Kalistan

[Doc]

Institutional Party joins Voluntary Labor Effort
As war winds down, Military redeployed to Ag Processes
Sulari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 19, 5683


Institutional Party Posters admonishing Kalistanis to join Voluntary Civil Service

As Kalistan moves into Harvest Season from north to South, the Institutional Party has joined the effort to get voluntary Civil Service up and running. "We had a spike in activity this summer," says Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Ericka Donahue, "but numbers and hours have fallen off as kids are returning to school, families are getting back into the year's calendar and going on vacation, and construction season is hitting its full stride. Which is why it is now more important than ever for those with extra time to rededicate themselves to civilian service to kick off our fall."

Of primary concern is the agricultural operations around fuel oil producing crops. "Every year, a certain percentage of the crops are, for one reason or another, lost due to not being harvested in time," said the Chancellor. "This year it is imperative that we get oil producing crops in as completely as possible due to anticipated shortages next year. This will require a large effort on the part of the Growers' Syndicates in Suldanor, Odufaray and Ananto, but it will also require about 100,000 additional agricultural laborers this fall to get all of these in. We had a great year in terms of growing, but without those additional workers, our abundance will turn out to become a liability."

Fuel deliveries to Kizenia were suspended earlier this year, as were food deliveries. "Once the fuel producing crops are in, we are going to then need additional laborers to bring in the food crops. And more importantly, in prepping those harvests for storage and packaging. The Ducal governments in each of our duchies have developed reception points for farmers to bring in their harvest that are above and beyond the normal syndicate silos. These collection points are primarily for food that is aimed for our Food Banks and markets, rather than food and silage fit for animals. And they will be open through the beginning of November when the last crops should be out of the fields."

Canning and distribution of preserved good will require additional work, and the need is expected to abate by mid December. "This drive is just for the next four months, but it will yield great benefits," said the Chancellor. "Each year, nearly 40% of the food that is utilized on some level is wasted in this Empire. Our goal is to ensure that that 40% is not wasted, but eaten. We are pushing efficient consumption for restaurants and businesses, as well as donating what is not being sold in the markets back to the Food Banks so all have access to fresh, wholesome and nutritious food throughout this winter. Next year, we will likely need additional civil service again, but eventually this will work itself out so that Kalistanis adapt to a new normal, and the recession in our foreign trade balances end."

So far more than 35,000 Kalistanis have responded to the Institutional Party's call for volunteer Civil Service. Private employers have, for the most part been cooperative, as is to be expected given the generous tax subsidies they are receiving around Workforce taxes and forgiven business taxation. "Our goal though is thus far not met, as people are very slow to respond," said Lady Donahue. "Most people mean well, but they see a deferred sort of responsibility for the maintenance of our society. The next guy will pick up the slack, I have a busy life, etc. But to be honest, most Kalistanis live free of dire need, and yes, we all have busy lives. The point is, we all have to chip in to do our Part. I am doing my part, Their Imperial Majesties are doing their part, and it is our hope to encourage all across the nation to chip in and do their part too."

The Chancellor herself has committed between 50 and 60 hours per month to voluntary Civil Service since early June, while the Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Jennifer I Ananto has averaged more than 80 hours. Even the minor princelings are getting involved with the effort, working next to their mother in Eveari every week. "As our commitment to the War in Kizenia winds down, we will continue to get a bit more slack in our own economy. But there was not a lot of slack to begin with: this is what one of the consequences of ZPG policies are. Policy has consequences, and we believe that returning to regionalism will eventually prove to be far more profitable than begging other nations to continue to trade with us, and leaving us open to their whims. Self sufficiency is always a bit more austere than openness to unlimited global trade, but it also forces us to operate leaner and more efficiently, and that is really where the upside is. We will get through this, together, as a whole society. What we need right now is for all to contribute their time, their energy, and their resources and do our Part!"

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

AYIC Director says Kalistani Yeudis are watching Amudim
"We hope the Empire will take more interest" says lobbyist
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 9, 5684


Jacob Maxwell, Executive Director of AYIC, comments on civil strife in Amudim

"Naturally, we are concerned with what is happening in the Nisrads in Amudim," said Jacob Maxwell, Executive Director of the Anantonese Yeudi Interest Committee. "We join with millions of Yeudis in the Diaspora around Terra to note that terrorism in that nation is something we all need to pay attention." Maxwell delivered the comments following an emergency session of AYIC's Executive Committee concerning recent violence in Hofesh, Tel Bidzhan and Sholemberg.

"We applaud the Empire's recent overtures toward Tel Bira following their accession to the Non Aligned Movement. We think this is an excellent move to bring the Empire and the City States closer together, and to reignite dialogue between our two nations. But," added the Director, "Two steps forward, one step backward. Clearly the people of the Xsampan administered territories do not seem to agree with peace or calm. And this, of course puts innocent Yeudis at risk."

Maxwell said he has recently held meetings with Their Imperial Majesties' Foreign Minister Mr. Henry Greene, about Amudim. "AYIC cannot over-stress to Their Imperial Majesties' government how important it is for Kalistan to pay attention to what is happening to the former Beiteynese City States. The 3 Million Yeudis in Kalistan and the tens of Million Yeudis in Northern Seleya all pretty much agree on one thing: We would prefer to see Amudim at peace and friendly with the world, and right now, it is in a dismaying state of disorder and fractionalization. It is our hope that Amudim move to the top of Their Imperial Majesties' Agenda, now that Kizenia is returning to peace."

