NationStates Jolt Archive

As the nation prepares to mark Unity Day on March 22nd, the President has, as per tradition made clear his intention that many foreign heads of state and government be present. Whilst the event is not meant to be a diplomatic convention, it is intended that by inviting world leaders, United Elias can improve on its relationships with allies, and all nations.

On Unity Day, it is convention that the President makes an address to the Majis Ash Shura (Parliamentary Congress) on his vision for the future of the nation and the world after arriving in a parade starting from the Presidential Residence, 'the Mansion', a Palace on the banks of the Tigris. It is normal that invited foreign dignatries, arrive in the Morning, attend lunch at the Mansion, which is generally quite informal, before being transported in the parade to the Parliament to watch the President's speech. After this, there will be an opportunity, back at the Mansion for the President to hold meetings with any guests desiring an audience, prior to the state dinner, and thereafter guests can either leave or stay in Baghdad.

The Commemoration of Unity Day is one of UE's most important national annual events, and generally the content of the President's remarks reflect the foreign and domestic policy the government will follow in the coming year. All attendees will of course be treated as guests of the state, and security for the occasion is provided by not only the Federal Security Bureau, but also the military and most of Baghdad is forced to a standstill to accomodate this.

(OOC: This is just setting up an RP that should take place over the next few days, all nations are welcome to request to send a representative, whether it be an Ambassador, Minister or Soverign. Specific nations who are allies, and or regarded as important will recieve invirations by telegram

Please Remember this is a peaceful, character RP, so I'd rather no one came along and tried to do some terrorist thing. Thanks.)

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I will be attending the celebrations personally, noting that to send anyone else- even Governor-General Fry- would be most disrespectful to Roycelandia's oldest Ally.

The Sunderland Flying Boat carrying His Majesty will land on the Tigris, and hopefully moor somewhere safe and inobtrusive.

Meanwhile, an Imperial Palace spokesman has asked UE if it would be alright for His Majest to bring a small (six in number) delegation of the Imperial Guard, and four Minders.

Roycelandia has complete faith in UE's security, but it's just not the done thing for the Emperor to travel overseas without a small escort.

Nonetheless, His Majesty is looking forward to attending and is having a new Imperial Loud Shirt made especially for the occaison, such is his esteem for his friends in United Elias...

tag

President Fayiz Abdullah Sabir and his wife, Djamila Rahat Sabir, would be honoured to attend the solemn ceremonies on Unity Day. The President would also be interested in a private audience with President Elias to discuss continued co-operation in both contemparory and future regional affairs.

Although the President has no prevailing doubts about the competency of the present Elian security forces, it is a custom for Sabirian Presidents, even though there have only been two up to this date, to be accompanied by four unarmed State Security guards and a handful of lower government officials. An Il-18 turboprop transport will convey the companionship of dignitaries to Baghdad.

Leaving Chiisu & Tian in France to bask in Louis's hospitality, President Juan Delgado is collected by Foreign Minister Yuraq Tamaya and the pair move onto Baghdad. Travelling with them are six members of Los Guardas Brillante.

Delgado and Tamaya are quietly optimistic about this visit, hoping that they can establish worthwhile connections with United Elias; the Middle Eastern state is seen as a strong potential partner in various planned ventures.

TAG
i will be sending somone but i'm at work and can't get at my notes about who's who in my country...

The Presidential Secretariat informs all dignatries that they are of course permitted to be accompanied by an entourage of security officials and aides should they wish. All leaders are encouraged to make use of Baghdad Muthenna Airbase, which offers better security and is more convenient than the commercial airport, and limousines, with Federal Securtity Bureau escort vehicles, will be awaiting the arrival of each delegation along with the ambassador from your nation resident in United Elias. Arrangements are also underway to make sure that a section of the Tigris is clear for the Roycelandian flying boat, a prospect which has caused much grief in the Protocol Office, which may lead to Emperor Royce being given inferior seating at the State Dinner, possibly next to someone like the Deputy Governor of the Federal Bank of Elias, who speaks little English aside from economics jargon. Of course, these attempts to sideline the Emperor will probably be overturned by the President who will be rather excited at the prospect of a Sunderland mooring on the Presidential dock (the rear of the Palace faces out onto to the waterfront).

Whilst the Imperial Foreign Office are sorry about the inconvenience involved in mooring a Flying Boat, by their very nature they do need a largish body of water to land/take off from...

Incidentally, it's worth bearing in mind that His Majesty also speaks fluent French and is quite capable of being annoying in his own right... :-D

Deacon Vanessa Moerike, Quinntonian Foriegn Minister will be attending, but to show how importnat this meeting is to Quinntonia, the very old PM Jesse Obed has sent her in his personal plane, the famous Jesus-1.

