08-30-2018, 12:58 AM
08:05
Charissa Clarke was deep in conversation with Lucia Casci, the Kerlian Defence Minister. Niall Watson watched their exchange from afar, wary of getting too close to any of the Kerlian delegation. He didn't want to offend them. Or, truth be told, interact with them. They made him feel nervous.
He avoided looking in Councillor Anita Patel's direction at all, afraid of making eye contact even though he knew the men on the other side of the table wouldn't be so courteous or respectful of Kerlian tradition. Watson never thought he would find himself on the same side of a negotiating table as the Kerlians.
*
In one of the other antechambers, Laura Moore sat reading over notes while Jae Chung sat in the corner on the phone with Johnny Hudson, chatting in rapid Spanish, all the more difficult for anyone overhearing to understand.
"You ready?" Nico Alfaro asked Moore. She nodded without looking up from her notes.
"What happens if this doesn't go right?" Jae Chung asked, her phone call finished.
"That won't happen," Moore replied, without looking up.
"But what if..." Chung began, but Alfaro motioned for her to be quiet and led her away from Moore.
"I know you're new to this, Jae, but you're going to have to trust in Moore's ability to find an outcome favourable to us, okay?"
Chung nodded.
*
In a third antechamber, Keitha Noguera sat, cradling a cup of coffee, staring down at her rapidly finished breakfast.
"Now or never," Nazario Macías said to her. "Either we get something out of this, or we'll be a Lauchenoirian colony forevermore."
"Nothing like a little cheery optimism to start the day," Noguera commented sarcastically.
"Come on, we've never had an opportunity like this before. We have a seat at the table, we have a chance to actually do something now."
"Indeed," agreed Noguera, "Laura Moore and Charissa Clarke are right now sitting, angry that they're here and wishing the other was dead. They both thought they could win a military conflict."
"And we couldn't," Macías said.
"It was always unlikely. No, negotiations were my wish from the start."
"Of course."
"It doesn't sound like you believe me. Well, the question is academic. We are here now. And we will have our independence, someday soon."
12:00
"...Max 30 minutes. Keep insults and combativeness to an absolute minimum."
Keitha Noguera stood, eyes scanning the room. The Kerlian Councillor was sitting upright in a position that nobody could have found comfortable. Laura Moore had a carefully neutral expression on her face. Noguera took a deep breath.
"Good afternoon, everyone. As you know, acting in my position as First Minister of Aeluria, I issued a declaration of independence on the 12th May 2018. I maintain my government had a mandate for this action, following the return of an Aelurian Independence Party majority in the island's Parliament in the 2016 election.
For the benefit of those present who are not well versed in Lauchenoirian history and culture, the majority of the population on the island of Aeluria is descended from the native inhabitants of the island. This makes the island different from the rest of Lauchenoiria, which is populated mainly by the descendants of English and Spanish speaking immigrants. The island was colonised in the mid-19th century and gained independence in 1907.
Following this, however, in 1921 the fledgling state of Lauchenoiria attacked the island and forced our leader to sign a treaty uniting the island with Lauchenoiria. The treaty was only signed following a three-month conflict in which many of the island's people died. It is established history that the signature was forced, which should invalidate the treaty."
Charissa Clarke scoffed and whispered something to Niall Watson. After receiving glares from multiple sources, the pair shut up. Noguera continued to discuss Aelurian history, and then moved on to more recent events.
"I was informed by Suleman Chaher that following the vote of no confidence in Laura Moore that his government would recognise the declaration of independence that I subsequently made. He did not keep his word, and in fact blockaded our island and attempted to starve our people. Following his death, Clarke proceeded to continue this policy.
This, in fact, by their own words, is unconstitutional. The constitution of Lauchenoiria states that every Lauchenoirian citizen in Lauchenoirian territory has a right to food and water. If Chaher's government did not recognise Aeluria as an independent state, then Chaher's government violated the constitution with their blockade.
The majority of the people of Aeluria support independence. We have suffered for decades under multiple colonial powers, and islanders have suffered because of it. They are suffering still, as a direct result of the policies of Charissa Clarke's government. We have a mandate for independence, and we would like this to be recognised, regardless of whether Laura Moore or Charissa Clarke is Prime Minister."
