NationStates Jolt Archive

"This war continues to increase in influence. Sarzonia and Pantera are going to war, along with Praetonia and Automagfreek." as Lady Marona sighed and took a seat in Lady Destra's room.

"Technically, we're allied to Sarzonia, Praetonia, and Automagfreek. I can't see how we can choose sides with this conflict. It's getting way out of hand." as Lady Destra tried to figure out the best decision for her nation.

"Aust is on the side of Sarzonia and Praetonia, while Holy Panooly and The Parthians are on the side of Automagfreek and Pantera."

"Three nations we could never see ourself siding with. There's no possible way we can associate ourselves with either side." Destra responded. "I'm interested to see the reaction of a few different nations that havent voiced their opinion as of yet, mainly from our allies in the Union of World Powers, as well as Iuthia, Austar Union, and Pacitalia."

"From what I hear, Pacitalia has already voiced their opinion, and has declared their own neutrality from the conflict."

"At least there is another nation out there that has proven that humanity still has a chance at surviving, rather than declaring war immediately with no sort of attempt at negotiations."

Lady Destra sighed, and finally sat down. This entire situation was giving her a migraine. "It would probably be in our best interest, before any nation tries to convince us of our 'loyalty' to either side, to declare our stance on the whole situation."

"You're right. That needs to be taken care of immediately, as well as some sort of offer of humanitarian aid to both sides. There can't be any sort of special aid to either of the sides."


Official Government Statement

It is with great displeasure that our government has been keeping watch over the increasing amount of declarations of war in such a short period of time. Nations rising against nations, with absolutely no care for the risk that they are putting their own people at. This logic will forever be misunderstood by our government. We do understand that aiding your allies in times like this is what you're supposed to do, but diplomacy wasn't even given a chance at solving things, which is what Euroslavia would immediately seek. At the failure of any sort of attempt of diplomacy, most nations involved in this conflict have doomed their populace to thousands upon thousands of deaths, and we can guarantee that if things go as they are, millions will die. Our faith in humanity and its' logic has been severely decreased; however, we are willing to offer the nations involved in conflict, some sort of humanitarian aid, not limited for either side.

Allies of Euroslavia have been scattered to both sides of the conflict, so limiting aid to one side of the conflict would seem very hypocritical. Seeing as Euroslavia is taking no 'right' side to this war, we will be offering aid to both sides at request, though it will be a limited amount of aid. It is with hope that this conflict can be lessened somehow, and that the amount of unnecessary deaths can be decreased through the use of diplomacy. A life saved is a blessing to our cause. We are also hoping that other nations across the world see our cause, and dedicate themselves to the decision of neutrality, and the offer of humanitarian aid. Any nations interested in joining our cause may immediately come into contact with us.

Until then, our military has no reason to mobilize itself. We will remain as we are, neutral, as to not provoke any sort of response that we are secretly dealing with one side or another. In Euroslavia, war is the absolute last choice in dealing with matters. Seeing as diplomacy hasn't even been worked with, we leave ourselves open for diplomacy between nations at war, and we will also leave ourselves open to nations that have been severely affected by war. Reconstruction may become one of the most necessary actions once these wars have been stopped, or have ended themselves.

He had that look. That 'I've just had a brilliant idea that will transform our diplomatic fortunes' look.

"Holiness..."

The Sultan looked at his minister. He had that look. That 'whatever happens next is bound to be an ill-conceived plan that will end in national humiliation, and end up with him crying in his room for three days, and possibly involve the word "nuxxor"' look.

"I've just had a brilliant idea."

"Yes. Holi-"

"Hear me out, Mikko. Did you read the briefing this morning?"

Mikko put on his best 'scandal, lies and damnation - in a worshipful manner, of course' face. "Holiness, forgive me, but I am offended. Your intelligence briefings are confidential."

"Mikko." The Sultan's eyes were bright, and energetic. And hugely cold.

"Yes, Holiness. Euroslavia has declared its neutrality."

"Right."

"Holiness, might I make a guess as to your plan?"

"We should declare our neutrality!"

Mikko sighed, and pinched the skin at the bridge of his nose. "Yes, Holiness. There is a problem."

"What? We have no allies on either side."

"Exactly, Holiness. It, er...well we can't really declare neutrality. It's largely been declared for us."