WWJD
Amen.

The Quinntonian Foreign Minister will of course be welcomed and the President looks forward to meeting her, and also conveys his personal wishes to Prime Minister Obed that his health improves.

President Donald Livingston of Strathdonia was very flattered to have received an invatation from one of his country's closest allies. he was some what hesitant to leave the country while the Simba situation was still developing but the biuld up and plans of the SDF were supposed to be secret and the trip would help divert some attention from local affairs.

FInally after much frantic planning by the Strathdonian diplomatic corps and a comfortable flight the blue and white British Aerospace BA321*, newly aquired flagship of the SADF govenrment support squadron, touched down gracefully at Baghdad Muthenna Airbase.

President Livignston was greatly impressed by the welcome provided by the Elians and was warmly greated by his Old frend James Lennox, one of Strathdonia's msot senior diplomats and the Ambasador to United Elias (the Elian embassy is one of Strathdonia's big 4 embassies, i'll leave it to you to geuss who the other 3 are).

OOC:
* BAe BA321=Airbus A321, i'm just running with the idea of the brits and french pretty much splitting the company, any objections and i'll repalce it with a 737...

The Vickers VC-10, adorned with red and green stripes and insignia of the Arab Frontier Force Air Contingent, rolled to a halt at Muthenna Airbase. Inside the aircraft's cabin, there was little comfort, the climate control was unreliable, the engines nosiy, and as graceful as the old bird was on the outside, its not what one woudl expect the leader of an oil rich state to travel in. One of the few Federally owned aircraft, the plane reflected the problems that Prime Minister Abdallah bin Husayn al-Ahmar was trying to solve by integrating the armed forces, that however was a problem for another day, and the fact that he had persuaded the various Sheikhs that he should be the only one to represent the Trucial States was progress enough.

As the door swung open, and a few officials descended the airstairs, he stood ready, briefly adjusting his necktie, then walked down. The Trucial Ambassador was waiting on the tarmac, and he greeted him with a bow of the head, ironically he had to be deferential, the Ambassador was the cousin of the ruler of Sharjah, and therefore a Prince. Together they walked down red carpet, between two lines of honor guards presenting arms, and climbed into a brilliant white Rolls Royce Phantom. The Prime Minister looked out as security agents mounted on vehicles, surrounded by the power of this great state, it made his homeland seems trivial in comparison, and here even the obstinate Sheikhs would be powerless. His agenda was clear, he had to get UE's President to support his quest to move the Trucial States in the direction of constitutional monarchy, there was no other way the country could reach its potential.

Tag. I'll send one, once I get the time to post a reasonable post.

Upon news of the Unity Day celebrations, the popular congress decides to dispatch one of the loyal and infinitely useful cabinet members to UE.

As such, Arun Kumar Singh finds himself aboard the HDF's only SAt. 124 transport/airliner (Tu-124, with numerous modifications), and heads to Baghdad. It is likely that the flight will include a short stopover in Islamabad, a gesture of friendship between Hindustan and Pakistan, and will probably be used to finalize the transfer of four Veer missile corvettes to the Pakistani Navy.

The Sunderland Flying Boat containing His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I made a graceful sweep over Baghdad before touching down on the glittering waters of the Tigris.

The Sunderland taxied to the Presidential Dock, where it was moored up and His Majesty was able to disembark, waving to the onlookers. Of course, since he was already at the Palace, he didn't need to travel too far for the time being, but the Roycelandian Embassy had despatched a Jaguar should His Majesty require transport...

The Il-18 turboprop passenger carrier graciously perched down on an airstrip of Baghdad Muthenna Airbase, her red, white, black and green ornamentals, emblazoned on both sides of the fuselage, being beautified in the orange glow of the morning sun. As the aircraft screeched to a halt on the ramp space near the main terminal, a nearby air stairs van softly bumped into her side. As the cabin exit flapped open, a contingent of State Security agents rushed out, forming a cordon to three antracite-coloured, stretched Lincoln Continental limousines. The President and his wife, both informally dressed for the occasion, descended onto the tarmac and engaged in a short chat with the Sabirian ambassador to United Elias, before clambering into the second limousine.

The convoy was joined by a small escort of civilian vehicles, mounted by agents of the Elian Federal Security Bureau, before driving off to the Presidential Mansion.

After a short flight the Peruvians arrived at Muthenna Airbase. After disembarking, Delgado and Tamaya engage in small talk with any Elians nearby before moving to the nearby limousines. Ambassador Julio Mendez greets them and enters the first limo with them, giving a briefing on protocol and customs as the convoy heads towards the Presidential residence.

