Bettering relations [Earth II]
Leonid Pushkin's private jet smoothly landed in the Roman air port, a black, armored BMW was already parked just few meters from the plane waiting for him. He stepped down from the airplane trying to get through the crowd of reproters that surrounded him, his two bodyguards were pushing the most eager ones aside so they didn't cause too much trouble. Finally he got into the car and the driver punched the gas towards Curia, the Roman senate building.
The modified Boeing 737-900 flew peacefully through the air over Italy, escorted by two F-63K Tengriy ultimate air superiority fighters, armed heavily with missiles for defending the 737 and its very valuable passengers. The passenger was none other than Thomas Rothsky, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway. The reason Rothsky himself went on this mission was because of the importance of the meeting.
The Russian Federation and the Kingdom had rarely had a worse relationship that existed now, and it was of utmost importance that it be improved. The current major dispute was the Norwegian ban on Russian ships passing through Norwegian territorial boundaries. Those boundaries were defined in articles 3 and 8 in the newly passed Protection of the Realm Act (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=465139), passed with a 98 percent majority in the Storting and approved of by Norways closest neighbors. Apparently, the Russians didn't like it. Not that the Norwegians cared much though. They weren't going to have someone hundreds of kilometers away define how they were to reign their own nation. There was no way Russian warships would be allowed to pass, but perhaps, after careful negotiations, Russian civilian ships would. The Norwegians wouldn't allow that unless the Russians accepted to abide by the Protection of the Realm Act though.
As the 737 started its final approach to Romes international airport, the two Tengriys broke off and headed for the nearest Norwegian territory, Egypt. They still had plenty of fuel in their tanks, and a KC-10C Extender would meet them off Crete to refuel them. Meanwhile, the white 737 with Norwegian markings landed and taxied over to the VIP terminal, where three black Mercedes S500s, one with the Norwegian flag on a small pole on the front right side of the Mercedes, and a few people waited. A newscrew were in the distance, filming the plane. Looking out, Rothsky spotted a jet with Russian markings. Apparently, the Russians were already here.
The sersjant opened the door and got the go-ahead from the security people from the Embassy, then quickly walked down and took up position next to the gangway along with another sersjant. Meanwhile, Rothsky got ready to exit the comfortable Boeing. After checking his watch and cellphone one last time, he put on his grey jacket and walked down the stairway while the two soldiers next to it saluted their political leader.
As Rothsky got down, he met with some Roman officials and shared a few words before quickly inspecting the honor guard the Romans had arranged. After ensuring that the legionares were as they should, Rothsky got in the Mercedes and drove off towards the Norwegian embassy. He would rest a bit and freshen up before going to the Curia and the negotiations.
OOC: Sorry for the delay.
A few notes- Rome's international airport is Fumicino, and the guards you'll be meeting with are the Praetorian Guard.
IC:
Praetor Extraterritorialis (OOC: Foreign Affairs Minister), Lucius Cornelius Jomus Mareanus (com. “Jomo Marea”) waited in the lobby to greet the Russian and Norwegian officials. He would be chairing the meeting, which he hoped would provide a lasting peace between The October Alliance and the Voronej Corporation Organization.
"Gentlemen, nice to see you," said Marea, warmly shaking both of their hands. "The conference hall is upstairs- coffee and tea are ready for you upstairs, so make yourselves comfortable."
Pushkin smiled and shook the hand offered to him.
"On behalf of my government i would like to thank the Roman Empire for hosting this meeting"
Prime Minister Rothsky arrived a bit late, having talked to journalists who wanted answers on their questions a bit too long. Rothsky, now a man in his mid fifties with greying hair had enjoyed a long and varied career. First as Elected Leader of the Commonwealth of Cotland, then as Emperor of the Empire of Cotland, and now as Prime Minister of Norway. Still, he hadn't been able to develope the sense to just say "no comment" or just give a brief answer when he was busy. He tended to stop and talk with the journalists, often convincing them and the viewers/readers/listeners in the process. It was a god-sent gift for any politician, and partially the reason why he had been able to make it to the top of the power in three different nations. Thanks to that long career, he had made many friends and aquaintances, one of them being Praetor Jomo Marea, the man who's hand he now took to shake after the Russian Vice President.