Noguera sat down, taking a gulp out of the glass of water provided for her. Charissa Clarke eyed her as she stood.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for agreeing to assemble here today. It is a relief to know that the conflict started by Moore's rebel group with foreign assistance is about to draw to an end, and that the people of Lauchenoiria will no longer suffer due to the actions of such forces."
Moore rolled her eyes. Clarke continued.
"In response to First Minister Noguera, I resent the implication that we have acted illegally. In fact, the Federal Parliament of Lauchenoiria voted to suspend the constitution, an act that is legal in times of emergency, before those actions were taken. Therefore, the legality of the actions under Lauchenoirian law is not in question.
Ladies and gentlemen, I thank Ms Noguera for bringing up the matter of Lauchenoirian law. Laura Moore claims to be the legitimate Prime Minister of Lauchenoiria. This is false. The vote of no confidence in her government? While the parliamentary procedure was unorthodox, it was, in fact, legal. Leanna Walker's impeachment? Legal. President Kieran McKenzie's succession? Legal, as he was Walker's vice president.
McKenzie appointing Suleman Chaher as Prime Minister? Legal. Following Chaher's death, McKenzie's appointing me as Prime Minister? Legal. In fact, not one action taken on our part politically was illegal. I maintain that my government is in fact the legal and legitimate government of the Federation of Lauchenoiria.
Laura Moore has evaded arrest for treason since the 9th May. Following the attack on Ginsap Prison, she is also wanted on terrorism charges. And yet, she comes here calling my actions illegal.
The only way Lauchenoiria can move on from this conflict is if all those guilty of acts of terrorism and treason against our nation face trial. I make assurances now that these trials will be conducted fairly and in an unbiased fashion, as is Lauchenoirian tradition. However, as long as terrorists are on the run in our nation, we will not be free from the fear of attack.
I request that all foreign powers aiding these rebel forces cease their violations of our sovereignty and allow my government to rebuild our society that has been devastated by these vile attacks. Once the threat is gone, then we can restore devolution to the provinces and begin to heal from this conflict."
Clarke continued in this manner, accusing Moore of an increasing number of crimes. Moore sat there, trying to appear bored, and inside, seething. When it was her turn to speak, she rose quickly.
"I would like to thank Sanctaria for hosting these negotiations. I would first like to dispute the point that the vote of no confidence was legal, in fact it was carried out under very dubious procedures. I believe its legality is a question for lawyers, something neither Charissa Clarke nor I am.
Also, to address the accusations of "˜treason' made against me, this began following allegations that I was a Skodenian spy working to allow them to occupy Lauchenoiria. I would like to assure Ms Clarke that if she wishes, I will provide her with my birth certificate, proving I am Lauchenoirian, and a record of all my interactions with Skoden. These will show that these allegations are false.
Ms Noguera all but admitted earlier that she struck a deal with Chaher to recognise Aelurian independence in exchange for AIP votes against me in his dubious vote of no confidence. This alone shows that his entire case was made based on shady backroom deals and promises he later reneged on.
I will admit, much to Clarke's surprise I'm sure, that I am not certain the vote was illegal. However, that discussion could take decades, and meanwhile the people of Lauchenoiria are suffering.
Parliamentary elections were scheduled for the 20th of this month, but did not take place following McKenzie's suspension of the constitution. These elections, had they taken place, would have resolved the question, as a new government would have been formed. It is almost as if Clarke fears such an occurrence.
I propose that new elections are in fact allowed to take place, which would resolve this question. However, such an event would not be fair at the moment, considering that Clarke's government continues to imprison former Members of Parliament for politically motivated reasons. If fresh elections are to be truly free and fair, all political prisoners will need to be released, and warrants for the arrest of various former MPs withdrawn.
The current situation in the country is tragic. People are dying, and for what? Because of an ambiguity over the legality of Suleman Chaher's actions. Ladies and gentlemen, far too much ambiguity exists in the current Lauchenoirian constitution. In fact, it strikes me as odd the Chaher was so desperate to suspend it when he could have just used the numerous loopholes.