"But -"

"Holiness, we could of course issue a decree. YoucouldImean. But...I doubt anyone would notice. We have no embassies involved, none of our citizens are caught up in the conflict, it's a war thousands of miles away involving countries some of whom I admit to having never heard of, despite their power. I think such a decree would be...both redundant and...ignored."

The Sultan sighed heavily. "I see. Thank you Mikko. I think I shall retire now. Cancel my meetings, and send up a girl in an hour or two."

"Holiness? May I?"

The Sultan assumed a look of vague haughtiness. But then, he'd just outlined his grand diplomatic vision and had it shot down by someone not even entitled to speak Bazhtan. He wafted. "Go ahead."

"Perhaps we could contact Niana Greisch..."

"Why? She is a blasphemous whore."

"Perhaps. ImeanofcourseHoliness. But...maybe her agency could be of some service to concerned parties? There will be massive casualties, after all. And she has subtantial funds at her disposal. She may be of genuine service."

"So, let her meddle. What concern it is of mine?"

"Well, the IDBDRA is based in Flurthwel. There would be communications - maybe even official visits..."

The Sultan's eyes lit up. "A conference, maybe..."

"Let's not...perhaps, Holiness. In the meantime..."

"Of course, Mikko, of course! Now, cancel my meetings, I have speeches to write!"

"Yes, Holiness."

"Oh, and -"

"Send up a girl in an hour or two?"

The Sultan smiled, and paced off to his chamber.

A Release of the International Development Bank Disaster Relief Agency

In common with many aid agencies, we have watched the growing conflict with great concern. We wish it to be known to all parties that the IDBDRA will be offering immediate aid services to civilians involved in the aftermath of the war, and sponsoring short- and medium-term developmental regeneration projects to help with reconstruction of water, medical and power facilities. We would also ask that all of our workers - all volunteers - be treated as non-combatants, and allowed into controlled areas to render aid.

The IDBDRA is a non-governmental organization, funded by the International Development Bank, and based at Flurthwel, Gruenberg.

Niana Greisch, Director-General

.::BUMP::.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/msarzo/GreatSeal.jpg
Official Statement, Incorporated Sarzonian Government
OOC: Great Seal created by Pacitalia.

We are disappointed with your government's intimation that we have no interest in peace as a result of immediately going to war against the so-called Free Lands of Pantera. I remind you that we were not the first to declare war, and we were given no option to negotiate in the face of an invasion force against our colony, Branwyn.

I honestly believed that our long alliance as countries meant that you knew Sarzonia -- and me -- better than that. We are hardly the international warmongers looking to intimidate a much smaller power into handing over control of one of her sovereign territories. We would honestly have preferred peace to the horrors of war, but when we are facing a hostile force at our doorstep, we must defend our homes and our territories. Would you have us merely lay down our arms meekly at the first sign of threat?

I would like to point out that Pantera declared a state of war first; Pantera opened fire on Branwyn first, and Pantera specifically dismissed the chance of negotiations before war was formally declared. Prior to the start of hostilities, we had no quarrel with Pantera. With their threats against our colonial government in Branwyn, we were forced into military action without the chance of diplomacy.

I believe Sarzonia's international reputation is well-founded on choosing diplomatic and economic avenues rather than rushing full bore into a destructive war that could cost the lives of untold millions. Believe me, I would rather not sacrifice the lives of millions of men and women for the sake of political gain. However, we have shown that we will fight when it's absolutely necessary and when other options have been exhausted. We can, we will, and we must continue to show that resolve if we are to maintain our national sovereignty.

I know you are a wise woman, Lady Destra. I appeal to that wisdom and ask that you consider your statements about the combatants in this war. Not all of us are ruthless criminals who seek to paint the oceans red with blood.

Mike Sarzo
President
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

http://kfox.gamehorizons.net/Pacitalia/coatofarms_Medovicia.jpg
Official Statement, Office of the Prime Minister
Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia

Lady Destra and President Sarzo -

I would like this communiqué to be concise. I feel that we are either wasting our time with war, or wasting our time with peace. Yet again, you find yourself listening to my paradoxes, but this is such a complex war that it seems only natural. At least, it does to me. Regardless, a concise letter is exactly what I feel is needed at this moment.

I do not wish to see relations between Euroslavia and Sarzonia deteriorate to the point of complete breakage. It is in your blood, it is your destiny to be allied together for eternity. Only the strongest of disagreements could break your bond, and even then it would be a shock, most of all to me.