Tag. I'll send one, once I get the time to post a reasonable post.
This is a closed RP, did you fulfill all of the obligations for membership, and if so, who are you?
WWJD
Amen.

Acting vice president and minister of the interior for the African Commonwealth, Ngolo Marshall, will attend the event and keep a low and short profile due to pressing affairs as home.

((OOC: I won't have regular internet before medio april, so I can't attend this one. All my love, though! /AC ))

With a characteristic lack of impressiveness, the SAt. 124 touches down at Muthenna Airbase.

(Kickstart this again with a long post, that I hope people take the time to read)


The informal buffet lunch was an opulent feast served in a specially prepared marquee on the ground of the Presidential Mansion, overlooking the Tigris and the Roycelandian flying boat. Conversations of state and diplomacy would largely be left to one side, this was merely and opportunity for casual conversation. The President, arriving only half way through, having just finished the last draft of his speech, greeted his counterparts and took time to go round and introduce himself to the leaders he had not met before, and of course his old allies.

An hour and a half after most of the dignitaries arrived, protocol officers and servants started to usher them to the main entrance of the Mansion, facing Haifa Street. The grand avenue, stretching parallel to the Tigris was a spectacle of stateliness and patriotism. Equally spaced flag poles, with gold trimmings, stretched the entire length of the thoroughfare, completely closed to traffic, as crowds of people gathered on either sidewalk, all having passed through intense security checks, and being separated from the roadway by a constant line of Internal Security Force members, all in white dress uniform, and clutching rifles at Parade rest.

On the majestic steps of the building, the relatively youthful President, dressed in his ceremonial uniform derived from that of the Ottoman Pasha’s, his ancestors, who first created the state in 1876, stood, with the symbol of power, the Ottoman style Shamshir sabre sheathed on his belt. Facing the parade ground that stretched out between the entrance to the palace and Haifa street, and flanked by the invited world leaders he took the salute of the First Battery of Horse Artillery of the Republican Guard Regiment, a ceremonial regiment that also provided military protection for the Head of State. After unlimbering and firing a barrage of saluting charge from their nineteenth century vintage 9-pounder rifled muzzle-loaders, tanks started to appear on Haifa Street, marking the start of the parade.

Several companies’ worth of T-80s and BMP-3s rolled down the Avenue, alongside columns of infantry, before official vehicles appeared from the Residence’s motor pool. First an arrow formation of black Chevrolet Suburban FSB security Vehicles, then a glorious open topped 1966 Zil-111D limousine, also black, but with white walled tires, accompanied by a troop of dark suited agents. Despite the President’s affection for the vehicle, the FSB insisted it could only be used on official occasions where the route was totally secure, and still, it was always followed by the usual armoured Cadillac, in case of emergency. In turn each of the official vehicles of the various leaders appeared, in specific order, first, just behind the President, Emperor Royce then President Sabir and continuing through more obscure Heads of State, then Prime Ministers, then Foreign Ministers etc.

Within a few minutes, the convoy moved off into Haifa Street between several companies of the new Faaris LAVs the Army were so eager to show off. Moving down the avenue at a walking pace, and with FSB guards escorting every vehicle on foot, the crowd waved flags, the President standing up in his convertible limousine and waving back. Many in the crowd waved foreign flags as well, the same ones as those flown on the other cars in the motorcade. On both sides of the street both television and print journalists and photographers, from all over the world, capturing the scene.

A half mile down, about half way to the Majis Ash Shura building, the great rumbling of aircraft filled the otherwise quiet sky, as a squadron of massive, hulking Tu-160 bombers screamed past, followed closely by F-111s, EA-160 fighters and finally, a squadron of the quieter and slower, relatively small, much championed EA-220 Tactical Bombers, their silvery surfaces, and perfectly triangular forms making them look almost celestial, in the way only a stealth plane could. The President glanced up too, at the most expensive military procurement exercise ever undertaken by the Elias Air Force that would haunt government accountants for decades to come.

Just as the motorcade passed the relatively new monument of the President’s predecessor and father, and only a few hundred yards from the Parliament, a military band commenced the ‘Grand March’ from Act II of Verdi’s Aida. The music a tradition ever since it was used to back the scene of the final part of the ten part epic film ‘Tanzimat’ (depicting the founding of the nation in 1876) showing the troops of the defected Ottoman Army escorting the Governors of the Vilayets of Baghdad and Basrah, who having agreed between them to become President and Vice-President of a new state, are riding horseback through the streets of Baghdad towards the Ottoman Administrative building to submit a mutual recognition treaty between the Dictatorship of Elias and the Ottoman Empire, as hundreds of citizens gather on the streets to celebrate. As the triumphal strains sounded over the street, the military vehicles turned off onto Jumhuriyah Bridge, and the SUVs leading the convoy move out onto to the side of the road, leaving onlookers, and cameras a perfectly clear view of the President’s limousine approaching. Another Republican Guard honour guard greets the President, as the Zil pulls into through the gates of the Majis Ash Shura, and he dismounts ahead of the others, being ushered quickly through the main entrance.

