SD.Net World(RAR!) MK II

[PeZook]

Atlantis, Corridors Of Power

Paul nodded upon hearing what Arik had to say.

"I must say I'm glad we had this conversation. I think I came up with a solution which will satisfy everybody."

He bid his friends goodbye and retired to his hotel suite. He had a speech to write.

Atlantis, conference hall, the following day

Once again, King Paul was at the podium. He could see the delegates were tired and frustrated with the impasse, and he hoped his proposal would help move the conference along. It better.

He adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. Well, let's get it over with.

"Honored representatives of the world", he began, "We have spent plenty of time trading views on Libertia with each other, and it has become apparent that two basic camps are present here.

One support full engagement and recognition of statehood. The other is wary of recognizing Libertian nations, thinking instead that their leaders should prove to the world at large they are indeed capable of ruling their people justly."

"These two camps are unified on one front - that is, they share concern for the plight of the people of Terra Libertia, and wish to help them in any way possible. Thus, in order to recognize and acknowledge the right of sovereign nations to their decision about Libertia, but ensure that aid can still be delivered and distributed, PeZookia proposes the following:"

"One, that an international aid agency be established. This agency will be tasked with distribution of aid shipments, and monitoring the situation in Libertia. All shipments will be delivered to the agency, which will then distribute it according to local needs."

"This allows for countries who do not wish to engage and recognize Libertian nations to still deliver aid, without putting undue pressure on them."

"Two, that a stringent set of limitations be placed upon aid deliveries. Should any of these limitiations be broken by any faction, all aid shall cease untill such time when it is decided that they can be resumed and the requirements have been met again. These requirements should include, at the very least:

- The ban on all offensive operations against other Libertian nations.
- The ban on purchasing high-powered, heavy offensive weaponry like tanks, attack airplanes, ballistic missiles, armored infantry fighting vehicles and helicopter gunships untill such time when pre-determined conditions are met
- Requirement for full transparency and co-operation of local authorities with aid distribution"
- Requirement for just and even treatment of Libertia's citizens by their rulers.
- The ban on utilization of aid funds for arms purchases, save for construction of fortifications

The King took a small sip of water.

"Furthermore, we propose that all countries signatory to the Agency's charter enter into a mutual agreement not to militarily support any of the three nations with direct intervention, save for sales of light arms."

"Should the honorable representatives sign the Agency's charter, all that will be left for this conference is the question of stabilization of the Sultan's lands. It is PeZookia's opinion that a separate agreement should be drafted for this matter, so that a course of action can be agreed upon."

"Lastly, there still remains a matter of an agreed-upon response in case Saddamistan, not being a party to this conference or signatory of any of it's Acts, intervenes in Libertia again."

[K. A. Pital]

Atlantis Conference Hall

A lone female voice was the first to support the speech of Pezookia's King.

- We agree, - Ania's voice was friendly when she was looking at the speaker tribune, but then she threw a glance around the Conference Hall, which was rather cold, if still accepting.

Then, she clapped.

- I applause King Paul for his immense diplomatic efforts, done with skill and grace which many should take as an example to follow.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Constantinople Times

Emperor Approves of the notion of an International Aid Agency

The Emperor approves of the notion of an international aid agency, though he has some qualms about how effective the agency will be in the Sultanate. The Sultanate is in shambles and the agency will be expected to operate in war zone conditions, raising questions of the safety of the crews.

"The conditions put forward by King Paul is more or less within Byzantine Foreign policy and thus meets some of the goals of our policy. We will wholeheartedly support it," says the Emperor.

Aegean Fisheries accepts bid from Constantinople Shipyards to build ISCA fishing vessels.

Aegean Fisheries, a private company and one of the two big suppliers of seafood to Byzantium agreed to purchase 5 new ISCA fishing vessels to be constructed at Constantinople Yards and perhaps one or two of the other ISCA affiliated shipyards. The ships are expected to be delivered over the next 1-2 years.

[The Yosemite Bear]

Bear Republic agrees to the terms of the Libertopian Treaty

Bad News from the BR, after extensive underwater blasting, and process to eliminate megafauna around the coasts of the Republic, we have discovered our natural fish habitats have been disturbed and our fish stocks greatly depleted.

[RogueIce]

"Lastly, there still remains a matter of an agreed-upon response in case Saddamistan, not being a party to this conference or signatory of any of it's Acts, intervenes in Libertia again."

