NationStates Jolt Archive

Stockholm, Sweden

Prime Minister Wells had been approached about hosting the first conference with between the Russian and The October Alliance since the Nerotikan Incident. Tempers had cooled somewhat since the ill-fated attempt to close the Eurasian Pipeline and actually relations between both camps had improved. When the former North Germanian Reich collapsed relations further improved when all parties stepped in to ensure stability within Europe and Central Asian Territories. Time would tell how things would improve. The conference as hosted by the Hawdawgian Government was an attempt to establish formal relations between the Russian's and TOA to better influence trade and other issues that would surely be brought forth in the meeting. PM Wells was excited about hosting and had prepared diligently for the meeting for the better part of a month. All the various items were in place, hopefully a robust and productive conference would develop in Stockholm.

The Emperor's VC-26F Condor had touched down in Stockholm after a seven and a half hour flight in front of its escort fighters, four F-50A Cardinal, long-range interceptors, each armed with six AIM-221A LRAAAM missiles on the fuselage, two more on its under engine hardpoints, two more on its other wing hardpoints, and an additional four AIM-204A Escape missiles on its outer wing hardpoints. The fourteen missiles they had were multiplied by four, giving them plenty of air superiority, if needed. For additional fuel, they carried twelve hundred gallons of extra fuel on their centerline hardpoint and their two innermost wing hardpoints. When they touched down, they were escorted to a secure wing of the airport and the Emperor's motorcade took over from there.

Now inside the meeting hall, the Emperor and his small entourage idly waited for the ceremonies to begin. Mingling with the staff and other delegates there, the Emperor and his entoruage prepared.

The Eurasian Ambassador to Hawdag, Adem Suleyamn was send to the Summit to represent Eurasians interest in the summit. The ambassador took his seat in meeting hall and awaited for things to begin.

Stepanov's private jet safely landed in Stockholm, escorted by his personal security detail the President of the Federation left the plane and got into a car that was to deliver him to the meeting place.

OOC: No offense Thrashia but what are you coming to a TOA-Russian summit for? If you were invite by someone please clue me in.

The Grand Meeting Hall

A profound exotic African table dominated the center of the exhibit hall. The round shape of the table gave everyone ample room to sit while not placing individuals in a position in which they felt more or less insignificant than there neighbor. For years the Grand Meeting Hall had stood as a museum honoring the sacrifices of fallen warriors from the proud Republic of Hawdawg. PM Wells had carefully rearranged the layout of the building to accomidate the various representatives, with candies and drinks imported from each respective country so each group would have some "comfort items" available should they want them. Crystal stemware glasses stood with ice water at each station carefully labeled with the home country flag and name plate facing towards the center of the table. Each station was further enhanced with a wireless microphone so the participants could speak in a normal conversational tone and be heard throughout the room. Various waitstaff stood at attention in the corner of the room to bring anything requested to the guests, should they need it. As the group soundered into the room Prime Minister Wells stood and clicked on his wireless microphone.

"Gentlemen, Gentlemen may I make a short annoucement? I believe our guests from Eurasia, the Empire of Layarteb and Russia have made it to the meeting. Please gentlemen make yourselves comfortable. I am currently awaiting confirmation on the Cottish and Hirgizstanian representatives arrival. I expect a response shortly. In the mean time feel free to enjoy the various fruits of the world, I have placed every conceivable sweet and delicacy at your disposal today, feel free to enjoy while we wait a few more minutes until we start."

OOC: Thrashia- considering BHR wasn't invited, I don't see how he could conceivably invite you? This is a TOA (Haw, Cot, Lay, OK and me)-Russia (Pushka) only summit. No outsiders, unless I'm very much mistaken.

Stockholm, Sweeden

The Fuhrer's armoured limousine had arrived several hours before him on a C-5B Galaxy and was waiting at the secure hangar with its Fuhrer Guard security detail and two black Indian Chief XL SUV's as escorts.

The black, yellow and red E-4B was escorted by four F/A-22D Raptors, each armed with four AIM-120Y ARMRAAM and two AIM-210B Lance missiles.

Two Raptors landed ahead of the E-4B which then landed itself, followed by the chase escort planes. The Fuhrer's plane taxied quickly to the secure hangar and within minutes a pair of steps had been rolled up and the Fuhrer was safely in the limo.

He arrived some time later at The Grand Meeting Hall, taking the assigned place in the opulent hall.

The nine-car train set had barely eased to a stop at Stockholm Central Railway Station early in the morning before the first people got off the train. They were lifeguards to the King, and they got off immediately to make sure the surroundings were safe and to hook up with the Hawdawgian security officials while His Majesty prepared to disembark. This was to be the first true TOA-Russian summit, and the King himself wanted to participate for once, especially since Prime Minister Rothsky wasn't feeling quite well. Dressed in a smart tailormade suit, the King disembarked the Royal Train that had taken him from Oslo over night and greeted the Hawdawgian delegation and the Cottish ambassador to Hawdawg before he headed for the Embassy where he would visit and inspect the premises until it was time for the summit.

