NationStates Jolt Archive

Pacifica House, Securitas

A dark BMW 730Ld turned on to the leafy street and into the driveway of the Pacifican embassy. After passing a brief security checkpoint the car continued through the gates and came to a halt at the steps. The chauffeur - a man dressed in a spotless black suit - stepped out and held the rear door open. Foreign Secretary Melissa Aurelia emerged in boots and a gray suit. She slipped off a pair of shades and smiled.
"Right this way, ma'am."

Dr Aurelia was welcomed in the lobby and put in the direction of Ambassador Bob Gettler.

Dr Miranda Aurelia was escorted by the Ambassador’s Principal Secretary Eliza Carter to the Ambassador’s office, “The Ambassador has woken up from his afternoon nap a short time ago. Just to warn you, he maybe a little drowsy.”

"Oh." She laughed lightly. "I will keep that in mind. Thank you, Eliza." Dr Aurelia turned towards the door and entered.

"Mr Ambasador, thank you for agreeing to see me twice in one week. I apologise if I have interrupted anything."

The Ambassador rose to his feet to greet Dr Aurelia, “Besides interrupting my catnap Madame Minister – you’ve interrupted nothing.” Gettler walked from behind his desk over to two couches adjacent from each other with an oak coffee table situated in the middle. He made a hand gesture to the couches, “Please - make yourself feel at home.”

"Thank you, sir." She placed her handbag down and seated herself on a couch. "I think you probably know why I am here, Ambassador Gettler..." Dr Aurelia began.

Gettler smirked lightly at Dr Aurelia sitting down on one of the couches looking up to her, “Something about a cow named Daisy?”

Dr Aurelia couldn't conceal her delight at Ambassador Gettler's easy-going nature. The old man was a pleasure to deal with. "Close enough," she said with a chuckle. Alas, there was business to address. Very quickly the seriousness in her voice resumed: "Pacifica's unwillingness to discontinue the farming subsidies that were introduced almost a decade ago, and for which we see no sound justification, is indeed of great concern to us. If we are to honour the terms of PNPFTA then we must compete on the basis of our competitive strengths, not subsidies." She smiled, though uneasily. "Once again, I come to ask that your government reconsider its position."

“I understand and respect your government’s concerns on this matter Madame Minister,” Ambassador Gettler continued, “As you know, I worked closely with the Prime Minister before I retired from politics and the public service than I was thrown to you lovely Prosperitan critters…”

Dr. Aurelia rolled her eyes.

“Oh, that’s a story for another time. What were we conversing about?”

“Your government’s subsidies on the cattle industry,” Dr Aurelia pointed it out.

“Oh yes, about Miss Daisy,” Gettler hanged on the cow’s name before proceeding onto the subject material of their conversation, “Oh yes. The government subsidies on Miss Daisy, the cows I mean.”

Gettler nodded happily, “The Prime Minister tried to have the discussion over the subsidies on the Pacifican cattle industry that was damaging our trade relations, with you know, you. The Opposition said Uh ha to the Prime Minister and pointed at the clause of the motion that passed in 2004 that the legislation will be reviewed in 2014. I’m certain if I bring this forward to the External Affairs Secretary, Madame Minister – Pacifica will be interested in rescinding the bill and sitting down with our Prosperitan counterparts.”

"And that's what I was afraid of..." Dr Aurelia said, feeling an inward groan coming on. "You see, Ambassador, the Prime Minisiter and the Cabinet have come to the conclusion that this situation we have... This artifical free trade... Cannot go on. The Pacifican government can't have it both ways. It gives me no pleasure to say this..." She paused, acknowledging for a moment the close personal ties she had with Pacifica. "But the Prime Minister and the Cabinet are considering imposing tariffs on certain Pacifican designed and engineered goods. We must consider measures to 'protect' our own industries seeing as how that is the direction Pacifica appears to be moving in..."

“To speak quite frankly Madame Minister, our current government last October was reelected with a majority government. The National Conservative Coalition who were the major proponent of the cattle industry subsidy is now defunct. The current government administration is sympathetic to Novus Prosperitas in rescinding the act that provides government funding to the Pacifican cattle industry,” Gettler ignored her threat reassuring her that the government is going to reopen debate and pass legislation to rescind the original bill and sit down with Prosperitan government officials.

She raised an eyebrow. Gettler's tune had changed suddenly. "Is that an assurance I have from you, Ambassador? Or is it just your own theory of what will happen."

“If he doesn’t I’ll dust off my navy uniform and go to Georgetown to kick his arse myself if he refuses too,” Gettler teased, “And besides – I think I could pull the Doctor Aurelia card.”

