NationStates Jolt Archive

This is the National News Network (NNN)

Supreme Chancellor George Townsend is currently en route to St. George's Memorial Cathedral in the capital city of George's Crest, Stamford point, for a special summit to discuss allegations of genocide occurring in the Commonwealth of Confedracia. The Chancellor hopes to clear up the fiasco, and urges his citizens, and all people of the world, not to draw conclusions on unfounded claims. Townsend cites media hype as one of the chief reasons the crisis erupted.

(Flash to a press conference involving the Chancellor)

"Reporter: Supreme Chancellor, what do you know of the genocide occurring within the borders of Confedracia? What is your stance, and what do you plan to do about it?

Townsend: There are no confirmed reports of any genocide, nor is there any evidence of ethnic cleansing of any kind. All reports regarding this matter are blatantly unfounded."

The room erupted into a violent frenzy of camera flashes and shouts from the 50 or so reporters.

"Reporter: Chancellor, what of the deportation of several thousand Arab citizens from Confedracia? Is that not enough to draw the conclusion that a genocide is taking place? If not, isn't it blatantly obvious that one will start soon?

Townsend: It is most unwise to draw conclusions based on speculation and assumption. It would be wise if we could try our best to see the whole situation."

That was the scene earlier today, when the Chancellor delivered a small conference to reporters of the world media.

In other news, a reporter claims to have information regarding Supreme Chancellor Townsend and a declaration of war against Confedracia. Foreign Affairs minister Ben Smith was quoted as saying "...We may be on the warpath." The Minister released a statement today denying having said anything to any reporter, and assures all citizens that war is far from everyone's thoughts.

This just in, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ben Smith, has resigned from his post in the Upper House, and at the Ministry. He will be replaced by Governor Mark Knight of Kingshire.

Adrian Corrales, the Confedracian Minister of Foreign Affairs rode in the back of a limousine bearing dual Confedracian flags on its hood as it wound its way though the streets of George’s Crest towards the Cathedral, and the summit. He had landed less than an hour ago, and immediately had been whisked away, along with his bodyguards and entourage.

He closed the folder containing dozens of intelligence reports and diplomatic briefings and allowed himself a casual glance out the window. The Cathedral was looming into view as the car and its escort slowed. He scratched his mustache and sighed. The eyes of the world would be on him, as they were on Confedracia. His Excellency, President Sotelo was counting on him, and every Confedracian knew the price of failure.

The doors were opened and Corrales stepped out, allowing himself to be led away by the representatives of his host.

Three men in black suits met Adrian as he exited his limousine. One of the men extended his hand toward him, as the other two helped to control the crowd gathering around the street. The first man shook Corrales' hand.

"Welcome to Stamford Point, Minister. Please allow me to escort you into the cathedral. If you have any questions for me, I will gladly answer them."

Inside, the Supreme Chancellor was preparing for the conference. He knew his responsibilities. It made him flinch as he thought of all the weight that fell on his shoulders, as the host nation of a political catastrophe. Chancellor Townsend overlooked the files collected on the psychology of the Confedracian president. He tried to find the right chords to strike, points to make, words to speak. Finally, he tightened his tie and fixed his collar, making himself ready to face the representatives.

The Confedracian official was soon followed by the Telrosian representative, the Head of the Diplomatic Core, Anne Linston. She gazed about the relative area of the Cathedral as she exited her vehicle. A simple limo with the Telrosian flags had been her mode of transport and now she moved up the steps with her two guards, who kept the people a safe distance away until she reached the SP officials. She nodded and gave an official greeting before being moved to the actual meeting place. In her arms she held several folders that held intelligence reports, excerpts of quotes and news clips, diplomatic communiques and reports, a solid case to present against the Confedracian representative.

She knew a lot was on her shoulders. The leader of Stamford Point had a lot on his plate, having to host and control this meeting, but it was her nation whom had so vehemently opposed what had been happening. It was Telros which had risen to be the main force opposing what was happening. She had met with the Emperor before her departure and he had informed her that she had to try her uttermost to maintain diplomatic measures and seek a peaceful resolution, without sacrificing their stances they had made. If this summit failed, war was a good possibility. Imperial Intelligence had noticed an increase in activity; it was slight, and could be nothing more than more build-up in the campaign to wipe out the Arabs, but it was possible they knew of the Telrosian quiet buildup. And they were preparing themselves.