"I applaud King Paul's intitiative and would like to pledge my government's support.

"And speaking of Saddamistan, I note with some displeasure that the OMSK still has not made clear their role in the recent conflict. We know some kind of deal was apparently struck; we are not blind to the UKB's inroads into Saddamistan. But I for one would like to know to what extent these inroads entail, exactly.

"Especially given the recent news of Libertian refugees being held in POW camps, I think the full details behind recent events would be most helpful. We have seen that Saddamistan cares little for what the MESS and FUN have to say. But if the OMSK has arranged some kind of 'understanding' with them, it could be helpful in arranging the safe release of the refugees."

[PeZook]

Repulican Economist

PeZookia raises interest rates by two percentage points by royal edict

In order to curb inflationary pressure from easy credit, the Royal Office has issued an edict to raise Central Bank obligatory reserves, and all interest rates.

Economic experts from the "Dr. Cray Zee Liberal Institute" warn that this move threatens the overall economic growth and investment rates in PeZookia, and can potentially leave the country behind in the global economic race.

The Royal Office declined comment, citing the King's ongoing efforts on Atlantis as a reason His Majesty is unavailable for comment. The Economist has been able to reach the Finance Minister, though. This is what he had to say:

"While it is true that the changes will reduce economic growth, especially considering the new tax plans put in place earlier this year. However, we need to curb inflation - which is hurting the poorest part of the population - and fix the income distribution. Quite frankly, the King made it explicitly clear that he does not want PeZookia to become reminescent of the ITR, where the rich control all the wealth, while the poor are left to their own ends.

Furthermore, I wouldn't despair over economic growth, either. The consumption demand is quite high, investment flow is stable, and our electronics industry is starting to take off thanks to government subsidies. What we want to containt is runaway, inflationary growth, which is purely the result of artificial consumer demand thanks to easy credit.

A credit bubble is another thing we want to avoid. Credit is an important, necessary tool for business and industry, not a way to frivolously and irresponsibly spend money on consumption."

Economic experts have been known to openly criticize the Finance Ministry and the Royal Office for their increasingly socialist policies, and that latest statement is no exception.

"This is outrageous. If this trend continues, we'll eventually be left with a socialist country, poorly managed by an overblown bureaucracy, with the unemployed feeling entitled to the fruits of other people's hard work. The King has already exhibitied autocratic tendencies, with threats of arrest to any dissenters during the Tax Debate! The course the government is steering us towards is a course for disaster!"

Affluent suburbanites also criticize the plan:

"Great. Now my mortgage will become even more expensive!", said Marge LaFayette, when question by our reporter in front of her 500 square meter home, "How does the government expect me to earn a living if I will have to give even more money to the royal coffers? I can barely scratch a living as it is!"

[K. A. Pital]

Red Technocracy's students stage protests against Dr. Cray Zee and his economic think-tank



- He wrote this preposterous book, "The End of History", in which he claimed that neoliberalist economic policy is the end of all, and ridiculed us! - said a student of the Omsk State University, a place which is known to have voted strongly for socialist and communist factions in the Supreme Council last year.

- Now he sees that more and more countries reject their blind dogma! - spoke another. - The recent political turn in PeZookia has long shown that his picture of an "end of history" is wrong. History is ever in progress until a better system supercedes an outdated one!

- We are in touch with the CLIT and other protesters in the nations of the world. You can be sure that Dr. Zee will be greeted with protests when he travels around, protests against his preposterous bourgeois agenda!

[my nationals behave the way they should behave ]

[PeZook]

(OOC: That's a pretty underwhelming protest, though

And this is awesome...let's take it further!)

Dr. Cray Zee to speak at Omsk University, other countries

The world-renowned neo-liberal economist, Dr. Cray Zee, has announced today his newly scheduled series of lectures, to be given at top universities all around the world.

Considered by some to be eccentric and controversial, Dr. Zee is the head of the "Cray Zee Liberal Institute", an PeZookia-based economic think-tank notorious for its tireless promotion of neoliberal economic ideals.

His world tour will take him across several Nova Terra countries, including the Red Technocracy, the Incorporated Republic of Tonkin, the Bear Republic, the People's Republic of Canissia and Shepnukistan.

When asked why he plans to visit the Red Technocracy, Dr. Zee commented thusly:

"This crumbling socialist moloch is one of the last vestiges of outdated, overly restrictive economic thinking. I fear that unless they reform and embrace neo-liberal economic ideals as promoted in my book, "The End of History", their economy will surely collapse.