I appreciate the attempt by Lady Destra to recant Euroslavia's old position and declare that diplomacy works above all. It is a message I have tried to plaster on as many wars as possible these nine years of my leadership. I would not hesitate to say that the Euroslavian revelation about humanity's general faith in itself doomed to the desire for power is startingly correct.

However, I must also agree with President Sarzo. Either you were not clear in separating the two groups of fighting nations, as it were, or you wish to group all those fighting into one, sadistic group. I believe that, even if we are fighting, there are still those reluctant, but willing to fight to defend. That is exactly what I see in Sarzonia's position. I do not see a power-hungry nation ready to take over the world. I see a nation defending its frontiers and defending what it believes in.

I am, therefore, once again, forced to conjure another paradox: I agree with Lady Destra's statements, and yet, I disagree with them. You have painted a negative picture of some but done a remarkably responsible thing by neutralising yourself. I could commend you, but I could also scorn you.

For relations to improve, we all need to be wise. We all need to choose our words more carefully. And we all need to remember, above all, that we are only where we are today because we are good friends, not horrible enemies.

Sincera in domina bene,

Timothy Ell
Prime Minister of Pacitalia

Official Government Statement

President Sarzo,
I believe you have misunderstood my statement to some degree. Not once did we say that those at war were not interested in any sort of peace. From our view, most of the nations involved in the war took no time out for diplomacy, and perhaps a peaceful solution to their own differences, which is the main reason why I am disappointed. I agree that Pantera was at fault for openly declaring war on you, and attacking you; however, because of the fact that no diplomatic option was on the table, Pantera may have seen that as an open declaration of war.

We certainly don't believe that Sarzonia is a nation of warmongers, and again, I believe you misunderstood me on this one, and seem to have overdramatized my main point. Diplomacy was never at the table in the first place. We have yet to see solid proof that the war was inevitable. Of course, with another nation invading your territory, you have no other choice but to defend yourself; however, as the war continued, we seen no declaration from Sarzonia to the rest of the world that war was not wanted, and that diplomacy would be needed, perhaps by other neutral nations to solve the conflict before it came in full force.

International pressure is a force that must be sought out in the need for peace. Calling out for neutral nations, or nations just not involved in the conflict to come in and resolve it, and put diplomatic pressure upon Pantera was always an option, but was never sought out from what we see; therefore, we are disappointed in the way everything was handled.

I will not reconsider the statements that I have made, because to me, it was obvious that there were options that weren't sought out, at all. Any sort of appeal to your neutral allies within this conflict could have been taken to pressure Pantera into halting their attack. With international pressure breathing down Pantera's back, it would be a large mistake for them to continue their attack, lest they be cut off from the majority of nations. Not once have I labelled each nation involved in this conflict as a 'ruthless criminal'. We are allowed to express our disappointment in the whole situation, especially to our own allies, because that's how things work. If an ally sees a bad choice with its own ally, the right thing to do is point it out, and hope that the situation can become rectified, rather than ignore it. I certainly hope that you can take this as constructive criticism, which is what it was meant to be, rather than a blatant attack upon you, which is what you have perceived it to be.

Lady Destra (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/Euroslavia/pg37-1.jpg)
Free Dictator of Euroslavia

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/msarzo/GreatSeal.jpg
Official Statement, Incorporated Sarzonian Government
OOC: Great Seal created by Pacitalia.

Once again, it appears that you are not being fully mindful of the facts. You accuse us of not seeking diplomatic avenues and claim that Pantera viewed that as an act of war. Clearly, this is not the case. They made it emphatically clear in the very beginning that diplomacy was not an option and that they would attempt to take our sovereign territory by force. You claim that diplomacy was never on the table, but let the record show that it was not us who threw that option out like last night's garbage. It was your "friends" in Pantera who chose to willfully disregard the political and diplomatic process, choosing war over peace; choosing violence over negotiation.

There comes a time when even the most ardent supporters of peace must realise that attempts to avoid war will bear no fruit. There are times when even the most reluctant among us must take up arms to defend our freedom and our way of life from those who would snatch it from us. We do not welcome your comments about the decisions forced upon our government, as we have proven emphatically that no search for peaceful avenues would have borne fruit. Your "constructive criticism" as it were comes from the comfort and safety of a country that is not in the throes of a brutal war. Live life in a dank underground bunker under the shadow of conflict for a few days and tell me how quickly you would rush to negotiate then.

