Kalistan

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Empress Confirms end of Baltusian Tensions
"Kalistan owes Mr. Hewlett a debt of gratitude"
Eshar, Duchy of Odufaray
March 10, 5655


Her Imperial Majesty meets with Foreign Minister Hewlett at Wood House

In early residence at Wood House, Her Imperial Majesty announced on her weekly radio address that Kalistan and Baltusia have completed the Lucid Accords which were designed to eliminate the tensions between Kalistan and Baltusia. This announcement comes on the heels of the assassination attempt made on the life of the King of Baltusia, His Majesty King George Alvarez.

"We are pleased to see that our cousin, the King of Baltusia has survived this horrendous assassination attempt unscathed," said Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto. "Our hearts and thoughts go out to the members of the Royal Guards who lost their lives, and we would like to let the King know that he is welcomed to come stay with us in Kaliburg until Baltusia has had the time to investigate properly and neutralize the plotters behind the crime."

The Empress noted that while announcing that negotiations around the Lucid Accords in San Luis Baltusia were successful. "Mr. Hewlet was back in Kalistan well before the shooting incident in Johnston," said Her Imperial Majesty. "He was not in any danger at all. But before leaving Baltusia he was able to complete the negotiations to return our economic and diplomatic relations to normal, and while it took some work to get the National Assembly to ratify the measure, the hard work of the Institutional Party pushed the bill over the line."

The details of the Accords were publicized this week. "Foreign Minister Hewlett communicated our interests with the First Minister in Baltusia. From the accord, the Baltusians have agreed to exclude Kundrati Nationals from Santiago State and divert all commerce to and from Kundrati through either Lodamun or Valruzia. It is known that Valruzia does not embargo trade with Kundrati, and so, this should not create too much of a burden for Baltusia. Meanwhile, Baltusia will be responsible to keep Kundrati goods and personnel out of Kalsitan."

The Empress also noted that Baltusia proposed that trade be restored both between and through both nations are soon as immediately practical and that a new permanent mission be established in San Luis to facilitate trade and direct communication between the two Northern Seleyan nations. "Before the disagreements, it was our intention to expand consular services in Athosia," said Her Imperial Majesty. "This will provide us with an opportunity consolidate both institutions at one location." The Empress said the facility will be staffed by both Kalistani and Baltusian liasions to provide an immediate link between the two governments to iron out any immediate trade issues or adjudicate differences arising under the Accords.

"This is an excellent deal that Kalistan can live with," said Her Imperial Majesty. "We feel it takes both of our nations' legitimate concerns into account and allows us to reopen trade." The Empress said that the year long border closure has caused significant economic damage to the Kalistani economy, especially in the last six months. "We have witnessed a downturn in our economy, with increasing prices due to supply chain disruptions and shortages. The National Government has payroll protection in place, but there is only so much the National Government can do about shortages. This deal best of all for Kalistan will alleviate shortages at long last and allow goods to be delivered to market here for Kalistani consumers once more."

The Empress ended her announcement with praise for her Foreign Minister. "Mr. Hewlett fairly and honestly represented our Empire abroad, as we certainly expected that he would. Kalistan owes him a debt of gratitude."

Her Imperial Majesty noted that trade was already flowing across the border and passenger checks were lightening up, as the new rules that bar Kundrati Nationals from Santiago are taking in effect. Consumers have not noticed decreases in prices in the stores yet, but as trade is restored, decreased prices are not far behind.

@TheRepublic