The OMSK university was kind enough to invite me to a debate with one of their economics professors, in which I hope to show the light to many Red Technocracy youngsters and convince them of the One True Way. Hopefully, the KGB will not disappear them afterwards."

When asked about his thoughts on Terra Libertia, Dr. Zee commented:

"Terra Libertia is a personal fascination of mine, a grand experiment failed due to the lack of human understanding. President Volney Faaris has made a bold move by dissolving the government of this place - however, the failing of individuals ruined it. It could've been paradise, unburdened with socialist policies which chain ordinary people and take away the fruis of their labor. If only those new governments didn't arise ; If only they understood what gift was given to Libertia by their late President!"

Dr. Zee has often commented on the bad direction PeZookian politics are taking, and is an open critic of the King. The King himself, however, claims Dr. Zee is "A hack author, an incompetent economist, and a deluded man more in love with his simplistic economic and social models than the welfare of his fellow citizens.A man utterly devoid of empathy, and arrogant beyond belief."

It is said that Dr. Zee cringes every time the word "welfare" is uttered by King Paul I.

(OOC: I did this because I want an idiot neoliberal authority with an egg splattered on his face )

[Shroom Man 777]

Atlantis, Conference Hall
Immediately after King Paul's speech.

Prime Minister Shroom joined the audience in applauding King Paul's speech. It was short, concise, and yet it carried a powerful and decisive point. It was more than can be said about the Prime Minister's own articulations... which was why he was now smiling at the King with something that looked like a cross between pride and well-meaning envy.

The man was good, really good. He was a credit to his nation and to the entire FUN, and the Prime Minister felt immensely relieved to be standing side by side with that remarkable man. It made him feel so tall and strong.

He turned to look at King Arik, who was also nodding in approval to what his kingly counterpart had just decreed.

Yes, while the Prime Minister agreed to what Paul had just pronounced, he too concurred with what his Canissian friend had said last night. When Paul had asked them "what was up", he had merely nodded when Arik had elaborated things in succinct terms.

Of course, aside from agreeing with Arik, he was also bearing with the aftermath of Q's mindfuckery and... his own (mental) problems. So, all his feeble faculties were capable of back then was just nodding.

Putting two and two together, he remembered Arik comparing the Libertian lords of war with the regimes of Earth That Was. The King had mentioned Marcos, which was funny, since the ex-Philippine President and the Shroomanian Prime Minister were both from the same Third World shithole. The same shithole that was still reeling from the aftermath of the Marcos Regime, decades after. If it weren't for Q, he'd still be there right now...

Which was why he was hesitant on giving the Libertian lords the benefit of the doubt. At least neither Ramsley nor Alexander had an Imelda to worry about. The Libertians won't end up having all their shoes stolen, at least...

It was Shroom's turn to stand and speak, and so he stood (tall and hard) and spoke.

"Ladies," he nodded at Ania, who glared at him. He smiled sheepishly. "And gentlemen."

"Upon hearing my fellow FUNite's proposal, the Sovereignty of Shroomania hereby agrees enthusiastically to this proposed international aid agency. In light of Libertian refugees being held in POW camps with unverified conditions, I say that the creation of this organization cannot come soon enough. Saddamistan would do us all a favor in international aid by arranging the release these refugees.

"Also, since we have just agreed to this international agency, I would like to state that our commitments to this noble endeavor must go just beyond merely paying and providing for shipments of food and medicine.

"In Earth That Was, humanitarian aid to stricken lands were often ineffectual because all the nations could muster were shipments of supplies. They did not go beyond that, and when they did, it was too little. They were content with merely signing checks and feeling better about themselves afterwards.

"The same complacency cannot be allowed to happen in Libertia. While that land has been plagued with problems, we must realize that the solution does not lie with us, but it lies within the people of Libertia and their land.

"As they say, give a man fish, he will be satisfied for a day. Teach a man to fish, then he will never go hungry again. We must work together with the Libertians, give back to them what they have lost and teach them what they have forgotten in their long hardships, and ultimately place them on the path to self-governance and self-sufficiency.

"If the Libertians can learn to value their greater community and work together for a better future," the Prime Minister shrugged and glanced briefly at the Red Technocratic delegation - who he knew were all about instilling socialist values on the Goddamn Libertians. "Then, who knows, they might end up becoming better off than the rest of us."

