Lucid Accords

[Doc]

Here is the IC spot for discussion over Kalistani and Baltusian issues known as the Lucid Accords. These discussions are intended to be between Kalistan and Baltusia, though others may send observers if they remain ruly and orderly to not derail the conference in any way.

[Elena1012]

Aiden Merridan, First Minister of the Kingdom of Baltusia

Greetings, Mr. Hewlett. I want to start off with a few things.

One, I'd like to thank you for arriving. Truly, it is an honor to meet with a representative of Her Majesty. I understand that the road here isn't easy. Her Majesty has valid concerns. Now, I want to continue with this. Baltusia has no interest, nor intentions in deteriorating relations with Kalistan. Whether it be military escalation, economic or political escalation, we don't want that. And that, is why we're here today, on this fine afternoon. We're here to talk peace, stop economic bleeding and maintain good relations.

I understand that Her Majesty has concerns with Kundrati Nationals. I absolutely hear them. So let's talk about it. Let's discuss security, what Kalistan wants, and what we want. I won't pretend like Kalistan is acting irrationally. It's entirely a valid response. Kalistan has reasonable fears, we have interests. But I believe we can meet somewhere in the middle. 

Before that, I'd like to hear your thoughts, Mr. Hewlett. I've read the press from Kalistan, but I'd like to know what the government of Kalistan is thinking. I'd like to hear from you. Please, do share your thoughts.

[Doc]

Mr Jeffrey Hewlett, Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister

*taking a sip from his coffee*

Minister Merridan, it is a pleasure to make your Acquaintance. Your reputation for diligence and hard work precedes you, sir. To carry out the niceties, let me bring fraternal greetings to the Government of His Majesty, King George Alvaraz from Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto.

I'll begin by saying that the proposed halt in deepening sanctions and such that were announced in the paper are going forth. We have had no incidents at the border, that that pleases Her Imperial Majesty very much. We thank your nation for their diligence in preventing transit overland into Kalistan.

We have long appreciated the cautious reform in Baltusia since the days of the Syndicate. Due to its location at the center of Northern Seleya, as well the historical significance that this land has for Kalistan and Her Imperial Majesty's family in particular, I can say we are very appreciative of the progress and development of Baltusia toward this region and Kalistan would like to resume a partnership in that effort.

The problem Her Imperial Majesty has, of course is that Kundrati represents an immense ideological and security threat for Her Imperial Majesty. She does not feel that troops along the border are appropriate to prevent that nation's entry into Kalistan, given their long and very public hostility toward Kalistan. The Empress is not entirely sure why they approached Baltusia or why Baltusia accepted, knowing Kalistan's history with that nation. Surely both they and Baltusia understood that Kundrati presence in Baltusia would not pass unnoticed, and when it was noticed, it would create an immense security dilemma for Kalistan.

Kalistan would like to step back from the precipice. We are doing damage to our economy with the Empress' response, and surely Baltusia also feels a pinch which undermines whatever trade benefit they could possibly be getting. But we also respect Baltusia's sovereignty, as well as their desire to expand trade to fuel their own economy. Stipulating that, we can take the matter of sovereignty off the table. Kalistan agrees that Baltusia is and should be a fully independent nation and controls its own trade.

What Kalistan would ask for is some consideration for our own sovereignty in this matter. A quid pro quo you may say. To wit, Her Imperial Majesty has proposed a three point plan for ending this spat between our nations, restoring normal relations and respecting Baltusian sovereignty in the process.

As The Empress is most concerned about Kundrati Nationals finding their way into Suldanor via the southern border, perhaps we propose that Baltusia take efforts to keep Kundrati nationals out of your state of Santiago, with whom we share a border. For a sovereign nation who is for some inexplicable reason importing Kundrati workers, this should be easy to do: Simply restrict their work activities to places that are well away from Kalistan. This does not put restrictions on Baltusian nationals in any way. But the Kundratis, they are, shall we say, fairly easy to distinguish from Baltusians, and preventing their entry into Santiago will make it far easier to identify the ones who slip through.

In addition: The Empress would request that all Kundrati goods and so forth come in or go out of the country via either Lodamun or Valruzia, which should be much easier and less expensive than attempting to sail Kundrati flagged vessels through the North Anantonese Ocean.

I believe Her Majesty believes that these two provisions should be fairly easy for Baltusia to accomplish, honors your commitments to your trading partners, only apply to Kundrati goods and people themselves, take into account Baltusia's sovereignty, and satisfy The Empress' concerns.

Thank you for allowing me to speak at some length. I will await a counter proposal, and would like to hear what His Majesty's government requests in concession from Kalistan. We are willing to consider anything up to, but not including, surrendering the title of the Duchy of Athosia or destroying it. That Her Imperial Majesty cannot or will not do. All else can be considered. I yield.

[Elena1012]

Aiden Merridan, First Minister of the Kingdom of Baltusia 

I will admit that I'd rather surprised by the terms. Not in a bad way, of course not. I'm pleasantly surprised. 
Regarding the proposals by Her Majesty's Government, I can confidently assure you that those terms are acceptable. Restricting Kundrati nationals from entering Santiago is not unreasonable. I'm confident we can successfully implement policies to ensure that request is met, honoured and preserved. As for the second request, I am open to accepting this as well. I see no issue with it.

As we are here in the spirit of peace and cooperation, we have a wonderful basis, and I think we both can go home happy with this. But I believe I'd like to raise forward a few matters.

