NationStates Jolt Archive

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Presscentre 'Nieuwspoort'
The Hague, Knootoss
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The international press flocks to the press centre of Nieuwspoort where the foreign policy team is about to make a special announcement that will be broadcasted live on KNN. At the press conference are Prime Minister Lousewies van der Laan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hans van Mierlo. Galadriël is currently away on a state-visit in Iansisle. The Prime Minister, dressed in a mournful black, addresses the press and the nation.

The announcement
“Ladies and gentlemen of the press, people of Knootoss,

Today I am here to announce that the Dutch Democratic Republic will be leaving the South Atlantic Treaty Organisation, or SATO.”

The crowd gasps and is surprised.

“SATO and Knootoss share a long combined history. While not amongst the initial founders, our nation has been a part of it since we came to the international stage in early June. It was one of the initial acts of the first Vogels administration. Arguably, we were to most active SATO member when measuring the amount of statements made by our ambassador during the proceedings.”

Reasons for leaving
“Nevertheless, both the alliance and our nation have changed and we must change our positions accordingly. Most of all, I note the loss of Endless Islands to the alliance with their coup. Both our nations always managed to take remarkably similar stances in all matters of policy caused by – amongst others – some shared cultural heritage. Another nations with whom we had culture – and even ethnicity in common – was the Vortex Corporation but they, too, had to become inactive due to domestic circumstances. The same goes for Diablo_NL and the SLAGlands, with which we had fruitful cooperation. As many of you have no doubt heard, New York and New Jersey too have left the alliance just today, causing the loss of another strong voice of reason. These nations were amongst those making it worthwhile to be a part of this great adventure, this quest for freedom. While relations with some others have remained good too, these are losses we feel the organisation cannot cope with.”

Lousewies sips from a glass of water.

“But our first an foremost reason for leaving the alliance is the Syskeyia situation – or rather more precisely the Syskeyia situations. First off, there was the economic boycott over our domestic policies that was initiated with the passive support of the Syskeyian government. Negotiations are still in progress, but the overall lack of support from the alliance in the matter was worrying. If nations are allied there should at least be a minimum of mutual trust, in our opinion.
The situation that has shaken world opinion more however is the ‘embassy situation’. We supported the call made by another nation for the expulsion of the Republic from the alliance because of war crimes and violations of the charter. Our accusations were also that they have been actively pursuing an agenda pushing for war with the Reich. These objections were all cast aside by the alliance.
Now it appears that military conflict with the Reich may be inevitable, and despite our past objections we feel that an alliance is obligated to help it’s members in times of need. At this time, we cannot honourably do so. We have offered military assistance to Syskeyia by offering to deploy troops to their nation. This offer may still be retained, but only if negotiated on a bilateral basis. We hope to combine this with negotiations on their economic policies.”

The Prime Minister takes a deep breath, and relaxes her muscles as the hand of van Mierlo rests on her shoulders.

The future of Knootoss and SATO
“We hope to retain good bilateral relations with the nations of SATO, many of which we are also allied by through other organisations such as the Black Diamond Initiative. We implore these nations not to see this move as a move against their nations individually, but as a move that was merely done for aforementioned reasons. We would especially like to retain alliances with good allies like Ruhr, Lavenrunz, the Territory and Menelmacar.
In giving up Lubbers’ position as Director of Compassionate Relief, we will withdraw our contributions to the SATO directorate of compassionate relief. Ruud Lubbers will be appointed as the new head of the Knootian directorate for development aid, and as such he will have the position of state-secretary.

We feel, however, this is a good time to end the saga while it lasts, and would see a dissolving of SATO as the next logical step. This is however totally up to the remaining members. The Knootian government lauds the new Menelmacari initiative that will soon be unveiled, and we would like to confirm our everlasting loyalty to the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar. When talks in Vinyatirion are complete we hope to join this alliance and we intend to fulfil its obligations with loyalty and spirit.

I’d like to warn our potential enemies that we are still able to defend ourselves against potential foes. Not only by the might of the Knootian military, but also through the many allies and alliances we still entertain. Vultures will get no opportunity to pick on the Dutch Democratic Republic.

Lastly, we humbly plead for a normalisation of relations with other alliances hostile to SATO, notably the CACE, but also nations like Tanah Burung. In particular, we would like to re-establish embassies with the CACE and resume trading with Tanah Burung.