Maxwell took questions following his comments outside of AYIC offices. "We think we impressed Minister Greene with the dire situation that can, and very well could descend upon Amudim if the civil disorder we are seeing in Hofesh and Tel Bidzhan. The AYIC itself is just an interest committee. We have friends within Their Imperial Majesties' Government, but have no direct control over policy. We can only speak for Yeudi interests in the Empire and in the Region, and so our pleas often become advice. But Kaliburg has threaded a needle with regard to their stated preference for regionalism: They still do work internationally, through bilateralism. And this is one area that Kalistan has recently renewed its interest in. It makes no sense for Kalistan to turn its back on Amudim."

When asked how Kalistan, a notoriously conservative government, can support any position other than the status quo in Amudim, Maxwell said "Well, AYIC and the Institutionalists don't always see eye to eye on everything. But we know that Their Imperial Majesties are committed to peace and stability. And the civil disorder there threatens both of those two overarching goals in Amudim. It would be enough for any reasonable person to take an interest and attempt to work with the major players in the region in an attempt to find a resolution. Anyway, we are merely providing information to those people who are in a place to make the decisions. That's AYIC's role: to make sure the correct information gets to the right people in a timely manner, to accurately represent the views of the Diaspora."

Maxwell said he is optimistic that Yeudis will have a seat at any table where policy toward North West Majatra is concerned. "Dr. Greene is a Yeudi himself," said Maxwell. "In this, diaspora needs and interests will be adequately and fairly represented in Their Imperial Majesties' Government. I've had the opportunity to work with Dr. Greene for many many years. He is a friend of ours, for certain. So I feel that AYIC, the organization I happen to represent, has a unique opportunity to help inform our Empire's policies toward that part of the world. The Anantos themselves are focused here at home, and that is just fine. AYIC is paying attention to Majatra, as is appropriate, and we are happy to provide any info we have to the Government so that policy which works best for Yeudis, not necessarily Artanian or Dovani powers, is promulgated in this Empire."

On the final question of the press conference, Maxwell also addressed recent developments in Sholemberg. "That situation is still developing, and we don't have a ton of information about it at AYIC... yet. We are getting preliminary reports from just this last month that the port city of Sholemberg is in the hands of what may or may not be Pontesi backed militias who quickly seized the port facilities and several important administrative facilities and have declared a Free Yeudi State. We are attempting to make contact with contacts in the Neset for more information. We are fairly certain that Their Imperial Majesties will avoid commenting on the military actions there and I don't want to get ahead of the Monarchs on this one. I'll leave it at, we're all trying to get more information, and we're working with the Foreign Ministry to coordinate our response with the National Government's. But this underscores the necessity of the Imperial Government to pay attention to Amudim and take it seriously."

Maxwell said AYIC will begin working with the National Government to open Kalistan to refugees from Amudim who would like to wait the conflict out in Kalistan. "Of course our 3 million Yeudis will open our doors and our communities to refugees who are displaced by any developing conflicts in Amudim. We hope the National Government will take interest in what is going on in Amudim and respond on a National level."

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Kalistani News in Brief: Kizenian CO says Imperial troops are "Holding tight" in Luncasi
Kalistan Declares Neutrality in Amudim Crisis; Chancellor welcomes talks with new Valruzian Administration
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 15, 5684


Lt. General Walter Delgado discusses Kalistani future in Keris from port City of Luncasi

Kizenian CO says Imperial troops are "Holding tight" in Luncasi
The Commanding Officer of the Kalistani Military Mission in Kizenia, Lt. General Walter Delgado says Kalistanis have no orders, as of yet to return to Kalistan. "We're holding tight right here in Southern Kizenia," said the General in remarks to Kalistani Press. "A lot of people want to know when Kalistanis are coming home, but what I can tell you now is that Orders to redeploy our forward forces have not been issued in Kaliburg, and so we are staying put for the time being. It's not particularly onerous for the troops: We are scheduling a regular rotation back Empireside for the men and women under arms to ensure leave is taken, and to ensure a fresh supply of troops on a regular basis. The tour of duty here was not considered a hardship due to the ease our forces have had to return home and the ease with which families can visit their troops here."

The General said he doesn't want to speculate on what the hold up is in the Kalistan's returning home. "The policy of Their Imperial Majesties' Defense Ministry, as of our last briefing was that Kalistanis will return home when there is a final settlement of the conflict. To our knowledge, that has not been accomplished yet, so we are keeping our place right here until it is. The last thing Their Imperial Majesties would like to see is Kalistan pulling out before the final peace was settled upon and then some rogue state swooping in and undoing what good we have done. We've seen that happen in the north, and I don't think its in anyone's interest that the same sort of landgrab happen on a coastline facing the Anantonese Empire. So in the interest of restoration of order, we are just staying put for a little longer."

The General will also not speculate on a time table. "That's a question for the foreign ministry," said General Delgado. "The Regular Force is the spear, not the hand who wields it. We have peace and we have developed a great functional and cooperative relationship with the civilian authorities and the general population in the South. They have expressed dismay over what has happened in the North, and have invited us to remain here until that same possibility in the south is absolutely foreclosed, and the people here can get back to their lives."