So it was with a heavy but determined step she walked into the room with the Supreme Chancellor. She gave him a slight bow and took her seat, putting her folders down and sifting through papers, readying her words and getting her mind set for the duel of wits, personality and ideologies that was about to take place.

Supreme Chancellor George Townsend shook the hands of both representatives and formally welcomed them into Stamford Point.

"I am honored to have the both of you in my country. If there are any further accommodations you require, do not hesitate to ask. I shall do everything in my power to ensure your stay here is made as comfortable as possible. There are now, however, very important matters to discuss. I've closed the inside of the cathedral off to the media as of now. I think it would be easier for us to open the floor if we had some time to think. With me are my new Minister of foreign Affairs, Mark Knight, and George Baker, A member of the Upper House of Stamford Point's congress. Now, gentlemen, shall we begin?"

The Chancellor led the two representatives to the main mass hall of the cathedral, where a table had been set up to accommodate the representatives. Marines in full battle dress stood at attention between each row of benches leading to the table. They saluted the men as they made their way down the aisle. The stained glass windows glistening above the table made the setting even more surreal. Three marines placed glasses of water around the table for each representative.

The Supreme Chancellor took his seat at the table, overlooking the other representatives. He had his hands folded, and he sat with his eyes closed, in deep thought. He couldn't bother with the questions and statements he wrote down, he knew. This negotiation would have to be done without scripts, and with triple the passion of his acceptance speech after the revolution was won. Reaching a resolution here, he knew, would make the world stand up and take notice that this small Ex-Colony cared enough about the international community to take time out of its busy schedule to attempt to do some good.

Corrales shook the hands of Townshen, Baker, and Knight before turning and offering a cordial hand to Linston. The Confedracian was interested by the pageantry, especially at a conference concerning such an ugly matter as the one being addressed. The choice of venue was also interesting. He found himself reminded of the Cathedral in Nueva Colon as he took his place at the table and waited for the proceedings to begin. His aids seated behind him took the intelligence and diplomatic briefings as he passed them back.

Just then, his cell phone began to vibrate. Nodding apologetically he answered, realizing that it was the President's personal aid on the other line. His expression became grave as he heard the news. Confedracian forces had apparently just been forced to fire on Casscaedian vessels. That would complicate things. It was going to be a long day in Stamford Point, and a long night in Confedracia.

Linston shook the hands of the officials whom had greeted her and the Supreme Chancellor, and without skipping a beat, took the offered hand by Corrales. She may not like the country but the man could be a decent person and simply doing his job. After all, that's what she was doing. Not to mention they both would be treading dangerous ground. As they got seated at the table and began making final preparations, one of her guards walked into the room and handed her a note. She nodded and sent him on his way, before opening it. Anyone watching her would see her eyes widen and her hand begin to shake a little. She couldn't believe those fools...they so rashly went to war, without even building up and preparing their forces! Not to mention all diplomatic options had not yet been used up; this was only going to make her job a lot harder.

"Gentlemen, and Lady," the Chancellor began, "I trust we are all on the same page. I ask the both of you, despite the gravity of the situation, to disregard the Casscaedian attack on Confedracia. This surprise move by Casscaedia has us all worried, but we have a job to do here. I would like to open the floor by reminding the floor of human rights."

The chancellor looked around the table quickly and returned to his speech.

"The issue of rights has been debated in the past. It is nothing new, however unfortunate, that a nation has been accused of violating the basic rights of its citizens. Instead of immediately pointing the finger and placing blame, measures must be taken to ascertain a truthful and as unbiased as possible view of the situation, as a whole. That is what we are here to do. Each one of us represent our nations as a whole. Your opinions become your people's opinions. Your words may as well come from the mouths of your leaders. I would now like to open the floor to the two of you, starting with the Confedracian representative, Adrian Corrales."