Long live the DDR!”

At the prime minister sits down, some of the liveconnections dissapear. A press officer steps forward: “You may now ask any questions please?”

OOC: Journalists of ALL nations are welcome to attend the pressconference and ask questions. It's much appreciated, even. No assassinations please. :)

The Mintarian journalist stood up: "Do you have any plans of returning to SATO?"

"Prime Minister, Sarah Richlands from CCBC... does this mean a change of stance in relation to the Reich, in particular in regards to the Embassy situation and the stance Chimaea has taken?"

OOC: Journalists of ALL nations are welcome to attend the pressconference and ask questions. It's much appreciated, even.

OOC: Are you sure?

No assassinations please. :)

OOC: Pity :wink:

IC: The one reporter from Nod News Network squeezed itself forward in the crowd. "Does this open the door for more intimate relations with the GDODAD/Arda/Reich block?"

#tag#

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

The Mintarian journalist stood up: "Do you have any plans of returning to SATO?"

Lousewies eyes the Mintarian and raises an eyebrow: "I just announced we left! ... So no we do not have any intention of returning. We stand by the reccomendation that SATO should dissolve. Fostering relations with SATO nations however, is another matter...

"Prime Minister, Sarah Richlands from CCBC... does this mean a change of stance in relation to the Reich, in particular in regards to the Embassy situation and the stance Chimaea has taken?"

The Prime Minister nods: "Well, it does mean that, as I said, we will not lend aid to Syskeyia anymore for offensive military action. It also means that we will still offer defensive aid under certain... conditions", she says, thereby obviously referring to the economic ban the Christian Republic implemented against the DDR.

"We do however support the Chimaean governments position that the embassy personnel should be returned. However it does not appear as if the Reich is willing to listen to this."


OOC: Are you sure?
OOC: Yes.

IC: The one reporter from Nod News Network squeezed itself forward in the crowd. "Does this open the door for more intimate relations with the GDODAD/Arda/Reich block?"

The Prime Minister looks at the NNN reporter and doubts, leaving room for van Mierlo to answer the questions: "Well, this is a very delicate matter. What we want is a normalisation of relations, as Ravenspire recently attempted. A non-aggression pact, perhaps, should be considered, but the initiative for such diplomatic action should be with the block. It all depends on how the block develops over time. However I can guarantee that we will never, under any circumstance join the block.

"How will this affect the tense relations between DDR and the Aperin, if at all?"


ooc: #TAG

"Nhamh Nueden, Xikuang International News Network. Does the DDRK intend to remain with the WBO, and if so, how does your government anticipate this choice to leave SATO will affect yyour standing in that organisation, given that the two organisations share a number of members?"

OOC: Note, you can tell a Thelasi journalist and a Thelasi Loyalist journalist apart by the fact that Loyalists wear the Thelasi eagle inside the twenty star ring, Thelasi wear the same, exept it is a Menelmacari eagle that is inside the ring.

IC: A Loyalist journalist stepped forward, "Will this have any effect upon the accord of Leiden? Will this open the way for Knootian asssistance in the war that is about to rage in Thelas? What could the reprocutions be upon CACE/Knootoss relations?"

OOC: Knoot, you really like to cause diplomatic stirs, don't you. :wink:

The very one who convinced me of joining SATO is leaving...

Guess Iesus Christi just opened a bottle of 500 $ champagne, and just because of that I’m going to waste someone because you said not to, haha. :evil:

Before the speech was made, a Ruhrian Defence Intelligence agent inserted into the DDR's secret service equivalent unnoticeably slipped a cellular phone in the President's pocket as he escorted him to the address.

After the last question was answered, a loud ring was heard playing a cell phone style Ruhrian Anthem (http://www.cyberpursuits.com/heckifiknow/saab/saabthme.wav). After the President realised the loud ring came from his pocket, he cautiously picked up the phone and answered it.

In a low but powerful, southern accent, Chancellor Dmitri Carver spoke, “you just left my country alone with Syskeyia. I’ve got a message for you: you had best stay in the BDI, boy, or you are going to get hurt.”

HEY, why wasn't I meantioned in your text, I demand recognition.

HEY, why wasn't I meantioned in your text, I demand recognition.