In the semi-circular chamber of the Majis Ash Shura, the members are already seated in their rows, whilst the President’s Ministers are assembled in the galleries. From the dispatch box, just behind and slightly above where the speaker sits, Vice-President Zilkha finishes his short address to the members, which is not televised. Just as he wraps up, the speaker places the house in recess and the foreign dignitaries are shown to their places in the public galleries, alongside the Ministers, and where possible are given front row positions.
The speaker then gavels the house to order once more to complete the technicalities, “Honourable Members, I have received notice in good order from the Presidential Secretariat informing me that the President wishes to address the house. With no objections to this motion, I yield the floor to the President of United Elias.” This was the cue for the cameras, and at that moment, all channels in United Elias and some across the world flicked to live images of the Majis Ash Shura.

As double mahogany doors open, the President walks down the central aisle, the members stand up in silence. He makes his way over to the dispatch box, shaking hands with the Vice-President who is on his right, before they stand upright together. The sound of the national anthem then fill the room; the wordless fanfare echoing across the chamber. Minutes later as the sound dies away, the President positions himself behind the mahogany dispatch box, flanked on either side by a pair of flags, whilst directly behind him there is a full length portrait of Eliahu-Ezzra Elias Pasha, the first President.

“Today, I can stand here with pride and look out on what this nation has achieved, what all of us together have accomplished, and in my mind there is no challenge that could ever better our united people; our potential remains unbounded. To every citizen of our country, I commend you on your success, and your contribution in what is fast becoming our most successful decade. Within our borders we can see, we can feel, and we can enjoy the fruits of prosperity, the rewards of security and the fulfilment of liberty.

“Over a century ago our ancestors broke the shackles of Empire, and that spirit which united our nation by choice, under one flag, never ceases. The role of the state is to serve its citizens, and the rights of the people are not gifts from the state but are intrinsic to every member of our great society, only to be withdrawn by the state for the purposes of protecting and preserving that society. I once again vow to protect those rights, and I will continue to defend this great nation from any and every threat, but as you know, I consider the use of force to be the last resort, and dialogue as the first.

“I have as President of this nation, endeavoured to act not only on behalf of my people, but in the interests of all people, everywhere. My government and I are determined to retain and grow our national commitment to the betterment of the lives of all Middle-Easterners, regardless of race or religion, and to support economic and political progress throughout this ancient land. This is a time of tremendous possibility. We believe in the rule of law and the equal dignity of people. We want the best for our children: a world of opportunity and security. We want to make this new century deliver on its promises: justice, prosperity and peace, and it is not enough to achieve this in our own country alone. The right to personal choice is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals whether they be Arab, Jew, Christian or any other racial or religious faction.

“Peace, freedom, tolerance, these are the ideals of our society. But they are also the deepest values of this entire region. It is a heritage that created the Golden Age of Islam, a multi-ethnic civilisation, which made historic advances in scholarship and civic development. And today, we aim to expand on this heritage, and in so doing we stand together with our allied neighbours, Sabir, the Trucial States and by the signing of document only months ago, the State of Israel. I am determined that we will work together to achieve permanent peace and justice for all peoples of the Middle East.

“Consistent with these most noble of objectives, I in consultation with the Council of Ministers wish to inform the international community that the government of United Elias will recognise forthwith the territory of Al-Ahzad as a Republic, with General Massad as head of government. This announcement today is not the result of a hasty decision, nor is it for political expediency, but a sincere hope that now our two nations can set aside our previous differences. The right of resisting oppression is a natural right and considering that our nation was formed through revolution I cannot without hypocrisy condemn General Massad for his actions, and although I may not agree with some of his methods or beliefs, I admire his courage and his patriotism, and it is my hope, that with this change in the political climate of Al Ahzad, the fate of its people will improve, and as neighbours we can share a better future, together. Now, I wish to request, no, I demand that this new regime works to engage the Republic’s minorities in the political process. Regardless of perceived wrongs that the Sultan may be blamed for, do not seek vengeance on the Arab peoples of Al Ahzad, do not promote fear among them; for fear breeds hate, and hate breeds violence.