"Mister Marea, it is good to see you again. It's been a while since the conference in Ottowa." He smiled at the sight of his old friend and shook the Romans hand warmly, like old friends tend to do when they hadn't seen each other for a while. "I would also, on behalf of my own government and the King like to thank the Roman government. It's my hope that we can be able to smooth out the wrinkles in the relationship between the Kingdom and the Russian Federation."
OOC: So i guess we wait for Rome to start the meeting?
OOC: Is there anyone else who will be coming? If not, I'll start it.
OOC: Nope its just us two.
OOC: Marea wasn't in Ottawa- that was Rodin Hartian, the Emperor. Marea is the Foreign Minister. I think the last time they met was over the Sicily incident...not sure.
"Mr. Rothsky!" said Marea returning the greeting, "a pleasure to see you again. It has been a while hasn't it.
"Now that we're all here, let's proceed upstairs. There's coffee and tea ready for both of you."
The three men then proceeded to the conference room on the second floor of the Curia. They settled in for a few minutes after getting in, after which Marea began the meeting.
"Mr. Pushkin, Mr. Rothsky, good to see you both," started Marea. "Hope you guys are comfortable. Who would like to begin?"
Rothsky followed his Russian counterpart and his old friend Jomo up the stairs and accepted a cup of coffee from a Roman servant after he had taken his seat. When Jomo asked who wanted to start, Rothsky spoke up first.
"Well, since the Russian Federation is the party to take the initiative, I believe that mister Pushkin should have the honor of starting first." he said with a gracious smile.
"Good, let us begin then. First of all i would like to outline the issues we have before we start debating on how to solve them. The issues Russian Federation would like to deal with are first of all the military tensions between our nations, i am referring of course to Norwegian build up of forces near the Baltic Sea area to which the reason is protecting themselves incase of attack by my nation launched from the newly acquired territories that granted the Federation Baltic Sea access, we do not condemn the build up but what we would like to see is the tensions to ease to the point there neither Norway, nor its allies see Russian Federation as a threat to be dealt with on daily basis. Another issue is the Cottish boycott on Russian goods, although our businesses are not majorily hurt by this there is much profit to be made for both sides through economic cooperation. Those are too main issues we currently have with the Norwegian government, we would like to see them resolved. This is our part, now i would like to hear exact issues the Norwegian government has with the Russian Federation before we proceed to starting to work towards solving our differences, unless of course any of you mind proceeding this way."
"Our primary issue is the Russian aggression against the October Alliance, which the Kingdom is a proud member of. The way the Kingdom sees it, the Russian Federation was the aggressor in several of the conflicts the October Alliance and the Russian Federation as leader of the VCO has been in in the recent past. We also had an issue with the Russian plans to warm up the Artic ice caps, but that issue has been dealt with now, so I don't think we should dwelve further into it.
"Another issue, and one which the Russian Federation has brought up is the Russian buildup in the Baltic. We see this as a precursor for war and aggression, and has therefore taken the necessary measures to ensure our national security. I doubt that I need to remind you mister Pushkin that Norway is the homeland of our culture and society, and that any threat against it will be responded to quite seriously. We as a sovereign nation is well within our right to take the measures we see fit to ensure our national security. The whole issue is the delicate Balance of Power arrangement which follows in our ever changing earth. One large nation or alliance, in this case the Russian Federation makes one move, other large nations or alliances, in this case the Kingdom and indirectly the October Alliance makes a counter-move. It is all like a delicate game of chess, only with must higher stakes. One way we see to end this tention is for the Russian Federation to reduce its forces in the Baltic, because the way it looks now is that they are preparing for an invasion of foreign territory. Since there are only four nations in or near the Baltic Sea region which the Russian Federation can easily reach, those nations being the Fourth Reich of Germania, the Holy Republic of Hawdawg, the Baltic Reich and the Kingdom, as well as the Russian Federation itself, but somehow both myself and the High Command doubt that you plan to invade yourselves. Therefore, we must only assume that you plan to invade someone, and all of those nations mentioned with the exception of the Russian Federation are allied in one way or another to the Kingdom. We have defense pacts with most of them, and therefore are obligated to match the buildup of forces.