Note: And not in the part of reasons for leaving...

*tag*

"How will this affect the tense relations between DDR and the Aperin, if at all?"
Van Mierlo takes this question: “Well, I hope Aperin and the CACE will see this as an opportunity to make amends, have a new start. We would very much like to normalise relations a bit. I understand that there are some feelings of distrust, but at the very least we could stop treating each other like enemies by blackmailing and gossiping towards third parties.

"Nhamh Nueden, Xikuang International News Network. Does the DDRK intend to remain with the WBO, and if so, how does your government anticipate this choice to leave SATO will affect yyour standing in that organisation, given that the two organisations share a number of members?"

“DDR, Mr(s?). Nueden, not DDRK.”, corrects van der Laan as if she were a schoolteacher. “That name somehow sticks with CACE nations but it isn’t how we call ourselves. But in answer to your question, frankly, the WBO is dead. There has been no meeting in…”, she eyes van Mierlo who looks dumfounded, “… in a long time. I doubt they will even notice that we are gone from SATO. We stay because the free-trade economic ties are convenient, not because it has any political significance. If you ask me the WBO will soon merge or be integrated into some other alliance, at least those were the reform plans we proposed to them. I hope that answers your question.”

and a Xikuangese is in Knootoss again... well, its a start..., she thinks.


IC: A Loyalist journalist stepped forward, "Will this have any effect upon the accord of Leiden? Will this open the way for Knootian assistance in the war that is about to rage in Thelas? What could the repercussions be upon CACE/Knootoss relations?"

Van Mierlo thinks for a moment, and then answers the questions:
“Well, our government has recognised Thelas as a Menelmacari province. As such, the accord of Leiden is kind of mood… unless the Menelmacari government considers to have inherited that agreement. We don’t know actually, because we already were allied to them. It is worth looking into though.

As for the war, we still have the best interests of both Thelas and Menelmacar at heart but we do not see how we could help thee. Nor have we received an official request for help so I cannot disclose anything on this at the moment.”

The very one who convinced me of joining SATO is leaving...

Guess Iesus Christi just opened a bottle of 500 $ champagne, and just because of that I’m going to waste someone because you said not to, haha. :evil:
OOC: No, not really. See my post. And I’d like to pursue good relations with Jakkeslavia if you want to.

Before the speech was made, a Ruhrian Defence Intelligence agent inserted into the DDR's secret service equivalent unnoticeably slipped a cellular phone in the President's pocket as he escorted him to the address.

After the last question was answered, a loud ring was heard playing a cell phone style Ruhrian Anthem (http://www.cyberpursuits.com/heckifiknow/saab/saabthme.wav). After the President realised the loud ring came from his pocket, he cautiously picked up the phone and answered it.

In a low but powerful, southern accent, Chancellor Dmitri Carver spoke, “you just left my country alone with Syskeyia. I’ve got a message for you: you had best stay in the BDI, boy, or you are going to get hurt.”

Van der Laan listened carefully and blinked: “President? Boy? Are you sure you have the right connection Dmitri? Or did you want to speak to president de los Santos of NYNJ…”

She is silent for a moment as both Dmitri and Lousewies are highly confused. Then she continues carefully:

“… uhm… but we will not leave the BDI. Don’t worry..”

HEY, why wasn't I meantioned in your text, I demand recognition.

Note: And not in the part of reasons for leaving...
We liked working with you too. :)

She turns to the assembled press: "any more questions?", wondering why there have not been more responses from SATO nations...

"What are the immediate plans for the DDR in general then? Do you see yourselves establishing a counter organization to SATO?"

A beautiful female Hell Bovine rises her hoof.

"Maruja Thunderhorns, from The Bovine Herald. Now that it has left SATO, does the DDRK plan to open up to other alliances and treaties that the SATO membership wouldn't 'allow', such as the Third World Conferences, or even treaties like the IFTA or others?"

"What are the immediate plans for the DDR in general then? Do you see yourselves establishing a counter organization to SATO?"

Lousewies kindly answers the Vrakian, and is mildly surprised how the Vrakian read her mind:
“Well, that is an option that has been weighed, but for now we prefer to invest some effort in the remaining alliances and our efforts to bring them together. Before we make an initiative of our own we’d like to wait for the initiative of our Menelmacari all… uhm… friends. If that initiative fails we will consider to build an Atlantic free trade initiative ourselves. However effectiveness should come before our ego’s .”