“Our ambitions for peace however extend beyond the deserts of Arabia, and I am proud to say that in Gabon, we have raised the standard of living to standards thought unattainable prior to our involvement in that country. Through investment, through perseverance and unfortunately through sacrifice we have made a difference in Africa, we have brought light to one of the dark places, and we will continue this righteous effort in close cooperation with our great Roycelandian allies. My government has provided assistance to the small but budding nation of Strathdonia so it can better defend itself from foreign enemies and act as a stabilising force, and as we speak our valiant servicemen are conducting operations for the security of the people of Mozambique.

“My message to every leader of the world, many of whom are here before me, is that we must work to enlighten, not to subjugate, to spread liberty, not to repress it. We must show purpose without arrogance. We must meet belligerence and hostility with strength and resolve. Today's global relationships of trade, investment and communication can help all nations achieve progress. For new, better jobs and stable, growing economies. For the benefits of new knowledge. For hope. Our global system is not and cannot be, monolithic. It depends on the strengths of every region; the wisdom of every country; the creativity of every person. We cannot afford misunderstanding and division. We must work in a partnership of respect and United Elias will work to build that partnership.

“And so my fellow citizens, distinguished members, honourable Ministers, we must be strong, for there is much left to achieve. The demands of our time are great and though they be less obvious and less defined than throughout most of our history, they are no less difficult. Let us meet them with faith and courage, with tolerance and ambition, for it is upon these virtues that our ancestors founded this nation, and created this great chamber.”

His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX did not forget to send either a delegation or the appropriate treasures: both arrived on an Airbus-500.

Since the collapse of Franco-Elian relations, His Majesties government had been slowly persuing a policy of 'happy feelings' towards the Elian bloc, making no threats and using every oppurtunity to show its good will. The Suez Canal and Oil were of course top on the list of reasons, a cessation of either meant bad things for the Kingdom of France.

In that spirit the delegation arrived, bearing the usual artwork and treasures that Louis showered on fellow rulers...never democrats (small d). A few Monets, gold bars and the like were presented by a few French baronlings (dashingly attired) to the excellent President of United Elias. Kind words and gentle gestures were the MO, nothing more. Simply put they watched the nice parades (Still lacking in their opinion from the Grand Triumph recently held in Paris) and clapped alot.

Arun Kumar Singh is quite impressed by the ceremony so far. The sight of such large aircraft and such a large concentration of tanks is unknown in Hindustan, as is a motorcade for government officials. The idea of transparency is very important, even if it means making Hindustani ministers some of the easiest to knock off in the world.

Singh is also pleased with the Elian decision to recognize Al-Ahzad in its present state, and hopes that this will reduce the amount of weapons being sent to rebel factions in the country.

Fayiz was awed by the ceremonial proceedings so far. The imposing fly-overs of Elian Air Force fighter aircraft had caused him to excitedly jump up and inquire his FSB escort agents about their detailed technical specifications, in the private quarters of his Lincoln Continental of course. He silently wondered if he could cut the social welfare budget with a few more Liras to acquire a number of those shiny EA-160s.

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I was visibly impressed by the Elian parades, flyovers, and general pomp and pagentry.

In one of the more surprising events of the Summit, His Majesty shook hands with General Massad, with a "No hard feelings, eh old chap?" over the whole Ahzadi revolution thing.

His Majesty was careful to leave matters of state and diplomacy for another time at the lunch, taking the oppurtunity to say hello to friends and well wishers, and regale onlookers with tales of adventure and Derring-Do in Roycelandian East Africa.

His Majesty also possess a finely tuned sense of wit and humour, and at one point reduced the Strathdonian Foreign Affairs Minister to helpless laughter after he related an amusing joke involving a Franciscan Monk, Chairman Mao Tse-Tung, and an Alsatian.

People who only knew his Majesty as "The bloke with the loud shirts and the Imperialism thing" would be genuinely surprised to see there was a lot of depth to the man, whose interests include collecting firearms, Movies, and history. His Majesty is also a big fan of Monty Python, Blackadder, Red Dwarf, The Hitch-Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy, Family Guy, Futurama, The Big Lebowski... the list went on. He was also very well read, fluent in three languages (English, French, and Latin), and most people who met him would come away with new respect for the man who controlled a not inconsiderable chunk of Africa and the Caribbean, with considerable interests and holdings elsewhere throughout the world...

[OOC: Arg, I should pay more attention to forum happenings... hopefully I'm not too late to jump in and meet AMW leaders outside east asia...]

Premier Reiden Harsk had been sent to attend the Elian ceremonies, in the hope of building ties with those important nations which stood outside Spyr's traditional allies in the progressive bloc. So far, he had been impressed by the parade, and the words of the President's address seemed to indicate potential for positive interaction. But, throughout it all, Harsk kept up the grin of a revolutionary who could not help but be amused at the pomp and circumstance on display.

President Delgado is greatly impressed by the Elian spectacle; unfortunately he'll never be able to recreate it on the same scale in Peru, but similar parades will be planned to wow the masses.

