NationStates Jolt Archive

(OOC: This is a thread directly affiliated with my embassy thread. You can RP out the daily life in Luxembourg/Van Luxemburg here: especially related to your diplomatic mission in Van Luxemburg. I will gladly give you any details you need, and guide you around the city/nation.

Places where you can meet with others/me:

- Your own embassy. You know where it is, you control it.
- The Diplomatic Services Building, a building dedicated to help diplomatic missions from other nations in Luxembourg, and can give you any information you need about Van Luxemburg. This is also a great place to meet with other ambassadors. The Diplomatic Services employees are also the ones to talk with if you need anything in your embassy, or need special services (such as escort vehicles, etc.)
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You have access to the main lobby of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and you can step in anytime. The reception will gladly contact a high-ranking employee if you need them.
- The National Assembly. You basically have access to all public areas here, but also to several meeting rooms which are offlimits to normal civilians. You can always follow debates etc. in one of the two chambers from the private diplomatic tribune.
- The Grand-Ducal Palace. Even if you’ll need to make a call before visiting it, and it’s highly unlikely you will get to speak the Grand Duke at short notice, it can be useful to get to know the staff there, in case you need something from the Grand Duke.
- All other ministries, and embassies. They can be visited like the ministry of foreign affairs. However, please bear in mind that I cannot RP other nations for you, so you’ll need to arrange something with the player behind that nation.

Feel free to ask anything, or RP things out. If you want to leave your embassy and visit Luxembourg or other parts of Van Luxemburg, I greatly encourage it. For now, I will start by sending out a letter to all existing and new embassies in Luxembourg, about the Diplomatic Services building.)

IC:

As you gather the mail that came in today, you find an envelope marked with a very official-looking logo from the Diplomatic Services office, on the Rue Charles Corbeau in Luxembourg. As you open it, a letter with again the logos of the Diplomatic services office appears, as well as a map of Luxembourg, showing you a location on the Rue Charles Corbeau, just off the main road in Luxembourg, the Boulevard 5. Mee 1945.

Welcome in Luxembourg!

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has opened a new office in the Rue Charles Corbeau, specifically dedicated to embassy personnel currently residing in Luxembourg. Our tasks consist of serving you to the highest degree, helping you with anything you need in Luxembourg, and the Grand Duchy of Van Luxemburg as a whole.

Our offices are always open to foreign embassy personnel, and can be found on the Rue Charles Corbeau, near the Boulevard 5. Mee 1945. We have included a map with directions to our office. Do not forget to take your diplomatic pass! If you cannot find time to reach our offices, or have a quick question to us, you can phone us at 11 188 32100.
We hope to see or hear from you soon!

Signed,
Michelle Furst,
Diplomatic Services Office
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

TAG, you're it! (and free bump)

OOC: I'm assuming Michelle Furst would be the person I would be talking to if I entered that building, yes?

(OOC: Yup, correct. She'll be doing all communications with ambassadors etc.)

OOC: k thx... my post will come tonight or tomorrow. + free bump

OOC:

Hello there! I told you I'd have a look at this, and here I am. I hope this post is acceptable. I would assume the ambassadors are permitted to bring family.

Mr. Davis-Wade is a single parent, just so you know. This post is more just a basic introduction than anything else. I'll post more before long.

IC:

Boulevard Henry Courtemanche 46

"Dad, are we almost there?"

Mr. John Davis-Wade looked up from his seat in the back of the VLT L7 at his 17 year-old daughter, Katherine.

"Hmmm? Did you say something, sweety?"

Katherine reached up a hand to brush a strand of black hair from her eyes.

"I asked, are we almost there?" she repeated.

"I think we are," replied John. "Mildred?"

Naval Infantry Sergeant Mildred Barker, seated in the front passenger's seat, looked at the information display.

"We're just a mile or so away, Ambassador," she said. "It should be coming up in just a few moments."

Hearing this, John and Katherine looked past the sergeant and the driver, and in just a few moments the BMD V6 driving ahead rounded a corner in the road leading to the destination, and there it was (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/VanLuxemburg/Embassies/2c8df3ce.jpg).

"I hope that answers the question, honey," John said, looking at Katherine. His child didn't answer, being too busy looking at the approaching structure.