[Mr Bean]

Atlantis, Conference Hall
Immediately after the Shroomian speech.
Lord Robert Patrick turned to Nassor Demir and spoke quietly to him. "What do you think? Will it work? And more importantly how badly will it handicap us in the region?"
Nassor shrugged, "In absolute terms peace is bad for us, however in moral terms it is to be desired. However did you note the language of King Paul's presentation? He left the door open for us."

Lord Patrick blinked, he had no seen no obvious loopholes in King Paul's statement, it was not official treaty language yet and there were always a loophole in those over-lawyered documents, but King's Paul's blunt to the point two step plan seemed to have been clear of any obvious wiggle room. He cocked an eyebrow at Nassor for the man to go on.

Nassor Dimir, unofficial Station Chief in the totally unofficial Liberaltopia station smiled. "Remember Shepnukstain, such things have been done before, the key word is purchase" he nodded, "Who would give away million dollar weapons systems for free after all unless one had a clear winner already picked out. Besides he did not ask us to demand what we've given back has he?" he nodded to himself, "Not to mention it's not the type of thing they need. Alexander does not need tanks, he has no tankers, he has infantry and a keen knowledge of the land, he needs counters, he needs AT4's or perhaps Javelin's. He needs RBS's and Stingers, he needs Mortars, in short he needs counters to what his enemy will bring against. "

"But we've not supplied any side with weaponry of any kind Mr Dimir" Lord Patrick asked puzzled. "Yes, no WE have not" agreed Nassor. "So you recommendation Mr Dimir?
Nassor smiled, "Stall for time, it is the third part of the treaty that is of concern, the treaty as is is fine, the question is what the good King Paul intends to do if Saddamstain violates the treaty again"
Lord Patrick found himself nodding, yes... that was the key...

He stood up as the clapping slowed down from the Shroomian PM's speech.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the UKB agrees in principle with King Paul's statements, but a question remains, What about Saddamstain? What does King Paul say should be the response if Saddamstain violates the treaty we ourselves have written?"

[Master_Baerne]

Atlantis, the Corridors of Power

Immediately after King Paul's speech

Duke James, who had previously remained silent, rose from his seat in the conference chamber and began to applaud, joining the other delegates in their support for King Paul's proposal.

[Coyote]

Anti-Fishing Animal Rights Activists Take to the Seas


An aquatic version of the GENITAL-- GENeral Intention To Abolish Labtesting-- has taken to the seas in an attempt to end what they call "industrial-scale slaughter of sea life".

"The automated fishery ships are an abomination to all that is alive," said spokeswoman Myra Foxglove, of the GENITAL. "People do not comprehend the billions of fish wiped out by these despicable kill factories. How long will it be before there are no fish left?"

The automated fisheries are being interefered with, and in some cases boarded by vandals. With few crew-- or in some cases, none at all-- there is frequently little that can be done to stop the protestors short of lethal force.

"Canissian automated vessels, both freighter and fisher, have robotic defense turrets on them," Trade Minister Rayzha Rumaclin said, "But obviously we don't turn these deadly weapons on the animal rights protestors. What they are doing is illegal, true, but lethal force is not authorized for political activism."

In deference to the GENITAL's claim to respect life, they have limited their destructive acts to property, and disavowed violence against people.

"We respect all life, even that which does not respect other life," Myra Foxglove says, "Someday, all thinking, caring people will come around and realize we all play a part in the dynamic life cycle."

Lethal force is authorized to protect another person's life, but not property. Some, however, want to see the restrictions lessened.

"Maybe I'm just frustrated, but they are destroying my livlihood," said Vessel Overseer Haim Gordon. "For legal and insurance purposes, we have to stand aside and do nothing while they smash the controls and shut down the ship. The only real weapon we have is passive resistance-- they won't sink the ship while we're aboard, since it would be killing people, and since they won't perform violence against us, they can't force us to the lifeboats."

Crewmen who voluntarily go to the lifeboats, however, may do so, and some have.

"It's not worth it," said Machinist Mate 3rd Class Jeff Crowder. "I just get off the ship. This is the third time I've been hustled off, and I'm done. I'm going to apply for another job. Cap'n Gordon and the Chief Engineer stayed on the ship last time, and the whackos didn't sink it 'cause of them. But I'm not going to take any chances and risk my life for company property like that, no way."

