Kalistan

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The Republic Opts to Seek Asylum in Kalistan
"I Refuse to be a victim in a Cold War", said Kathy White
Sulari Free City, Kalistan
July 8th, 5571


Kathy White and Connor Overstreet of The Republic, explaining decision to stay in Kalistan

Luthori-born, Kalistani Famous Popsoul duo The Republic have been among the first to request political asylum in Kalistan.  They made the request publicly at a press conference at ARC Studios in Sulari, Suldanor.  Both are the core members of the band and both have chosen to remain in Kalistan, under the pending Sanctions Regime announced by the Chancellor last month.  The Request was simply a short statement made by both singer Kathy White and Keyboardist Connor Overstreet, who each stated that they sought political asylum in Kalistan.  The request was granted immediately, and both were escorted to the Ministry of the Interior satellite building in Sulari, where they began the process for naturalization.  Both White and Overstreet have lived and worked in Kalistan for the last four years, and late last year, White began to apply for dual citizenship.  This asylum claim shortcuts the process, but means both will have to completely renounce their Luthorian citizenship.

Later, White and Overstreet sat down with M7 to discuss the decision.  "Tensions are increasing between Kalistan and Luthori, and it makes me very sad," said White.  "I grew up in Luthori listening to Kalistani music, I loved it.  That's pretty much all we had really, and it created such a warm feeling in my heart toward this country, but it is incredibly sad now that it will be a long time before I can return to Luthori and see my family again.  But I feel that if I did, if I tried now, I would never be able to come back into Kalistan, and Connor and I have a life here now.  We can't leave this behind, and as much as I will miss Luthori, it is worlds away from how much I will miss Sulari.  So we asked for asylum so we wouldn't get deported--that's really what it is."

"I feel we made the right choice," said Overstreet.  "Its really not about politics for us.  We aren't a political band.  I think Kath and I have political opinions, sure, just like everyone else does.  But this whole thing is so far above our heads.  I really just think that if we went back to Luthori, we couldn't make the same kind of music we do now.  I hear rumors from my mum that they are destroying Kalistani records in Luthori.  I wonder what they must think of us, but it is a very scary and uncertain time for all of us, and it is safer for us if we just stay in a country that wants us, that will take care of us well, rather than take our chances returning home to something that is uncertain and possibly hostile toward us."

White continued describing the reasons they sought political asylum in Kalistan.  "The reaction of the Government and People of Luthori feels like it might be unpredictable, especially if Kalistan actually does ramp up the sanctions, and starts applying them to nations outside of Seleya.  It will certainly bring conflict, and now that we've chosen our side, I don't think we can go back."  But she was adamant about her and Overstreet's action not being used as a form of propaganda by either side.  "I think I can speak for Connor when I say I refuse to be a victim in a Cold War.  We are here to make music and to play for people who want to hear us.  We are artists, and in Kalistan, the artistic climate is healthy.  Not so much in Luthori.  So we want to stay where we can fully realize our vision, and be happy and healthy and safe."

White and Overstreet both finished the interview by suggesting that family and friends leave Luthori and join them in Sulari.  "We have some property on the North Side," said Overstreet.  "It's land, and we want our friends and family to come join us there.  I think this is the only way we will see one another again, so If you guys can get to Lodamun, maybe and take a train in, we could give you a place to stay in the main house while we make arrangements."

"I doubt the government allows M7 in Luthori anymore," said White.  "But I wish to echo the words of my partner here:  Mum, Dad, if you can hear me, I sure would love to see both of you.  You will like Sulari when you get here.  I hope you will come and visit us and maybe stay a while, because while life is great and we've made a lot of wonderful friends, I miss you guys most of all."  The interview concluded with talk about other topics, such as the band's visit to Hutori last fall, and plans for a new record.

"Now that we are working toward settling this asylum thing, of course we will get back to work on the new album," said Overstreet.