Foreign Minister Tamaya schmoozes with various dignitaries, either championing the cause of NeoSuunism by seeking official recognition or expressing gratitude to those states which have already recognised the NeoSuunist government.

He also mentions the developing situation in Japan, expressing hope that 'things will soon develop for the better'.

Prime Minister Habib Kilany, leader of the ruling Al Khals Kadira Republic party arrived in United Elias after a tedius journey spent hopping through Roycelandian East Africa on an increasingly well travelled An-32 Cline short/medium-range transport aircraft.

His first priority seemed always to be the making of apologies for his lateness, which he ascribed to, "...another tradgedy of planned terror arranged by the extreme Islamist movement moving against the secular Republic. We've been told to expect this since it was first speculated that President Qottar would come to United Elias despite its treaties with Israel. I'm afraid that several people have been blown-up at Salahbad, despite the best efforts of our security forces."

Later he would be hit by the impressive scene around him in a display that could have been his entire country's best creation were it put-on in Al Khals. To Kilany, the military muscle on display might as well have been his own nation's decrepit Fishbeds and its little Aermacchi MB-339s or the rattling hulks of its M48A6K tanks, but even he could see that there was something wrong with the military that protected his Republic against Lusaka since most of it was trashed in the farce into Zanzibar.

If he could ever collect himself, the unimpressive PM would be swelled slightly by the President's speech, choosing to see a little of home in those words.

Commander Jack Sword, now acting as the Chairman of the Board of Imperial Armaments, takes a moment to have a discreet word in Habib Kilany's ear just after the Parade, about how Al Khals' friends in Roycelandia would be only too happy to supply them with some nice new Emperor Heavy Tanks, or, alternatively, some slightly used Gladiator Medium Tanks, all in exchange for a quantity of Oil or other consumer items...

Between the final victory of the Republican forces at Muscat, the Elkazor arms deal, and the United Elias recognition, the crowds in cities across Al-Ahzad simply don't know what to do with themselves. Huge crowds throng across the boulevards of Raysuz in celebration. Just returning from France, General Massad takes the time to visit wounded troops and announce a date for nationwide universal-sufferage elections in exactly three months. Furthermore, he stresses the "provisional" part of his title. He hasn't been elected yet, and is ruling in an interim, and emergency capacity.

The moment he gets done stressing this, he gets on an aging 707 and heads for Baghdad. In a brief series of shouted questions and answers he tells the assembled reporters that "Al-Ahzad will be a modern republic, and equal rights is a part of that." stressing that "the autonomous bedouin region and the fundamentals of what will be the Ahzadi constitution ensure fairness for Arabs, Zanj, Christians, and Jews, as well as Ahzadis."


A good deal of the paranoia that gripped the Ahzadi government leadership (well, interim government leadership, well...uuuh, Yeni Ahzad idealouges and army command) has lessened, and the announcement that conscription is now mandatory for all male Ahzadis by the age of 18 is couched in terms of "national service" and "helping re-build the nation" rather than paranoia about UE invasion. The 200,000 man active duty force and roughly equal number of reserves is likely to be more of an idealogical showcase- a place where young unemployed Ahzadi men can get an education (learn to read) and do something productive (build roads/dams/whatever).

Also high on the agenda of General (interim president) Massad is the re-integration of the former ASDPR into the Ahzadi economy, and the re-integration of Al-Ahzad into the arabian economy. Ahzadi migrants working in the Arabian oil fields (and the money they send home) is very important to the economy, but so are secure borders and the nationalistic goal of having Ahzadis "working for Al-Ahzad" and creating some form of immigration control is a stated goal of the Ahzadi government presence.

After the speech, the President leaves the chamber of the Majis Ashu Shura, and the Speaker adjourns the session.

The motorcade having turned around, now faces the other direction, and the President once again stands in his cabriolet limousine. Once the world leaders are shepherded back to their respective vehicles, the convoy moves off, heading back down Haifa Street. Still moving at marching pace, the group is followed by battalions men in dress uniform accompanied by massed marching bands. Drawn from the Army, the Navy, the Naval Infantry, the Air Force, the Redif (National Guard) as well as units from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the Belize Defence Corps, the Seychelles Defence Corps and the Gabon Security Force, it is representative of the entire spectrum of agencies responsible in securing the nation, a common theme on 'Unity' day.

On the journey returning to the Presidential Palace, the dignitaries and the crowd are treated to another Air Force fly-past, this time of helicopters. EA-34 attack helicopters buzz over in neat formation, followed by EA-22 and EA-24 utility choppers, and culminating with a massive Mi-26UE, flying high to keep the road clear of the massive downdraft.