Aurelia blushed, a grin stretching from ear to ear. She was satisfied Gettler would get the message to Georgetown, and, hopefully, effect a change in policy. It would please many farmers and perhaps even improve the SDP's chances of electoral success in March. The Mad Cow scare of 1998 threatened to cripple the Prosperitan dairy industry. Just when there were signs of a recovery, the industry had been hit by yet another major setback in 2001. The Pacifican decision to reintroduce export subsidies for dairy and meat products was proving a barrier for Novus Prosperitan's own farmers who had contributed much to the economy.

"Well, then, Mr Gettler, I see no reason to keep you." She rose to her feet and offered him a hand. "Thank you for your time, Ambassador."

"You're most welcome Madame Minister. The pleasure is mine always, I'll relay this back to Georgetown immediately," Gettler smiled at her.

"Thank you," she repeated. With that, the foreign secretary turned on her heel and left the room. Outside she returned to her waiting limousine and once strapped in reached for her mobile phone. "Simon, Gettler assures me Georgetown is prepared to move on this."

The Prime Minister clasped his hands and leaned back in his leather chair as he listened to Dr Aurelia on speakerphone. "Good work, Melissa," he finally said. "Let's hope they deliver. You do... Trust him, don't you? He does struck me as a bit senile, frankly."

Aurelia laughed lightly. "Oh, Prime Minister, you needn't worry about Gettler. The dementia is an act."

Dwyer smiled. "Yes, you're probably right. I really hope Wittrock sees reason on this... We cannot afford to jettison PNPFTA completely. Now, I must go, Charles is here."

Ben saw the Prosperitan Foreign Minister out to the motorcade’s driveway. He enjoyed spending time with Doctor Melissa Aurelia. He was happy that Aurelia and Wittrock’s relationship back in their university days never worked out or he wouldn’t be able to enjoy his heated discussions with her on relations between their new countries.

He should have cautioned her not to threaten Prime Minister Wittrock during trade negotiations over the cattle and diary industries that her country relied heavily on its exports to the Pacifican Federation. It was vital for Pacifica to improve trade relations with Novus Prosperitas in regards to these respective industries. The National Conservative Coalition’s protectionism on these particular industries were damaging to the Pacifican economy. Pacificans preferred Prosperitan milk and beef due to the previous government’s disregard for placing regulations on scientific modifications to the livestock.

He returned to his office sitting down behind his desk. He picked up the phone, “Please put me through with the External Relations Office, please Sandy.”

“Yes Mr. Ambassador,” Sandy said over the phone and transferred him through to the External Relations Office in Georgetown, Pacifica.

A moment later.

“External Affairs Office. How may I direct your call your Honourable Ambassador?” The operator inquired.

“Secretary Laugier please,” the Ambassador asked.

“Putting you through to her now your Honourable Ambassador.”

“Hello Mr. Ambassador Gettler. How’s Securitas treating you?” Secretary Rebecca Laugier inquired in her moderately thick French accent.

“Madam Secretary. Securitas is treating me relatively well. I had a prompt to meeting with your Prosperitan counterpart at the embassy today.”

“Ah. What was the purpose of the meeting Ambassador?”

“Our trade relationship.”

“Oh. Anything in particular Benjamin?”

“Government subsidies on Pacifican cattle related industries. The Prosperitans are outraged that it’s still in place, which goes against very nature of the PNPFTA.”

“And what did you say?”

“I told Dr Aurelia that the Wittrock government has already tried to override the act.”

“I see. I believe that’s still on the table. Let me speak to him about it. Is that all?”

“No that is all Madam Secretary. Good day to you.”

External Affairs Office, John E. Dryden Building
Georgetown, N.C.R.; Pacifica

Secretary Laugier disconnected the line with Ambassador Gettler. She quickly dialed the Prime Minister’s Office extension.

A woman’s voice came on the line, “Denise Saunders, Prime Minister’s Office.”

“This is Secretary Rebecca Josette Laugier. I wish to speak with the Prime Minister. It’s of an urgent nature.”

“I’ll put you through Madam Laugier.”

Prime Minister’s Office, Executive Office Building Complex
Georgetown, N.C.R.; Pacifica

Denise’s voice came over the phone’s intercom, “Mr. Prime Minister. External Affairs Secretary Laugier is on the line requesting to speak with you.”

“Put her through,” Wittrock replied.

The phone chirped notifying that Secretary Laugier was transferred.

“Hello Secretary Laugier. What is it?” Wittrock inquired looking across his desk to his Chief of Staff Bill Benoit.

