BBC 1 :: TalkBack

[Serenierre]

Charles Dellacourt: Welcome to TalkBack, today, we are joined by, undoubtedly, the most powerful person in all Belmont, Premier Shahrazad Martinique. Having been elected to the office of the Prime Minister just twelve days ago, you and your party enjoy a majority in both houses of the Parliament, the PPL/PDSB coalition has formed governments in sixteen of the nation's twenty provinces and you enjoy high approval ratings across the country. How does it feel?

Shahrazad Martinique: Well, let me start by thanking you for calling me on your program, Mr. Dellacourt. Now to answer your question, [laughs] it feels great to be supported by so many people across the nation... but with that, I realize, comes a lot of expectations and responsibility.

CD: Madame, you have been Prime Minister for less than two weeks and, already, you have had to deal with issues such as the Meribian nuclear test, the Batavien-sponsored assassination of a Scanian official. Both have severely damaged Belmont's ties with the IRB, something which Premier Millerand worked hard to create in his two month long Premiership.

SM: Well, Charles, when I was campaigning... I was supporting Premier Millerand's policy of detente... that's on the record, by the way. But looking at how the... uh, Meribian government has behaved... showing such recklessness and then how the Bataviens have behaved by murdering the Scanian official... I had no choice but to step back on our detente policy. It would have been irresponsible to continue that, under such circumstances. Although... I have been more... uh, restrained in my condemnation.

CD: And that brings me to my next question: The right-wing of Belmont has called your response to the IRB weak and that it would "compromise national security", do you think that is true?

SM: Well, no Charles, I don't think my response was weak. Our response was well thought-out and pragmatic. I don't think that a full out declaration that we considered them terrorists would have made things better for anyone. I know that... its popular in Paris, but I can't adopt a hardline policy on the IRB. I want to use diplomacy to resolve the outstanding issues. I don't want the ties to go back to their 2000s level.

CD: So, you are willing to talk to Batavie and Meribia?

SM: Of-course... but in the setting of a CoN sponsored meeting. The issues that we have with those two... involve many others apart from ourselves.

CD: But rumors have it that Batavien leadership is fractured, after the death of Van de Graaf, and the BRA is gaining momentum. Instability exists in Batavie so how can you talk to a government which is so threatened at the moment?

SM: I don't comment on rumors, especially those related to another nation's domestic affairs... no matter how concerning they might be.

CD: But will you hold talks with Batavie... at a time when their government is in transition and there is an active insurgency in the north?

SM: Mr. Dellacourt, I'm not saying that I'll be holding talks with them tomorrow... of-course we'll wait till the dust settles... and until some form of stability does come.

CD: And Meribia? How will you deal with that nation?

SM: For them, I think its best to address that in context of a CoN SC Resolution or something similar to that. For them, I feel, the CoN must lead the diplomacy efforts.

CD: Madame, Francophone unity was paramount to the PCB government which preceded you. As part of that, they promised to support Marquette in its currency crisis and subsequent economic collapse. Since your assumption of power, you have made it known that you are not in favor of injecting almost two billion Francs into that economy. Why?

SM: Charles, going with the PCB plan of buying billions of Marquette bonds would have made our own economy crash... it was reported by the international press, even, and Finance Minister Yamaguchi also has said that the Marquette economy should be extended limited assistance from us.

CD: So what does our government plan on doing?

SM: Well, we are going to support them... but our involvement will remain below 100 million francs. Meaning, that the Belmontien government will only buy 100 million francs worth of government bonds from them. That shall be the extent of our involvement in that mess.

CD: Madame, your detractors say that the reason for the slashing of aid to Marquette is due to Marquette's refusal to join the Belmontien sponsored Francophone alliance and that you and former Premier Millerand had agreed to this before you took office. Is that true?

SM: No, no, no. [laughs] Absolutely untrue. The right-wing always throws up conspiracy theories in the air... that's what God made them for. [smiles] I wouldn't do such things... I'm not that kind of person.

CD: Premier Martinique, so during your term as Prime Minister is Francophone cooperation out?

SM: No, absolutely not. I value our French brother states but, I feel its my constitutional duty to think about Belmont first. If aiding another Francophone state would hurt Belmont... I'll be the first to protect the interests of our nation.