Kalistan Declares Neutrality in Amudim Crisis
Their Imperial Majesties' Foreign Minister has declared Kalistan "neutral" in the case of the recent crises in Amudim. "In the spirit of non-involvement, Kalistan officially states its neutrality on the issues facing the former Beiteynese City States of Shlomberg, Hofesh, and other spots," said FM Greene. "This is a conflict that is organic to the region, appears to be aimed at liberation of the national territory from foreign invaders, and stands an excellent chance of being resolved by the people of the region themselves. It does not require input from Kalistan, nor does Kalistan stand to gain from involvement. Therefore, we are staying out of it."

The Foreign Minister did however open the door for accepting refugees from the war torn region. "We would encourage any civilians seeking to flee from Amudim, who wish to live in peace and prosperity in the Anantonese Empire to make their way to the Kalistani Consulate in Pontesi where we can process Asylum Requests. Both the National Government in Kaliburg, as well as numerous private aid and resettlement agencies, many associated with the Anantonese Yeudi Interest Committee, are making assistance to travel to Kalistan and resettle here, for the duration of the conflict, available to civilians fleeing the violence in the Former Beiteynu." The Foreign Minister also noted that the Ministry was about to enter talks with Tel Bira to establish a consulate in that City for the purpose of processing asylum applications. "We will have details for people as soon as we nail down the final terms on our end," said Minister Greene.

The position comes after extensive discussions at the National level which included input from AYIC. Director of AYIC, Jacob Maxwell, said he was "satisfied" with the terms offered by the National Government though he would have pushed for a more muscular response. "The Foreign Ministry made some very good points regarding Kalistani interests and capabilities," said Maxwell, "but unfortunately, I think without a more direct Kalistani response, too many Yeudis will suffer from this war. Asylum and refugee services are important though, and so we will adjust what we can do to help assist the National Government in providing a safe haven for civilians and refugees looking to flee the conflict. We applaud the proposal to open a consulate in Tel Bira-- It's a start."

Chancellor welcomes talks with new Valruzian Administration
Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Ericka Donahue issued a statement congratulating the new Chancellor of Valruzia, Sovereign Valruzia's Klaudia Nowik, who takes up her new role as Head of Government this month. "While relations with Ms. Nowick's predecessor were less productive I think than they could have been due to ideological disagreements, we look forward to the return of Sovereign Valruzia into Government. Their agenda is one Kalistan has long endorsed, and in many ways mirrors our own. Ms. Nowik's tenure will be a good opportunity to rebuild bridges between our two nations."

Kalistan's Chancellor is notoriously outspoken on the topic of Communism, and even if Communists in Valruzia are merely taking on a slightly reduced portfolio within the Valruzian Government, having a non-communist to speak with as a counterpart is likely to do wonders for Northern Seleyan relations. "I am enthusiastic about working with Ms. Nowik on important regional issues, including trade, migration and foreign policy issues, and we stand ready to assist them should the Majatran crisis for some reason come to their shores as well. It will be nice to not have to negotiate what I say when talking with Valruzia for fear of upsetting people whose view of the world I fundamentally disagree with. I understand that that problem is mine, but just like a person who is committed to being a communist is not expected to change their world view for me, it is similarly unreasonable for me to be expected to do that either. A closer ideology such as that held by Sovereign Valruzia will go a long way in skipping most of that ultimately preliminary, but very important conversation, so we can get to work on substantive matters at last."

The Chancellor said she would like to make a trip to Valruzia to speak with the new Chancellor in the coming months.

@TheRepublic

[GreekIdiot]

Amudim
Foreign Secretary lands in Kaliburg: "full membership to the NAM is the first step towards a secure future for global cooperation and internationalism"
April 5684
https://forum.prtcy.com/thread-3-post-10...l#pid10110

[Doc]

Kalistan meets the World
High Profile talks in Kaliburg and Nowagard yield dividends for Empire
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 7, 5684


Kaliburg hosts delegates from Tel Bira in tour that includes stop at Museum of the Empire in Eveari

A couple years ago, Kalistan angered the world's hegemonic liberal foreign policy establishment by retreating from a ten year long failed policy of internationalism. "We said we were going to focus on our region," said Their Imperial Majesties' Foreign Minister, Mr. Henry Greene at a reception for the Amudim delegation held at the Imperial Seat. "But our doors would always remain open to the world, and we are seeing the fruits of our principled stance today as we host an historic visit from Tel Bira in Amudim here in Kaliburg." The Foreign Minister spoke following a formal audience between the Majatran delegation and Their Imperial Majesties, Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto and Empress Jennifer I Ananto. Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Ericka Donahue was in attendance for the formal audience, which lasted for more than an hour.

"This is an important step toward normalizing relations between Kalistan and one of the world's major finance and defense actors," said Lady Donahue after the Audience. "It was important for Their Imperial Majesties to have the opportunity to discuss the long standing disagreements between our two nations with the Amudimim, and to move past them so we can begin rebuilding our relationship with Tel Bira, and the other city states in the former Beiteynu. Those grievances were related to the Kundrati conflict in which Amudim's predecessors not only assisted Kundrati in building missiles that were later used to strike Kalistani cities, but also at least some agents with ties to the Government were involved in helping the Legionary state cover up human rights abuses and provide political and diplomatic cover that undermined the Allied attempts to pressure the Legion to change. We received acknowledgement of the concerns from the Tel Biran representatives, and in return, we have agreed that the successor states cannot themselves be held accountable for the actions of the previous regime in the country which was essentially destroyed following civil war and regime collapse. It is Their Imperial Majesties' hope that this matter can finally be put to bed and we can start fresh finally."

