Kalistani Major History

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Prince Regent and Minister of Foreign Affairs meet with Baltusian Delegation
"We're sympathetic, but Carrier remains a threat," says Delgado
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 12, 5531


FM Paco Delgado Addresses Baltusian Situation in Kaliburg

Meeting with Baltusian representatives at the Imperial Seat in Kaliburg, His Highness, Prince Regent Bjorn and His Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister Paco Delgado took tentative steps toward de-escallation of the situation in the Middle Anantonese Situation. The closed door meeting took place over two days following the arrival of Baltusian negotiators in the Capital. Following the second day of meetings, the Baltusians left without comment, but were followed by FM Delgado, who briefed reporters on the meeting.

"I'd have to say that the meeting was quite productive," said Delgado to reporters from both press and radio media. "We took the first steps toward de-escallation of the situation in Baltusia. The Prince Regent very clearly laid out Kalistan's position with regard to the Athosian coastline, and the Baltusians reiterated that they had the right to keep an aircraft carrier, but maintained it was not aimed at Kalistan. Prince Bjorn said he was sympathetic, but reiterated that the carrier remains a threat. Baltusia said they understood, but planned to keep the carrier. Though it may not seem, on the surface, that anything was accomplished, I think the real work came in ensuring that both sides knew that they were being heard by the other. The Prince Regent has, for the time being, chosen to keep the 3rd Fleet on Alert, but is very interested in maintaining an open channel of communication with the Baltusians until this affair is resolved to everyone's satisfaction."

The Foreign Minister reiterated that much of the crisis is due to lack of regular relations between the Empire and Baltusia. "Cordial relations between our two countries is not unprecedented," said Delgado. "It was Baltusia who spurred the innitiative to link up to the Trans-Seleyan Rail Network. There are obvious benefits to trade with and travel to Baltusia, especially given their rapid economic growth in the last few decades. It doesn't do anyone any good to be enemies. The Prince Regent does not want that, and I am sure the Baltusians do not either."

One thing that Delgado said that was somewhat new information following the meeting was "Baltusia really wanted to impress upon the Prince Regent that the aircraft carrier, while provocative, was built to symbolize the role of continental security that Baltusia has adopted for itself. This is something different than a threat to Kalistan: Baltusia is flexing, but not necessarily at Kalistan's expense--It is possible that the carrier might be a message that is being sent to someone else entirely. And while Kalistan correctly sees itself as being at the center of Northern Seleyan and Anantonese political, economic and diplomatic affairs, Baltusia was keen on suggesting ways that this machine of death could enhance, rather than reduce Kalistani Security. I am not sure that the Prince Regent was entirely persuaded, given Baltusia's erratic and unpredictable nature, but the argument was made, and I can assure it, it was at least taken seriously by the Prince Regent."

The situation will not be resolved by a mere two days of meetings, but the Baltusians have committed to establishing a permanent diplomatic presence in Kaliburg, and the Prince Regent has chosen to reciprocate, so that talks between the two governments can continue. "Prince Bjorn is convinced that a more charitable treatment toward our Southern Neighbors is in keeping with the Olympic spirit," said Delgado, "and in keeping with that spirit, the Prince Regent is willing to listen to what the Baltusians have to say and work to de-escalate the tension in the Middle Anantonese Ocean."

Delgado did not mention international reaction to Baltusia. "We agree with the Baltusians in one thing," said the Foreign Minister. "This is a Seleyan Affair. We will handle it ourselves, and do not need any outside intervention. Punishing Baltusia commercially when a more delicate approach might yield better results not called for."