"A third issue, and the most important to us is the Russian Federations failure in recognizing the recently passed Protection of the Realm Act which clearly stipulate the rights the Kingdom has in terms of defending its national security. Several nations around us, including the Holy Republic of Hawdawg, the Fourth Reich, Bjornoya and the Layartebian Empire as some of the nations accepting the Kingdoms right to defend itself. What we ask is that the Russian Federation accepts the terms stipulated in the Act, and obey them. I've brought copies of the act if you wish to read it."
Rothsky turned and found his personal assistant with three folders ready, which was handed to Rothsky. The folders were made of red plastic with the Norwegian coat of arms in the background and "PROTECTION OF THE REALM ACT" written in large black letters on the first page along with some beurocratic mumbo jumbo. The act consisted of 6 pages, written closely and containing 35 articles which stated what the Norwegians could do.
"It is a demand from the Norwegian government that the Russian Federation accept and obey the terms and rules stipulated in this act before any lifting of the blockade of Russian goods can be made and merchant vessels be allowed to pass through Norwegian waters.
"I hope that we can discuss these terms and come to an agreement as quickly as possible. It is my belief that the longer the economic relations between the Kingdom and the Russian Federation remain severed and tensions remain, the relationship between our two nations will suffer. Thank you."
Rothsky then sat back and took a sip of his coffee while waiting for a Roman and/or Russian response.
OOC: Here's the Protection of the Realm Act (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=465139) for those of you who haven't read it yet.
"I am going to address your response begining from the first issue. Your view that we were the aggressors in the recent incidents involving TOA and ourselves. We do not share the view that we were the aggressors for the simple reason that every incident was began by a member state of the October Alliance thus the defensive measures taken by us can not be viewed as aggressive.
The second issue was our build up in the Baltic. As i mentioned before, what we would like to have is a state of affairs there the Norwegian government does not consider the build up of our forces as a threat, we will not remove our forces from the Baltic and we have never expressed any intention of attacking any of Norway's allies without provocation, every incident we have been in we were provoked and acted accordingly. I repeat, the removal of our forces from the Baltic should not be in question, we have a right to protect ourselves especially since for example North Germania is known for an unprovoked, aggressive position against the Russian Federation, we do not like that but its a reality we have to live with. We do not want war but we will not be dictated how to protect ourselves.
As for your Protection of Realm Act, i will have to review it in detail before doing anything that relates to its signing. I hope my position is clear."
"Mister Pushkin, we are bound to have some issues where we disagree. I fear that this is one of them. In our view, the Germanian submarine had a mishap which caused it to take on water and sink, killing the crew. It was in international waters, a few meters from Russian territorial waters, yes, but still in international waters. I can understand the Russian feeling of being threatened, but it is an inevidable fact that we are going to continue to have submarines and naval elements close to each others waters, to keep each other on an edge, so to speak. We feel that your nation overreacted when you found out about the submarine, but I commend your nation on not opening fire on the rescuing vessels. However, since this is an issue which happened quite some time ago, I don't feel that we should focus too much on it, and rather concentrate on the issues at hand.
"While we respect the Russian Federations right to defend itself, my government feel that since the Russian Federation is boxed in inside the Baltic, there shouldn't be a need for such large forces. To us, it appears to be an invasion force massing and preparing to invade one of our allies, or perhaps even the Kingdom itself. Don't get aggrivated mister Pushkin, I'm just telling you how the Kingdom sees the situation in the Baltic. I can assure you that the odds of the Fourth Reich invading the Russian Federation is close to nil. This has been debated heavily among the October Alliance members, and we remain in our policy which states that if one nation is attacked, all are attacked. I emphasise the word 'defend'. The Kingdom or the October Alliance has no desire for war. God willing, we will be able to further strengthen that wish for peace.