"It looks just like the pictures!" she exclaimed happily. She had a thing for old buildings. No formal expertise, just enthusiasm.

"Just like the pictures," John agreed, with a smile. "Let's hope it's just as nice inside. We're going to be living there."

"Stop worrying so much, dad," Katherine admonished him. "They wouldn't just list any old place as a possible embassy site. That's very bad for international relations."

"International relations?" John asked, blinking. "I thought I was the diplomat."

"Dad!" Katherine laughed.

Moments later, the forward escort vehicle passed through the gates followed in close succession by the ambassador's vehicle, and then the second escort.

"C'mon, Katy," John said as he stepped from the vehicle. "Let's go inside, and have a look around."

Escorted by Sergeant Barker, the parent and child walked toward the building.

Jorge Santana dialed 11 188 32100.

"Hello, I'm trying to reach Michelle Furst - is she available?"

Boulevard Henry Courtemanche 46

As the small convoy drove past the gates of the embassy building destined for the Imperial Federated States of Romandeos, a man observed them from the entrance of the embassy. He was around 50 years of age, and his hair was becoming greyer, but he probably wouldn't be bald for the coming few years. He was loosely clothed in a black designer suit, under which he wore a white shirt. He wore no tie, a thing that was becoming more and more common under Van Luxemburger businessmen and government officials.

As the three individuals got out of the center vehicle, a brand new and polished VT L7, the man stepped away from the entrance, and walked towards the persons at a calm pace. As he came within reach to be able to shake hands, he offered his.

'Alexander Benoit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Diplomatic Services Luxembourg. I came here to welcome you to your new home and to ask if everything was allright with the housing and the location, etcetera.'

Diplomatic Services office

'Diplomatic Services office, Yolande Mailhot speaking. What can I do to help you?' The woman spoke, as she picked up the phone. She listened carefully to what was asked on the other side of the line, but this time, the answer would be simple.

'Of course, Miss Furst is here. Do you have a moment while I put you through?' She almost immediately put the person on the other line on hold, but the phone was answered just seconds later.

'Michelle Furst speaking. How can I help?'

"Hello, Mrs. Furst? This is Jorge Santana, Ambassador from ViZion. I would like to setup an appointment to come in - I'm open this evening between 7:00-9:00 PM or tomorrow morning until 11:15. Will either of these times work?" Jorge asked her over the phone.

'Ofcourse, Mister Santana. I will be available at both moments. I'm in office from 8 o'clock in the morning till 10 o'clock in the evening. You can visit the office at any given time, if you wish to do so.' Furst replied, in an almost unaccented English.

"Wonderful - then I'll see you at 7 PM tonight. Thank you." he said.
--------
He made his way into the building. It was 6:52 PM. He walked up to an employee in the entrance. "I'm here to see Mrs. Furst. I am Ambassador Jorge Santana from ViZion."

As the ViZionarian ambassador spoke, the employee turned around. It was a moderately attractive woman, in her mid 30's and a brunette, clothed in a simple lady's suit. She introduced herself with a calm and friendly voice.

'You're in luck, Mister Santana. Michelle Furst, Diplomatic Services. What can I do for you?' She said, while smiling at him. Even while she spoke English, she pronounced her own and the ambassadors' name with a somewhat Germanic accent, probably a remainder of her native tongue.

IC:

Boulevard Henry Courtemanche 46

"Well everything seems alright so far, Mr. Benoit." Ambassador Wade reached his hand out and took Mr. Benoit's, shaking firmly. "I'm sure things inside must be just as nice as outside."

Katherine was busy just looking around herself, eyes wide. She was obviously incredibly excited.

OOC:

More later, when I have time.

As the ViZionarian ambassador spoke, the employee turned around. It was a moderately attractive woman, in her mid 30's and a brunette, clothed in a simple lady's suit. She introduced herself with a calm and friendly voice.

'You're in luck, Mister Santana. Michelle Furst, Diplomatic Services. What can I do for you?' She said, while smiling at him. Even while she spoke English, she pronounced her own and the ambassadors' name with a somewhat Germanic accent, probably a remainder of her native tongue.
"Oh, nice to meet you, Mrs. Furst. Please, call me Jorge. I'd just like to sit down so that we may talk about furthering both of our national interests in relations between our nations. After all, it is clear both of our economies have benefitted from business deals between our nations. And it's only fair to improve our relations as a more governmental level." he said.

