Kalistan

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Anantonese Foreign Minister Declares support for Lodamese Mission
"We support the cause of Humanitarian Aid in Solentia", says Bennots
Addisjah, Duchy of Vrassa
October 8, 5595


Foreign Minister Bennots speaks to Press during a transfer in Addisjah

The incoming Foreign Minister, George Bennots, was in Addisjah today after returning from meetings with Lodamese Colleagues in Kensington Lodamun.  Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister said he was there in Lodamun only for a short while to confer with the Lodamese about their recently announced mission to Solentia.

"It was a pleasure to meet my Lodamese Counterparts," said Minister Bennots, in his first visit outside of Kalistan.  "I have a feeling I will be working with the Lodamese Foreign Secretary quite closely in the coming weeks and months.  While in Lodamun, I enunciated Her Imperial Majesty's position on the Solentia matter, and pledged that Kalistan will offer whatever support Lodamun requires in the humanitarian aid mission they are beginning.  The Empire is not officially taking a side in the conflict as Kalistan has no interests at all in southern Majatra that require defense, but we also understand that Lodamun has interests there which predate their accession to the Empire, and we want to make it clear that we stand by our Imperial Partner in its affairs and will offer whatever resources Lodamun needs to pursue peace and humanitarian relief."

This middle ground adopted by Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Ministry reinforces the growing attitude that the Anantonese Empire has adopted a different tack with regard to foreign affairs.  "In the past, we have been perhaps too overzealous in extending our influence from Kaliburg," said Minister Bennots.  "It is our understanding that any statement from Kaliburg that appears to be taking a side in any affair instantly terrorizes several nations immediately upon its utterance, nations who would prefer Kalistan stay in a box, happily out of their awareness.  While every other nation on the face of the globe feels at complete liberty to intervene as it pleases, Kalistan is indeed, as we have always maintained, a special case.  As we saw in the Kundrati disaster for example, Kalistan doing what any other nation on Terra does as regular course, apparently only earns us enemies.  So, Her Imperial Majesty instituted a new posture several years ago under Minister Bjorksdattir and we are carrying that forward."

Kalistan's declaration of strict neutrality in the Solentian situation does not, however constrain Lodamun, who is utilizing its assets stationed in central Seleya, to promote the cause of humanitarian relief.  "As I said, we stand ready to support Lodamun in this effort," said Minister Bennots.  "The cause of humanitarian aid is a noble cause, and while Her Imperial Majesty works to help Lodamun help the people of Solentia, she also encourages other nations of the world to support Lodamun's humanitarian efforts as well.  The people in the country are faced with starvation, but thanks to the efforts of Lodamun, help is on the way, and we are happy to be a partner in that effort."

Minister Bennots answered several questions regarding the efforts.  Most importantly, he reiterated, "No Kalistanis naval vessels will be deployed into the region.  Our navy remains safely in the Anantonese Ocean and in the Eastern Mad Dog Ocean, and we have no interest whatsoever in their redeployment.  Nor will Kalistani sailors sail on Lodamese ships during this mission.  The task force referenced by the Lodamese Government is 110% Lodamese.  Kalistan stands ready to partner with Lodamun in providing support, primarily monetary and logistical support, directly to Lodamun to deploy in the Majatran theater."  When asked if Lodamun asked for any support, the Minister laughed, "Well, I just got back from Kensington ten minutes ago, so, I don't think there are any messages waiting for me in Kaliburg yet.  If I get any calls, you folks in the press will be the first...  maybe the 10th, to know, behind the Empress, the Chancellor, and etc..."  With that, The Minister re-boarded the train to Eshar where he will catch the strait ferry to Kaliburg.