As the motorcade draws through the gates of the Mansion, units of troops are lined up on the parade ground, nearly all ones recently returned from foreign service. Whilst the foreign guests are invited to review the few thousand strong cohort, the President, assisted by members of the General Staff, awards medals to a handful of individual soldiers who have distinguished themselves in the last year, mostly either in the ASDPR or in Gabon. He also gives the Commanding Officers of several formations unit commendations and campaign awards for excelling themselves on the battlefield or in training missions.

By late afternoon, the dignitaries are once again invited within the Mansion and this is a time where the President will be available for private audiences with those who request it. Otherwise dignitaries will be approached by various Ministers, Minister of Defence Procurement and Export Benjamin Kadoori possibly being the busiest, introducing a troop of representatives from UE's major defence corporations, targeting specifically the Strathdonian, Al Khali, Sabirian, Trucial States, Hindustani and Grande Peru delegations.

A slender shadow with a bushy moustache and eyebrows, donning a steel gray blazer with matching slacks, a conservative four-in-hand tie, and a pristine dress-shirt, loosened up from the hordes of foreign dignitaries, introducing himself to several Elian defence corporation representatives. As an aide of the Sabirian Minister of Defence, Haroun Ibrahim Hussain stowed dozens of folders into his worn steel briefcase, probing into delivery schedules, maintenance protocols and costs for Elian equipment.

The Sabirian gross domestic product was still considered too fragile for a large national defence budget, so Hussain skillfully exhibited interest in what was on offer, but pledged no cash or allegiance, except to established distributors of maintenance equipment, spare parts and standard munitions for in-service aircraft, boats and tanks.

At the same time as his aide was handling off the standard procedures, Minister of Defence Rusul Fadil, shaven and with grey streaks ambling down the easy curves of his sheen combed hair, had some comfortable chitchat with an agent of Elias Aerospace about the majestic EA-220. However, when the price tag, $124 million a piece, came up, Rusul hastily finished off the conversation and tried to pick up with an official of the Elian Air Force Reserve, enquiring about future cutbacks in the AFR and how honoured the SDF would be to take over some strike and rotary aircraft to ease the strain on the desert aircraft storage.

Director Eiji Jidoshin would be arriving along with Premier Harsk, Yamani officials once again piggy backing on Spyran transportation.

The last time any government officials were sent outside of Lyong or Drapoel was to celebrate Chiisu's coronation in Marimaia. Those three priests, exiled after the dissolution of the 'High Council' and the final Strainist dominance of the SFD, were lost in the collapse of Neo-Suunism. For all the SFD knows, they're probably still in South east asia.

While President Delgado chats with the Elian arms representatives, Foreign Minister Tamaya approaches the Yamani delegation. He smiles politely at them and takes a sip of his drink.

"Well, hello. You know, we've heard some interesting news out of Japan. Something about the people there finally being liberated from a regime which oppressed them through fear and superstition. I truly pity any nation which was stupid enough to support them, as the Japanese could be out for blood over it.

Oh, wait, my apologies. Didn't you support that hateful regime? Oh well, maybe I was wrong; maybe they'll hug you and kiss you before telling you that they truly appreciated you putting your strategic position before their freedom."

(OOC: Okay marmy...you do know that the Lyong nations have supported the Teike just about as much as Marimaia did. That would be basically nada...O&I has been gone for awhile, and is only now getting back into AMW. We've certainly had some discussions with Japan, but Lyong has not been 'propping up' the Teike regime.)

Director Jidoshin, rather taken aback by the sudden hostility from a man he's never met, remains calm as Tamaya continues with his barely hidden inneuendos and ignorance on north asian politics.

"I assume you're referring to the Teike regime, and the recent military coup that has resulted in a massive gang war in Toyko? Yes, I suppose the Japanese that support the Yamato will view any allies of the Teike with hatred. But then again, the Teike will view any allies of the Yamato with hatred. It really is a shame...once again, a nation split by war and ignorance of the universality."

The corner of Eiji's mouth turns up ever so slightly, the barest hint of a smile.

"Hateful regimes...you know, that reminds me of the last major Yamani delegation. I'm sure you heard of the Neo-Suunist regime in South east asia...turned the entire populace against them with their pretend socialism. Apparently the regime leaders robbed the people there blind as they fled. Imagine a whole population out for your neck...I wouldn't want to be anywhere near south east asia if I were Chiisu."

(OOC: Okay marmy...you do know that the Lyong nations have supported the Teike just about as much as Marimaia did. That would be basically nada...O&I has been gone for awhile, and is only now getting back into AMW. We've certainly had some discussions with Japan, but Lyong has not been 'propping up' the Teike regime.)