She nods and looks at the … hoof … that is raised. Oh, hell bovines, she recalls, that has been a while.

A beautiful female Hell Bovine rises her hoof.

"Maruja Thunderhorns, from The Bovine Herald. Now that it has left SATO, does the DDRK plan to open up to other alliances and treaties that the SATO membership wouldn't 'allow', such as the Third World Conferences, or even treaties like the IFTA or others?"

Lousewies sighs, “DDR, Madam Thunderhorns, not DDRK.” The Prime Minister is visibly annoyed that this clerical error in the SeOCC intelligence files is consistently used – for the second time in this press-conference. She shrugs the feeling off and answers politely. “First off – there are no banned alliances because of the SATO. They never inhibited us from joining anything. Actually, Knootoss is already part of the DNAC though we have not heard of new initiatives from them lately.

However we are against the IFTA because of –other- reasons then SATO membership. Most notably some of its clauses like those banning trade with nations outside the charter. Frankly, this would completely ruin our economy and turn us into a third-world nation in under three months. We promote free and fair trade, but IFTA is too rigid to be an attractive alternative. If the fair trade agreement were to become more flexible…” her voice trails.

Towards the back of the room, a tiny man in a cheap business suit jumped up and down and waved his pen in an effort to get noticed. His fedora, complete with a "press" sign tucked into the band, was a size or so too large, and kept threatening to slide off his head. When at last the press officer's eyes slid over him, he didn't waste any time getting a question out, even if he hadn't been recognized.

"Lawrence St. Martin, sir, IanCorp Wire Services! Begging your pardon, but our readers need to know how this decision will affect negotiations currently taking place on the Shield!" Knowing that this was probably his only shot at the speakers' time, St. Martin continued to rattle out questions.

"Does the DDR believe that this move will actually lead to a rapprochement with staunch left-wing blocks that have thus far been so adamant in their refusal to compromise? Is this a preclude to increasing Knootian isolation, or the first step of a diplomatic offensive? Are there many hard feelings with the SATO members outside those you mentioned? Can..." Realizing that if he kept bellowing out questions, he'd never get any of them answered, St. Martin stopped abruptly and readied his notepad.

The news had come early in the day, and Damien was in his washroom shaving off 4 days of beard growth. As he ran the razor over his grizzled face, a knock came to the door. Damien shouted Come in and the door slowly creaked open. Standing in the doorway was another one of Dreadfire's servants, and he had an emotionless look upon his face. Damien glanced up at the mirror and saw him.

M'Lord, we have breaking news, Knootoss has left SATO. As the words came form his mouth, Damien's razor stopped instantly. He drew no breath and spoke no word, but stood still as a statue. Blood began to ooze slightly from his face, for he began pressing down hard on the razor without even knowing it. Leave me. Damien said, and within the second the door was closed. He finished shaving with great haste, then burst forth from the washroom. Ready my comms, I have a short statement to make.

*

This is an interesting turn of events I must say. Surely Knootoss still remembers us from the glory days of the UTP? This comes as a surprise to me seeing such a prominent SATO member leave, perhaps your perception has become clear. However, the fact that there still may be ties between you and SATO puts us in a tight situation: on one hand we wish to re-establish trade to try and mend old wounds in the spirit of brotherhood, but on the other hand our GDODAD ties may make that difficult. The offer is on the table until further notice.


http://207.44.246.95/40/9/upload/p3403.jpg (http://home.eznet.net/%7Edeck/fe/Finger%20Eleven_Slow%20Chemical.mp3)
---Damien Dreadfire---
-Supreme Dictator of AMF-
G.D.O.D.A.D
-C.o.E Member-
Ruler of The Ancient Republic of Greek Forces, The Silent Protectorate of Old Frankland, The Holy Kingdom of The Royal Knights, The Mentally Superior Republic of Arrogant Uber Geniuses, The Raving Lunatics of Hackers Demise

BUMP pending time to actually respond...

“Prime minister? Will you continue to harbour diplomatic relations with SATO nations? Do any of your plans for the near future involve military action?”

