Belmont-SEEDTO Summit in Paris

[Serenierre]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Paris

The building had originally been a part of the estate of a prince, sometime in the late 18th century, who upon being made the Foreign Minister had donated the building to the Crown to house the Foreign Ministry. Since then, the building had been expanded numerous times and other ministries had been set up in what had become the Government Quarter. Outside the building, the ISE had blocked the main road to the ministry and had dispatched dozens of dog-sniffing teams and bomb disposal sqauds - better safe than sorry, that was the motto. Inside, the foreign ministers sat in the conference room, the Belmontien foreign minister and his aides on the right and the SEEDTO counterparts on the left.

Jean-Jacques Villevan had been the one who had proposed the summit to the Premier. The establishment of the alliance had brought a certain stability in that volatile region of Himyar but it was a very fragile peace, in his mind. The ravages of war inflicted upon the Jurzan had devastated the oil-rich country and there was no doubt in his mind that rebuilding Jurzan would be far too much of a strain for the Himyari alliance to bear alone. Switching on the mic, "Fellow foreign ministers," he began, smiling, "As we begin the Belmont-SEEDTO* Summit let me begin by saying that it is my hope that during the course of this summit we are able to come to conclusions that strengthen our bilateral and multilateral ties. I yield the floor to my guests to make the introductory statements." Villevan leaned back, looking at the other men.​

* I'm pronouncing at as see-ed-toe rather than seed-to

 

[Sheridan]

Father Dominic Basil leaned forward and spoke into the mic.

"Let me just begin by saying how glad I am that SEEDTO is receiving such a warm welcome from a nation such as Belmont. I am eager to discuss and compare our different agendas. Ascalon joined helped to found SEEDTO with the hopes that the alliance would destroy the stereotype that Himyar is a violent region of third worlders. Stereotypes such as these are continually harming Ascalon's tourism industry, and they have to change."

 

[Cakistan]

Orhan Abd Nasir, Minister for External Affiars of the United Emirate of Cakistan, looked around the comfortable meeting room at his new allies. He studied them closely, as he was still trying to gain a full measure of what this new alliance would mean for his nation and the region of Himyar. As the Minister of Ascalon finished his opening statement, Orhan straightened his jacket, a nervous tick he had picked up years and had yet to fully master.

"Gentlemen. Thanks to the forward looking vision of our governments our nations and indeed the entire region of Himyar stands on the brink of a new era. Today with this alliance we begin to close the book on a Himyar that is divided and constantly at war, today we embrace unity and peace. This is a hard path, but a noble one. Working together we can transform the region and bring a new golden age of prosperity to our countries.

"I would like to thank Minister Villevan for hosting this conference. It is an honor for our new alliance to be able to meet here. The support and friendship of Belmont to our new, and still fragile, alliance is of uncountable value.

"I look forward to frank discussions as we confronts the issues facing our region. Not the least of which must be the security, stability, and independence of the Republic of Jurzan. Creating a strong and stable Jurzan is without a doubt our central task at this time and the reputation and credibility of our organization in the international community will likely be judged on our failure or success there. The United Emirates will do everything in our power to assist in that effort. Thank you."

 

[Kugelan Free State]

"Just over a hundred years ago, a bloody war broke out in what is today the Kugelan Free State, A war which was started by the imperial ambitions over southern himyar and my people. We lost that war, and it took us seventy years of hard labour sweating in the sun for our masters wallet, to regain the courage to ask for our freedom. The birth of the SEEDTO is the first step on a path of security and stability that I hope will give our combined peoples a place in the world to be respected and admired"

Sauer sat back in his chair he was worried about this latest move De Kalk had made

 

[Fulanistan]

President Bashir al-Otari himself was attending this important summit. Despite being only recently appointed as President, he felt it necessary to improve foreign relations among the SEEDTO members. Bashir was seated next to Father Dominic Basil on his right, and Fulanistan's foreign affairs minister Ahmed bin-Jasir on his left. Patiently listening, he adjusted his Flag pin in preperation to speak. As Sauer sat back in his chair, Bashir moved forward to the microphone.

