5679: Shar-Mearvi Conference (Xsampa - Tel Bira)

[GreekIdiot]

Grand Yeudiot Hotel, Tel Bira - June 10, 5679



A delegation from Xsampa led by Richen Shar (Shar means East) has arrived in the Grand Yeudiot Hotel in Tel Bira. The delegation will be met, this afternoon, by their counterparts from the City State's foreign office, led by the Foreign Secretary of Tel Bira, Iliad Mearvi (means Western).

Although the meeting has very much evaded major headlines up to this point, diplomatic circles were quick to point out that, in historic fashion, this will present ample opportunities for both sides to find the final terms, 80 years after the nuclear incident in Metz-Leonid.

The buffet includes local delicacies such as hummus, falafel and other exquisite variants.

[GreekIdiot]

Iliad Mearvi, Foreign Secretary, City State of Tel Bira

He couldn't help it. He eyed Shar with suspicion and unfriendliness. Disbelief, even.

Alright, M. Shar. Shall we get to it? What is it that you really seek?

And the doors shut, leaving a heavily carpeted silence.

[Elena1012]

Richen Shar, Commissar of Foreign Affairs, Democratic Republic of Xsampa

Ahem, Comrade Mearvi..

I won't beat around the bush, our two people have had a... Troublesome relationship for quite some time now. Even with the peace treaty in the 40s. It's no lie that my government is genuinely interested in normalization of relations, if not for humanitarian goals then simply to say we did so. 

We're aware that the city states are in a very.. unique circumstance. Tel-Bira is fully neutral, we recognize this. Hence the meeting here, we want to show we're engaging in good faith. Haifbourg however, is one that is nominally independent and essentially on its own, compared to Himmelshtern. 

Here's what we're proposing, a blanket non-aggression pact with all remaining city states, indefinitely, and diplomatic channels. No one wants a repeat of the Red Bass War. Open communication will at the very least prevent more of our people from dying. Yeudis and Xsampan alike. We have an... Especially strong interest however in Haifbourg. I'll be direct and honest. We're willing to negotiate with you to ensure that one, we secure a permanent peace and normalize cross Red Bass relations, two, Xsampan interests in Majatra are protected in a mutually agreeable way, and three, we wish to establish a more closer relationship with the city state of Haifbourg. We're willing to genuinely, negotiate in good faith, Comrade Mearvi. Anything you want, we're open to hearing out.

[GreekIdiot]

Iliad Mearvi, Foreign Secretary, City State of Tel Bira

At the sound of the word "comrade", Iliad winced, the realisation that an anti-capitalist at the very least, was sitting right across from him, here, at this place, of all places - in one of the world's most capitalist places.

The City State of Tel Bira recognises the goodwill of your people and your show of good faith. Tel Bira negotiates in good faith, hence why we have been more and more distant from the institutions of the Holy Pillars of Amudim.

Our northern brethren in Himmelshtern have chosen an Artanian path. And Bannerhafen does not care about the Medebir Nisrad - Haifbourg. They do care about stability in both the Migrant's Pass and the Red Bass Ocean. The recent incidents with Lodamun did not escalate for exactly that reason. Neither us, nor Bannerhafen nor Himmelshtern wish a repeat of your war with Yishelem.

There are trade interests at play. Shipping interests at play. Energy interests at play.

We're bankers, M. Shar. A blanket non-aggression pact means nothing if the players enforcing it do not abide to mutual interests. You may hate my world, "Comrade", but it is the world you're dealing with.

Establishing a closer relationship with the Medebir Nisrad - the City State of Haifbourg - implies maintaining an approving relationship with Wiel and its own interests. They are quite liberal-rising-in-nature, I hear, these days.

Bannerhafen has no interests in Haifbourg and the southern lands. Sholemberg has its slice in the north, firmly secured.

As I said, M. Shar: there are trade interests at play. Shipping. Energy.

