NationStates Jolt Archive


Besk Requests Talks on Federation with Carloginias! (EFJ)

Bulgia
15-06-2007, 11:15
Besk, Bulgian Republic

Prime Minister Constantine Nechita, fondly known to Bulgian Socialist Workers' Party supporters by the pet form Costel, today dropped a political bombshell when he invited senior Carloginian government figures to attend talks in the Bulgian capital, Besk (RL Minsk) with a view to creating a roadmap to federation!

Nechita, appointed by formidable president Grigore Istok after the B-SWP, of which Costel is part, swept last year the first ever democratic polls in Bulgian history, wants nothing less than defence agreements and the foundation of a strong trading bloc, but evidently views such measures as just the first step towards a more harmonious future for Bulgia and its gigantic neighbour.

Newspapers have already coined the term Besk Pact to describe a possible association between two of the world's fastest-growing low-middle income economies. Bulgia obviously has little choice but to seek such ties, as Waldenburg's decision to prevent Bulgian warships leaving the Baltic highlighted the Republic's vulnerability.
Carloginias
15-06-2007, 17:37
Carloginias City, Presidential Palace

President James Harselav sat in his wonderously crafted yew desk. The desk itself had been brought from several companies in Futuris. None knew who the desk's owner would be except, of course, Harselav. Today he was simply looking over documents regarding the military sector, and then switiching them to the economic sector. The economic sector needed vast improvements. With trade agreements Carloginias would soon be the most economically advanced nation in Europe.

Harselav was setting out his goals with his cabinet members, when his secretary paged him.

'Mr. Harselav, there is an important letter from the Bulgian Republic that you might want to read.'

'Bring it in, please.'

The letter was brought before all of the members of the cabinet, and decided that association between the two countries would be best for all parties involved. The secretary drafted a letter that was sent out to the Bulgian Republic-

To, the most honorable Prime Minister Constantine Nechita

We would most enjoy meeting with the Bulgian republic in Besk. We believe that a stregthening of relations is the best way for our two nations to live together in this cold, imperialistic world. Yeltz Tatari and Alexander Kuslkov will be the senior officals attending the meeting in Besk. In addtion a small security detail will be joining them, but will not be in the actual room where the dicussions are being taken place.

Most sincerely,

President James Harselav of Carloginias
Bulgia
16-06-2007, 04:45
Besk

The Republican capital lies a little more than two-hundred metres above sea level on two great Bulgian rivers through the Besk Hills, and gives homes to more than one and three quarter million people. The temperature had been a reasonable fifteen degrees Celsius, but a fog had gathered and the moist air felt chilly for it, and a gentle northwesterly breeze only brought more cool damp from the Baltic. Looking north and west the Carloginians would see the gentle slopes of the Besk Hills, while to the south and east the terrain leveled out and became heavily forested. Beskers take some pride in their forest parks, and it is not uncommon to see large wild animals skulking about the fringes of the city.

Besk itself is the industrial heartland of Bulgia, something that Nechita and Istok will be keen for the visitors to see. It is important to them that Carloginias see Bulgia as economically viable as a partner and as independently strong. The negotiations won't favour little Bulgia if Carloginias thinks that the republic needs them more than they need the republic.

A really massive tractor factory blocks ones view to the right as the party approach the conference hall on Republic Square, and the only sign of a high-rise skyline -hard to see through the fog- is in the form of smoke stacks servicing refrigeration plants, motor workshops, and so forth. Almost half the local population is still employed in industry rather than services or agriculture.

The important delegates probably won't make use of it, but the city also shows-off an extensive tram network. Perhaps the subway will be of some use if they decide to tour the city, later.

But, for now, business!

Yeltz Tatari and Alexander Kuslkov are ferried to Republic Square in a motorcade put on by the Bulgians, inclusive of a dozen motorcycle escorts (riding locally-built bikes, of course!). The square is skirted by T-72 tanks and BMP armoured vehicles, their barrels pointed skywards in a sort of salute to the Carloginians, and an honour guard in dress uniform and bearing SKS carbines with high luster stocks stands to attention as President Istok and Prime Minister Nechita make a rare side-by-side appearance to greet their guests.

Inside the conference hall, a ridiculously over-sized room with more chairs than have ever been filled and a ceiling almost invisibly distant (it must cost a fortune to heat the vast space), the delegates are seated and attended with local tea, imported coffee, and plenty of water. A brief rendition of both national anthems and the unfurling of flags serves as introduction and Prime Minister Constantine Nechita begins to speak.

"Brothers, it makes me glad to see you here in Besk! I take it, then, that you are at least interested in bettering relations between our proud nations, and I am authorised by our honourable President, Grigore Istok, to start with a symbolic gesture, offering to twin Besk with one of Carloginias' major cities, for cultural, educational, and sporting exchange programmes in the future."