Trade Minister Rumaclin says that the easiest way around the problem is to take non-lethal protective measures, such as the Pain Beam, and outfit them on any vessel that might be a target for such activity.

"The Pain Beam has been an idea batted around by the Defense Ministry for some time," Minister Rumaclin said, "But the Trade Ministry is willing to work with them on this if it means protecting our ships."

[Raj Ahten]

The Indhopal delegation gave their tentative support for the Pezookian proposal on Libertopia. They were concerned about the part where all aid would be stopped if one of the rulers acted badly. That seemed like punishing the people, not the ruler. Also how such determinations would be made, and by whom, needed to be elaborated on.

Alexander's Colonel said the terms were unsatisfactory. How would third party bureaucrats know what was best for the lands of Alexandria? It was also a slap in the face on sovereignty. The way the good Colonel said it certainly left the door open for negotiation though.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Imperial Chronicles
The Emperor didn't stay long during the conference while many in the theater clapped. In his mind, the treaty didn't go far enough, and might be utterly pointless since it avoided the issue of the Sultanate altogether.

Back in the hotel suite, all the advisers were gathered and the Prime Minister was attending the meeting via video phone. "Bah. In truth, this agency would be totally ineffectual in the Sultanate. Half the lot will be gunning down the aid convoys, while the other half will be carrion birds stealing the food. Then we have the banditry situation which goes unchecked, be state supported or some desperate felon," says one adviser. The others nodded in agreement. "Short of nuking the whole island, there will never be peace."

"Then you have impertinent patriarch who's just begging the Imperator to have him excommunicated. Who does he intend to fool with those arms shipments? Did we not impose on him our will that he jolly well not be up to some confrontational nonsense?" says another adviser.

"More importantly, where does Alexander stand? That guy just pillages his land and practically enslaves his people. Next we have to deal with those... religious fanatics in the Red Technocracy which defied our Emperor's will and supplied arms to Ramsley. Good God, how are we going to control the whole lot?" grumbled the Prime Minister.

"Maybe we should just... bomb them to dust with tonnes of Greek Fire. Saves the whole world lots of trouble," mumbled the General, who was the current Chief of Staff.

The Emperor was looking out of the window utterly pensive. This was probably King Paul's best push for anything, yet it feels utterly incomplete and not effective enough. No mention for help for the Sultan, and Saddamistan remains a problem. "I think we should just do what we can and worse case, just forget about it. I am growing wary of dealing with that island, and even the Ecumenical Patriarch is expressing consternation at some of Ramsley's shadowy dealings. Church and state must always be separated I reminded him, for this particular reason." The Emperor sighed. Nothing will change as usual. Probably better to forget that Terra Libertia exists and let the whole lot kill each other.

[Coyote]

Antlantis

Arik liked what he heard-- it was as good a compromise as possible given the current situation.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the UKB agrees in principle with King Paul's statements, but a question remains, What about Saddamstain? What does King Paul say should be the response if Saddamstain violates the treaty we ourselves have written?"

Ah, finally the heart of the matter, Arik thought.

"I'd like to propose, first of all, a united command structure, put together specificially for this purpose," he said, "We must not suffer the breakdown in communications that happened earlier." Arik was poised and calm, gone was the anger he'd had boiling under his skin for days after the event.

"A regional command for Libertopia and Saddamistan-- areas that are important to ALL of us, where we all share relevant information, diplomacy, and maneuvers, so that we are not caught by surprise by any sudden moves elesewhere. This unified command would not be an attempt to merge our militaries or governments-- just an information-sharing board for the region of concern.

"If we can agree to this, I and other nations will be encouraged to participate more fully.

"So count Canissia in on the shared relief agency and fund for Libertopia, and Canissia tables the motion for a unified force command to ensure clear and consistent communications."

[Shroom Man 777]

Atlantis, the Corridors of Power
Random chattering.

The Prime Minister was taking a breather. He always got the shakes when speaking to a large crowd.

Nonetheless, he was speaking to a large crowd right now - diplomats and world leaders, journos and generals. A tired lot who were drinking up the refreshments before another round of speeches and applause back in the Conference Hall.

"I know," the Prime Minister agreed to what someone important was saying. "It does sound good, but I agree that it could use some hammering out. We have to fine-tune the details."