CD: But government figures state that the state exchequer has never been fuller... so why restrict the amount of aid?

SM: Well, I could have... done that. But in the long run, it would have cost us. The original plan called for us to give a massive interest free loan... that, in my opinion, is unfeasible for Belmont. I feel that our purchase of Marquette government bonds is enough... the rest can be handled by the EDF.

CD: Yes, the EDF. Its been reported that the Foreign Minister has met his Franken counterpart. Is that true?

SM: Yes, its true. The two did meet... here in Belmont. But the meeting was just routine to discuss increasing trade links... nothing more, as such.

CD: There is talk that during the meeting, Belmontien membership into the EDF was raised. True or just rumors?

SM: Oh, its just a rumor. Belmont is proud of its independence from the confines of an alliance and we will not hand it away to anyone. In the long run, we would be more at risk than we are now.

CD: So you shall continue our policy of independence?

SM: Yes.

CD: Why?

SM: Belmont is perfectly capable of defending itself. We have a huge defense industry, a highly trained military and the recent SLBM test shows the first rate work our scientists and arms contractors are doing to keep their nation safe from enemies far and wide.

CD: You refer to the test of SLBM Coeur de Lion, it has been called by Austurland's and Vangala's foreign ministries as showing "insensitivity" to regional and global security issues.

SM: The tests had been planned to take place this week... six months ago. The world didn't have these problems then and I do feel that the test is an internal matter and... uh, its part of our defense, our national defense...

CD: Madame, you have focused on building ties with the Islamic world. That is something which has got the Belmontien Muslim community enthralled.

SM: Sorry for interrupting but, I feel that the Muslim world is a region were we have been absent... for a long time. I feel that, Belmont will benefit from improving ties with the Muslim states of the world.

CD: While you were campaigning, you promised to improve ties with AGE. Where do we stand on that front?

SM: At the moment, we are busy dealing with the issues with the IRB and... uh, I feel that we must approach them with due diligence. It can't be rushed... the ties have been, uh, uneasy for quite some time... we can't do wonders in twelve days. It'll take months, probably years, to repair ties. Its not just a matter of holding a meeting or two, its going to take a while... I promised it, I know, its high on my priority and I will see it through.

CD: Now lets move this conversation to domestic issues, as we're short on time. The murder of a Muslim and a Jewish teenager, as they were walking home from school, by a "Christian extremist" has been condemned by all circles of Belmontien life. While you have issued a statement, I would like to hear you myself; what is your opinion on the issue?

SM: Well, Charles. I feel nothing but sympathy for the families of the two boys and... uh, I feel that such instances of religious intolerance should be punished severely.

CD: Madame Martinique, the economy stands strong, mainly thanks to the PCB's policies. What do you plan on doing for the economy?

SM: Well, my disagreements with the PCB stand only in foreign affairs. Economically, I feel they have good plans and I am full willing to cooperate with them to keep our economy progressing.

CD: Thank you Madame Premier for taking out time for this interview.

SM: Thank you for calling me.​

 

[Serenierre]

CD: I'm Charles Dellacourt and welcome to TalkBack. Today, we are joined by a controversial personality, the Austurlander ambassador to Belmont, Aurèle Kalling. Reviled by the Belmontien right-wing, praised by the Belmontien left. The man has, undoubtedly, one of the most important jobs his country could offer him.

A veteran diplomat and a fluent Francophone, he has held the post since 2000 and has been at the forefront of ties between Dalerna and Paris. Since his term as Ambassador began, the bilateral ties of his country and ours have been slowly worsening, a trend that has worried many a Belmontien politician.

So Mr. Kalling, I'll start my interview by asking: How important is it, for Austurland, to repair ties with Belmont?

AK: First, I would like to thank you for having me on the show tonight.

Now to answer your question, it is very important to the Archduchy for Belmont and Austurland to repair our relationship. Both Belmont and Austurland have simular interests in helping the Confederate States as well and containing the rogue state of Meribia. There are also the cultural and economic partnerships that would be beneficial to both nations, as Belmont is a leading French nation and Austurland has a sizable French minority.

CD: Sir, you say both nations have similar interests, so why hasn't your government approached the new government for talks?

AK: As like I said with the AGE, we are still waiting to see how Belmont continues on its current trajectory. This is the same for Austurland. We are watching and evaluating how Belmont does. Depending on how Belmont does will determine our response.

