Kalistan

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"It is time for Seleyans to put their money where their mouth is"

Empress comments on launch of Seleyan Conference in Kalistan

Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto

September 8, 5559

Her Imperial Majesty Delivers Comments in Support of Seleyan Union at National Assembly

"It is time for Seleyans who say they wish for Seleyan Unity to take definitive step toward that goal," said Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Pavlina I Ananto, in comments before the National Assembly.  The Empress spoke on behalf of the ongoing North Seleyan Confederation Conference that is already convened in Kaliburg.  "It is time for them to put money where mouth is."

The Empress has acknowledged early challenges to Union.  "It is clear that Kalistan does not have trust, at least for some, to convene such auspicious conference.  Kalistan may be seen by some nations as overly aggressive in the pursuit of its foreign policy goals, and by others as nation that is more suited to being in shadows of other nearby power.  They see our statements as threatening, when all we ever sought was friend.  It is clear that even as we offer the hand of friendship to some, they choose foreign powers to act as their patron instead.  Others may feel need to balance Kalistan's rising power and seek comfort and regularity of foreign master.  All of this sits squarely at odds to generally professed desire for more unity in Northern Seleya.  Maybe some would prefer that unity be achieved under Artanian overlord.  But if that is to be the terms of the arrangement, Kalistan would prefer disunity to one more Artanian master in this continent for one more day."

The Empress was clear about the choices.  "We are ourselves perfectly clear about choice that lay before us, as Empire and as Continent.  We either liberate ourselves, or we shall ever serve as backwater and extraction point for others who have been at this game far longer than Kalistan.  Seleya either stands free or becomes enthralled.  We have far better chance at the former if we work together.  And yet some would prefer latter, and so they choose to make separate deal with the foreigners that prevents them from finding constructive ways from working together."

In an interesting twist, the Empress noted the Syndicalist example of Baltusia.  "As we are learning from our emerging relationship with the Syndicalist Union of Autonomous States, we all do better when we all do better.  We don't often find ourselves in agreement with socialist unionists in Baltusia, and we acknowledge that a lot of historical issue remain.  But on this we can admit Baltusia is correct:  If we all stand together, nobody who can stop us.  It is not too radical for a Kalistani to say, 'There is power in Union,' and 'Injury to one is injury to all'!  If we each decide to go try to get best deal we can for ourselves, without worrying about what anyone else around us will get, piranhas will carve our continent into their own little fiefdoms, with Narikiton taking this piece, and Luthori taking this peace, and others picking off what is left.  Seleya has wherewithal to defend itself from this, but rest assured, it is already happening.  We are proud to say that Union of some kind to save our continent from Dovanization is still within our grasp, if we only can find way to work together."

On one concern raised by the Tukarali delegation regarding Democracy, The Empress was emphatic:  "Kalistan is Empire.  We have unsettled historical claims and desire to restore traditional borders.  Notwithstanding, It was our desire, and we believe that Dame DuMont expressed specifically, that nothing will happen within conference that Delegates of this Conference oppose.  We have offered each Delegation veto over any proposal, and they may keep out any proposal they do not like.  If our Turkarese neighbors feel there is not enough democracy represented in specific proposal, they may veto it at their leisure, and either we try to satisfy their concerns as conference, or we will let matter drop.  This works both ways, however, and Kalistan will similarly not hesitate to use veto when it appears that will of the conference is working to determinant of our interests.  We would expect all state to do same.  The important thing is, Tukarali has sent delegation to Conference, so Tukarali is at least interested in seeing what will come of it and in being part of discussion.  It is our sincere hope that other nations who have thus far opted to reject the conference before it even had a chance to begin will change their minds and join us instead.  It costs nothing to participate, unless our neighbors are worried about breaking premade arrangements they have with other state who are interested in failure of any coordinated effort."

Finally on Gaduridos, the Empress was more contrite than perhaps was expected.  "Our Foreign Minister spoke on our behalf regarding what has, as we understand, been viewed abroad as a threat.  We regret her phrasing of sentiment, while reserving sentiment itself.  If Seleya embarks upon the sea of Union, it will do so with those on board.  And it will proceed in interests of those on board.  Those who have opted to stay on shores will do so for their own reasons.  We never suggested that we would then turn around and attack them for choosing.  The words our Foreign Minister said were more concerned with providing sense of urgency and touchstone to rally around, in essence, to encourage people to not be left behind.  Because in that event, it will not be Kalistan picking at bones of Seleya, but Artanians who are already swirling overhead waiting for opportunity to carve continent up, who will subject our neighbors.  We regret that this was said in way that was viewed as a threat and caused fear.  We hope damage is not irreparable, but we certainly hope that Gaduridos understands spirit in which it was said, even if it does not particularly care for lack of art in its utterance."

In closing the Empress was clear about the need for the Conference and the benefits of the Union.  "With or without Union, Kalistan will be fine.  Empire will continue as we always have.  Lodamun will likely be fine, as it is stepping forward in world.  But we will certainly be weaker for our lack of imagination in figuring out how to prevent this recurring cycle, where other stronger nations see Seleya as place they get resources from, paying our people pennies while selling us their manufactured goods, or tromping through our territory with their military weaponry, dragging us into conflicts that are of their making, and keeping lid on our growth and development so they can shine brighter.  This union represents real chance for our continent to step forward out of shadow of past, and it is our hope that our neighbors and fellow Seleyans see it in that light, rather than as just belligerent, malevolent vehicle for Kalistani expansion, which is no doubt the way it is being portrayed in some circles, an idea no doubt inspired by those who stand to lose from united Seleyan Continent.  It is time to Unite, or accept our role as perpetual 'Could have Been chaotic nutcase' while others rise and fall at our expense."

The Empress' speech received a standing ovation in the National Assembly.  It is not clear how it will be received internationally.