find in the four corners of the Earth. We do value individual liberty, but not when it is at the expense of other people. We consider diplomatic immunity as a pragmatic way of executing principles—even the ancient Mongols considered diplomatic immunity to be sacred. Our foreign policy, time and time again, is to utilize “diplomacy over force”, a policy which advocates rationale, reason and compromise in order to achieve our objectives, and force second should the former fail and the latter be forced to achieve our means, and when absolutely necessary. Critics of the incumbent members of the Executive Cabinet have accused this policy of failing in spite of our victory against the forces of the Corporate Entente in the Southeast Asia/Joint Conglomerates Conflict, which was caused by a potentially threatening and powerful firm called the Federation of Joint Conglomerates…which happened to violate the said policy of diplomatic immunity by executing a team of diplomats and civilian investigators with a tactical nuclear ballista.”

Neo blinks briefly and pause, looks back up at Dupré.

“Regardless, the Corporate Entente was defeated and the human rights abuses executed by the Board of Directors of the Federation of Joint Conglomerates were undone in the land they used to reign. The Southeast Asian Federal Parliamentarian Armed Services have doubtlessly learned their lessons and had their fair share of spoils alongside their coalition allied countries’ militaries. Thus combined with the lessons and foreign policy, we entered talks with the Vuhifellian Federation (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Vuhifellian_Federation) and the Grand Duchy of Van Luxemburg (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Van_Luxemburg) with advice to form the Southeast Asian Peacekeeping Corps, another branch in the SAFPAS. The said countries are co-founders of the Universal Peace Enforcement Organization. Peacekeeping is an illustrious blend and a prime example of idealism and realism—forged to make liberal-realism—at it’s finest. This policy in analysis and in practice is a mutually beneficial policy both to the peacekeeper and a country in turmoil. In exchange for stabilizing the country, we both become mutual benefactors to one another in the long-term, like in the affairs of economics, for example.”

Dupré: "On that latter point, could you give us a concrete example? Of a mutually beneficial economic agreement that's followed on from peacekeeping assistance, I mean."

Neo: "An example of peacekeeping and economic initiatives after that are the Guyana Islands. A distant bunch of islands off the mainland of the Grand Duchy of Van Luxemburg, which left it for a brief duration thanks to democratic sentiment of self-determination, the Guyanan people unfortunately happened to be led by a radical leftist faction. Thierry Karbel, was belligerent, and his populist sensationalism didn't help the economic status of the Guyana Islands. In fact, it eventually alienated him and he was forced to retreat to parts unknown thanks to the consolidated efforts by the Van Luxemburgian Grand Ducal Army, the Wingardian Federal Armed Forces and the Triancian Armed Forces. All armed services of their respective nations, are in turn, countries we get along with cordially and well."

"After that, the population democratically welcomed the unified bloc and th said faction helped it quickly set up democratically-elected, competent and sensible government and restabilizing order. Soon afterward, the Guyanan Islands quickly developed and rose to high standards of living, like its neighboring island of Kreuzbadinsel, an island under Wingardian administration. Southeast Asia has demonstrated this somewhat in lands formerly under the administration of the Federation of Joint Conglomerates, and indeed does look forward to improving on its successes by looking at the UPEO and its senior leaders or to use two other good examples, our close associates of the SWC member-states that are the Democratic Imperiums of Halberdgardia and McKagan. We place it on a list amongst a multitude of important issues the United Sovereign Nations has to deal with."

[OOC: Apologies for the slightly late response, Ariddia. Damned RL issues like the IGCSE...I'll do the best I can to manage this, but education is more of a pressing matter. I won't neglect this, but expect my responses to be a bit slower.]

Dupré: "I see. Just to be clear, though... If Mr. Karbel was democratically elected, and became unpopular, would he not have lost power in the following election? What exactly do you mean when you say he was 'belligerent'?"

Neo: "By led, I meant it in the sense of general nationalist sentiment in the Guyanan Islands. Mr. Karbel wasn't elected, but he was very popular initially and he initially had a large chunk of Guyanan support, resulting in his de-facto leadership over the location. By 'belligerent', I mean it in the sense of aggression. The nationalist ultra-leftist faction which led the briefly independent state attacked a coastline on the Van Luxemburgian state with weaponry that had biological and chemical agents in them. As to Mr. Karbel's fate...I do not know what would have happened had he not departed, but with general observation of the climate at the time, in a hypothetical situation, regardless whether he surrendered to the coalition forces or ended up being captured and somehow was allowed to run for government office...it would have made little to no difference, and the Guyanans would have an increased standard of living and have moved on from instability either way."