(OOC: Excuse me for the delay.)

Michelle nodded.

'Very well, Mister.. I mean Jorge. I am afraid that I have no jurisdiction on foreign trade relationships whatsoever, so I think that I will have to phone the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send specialised personnel for this matter. They can be here in a matter of minutes, I guess, as their office buildings are only a few hundred metres away from here. Would you like me to phone them, or shall I inform them that you will be visiting their offices soon? I can always accompany you, if you think that is necessary.' Furst added.

Boulevard Henry Courtemanche 46

'Very well, Mister Wade. The interior of this particular building has been completely preserved in it's original state, as it was constructed in the end of the 19th century. We have decided to leave the antique furniture in the building, which means it will be your decision if the furniture will be replaced or will remain inside. However, if you decide to accept the antique furniture, we must warn you that the total interior will be worth millions. Regardless of the currency.' Benoit spoke, then diverting his attention to the ambassadors' daughter.

'Miss Wade, I do not know if your father and you are interested in the furniture, but one of the rooms formerly was the room of a local comtesse. I think that particular room will interest you. If you wish, it can be used as a bedroom, possibly with space for doing schoolwork.'

Embassy of Ruccola
Quai Saint Nicolas 17

A new morning had arrived in Luxembourg, with clear skies and the promise of abundant sunshine. Angela Rughetta, the thirty-five-year-old Ruccolian Ambassador to Van Luxemburg, had just finished breakfast with her husband Costantino and her two young children, Adriano and Bianca, and was admiring the view from the second storey windows of the dining room. In a few minutes, their chauffeur would arrive to take her four-year-old son to kindergarten, as well as her husband to the city's central train station. Costantino headed the representative office of Ruccola's largest bank, Banca Sinitalia, in Esch-sur-Alzette, and consequently took the NEB high-speed trains to and from work every weekday.

Apart from the move to Van Luxemburg, the past few months had largely been uneventful for Angela. Things had been relatively quiet at the embassy and she was able to spend much of her time with her son and fourteen-month-old daughter. The family had adjusted rapidly to their new surroundings, thanks in no small part to the Van Luxemburger Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which had spared no effort to ensure that they would all undergo a smooth transition to life in the country.

Eventually, their personal limousine pulled up to the front entrance of the building, and she kissed her husband and son goodbye. Walking along the halls of the ground floor towards her office, she wondered what new things this day had in store for her. She sat down at her desk and switched on her computer, browsing through her personal emails and a number of Ruccolian news websites, including the online version of the nationwide newspaper La Repubblica. Within ten minutes, the rest of the embassy staff had arrived for work, including Economic Affairs Attaché Lawrence Pang and Cultural Affairs Attaché Benigno Mangiarini.

While she was waiting, the caretaker had brought her the day's mail, as well as the daily local newspaper. "Good morning," smiled the ambassador, as the caretaker stepped into the office.

"Good morning, Madam," beamed the caretaker. "Looks like you've got something special today."

Eyeing a large manila envelope he was carrying wrapped in black plastic with a label spelling the word "CONFIDENTIAL", she mused, That must be some sort of document mailed from Arugula. I wonder what it is. As the caretaker lay it down on her desk, she thanked him, and he left the office. Flipping the envelope to read the return address, her presumption was confirmed. It read:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
950 Republic Avenue
Arugula, National Capital Region
Ruccola

She tore the plastic wrapping open, revealing an envelope embossed with the Ruccolian Coat of Arms. Carefully, she pulled out the documents and read the first page, which was a letter addressed to her.

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/5581/smallruccolacoatofarmspo1.jpg
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Ruccola


Attn: Ambassador Angela Rughetta, Embassy of Ruccola in Van Luxemburg

Dear Ambassador Rughetta,

As you already know, the first phase of the Ministry's diplomatic programme is nearing completion, with the successful establishment of missions in over one hundred different countries. The second phase of the programme, which consists of identifying potential partnerships among the nations we have contact with, has been largely concluded in the past few days. Although this phase is an ongoing process, the Ministry has decided on a select few nations that will be the focus of much of our diplomatic efforts in the coming few years.