“Monsieur Prime Minister, our Resident Ambassador to Novus Prosperitas checked in today,” Laugier continued, “They, the Prosperitans are upset over trade relations regarding our subsidies and tariffs on their cattle related industries.”

“Did our Ambassador inform the Prosperitans that it’s the position of this administration to repeal the Pacifican Cattle Industry Protection Act?” The Prime Minister said rising to his feet.

“Yes Prime Minister, the Ambassador did inform Minister Aurelia of the administration’s position on this.”

“Alright. I want you to see if you can arrange a tele-video conference with Prime Minister Dwyer, Minister Aurelia, and possible their Minister of Trade if their available. I will appreciate it if you'll join me in the meeting to be my pointwoman on trade so we can reassure them on this."

“Yes Mr Prime Minister.”

“Good, speak to you soon Rebecca.”

The line disconnected. Wittrock looked down at the table and up to his Mr. Benoit, “Bill. I need you to speak to Secretary Rosaline Cameron to come up with legislation to repeal these subsidies and tariffs and to coordinate with the Finance Minister to see if we can give Pacifican ranchers a tax break.”

“Yes sir,” Benoit walked out of the Prime Minister’s Office.

External Affairs Office, John E. Dryden Building
Georgetown, N.C.R.; Pacifica

Secretary Laugier got off the phone with the Prime Minister. She called the call board, “Patch me through to the Foreign Minister of Novus Prosperitas, please.”

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government Square, Securitas

The Foreign Secretary had just returned to her office suite and was due to meet with senior ministry and trade officials regarding Prosperitan-Illosian relations when the call from Georgetown was received. Dr Aurelia immediately put the meeting on hold. Her secretary patched the call through to her desk.
"This is Secretary Aurelia," she said promptly.

Agriculture Office, Executive Office Building Complex
Georgetown, N.C.R.; Pacifica

William “Bill” Benoit stepped off the elevator on the second floor. He walked down the marble floor hallway to an oak door with a bronze plaque with engraved bold lettering “Agriculture Office” with a Secret Service Agent standing at the door. The Agent nodded to the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff and opened the door for him.

“Thank you Agent,” Benoit thanked the Agent before walking through the doorway. He looked at the receptionist at the front desk, “I’m here to see the Secretary immediately.”

“She’s in a meeting Mr. Benoit,” the receptionist informed him.

“I would like to speak with her Principal Secretary immediately please,” Benoit noted.

“I’ll try and reach him sir,” the receptionist picked up the phone and dialed a few numbers, “The Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff wishes to speak with you Mr. King.” She nodded her head and put the phone down, “He’s free to see you in his office.”

“Thank you Miss Turley,” Benoit replied and walked down the hallway to the far end. The Agriculture Office consisted of a multitude of separate offices. In the centre of the Agriculture Office seemed to have a cluster of cubicles. He entered the Principal Secretary’s Office, “Hello James.”

“Bill. Why do I own this privilege?” Mr. King opened a desk roar reaching for a cigar, “Cigar?”

Benoit shook his head no, “Another time James. Who is the Secretary in a meeting with?”

“With her provincial counterpart from Scottsdale,” King answered.

“Is it important?” Benoit stood in the doorway.

“No. Why?”

“I need to speak with her urgently James. I’m here for the PM.”

“Why didn’t you say so?”

“With your sweeper of a receptionist!” Benoit exclaimed.

The two veterans shared a laugh.

King rose to his feet and picked up the phone and dialed the Secretary’s extension, “Madam Secretary. It’s James. I apologize for interrupting your meeting but the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff is here to see you.”

“Yes, it’s of an urgent nature.”

King hung up the phone, “She’ll see you now.”

“Thank you King. We’ll have to go catch the football match this weekend together, afterwards go get us a few pints.”

“Sounds good Bill.”

Bill walked out of the Principal Secretary’s Office and walked down the corridor. A young man left the Secretary’s office outraged giving him the smirk of death. Bill just nodded and walked into the Secretary’s Office.

“I apologize for the short notice Madam Secretary,” Bill said as he gracefully approached the standing Secretary after closing the door behind him.

Agriculture Secretary Rosaline Cameron nodded, “No worries. I’m thankful, you saved me from that bore.”

Bill smiled while the two exchanged a handshake. The Secretary sat down on the chesterfield, “Why do I owe the pleasure with hosting the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff?”

“Madam Secretary. We need a quick repeal on the provisions on imposing tariffs on Prosperitan beef and milk products being imported into the country.”

“Sounds fair and acceptable,” Cameron answered, “But we may face serious repercussions here Mr. Benoit in the future.”