Now, the King and his entourage were arriving in the Grand Meeting Hall, the King leading the small procession of aides, secretaries, a few servants and some bodyguards, as well as a pair of his Ministers, who trotted after the vigorous King as he entered to find that many of the participants had already arrived. In fact, he was the last of the participants to arrive. Heading quickly to his seat, the King sat down and waited for the next move, looking over the table and the participants.

The Emperor was there, as was the Fuhrer and obviously Prime Minister Wells. President Stepanov was representing the Russians, naturally. The King didn't recognize the man representing the Eurasians though. The Soviet Blocians weren't represented, not that this was much of a surprise. Soviet Bloc hadn't played that active a role in the world affairs for a long time, and it was unlikely they would get active now. The Germanians had sadly fallen into the annals of empires lost, just as the Torians had done before them. The world had changed, but the world moved on. There was no point lingering in the past, especially not when there were important affairs of state that needed dealing with, such as this summit.

Sitting back in the chair, the King awaited the next move.

[OOC: Thrashia, delete your post from this thread please. You have no business participating in this thread, nor do anyone that aren't members of the October Alliance or Pushka.]

Prime Minister Wells clicked his microphone on and began to greet his guests.

"I would first like to take a moment to welcome all of you to this historic event. In our trials and tribulations within the last few years we have almost come to blows several times over various things but now we all seek a dialogue to foster a peaceful presence in both Europe, Asia, and throughout the America's. I commend all members present for coming, your presence here shows that the well-being of your nation and the health of both our alliance and our mutual existence are forefront in your priorities. I would also like to thank the Russian delegation for asking our nation to host this event. We are honored that we be given the chance to host this event.

Before we begin, I know everyone is familiar with all parties here. Gentlemen a few ground rules, if you please. As the host nation I would ask that this meeting stay productive in the sense that we remain tactful in our discussions. No productive action or negotiation can come from backbiting, raised voices or vendictive behavior. I would ask that current or past events not cloud your judgement, as we are here to set the course and future for out mutual existence, we don't need to rehash over items we simply cannot change, the past is the past so leave it there. I would ask that when a proposal is made the parties involved need to allow each other to study the proposal before them. Asking someone to make a snap judgement without studying a plan is just niave. This summit may last for several days and if we seem to be heading in a productive direction, this meeting room will be held open as long as necessary. For your convenience I have cordened off the press corps to an area where official press conferences may be held should they be needed. No one will be roaming the halls of this building that isn't directly part of the negotiation process, my personal security team will make sure of that. This is a closed negotiation and I ask that no recording devices be used so we may have an active and productive dialogue without fear of being misquoted in a newspaper two weeks from now. If we are all in agreement to these rules I will open the floor to our Russian counterpart to begin."

"The Empire is indeed in agreement. We recognize the Russian Federation as holders of the floor as well." The Emperor answered. Thousands of miles away, in the Empire, strange occurrences were beginning.

The King nodded in agreement to the Hawdawgian proposal before lifting his hand to summon one of the Hawdawgian waiters. The head of one immediately appeared next to the King, who said in a quiet voice so he wouldn't disturb the proceedings, "One cup of coffee please. Black and hot."

The waiter nodded silently before disappearing, only to reappear half a minute later with a china cup of steaming coffee, placing it silently and discreetly in front of the King before slipping back into the back of the room. The King took a sip of the warm brew, savoring the bitter taste and feeling the heat of the noble brew almost scold his tounge, never ceasing listening to the proceedings.

Standing up from his chair Stepanov began to speak.

http://www.stateofthegame.co.uk/images/roman-abramovich.jpg

"I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to our host Prime Minister Wells for accepting our proposal to hold this summit and also to all those present here who have deemed it important enough to appaer at such a gathering. Things have truly changed haven't they? Whatever the outcome of this summit maybe the very fact that we all have seen it fit to sit down at a diplomatic table together is already a great showcase of the even headed mindset that we exhibit. These maybe just words to you as I am no a great orator and thus have a hard time expressing the feelings I put behind those words, however world is safer now then ever and that is something we should all be proud of."

He finished the sentence, picked up a glass of water, took a quick sip and continued.

"I saw it fit to start my speech on a positive note to establish that I come here in good will. Now let me get right down to business. There are a few things I would like to discuss and a few things I am forced to discuss by the circumstances. As Gospodin Emperor has noted the last time we met in Sapporo, countries that trade with each other don't fight each other, as such I believe it to be in our best interests to work in that direction. There are many things we can offer each other both goods and markets to sell those goods. We are at this point ready to establish mercantile relations with your nations on all levels, if you are in agreement to do the same. In the end everyone benefits, I am going to use Cottish-Russian trade agreement as an example, my country has gotten a .7% a year boost in economic growth over the past few years that the agreement has been in place. As I have heard, and I am sure His Highness will confirm my words, the Realm of Cotland's economy has also benefited substantially from our dealings. This relationship of mutual respect that we already share has shown its direct results, all the confrontations over land and other issues in the past ten years between the Russian Federation and the Realm of Cotland have been resolved through compromise. We have also offered the Realm to take part in other mutually beneficial arrangements such as constructing a highway under the Bering Strait as a direct extension of the Great Eurasian Line from Asia to North America. They are still considering our proposal but we naturally respect their right to say no and we make it our priority to ensure them that the benefits would immensely outweigh the costs so they would agree to this project. That is something we are currently having dialogue on which is also a good sign of trust. If we begin a new era of trade and diplomatic dialogue with each other that will most surely lead to understanding and thus a safer world for all of us.