With this in mind, I am delighted to inform you that Van Luxemburg is one of those nations, and that cultivating our relationship with the Van Luxemburger government is now one of our Ministry's priorities. To this end, I would like to suggest beginning with economic relations, that is, a free trade agreement and air services agreement. Enclosed in this envelope are copies of the respective agreements concluded recently with the United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden, which will serve as templates and as a reference for you. My best wishes go to you in pursuing these objectives.


Yours sincerely,

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/5872/saasigrg0.jpg
Nigel So
Secretary of Atlantic Affairs
Republic of Ruccola


Angela quickly scanned the text of the treaties, thinking, My, things are going to get busy here. But she was glad to accept such a challenge, and was frankly not surprised that the Ministry had chosen Van Luxemburg as one of its focus countries. She had noticed a relatively high level of interest from Arugula regarding her activities, but had thought nothing of it up till now. Once all of the embassy personnel had reported for work, she called a meeting in the conference room adjoining her office.

Addressing her colleagues, she smiled and stated, "I've just been informed that Arugula has placed relations with Van Luxemburg on its list of foreign policy priorities." A round of cheers and applause went around the room. Evidently, some of the staff, particularly those dealing with economic and cultural affairs, had been hoping for this to happen, and were eager to help further bilateral relations between the two countries. The ambassador grinned and continued. "I'm excited as well, and I can tell that you all like this country as much as I do." Turning towards Lawrence, the Economic Affairs Attaché, she added, "Our first order of business is to negotiate a free trade agreement with Van Luxemburg, and then conclude an air services pact with the relevant authorities." Lawrence nodded, and the group began discussing the details of how this should be carried out.

After the meeting had ended, Ambassador Rughetta returned to her office and dialled 11 188 32100 on her phone.

"Good morning. I'd like to schedule an appointment with Michelle Furst."

Diplomatic Services Building, Rue Charles Corbeau

Exiting the VLT bus at the bus stop in the Rue Charles Corbeau, a 37-year old woman walked towards the building that had been acquired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs several years ago, to serve as the main center for Luxembourgs' many foreign embassies. The woman had immediately been chosen as hostess of the new establishment, thanks to her reputation at the Ministry. She was allowed to engage in limited diplomatic talks with foreign officials, thanks to her Master in International Politics and Business Relations at the Ludwiguniversität in Zinzendorf.

Now, several years later, it was just another day at work for her. She always travelled by bus from her detached single-family home in Bertrange, some kilometres outside of Luxembourg, to the Rue Charles Corbeau. Several reasons made her do this, such as the impossibility to park your car near her office. Next to this, her husband mostly took their Monteluci when he went to his job at the VLT Campus in Esch-sur-Alzette, where the taught Chassis Design at the technical faculty of the company university.

Stepping through the monumental double doors of the building, she was greeted by the secretary, Yolande Mailhot.

'Moien, Michelle.' She said, looking up from her administrative work. Michelle quickly returned a friendly 'Gudde Moien', before she took the lift to her office, on one of the higher floors of the building. Getting seated behind her desk, the phone rung almost immediately. Having memorised the numbers inside the telephone, she knew that it was the embassy of Ruccola. They probably had been put through by Yolande.

'Diplomatic Services, Michelle Furst speaking. Miss Rughetta of the Ruccolian Embassy, I believe?' She spoke English, calm and well articulated, but she still had an accent that most Van Luxemburgers posessed, thanks to English not being one of the official languages in the Grand Duchy.

"Yes. Good morning, Ms. Furst," replied the ambassador. I suppose they have caller ID installed, she thought, slightly surprised at the instant recognition. "I would like to ask when you are free for a short meeting. Any time is good for me, as I have a very flexible schedule."

'If you have one moment, I'll look up what's in my agenda for today.' She said, picking up her PDA to check what she would have to do for today. It listed only a single meeting with some personnel from Foreign Affairs, to discuss the achievement of her office.

'You are welcome any time. I have a meeting scheduled at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 4 o'clock this afternoon, and I should be going home at 6 o'clock. Do you prefer the meeting to take place at the embassy, or do you prefer another place? Should I take anyone from the government with me, in case it is important?' She asked, while she already opened a new appointment item in her PDA agenda.

