Kalistan

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David Romero issues strong condemnation to Valruzia
"Statements threaten to harm relations" between Northern Seleyan States, says Romero
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 25, 5678


David Romero, speaking for AYIC, discusses Valruzian Comments in Kaliburg

The most important Yeudi Interests group in Terra has issued a strong statement condemning Valruzian legislator Mieszko Janiszewski's comments on Yeudis in Valruzia. David Romero, who still leads the Anantonese Yeudi Interests Committee loudly voiced his disappointment in the Legislator's comments and declared Kalistan to be welcoming to all Yeudis who should choose to relocate from Valruzia.

"We note that historically, when there is a legislator willing to voice such sentiments, there are probably tens of thousands in the society who also feel that way," said Romero, about Janiszewski's statements that Valruzian Yeudis must "conform or be expelled" earlier this month. "We have never been under any delusion that anti-Yeudi sentiment has been eradicated. It is most convenient for populists and ideologues to use our co-religionists as scapegoats for problems that ail their society. And this kind of comment is no different."

Romero said that the desire for national unity should not spread to what he termed "the Hive Mind. Just because people have a different heritage, or belief than we do does not mean that this person is also not loyal to their own state. A person can support their nation and have a unique identity at the same time: In Kalistan, as in Valruzia, there are millions of patriotic Yeudi citizens, all of whom pay their taxes and do their national service as Mr. Janiszewski does, and none of whom declare allegiance to some foreign state or idea in lieu of their loyalty to their own society."

Romero thanked the Valruzian Communists and the members of Our Homeland for their principled stance on the anti-Yeudi comments. "We also understand that there will be a very clear and unequivocal statement coming from the Triad Republic, who controls the Himmelshtern Nisrad and will of course have an interest in how Valruzia treats its Yeudi Citizens," said Romero. "It takes a little longer for governments than for Non Governmental Organizations like AYIC, but we still appreciate them being willing to take a stand against anti-Yeudi sentiment in Valruzia, as all correct minded organizations and individuals should.

"But, as for Valruzia, as for all of us, I want to stress that it is not enough to simply loudly condemn something," continued Romero. "That condemnation should be paired with action. Janiszewski's ideology of hate and division is not going to change just because he was censured in the Legislature. What we would hope is that the Government of Valruzia ensured that he was not in any position to make decisions that could potentially hurt Yeudi interests or people within Valruzia as well, even if it means disqualifying him from office."

Romero also spoke about Kalistan. "These sort of statements by Valruzia's elected representatives could harm relations among friends," said Romero, alluding to potential diplomatic fallout from Kaliburg toward Valruzia. "Kalistan, as a general rule is an open and safe place for Yeudis around the world, and if any Yeudi citizens from Valruzia feel that their home as become a hostile place to them, their families, their friends, and etc, I would like to personally welcome them to Kalistan. AYIC would work with you and help you resettle in a land where language, and more importantly beliefs like that are not common and are certainly not elevated to any position of power or authority. I would love to meet with you."

Romero is in his last few years serving as director of AYIC but has not stepped down yet. His chosen successor for the organization, Jacob Maxwell of Sulari, continues to serve as Deputy of Operations for the lobbyist organization. More than 1.8 million Kalistani Yeudis have donated to date to AYIC.

@TheRepublic