12-17-2019, 06:41 AM
The Crown Prince silently listened to Sakzi's opening statement. As he rose to give his response, and lay out the Xiomeran position on the matter, he took a deep breath. He had talked the possible options over with Secretary for International Affairs Nōlinyauh, who had drilled him relentlessly on how to conduct oneself in such an international meeting. The Secretary had also ruthlessly drilled the Crown Prince on the possible responses the other nations attending the talks might give, and what the Empress expected as far as a Xiomeran response. He was as prepared as he was going to be.
Texōccoatl's famous grin lit up his face as he began. "On behalf of the Xiomeran Empire, I would like to also thank President Mei-han and Laeral for graciously agreeing to host these talks. Your willingness to take on such a difficult issue is a credit to your leadership and that of your nation, and Xiomera is grateful for the invitation to attend. In addition, I would also like to thank my fellow leaders for attending these talks as well. It is the position of the Xiomeran Empire that only through discussion, mutual respect and compromise that the stability and prosperity of the IDU, and our nations individually, can be guaranteed. The Xiomeran Empire is eager to be part of that process."
Texōccoatl took a small tablet out of his suit pocket. "On behalf of the Xiomeran Empire, we would like to begin by outlining our position on this matter, and what our proposals are to address it."
"The Xiomeran Empire takes no position on the matter of condemnations issued by our neighbors concerning this incident, or any others which followed it. While we deeply appreciate their support, we do not presume to tell our neighbors what actions their governments may or may not undertake," Texōccoatl said, drawing a distinction between Xiomeran actions and Zamastanian ones without having to actually say the words. "Therefore, we see no problem with whatever action our neighbors or allies who have spoken on this matter may choose to take concerning these condemnations. If they wish to withdraw them, in the interest of cooperation, they are welcome to. It is our belief that the determination of our neighbors concerning the position of the Xiomeran Empire on this matter has been made abundantly clear, without need for further discussion." Again, Texōccoatl let his words speak for themselves subtly; the position of all of those neighbors, after all, had been that Xiomera was in the right concerning the incursion.
"In regards to the other request from the Zamastanian government, however, that we 'reverse our policy' in regards to responding to territorial breaches. I must regretfully state that Xiomera will not accept any preconditions on the terms under which it may choose to patrol or defend its sovereign territory. The Zamastanian government continues to label their incursion into our waters as a 'minor' breach, and uses the illustrations given a moment ago as 'proof' of this. But this is not consonant with the full facts of the matter. To illustrate my point further, let us look at a comparative example."
The Crown Prince scrolled briefly on his tablet to check his notes. "On October 13th, 2019, a single Gladysynthian tank crossed the Danaska River, entering Zamastanian territory. Zamastanian forces responded by destroying the tank. One could argue the Gladysynthian tank's crossing the border was a 'minor' breach of Zamastanian territory, yet Zamastan's military responded by completely destroying the intruder." Texōccoatl calmly scrolled further through the notes on his tablet. "Compare this to the Zamastanian incursion into our waters, which involved an entire Zamastanian fleet entering our territorial waters, remaining there for almost two full hours, refusing to respond to repeated Xiomeran requests to withdraw, and then initiating the very same 'spine' maneuvers against Xiomeran ships that were just illustrated in the pictures presented by the Zamastanian delegation."
Texōccoatl quietly laid down his tablet. "So, how do we define a 'minor' breach of one's sovereign territory? One tank is apparently enough to merit a violent and destructive response, for some nations, but for other nations, they are apparently expected to simply allow foreign ships to violate their territory for extended periods and accept it." The Crown Prince shook his head. "I am sure all of us here can see how inherently unfair this position is to Xiomera. It is also worth noting that Xiomera has done nothing whatsoever to merit any restrictions on how it may defend its own territory. We did not attack the intruding ships, nor initiate hostile activities against them, in the incident in the South Xiomeran Sea. We have also made no moves whatsoever to hinder Zamastanian ships passing through international waters near Xiomera before, or since, this incident occurred. In fact, not a single nation other than Zamastan has alleged that the Xiomeran Empire has done anything at all to hinder their ships, or threaten them, or endanger shipping through the waters near Xiomera. Indeed, since Xiomera is a nation whose economy is powered by international trade, it would be foolish of us to do so. So there is simply no merit to the suggestion that we pose any threat to anyone in Catica, or anywhere else."