CD: The recent SLBM test conducted by Belmont has drawn harsh criticism by your government. The Minister of External Affairs going so far as to call Paris as being "insensitive". Do you prescribe to that way of thinking?

AK: In some ways I do agree with Minister Zachrisson, yes. We are in a time of great rising tensions, Meribia is detonating nukes for the hell of it, clouds of war are looming over Batavia and the Scanian Union, Wazistan appears to have an insurgency, the Confederate States just began its recovery from a civil war and there is a general arms race fostering on the Himyar. My nation feels that, one, the missile test shows that Belmont is participating in this new arms race. By following the Wazi missile test with one of your own does not help the situation and now we have an expanding arms race.

There is also the fact of the missile test during a global discussion of nuclear weapons and deterrents following the Meribian incident. Many nations are worried, as is mine, and having another nation test fire a ballistic missile is disheartening to many. The decision to proceed with the test instead of delaying it until a later date was not necessarily 'insensitive', but it was poor judgment on someone's part.

CD: Belmont, for a long time, was looking to join AGE under its Partnership for Peace program, much like Fjaderholmarna, many in AGE were opposed to Belmontien membership. If my memory is correct, Austurland initially was welcoming of the Belmontien membership proposal but subsequently changed its position. Today, Mr. Ambassador, my question is: Why?

AK: First I would like to correct one fact. Initially most AGE memberstates were enthusiastic about Belmontian membership. It wasn't until it was revealed that Belmont was actively funding anti-communist terrorists in foreign nations. While Austurland, and the AGE, in no way agree with neither socialist nor communist ideologies, we do respect their sovereignty. Funding acts of terrorism, in some ways is a breach of that sovereignty, and its that fact that many AGE members began seeing Belmont as a liability instead of an asset.

CD: OK. Mr. Ambassador, as the New Year began, Meribia detonated a nuclear device. Austurland, being a regional power, has reacted in quite a restrained manner. Why is that so?

AK: Yes we have acted in a restrained manner, publically that is. Don't misunderstand me, Austurland condemns the Meribian government for their irresponsible nuclear display as well as their most recent venture, but we follow a doctrine that cooler heads will prevail. However, we are not silent either. The Archduchy has petitioned the Council of Nations Security Council to deal with Meribia. We have also been in contact with our allies over the situation. While we have said nothing, doesn't mean we are doing nothing.

CD: Your ally, Scania, is on the verge of war with Batavie. The situation is truly quite explosive and could explode into a huge war pitting the AGE against the IRB. What is Dalerna thinking about the situation?

AK: We are very conerned about the situation involving our ally the Scanian Union. Firstly, we stand by our ally and will assist them in any way possible. Secondly, we will work for a diplomatic and peacefully outcome to avert war between the two. We hope that cooler heads will prevail, but if not, we stand ready.

CD: Ambassador Kalling, I hope you realize that if you were to support Scania in a war against Batavie, it would bring the IRB and the AGE head to head. The regional instability that would ensue would haunt your region and ours.

The situation got worse after; The Scanian Chancellor of Justice issued a statement on the eighth of January, in which it was said:

“The Government of Skånskige Statsunionen is deeply concerned by the actions taken by the Batavian People's Republic and will consider, in collaboration with our AGE allies, appropriate retailatory actions, up to and including use of force,”​

A day later, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Levantine States issued a statement in which they said:

“The Levantine States condemns the actions that have been undertaken by the Batavian secret forces and will support the Scanian States in whatever retaliations they see fit.”​

Now, these two statements alone have called for many Belmontien politicians to say that the AGE, as an alliance, was making the situation much worse than it actually was. An impression has also been created that the AGE has added fuel to fire and has not tried to dampen the raging fire. My question to you, Mr. Ambassador, is: Why has the AGE not intervened and tried to resolve the issue? What sort of alliance rushes straight to the war option? Isn't Austurland a member of the CoN-SC? Isn't the Levant a permanent member of the same body? How come this issue has not been raised there? Is the AGE committed to making war with Batavie?