A true non-aggression pact flying over the Red Bass Ocean can only be enforced by those interests. Your interests across this side of the ocean. Our interests across your side of the ocean.

Ergo, mutual interests.

[Elena1012]

Richen Shar, Commissar of Foreign Affairs, Democratic Republic of Xsampa

Certainly. We're aware of the more.. profit oriented direction of the world we inhabit. We may not agree with it, but we can tolerate and respect it's existence. I think our mutual interests can align up, if not in ideals then in preserving indefinite peace. We have interests in Haifbourg. It would mean nothing and cost us more problems if everyone around Haifbourg, and Haifbourg itself hated us and there was chaos. What's good for business, is good for peace. And peace is always good for business, no? 

We have no interest in disrupting trade and energy interests. We recognize the global order, and our spot in it. We're not a rogue state like the Legionnaires in Kundrati who seek to disrupt the world at every opportunity. So, I do believe our mutual interests align. You want prosperity and profit, we want peace and prosperity. I don't see how the two are mutually exclusive. I won't lie. Yes, there will always be disagreements due to ideology and old grudges from the Bargas Chenpo. But I can say with absolute confidence, Xsampa is pragmatic enough to know when to acknowledge the status quo. This would be one of those times. 

As for Wiel, while it is upsetting to see their embrace of liberalism, we must ultimately respect it. And we would certainly look forward to engaging in good faith with them. Just as we both negotiate. 

Stability in the Red Bass benefits us. And the Red Bass being stable benefits all in the Migrants Pass. And a stable Migrants Pass benefits all bankers. Our interests are aligned in the sense that we all benefit, even if we don't agree. Xsampa would be willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that the Red Bass is stable, peaceful and calm. We have no desire to jeopardize or risk the energy and trading sector that all related parties have strong interest in.

[GreekIdiot]

Iliad Mearvi, Foreign Secretary, City State of Tel Bira

You seem to be asking administrative ownership of Haifbourg, M. Shar. Sure, not now, but it's the same song that played in Himmelshtern. Now the Triad Republic of Narikaton, Darnussia and Himmelshtern.

This is not so much of a cultural threat, but an ideological, M. Shar. Let's call it what it is. You dream of your flag in the Holy Land.

In our backyard.

Well, we can dream of our flags in your harbors, too. Carrying our oil and gas. You know from where. And our goods. From a lot of places. All to a lot of places in Dovani. And the industrial freight infrastructure in your lands? Unparalleled opportunity.

Mutual benefits, Comrade. Mutual interests. Mutual alignment flying over the Red Bass Ocean.

And the permanent peace you seek.

[GreekIdiot]

Iliad Mearvi, Foreign Secretary, City State of Tel Bira

You seem to be lost in thought, M. Shar. May I offer you some tea? It's of course imported.

Yes, yes, Bazil? Ah yes, fetch a pot of Vascanian mountain tea, please.

[Elena1012]

Richen Shar, Commissar of Foreign Affairs, Democratic Republic of Xsampa

Yes, I won't beat around the bush. We want administrative ownership of Haifbourg. We're aware of the expected responsibilities that will come with that, and the expected reactions. Whether it's an immediate transfer or gradual integration, we're willing to play ball, as they say.

Now, that's quite... An offer. I do need to remind you that, should that be accepted, our domestic law and regulations come into play. Your goods and such will be allowed to enter Xsampa, but if accepted, they would be subject to our regulations. Our socialism. We won't mind that. Luthorian goods already come into Xsampa, and they aren't friends of socialism either. That applies to using Xsampa as a hub for your economic interests. Truthfully, we won't mind so long as our laws and regulations aren't broken. 

There are some within Xsampa who wish to see Xsampa become more apart of the global economy anyways. You're making a big ask. But then again, aren't I as well? 