I'd like to propose a Joint Liaison Program in Santiago. This will allow both our governments to easily cooperate, share vital information, and ensure the first request is protected. A symbol of lasting peace, if you will.

Furthermore, I'd like to ask Kalistan develop a phased reopening plan for cargo trade between our two nations, once the terms of this Accord are enacted and put into place. Even if we leave happy, our economies shouldn't have to bleed. The Baltusian and Kalistani economy deserves to see the merits of peace, and cooperation.

Again, even if the proposals are shot down, I believe we can both adequately go home happy, and comfortable. Mr. Hewlett, I'd like to thank you nonetheless for sharing the thoughts of yourself, and representing Her Majesty in Kaliburg. We're close to a resolution, let us continue building on that.

[Doc]

Mr. Jeffrey Hewlett, Her Imperial Majesty’s Foreign Minister

Thank you for your consideration of Her Imperial Majesty’s proposal.

Having the authority to negotiate on behalf of the Empress, I can assure you that you may tell your colleagues that as soon as we shake hands on a final agreement, we can open the tap for rail cargo into and out of Santiago under the law ex ante. We were under the impression that we were at free trade with Baltusia. Obviously we will rely upon Baltusia to continue to ensure that goods of Kundrati origin or as a point or transshipment are not on manifests on cargo trains coming into Kalistan. And so we will revert back to that as soon as Baltusian controls are set, and can open the valve with a word from Her Imperial Majesty.

As for the Santiago mission, could you give a few more details as to what your Government is thinking of? The proposal itself seems on the surface to be something Her Imperial Majesty would support enthusiastically but perhaps a few more details would help me be sure of it.

[Elena1012]

Aiden Merridan, First Minister of the Kingdom of Baltusia 

Wonderful, wonderful. We are certain making great strides. I don't mind elaborating upon my proposal at all. What I envision regarding the liaison program is a jointly operated civilian led program. Staffed by delegates from both our great nations. Whether it be security officials, customs officers, or even observers, it'll help ensure Kundrati nationals, and any future undesirable nationals in Santiago are kept out, and Kalistan is kept aware. 

This will help ensure both our nations are on the same page in real time. Information regarding who crosses the border can be shared, cargo manifests, coordination can occur on vetting individuals, issue quarterly reports to both of our governments to ensure mutual transparency, and even serve as a direct line in the event an incident or emergency occurs on the border.

Because this is in the nature of trust, cooperation and mutual prosperity, we can have this program operate under a rotating co-directorship. That way, both Baltusia and Kalistan have an equal say in the program. Regarding funding and staffing, both our nations can equally handle it to show the world that even if our nations disagree, we remain committed to cooperation, cordial relations, and at the very least, a friendly partnership.

No matter what, I believe we have made great progress in this meeting, Mr. Hewlett. 

[Doc]

Mr. Jeffrey Hewlett, Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister

I think I see: Sort of like a permanent coordination mission in San Luis? It seems certain then that Her Imperial Majesty will definitely agree to the establishment of this liaison.

Her Imperial Majesty has been intending, before this time of trouble, to open a consulate in San Luis to encourage mutual tourism between our two nations. In our view, this could also be housed in such an institution. As I imagine Kalistani members would also be members of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade, consular services in the same center would I think make sense.

I think these four points, two from the Kalistani Empress and two from His Majesty the King, are fully agreeable for all parties. Are there any other terms from the Baltusian Government that you would like to include within these accords?

[Elena1012]

Aiden Merridan, First Minister of the Kingdom of Baltusia

Splendid. That will be all that Baltusia requests. We are without a doubt, happy to know that peace was not only maintained but expanded between our two great nations. We've built a great framework for the future, with the liaison program, consulates, personal restrictions and rerouted trade routes, we've certainly made great progress.

I have no further additions to add to the Lucid Accords. I'm proud, and happy of what we've achieved this fine day, Mr. Hewlett. Once again, I thank you sincerely for allowing the Lucid Accords to go as wonderfully as they have. For a prosperous future for Kalistan and Baltusia.

Of course, if there is anything left to resolve, I'm more than happy to continue working towards resolving disputes.

[Doc]

Mr. Jeffrey Hewlett, Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister

I think this resolves all issues that are currently outstanding. We've kept full notes of these proceedings and will write them up formally in a signing agreement. As we await ratification, the Government of Baltusia may consider the terms in full effect. By this evening, we will re-open the cargo tracks over the Lucid into Kalistan and shall inform Sulari to begin routing containers at Port Elga overland once more.

Her Imperial Majesty will be thrilled.

We thank you and your government for your candidness and willingness to consider our proposals, and for your proposals to create a long lasting institution between our two nations. If there is no additional business, we will complete our business and return to Kalistan."

Oh, and before I forgot, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Mary I Ananto would like to present this fine Ruby as a gift to say thank you for the cordial negotiations to His Majesty, King George Alvarez. This is a certified Flawless Eye-Clean Ruby, with the dimensions of 10mm x 10mm x 6.4mm, weighing 5.6 carats. It is round natural symmetrical cut, individually selected by the Imperial Jeweler, Kenneth Reed in Kalistan, to offer as a gift and is suitable to be mounted in a pendant or on another piece of jewelry. Red, for Athosia, of course. Mr. Reed has estimated its value at approximately ₭132,500 Imperial Rubles and it is one of the finest in Her Imperial Majesty's collection.

We hope you will accept this small token of good will and fraternity from Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto, here at the end of our discussions.