“I know. The Prime Minister has expressed his interest for us to meet with Secretary Bustamante at once to give cattle ranchers a tax credit.”

“Sounds like a fair compromise,” Cameron continued, “However the Prosperitans must comply with Pacifican health standards.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s addressed in the Pacifica & Novus Prosperitas Free Trade Agreement of 1993. After all, they did comply and report their first and only case of Bovine spongiform encephalopathy.”

“Alright,” the Secretary answered, “I’ll call Secretary Bustamante to see if we can see her right away.”

The Secretary walked over to her desk and picked up the phone, “Finance Office, Secretary Bustamante.”

“Yes. Hello Liliana. I’m with the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff. Do you have a moment for us to drop by?”

The Secretary smiled, “Thank you.”

She hung up the phone and looked over at Benoit, “Well Mr. Benoit – to the Finance Office we must go.”

“Delightful.”

External Affairs Office, John E. Dryden Building
Georgetown, N.C.R.; Pacifica

“Hello Minister, Doctor Aurelia. It’s External Affairs Secretary Rebecca Laugier. I heard you met with Ambassador Gettler earlier today?” The Secretary asked.

"Ah, Secretary Laugier. So good of you to take the trouble to call me personally. Yes. I did meet with Ambassador Gettler. He and I discussed at some length the trade situation between our two nations."

“I was made aware of it,” Laugier continued, “Ambassador Gettler was honest and truthful in the information he relayed to you earlier today. This administration does want to repeal the subsidy and tariff provisions being pegged against your nation. The Prime Minister wishes to have a tele-video conference this evening with Prime Minister Dwyer, you, the Trade Minister and myself. Do you think you’ll be able so we can discuss this further in great length?”

"Why, I am certain that can be arranged. I will contact the Prime Minister at once. Thank you, Secretary Laugier."

After the call ended, released a sigh a relief and smiled. She was pleased the two governments could finally see eye to eye on the issue. Right away she informed Prime Minister Dwyer.

Parliament House, Securitas

Dwyer stepped out of an elevator in the basement carpark and approached a waiting car with his personal assistant. A police bodyguard held the rear door open for him. He was trying desperately to remember his speech. No sooner had he strapped himself in, a ringtone interrupted his thoughts.
"Prime Minister, Secretary Aurelia." The PA handed him a phone.
"Yes, Melissa?"
"I have just spoken directly with Rebecca Laugier."
"Who?"
"External Affairs, Pacifica."
"Oh, yes, of course. Any change?
"Wittrock wants to hold a video-conference this evening."

Finance Office, Executive Office Building Complex
Georgetown, N.C.R.; Pacifica

Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Bill Benoit and Agriculture Secretary Rosaline Cameron entered the Finance Secretary’s Office. Finance Secretary Liliana Bustamante welcomed her guests, “Welcome to floor four, lady and gentleman.”

Benoit and Cameron thanked Bustamante while they sat down on the chesterfield together. Bustamante sat down in front of them, “Why do I owe the pleasure of this meeting albeit on short notice Secretary Cameron?”

“Lily, the Prime Minister wishes to repeal the Pacifican Cattle Industry Protection Act,” Rosaline addressed.

“Is this true Mr Benoit?” Bustamante looked at the Chief of Staff quizzically.

“Quite Madam Secretary,” Benoit continued, “The Prosperitans have recently come forward requesting we repeal the act in question. It is known that the Prime Minister wishes to repair our trading relations with the Prosperitans since first forming government.”

“Why are you bringing this to my attention? This seems to be an Agriculture and External Affairs type issue.”

“After the bill has repealed Madam Secretary, the Prime Minister wishes to provide Pacifican cattle ranchers a tax cut or a credit of some sort.”

“Sounds very doable.”

“This won’t jeopardize our surplus?”

“Not even close. Reassure the Prime Minister that our government’s surplus will be moderately smaller compared to where it is now.”

“Good,” Benoit rose to his feet, “I’ll inform the Prime Minister that this is ago. Thank you Madam Secretaries for your assistance, the Prime Minister appreciates it. Secretary Cameron. I advise that you have your legislative assistant draft legislation for tomorrow. Secretary Bustamante. I’ll speak with the Government Leader in the Assembly to have a backbencher propose an amendment to the budget to give cattle ranchers a tax break.”

The two women nodded their heads.

Prime Minister’s Office, Executive Office Building Complex
Georgetown, N.C.R.; Pacifica

Prime Minister Anthony Wittrock and Secretary Rebecca Laugier waited for the teleconference connection to be established with their Prosperitan counterparts.

