Kalistan

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FM makes announcements on Modrusia and Likatonia
"Moving toward Peace in Seleya," said Sir Christopher
Randworth, Commonwealth of Mordusia
July 19, 5586


Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir speaking to reporters in Mordusia

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister broke major news from Randworth, the capital of the Commonwealth of Mordusia today.

"We are getting closer to a long term deal in Mordusia," said Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir.  "Nothing is official yet, but Mordusia seems to be taking a probationary approach to Lodamun, which, if Lodamun finds it acceptable, so can Her Imperial Majesty, and meanwhile, her Imperial Majesty has asked me to begin building a short list in the even that a new Ambassador to Mordusia might be needed to finally re-regularize relations with the Southern Commonwealth State.  We don't have a final deal in place, to be certain, but I'd say we are more optimistic than we were when we arrived."

Meanwhile, Sir Christopher also announced that a Kalistani negotiator would be flying to Clovisport Likatonia to begin talks concerning the Embargo.  "The Likatonian government have determined that they prefer peace in Kundrati to helping arm one side or another of the Civil War.  As a result it appears that they have more or less backed out of the military and economic cooperation deal they had recently signed with the fascist regime.  We are not sure about the specifics, but Her Imperial Majesty has determined that this move has met our precondition for talking with Likatonia, and she has ordered me to dispatch my most trusted deputy, Mr. Albert Betchel, the Vice Minister for Seleyan Affairs, to Clovisport to see what Likatonia has to say."

The Minister judged the rapprochement to be in its very early stages.  "As, in just starting, from a negative.  But when Her Imperial Majesty was informed of the change of attitude in Clovisport early this morning, she sent the Prince Consort to my suite to wake me up, and and she ordered me to have Mr. Betchel call me immediately.  It was just about 5 minutes from me snoozing to Her Imperial Majesty entering my suite and briefing Betchel.  I was so groggy I don't remember what was said, but for some reason, Her Imperial Majesty seemed wide awake, at 3:40 am local time.  The Prince Consort went back to sleep, but by 4 he was headed for Kaliburg international to take a Valruzian flight into Valruzia and then a train to Clovisport.  He will likely just about to be stopped at the Likatonian Border right about now actually, but he bears papers from Her Imperial Majesty asking them to speak with him, and that he speaks on behalf of Her Imperial Majesty.  I will join him when my work is done here."

Sir Christopher, who no doubt went back to sleep after Her Imperial Majesty's briefing, was more alert and active later in the morning.  "With the Mordusian deal getting closer, and the small opening in Likatonia, we are definitely moving toward peace, in Seleya at least."  Sir Christopher announced that Her Imperial Majesty is paying close attention to the developments in Kundrati, and personally called the families of each of the lost Privateers.  "She promised to do whatever she could to ensure the safe return of those who were taken prisoner during the attack of the murderous Kundrati Navy against men and women who were simply attempting to help enforce Her Imperial Majesty's law in the Karzon Strait.  The families, to the person, said they understood why their loved ones joined the Privateer fleet, and all hoped for a settlement of the conflict and the swift and safe return home of all Privateers and Sailors manning the Embargo Line."

Sir Christopher is unclear what to expect from the meeting with Likatonia.  "I don't even think they know we are coming, this is all very fresh news.  But we don't have communications with them, yet.  Mr. Betchel will need to work to re-establish a line of direct communications as one of his first orders of business.  But he understands Her Imperial Majesty's Line and has affirmed that he will hold it on Kundrati, so it is an equal possibility that setting up a line of communication may be premature.  It depends on the Likatonians."