AK: The AGE is intervening in the conflict. We are trying to resolve the issue. I do not think that the AGE is rushing straight to war. As the Scanian Union Foreign Ministry stated it was looking into all possible avenues to deal with this issue. They also said they were not limiting themselves by removing the option of armed conflict, but they never said they would go straight to war. Any nation would do the same, including Belmont or Austurland. They are merely keeping all of their options open.

Now the Levantine States have only given their support and are defering to the Scanian Union on which course of action to take. Austurland has also given our support to the Scanian Union and we are working with them on which action should be take. No one is automatically going to war, no. However, when you are dealing with a tyranical authoritarian government, that massacres its own citizens, you must be prepared if it comes to that. No one wants war, but you have to be ready.

CD: Ambassador Kalling, rumors claim that the Scanian Lord Mayor, who was assassinated, was supporting BRA insurgents.

Now these are unconfirmed rumors but, hypothetically speaking, were these rumors true, it would put the AGE in a disadvantageous position, would it not? The AGE was quick to condemn Belmont when it was announced by the Plantard administration that, Belmont would support anti-communist forces all the while, an AGE member state is being implicated in actively supplying and supporting the BRA? Your thoughts, Mr. Ambassador?

AK: If these rumors are true then it is very serious. Even if these are only rumors they are being taken seriously. We also do not know if this mayor was acting alone or with the blessing of the Scanian government. Now there is a difference between the situation with the Scanian Union and Belmont. Batavie is undergoing a revolution, began by its own citizens. These people are defending themselves against the oppressive regime.

With Belmont there was no revolution to be supported, there was no group defending themselves and would need assistance. Belmont was simply sponsoring terrorist activities, allegedly.

CD: Mr. Ambassador, my sources at the Foreign Office say that they have been trying to get some talks organized to shed some of the tension but the response from your side of the court has been nonexistent. That makes me think that Austurland and the AGE bloc are not interested in cultivating ties with Belmont. Your thoughts?

AK: I wouldn't say that and, you would be incorrect in that assessment. Austurland, and the AGE by extension, are interested in cooperating with Belmont. I'm sure you are referring to the shelved state visit to Austurland. That event was put on hold following the Plantard Scandal, but it was not done away with. Talks are still ongoing and there may still be a visit. However, at this time the Austurlander leadership is preoccupied with other issues at hand.

CD: Mr. Kalling, its not just your nation which is contributing to the people thinking that. The government of Mr. Millerand, which reversed all of the policies of PM Plantard, was given the cold shoulder by the AGE, at a time when that government needed international support.

Now that a new government has been elected, many Belmontien politicians have been complaining that the AGE snubbing has not stopped and continues on. Why is that so?

AK: It isn't snubbing. That would be a misinterpretation of current actions. Following the Plantard scandal the AGE was wary about Belmont, and rightly so. While the change in administration was a good change, the problem couldn't be solved over night. The AGE has been evaluating Belmont since the change in government to see if this change is a permanent change and there isn't a reverting back to the policy under Plantard. The AGE is still evaluating to see if Belmont continues with its current course. If Belmont stays on the path it current there will certainly be a warming between AGE and Belmont.

CD: The PPL/PDSB Coalition government, which was elected a few weeks ago, came to power promising that ties with AGE would be repaired. Premier Martinique, herself, told me, last week, while I was interviewing her, that she would be hoping that ties with the AGE could be repaired at the earliest. Your thoughts?

AK: I saw that interview and it was a good one. I too hope that ties are improved, but as I've said previously it is a wait and see. If Belmont continues on its current path you will see those ties repaired. Only time can rebuild the trust between the AGE and Belmont.

CD: Thank you, Mr. Kalling for having come to TalkBack.​

 

[Serenierre]

Charles Dellacourt: Good Evening. Tonight, the sun has set on what has been a tense day in Western Gallia. Marquette, the debt ridden and terror stricken state, and Belmont, the economically prospering and panic stricken state, have come at a loggerheads due to our government's decision to close the border with Marquette, citing security concerns and lack of action on the Marquen authorities part against terrorists.

Today, to discuss the situation in Western Gallia, we have two personalities present, both representing an opposite view and both known across the nation. Meet our guests for tonight. Elisabeth Mozette, author and former ambassador to Marquette, and Jean Claude Chauvelin, former Foreign Minister. Hello to both you.

Elisabeth Mozette: Bonjour.