Texōccoatl looked around the room. "In fact, no Xiomeran military forces whatsoever have left our territory, other than small groups of military advisors sent to our allied partners, either on land or by sea, anytime in the past decade. We are amazed that anyone, frankly, perceives us as a threat when we never even leave home."
Texōccoatl paused for a moment. "Our response to the incursion into our sovereign waters has been described as 'swift', 'quick', 'dangerous', and that of an 'aggressor'. Would a truly aggressive nation have allowed intruding ships to remain in their waters for almost two hours, with those intruding ships refusing to respond, and engaging in provocative maneuvers? How many of the nations assembled here would have, I wonder?" the Crown Prince said. "It is unlikely, frankly, that Zamastan's navy would have shown similar restraint to a Xiomeran fleet engaging in such acts in their own waters. I would say 'just ask that Gladysynthian tank driver', but we really can't, now can we?" Texōccoatl laughed slightly. "Therefore, in regards to how we patrol our own sovereign territory, regretfully, Xiomera is not prepared to make concessions on that matter. Asking us to 'change our policy' in regards to such a right, in order to conform to others' demands, is akin to asking us to give up our safety and our independence. No nation should ever be asked to do this, and I doubt few nations would ever willingly agree to such terms."
Texōccoatl smiled again, an expression of openness on his features. "However, in the interest of maintaining good relations, we are willing to consider confidence-building measures, such as setting up a back-channel hotline between Xiomera and any other interested parties, such as Zamastan. This would provide a means of de-escalating potential conflicts, or resolving issues such as the one which arose on the South Xiomeran Sea between our two fleets. In addition, we are willing to discuss mechanisms for advising of routine fleet movements or patrols, such as the 'freedom of navigation' patrols Zamastan's navy pursues, to ensure no further misunderstandings." Texōccoatl paused for another moment. "A formal multi-lateral agreement on naval boundaries, and actions to be taken by naval forces concerning those boundaries, would also be quite acceptable to the Xiomeran Empire, depending on the terms. We are also quite interested to hear what other suggestions the nations participating here may have to offer. The position of the Xiomeran Empire, quite frankly, is that we have done nothing wrong. But in the interest of regional cooperation, we will always engage in discussion with our neighbors and the other nations of the IDU. We are here with an open mind, and will happily discuss any measures of mutual cooperation that do not harm Xiomera's national security interest. With that, I leave the floor open to anyone else who may wish to speak, and I thank you for this time." Texōccoatl sat back down, his expression one of calmly poised waiting.
Texōccoatl's famous grin lit up his face as he began. "On behalf of the Xiomeran Empire, I would like to also thank President Mei-han and Laeral for graciously agreeing to host these talks. Your willingness to take on such a difficult issue is a credit to your leadership and that of your nation, and Xiomera is grateful for the invitation to attend. In addition, I would also like to thank my fellow leaders for attending these talks as well. It is the position of the Xiomeran Empire that only through discussion, mutual respect and compromise that the stability and prosperity of the IDU, and our nations individually, can be guaranteed. The Xiomeran Empire is eager to be part of that process."
Texōccoatl took a small tablet out of his suit pocket. "On behalf of the Xiomeran Empire, we would like to begin by outlining our position on this matter, and what our proposals are to address it."
"The Xiomeran Empire takes no position on the matter of condemnations issued by our neighbors concerning this incident, or any others which followed it. While we deeply appreciate their support, we do not presume to tell our neighbors what actions their governments may or may not undertake," Texōccoatl said, drawing a distinction between Xiomeran actions and Zamastanian ones without having to actually say the words. "Therefore, we see no problem with whatever action our neighbors or allies who have spoken on this matter may choose to take concerning these condemnations. If they wish to withdraw them, in the interest of cooperation, they are welcome to. It is our belief that the determination of our neighbors concerning the position of the Xiomeran Empire on this matter has been made abundantly clear, without need for further discussion." Again, Texōccoatl let his words speak for themselves subtly; the position of all of those neighbors, after all, had been that Xiomera was in the right concerning the incursion.
"In regards to the other request from the Zamastanian government, however, that we 'reverse our policy' in regards to responding to territorial breaches. I must regretfully state that Xiomera will not accept any preconditions on the terms under which it may choose to patrol or defend its sovereign territory. The Zamastanian government continues to label their incursion into our waters as a 'minor' breach, and uses the illustrations given a moment ago as 'proof' of this. But this is not consonant with the full facts of the matter. To illustrate my point further, let us look at a comparative example."