"As for the Protection of the Tealm Act, we aren't asking the Russian Federation to sign it. We are demanding that the Russian Federation commits itself to obeying and respecting the rules stipulated in the Act. If the Russian Federation doesn't, then we have nothing further to discuss here."
Rothsky delivered that last comment with a deadly cold voice, with the smile disappeared and eyes fixed on Pushkin while he waited for the response from the Russian Vice President. Perhaps a pause would be in order while the Russian considered the ultimatum.
"Hmm...demanding is a strong word Mr. Rothsky, one that shouldn't be thrown around lightly and one that does not usually promote friendly relations. If both of you gentlemen do not mind i would like to pause this meeting so i can take sufficient time to study the Act in question. It will only take several hours at most and then i can make my decision. I hope you do not mind but we do not agree to any contract without first knowing exactly its function."
"I concur. A pause seems to be in order so that you both may study the act in peace without anyone disturbing." Rothsky said, finishing his cup of coffee.
"Shall we reconvene later today, or tommorow then?" said Marea.
"That will be up to my Russian colleague here to decide," Rothsky said. "I will be available for when you gentlemen are ready to reconvene."
"Reconvining tomorrow will give me sufficient time, i agree to it."
"We shall reconvene tommorow, then," said Marea, adjourning the meeting.
Marea then got up and made his way to Rothsky. "Mr. Rothsky, how are you? I think we need to talk. The Layartebians are making moves and it's worrying me. I am thinking of inviting them over as well as the Tyrandisians to avert a conflict that could be potentially very dangerous. Not to undermine these proceedings at all, but I worry we have a bigger problem on our hands.
"However, I won't do anything without your approval. I'll relay the same message to Leonid later tonight, so as to give him time to read the Act. Let me know how you want me to act."
"The situation with the Layartebians doesn't worry me too much, but I cannot really dwelve further into that issue. Suffice to say that the outcome of the Layartebian moves depends on the Russians and the Tyrandis," Rothsky said in a serious voice. "If you wish to invite the parties, then that's up to you. I would not object, but I believe that we should conclude these talks and get things sorted between us and the Russians before you invite more people. That's just my thoughts though.
"As for the Tyrandi situation, the Kingdom has done nothing to warrant an invasion from Tyrandis. That does not mean that we won't defend ourselves using any means necessary to obtain victory though."
Rothsky left that last sentence hanging in the air for the Roman to interpet. The world didn't know, but the Kingdom maintained a healthy stockpile of nuclear weapons for a last-ditch defense. It was unlikely that they would ever be employed, but if attacked with weapons of mass destruction, the Kingdom would retaliate using the same type of weapons. However, as far as the world went, the Norwegians only had a healthy, strong and powerful conventional military at their disposal.
"The situation with the Layartebians doesn't worry me too much, but I cannot really dwelve further into that issue. Suffice to say that the outcome of the Layartebian moves depends on the Russians and the Tyrandis," Rothsky said in a serious voice. "If you wish to invite the parties, then that's up to you. I would not object, but I believe that we should conclude these talks and get things sorted between us and the Russians before you invite more people. That's just my thoughts though.
"As for the Tyrandi situation, the Kingdom has done nothing to warrant an invasion from Tyrandis. That does not mean that we won't defend ourselves using any means necessary to obtain victory though."
Rothsky left that last sentence hanging in the air for the Roman to interpet. The world didn't know, but the Kingdom maintained a healthy stockpile of nuclear weapons for a last-ditch defense. It was unlikely that they would ever be employed, but if attacked with weapons of mass destruction, the Kingdom would retaliate using the same type of weapons. However, as far as the world went, the Norwegians only had a healthy, strong and powerful conventional military at their disposal.
Marea was puzzled by Rothsky's last statement, as he wondered why he had to emphasize the Tyrandisians when Marea did not in his statement. Certainly the PM was worried about them, but he wondered if there was something about Tyrandis that he wasn't getting. He also wondered what Rothsky had meant by "any means possible" since he sounded like he had something to hide, but out of respect for the man- and the fact that, soaking wet, Marea didn't come close to half of Rothsky's weight- Marea said nothing.