I, in fact, believe that in order to move forward, Lauchenoiria needs a new constitution. One that provides increased checks and balances against any one individual acquiring too much power, and one that breaks from the Villanueva regime that followed our first civil war. We are still caught up in our past, and are repeating our past mistakes. It is time that the country moved on from the years of communist dictatorship, and updated our statute books to reflect this."
Moore continued to talk about the need for a new constitution, and fresh elections, until her 30 minutes were up. She then sat down, eyes meeting the Kerlian Councillor's, whose expression was completely unreadable.
15:00
Noguera's case for Aelurian independence appeared to most assembled to be a repeat of her earlier statement, but with slightly less historical background. She repeated her assertion that she had a mandate for independence, and called upon Lauchenoiria to recognise the declaration, and enter into trade negotiations. She grudgingly accepted that the island relied on food imports "“ something made clear by the effects of the recent blockade.
Charissa Clarke maintained that the declaration of independence was illegal, that devolution had been suspended and Noguera was in no position to make such demands. The island relied on Lauchenoiria, and therefore it must remain part of the Federation.
"I find it interesting that Noguera was so quick to welcome the Kivasekians to the island. Perhaps it is not independence she wants, but rather to be under the influence of yet another foreign force! I don't think the Aelurian people are quite capable of handling their own affairs."
That had prompted an angry response from the Aelurian and Kivasekian delegations, which was quickly silenced by Smyth.
Laura Moore's case against Aelurian independence was filled with less overt insults, but nevertheless followed similar lines.
"I understand and respect that some Aelurians wish for independence, however this would create numerous problems for the small island, as we've seen with the recent food shortages. In the modern world, the small island is just not able to sustain itself. I don't believe supporters of Aelurian independence have fully thought through the situation.
The economy would suffer under independence, as Aeluria lacks natural resources, and if the Aelurians weren't happy with their situation, they should have come to my government, before Chaher's nonsense, and we could have discussed further devolution."
Moore finished, and turned to Smyth. And now, the fun begins, Moore thought drily.
Charissa Clarke was deep in conversation with Lucia Casci, the Kerlian Defence Minister. Niall Watson watched their exchange from afar, wary of getting too close to any of the Kerlian delegation. He didn't want to offend them. Or, truth be told, interact with them. They made him feel nervous.
He avoided looking in Councillor Anita Patel's direction at all, afraid of making eye contact even though he knew the men on the other side of the table wouldn't be so courteous or respectful of Kerlian tradition. Watson never thought he would find himself on the same side of a negotiating table as the Kerlians.
*
In one of the other antechambers, Laura Moore sat reading over notes while Jae Chung sat in the corner on the phone with Johnny Hudson, chatting in rapid Spanish, all the more difficult for anyone overhearing to understand.
"You ready?" Nico Alfaro asked Moore. She nodded without looking up from her notes.
"What happens if this doesn't go right?" Jae Chung asked, her phone call finished.
"That won't happen," Moore replied, without looking up.
"But what if..." Chung began, but Alfaro motioned for her to be quiet and led her away from Moore.
"I know you're new to this, Jae, but you're going to have to trust in Moore's ability to find an outcome favourable to us, okay?"
Chung nodded.
*
In a third antechamber, Keitha Noguera sat, cradling a cup of coffee, staring down at her rapidly finished breakfast.
"Now or never," Nazario Macías said to her. "Either we get something out of this, or we'll be a Lauchenoirian colony forevermore."
"Nothing like a little cheery optimism to start the day," Noguera commented sarcastically.
"Come on, we've never had an opportunity like this before. We have a seat at the table, we have a chance to actually do something now."
"Indeed," agreed Noguera, "Laura Moore and Charissa Clarke are right now sitting, angry that they're here and wishing the other was dead. They both thought they could win a military conflict."
"And we couldn't," Macías said.
"It was always unlikely. No, negotiations were my wish from the start."
"Of course."
"It doesn't sound like you believe me. Well, the question is academic. We are here now. And we will have our independence, someday soon."
12:00
"...Max 30 minutes. Keep insults and combativeness to an absolute minimum."