The Formal Audience was followed by a reception that welcomed various members of Kalistani society including Maxwell Jacob of AYIC and several members of various segments of Kalistan's business community, investment fund managers, and defense contractors, all of whom are looking at Tel Bira as an opportunity to reach back out to the world. "It is doubtful that we would ever reconsider joining Equifund," said Minister Greene, "but the Bankaut Network is definitely something that has some interest among those who want easier transactions around the world. There will be tough conversations going forward, especially around financial and monetary sovereignty, and so forth, and I suppose concessions will need to happen on both sides of that discussion, but if there is a way for Kalistan and Tel Bira to begin working together, that is certainly something that would be interesting to our international investors."

The following day, the Amudim reps were taken to Eveari to see the Hulanevek Diamond, one of the 8 Gems of Elior, which is located at the Museum of the Empire. "The question of its future is now on the table," said Minister Greene from Eveari. "The AYIC makes a point when they ask us to return it. But it was a huge ask for Their Imperial Majesties to even display it here in Eveari-- They believe it is cursed, you see, and the Emperor himself expressed concern over whether proximity alone puts Kalistanis in some danger. We haven't had any reports of any incidents around the Gem here in Eveari since it went on display, but, I suppose I should say, its tough to change some beliefs. The Tel Birans were wise not to raise the issue to Their Imperial Majesties: It is too early, I think, but I do know that Mr. Maxwell intends to stay in touch with both them and his contacts in the Neset over this, and many other topics related to the interests of the Yeudi diaspora."

The visit was a success, and it comes on the heels of another important visit: Last month, Lady Donahue made a trip to Nowagard Valruzia to meet with the new Valruzian Chancellor Klaudia Nowik. Lady Donahue enthusiastically greeted her new colleague and took several photos with the Premier before meeting for more than two hours behind closed doors. It is reported that Lady Donahue wanted to discuss how Kalistan and Valruzia could continue to work together to deepen our long standing friendly relationship in Northern Seleya.

"I reiterated Kalistan's policy of reciprocal trade to Valruzia, and pointed out that Northern Seleyan nations generally have all we need here within our region to be self sufficient, as nations," said Lady Donahue. "We have all factors of production in abundance, and each specialize in a number of things. I advanced the liberal concept of comparative advantage to allow us to focus on those things we do efficiently and leave other things we don't do as efficiently to imports. But as you can imagine, of course, two nations who orient nationally will have some hurdles when it comes to working out which things those are. We had a really excellent conversation, and made the most headway in cultural exchange."

Lady Donahue noted that Kalistan has, within the last decade or more, noted a net out migration to Valruzia. "A lot of people remain expatriates, in that they keep Kalistani citizenship, as either their primary or secondary citizenship, but its often left leaning citizens leaving Kalistan for Valruzia. A lot of them are Egelian speakers, so you are starting to see Egelian and Suldanoran speaking enclaves appearing in some of Valruzia's cities. I think they, especially the more liberal and socialist ones, may find Valruzia to be a more hospitable nation, politically, than they feel Kalistan has. Its something we in the Institutional Party should address, but to date it has been to Valruzia's advantage, not Kalistan's." The Chancellor did not say that Kalistan intends to restrict out migration, but wants to work with the new Chancellor to ensure that Kalistanis who do want to move to Valruzia receive the same rights and privileges there as any other citizen should they want to make Valruzia their new home.

"We also appreciate the new Chancellor's words regarding their Yeudi citizens," said Lady Donahue. "As we know, the AYIC is particularly vocal in their advocacy for the Yeudi populations in Kalistan but also all over Northern Seleya, and though there was some tension before around that topic, it is refreshing to hear the New Chancellor's commitment to equality for Valruzian Yeudis within their polity." Lady Donahue reiterated Kalistan's stance on freedom of movement as well throughout Northern Seleya, and reaffirmed Kaliburg's commitment to supporting Valruzia in the event that the security crisis in the Migrants' Pass spilled over onto Valruzian shores. "Seleya should be insulated from that conflict to the degree that it is not our business. At least one of our neighbors has some interests in that part of the world, but we do not want to see that war brought here. We value peace in this region and would prefer to contain local issues to their locality, if at all possible. But Kalistan also stands ready to assist in the event that our assistance would make a difference."

The two foreign policy successes were widely celebrated among politicians in Kalistan as well as the punditry and signal that what was roundly mocked by liberals around the world was actually a more intelligent position for the Empire to adopt. "Bilateralism plays to Kalistan's strengths," said Minister Greene. "Large scale international agreements where Kalistan is told to either accept the terms that almost always benefit other nations or we can't participate almost always put our nation not even in the passenger seat, but in the trunk. We are never the driver at any rate. Negotiating one on one with nations allows both sides to drill down to what is really important, and to ensure that we can develop new relationships and strengthen old ones based on mutually shared interest. Yes, it is a lot of work: it would be easy to have one treaty where 60 countries just sign... but Kalistan, like all nations, has interests and this sort of one on one bilateral work is the best way to ensure that interests are met, needs are served, and everyone at the table has an agreement that they can live with. It is what we prefer, because it allows us to actually get to know people, rather than reducing our foreign relations to a subscription plan that is nearly always built in a foreign capital for the benefit of a foreign power."