All that said, there is another topic I have brought to the table today which simply can not be ignored. Although we wish for better trade and better relations with the October Alliance, actions of one of its members, Commonwealth of Hirgizstan is making it impossible for us to advance relations with the October Alliance as a single block. The war crime committed by the Commonwealth against unarmed Nerotikan POWs has caused the recent advancements in our relations with Hirgizstan to cease. The problem is in the fact that we can not deal with governments that see it fit to do such evil upon their fellow men, especially those men being of our blood. The Hirgizstanie actions made it almost as hard for me to explain my position on TOA to the Russian people as it was in the initial years when we were reclaiming our nation and Ust-Orda was on everyone's minds. I am also sad to say that I do not see an exit out of this situation, the Commonwealth does not see it in their interests to attempt to do anything to heal the wound that they have put on lives of so many people and even if they have been acting towards that end, nothing would change for years as you can not bring the fallen. This leads us into quiet a dead end, however not all is lost.

My personal perception of TOA has changed over the years and I will not be blaming the whole alliance for the actions of one of its members, I am also reassured by the fact that some of you present here have directly condemned the actions of one of your allies. Although this makes things a lot more complex we are still prepared to start the initiatives with the October Alliance on a nation by nation level, excluding CoH.

I wish that I had come here bearing only good news but unfortunately that is not the case. I would now like to hear your thoughts on the matter. Thank you for listening."

Stepanov set down.

The Fuhrer listened to Stepanov intently, unsurprised at the direction his speech had taken. If there was any hope for COH-Russian relations, the Russians would have to understand that they could not control or alter the actions of a sovereign nation expressing its rights.

The Fuhrer remained seated as he spoke.

"President Stepanov, I feel I must address the issue of war criminals directly here. Do not get me wrong, I wish to proceed with this conference in the best attitude possible. But if you say that you wish to beging diplomatic relations with the TOA, yet you exclude us, perhaps you need to alter that attitude so that our outcomes are more positive.

I admit that the Commonwealh executed a large number of war criminals in Kazakhstan, but I stress that no country has any right, whatsoever, to question our actions or to hope to alter them, perhaps even seeking an apology. There will be no apology for the meting out of justice.

What happend, did happen and nothing will change it. I suggest that everyone here," The Fuhrer turned away from Stepanov and locked eyes momentarily with every other leader to show he was addressing them as well as the Russian, " that they should search for some more intestinal fortitude in looking at the situation. I cannot think that the mere execution of war criminals could or would de-rail the goals we want to achieve at this summit."

Stepanov proceeded calmly.

"Gospodin Fuhrer, with all due respect, that was an act committed by you on a foreign territory thus it is subject to international scrutiny. There was no trial nor any proof that each one of those 15 thousand men committed a warcrime as is defined by the majority of governments that assemble the global community. Although I am a central figure in Russian politics my word does not mean everything, the democratic process in my country has taken its course and our Parliament has forged our foreign policy in respect to this issue. You are correct however that this creates a problem in Russian Federation relations with the October Alliance as a whole, but before we digress I would like to hear what others have to say."

Prime Minister Wells interrupted both parties.

"Gentlemen, I think we can all agree to disagree on the various positions of each others actions in various campaigns. I can think back many years ago when we moved into England and much of the world was shocked by our actions. In the end, things progressed dialogue improved and eventually a bountiful harvest was reaped by all from our expansion.

Let's us not digress into discussing the ramifications or justifications for COH's action in Kazakhstan. It isn't beneficial to the well-being of this conference.

Now Mr. Stephanov, exactly what are you proposing in the realm of trade? Enterprise zones and the like never really pan out to the hype they bring with them. Perhaps we could work out something among commodites?"

The Emperor continued to listen as both the Hirgizstanian and Russian parties exchanged with each other. He would keep quiet in the matter. The Empire had committed its own atrocities in the past, using the Russian definition of course but the Emperor knew it was a futile argument to bear that no such international body existed with which to truly consider the actions of the Hirgizstanians in Kazakhstan a crime. It may have not satisfied the norms of society but that was a fluid environment. Four or five hundred years earlier that would have been acceptable and expected. Times had certainly changed but the Emperor wasn't about to dictate on the sovereignty of the COH. He wouldn't stand for anyone doing the same with the Empire, as he firmly stood during the Mato Grosso incident. When P.M. Wells interrupted, he was relieved. As of yet though, he had little to bring to the conversation but he certainly was intent on listening.

Bump.