Kalistan

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1st Fleet doubles patrols off Kizenia as tensions mount in Keris
Foreign Minister decries "Illegitimate" regime in Porteşti
North Anantonese Ocean, Empire of Ananto and Kalistan
June 25, 5680


Aboard KRS 128, Kaliburg-C class Destroyer patrolling just inside international waters near Kizenia

As tensions begin flaring in Keris, following a Kizenian attack on Trigunian shipping, Their Imperial Majesty's Defense Minister has ordered the 1st Regular Navy to increase patrols along the southern coast of Keris. "Our warships are careful to remain in international waters," said Defense Minister, Regular Major Morris Grant. "Our Rules of Engagement center on ensuring safe passage of civilian traffic and containment of any Kizenian conflicts into region to the waters immediately adjacent to Kizenia. Currently there is no immdeiate danger, and the only contacts we've made so far have been with the Kizenian coast guard, which have all ended peacefully. We do, however wish to be proactive, and if this entire thing blows up, we want to be in a place to support our allies in the region quickly and with deadly effectiveness."

Several Kalistani missile frigates attached to the First Navy, stationed permanently at Bozo River Air-Ground Combined Arms Training Center have been called up closer to Kizenia, but remain detatched from the quick response force. "We have these ships on standby should our citizens in the cities of Luncasi and Delatabor along the Southern Coast need to be evacuated in an emergency," said the Major. "If those citizens come under threat, we have an obligation to protect them. Our foreign ministry has asked them to begin considering departure, but to prepare to bug out with a 24 hour notice should the national situation deteriorate, but we've received word that there are still more than 10,000 Kalistani expatriates living and working in Luncasi, and another 3500 in Deltabor."

Their Imperial Majesties' Foreign Minister confirmed the numbers from the Defense Minister, and added, "These Nationals travel back and forth between Kizenia and Kalistan and many Kalistanis have made southern Kizenia home within the last 80 years to practice business in relatively peace, even more so since the Single Party Act was restored, and the liberals were sent from Government once more. Kizenia's monarchy was comparatively liberal and Kalistani liberals sought a place where they could exist in peace, even if it meant expatriation. But these people and their families for the most part retain their citizenship in Kalistan, and travel biennially to the Kalistani embassy in Altea, or travel instead to Kaliburg to renew their expatriate papers, and have done so for decades. Now they find themselves in a state which has, overnight switched to authoritarianism. They haven't had the push yet to return permanently to Kalistan, and if they need to escape, we need to be prepared to help them."

The Foreign Minister added, "Kalistan feels that the new regime in power there lacks legitimacy, as it seized power extra-constitutionally and overthrew the monarchy of that land. We have very sparse details: IBSI is working to ascertain, from elements in country, as well as through diplomatic contacts, what the character of this government is, but they do seem to crack down on the liberties of the people of their nation, and have now attacked the shipping of a neighbor with whom they are currently at peace. We don't necessarily take sides in this spat between Kizenia and Trigunia, but if reports about the activities of the Kizenian government are accurate, it might behoove Kalistan to attempt contact Trigunia for the purpose of offering some limited support."

The Foreign Minister also said that Kalistan and Egelion have spoken, and Kalistan has assured King Artemio Montalivet of Imperial Support on the Continent. "Whatever Kalistan's role will be," said Mr. Greene, "ultimately it will be as a junior partner in any situation: Keris is Keris' concern, and our role in any situation would be as support, to fill in gaps or provide resources where needed. We have made it clear to His Majesty that we are prepared to coordinate our efforts and to follow Egelion's lead in Keris. The situation in Kizenia is a vital concern for Kalistan, certainly, given its proximity to our Empire. But Kizenia is just across the only land border Egelion possesses. So obviously, they will take whatever lead there is to take, should Kizenia instability become a problem for its neighbors. Perhaps they will, however sort it out and restore legitimate government and civil liberties in Kizenia. Should they do this on their own, Kalistan will first make sure that our citizens and their property is safe, and then we will open talks with the Kizenian government."

Both the Foreign Minister and the Defense Minister stressed that there is no open conflict along the southern coast in Kizenia. "Nor is there any official threats against against Kalistani expatriates or property." The recent firing on Trigunian shipping merely increases the tension, and gives Kalistan a reason to increase its alert status. "We're hoping for peaceful resolution," said the Foreign Minister. "Destabilization in the North Anantonese is not good for anyone."

@TheRepublic