"I shall confer with Leonid then," said Marea. "Thank you for your opinion." He then told one of his staffers to write a message to Puskin asking him the same thing that he had asked Rothsky- namely, to invite Layarteb and Tyrandis to the conference to defuse the growing situation in the Pacific.
"Shall we grab a bite to eat? There's a great pizzeria across the street," said Marea to Rothsky with a smile, hoping to put the PM at ease.
Next day, Pushkin has returned to the meeting place, the representatives from Rome and Norway were present. Pushkin has spent the night reviewing Norwegian proposal finally he came to a conclusion.
Pushkin: First of all, about inviting Tyrandis and Layatreb to these talks. I see no reason for it, Empire of Layatreb has shown again and again that diplomacy through talking and trying to find a compromise is not the way they do things. I fear that they will not respect this meeting same as they did not respect the Non-Aggression Pact even then the VCO still existed.
Now back on the main topic. I have reviewed the Protection of the Realm document and have come to a conclusion that it is reasonable. However if i am to sign it and obligate my nation to obey it some sort of document will have to be created and signed by Mr. Rothsky that will ensure that Norway will not do to us what we will obligate ourselves not to do them. Such as spying and violating our sea borders which are set at 30 nautical miles. Once Norway obligates itself to follow through with such a document i will be able to agree to the Protection of the Realm Decree, if not, then this meeting no longer serves any purpose.
Rothsky nodded.
"I am prepared to sign such a document in return for the Russian recognizion of our territorial claims and right to defend our national security. However, I am curious as to the terms in regard to for instance a shipwrecked vessel entering Russian waters. I have been informed of one such incident occuring now in the Barents Sea involving an elderly Norwegian destroyer slated for decommission in a few weeks. While we have every confidence in its swift rescue before it enters Russian territorial waters, if such an rescue isn't possible, my military advisors recommend that we destroy it in order to prevent it and the technology, which apparently is state of the art and highly classified, from falling into Russian hands. How would the Russian Federation respond to such an act, which I must point out is carried out in order to protect the national security of the Kingdom and against a ship of our own Navy, if it should occur?"
Pushkin smiled.
"Only few months ago my first reaction would be to ask you about why that ship was so close to our international waters in a very intimidating tone of voice. However at this point, my government doesn't care why that ship is there it is if you are spying on us, well, good luck to ya cause with our new electronic defenses you are going to need it. If the ship enters our territorial waters it will be inspected and hauled outside, those are our precedures, they can not be changed or avoided. As long as the ship is destroyed outside our waters we also do not care, if it is sunk within our waters we will prevent any attempt by you to recover the wreckage, it will put a long lasting strain on our already weak relations and we will condemn such an action publicly. However this doesn't have to come to this. All you need to do is to take the rescue offer we have already proposed to "Fusa" we will send a rescue ship, and either give them the equipment to fix their engines or haul Fusa to the nearest Norwegian port. For now we regard you as a neutral nation so that is why we are being generous. Either way, we will not have to board 'Fusa' to attach a cable to it an haul it, neither will we have to remove any of the 'Fusa's' crew or equipment. Although you declined our offer it is still standing, we have a rescue ship already prepped and ready off the coast of Severnaya Zemlya."
"We shall see sir. Now, let's return to the original issue. If you would just produce the paper you wish me to sign, we can get this over and done with and start negotiating. Mister Marea, I trust you will be a witness to the fact that I am signing a document which states that the Kingdom shall not violate Russian waters or spy on the Russian Federation within its waters and not any Russian ploy to put the Kingdom in an unfavorable light?"
Rothsky waited for Mareas answer before he would sign the document.
"The ban on spying shouldn't only include the territorial waters, but just like your own Protection of the Realm Act it should ban spying in any form, from the international territories and not. I must admit this is what my government pictured this talks would come down to from the start. We have prepared our own document just for this. Here let me give you a copy."
He reached down into his suitcase.
OOC: I'll post the document tomorrow.