"Sure," said Angela, politely waiting for Michelle to suggest a time slot.

"How about meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at three this afternoon? We'll be discussing trade and air services in particular, so feel free to invite officials from the relevant government bodies."

'Very well. I will phone the ministries of Economic Affairs and Traffic for this matter, they have the in-house knowledge in terms of trade and economy. I hope to see you at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at three o'clock, indeed, Miss Rughetta.'

As she put the phone down, having greeted the ambassador, she immediately sent out two E-Mails, directed at the two respective ministries. Next to that, she quickly phoned Foreign Affairs to make sure that there would be a meeting room available. The recipients replyed rather quickly, to confirm they would be available at that moment. This meant that the Van Luxemburger delegation would be a group of three: Michelle Furst would be representing Foreign Affairs, State Secretary Davide Goudreau of Air Travel the Ministry of Traffic, and Giuseppe Fanucci would be the delegate of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

15 minutes before the appointment at the Ministry, the VLT L7 of the State Secretary halted outside the Diplomatic services building, picking up Michelle to head out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In fact, it was within walking distance of her office, but she preferred to take the lift and arrive with another member of the delegation. It only took them two minutes to reach the Ministry, thanks to a red traffic light just when the car was about to turn on. The car arrived at almost the same moment as an Audi A6 halted outside the main entrance of the Ministry: the delegation was complete. Since the vehicles were parked in an underground car park by the valets stationed at the ministerial reception, the three would have ample time to find the meeting room, while awaiting the Ruccolian delegates.

"Perfect. I'll see you later this afternoon then, Ms. Furst."

Angela returned the handset to its proper position, smiling at the incredible efficiency of the Van Luxemburger authorities. At this rate, we'll be done in no time, she thought to herself. She rose from her desk and made her way to Lawrence's office to tell him about the meeting.

"Lawrence?"

"Yes?," he responded, looking up from his desk.

"I just called up Michelle Furst from the Diplomatic Services office. We've scheduled a meeting at three this afternoon at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the agreements."

"Wonderful," he beamed. "I didn't think we'd be able to convene so soon, given her duties of looking after every diplomatic mission in the city."

"Well, it means we've both got work to do," said the ambassador.

"Right. I'll get started on the terms of the FTA."

"I'll be in my office if you need anything," smiled Angela as she walked away.


Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The time was now two fifty-five, and five minutes remained before the scheduled start of the meeting. A Rolls-Royce with two small Ruccolian flags on its bonnet pulled up to the building's front entrance, and out stepped Ambassador Rughetta along with the attaché for economic affairs. The pair strode into the building and greeted the lady at the reception.

"Good afternoon," smiled the ambassador. "We've scheduled a meeting for three with Ms. Furst from the Diplomatic Services office. Which room should we go to?"

It took the receptionist a fraction of a second to switch to English, but then answered the question.

'Miss Furst and her delegation currently reside in Room 305, I believe someone from Security will be taking you there.'

In fact, the person she was talking about, waited some ten metres down the hallway, and appeared as soon as the receptionist answered the ambassadors' question. He was clothed in a suit, and only a small pin on his chest could identify him as a security official, employed by the Recherche, the police unit responsible for all plain-clothes security in ministries and other governmental buildings.

'Sir, Miss, if you would follow me, please?' He asked politely. He had a very British accent, probably caused by a study in a foreign nation. The story of his background and the cause of his job with the Recherche would no doubt be very interesting.

He waited for the pair to follow him into the elevator, which had been decorated with a picture of the panoramic view of Luxembourgs' surrounding landscape. As the elevator reached the third floor, they stepped into another hallway, which had carpet flooring. It was definately smaller than the hallway near the reception, and also feautured less posh decorations. As they approached a large, antique double door, the security official knocked twice, before opening.

'Den Rukolische zesummen sei hei.' He remarked to the Van Luxemburger delegation, while letting the Ruccolian pair enter the room. The room was as antique as it's doors, with large murals depicting hunting trips of the aristocratic previous owners of the building. The Van Luxemburger delegation sat in comfortable leather chairs, which had been placed all around the table. The table itself was made out of cherry wood, and seemed to be as old as the murals on the walls.

'Jo, Merci.' Furst replied, while the three delegates rose from their seats to shake hands with the Ruccolians.