Director Jidoshin, rather taken aback by the sudden hostility from a man he's never met, remains calm as Tamaya continues with his barely hidden inneuendos and ignorance on north asian politics.

"I assume you're referring to the Teike regime, and the recent military coup that has resulted in a massive gang war in Toyko? Yes, I suppose the Japanese that support the Yamato will view any allies of the Teike with hatred. But then again, the Teike will view any allies of the Yamato with hatred. It really is a shame...once again, a nation split by war and ignorance of the universality."

The corner of Eiji's mouth turns up ever so slightly, the barest hint of a smile.

"Hateful regimes...you know, that reminds me of the last major Yamani delegation. I'm sure you heard of the Neo-Suunist regime in South east asia...turned the entire populace against them with their pretend socialism. Apparently the regime leaders robbed the people there blind as they fled. Imagine a whole population out for your neck...I wouldn't want to be anywhere near south east asia if I were Chiisu."

(OOC: Yes, I know that NY. Tamaya is as biased as you could get; why do you always take anything my characters say as being from me personally? If I as a player wanted to accuse you of supporting the Teike, I'd use 'OOC'. Just keep in mind that Chiisu's been spreading his own version of events.)

"Actually, if I remember correctly, the population threw a hissy fit over an economic downturn caused by the incessant wars in Asia. Besides, from what I heard you never condemned the 'pretend socialism' until after the regime ended. Until Marimaia collapsed, it was a close ally of yours; funny how you seem to have forgotten that, hmm? If it was so hateful, why did you support it?"

OOC: Sorry Marmy, it just seemed like you might have thought Lyong was much more connected to the Teike than they are at present...though I'm sure a member of the Holy League sitting in Northern Japan might change that quickly...enemy of my enemy, you know...

As Tamaya finishes, Eiji lets out laugh at his last phrase. Catching his breath he turns to this spiteful foreigner and explains the joke.

"I'm terribly sorry...couldn't stop myself...why did North Yaman support Marimaia? Don't you know we're socialists? Us idealists can be blind to the truth when we find the few other like minded peoples of the world."

Collecting himself and adopting a very formal, even sad, air; the Director continues on.

"I had such great faith in Chiisu. Marimaia even got the SSRC off the ground. But in the end the whole regime turned out to be liars and criminals, stealing from their own people and running away like thieves in the night. How were we to know until then the true make of a man such as Chiisu?"

"I would say that you should examine what he has done more recently. He helped liberate Peru from a military dictatorship; we are currently planning the first free elections for about twenty-three years thanks to him. He put us in touch with nations which have helped us in areas where he could not; we owe him a debt of gratitude.

Besides, would a liar and a criminal go to his ancestral home, at great personal risk, to personally lead the liberation of his people? I think not. One man's villain is another man's hero; in this case, your villain is Peru's hero, and I daresay he is soon to be Japan's hero too.

Still, I guess agreeing to disagree is what we shall have to do. I..."

President Delgado grabbed his arm. "Judging from the expression on your face, I can guess what you've been saying. Yuraq, enough. Your debating won't get you anywhere with them."

Tamaya bowed his head to the Yamani before walking off with Delgado to continue talking with other delegations.

Eiji returned the polite bow to Tamaya, and another for the President, before watching them disappear into the crowd. Glancing through the mass of despots, presidents and prime ministers, the Yamani Director spots Reiden Harsk chatting with a Sujavan representative and a minor Eliasian official.

Walking up and introducing himself to the new faces, Eiji then turns to his Spyran counterpart.

"I don't know about you Reiden, but I need a cigarette...I just got through a short and heated conversation with the Peruvian foreign minister. Care to join me?"

Harsk grinned.

"Sure, Eiji... and dont mind the poor Peruvians. They've accomplished great things in recent days, and soon they may realize the errors accumulated in that process.

Now, how are you enjoying the function? That Royce has the best fashion sense of any royal I've ever seen..."

"Ah yes, the 'Imperial Loud shirt'. Seems we're seeing lots of those these days..."

Taking a drag, the Yamani Director is interrupted by a call. Bowing low to excuse himself to Harsk, Eiji turns away and confers with the caller in Lyongese.

'The Council is quite worked up about this? And what does Moscow think...not good. Well, we'll have to see..."

Putting his cellphone away, Eiji turns back to Premier Harsk.

'There's news of a Lavragerian revolution circulating around Mioka Ro. Seems tribal groups around a remote city want to declare a People's Republic. Only problem is...they're inside Holy League claimed territory. And the parliament is too hung up on it to abandon the cause.'

Glancing at his almost done cigarette, Eiji decides to break a Lyongese tradition.

"You know, my father would kill me if he was here...but I think I need to find a bar."