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

"Yeah, no." says Kalistani Chancellor to Egelion Peace Plan
Lady Donahue outright rejects preliminary peace proposal
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
June 1, 5684


Lady Ericka Donahue discusses Kizenian Peace with reporters at National Assembly

"Well, to be honest, we haven't seen an actual written draft of the peace accord yet: I am not sure one exists yet," said Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Ericka Donahue. "But I can assure you, if it looks like the trial balloon the Egelians floated in their press, Kalistan will reject it out of hand." The Chancellor's comments came during a discussion of foreign policy at the National Assembly in Kaliburg. "There are not enough guarantees that Kizenia will remain an independent, sovereign and integral nation free of the influence of their neighbors and Kalistan will not be made a party to a whole scale partition."

The Chancellor made it clear that discussions that occurred prior to Kalistan's entry into the war on Egelion's side said nothing of Egelion administering the southern coastal territories that Kalistan is currently occupying and administering. "Their Imperial Majesties kind of feel like they were stabbed in the back, as I imagine the Kizenians would as well--we definitely got into the war under what appears at the outset to be false pretenses. The understanding was much different than this, with territorial gains remaining absolutely minimal, historically based, and not in any way fundamentally affecting the balance of power in the region," said Lady Donahue. "What we have seen instead is a massive territorial annexation of a huge portion of the country by Nadiya, of all nations, who have no historical claim to any of that land, as well now as an essential puppetting of Kizenia by Egelion and a virtual protectorate along Kizenia's Anantonese Coast. This is not how the venture was presented to Kalistan. And so we aren't doing that."

The Chancellor was careful not to fully alienate the Egelians. "Look: its not too late to settle this in a way where Egelian aims for the war are met, but ALSO Kalistan's war aims are met. Kizenia being carved up by Egelion and Trigunia is pretty offensive and destabilizing. Trigunia's blatent landgrab is the most egregious thing we've ever seen--It is very destabilizing, and will happen with no pushback from anyone except Kalistan. But I have to ask: On what planet does Egelion and Trigunia partition a country directly adjacent to Kalistan, Egelion fully puppets that country, and Kalistan has no interest? Where would that exist? The notion that we would not consider an independent Kizenia absolutely vital to Kalistani interests is absurd, especially if Trigunia is taking so much of it, and Egelion is stepping in to administer even more of the Anantonese coast than they already do."

The Chancellor also noted the fate of the tens of thousands of Kalistani Nationals who live in Luncasi and Deltabor. "Why does Egelion believe they can keep those towns safe and secure more than Kalistan can? We have been working with the local governments for years. We have close connections to significant portions of both cities' population. We have dumped tens of millions of Imperial Rubles in to the infrastructure of both cities. Those cities are democratically self governing and have been at peace for more than a year-- All things Egelion says they need to administer those territories to ensure. Well, that's what's already going on there, under Kalistani security arrangements. So, before we return those cities to Kizenia, we want assurances now that they will not be subsequently handed over to either Egelion or Trigunia to be used as a base of operations under the guise of 'free cities'. We want to take Egelion at its word, but the announcement in its paper of its preliminary peace terms makes that hard for the Empire, given the terms we set down as part of our entry into the conflict."

The Lady Chancellor said she will be dispatched to the Peace talks, and will hold Kalistan's position firm. "We went to Kizenia to restore legitimate government to Kizenia, and we praise Egelion's committment to restoration of the Monarchy. We did not go to Kizenia to participate in a land grab and a partition. We want to see Kizenia stable, free of external influence, and supported by all its neighbors, rather than carved up. And to be quite honest, we hope the world will indeed weigh in as heavily against Kizenian annexations as they do against Athosians: If the world remains silent on the part of Kizenia's vivisection, which, if the status quo on the ground remains as it is, will be the case, it is our hope that they keep their trap shut when other nations move into their neighbors to similarly carve out their own enclaves. But if Trigunia keeps the territory it currently occupies and calls it an integral part of Nadiya, then you can believe Kalistan has no intention of giving up the territory we occupy. They'll have to bomb us out of there, and in the process destroy those two cities. Because fair's fair. And any standard the world sets for Kalistan gets set for the other countries in the region as well."

The choice of sending the Chancellor of the Empire to the talks rather than the Foreign Minister who is seen to be slightly more conciliatory is aimed at sending a message to Keris: The division of Keris will not be as cut and dried as they originally intended.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Kalistani Recession Easing
Imports from Gaduridos and Baltusia easing tightness in domestic market
Port Elga, Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
June 30, 5684


Increase of imports from Athosia fill some gaps in Kalistani markets

As supply chains disrupted by Kalistan's abrupt reorientation two years ago are readjusting, Kalistan is benefiting from some old links. Kalistani investment in both San Luis State in Baltusia, and in the manufacturing and agricultural bases in Gaduridos are stepping up to ease supply shortages in Kalistan. The result is a slowing in the recession, which hit contraction of about 2.93 percent during the worst months of February and March of this year. Kalistani economic contraction has slowed to just 1.2% last month, and projections are that the recession will end by December of this year.