My concern, and I believe my government will fully echo this, even if they never admit it, is the PR. The world, especially our allies would be quite... Displeased at this. The public is already torn on this meeting happening. Imagine the reactions from the world, especially our allies, say Bianjie, Egelion, maybe even Kalistan if we accepted such a thing. But, given the ask Xsampa is making, I doubt there's much wiggle room to negotiate. 

Here's my offer. Haifbourg will be gradually integrated into the Democratic Republic of Xsampa over a period of 15 years. All of Haifbourg and the territory that comes with it will be demilitarized. We won't place even a gun on the Jelbek Peninsula. However, as for your demand. I would be willing to accept it, and I'm certain the rest of the country will accept it. If. You adhere to our regulations. Our rules. Our socialism. If it enters Xsampa, it falls under our regulations until it leaves Xsampa. My concern is not whether your request threatens our socialism. I'm confident in it. My concern, is how the world views it. Having our laws keep an eye on it, I believe, will alleviate our concerns about PR.

What do you say?

[GreekIdiot]

Iliad Mearvi, Foreign Secretary, City State of Tel Bira

Once again, he couldn't help himself. Raised an eyebrow, slightly impressed. Oh, these Xsampans.

You are; you are asking a lot, M. Shar.

Does that mean you're willing to enter our networks? The Vamaj for instance. The Migrant Accords and the 3PF? Aid our trade towards the rest of Dovani? Guarantee us shipping traffic in your harbors - and beyond? What of Wiel's approving nod at your absurd ask? Will they play along?

And what of your government, M. Shar. You just dipped in approvals.

And as far as your military presence is concerned, but considering the implications, we'd rather you parked a fleet, or two. That would absolutely signal a trilateral alignment. It's not just us in the Red Bass Ocean - it's barely us. What of Bannerhafen and Wiel?

You worry of PR. I worry of guardrails.

[Elena1012]

Richen Shar, Commissar of Foreign Affairs, Democratic Republic of Xsampa

Indeed I am, I am asking for a lot. Joining your networks is also an ask. I must say, we've gone a very long way since the Bargas Chenpo, haven't we? From sworn enemies, to negotiating as equals. We'd be willing to enter the 3PF. Our interests in the Migrants Pass are aligned in keeping the peace and calm. However, it's also our only avenue into Eastern Artania. 

Vamaj however, is a firm refusal. That's a line we simply cannot cross. If this deal is accepted, you'll be allowed to enter Xsampan harbours for shipping and such. Vamaj is not something we can accept however. Would you really ask that we join a network that distributes oil from a neo-fascist state that has antagonized Xsampa for merely existing? 

Yes, the Passereau Administration is seeing it's approvals dip. The citizens of Metz-Leonid have very... Strong opinions about anything yeudi. Elections are next year, and Comrade Passereau is hoping a good foreign policy win will boost his chances of re-election. Irregardless, we'd be willing to accept positioning a fleet in Haifbourg, instead of demilitarizing it.

Now, this is quite a situation. We both are asking for alot. We're asking for Haifbourg. You're asking for us to open the door for your networks. I do want to ask, what's simply stopping us from accepting, annexing Haifbourg and then slamming the door? With all due respect, there's not much, if anything that Tel Bira, or any of the other city states could do. 

Don't get me wrong. We're open to establishing basic economic ties, and we won't mind it. What we do have issues with, is things such as joining vamaj. 

I'm making a big ask, yes. But so are you. We both can walk out of this conference happy, with concessions and compromises made. Or we can walk home angry with no progress. Say what you will about the status quo, but there's always a new threat around the corner. Would you rather another emerges from the Red Bass? Threaten your profits and trade? Simply because we both walk away from Tel Bira with nothing but a bitter frown? Or would you rather we both walk away with a deal that while it isn't perfect, it's tolerable to keep the peace. After all, another Red Bass War would only harm profits more. Let alone tensions that disrupts trade.

I believe we can keep joining vamaj off the negotiating table. That's a firm line in the sand we cannot, and will not cross, Comrade Mearvi.