Towards the back of the room, a tiny man in a cheap business suit jumped up and down and waved his pen in an effort to get noticed. His fedora, complete with a "press" sign tucked into the band, was a size or so too large, and kept threatening to slide off his head. When at last the press officer's eyes slid over him, he didn't waste any time getting a question out, even if he hadn't been recognized.

"Lawrence St. Martin, sir, IanCorp Wire Services! Begging your pardon, but our readers need to know how this decision will affect negotiations currently taking place on the Shield!" Knowing that this was probably his only shot at the speakers' time, St. Martin continued to rattle out questions.

"Does the DDR believe that this move will actually lead to a rapprochement with staunch left-wing blocks that have thus far been so adamant in their refusal to compromise? Is this a preclude to increasing Knootian isolation, or the first step of a diplomatic offensive? Are there many hard feelings with the SATO members outside those you mentioned? Can..." Realizing that if he kept bellowing out questions, he'd never get any of them answered, St. Martin stopped abruptly and readied his notepad.

Van Mierlo flinched, and recounted the questions: “Uhm… lemme think”, he frowned and some of the more annoying domestic press-mosquitoes took the opportunity to take pictures of that. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully: “Well… in answer to your first question… yes and no. My colleague Galadriël will continue negotiations as they are being held right now. It does make these negotiations somewhat more significant in the grand scheme of things.

As I said, I hope that this will be an opportunity to find common ground. However so far there have been no international statements from their governments. There may be negotiations forthcoming, if its up to us, but these will be private negotiations and the press will be informed if and when they are successful. You mentioned their refusal to compromise – well I and the people at my ministry all believe that simply ceasing hostilities and diplomatic innuendo is a win-win situation. However I’m sure have been wrong on gauging their interests before.”

“Active diplomacy”, whispered Lousewies to her countryman as a reminder of the other question. “Uhm, yes”, continued van Mierlo, “Knootoss has always been very active in its diplomacy and this will continue in the post-SATO era. It will indeed require re-evaluating our relations to various alliances and when these evaluations are complete we will surely act on them.”

He tried to ‘forget’ the last question but obviously there were too many journalists here paying attentions:
“… as for hard feelings, which was your last question, I do not believe that we are now persona-non-grata in the remaining SATO nations. In fact, I know for a fact that many of these remaining nations share similar feelings. Of course there are always exceptions. Uhm… next question please?”

“Prime minister? Will you continue to harbour diplomatic relations with SATO nations? Do any of your plans for the near future involve military action?”

Lousewies smiled: “Many SATO nations have been our friends and will hopefully continue to be. Again: we are waiting for a Menelmacari initiative at this moment. If that doesn’t happen we will undertake one ourselves. It is time that the liberal presence in NS gets organised. And as always, we are a pacifist people. We do not seek war.”

A Knootian journalist stepped forward: “What will happen now that the DDR is no longer a part of the SATO satellite network?”

The minister thought this question to be easier: “Well, we used to be highly dependent on this network but over the last years our satellite coverage has increased dramatically, so we already were running a significant part of this net. However we would like to continue sharing with those nations that deem it acceptable. To compensate for any gap there will be several launches of COMSAT’s and NAVSAT’s in the coming period. Also, we will rely on other allies for satellite reconnaissance.

The Prime Minister looked around, wondering if there were yet more questions.


This is an interesting turn of events I must say. Surely Knootoss still remembers us from the glory days of the UTP? This comes as a surprise to me seeing such a prominent SATO member leave, perhaps your perception has become clear. However, the fact that there still may be ties between you and SATO puts us in a tight situation: on one hand we wish to re-establish trade to try and mend old wounds in the spirit of brotherhood, but on the other hand our GDODAD ties may make that difficult. The offer is on the table until further notice.
-snip sig-
OOC: AMF, you have a telegram.

A man in the crisp, yet slightly antiquated, looking suit of the Valinor stands up, and pulls forth a small vid-corder.
"Jorge Montes, United Valinor News Network, Earth Division. Madam Prime Minister, how will this break with SATO affect non-SATO nations? Especially those whose relations with the SATO organization as a whole. Also, will the DDR be looking for more individual alliances and relations now that the relationship with SATO has been dissolved? And finally, how does the DDR stand now on the matter of the post-Shadow War resolution imposed by the Vortex Corporation and Tarasovka?"