"If we are able to work out the demand backlog by the end of this year, we will look at an over all economic contraction of more than 18%, or about one fifth of our economic activity here in Kalistan was wiped out by this prolonged downturn due to loss of markets and suppliers," said Their Imperial Majesties' Finance Minister, Dr. Louisa Argon. "ZPG has allowed Kalistan to put tens of billions of Imperial Rubles into reserves over decades and decades of budgetary surpluses, so we were able to prevent the fiscal crisis from turning into a monetary crisis too, but our balance of payments were all kinds of screwed up, and it will take years for us to fully recover from this recession."

The major issue was an abrupt interruption in supplies coming into Kalistan. As a significant portion of Kalistan's export led economy requires some significant inputs, most of which are sourced on the global market, an unanticipated retreat from globalism caused the Just-In-Time production chains to seize up, leading to a significant decrease in production from Kalistani industries until new inputs that are willing to work specifically with Kalistan could be identified. Additionally, food imports were among those supplies that seized up and a large fraction of the workforce in Kalistan was reassigned to food production to at least keep Kalistanis from starving and freezing.

Last year Kalistanis got used to planting in community gardens and kitchen gardens to avoid potential food shortages, but at least 20 percent of the land earmarked for bio-fuel and bio-polymer production was also converted to production of consumable food farm, and planted that way this year. The result will be continued fuel restrictions for at least another year, but much of the anticipated tightness in the food supplying, that used to be supplied by foreign trade partners, will not occur this year due to Gaduri and Baltusian producers stepping up and selling excess food stuffs to Kalistan.

"Athosian producers and Gaduri producers have guaranteed futures on fruits, sugar, grain crops, and fish," said the Finance Minister. "Due to our imperial relationship from Gaduridos, and our longstanding Lucid Region Economic Prosperity Zone in Athosia/San Luis, Kalistan can obtain these food imports directly from producers, with no trade restrictions or barriers. We buy them at the same terms that we obtain food from our own Growers' Syndicates, and this works out to Kalistan and Baltusia and Gaduridos' advantage." The new supply sources will allow Kalistan to return to fuel oil production next year, and in some cases even this year in Suldanor, easing concerns about long term fuel shortage.

"Additionally, we are now the sole importer of Gaduri automobile parts from the MoCo factory in Cuernatecas, and other important industrial components and materials," said Minister Argon. "The increased demand from Kalistan and the preferential terms of trade that Gaduridos offers to Kalistan through our relationship ensures that Kalistani industrial needs are met first, and then any surplus can be sent to Gaduridos' other trading partners. All of these increases in production and imports allow Kalistani businesses to get back up and running without us having to wait on Artanian or Majatran suppliers to pick up the slack in Kalistani demand." Argon said this is one of the virtues of the Imperial Association, which includes Gaduridos, but also, unofficially includes Athosia through the Lucid Accords. "Meanwhile, Kalistani money goes back directly into those areas to be used to further develop and advance their own social and economic goals. It's a win all around."

Kalistani investors, who were laying low across the Empire during the recession, have begun once more to invest, primarily in Gaduri and Athosian industries for now, but all indications are that they also are looking for promising ventures across the world. Some targets according to the Finance Minister are the Kundrati Gold Fields, which are slowly coming back into Kalistan's view as the ice between Kalistan and Kundrati slowly melts. The rumors around the Foreign Ministry suggest that Kalsitan and Kundrati are moving toward detente in their relationship, which will open both nations up to investment back and forth. Additionally, Kalistanis are eyeing Tel Biran opportunities, and finance lobbyists are rumored to be making noise about joining the Tel Biran Bankaut treaty so Kalistanis can have access to world wide investment opportunities. So far the Foreign Minister has not committed to this, though, and so Kalistanis have to be content with Gaduridos and Athosia for the time being.

As the recession begins to wind down, the silver lining is that the vast majority of the population was largely insulated from its effects due to strong State intervention to ensure that basic needs remained met for working and poor families. These included Employee tax rebates to keep those with jobs on the job even if businesses took losses during the recession, robust social services that are a hallmark of the Kalistani Market, and guaranteed work through National Service. This sort of insulation would not have been possible in a market capitalist economy, simply because saving capital would have been the only goal of the state. In Kalistan, however, the focus is and has always been on the worker and the citizen, not the business.

"This recession was not the fault of the people," said the finance Minister. "Every year we ask the people to not demand more, to be satisfied with the necessities and some reasonable amount of luxury. Even so, some still become fabulously wealthy in our nation. But unlike so many liberal nations, nobody ever does without in Kalistan. That said, some people can weather the storm easier than others, and that is exactly what we asked them to do, because this recession wasn't their fault either. It is the result of the changing foreign trade policies of this Government. But it looks like we are coming through it, and will move very quickly into recovery and prosperity, though not blindly. Like all things, we will be cautious and conservative, and will learn lessons from this recession so we do not repeat it into the future."

@TheRepublic

[GreekIdiot]

Amudim
"Self-determination is a key element for global cooperation and internationalism - in NEK, Sholemberg and everywhere else in the world"
September 5684
https://forum.prtcy.com/thread-3-post-10...l#pid10177

[Doc]

FM comments on Kizenian Peace Process
"We are cautiously optimistic" that interests will be met, says FM
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 3, 5684


FM Henry Greene discusses Kizenian peace on Kaliburg Tonight

Their Imperial Majesties' Foreign Minister, Henry Greene was on Kaliburg Tonight with a panel of experts to discuss the Kizenian Peace process that is currently playing out in Norterra Egelion. Chancellor of the Empire Lady Ericka Donahue is currently in Egelion to represent the Empire at the peace table.