As for Prime Minister Ell, I strongly caution you to keep your opinions to yourself regarding this dispute between Lady Destra and me. I am not a believer in the "destiny" of nations to remain allied with one another throughout eternity; history has shown that many, many alliances have come and gone over the years. I am not discounting the possibility that Euroslav-Sarzonian relations will remain intact; but I am a pragmatic man. When all is said and done, I must look out for the good of my people as my first priority. If the good of my people involves rethinking our position on certain issues, we must set about that endeavour with the care and consideration it requires.

I repeat once again, Sarzonia did not seek out this war. Sarzonia does not seek out military action except to defend herself and her way of life from those aggressive powers who would subjugate her people. Let this letter be my statement to the world that I would gladly consider peace, but only on the condition that the Panterans completely withdraw from the Branwyn front and pay reparations for the lives they have ruthlessly taken in their wanton bloodlust against the Sarzonian people.

I hope I am not forced to make another statement regarding my nation's actions in this horrific war. If there is a next time, I can not promise to be as charitable in my consideration of the feelings of two people I do and have considered close friends.

Mike Sarzo
President
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

***Official Government Proclimation***

The Pure Soclialist Holy Empire of Shazbotdom applauds Euroslavia on declaring their neutrality. It is hard for a nation to do at times, but when allies are split between several different groups who are in battle with eachother, we feel that it is best to declare that you are neutral instead of taking sides and possibly making one of your allies angry at you for helping another ally of yours who is their enemy. May it be known that if Euroslavia wishes to give humanitarian aid to any nation that the Pure Socialist Holy Empire will help them in any way possible, be it providing neutral transportation (ie stripped down Boeing 777's) or defence for their vessels and\or aircraft.

Heavily encrypted message

To: President Mike Sarzo
From: Prime Minister Timothy Ell

I would never suggest that you should be more concerned about relationships with other countries, but from what I have seen, Sarzonia and Euroslavia are much better off friends than enemies. There are relationships one should keep, and always ones that should not be kept.

You do not have to explain your actions in any way, nor defend yourself from my comments - I am not trying to offend you at all. If I were in your position, I would have handled the situation the exact same way. You must realise that no matter what decisions you make, I stand with you.

I feel that my involvement in this war has soured our friendship, and if that is so, it means I must regret supporting you. But, I do not regret anything. I am standing beside you, ready to fight off the enemy. I don't seek praise, but I do at least seek the recognition from you that I in no way seek to offend you, but instead seek to back you up.

Lastly, please don't think of my feelings over your people. The Sarzonian public is much more important than I am.

-T.E.

Heavily Encrypted Message

To: Timothy Ell
Prime Minister, Pacitalia
From: Mike Sarzo
President, Sarzonia
Subject: Your message

First of all, let me express my thanks that you have stood by me and Sarzonia in this difficult hour for our nation. Sarzonia owes a great debt to her Pacitalian brothers and sisters, and our debt has never been so acute as it is right now.

Secondly, I owe you an apology for the tone of my last message to you. I recognise the longstanding friendship that exists between Sarzonia and Euroslavia as I do the equally strong bonds that have existed between Sarzonia and Pacitalia. However, I let my anger toward Lady Destra's response to my message to her colour my reaction toward you in spite of your expression of support. I can not tell you how much I regret doing that; but I hope you understand how stressful the events of the past few days have been for me and for all of Sarzonia.

I sincerely hope you can forgive me for my hasty response in an hour of duress. I can not guarantee that a similar response won't be forthcoming, but I can assure you that I will do what I can to make amends for this present episode when I am able to do so.

-M.S.

Heavily encrypted message

To: Mike Sarzo
From: Timothy Ell

I figured that stress may have contributed to your comments, and I completely understand. I'll say it again - I understand your position and I would be exactly where you are right now had I been in your shoes.

I think it's safe to say that it is a mark of how strong our two countries' relationship is, along with the personal relationship between you and I, that we were so easily able to forgive each other and be understanding. I suggest that we should put this behind us and move forward together, as we're meant to do.

I appreciate the genuine sentiments in your comments, and I'm sure if my people could read this message, they would too.

-T.E.