The Chief of Staff entered the room quietly approaching the Prime Minister, "Has the teleconference started yet Prime Minister?"

"No. Not yet," Wittrock sighed. "What's up?"

"Everything has been sported out. There'll be a motion issued by Secretary Cameron tomorrow in the Assembly to repeal the act. Then a backbencher will propose an amendment to the budget to give cattle ranchers a tax break, drop the subsidies and tariffs. The money will be put to infrastructure."

"Good work Bill."

"Thank you Prime Minister. Anything else I can help with?"

"No go home."

The Chief of Staff left.

Parliament House, Securitas

Fresh from a meeting with trade unionists, Dwyer was in a buoyant mood for the video-conference. At the meeting he had reassured the delegates of the government's continued commitment to industrial relations, discussing with them plans to improve workplace democracy and collective organising. The reception had been warm and Dwyer was certain the SDP could once again rely on strong backing from the unions in spite of the controversy of the past few months.

Dwyer was met by Melissa Aurelia. The two exchanged pleasantries and made light conversation before taking their positions at a table in front of a wide plasma screen fitted with video-confrencing equipment. The Prime Minister nodded to his staff. The uplink to Georgetown began.

Prime Minister Anthony Wittrock and External Affairs Secretary Rebecca Laugier smiled at their Prosperitan counterparts after the video teleconference connection was established.

Prime Minister Wittrock looked over to the 40” LCD panel containing Prime Minister Dwyer’s live feed, “Prime Minister Dwyer.” He looked over at Minister Aurelia, “Minister Aurelia. Thank you for joining us this evening on such short notice.”

Secretary Laugier gave her pleasantries.

“Prime Minister Dwyer and Minister Aurelia, we’re doing everything possible on our side to take appropriate action to repeal the Pacifican Cattle Industry Act to remove subsidies and additional tariffs on cattle-related imports from Novus Prosperitas. We’re taken immediate action, as of tomorrow the Agriculture Secretary will propose a motion to repeal the act and the budget will be amended accordingly.”

Dwyer and Aurelia listened intently to what the Pacificans had to say. The Prime Minister rested his chin on his hand and waited for Wittrock to finish before making any comment. Beside him, Aurelia allowed a smile to creep upon her face.

"That is good news, Mr Wittrock," Dwyer finally said. He relaxed his composure. "I don't need to remind you how important this matter is to the future of trade relations between our two countries." The PM turned to the foreign secretary and nodded.

"What is the likelihood of this motion passing?" She enquired.

Wittrock nodded, “I assure you the bill will pass. The government holds a majority in the Assembly, our legislature. There won’t be any dissidence within the party over this issue either. The whole caucus supported it in the last national policy convention held by the party last year.”

"Prime Minister Wittrock, I thank you for your time and consideration." Dwyer smiled. He was convinced that the matter had now been resolved and he saw no reason to keep his Pacifican counterpart from his busy schedule any longer. "Before we conclude our meeting, I would once again like to extend an invitation to you and Secretary Laugier to visit Novus Prosperitas."

“Thank you for the warm invitation Prime Minister Dwyer. I’m certain that Madams Aurelia and Laugier will be in touch to make the arrangements.” Wittrock nodded and smiled.

"Very well. I shan't keep you any longer. Again, I thank you for your time, Prime Minister. Novus Prosperitas appreciates your friendship."

With that the uplink ended and the screen flicked to a blue background. Aurelia and Dwyer rose from the table.

"Well, I think that went rather well," Dwyer remarked. They went into his adjoining study. The Prime Minister pointed to a thick document on his desk. "Looks like we what be needing this anymore." He held up the proposed legislation and chuckled.

Agriculture Secretary Cameron: Government subsidies on cattle-related products no longer necessary

GEORGETOWN – Agriculture Secretary Rosaline Cameron tabled a government request to repeal the Pacifican Cattle Industry Protection Act this morning. Secretary Cameron said the act is no longer necessary, “The Pacifican cattle industry has shown stability and government subsidies on products are no longer necessary.”

PPL MNA Elton Burrows proposed an amendment to the federal budget this afternoon to eliminate government subsidies to the Pacifican cattle industry.

Prime Minister Wittrock motioned the request for repeal to an emergency vote this evening.

Cattle Industry Protection Act repealed: 386-227

GEORGETOWN – The Progressive motion to repeal the Pacifican Cattle Industry Protect Act passed this evening after it was introduced earlier today by Agriculture Secretary Rosaline Cameron 386-227. The budget is set to pass tomorrow afternoon with the Conservatives and the Liberals pledging their support.