"Alexander's Colonel does have a point," the Prime Minister continued. "We can't halt aid because of the actions of a few. The people will suffer, not the ones in power - they can weather it out, but the little people can't. The situation is rather complex, and we have to hold the leaders accountable. The only way to do this, though, would be through establishing a democracy."

There were mumblings, some of agreement, some of concern, a few who nodded, others who shook their heads.

"But we can't rush things like democracy or free elections," the Prime Minister rambled on. "We have to take baby steps... but I do like the way Alexander's Colonel went with his piece."

"How so?" someone else asked.

"The Colonel, speaking for Alexander, protested the 'punishing of the people, not the ruler', and that is a rather responsible sentiment... even if we're supposed to be putting up the PR in these things," Shroom shrugged. "Maybe there is hope in that land after all..."

"Anyway," the Prime Minister said in finality as the people began to disperse, some heading for their suites, others back to the Conference Hall for another round of haggling and haranguing. "First things first, we should concentrate on helping the people of Libertia. Bringing aid and getting people fed and healthy. That's our primary concern. Dealing with politics and governments... well, that will have to come later.

"King Arik's right though, we do need a Unified Command. We can't form it for the explicit purposes of defending against Saddamistan - that'll just piss them off - but we can establish it with the purposes of safeguarding Libertia from untoward influences, which would be understandable in these tenuous nation-building circumstances. As for Saddamistani aggression directed elsewhere, we have our alliances and power blocs to handle that..."

The Prime Minister ended his piece and found himself... alone in the corridors. Talking to himself.

"Oh..."

A flatscreen mounted on the wall replied with an advertisement beamed straight from homely Shroomania, via ShroomSatTV.

The Prime Minister cringed.



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[Mr Bean]

August 19th 2010
BBC Reports

I'm Aleister Crowley, and this is BBC Special News Report.
It seems a refugee ships fleeing the Sultanate in Terra Libertia has struck a mine. The ship then ran aground in Saddamstain territorial waters. There was a wire report about this situation the day before but we now have an update. It seems that Saddamnstain's military arrived on the scene and is holding the refugee's in barbed wire encampents right on the beach, that are not permitting food nor water into the camps according to Liberaltopia reporter inside the camps, shortly after he made his second report it seems the Saddamstain goverment picked up on it and have taken the reporter and his equipment into custody.

As it stands now the Saddamstain government is refusing to comment on the situation and has even gone so far as throw Shroom-Sat reports out of the country. We here in the BBC still have two reporters in the Capital but have been warned we to may soon face expulsion. Until such time as our people are deported from the country we will attempt to find out what the Great Saddam intends to do about these refugee's.

This is Aleister Crowley, BBC news.



-------------

August 30th 2010

BBC News Reports
Preparations have begun to launch the first two global Weather-Satellites into orbit, they are expected to be launched into GEO orbit on the 2nd of September. These satellites will be placed in Geo-stationary orbit above the Centeral Bay here in the UKB, and the second placed between the Neverhood and Shepnukstain. Nicknamed the GEOS(Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) it will be able to report instantly on weather anywhere over land.

With the launch of these two satellites, Blue Sun has announced plans to begin broadcast an all Weather Channel on Channel 90 on Shroom-Sat television. The new channel will feature world-wide weather reports and quick emergence broadcast in the event of Tsunami or Cyclone's threating any country.

Also with the launch of the satellites the SAR beacon system will finally be active, togther with UKB GPS system this will provide instant and accurate position information to rescuers and help stop Pirate attacks as the system can recognize and report on fourty different warning codes, from Capsized ship in storm to Pirates have taken the ship. The SAR beacon system will provide quick, accurate information to Coast Guard's around the world.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Constantinople Times

Byzantium Coast Guard warns animal protesters that any act of obstructing a ship, or boarding it without permission will be interpreted as an act of piracy.

The BCG issued a stern warning to any animal protester that boarding any Byzantine flagged vessel, or boarding any vessel in Byzantine waters is tantamount to piracy and would use force to either destroy or arrest the perpetrators. "Byzantine law is harsh and absolute. We do not tolerate policy and still maintain the rule to destroy any ship used for piracy. No survivors are taken. Any ship or crew caught is liable to be shot without trial."

[PeZook]

Atlantis, conference hall, 10:02

"I must admit that we are very pleased with the welcoming response garnered by PeZookia's aid proposal. This shows hope for the future."

"Now, the matter of the Sultanate is obviously of grave concern. In a Liertian stabilization plan, restoring the Sultanate should be a first priority. However, I would like to adress some concerns of the esteemed colonel."