Keitha Noguera stood, eyes scanning the room. The Kerlian Councillor was sitting upright in a position that nobody could have found comfortable. Laura Moore had a carefully neutral expression on her face. Noguera took a deep breath.
"Good afternoon, everyone. As you know, acting in my position as First Minister of Aeluria, I issued a declaration of independence on the 12th May 2018. I maintain my government had a mandate for this action, following the return of an Aelurian Independence Party majority in the island's Parliament in the 2016 election.
For the benefit of those present who are not well versed in Lauchenoirian history and culture, the majority of the population on the island of Aeluria is descended from the native inhabitants of the island. This makes the island different from the rest of Lauchenoiria, which is populated mainly by the descendants of English and Spanish speaking immigrants. The island was colonised in the mid-19th century and gained independence in 1907.
Following this, however, in 1921 the fledgling state of Lauchenoiria attacked the island and forced our leader to sign a treaty uniting the island with Lauchenoiria. The treaty was only signed following a three-month conflict in which many of the island's people died. It is established history that the signature was forced, which should invalidate the treaty."
Charissa Clarke scoffed and whispered something to Niall Watson. After receiving glares from multiple sources, the pair shut up. Noguera continued to discuss Aelurian history, and then moved on to more recent events.
"I was informed by Suleman Chaher that following the vote of no confidence in Laura Moore that his government would recognise the declaration of independence that I subsequently made. He did not keep his word, and in fact blockaded our island and attempted to starve our people. Following his death, Clarke proceeded to continue this policy.
This, in fact, by their own words, is unconstitutional. The constitution of Lauchenoiria states that every Lauchenoirian citizen in Lauchenoirian territory has a right to food and water. If Chaher's government did not recognise Aeluria as an independent state, then Chaher's government violated the constitution with their blockade.
The majority of the people of Aeluria support independence. We have suffered for decades under multiple colonial powers, and islanders have suffered because of it. They are suffering still, as a direct result of the policies of Charissa Clarke's government. We have a mandate for independence, and we would like this to be recognised, regardless of whether Laura Moore or Charissa Clarke is Prime Minister."
Noguera sat down, taking a gulp out of the glass of water provided for her. Charissa Clarke eyed her as she stood.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for agreeing to assemble here today. It is a relief to know that the conflict started by Moore's rebel group with foreign assistance is about to draw to an end, and that the people of Lauchenoiria will no longer suffer due to the actions of such forces."
Moore rolled her eyes. Clarke continued.
"In response to First Minister Noguera, I resent the implication that we have acted illegally. In fact, the Federal Parliament of Lauchenoiria voted to suspend the constitution, an act that is legal in times of emergency, before those actions were taken. Therefore, the legality of the actions under Lauchenoirian law is not in question.
Ladies and gentlemen, I thank Ms Noguera for bringing up the matter of Lauchenoirian law. Laura Moore claims to be the legitimate Prime Minister of Lauchenoiria. This is false. The vote of no confidence in her government? While the parliamentary procedure was unorthodox, it was, in fact, legal. Leanna Walker's impeachment? Legal. President Kieran McKenzie's succession? Legal, as he was Walker's vice president.
McKenzie appointing Suleman Chaher as Prime Minister? Legal. Following Chaher's death, McKenzie's appointing me as Prime Minister? Legal. In fact, not one action taken on our part politically was illegal. I maintain that my government is in fact the legal and legitimate government of the Federation of Lauchenoiria.
Laura Moore has evaded arrest for treason since the 9th May. Following the attack on Ginsap Prison, she is also wanted on terrorism charges. And yet, she comes here calling my actions illegal.
The only way Lauchenoiria can move on from this conflict is if all those guilty of acts of terrorism and treason against our nation face trial. I make assurances now that these trials will be conducted fairly and in an unbiased fashion, as is Lauchenoirian tradition. However, as long as terrorists are on the run in our nation, we will not be free from the fear of attack.
I request that all foreign powers aiding these rebel forces cease their violations of our sovereignty and allow my government to rebuild our society that has been devastated by these vile attacks. Once the threat is gone, then we can restore devolution to the provinces and begin to heal from this conflict."