OOC: I smell a return to our old request....if you don't mind.

A man in the crisp, yet slightly antiquated, looking suit of the Valinor stands up, and pulls forth a small vid-corder.
"Jorge Montes, United Valinor News Network, Earth Division. Madam Prime Minister, how will this break with SATO affect non-SATO nations? Especially those whose relations with the SATO organization as a whole. Also, will the DDR be looking for more individual alliances and relations now that the relationship with SATO has been dissolved? And finally, how does the DDR stand now on the matter of the post-Shadow War resolution imposed by the Vortex Corporation and Tarasovka?"

OOC: I smell a return to our old request....if you don't mind.

Lousewies smiles:
"Yes, we will be attempting to secure more bilateral alliances. But this has always been our policy. I am afraid I cannot answer your questions properly if you do not mention specific nations.

We still follow the terms of the Dominion(GDODAD)/SATO treaty for as far as it is still effective, because time and history have made it a dead peace of paper, essentially."

"My apologies, Madam Prime Minister," says Montes. "In my experience most nations don't like to deal with specifics. Allow me to rephrase my question. Would the DDR be interested in securing closer ties with the nations of Proxima Centauri, namely the United Star Empire of Valinon, the Grand Duchy of New Ortaga, the Imperial Principality of Taka, the High Dominion of Falasmayon, and the Free Land of Rhiannon and Epona?"

Pat the Llama, Lassic News Service, Madam Prime Minister to what do you attribute SATO's disintegration? It seems like that since the conflict with Iesus Christi arose that SATO members have been jumping ship left and right?

A Syskeyian reporter introduces himself .

"I'm Thomas Jiaxiang from RSBC," he says. "[Rumor has it that] you desire the Syskeyian govenment to take 'active action' against Syskeyian boycotting Knootoss? Just what, exactly, do you want the Syskeyian government to do.

"Also, a large number of DRSO refugees have recently arrived in Knootoss, and there is considerable support for the 'Secular Resistance' in the DDR. Have you had any dealing with them since their exile from Ness Ziona and, if so, do those dealing have anything to do with Syskeyia?"

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

"My apologies, Madam Prime Minister," says Montes. "In my experience most nations don't like to deal with specifics. Allow me to rephrase my question. Would the DDR be interested in securing closer ties with the nations of Proxima Centauri, namely the United Star Empire of Valinon, the Grand Duchy of New Ortaga, the Imperial Principality of Taka, the High Dominion of Falasmayon, and the Free Land of Rhiannon and Epona?"

Louswies grinned: “And in my experience journalists do not like to deal with vagueness,” she articulated her next sentence carefully, “Let me answer you thus: the DDR will be looking for more individual alliances and relations now that the relationship with SATO has been dissolved. Is that a satisfactory answer?”

Pat the Llama, Lassic News Service, Madam Prime Minister to what do you attribute SATO's disintegration? It seems like that since the conflict with Iesus Christi arose that SATO members have been jumping ship left and right?

Lousewies frowned. Wrong question. “I can only comment on the reasons that our government had for leaving, of course, but rest assured that our leaving of SATO has nothing to do with being intimidated by Iesus Christi or the Reich. SATO has never feared the Reich, and has done a great job containing it for many years. Thank you.” She went on to the next reporter before the Llama had a chance to rebuke, hoping he would not come back on the subject.

A Syskeyian reporter introduces himself .

"I'm Thomas Jiaxiang from RSBC," he says. "[Rumor has it that] you desire the Syskeyian govenment to take 'active action' against Syskeyian boycotting Knootoss? Just what, exactly, do you want the Syskeyian government to do.

"Also, a large number of DRSO refugees have recently arrived in Knootoss, and there is considerable support for the 'Secular Resistance' in the DDR. Have you had any dealing with them since their exile from Ness Ziona and, if so, do those dealing have anything to do with Syskeyia?"
>snip the sig<

“I can tell you that negotiations are going on at this very moment. And yes, out governments view is that the Syskeyians, as the allies they were to us, should at the very least denounce a boycott against us if they wish to retain our friendship and avoid retaliatory measures. Our interest is simply that the boycott ends.