Jean Claude Chauvelin: Bonjour M. Dellacourt.

I'll begin tonight's episode with you, Madame Mozette. You have worked in Marquette as Belmont's ambassador for a long time. From 1988 to 2009, almost twenty one years. So needless to say, you know the country well and have dealt with officials in the current Marquen government. So, I ask you, what do you think of the current situation between the two states?

Well, Mr. Dellacourt, its known by many that I don't favor the government's decision to close the border. The move has been severely harmful for Marquette's weak economy and I agree with Chancellor Rouve that it has served as just the thing to bolster terrorist morale.

Sorry to interrupt but I have to add this, I feel Chancellor Rouve is gravely mistaken and nothing bolsters terrorists more than seeing their attacks unfold. The Marquen government should feel grateful that we haven't gone in and finished the job ourself, I'm proud to be Belmontien for the responsibility this current government has shown.

Yes, Mr. Chauvelin, your views echo throughout Belmont... according to a poll 72% of Belmontiens feel the same way

72% of the southern population... not the whole country's. That poll was conducted only in the south.

Yes, sorry, 72% of south Belmontiens agree with you, former Minister Chauvelin. But what is interesting is that you are a PCB politician and the south voted decisively against the LDA [the ruling coalition] And what is your opinion about how the government should have acted?

Let me begin by saying that Belmont is our motherland and partisan politics don't come in the way of our countrymen's love for this land. We see the government acting in such a positive way, we will ofcourse support the endeavor. But now, I answer your question, I feel that when the Red Clay threat came to fore, we should have closed the entire border except key transport links... I do admit that Marquen economy has taken a beating because of this but I also do feel that if we wouldn't have closed the border in the way we have, a terrorist attack could have happened in Belmont and our own economy would have taken a pinch.

Well, I have to disagree here, the supposed security threats were not verified correctly, I've seen the files, and I do feel that a certain conservative element within the bureaucracy is trying to push the government to drop its pro-EDF policies. That's something I don't want to see. If you look at the internet polls you'll clearly see that, while people are untrusting of Marquette, the public opinion is strongly in favor of the EDF, as an alliance.

In the very beginning of the crisis, Finance Minister Ichiro Yamaguchi was rumored to have said that Marquette was a "sinking ship" and that if Marquette didn't act against the terrorists decisively, Belmont's government would dump its stake of Marquette's government bonds. According to my figures, Belmont has five hundred million francs worth of Marquen bonds and, thanks to my rudimentary economic knowledge, dumping such a large figure could serve as a catalyst to crashing the Marquen economy. Now I ask this from both of you; Don't you think its irresponsible to make such claims?

Finance Minister Yamaguchi wasn't speaking on any official forum and there isn't even any evidence that he said that Belmont would dump the bonds. But lets imagine even if he did say that, I imagine it was just a ploy to push the Marquen government to act faster. I know the tricks of Yamaguchi well.

I have to agree with Mr. Chauvelin here, there is no evidence that its Minister Yamaguchi's words. He doesn't involve himself in politics and I doubt he would comment about such an explosive issue. i think this matter was just gossip and rumor blown out of proportion.

Very well, but we have to admit, the ties between the two countries have been altered significantly and when the Marquen authorities finally manage to deal with the terrorists, Belmont and Marquette will have to deal with rebuilding the gaping trust deficit. What in your opinion can accomplish that?

I feel that politically we have always been at odds with Marquette due to the 1799 invasion and a certain air of coldness has been present between both country's capitals but I know this, the power of money is great and can melt even the greatest of icebergs. I feel that economic cooperation will help in rebuilding trust.

I have to agree and disagree. I agree that economic cooperation could help but I also feel that people to people contact will serve to normalize the situation, though this can't be feasible now since the populaces of the two country's are far too annoyed with each other. But people need interact with each other and destroy the stereotypes.

And we have run out of time. Tonight we saw two different viewpoints from two influential people. But there is confusion in the minds of the Belmontien people. Their country stands allied with Marquette through the EDF but at the same time has imposed strict restrictions. The people support the move to close the border but large swaths also see it as extreme. Maybe when we meet next, the issue will be resolved and calm will return to Gallia. Thank you, Madame Mozette and Monsieur Chauvelin, pleasure talking to you. Good night and I'll see you next week.