(I have to dash, we'll get on to more serious matters later)
Carloginias
18-06-2007, 17:42
Both delegates talked little to each other. Their only role was to serve their government which was why the president had sent them to Besk in the first place. They woulden't screw around like other delegates, and they knew how to accept hospitalities humbly; unlike most prideful Carloginians. When Tartari and Kulskov did talk to each other, it was simply about how to best better Carloginias. And of course to find weaknesses in each other. They were both vying for the coveted Minister of Economics in the government. Both believed they could do the best job. Harselav enjoyed watching petty squables and the one who came out on top was usually given the job.

It was not long before they began noticing the simple splendor of Besk. Tartari himself was surprised that another city in Eastern Europe could rival a Carloginian one. He was quite impressed with what the Bulgians had done to their capital. Industry it seems was booming, and if there wasen't a need for oil they could be quite content on their own.

"Pretty impressive" Tartari simply stated

"I'm still not convinced. The city itself is nice, and the President and PM have done wonders with the economy." Kulskov sometimes ended his statements with little sense to them. It was his way, and as long as his work got done it didn't matter to Harselav.

Upon arriving to the Republic Square, the delegates were not at all alarmed that tanks were there; however their purpose was unknown. Until the delegates realised that the Bulgians were kindly saluting them. An honor guard soon escorted them into the Presidential area, and then into an enourmous conference room. The size of it was simply stunning.

The tea that both chose to drink was very good, and hearing the national anthem with the tea somehow made it seem like home. These Bulgians are pretty good. Tartari found himself thinking. Upon hearing the Prime Minister speak Tartari replied

"We are only too happy to attend and better relations. As for the city we offer Fiev (Rl Kiev). They have close proximity to each other, and they will perhaps be soon known world-wide as the twin cities."
Bulgia
19-06-2007, 20:16
The Prime Minister shortly would explain that Besk would set aside funds to support a special day once every four years to celebrate twin-hood with Fiev. Artists, musicians, theatre and other performance groups would be able to visit from the Carloginian city at Besk's expense and put on shows, and trades stalls would be established in Republic Square to advertise Fiev's particular wares. Hopefully Fiev would reciprocate in a similar fashion, and the two cities would see increased tourism and trade. Also a number of students at every level in Fiev schools and colleges would be allowed scholarships in Besk institutions, and, hopefully, a few students from Besk would, each year, spend a term in Fiev, making sure that the next generation grows up with understanding and unity.

"Observing how well this initial arrangement has been received I feel emboldened to go further." PM Nechita seemed suddenly more serious.

"Some of our newspapers have printed stories speculating about a Besk Pact. This, in truth, I hope to see realised.

"I propose a serious pact."

Nechita then outlined a plan, which the visitors would be invited to scrutinise and perhaps to edit.

The Besk Pact, in its first draft as presented by Bulgia, read as such:

1) Both parties (Bulgia and Carloginias) shall provide for mutual defence against foreign aggression against either party, first diplomatically, then economically, and finally -where all else fails- militarily.

2) There shall be established a Joint Security Initiative consisting of Carloginian and Bulgian staff and officers. It shall be tasked with the co-ordination of intelligence -drawn from the security agencies of both parties- regarding threats to either party so that a response by both or either party can be enacted against threats either external or internal.

-This shall not impact either nation's right or ability to maintain its own security forces. It merely provides a joint anti-terrorist and anti-insurgency force that shares intelligence to prevent disasters and undermine foreign or domestic plots.

3) Besk Pact forces shall train in combined operations on land, sea, and air in the territories of both nations as seems fitting to military commanders; there shall be a gradual move to standardisation of equipment, though no time-frame should be set at this point.

4) The two parties shall exchange the most vitally needed goods at a subsidised or otherwise protected price for so long as it is necessary.

On the last point Nechita attempted to explain that Bulgia needed Carloginian oil and gas, and would like to acquire it at a stable price at this time, so as not to derail rapid economic growth. In turn, Bulgia would gear a major part of its economy to producing something of need to the Carloginians, even if it did not quite fit with market demand in the rest of the world. Costel wanted mostly free trade between Bulgia and Carloginias with both parties protecting the other against foreign competition, if only in key industries.

Bulgia opened the proposal to revision, subtraction, and addition by the Carloginians.
Carloginias
19-06-2007, 22:10
Tartari listened intently to the man as he spoke of the twin cities. Truthfully, it was a good idea. It would let both Bulgian and Carloginias cultures intertwine and allow for the populaces of both countries become tolerant and friendly with each other. Kulskov, unbeknowst Tartari was thinking the exact same thing. Carloginias would culturally thrive.

Tartari and Kulskov weren't caught off guard in the least as the Bulgian Prime Minister's tone grew serious. They had been asked here for a reason, and they were old enough to know that it wasen't just for twin cities.

"There are a few questions regarding the guidelines of the pact." Began Tartari.

"Regarding guideline 2. How many officers from each nation will be allowed to be in the council? The names of each respected countries..?" Tartari let the lest question fade into the immense space of the room.