"First, the proposed aid agency would obviously collate information acquired from local sources, and employ Libertians in order to ascertain the situation. Second, the nations of the world agree to provide aid, investment and infrastructure construction out of their own good will, and thus can set any condition whatsoever on providing it.

I understand the Colonel's reservations about the nature of those conditions, but the safety of our aid workers is of paramount concern."

"Now, If the honorable representatives would allow me, I would like to present now a rough proposal for two basic strategies for stabilizing the Sultanate.

One is that of purely military intervention and occupation of the Sultanate via military means. It has serious drawbacks, naturally: the Jihadi faction apparently enjoys support of the populace ; it is a land the size of Syndromia, of foreign culture. Syndromia took a year to pacify and rebuild, and it was a culturally close nation which had existing government institutions in place. And, of course, there is the Saddamistani problem.

However, this approach, provided proper commitment, guarantees stabilization.

A second strategy is that of stand-off support: Where we aid the Sultan's forces with air power and missile strikes, training his men in the hope he can regain control by himself. It is safer for our troops, but less control means the Sultan will be, by necessity, less accountable for the actions of his troops.

The obvious, and most serious concern, is the popular support of the Jihadi faction. It is PeZookia's opinion that propaganda measures must be taken to erode this popular support, even should the assembled nations choose not to intervene in a military way.

When planning for stabilization of the Sultanate, we must understand the people who are living there. They are bitter, since they perceive the rest of the world as nothing but invaders, luckier and more affluent than they are. They are poor, and they are hungry for vindication. The jihadi faction gives them a feeling of power, which they didn't have before. They feel they can fight for their own future, against those who attacked them.

By understanding these matters, we can adress them. We should approach the problem from two venues: one is the mistrust placed in the Sultan. The Sultan will be required to sign the Libertopian Treaty, and this will be announced to the people of the Sultanate. He will be required thusly to treat his people with proper respect upon regaining control.

Second is the mistrust placed in the world at large, which is a more complicated matter. A combination of propaganda transmissions, physical aid given despite the risk, and negotiation will be required.

PeZookia would like to put these suggestions under discussion for the esteemed representatives. We would also like to suggest than an international team of experts, who understand the intricacies of local culture, language and mindset, be put together to advise us in our efforts to get through to the people of Terra Libertia."

"On the matter of Saddamistan, we support king Arik's proposal. However, we need to agree on the precise measures do we undertake if Saddamistan attacks Libertia? Are we willing to commit to reconstruction to the point of war?"

[Coyote]

"A Unified Command will set agreed limits," Arik said, "Exactly what point we consider to be the decision line for force, and how force will be escalated. It should be in the area-- say, the Shinra Republic or Adrianopolis, however, there may be some who see my suggestions as a sort of pro-MESS attempt. Geography makes my choice, not politics. As a last resort, we could lease a base from one of the warlords, probably Ramsley since he has the most coastline and there are still issues with the Jihadis... and leasing a base will provide a bit of income for them to use as a building block to better things."

Arik shifted in his seat, hastily going over notes.

"We need to have just enough force in the area to present a credible defense, not to be an overwhelming threat. If Saddam feels we are trying to scare him into submission, he'll have no reason to talk. So we nee to agree on what limits we'll place on that.

"We need to agree upon patrol routes, composition of patrol routes, a common frequency for military use, military medical use, and civilian use. We need to know where we all stand with regards to rescuing drifting vessels or crashes of various nationalities.

"Most of all, we need to know what can and must be done, and how much we can do before Saddamistan decides we've gone too far. And we need to share this information and hand off duties to one another without prejudice for any petty rivalries that may exist."

[Shroom Man 777]

Prime Minister coughed and gave his Canissian colleague a wan smile.

"Arik, you can't forget Qudlivun, which is truly a tiny pebble right above Saddamistan. And there is Zoria, a FUN and OMSK member that has been directly subjected to Saddamistani belligerence when they tried to dismantle Zoria's space program. It won't hardly be a pro-MESS attempt when, clearly, we all have stakes in this - MESS, OMSK and FUN.

"And yes, we must be careful not to overstep our boundaries. I doubt Saddamistan will continue to strike Libertia once it knows for sure that there is an international presence. For one, they would realize that retaliation would be in store if they cross any one of us. For two, our presence would act as a stabilizing force in Libertia and I think if we do things right, Saddamistan may in fact be relieved. A more stable Libertia would be beneficial for us all, including Saddamistan.