The Crown Prince scrolled briefly on his tablet to check his notes. "On October 13th, 2019, a single Gladysynthian tank crossed the Danaska River, entering Zamastanian territory. Zamastanian forces responded by destroying the tank. One could argue the Gladysynthian tank's crossing the border was a 'minor' breach of Zamastanian territory, yet Zamastan's military responded by completely destroying the intruder." Texōccoatl calmly scrolled further through the notes on his tablet. "Compare this to the Zamastanian incursion into our waters, which involved an entire Zamastanian fleet entering our territorial waters, remaining there for almost two full hours, refusing to respond to repeated Xiomeran requests to withdraw, and then initiating the very same 'spine' maneuvers against Xiomeran ships that were just illustrated in the pictures presented by the Zamastanian delegation."
Texōccoatl quietly laid down his tablet. "So, how do we define a 'minor' breach of one's sovereign territory? One tank is apparently enough to merit a violent and destructive response, for some nations, but for other nations, they are apparently expected to simply allow foreign ships to violate their territory for extended periods and accept it." The Crown Prince shook his head. "I am sure all of us here can see how inherently unfair this position is to Xiomera. It is also worth noting that Xiomera has done nothing whatsoever to merit any restrictions on how it may defend its own territory. We did not attack the intruding ships, nor initiate hostile activities against them, in the incident in the South Xiomeran Sea. We have also made no moves whatsoever to hinder Zamastanian ships passing through international waters near Xiomera before, or since, this incident occurred. In fact, not a single nation other than Zamastan has alleged that the Xiomeran Empire has done anything at all to hinder their ships, or threaten them, or endanger shipping through the waters near Xiomera. Indeed, since Xiomera is a nation whose economy is powered by international trade, it would be foolish of us to do so. So there is simply no merit to the suggestion that we pose any threat to anyone in Catica, or anywhere else."
Texōccoatl looked around the room. "In fact, no Xiomeran military forces whatsoever have left our territory, other than small groups of military advisors sent to our allied partners, either on land or by sea, anytime in the past decade. We are amazed that anyone, frankly, perceives us as a threat when we never even leave home."
Texōccoatl paused for a moment. "Our response to the incursion into our sovereign waters has been described as 'swift', 'quick', 'dangerous', and that of an 'aggressor'. Would a truly aggressive nation have allowed intruding ships to remain in their waters for almost two hours, with those intruding ships refusing to respond, and engaging in provocative maneuvers? How many of the nations assembled here would have, I wonder?" the Crown Prince said. "It is unlikely, frankly, that Zamastan's navy would have shown similar restraint to a Xiomeran fleet engaging in such acts in their own waters. I would say 'just ask that Gladysynthian tank driver', but we really can't, now can we?" Texōccoatl laughed slightly. "Therefore, in regards to how we patrol our own sovereign territory, regretfully, Xiomera is not prepared to make concessions on that matter. Asking us to 'change our policy' in regards to such a right, in order to conform to others' demands, is akin to asking us to give up our safety and our independence. No nation should ever be asked to do this, and I doubt few nations would ever willingly agree to such terms."
Texōccoatl smiled again, an expression of openness on his features. "However, in the interest of maintaining good relations, we are willing to consider confidence-building measures, such as setting up a back-channel hotline between Xiomera and any other interested parties, such as Zamastan. This would provide a means of de-escalating potential conflicts, or resolving issues such as the one which arose on the South Xiomeran Sea between our two fleets. In addition, we are willing to discuss mechanisms for advising of routine fleet movements or patrols, such as the 'freedom of navigation' patrols Zamastan's navy pursues, to ensure no further misunderstandings." Texōccoatl paused for another moment. "A formal multi-lateral agreement on naval boundaries, and actions to be taken by naval forces concerning those boundaries, would also be quite acceptable to the Xiomeran Empire, depending on the terms. We are also quite interested to hear what other suggestions the nations participating here may have to offer. The position of the Xiomeran Empire, quite frankly, is that we have done nothing wrong. But in the interest of regional cooperation, we will always engage in discussion with our neighbors and the other nations of the IDU. We are here with an open mind, and will happily discuss any measures of mutual cooperation that do not harm Xiomera's national security interest. With that, I leave the floor open to anyone else who may wish to speak, and I thank you for this time." Texōccoatl sat back down, his expression one of calmly poised waiting.
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