"The Chancellor is doing an excellent job to express the Empire's legitimate national and regional interests," said the Foreign Minister during the panel. "Kalistan's foreign policy is interest-based and regionally oriented. Others may speak of grand principles, rules-based foreign policy, and these lofty but ultimately unattainable platitudes that are supposed to apply to everyone, but only seem to apply to others who run afoul of national interest. But we are not too blind to know that occasionally that sort of liberal internationalist policy which talks about self-determination for all people, and our own, far more realist policy, runs parallel."

The Foreign Minister was addressing the recent statements by Tel Bira, with whom Kalistan is currently discussing a raft of international issues. "We do appreciate the advice of our counterparts in the Nisrad, but I think they are looking at things from a much more removed position. We are cautiously optimistic that the Kizenian question can come to a settlement in a way that not only recognizes legitimate historical claims being made by Egelion AND ensure Kalistani security in the Anantonese Ocean. We just have to talk, and have all cards laid on the table in the discussions, rather than some countries keeping their additional ambitions secret, and then downplaying other nations' legitimate concerns."

The FM said what is not a secret is Egelion's desire to create a Kerisian Empire aimed at countering the Anantonese Empire in the region. "Look: It's very easy, and not even all that original on the part of other nations to just outright dismiss Kalistan's security concerns for the region as 'paranoia', while informing us that our concern for our own security is completely unfounded. Calling Kalistan paranoid is a frequent tactic of those seeking to sideline Kalistan and delegitimize our national interest--it's transparent and tired. What is obvious, though is that Egelion's moves have been to not only unify Keris into a single entity, but one under the Egelian Crown. They don't need to say it: Their actions and ambitions demonstrate it. Whether Egelion sees itself as Kalistan's rival in the region or not, Kalistan is right to call it out, and if doing so upsets people who would rather keep that ambition more closely guarded, this is not our problem. The balance of power in this region is important to both Kalistan, and clearly to Egelion, so let's talk about it, rather than Egelion just going ahead with its ambition like Kalistan has no right to say anything about it. Their decisions affect Kalistan whether they think they should or not. I'm saying this: its not 'paranoia' when the thing you are saying they are doing is happening right in front of you. And to pathologize it with these terms is, forgive me for using another pop-psychology term, but gaslighting."

The FM was asked about the difference in his approach from the Chancellor, whose voice is the one being heard in the Conference. "Lady Donahue and I may differ in our approaches. She is blunt: She's a peer and the Fourth Countess of Gran. My parents were ferroworkers. She's a haughty, entitled, tough woman and doesn't pull punches, and I think that her more nationalistic perspective is necessary in that conference, because otherwise Egelion will walk all over Kalistan as they normally do.

"But," he continued, "this also leaves me free to work the world: I can say Their Imperial Majesties would rather have me free to speak with the International Community to not only continue the negotiations which are important to Kalistan, namely ensuring that Kalsitan is not isolated, but also expanding our contacts with new partners in Majatra and Artania. We recently had the opportunity to meet with the Kundratis for example, and held an informal audience with His Imperial Majesty in Kaliburg, where the Emperor was able to express his desire to work seriously at repairing relations with the country of his family's ancestry. As we work our Foreign Relations on several fronts, Their Imperial Majesties put their representatives where they will best serve this Empire."

When asked what Kalistan hopes to get from the talks, The FM responded, "I'm not gonna cut the Chancellor off in her conversations, but I think she will agree with terms that allow Kalistan to still be able to check what is rapidly turning into a continental power in Keris. Nothing short of that will suffice. I know Egelion thinks they are just balancing the Anantonese Empire with all these demands: But let me remind the world. They stole a naval base in Meriath to balance Kalistani presence in the Central Anantonese out of Gaduridos. They demand Zyldavia to balance far more legitimate Kalistani historical claims in Athosia. And they think they should have a personal union with Kizenia to balance the Imperial Relationship between Kalistan and Gaduridos. I don't even have to mention that the the King's wife is the nominal Tsarina in Trigunia/Nadiya. What Egelion thinks they are entitled to in Keris is one thing. But The Chancellor will demand, and I think she is perfectly correct in doing so, that Anantonese affairs must include Kalistani security concerns too: Egelion is not aggressively pursuing Empire in Keris in a vacuum, and if Kalistani concerns are not addressed, Kalistan will very quickly move to opposition."

The FM concluded: "Look. The Representative of the Crown in Altea says that Egelion is not the enemy here. Let them prove it. Kalistan has legitimate interests, and one of those is a sovereign and INDEPENDENT Kizenia. Whether the King of Egelion is also nominally the Head of State of Kizenia is ultimately unimportant. And Kalistan is also willing to recognize historical territorial claims in the far north, because Kalistan has far more legitimate historical claims to Athosia and heaven forbid someone ever accuse Kalistan of hypocrisy. But a Kizenia that is permanently aligned with Altea because it doesn't have a say in the matter or because it does appear to have a say but is really just puppetted, and especially one that gives Egelion carte blanche on its southern Coast is a problem for Kalistan. If Egelion truly isn't Kalistan's enemy, as they say, let them demonstrate that by scaling back the things they are claiming entitlement to. Because if the initial Egelian proposal, the one they placed on the table before this conference ever began, is just their starting point, and they are stating that Kalistani opposition to that plan is illegitimate, then there is not a lot of room for Kalistan to even negotiate. The choice their agenda setting offers us is either capitulate to Egelion's fait accompli, or become enemies. I don't think that signals a desire on the part of the King of Egelion to maintain Kalistan as a friend, and certainly not as an equal partner. It only tells us that this is none of Kalistan's business, and we disagree with that."

