Kalistani Major History

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Kalistan Declares Neutrality as International Tensions Heat Up
Opens Port Swede and Yoshimi to Lourenne, but will not forward deploy
Yoshimi, Duchy of Suldanor
September 1, 5471


Dame Diane Smith, speaking on Kalistani Neutrality, on News 1 last night

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Dame Diane Smith, officially announced Kalistani Neutrality in the increasing tensions between Lourenne and Beiteynu, last night. Tensions are mounting globally, but Kalistan will officially "neither help nor hinder" either Combatant, except within Kalistani National Territory. "As a result, we fully expect other nations to respect Kalistani Sovereignty and observe all national territory and waters in and around The Empire of Ananto and Kalistan," said Dame Smith. "The Straits remain closed to all military traffic originating outside of the nations bordering the Anantonese Ocean, and we ask belligerents to observe our Limits. We will defend them if necessary."

The move to officially declare neutrality comes as other nations in the region begin choosing sides in the deepening crisis. "Baltusia has, strangely enough, sided with Beiteynu, while Dolgava has sided with the United Kingdom," observed Smith. "To their credit, both Gaduridos and Indrala have also chosen to remain neutral and The Son of Heaven has offered to mediate, but we have not heard word from either capital whether such an offer would be accepted. We, for our part will also do what we can to ensure peace in Northern Seleya at least, and do not wish to alienate any of our neighbors by opting to join one side or another."

Smith also did note that Lourenne shall be permitted to refuel and resupply in Anantonese Kalistani Naval Ports. "While not declaring for their side in any conflict, we continue to retain a security partnership in both the Ananto Strait and in the Anantonese Ocean with Lourenne, and it is in our interests that Lourenne and Kalistan should work together in that mission, whatever is happening on the other side of the planet." Smith noted that Lourenne should not consider Kalistani bases as "allied," but as neutral free ports. "The Empress Stressed that this privilege is Lourenne's only, in light of our longstanding mutual interests in the Anantonese Ocean." The refueling and resupplying privileges extend to all Lourennais naval military vessels, and the Strait remains open to all Lourennais Military Vessels, as well as all international commercial traffic.

A bill for consideration of Re-authorization of Privateers has been reportedly drafted, but it will not be placed on the floor, unless Kalistani interests in the Straits are threatened by one belligerent party, their allies, or the other. "We want peace and we want to trade," said Dame Smith. "The Empress is willing to join with the Son of Heaven to work for a negotiated peace. But she also stresses, Kalistan is closed to war. Do not bring that here because we will fight to defend what is ours, from all comers, if need be. We hope these two nations can work out their differences without further bloodshed."