Kalistani Major History

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Showing Our HandPremier sets out Kalistan's position on maelstrom of international issues in exclusive interview
Kaliburg, Ananto, Kalistan
November 1st 4152


Labour Party General Secretary Franklin Foster talks to state radio

In a wide-ranging interview, Premier of the Republic Franklin Foster has remarked on a number of foreign affairs issues. Speaking to state radio, he commented on the ongoing Security Council campaign, the deportation of Kotari Ravel- a suspected terrorist from Pontesi- and the apparent cooling of the Aldegar-Baltusia situation.

(Ebele Ayodele, radio host): Good morning, Mr Premier- it's a pleasure to have you with us today! Let's start by talking about Kalistan's Security Council re-election campaign. At the latest count, Kalistan had twenty six votes to Baltusia's eleven. While that doesn't seem like a close race, are you concerned Kalistan's popularity may be waning?

(Franklin Foster, Premier): Not necessarily. Inherent in your question, there is the suggestion that Baltusia and Kalistan must oppose each other because we lie within the same continent- that's just wrong. Although we obviously feel disappointed that some nations, like Istalia, have chosen to switch sides but you'll find that a number of Baltusia's votes have come from abstainers. If they are able to further increase their number of votes, it is feasible they will qualify as the runner-up with the most.  That means that we now have a situation where Seleya could have two representatives on the Security Council. I don't think that's a bad thing and I presume Baltusia holds the same view.

A: It can't be denied that there has been a period of worse-than-perfect relations with Baltusia. Do you need feel that Kalistan is at risk of becoming too hostile to its neighbour?

F: It's true that we have suffered a difference of opinion in recent times but that's inevitable. Crucially, we were able to show- through the Aldegar incident- that Kalistan and Baltusia have developed a robust relationship which can endure these 'wobbles' as it were. Having spoken with the Baltusian President recently, I think we are in agreement that the matter was rather overblown. As is often the case, miscommunication and a media frenzy excerbated the problems which existed. We both understand that msitakes were made. If anybody believes that we are returning to a time when Kalistan and Baltusia had heavily militiarised borders, though, they are sadly mistaken.

A: It seems you view the Aldegar-Baltusia incident as concluded, then. Is that the case?

F: From the outside, that seems like the case. In actuality, Kalistan has a single interest in this affair; we want to secure peace and prosperity for all Seleya. The recent elections suggest that Aldegar is moving towards complete reconcilitation and that can only be a good thing from our point of view. Although we maintain that Baltusia acted grotesquely, they have assured us that their action was taken due to a perceived threat and that they are making amends for it.

A: Elsewhere in Seleya, it seems Lodamun is in a position similar to that which Kalistan found itself in a number of years ago. The government of that nation refuses to extradite suspected terrorist Kotari Ravel to Pontesi. What is your view on this?

F: The parallels between the case of Mr Ravel and Mr Benn are clear but to simplify both cases down like you have is wrong. Ultimately, our support is for the elected government of Lodamun. It is their right, and their exclusive right, to determine whether or not a citizen of their nation is deported. It seems that they have decided that he should not be, perhaps because they are concerned for his physical well being if he is returned. Whatever the reason, it is their decision and their decision alone to to make. Any nation which wants to establish itself as the 'world police' will receive no sympathy from myself or my government.

A: You understand that this man is accused of being a terrorist?

F: Of course I do but that is by the Pontesian justice system. Without wanting to criticise the government in that country, it does not hold sway over the sovereign and elected government of Lodamun. It is no secret that Lodamun and ourselves have had our disagreements throughout history but that will not affect Kalistan's commitment to both human rights and the principle of sovereignty.

A: Lastly, can I ask for a comment on the Seleyan Union? There was talk at one time that Kalistan may consider application but that does not seem to have been accurate. Would you consider joining the organisation?

F: Kalistan will not be joining. The Seleyan Union is far too militaristic in its nature and only serves to exacerbate crises; Seleya requires a mediating force in order to solve conflicts like that we have seen recently.

A: OK, thank you very much Mr Prime minister!