'Michelle Furst. These are my colleagues, Vice-minister Davide Goudreau of Air Travel the Ministry of Traffic, and Giuseppe Fanucci of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Welcome at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.'

"Thank you," Ambassador Rughetta smiled as she shook Furst's hand. "Angela Rughetta. A pleasure to meet you all. This is Lawrence Pang, attaché for Economic Affairs." The pair proceeded to greet each of the Van Luxemburger delegates in turn, and the group settled down into the leather chairs provided.

"First of all," began Angela, "I wish to thank you all for coming on such short notice. We only contacted Ms. Furst this morning, and weren't expecting everyone to be available so soon, with all your duties and responsibilities. Naturally, we're delighted that talks can begin so quickly, and I'm sure that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Arugula will be pleased to hear about our progress."

"Yes," interjected Lawrence. "We've actually been asked to set up a framework to allow for bilateral free trade between our two nations through the discussion of an FTA, as well as an air services agreement to foster the development of closer ties between our peoples and economies." He paused for a moment to admire his surroundings. "By the way, those murals are beautiful!"

'It is, isn't it? The murals were made during the construction of this building back in 1856. Luxembourg was packed with wealthy aristocrats back then: they competited with eachother who could build the largest and most expensive house. This can still very much be seen in various buildings around the city: it is not unlikely you reside in one yourself. These murals were made by the then-Comte of Luxembourg, Sir Christophe von Hirtz bis Luxembourg. He always used to go on hunting parties on the Grand-Ducal Estates near Bertrange, which he has depicted in this mural, including some of his best or most awkward hunting trophies. Just in case you didn't notice yet, our current Prime Minister is a distant relative of this man.' Furst sat down after her story, and returned to the modern days.

'Thank you for your compliments regarding the speed of our services: we try to maintain it as one of our main spearheads. Now, I think it is safe to say that all of us in Van Luxemburg would be interested in intensified relationships with Ruccola, and we would be very interested in the type of proposals you had in mind for us.' Furst went on. Her two companions only nodded if she looked at them: it wasn't their turn to speak.

The Ruccolians listened with interest as Furst described the murals and their history, nodding as she alluded to the royal lineage of the Van Luxemburger Prime Minister.

"A number of our major companies have expressed a strong interest in expanding their sales and operations to Van Luxemburg, due in large part to its booming economy and its massive consumer base," said the ambassador. "We feel that there is great potential for trade in goods and services between our two countries, and believe that ensuring free and open access to each other's markets will lay the groundwork for closer bilateral economic relations."

"Of course, that means the mutual abolition of tariffs and other barriers to trade," added the attaché. "We also hope to promote mutual investment in each of our economies, among other things."

'Van Luxemburger companies are very much interested in exporting their produce to foreign nations, and of course importing goods for local resale. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has got a very open-minded policy in regards to Free Trade Agreements, so I don't think we will encounter major problems on their part.' Fanucci said, using hand movements to enforce his words.

'Financial Affairs probably won't be too happy with the abolition of tariffs, but I think we can talk them over to our side by showing them the advantages of the increased profits and productivity of our companies. Conclusion; It should be no real problem to establish free trade. The Ministry of Economic Affairs can promote investments in Ruccola, perhaps even by means of subsidisation.' He added.

'Our ministry can also order the production of a specific 'Ruccola' terminal in the port of Esch-sur-Alzette, allowing quick shipping of Ruccolian products throughout the nation. Even though the Marechaussee will still do frequent customs checks, we can at least decrease the amount of checks, and this, combined with the abolition of tariffs, means that we can import Ruccolian goods some 50% faster than others. That would be an advantage for Ruccola and a reason to invest in Ruccolian-Van Luxemburger trade.' Goudreau spoke out of his responsibility, but thanks to a former position with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he was sure this was possible.

"Wonderful," beamed Lawrence, visibly delighted by the warm Van Luxemburger response. "Our customs and port authorities will be glad to extend similar privileges to merchandise imports from Van Luxemburg to expedite shipping and handling across our country."

"In addition, what is your ministry's position on double taxation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_taxation)?," asked Rughetta, as she gestured towards Fanucci. "The Ruccolian government has always strived to conclude double taxation avoidance agreements with major trading partners as part of its efforts to encourage bilateral free trade."