"It is important for us to recognize the peculiar situation in Himyar. We have a region with strong diversity and a history of little unity among the countries in Himyar. Despite this, we have formed a new growing bond that unites Himyari countries. For the first time we have created a non-imperialistic union based on the principle of making Himyar stronger. In regards to this, I would like to briefly discuss the HFA. The HFA may be seen as a predecessor to SEEDTO, but I disagree. Our key principles differ, in that the HFA was formed out of Fulanistan's rejection from EDEN. I think we can look at the HFA as the inspiration for unity in Himyar, and SEEDTO is the result of our newfound desire for unity. I would also like to thank our friends in Belmont for taking an interest in SEEDTO and organizing this gathering. I consider Belmont a strong friend of our organization, and of Himyar in general. Despite our common goal of unity, SEEDTO has not been met without criticism. Nations like Carentania have given us constructive criticism, advising us that our goals will destroy member states due to the liberal nature of them. Rather, our charter allows member nations to adapt to them and progress to stability, rather than forcing rapid change upon them. However, we have recieved more negative criticism as well. Umbazi has challenged SEEDTO, calling some of our members millitant, and labelling us as Imperialist and Laughable. Fulanistan considers such comments as radical and extreme, and we fear Umbazi may present a destabilizing effect on the rest of Himyar. Our goal is to work with nations like Umbazi to solve problems, and prevent all out war. In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Kugelan Free State on becoming our newest member, and I wish good luck to them and to all member states."

Bashir sat down to applause, and furiously drank water from his cup waiting for the next speaker.

 

[Kugelan Free State]

"I thank you Mr. President, it is indeed an honour to myself and the entire Free State to be here with you all in peace. Like our honourable friends in Ascalon we share a Border with Umbazi and a very full history some aspects of which we cannot be proud of.
We are keen to develop trade and investment. Himyar is ripe with resources, It is the Free states intention to exploit those resources for the betterment of everyone"

 

[Clarenthia]

Zurab Nadarejshvili was always a little confused as to what his position was in Government. First, he was the Executor's right hand man, second he was a prisoner, third he was leader of an intelligence and security agency, then he became a diplomat, then he was a director again, now he's a diplomat. Never before had Nadarejshvili been a diplomat under Akhaltsikhe, he wasn't on any foreign policy committee, but for some reason, he was sent to all of Jurzan's important diplomatic affairs.

It might be due to the fact he contained a massive amount of knowledge about the situation in his homeland, pre and post war. He knew a great deal about Akhaltsikhe's hidden problems as well as their atrocities, which he refused to even hint to. Regardless, it was now time for him to talk.

"I believe the necessity of this organization cannot be denied. I am extremely pleased that we were able to have this meeting. I believe it is the first to a huge step in a peaceful Himyar, which is our ultimate goal."

 

[Serenierre]

Villevan heard each of the delegation leaders speak, he had been glancing at some of the papers infront of him as the Jurzani delegate spoke, as his turn to speak came, he took a sip of water and spoke. "Yes, the SEEDTO is important for the region for the stability it can offer to its members and to the entire region but... that sadly is not how this alliance is turning out," his tone hardened. "Hardly a week has gone by and already there is a dispute between a member of this alliance and another country... and it is fast becoming a highly explosive matter. I shall speak plainly with you all... if the SEEDTO contributes any further to regional tensions... Belmont shall find itself in a position where it will have to act... if there is to be healthy relationship between Belmont and members of this alliance... this alliance needs to act with responsibility and contribute to regional stability... without that I really do not see how we can do anything for your nations."

If they had thought that this summit would have been an opportunity for their nations' collective egos to be stroked in one blow that impression had been blown away. This meeting was also an opportunity for the Kingdom to get its point across, Accept our conditions, expect our patronage. Increasingly the region around Hajr -The Kingdom's main ally in the region- was becoming more volatile and that would just not do.

 

[Clarenthia]

Nadarejshvili became frustrated with the Belmontiens. Allegiance with the Belmontiens has proven controversial. Nadarejshvili was briefed, indepth, about what was to be said to the Belmontiens and what wasn't to be said, it was no mystery that the true opinion of the Jurzani Government was well known to Nadarejshvili.

It was true that Jurzan needed to be intensely careful with its foreign policy, but it wasn't going to whore itself to Belmont. Nadarejshvili was continously updated on situations in his homeland and abroad, he knew about Khayrat and the Queen's meeting, he knew what was to be said, he wasn't happy, neither was the President, neither would the Shura Congress, neither would the people. If anything, Nadarejshvili knew what Belmont was becoming.