As for your other question, yes we have taken in refugees from Ness Ziona. Some of these refugees may have fought for the DSRO, I believe the ministry of foreign affairs is looking into that.”, van Mierlo nodded to the Prime Minister and continued her answer: “I dare dispute that there is support in Knootoss for the secular resistance. Such has never been researched and I think it’s a broad stigmatising assumption. As for our dealings: we are currently looking into disarming those who were armed. They get to choose whether they remain here and become citizens or go elsewhere. We do not want people to jump from the frying pan into the fire.”

The LNS reporter Pat the Llama elbows his way back to the front of the rest of the reporters "Madam Prime Minister, just to follow up, were there internal conflicts and pressures in SATO BEFORE the Iesus Christi crisis, what brought this to a head now?"

The LNS reporter Pat the Llama elbows his way back to the front of the rest of the reporters "Madam Prime Minister, just to follow up, were there internal conflicts and pressures in SATO BEFORE the Iesus Christi crisis, what brought this to a head now?"

"This one is good, for a Llama", thinks Lousewies before she answers. "I can only sayt that we got along fine with most SATO nations, and hope to continue those relations in the future. Of course, I cannot talk about specifics from the proceedings room, those are ultimately classified."

Louswies grinned: “And in my experience journalists do not like to deal with vagueness,” she articulated her next sentence carefully, “Let me answer you thus: the DDR will be looking for more individual alliances and relations now that the relationship with SATO has been dissolved. Is that a satisfactory answer?”
President Takeo Katana watched the news conference with some interest,. Hearing this he turned to Minister of State Michael Davis.

"Mike, isn't one of our ambassadors involved in a meeting involving them?"

Davis nodded, "That'd be Ambassador Williams, Mr. President."

"Get in touch with him after it ends, I want his impressions of the Knootossians. If they are favorable I'd like to pursue diplomatic relations with them."

(aka tag)

(Final BUMP before I'll ask to have this one archived)

[OOC: Well, for the ones who know GDT quite well, this happens a bit after my own coronation. So that you don't get mixed. Well, the only one of those here in this thread is Knootoss anyway. So that he doesn't get mixed. :D ]

TNW Breaking News.

- Still unconfirmed reports about combats going on near Zlatograd between Grand Ducal forces and loyalists of the self proclaimed Queendom of Kerathor. The High Council assures that the rumours are false and that negotiations between the Grand Duke and Archduchess Anastasya are currently taking place in Vigvar...
We will be monitoring the situation closely...

In other news, the Dutch Democratic Republic Knootoss has stated its resignation from the South Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The High Council was unavailable for commentary and...

Wait...

Reports coming in right now: Aphyr declared Information Exclusion Zone by the High Council. Archduchess Anastasya is rumoured to have left the Vigvar Winter Palace. The negotiations are rumoured to have failed, we will bring you more on the situation as we receive more information...

But we repeat, Aphyr is declared Information Exclusion Zone...

(ooc: as this appears to be still active, hopefully i can chime in)

A tense young man who has been just outside, talking on his satellite phone and smoking, enters the room. "Zach Princen, Peace News. That's the monthly newspaper of the War Resisters League, you probably haven't heard of us. But anyways. Um, I've just phoned home and everyone sounded very pleased about this news. I heard there were some, like, old rifles melted down on the street outside the Knootian embassy." He laughs nervously.

"Ah, yeah. Prime Minister, you seem to be suggesting closer ties to liberal nations now that you've left SATO. Sounds good, but how do you square that with having a warmonger like Galadriel as your junior foreign minister? And why are you letting her handle foreign relations with countries that blame you for trying to invade them? Shouldn't you give the job to someone more, like, peaceful or something? My other question is about Mr Lubbers. I heard a rumour there are some people in the government in Tanah Burung that want to work with him and his development agency in some joint projects, and maybe use some of his, um, energy to get the Developing Nations Aid Commission back in business. Do you think that's something that could happen?"

The Syskeyian journalist gain raises his hand. "What do you think about the Armed Imperial Republic of Ruhr's plan to take over the free and independant Republic of the Philippines and hold it for ransom?"

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

The Syskeyian journalist gain raises his hand. "What do you think about the Armed Imperial Republic of Ruhr's plan to take over the free and independant Republic of the Philippines and hold it for ransom?"