The FM finished the panel by announcing that an additional 50,000 Kalistani troops, tanks and artillery, and the remainder of the 1st Regular Fleet would be dispatched to the port city of Luncasi during the negotiations to secure the Southern Luncasi-Deltabor Corridor and ensure that it is not immediately overrun by Egelians aiming to force Kalistan to leave the nation prematurely. The deployment has already begun and consists mostly of North Army Group mechanized cavalry as well as Central and Southern Armor and Arty. Militia call ups are also likely according to the FM, but won't happen before February.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Kalistani Foreign Minister makes unscheduled visits to Kundtari and Tel Bira
"We're serious about improving ties," says FM
Etxea, Kundrati
February 15, 5685


FM Henry Greene departs Kaliburg on first scheduled Commercial Flight to Etxea in decades

Following up on the visit from Socialist President of Kundrati, Alaiza Kubitchek last August, Their Imperial Majesties' Foreign Minister, Mr. Henry Greene returned the visit. His visit, which was unannounced in Kalistan prior to departure, was part of a larger mission to the Far West which included a stop in Luthori and in Tel Bira, Amudim. The flight, on AeroKal, was the first publicly available direct commercial flight between Kalistan and the Kundrati province of Etxea, and represents the first time a Kalistani Official has stepped foot in the nation since the War ended nearly fourty years ago. Restoration of direct flights between Kalistan and Kundrati were part of the discussions between President Kubitchek and Minister Henry Greene last summer.

"This is an historic moment," said Minister Greene, speaking on Kundrati soil. "A century ago, Kalistan and Kundrati had a close relationship: We worked together on diplomacy, security and trade. And then it all went straight to hell. Restoring our close ties with this nation has been a long sought after goal of Empress Carolina, Emperor Fredrick III, Empress Mary, and now His Imperial Majesty Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto, who may someday soon have the opportunity to visit the land of his ancestors. Kundrati has, in good and bad times, represented a central concern for the Royal Family, which is, by the way, known as the Kundrati Dynasty by imperial astrologers. So the opportunity to improve relations today is certainly one that His Imperial Majesty will take. Kalistan is serious about improving relations."

Greene travelled to the Capital of Kasaema to meet once more with the President of Kundrati. He presented a plan for Kalistani direct investment in the Kundrati Economy, with the goal of improving Kundrati exports. "Our private investors are interested in partnerships in the mining sector," said Greene, "but the National Government and House Ananto are interested in investment in the people of this nation. Kundrati is still working to recover from the decades of destruction and mismanagement and abuse under the Legionary administrations. The nation still struggles with primary sector operations, and though there has been help in recent years, many of the road blocks that kept Kalistan out of those discussions have now been cleared and we can participate as well."

The Foreign Minister presented the plan to transfer more than ₭1Bn Imperial to the Kundrati State in unrestricted, annually renewable 5-year grants and credits, to be guaranteed by the Imperial Bank and ForIn in Kaliburg. These credits will allow the Kundratis to acquire important implements to permanently improve the economic infrastructure of Kundrati, to fully recover from the war, and to rebuild themselves as an equal and contributing member to the Artanian Community and to the world. A stable and prosperous Kundrati is in the interest of its neighbors, and will be a force for peace going forward, rather than a force for chaos." The Foreign Minister stressed that these grants are not loans: Kundrati is expected to invest them in their people's future.

Minister Greene said, in his remaining time in Kundrati, he also intends to schedule an official visit from Their Imperial Majesties to Kundrati. "We'll have to work the details out and compare schedules of course, but I think it is possible that Their Imperial Majesties could visit Kundrati within the space of a year." He also plans to take a tour of the countryside and visit several war memorials. "I don't expect I will find any here to the lost Kalistanis," he said wryly. "That's unfortunate. But understandable."

Following his departure from Kundrati, he said his itinerary will take him to Luthori, where he will visit the Kalistani Embassy, and will talk about the potential of extending the Luthori mission to establish a Kalistani Consulate in Kundrati, either at Etxea or in Kasaema. "Any extension into Kundrati will happen innitially under the auspices of the Luthorian Ambassador initially, who will need to oversee its expansion. But once the Consulate is completed and ready to open, we will rely on the Ambassador there to recommend staff, including Kalistan's Consul General in Kundrati."

Then the Foreign Minister intends to fly to Tel Bira, another first. "I'm not sure the last time a Kalistani National, let alone an official, has visited Beiteynu or Amudim. Not a slight, I just think its really been that long." He said that the visit is a return of the visit by Tel Biran representatives to Kalistan last year. "Our relationship is evolving," said the Foreign Minister. "But there can be no doubt, it is improving. We have a number of important matters to discuss, including taking a tour of the Bankaut system, which liberals in Kalistan are pushing Their Imperial Majesties' Government to join." The Foreign Minister said he will be joined in Tel Bira by Their Imperial Majesties' Finance Minister Dr. Louisa Argon, and representatives from Kalstan's own ForIn Bank.

@TheRepublic