OOC: Feel free to let me know if you need any clarifications. I hope I'm not going into too much detail!

'A bilateral double taxation agreement would be very welcome, indeed. In order to stimulate foreign expansions of our companies, it is vital to avoid double taxation. Otherwise foreign export would not be interesting for most companies.' Panucci replied, writing down a few lines on a notepad first.

'Since the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tries to promote foreign tourism to come to Van Luxemburg, it can be useful to form a department of tourism of Van Luxemburg in Ruccola, added to our embassy there. Of course, we are very much interested in a Ruccolian Department of Tourism here.' Michelle Furst added.

(OOC: I follow a economics and management & organisation at my secondary school, and I'm looking to study International Business at a Dutch university next year. Don't worry. ;) )

"That sounds lovely," smiled the ambassador. "I'm sure this country will prove a popular destination for Ruccolian tourists. Also, we'd be honoured to establish a branch of our tourism bureau here, and will make preparations to do so as soon as possible." She made eye contact with the other delegates and continued. "In fact, I was just about to ask you all about Van Luxemburg's visa policies. In Ruccola, we maintain a very liberal stance on the issuance of visas with the aim of facilitating international travel, and are quite keen on granting Van Luxemburger citizens visa-free access to our country for stays of up to ninety days."

'We generally have a policy of 90 days of visa-free travel for trusted nations only. Others will need to file a visa request, but from what I know, it's not a real problem to acquire such a visa anyways. Immigration laws are a whole lot more strict, though. We require harsh integration tests in order to become a Van Luxemburger citizen, and require every immigrant, even those that keep their own nationality, to pass a basic test to prove their knowledge about the nation. Next to that, we prohibit groups of immigrants to settle close to eachother. We think that concentrated minorities are a part of integration problems in various nations around the world.' Furst explained, while Panucci nodded, thanks to his own experiences.

"I see," said Rughetta, referring to both the visa and immigration policies. "That does make a lot of sense."

Turning towards Vice Minister Goudreau, the Ruccolian economic attaché interjected, "Let's go to the subject of air travel, seeing that we've covered the subject of visas. Our aviation authorities and airlines have both expressed a desire for a bilateral aviation treaty with your government to allow the operation of passenger and cargo flights between our two countries. Currently, our capital's airport (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=568300) is an exception to the rules concerning air services agreements, with its unilateral implementation of an open skies policy to attract more carriers and routes. However, we wish to negotiate an agreement whereby Ruccolian carriers are granted access to Luxembourg-Findel, Luxembourg-Courtemanche, Venezia, Sint-Annabeek-Emmelkamp, Weiningeralp, Levallois and Villacoublay; and Van Luxemburger carriers are granted reciprocal access to Ruccola's seven international gateways. Before we proceed though, I'd like to enquire as to whether your ministry places any capacity restrictions on international flights, and if any other airlines apart from GFG operate internationally."


OOC: Out of curiosity, what sort of international flights does Luxembourg-Courtemanche handle, assuming that it's not as prominent as Luxembourg-Findel?

Miami Shores Van Luxemburg Embassy: Boulevard Senneville 113 .

Ambassador Alberto Alvarez JR and his staff have arrived at thier new awesome embassy in Van Luxemburg. We are ready for diplomatic and economic business with Van Luxemburg government officials, private businessman and businesswomen. You may alll post a telefax to our embassy on this site.

Link to Miami Shores Van Luxemburg Embassy Location Picture.

[url]http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/VanLuxemburg/Embassies/57.jpg[/url

Ambassador Alberto Alvarez JR: Dialing numer 11 188 32100.
Answering Machine: Hello, I am Michelle Furst, Van Luxembourg Diplomatic Services Office
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Hello Michelle Furst, Miami Shorerian Ambassador Alberto Alvarez JR to Van Luxembourg an awesome nation.

Miami Shorerian Foreign Affairs Minister Elian Gonzalez is requesting an exchange of Ambassadors between Miami Shores and Van Luxembourg, VLT Automotive Dealerships in Miami Shores, other matters of state. Please fax us a post to Miami Shorerian Embassy on this your site. We will respond in kind. Fax Number 123 Boulevard Senneville 113, Thank You.