Kalistani Major History

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Stimson On Naval Preparation
Ministry of Defense to Prioritize Strengthening of the Kalistani Regular Navy
February 20, 4699

Defense Minister Gen. Omar Stimson

Following a Conservative blitz in the National Assembly and the formation of an all-encompassing NCP-SPoK-RSP government lead by Conservative Premier John Colbert, the duty of heading the Ministry of Defense had been left in the hands of the NCP's Omar Stimson, a general of the Kalistani Regular Army and a life-long military man. Like the majority of NCP public figures, Stimson has been a strong proponent of strengthening the Regular Forces, and particularly the Navy in order to maintain order in the Ananto Straights. Last June, the National Assembly passed a bill with the endorsement of Minister Stimson which set the Doctrine of Defense for the Kalistani Regular Forces, however not much action has been taken by the Defense Ministry in order to strengthen the KRF. Today, Minister Stimson gave an interview with Kalistan Grapevine reporter Bill Jarvis in order to touch upon the Ministry's plans with the Naval Forces and its future operations in the Straights.

Jarvis: "Hello Comrade Minister, thank you for letting me ask you some questions. First, your party has largely taken a strong-line stance on the Ananto Straights issues, but has come out in support of the ASCA compromise. Do you share your party's newfound support for compromising on the Straights?"

Stimson: "Thank you for having me, comrade. To put it short, yes I do support the ASCA compromise as well as seeking cooperation with the foreign powers. The situation in the Straights has always been a delicate one due to its strategic importance to the Kalistani nation. We have been brought into conflict with foreign powers over the issue before, and we do not wish to have any further bloodshed over the Straights. However, their importance is still great to Kalistan, as they separate Kaliburg from the mainland and hold within them the oil which has become part of Kalistan's economic lifeblood, so we cannot capitulate completely. Instead, we have stricken a deal with Dorvik, the most recent of the foreign imperialists that wishes to provoke Kalistan, in which we would allow military traffic through a section of the Straights, but the KRN would monitor all military vessels which pass through the Straights. Personally, I believe we conceded far too much, as it would cost Dorvik little to simply travel east of Ananto rather than deliberately provoke Kalistan. But something is better than nothing. We'll continue to patrol the Straights and ensure our national security, but we're going to have to allow foreign militaries to pass through unimpeded. We were and still are willing to make these concessions in order to maintain peace."

Jarvis: "So will the Navy be increasing patrols in the Straights due to the increased risk of foreign military traffic, or will it instead decrease its activities due to assurances of peace?"

Stimson: "No, we will not be decreasing patrols at all. You were right in the first part of your question, patrols have already increased in the Straights and we will likely order more missions in the future. The allowance of foreign military vessels through the Straights, with or without peace assurances, is a threat to national security and all steps must be taken in order to avoid any possibility of harm befalling our great nation. The Second and Third fleets are on high alert at all times and sailor drillings have increased in intensity. Since we've adopted the policy of not impeding foreign military traffic, the KRN will never be the first to fire any shots in the Straights, but they will always be prepared to counter any acts of aggression."

Jarvis: "One final question, comrade Minister: Does the Defense Ministry and the Navy have any plans for constructing and deploying new ships?"

Stimson: "The Ministry of Defense is always looking to increase the quantity and quality of our troops and weapons. As of yet, I cannot go to far into the details, but the Ministry does plan on commissioning new destroyers and submarines, primarily for Fleets Two and Three, from KalMilInCo once it is formally established and ready to produce. First though, we'll have to wait a little while, as the National Assembly is still sitting on a nationalization bill. Once that comes though, we'll begin making preparations for the proliferation of new warships."

Jarvis: "Thank you, comrade Minister, those were all the questions I had."

Stimson: "No, thank you. It's good to make our intentions known to the public."