"Still, we cannot presume to predict that nation's course of action. We must be prepared for all possible eventualities... like that tanker incident. In the spirit of the international cooperation we are proposing here, I'd like to ask for any MESS' intelligence pertaining as to exactly how many metric tons of nuclear material was sunk along with that Saddamistani ship..."

[Mr Bean]

Lord Robert Patrick spoke up

"Your Grace, Prime Minister, I believe we can be in agreement there, Qudlivun is a pebble next to Saddamstian, best we leave it out any possible planning, more to the point it's in range of most common artillery in Saddamstain, so any attempt to station forces there will merely lead to them being annihilated at will by Saddamstain and the civilians of that country suffering because of it."

He paused, glanced down at his notes, then continued

"If we want to discuss military basing I believe we should limit ourselves in sites in the Shinra Republic, the Kingdom of Zoria and if we wish a Liberaltopian bases there are the abandon airfields located on the eastern tip of Terra Libertia, they used to house the former Capital of Maumissi. Not much remains of the capital since the fighting between the two former generals, turned a city of six hundred thousand into a field of rubble. The base however is ten miles east of the city, and could be restored to functionality with a few months of work. The issue will be the lack of proper port facilities in the area. Either that or see if we can negoiate basing rights near Freetown or Delphi."

[Shroom Man 777]

"Indeed," the Prime Minister nodded. "You do raise a very valid point about Qudlivun's status, as well as that of other places that are too close to Saddamistan for comfort. We must have a presence to defend ourselves and our friends and allies, but we also have to be careful in how our actions may be interpreted by Saddamistan. Not only them, but by Libertians as well.

"Personally, I'd prefer to discuss first the means by which we are going to deploy our international aid agency in Libertia. I'd prefer to emphasize our humanitarian actions over our military deployments, but the reality of the situation is that these two objectives are not be mutually exclusive. These proposed bases can be used to deploy both humanitarian and military assets, and either way, we do have to put people on the ground quickly.

"Whatever basing scheme and military deployment we may end up with in Terra Libertia, it is highly important that we emphasize their purpose to primarily ensure the safety our humanitarian missions, as to not alarm the Saddamistanis or give the wrong impression to the Libertians."


[OOC: It's getting a bit late and I can't really tell whether at this point, I'm contributing something useful, or wasting everyone's time with high-fallooting fancy-sounding ranting.]

[Coyote]

"My personal recommendation is Adrianopolis, all things being equal," Arik said, "It is not only close to Saddamistan, but also close to Libertopia as well. Basing out of Qudliven would require sea forces to circumnavigate Saddamistan to reach any flash point at Libertopia."

[Sea Skimmer]

Saddamistan Official News Release

In response to the illegal beaching of an unregistered, unflagged passenger ship now identified as the former SS Empedocle on the Saddamistani coastline, in reckless violation of Saddamistani environmental law and maritime regulations, Saddamistan has arrested 93 of the ships Liberaltopia crew including the captain, 2,828 Liberaltopia passengers, and 3 foreign journalists. All have been transported to a secure detention facility and will soon stand collectively and individually before a magistrate for numerous illegal acts, including dumping, entry into Saddamistan without a passport or visa, creation of unlicensed foreign journalist recordings, operating an unregistered passenger ship without proper safety equipment, resisting arrest, defiling the natural beauty of Saddamistan and several financial crimes concerning the transport of monies into Saddamistan.

An investigation by the Saddamistan maritime safety authorities has already determined that the former SS Empedocle did not sink as a result of a mine strike as the biased and irresponsible world media apparatus has reported, but rather that an onboard fire caused by poor safety standards allowed several cylinders of cooking gas to explode. The disorganized crew was abandon by the ships captain, found by Saddamistan naval patrols more then ten miles from the wreck site alone in a raft, and was then illegally run aground on the Saddamistan coastline despite being in no risk of sinking, and repeated warning and offers of assistance from Saddamistan naval border security and coast guard patrols.

Saddamistan demands that world government assist in the identification of the ship owners true owners, so that they can be made to remove the despicable load of debris they have soiled Saddamistani shores with. Should this cooperation not be forthcoming Saddamistan may have no choice but to make this task the fiscal and physical responsibility of the ships crew and passengers.