Dupré: "Ah, I see. And how exactly would you characterise your economic relations with the Guyanan Islands now?"

{OOC: Bump}

Neo: "The United Sovereign Nations does not have economic relations with the Guyanan Islands, but we have had contact with the government of Van Luxemburg. However, dealings with the Guyanan Islands are possible in the future, and we do have nascent trade ties with the Grand Duchy."

Dupré: "All right. Now, you're the very first Prime Minister of the federal government. Does that mean you're a trailblazer in some ways, defining how government is going to work on this level - setting predecents for your successors?"

{OOC: BUMP. This really does need to be completed fairly soon, so as not to keep others waiting too long.}

[OOC: Ariddia, noted, noted...curious, would you mind if CNA were to post a transcript of its own on its website?]

Neo: "Indeed, you are correct. I have no doubt that there will be those who are inspired by my policies, and nascent states which may adapt elements from the United Sovereign Nations - on a constitutional level, economic level or otherwise - for their own purposes in their own country. There is also no doubt, that the next cabinet to this government will expand on the successes and define their own policies...but politics, at the end of the day for a Southeast Asian, is secondary to good leadership, regardless of their policies."

Dupré: "And good leadership is defined... how? What are the priorities? What must a good leader absolutely be, above all else, in your view and in the view of most Southeast Asians?"

Neo: "The components of good leadership, here in the United Sovereign Nations, are viewed as integrity, reservation, patience, judgment and tolerance. And here in what values, and which values, define good leadership, the people of Southeast Asia believe that one should not only need to be effective in convincing people in the fields of oratory skill and interpersonal skill, but to be proactive in advocating their beliefs. I have confidence and trust that the people of Southeast Asia, are effective at wielding judgment and that if leadership turns out to be poor, that the law of the Union be able to deal with them quickly and justly."

Dupré: "On that last point, Mr. Prime Minister, when you say 'the laws of the Union'... Are there laws for the recall of an unpopular leader? You mentioned poor leadership being dealt with 'quickly."

{OOC: BUMP. A couple more questions, I think, and then I really do need to move on to the next interview.}

Neo: "Take a look at the Watergate scandal that occured in the United States of America. Would anybody, idealist or pragmatist, accept that course of action as legitimate? Abusage of power is considered to be corrupt. President Nixon could have become victorious in the Presidential Election of 1972, arguably, if he did not initiate CREEP in the first place, or even allow his agents to commit an infiltration into the headquarters of the political opposition. Does abusage of power set a good example, of leadership or otherwise, to the public?"

"Or for that matter, the reformation of the House of Lords in Britain. Had the cash for peerages system not have flaws that were prone to abuse and had they not been misused, the practice was present in not only the party of Prime Minister Tony Blair, but in several other political parties as well...the Lords may not have reformed. Then again, no system is perfect, and reform is also neccessary to make power abusage more difficult, government more trustworthy and ineffective leadership removed. Ineffective leadership can either stimulate or be a large component for political crisis. Especially if the political crisis is major, then that is far from good for a nation, as it can affect other fields, like the standard of living and foreign investors, and what not…particular examples of such when the system is not able to effectively counter it before it gets too drastic, include the Constantino Sorantanali administration, the Regent crisis in the former Grand Duchy of Hamptonshire, and the coup d'état executed in Slovania, when the High Command was young."

Dupré: "Yes, Prime Minister, and I'm sure most people would agree with that... but it doesn't exactly answer my question. Is there any legal or electoral recourse, in Southeast Asia, for removing a corrupt or inefficient leader? You said that the laws of the Union needed to be able to react swiftly to poor leadership. If these laws don't exist yet, are you going to bring in new ones?

And since we're running short on time... I believe you're also President of the federal Union? Could you tell us, briefly, what the functions of the President are, and what happens when they're combined with those of Prime Minister in a single person?"

Neo: "The powers of the Office of His Most Esteemed Presidency have concepts derived from Britain and the French Republic. The Presidency was envisioned to act as the 'spirit of the country', to paraphrase the words of French statesman Charles de Gaulle. The President can also act as the chief diplomatic officer, though the Minister of Foreign Affairs can also act as such in should the President choose not to. Theoretically, the Presidency exercises all the power like the British head of state, but in practice, a majority of the executive functions are possessed by the Prime Minister."