"Mr. Foreign Minister, I am truly sorry that we were incapable of establishing continent wide peace in a week. I do apologize for the delay and our ineffectiveness to end centuries old conflicts and disputes...in a week. I must also apologize due to the fact that my nation was distracted with the Jurzani-Talemantine War, it is our mistake for not attributing more for peace while our country and people were being killed, but I do promise you, we'll work on it.

Speaking of the Umbazi situation, we find Belmontien intervention to be unnecessary. Our Government has made repeated requests for the situation to be demilitarized and the bodies returned. It is not only our government, but it is also the government of Fulanistan, Cakistan, and the Kugelan Free State. Four out of SEEDTO's 5 members are sending messages of peace, if that justifies the claim that SEEDTO is fueling tensions, then I am concerned. Also, we wish to bring it to the attention of all parties that Umbazi has accepted aid from Talemantros and Oikawa, and knowing our history with them, you can see why this is very concerning to our nation.

Perhaps we should be given more than a week to determine our effectiveness."

 

[Cakistan]

Orhan Nasir's eyes hardened as the Minister from Belmont got further and further into his diatribe. By the end of it if looks could kill both Minister Villevan and Father Basil would have been smoking craters.

Nasir had plans for the SEEDTO alliance, and both Belmont's and Ascalon's actions were threatening them. Belmont by trying to turn SEEDTO into a client, and Ascalon by delegitimizing and destabilizing the alliance by their petty squabbles. Nasir's plans weren't nefarious, it was his sincere hope that the alliance could bring peace and prosperity to Himyar.

"Minister Villevan, I thank you for your views on the on going matters in Himyar. Let me be the first to assure you that the Government of the United Emirates intends to ensure there resolution within the framework of SEEDTO and do so quite quickly. Indeed we have already taken steps to do so.

"We do this for own sake and the sake of all in our region. We do not need to be told not to soil ourselves as children do. We certainly do not need to be threatened without warning, or as far as I can see provocation. No, sir, that we cannot abide.

"We cannot see much future between this alliance and the Kingdom of Belmont without mutual respect and sovereign equality. We are not wayward children or your imperial charges. Good day to you sir!"

With that Minister Nasir rose along with his delegation and strode from the room. He did not know if the others would follow. The Jurzan ambassador had sounded annoyed enough he might. Leadership though required action, and action he would take. His region would never progress as long as the northern powers thought the whole region should immediately ask "how high" every time they barked "jump."

 

[Kugelan Free State]

Sauer took a seat backwards he listened with mild amusement as Villevan carried on.
Sauer watched with private admiration as Nasir walked out.

"Mynheer, it is my hope that you came to this summit with the hope of developing Himyar.
Within the Free State itself, Mr. Chatellete recently concluded that Belmont would help us survey and mine more of our valuable resources. It would be sad though if you saw the Free State, or indeed any of our allies as constituent states, subject too Paris

Please understand Mr Villevan, it is hard for us to continue talking when one of our number, A most valued and honourable colleague has left this summit. Perhaps if you could apolagise for your reaction to what I can understand is distressing news for yourself and indeed concerning for all of us, Perhaps we could salvage something from these talks and continue to build on the good intentions I am certain we all share."​

Sauer smiled warmly and hoped that something more could be gained from his trip to Paris

 

[Fulanistan]

Bashir edged in his seat when Nasir left. He was unsure if he should follow suit or remain seated with the other members. He could feel the situation in the room was becoming more tense, and he felt very uncomfortable. He thought that if he left, he would be seen as immature and unable to handle a tense discussion, but he thought that if he stayed he may not be recieved well by Nasir later. Not wanting to stir further arguments, he quickly stood up to make a brief statement.

"I agree with Mr. Sauer. While I feel that there is much need for discussion, however one of our members furiously stormed out due to your comments and I think you should apologise for being so direct with a problem that we are quite frankly attempting to deal with. I feel the situation is none of your business, and you are attempting to meddle with the inner affairs of SEEDTO.

We understand Hajr is one of your close allies in the region but we have our own means of dealing with such situations. If you feel it is necessary to discuss it, please be more optimistic rather than blasting us as failing to keep the peace seeing as we have only recently formed our alliance. In response, I feel it is no longer necessary for Fulanistan to attend this summit. We thank you for inviting us."​

Bashir looked towards his assitants and motioned them to stand up. The three of them stood up and repeated what the Cakistanis did moments ago.