Clarke continued in this manner, accusing Moore of an increasing number of crimes. Moore sat there, trying to appear bored, and inside, seething. When it was her turn to speak, she rose quickly.
"I would like to thank Sanctaria for hosting these negotiations. I would first like to dispute the point that the vote of no confidence was legal, in fact it was carried out under very dubious procedures. I believe its legality is a question for lawyers, something neither Charissa Clarke nor I am.
Also, to address the accusations of "˜treason' made against me, this began following allegations that I was a Skodenian spy working to allow them to occupy Lauchenoiria. I would like to assure Ms Clarke that if she wishes, I will provide her with my birth certificate, proving I am Lauchenoirian, and a record of all my interactions with Skoden. These will show that these allegations are false.
Ms Noguera all but admitted earlier that she struck a deal with Chaher to recognise Aelurian independence in exchange for AIP votes against me in his dubious vote of no confidence. This alone shows that his entire case was made based on shady backroom deals and promises he later reneged on.
I will admit, much to Clarke's surprise I'm sure, that I am not certain the vote was illegal. However, that discussion could take decades, and meanwhile the people of Lauchenoiria are suffering.
Parliamentary elections were scheduled for the 20th of this month, but did not take place following McKenzie's suspension of the constitution. These elections, had they taken place, would have resolved the question, as a new government would have been formed. It is almost as if Clarke fears such an occurrence.
I propose that new elections are in fact allowed to take place, which would resolve this question. However, such an event would not be fair at the moment, considering that Clarke's government continues to imprison former Members of Parliament for politically motivated reasons. If fresh elections are to be truly free and fair, all political prisoners will need to be released, and warrants for the arrest of various former MPs withdrawn.
The current situation in the country is tragic. People are dying, and for what? Because of an ambiguity over the legality of Suleman Chaher's actions. Ladies and gentlemen, far too much ambiguity exists in the current Lauchenoirian constitution. In fact, it strikes me as odd the Chaher was so desperate to suspend it when he could have just used the numerous loopholes.
I, in fact, believe that in order to move forward, Lauchenoiria needs a new constitution. One that provides increased checks and balances against any one individual acquiring too much power, and one that breaks from the Villanueva regime that followed our first civil war. We are still caught up in our past, and are repeating our past mistakes. It is time that the country moved on from the years of communist dictatorship, and updated our statute books to reflect this."
Moore continued to talk about the need for a new constitution, and fresh elections, until her 30 minutes were up. She then sat down, eyes meeting the Kerlian Councillor's, whose expression was completely unreadable.
15:00
Noguera's case for Aelurian independence appeared to most assembled to be a repeat of her earlier statement, but with slightly less historical background. She repeated her assertion that she had a mandate for independence, and called upon Lauchenoiria to recognise the declaration, and enter into trade negotiations. She grudgingly accepted that the island relied on food imports "“ something made clear by the effects of the recent blockade.
Charissa Clarke maintained that the declaration of independence was illegal, that devolution had been suspended and Noguera was in no position to make such demands. The island relied on Lauchenoiria, and therefore it must remain part of the Federation.
"I find it interesting that Noguera was so quick to welcome the Kivasekians to the island. Perhaps it is not independence she wants, but rather to be under the influence of yet another foreign force! I don't think the Aelurian people are quite capable of handling their own affairs."
That had prompted an angry response from the Aelurian and Kivasekian delegations, which was quickly silenced by Smyth.
Laura Moore's case against Aelurian independence was filled with less overt insults, but nevertheless followed similar lines.
"I understand and respect that some Aelurians wish for independence, however this would create numerous problems for the small island, as we've seen with the recent food shortages. In the modern world, the small island is just not able to sustain itself. I don't believe supporters of Aelurian independence have fully thought through the situation.
The economy would suffer under independence, as Aeluria lacks natural resources, and if the Aelurians weren't happy with their situation, they should have come to my government, before Chaher's nonsense, and we could have discussed further devolution."
Moore finished, and turned to Smyth. And now, the fun begins, Moore thought drily.
LIDUN President 2024 | she/her | Puppets: Kerlile, Glanainn, Yesteria, Zongongia, Zargothrax