"The President has the ability to be present during the cabinet assemblies, and is able to, within limitations, have a say in government policy at cabinet discussions, if not help participate in the nomination of cabinet ministers. The President can also recommend the Federal Parliament on a vote of no confidence to deal with cabinet members - particularly the head of government, though this can also apply to the other ministers in the Executive Cabinet - and can pass assent on resolutions like declarations of war, for example. On the issue of the Union's executive functions...the constitutionn separates the functions, but it also states that a candidate may be able to do so in the spirit of democracy. However, not many candidates are that skilled, and I only did so out of popular demand and public pressure...I have done what I could to use the executive functions within fair and balanced levels. Finally, the judicial branch is based on experience and merit, and are capable of impeachment of the President and the Prime Minister should a fair trial account them to be guilty."

Dupré: "I see. Thank you for being so precise. A final question... There are currently no official diplomatic relations between your country and Ariddia. Do you think there may be one day? And if so, in what way could each country benefit from closer relations with the other?"

Neo [smiling cheerfully and charismatically]: "I believe that official relations between the People's Democratic Social Republic and the United Sovereign Nations could occur in the near and forseeable future. Both of our respective homelands, Mrs. Dupré, I believe could prosper both in economic terms and social affairs, if not as friends. Ariddia appears to be a unique place with a culture similar to the friends of the United Sovereign Nations in Athiesism thanks to possibly Polynesian origin. Our ties around the world have helped both us and foreign entities...while we do import from other countries, our spending and inflation levels have been kept well monitored thanks to the Third Way, and we have managed to keep trade balance or surplus. However, the potential Ariddian-Southeast Asian relationship, though possible in the forseeable future, may be affected by what sociopolitical-military analysts have dubbed the 'Second War of Corporatist Aggression'...time shall tell. It was a pleasure meeting you and the organization you work for, Mrs. Dupré."

Dupré: "Likewise, Prime Minister. Thank you for having answered our questions."


{OOC: Next interview coming soon.}

Dupré: "Good evening. I'm Mélanie Dupré (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/M%C3%A9lanie_Dupr%C3%A9). If you're just joining us, it's time for this evening's interview. With me is Rekooh, executive vice-president of operations of Cluichstani Private Entertainment Services Ltd. (http://z11.invisionfree.com/Antarctic_Oasis/ar/t21.htm). CPESL is without a doubt the best-known Cluichstani-based international company, and in fact many people who know fairly little about your country would probably be able to name the CPESL, almost as a symbol of Cluichstan's image abroad.

Ms. Rekooh, thank you for being here. You are, arguably, the second best-known Cluichstani on the international stage. But we still know fairly little about you. In this interview I'll be asking you about you, but also about the company and about Cluichstan in general.

But first, for those of our viewers who may never have heard of it, what is the CPESL?"

Rekooh: Well, Mélanie, to explain briefly, CPESL is a company specialising in the provision of...um...shall we say entertainment of the adult variety? We provide our clients with a wide array of adult toys, DVDs and women.

Dupré: "Would it be accurate to say that, when a lot of people think 'Cluichstan', they think 'CPESL'? If so, we'll try to see, with you, how that happened... But first, how do you feel about that? Not just as executive vice-president of the company, but as a Cluichstani. And how do you think other Cluichstanis feel about your company being a sort of... symbol of your country in the world?"

{OOC: Cluich was recently forumbanned. I don't know whether he still is. BUMPing this in the meantime.}

{OOC: BUMP. I'll wait a couple more days, then move on to the next interview. We can do Rekooh's afterwards if Cluich returns.}

"I, Field Marshal Muaramad Kuja Kyaadafy, Guide of the Revolution, Benefactor of the Poor, Hero of the People, Defender of the Faith, do humbly request to be interviewed by the PINA network."

"I, Field Marshal Muaramad Kuja Kyaadafy, Guide of the Revolution, Benefactor of the Poor, Hero of the People, Defender of the Faith, do humbly request to be interviewed by the PINA network."

OOC: The signup thread is here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=516638). PINA interviews are on hold right now, though, due to lack of time on my part. You can sign-up, but I doubt I'll have time to continue any interviews until after this summer. Sorry.

OOC: It's okay.