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

"Lawrence St. Martin, sir, IanCorp Wire Services! Begging your pardon, but our readers need to know how this decision will affect negotiations currently taking place on the Shield!" Knowing that this was probably his only shot at the speakers' time, St. Martin continued to rattle out questions.
OOC: Journalists of ALL nations are welcome to attend the pressconference and ask questions. It's much appreciated, even. No assassinations please. :)
OOC: I think that pretty much rules out their chance of getting into the ANH...

The Syskeyian journalist gain raises his hand. "What do you think about the Armed Imperial Republic of Ruhr's plan to take over the free and independant Republic of the Philippines and hold it for ransom?"

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

Wow, you are stupid.

Wow, you are stupid.

Well, you did say on the SATO forums:

Due to the current situation in Ruhr, we are unable to redirect any funding...blah blah blah I can't pay you because I am at war. Credits will come after I hold the Phillipines for ransom.

and:

You aren't too bright, are you? If you had paid attention, you would note that my vengeance is based on a friendship/rivalry with another nation.

Sorry, haven't paid attention to that "friendship/rivalry."

So, for you, the archipelago (sp?) is merely a pawn in a larger game with an NS power. (Not exactly acting in the best interests of the Philippine people, are we?) Who is it? California & Alaska? NYNJ? Menelmacar? Knootoss? Tanah Burung? Could you please enlighten those who do not have the exeedingly awe-inspiring, brilliant, and glorious knowledge posessed by the Bewaffnete imperiale Republik von Ruhr on this matter.

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

A tense young man who has been just outside, talking on his satellite phone and smoking, enters the room. "Zach Princen, Peace News. That's the monthly newspaper of the War Resisters League, you probably haven't heard of us. But anyways. Um, I've just phoned home and everyone sounded very pleased about this news. I heard there were some, like, old rifles melted down on the street outside the Knootian embassy." He laughs nervously.

"Ah, yeah. Prime Minister, you seem to be suggesting closer ties to liberal nations now that you've left SATO. Sounds good, but how do you square that with having a warmonger like Galadriel as your junior foreign minister? And why are you letting her handle foreign relations with countries that blame you for trying to invade them? Shouldn't you give the job to someone more, like, peaceful or something? My other question is about Mr Lubbers. I heard a rumour there are some people in the government in Tanah Burung that want to work with him and his development agency in some joint projects, and maybe use some of his, um, energy to get the Developing Nations Aid Commission back in business. Do you think that's something that could happen?"

Lousewies smiled: “Well its nice to hear that the people in Tanah Burung are in high spirits. As I said, I hope it will improve relations further, and I’d like to restate my offer of resuming trade... as for Lady nos Cirdan, well, even though there is this CACE perception of warmongering she never really did that, and I wouldn’t have my ministers resigning based on impressions of foreign powers. I especially dismiss the thought of replacing someone because some of those powers are biased against elves, and I am especially referring to the SeOCC sentiment here.” She shrugged. “Besides, there are little foreign relations with the CACE to handle at this moment even if we would want it otherwise, so the portfolio isn’t that demanding.

Regarding your question about mr. Lubbers, yes I think that could happen…he can be approached at all time by your government, is my guess. I personally think it would be great to have a joint Knootian-Tanah Burung aid initiative.”

The Syskeyian journalist gain raises his hand. "What do you think about the Armed Imperial Republic of Ruhr's plan to take over the free and independant Republic of the Philippines and hold it for ransom?"

The Prime Minister raised an eyebrow: “Well, that’s not exactly the topic of this press-conference, but perhaps Mr. Van Mierlo Can answer your question?”

The old minister replied:
“Well, perhaps you have read about this in the newspaper The Onion (www.theonion.com)?” he said with a tiny smile and an expression of boyish charm on his face.
As if completely serious he continued: “Actually this plan involves taking over the entire pacific and eventually the Southeast Asia region. Bit by bit, of course. Please get your facts right. Actually, I believe that a bit of unified government in the pacific could do wonders for trade there. Of course, with your nation being a regional power there you know the ins and outs of the asia/pacific region much better then I do.”

He pondered: Seriously… these journalists need to stop reading comic books featuring big rats and separate reality from fiction...

OOC:

@Milostein: lol… indeed.
@Ruhr and Sys: please cut it out and keep this civil. Though I am looking forward to Sys’ response in at least 2 threads at this moment.