"We shall see sir. Now, let's return to the original issue. If you would just produce the paper you wish me to sign, we can get this over and done with and start negotiating. Mister Marea, I trust you will be a witness to the fact that I am signing a document which states that the Kingdom shall not violate Russian waters or spy on the Russian Federation within its waters and not any Russian ploy to put the Kingdom in an unfavorable light?"
Rothsky waited for Mareas answer before he would sign the document.
"I will be your witness," said Marea.
Pushkin's cellphone rang as he was reaching down into his suitcase.
"Excuse me gentlemen."
He picked it up.
"Да...понял....всё таки утопили? Буду в Воронеже сегодня вечером."
(Yes...understood....so they sunk it? I will be in Voronej this evening."
Pushking smiled again and spoke in a friendly, calm tone of voice.
"Excuse me gentlemen but it seems my business is done here. If a meeting can be arranged which Norway and its allies in the October Alliance can respect, be sure to let us know, we will be delighted to participate in a gathering there both sides want peace and not just us, until then, good bye."
Pushkin started walking towards the exit.
"Is there a problem mister Pushkin?" Rothsky asked, curious as to the Russian departure from the meeting. "Or is this the final proof that the Russian Federation has been playing us for fools and plan to attack?"
Hello, after looking around I couldn't find the main Earth II thread to sign up in. So could anyone here tell me where it is (if it is still open).
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=373378
Pushkin turned around and spoke in the same tone of voice.
"Yes Mr. Rothsky there is a problem. We have a reason to believe that this Devlin class vessel was spying on our nation. As i also said before if you sunk it within our waters that will put a strain on our relations, this is the strain you are witnessing right now. Even without this, you are closely allied to the Layatrebian Empire and Layatrebian Empire does not wish for better relations and it does not respect the documents that are created to make peace and if they attack us we know you will attack us as well no matter what we sign today. If at any time you and your allies find yourself ready to seek better relations with my nation on equal terms we will be happy to reconvene, until then, with all due respect to Mr. Marea, this meetings are meaningless and do not change the situation one bit."
Rothsky answered coldly.
"So this is it then. The proof that the Russian Federation has no intention of talking about things, but rather plans of nuclear holocaust. Let it be clear. If the Russian Federation attacks us, we will retaliate.
"As for the destroyer, it was sunk in international waters. Yes, it was close to Russian waters, but still, it was international waters. However, we here have evidence that the Russian Federation has no intention of stopping their policy of aggression, a policy which will very likely end with the end of the world if they are not stopped. I condemn the Russian actions here, and I will condemn them in public. You keep bringing up the Layartebian Empire. They are not present here, nor do they dictate Norwegian foreign policy as you claim. We are close allies with the Layartebians, and have been for quite some time. I find it very offensive to claim that we are lackies of the Layartebian Empire, but it is clear that since the Russian Federation lost its main method of throwing its weight around, the now defunkt VCO, it has to resort to throwing shit around instead of talking in a calm, reasonable fashion. The Kingdom have no other interest than peace with the Russian Federation, but clearly, you have no wish for peace with us."
Pushkin continued in the calm and friendly tone of voice he was speaking in before.
"Calm yourself down sir, please, you are embarassing yourself infront of Mr. Marae. I have been talking to you in a calm and reasonable manner all through out this meeting have i not? You seem to be the one who is rather unreasonably inflammed right now. There is nothing to suggest that Norway wants peace, absolutely nothing, the fact that you have just been spying on us already shows that you do not wish for anything close to peace. The fact that you and your allies have dispatched so many military ships to rescue 'Fusa' is another pointer that you still views as an enemy. We want peace with your nation, through your actions you reject it. If this is not mutual and your side clearly has no interest in this then why is there any reason for this? If you are ready to talk better relations we can reconvene, but for now, good day gentlemen."
Rothsky watched as the Russian left, slowly shaking his head. When he had exited, Rothsky turned to Marea and said with a sad voice, "It's clear that the Russians have no desire for peace." He sighed, then got up from his seat. "Thank you for the hospitality Jomo. At least we tried the peaceful way. If you'll excuse me, I've got to go home and make sure we're ready to defend ourselves from a Russian attack."