Conférence Villesen

[Serenierre]

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Palais de la République
RUE DE AVIGNON
​

Sitting in the main hall of the Palace, the delegations from the main Francophone nations and that of Seneca had arrived in the chamber following a sumptuous lunch, the head of the Belmontien delegation was the new foreign minister, Henri Kouchner. He had been recently installed in the senior position and had been responsible for the Villesen Summit, which had so far gone perfectly. The delegations had arrived on time at the International Airport a few days previously and had been received by a coterie of Belmontien officials, ranging from generals to cultural ambassadors.

The republican capital was decorated in the banners of all participating countries, with trade fairs set up in the many parks showing the goods of each country. From what he had been told, Premier Martinique had reviewed all the exhibitions, having squeezed a visit to the fair in her tight schedule.

Sitting down in the conference chamber, the fifty six year old Minister cleared his throat and had a sip of water, as the other delegations took their seats and settled in. The sound of papers rustling and briefcases being opened. This activity slowly faded into silence, leaving only the dull sound of the air-conditioner left to hear. Taking that as his cue, Minister Kouchner began, "Good afternoon, let me begin our official session by conveying Madame Premier Martinique's gratitude to each of your government's for accepting our invitation. Let us make a toast for the spirit of Francophone unity." He raised his champagne glass, as did the others, and after a few words, took a measured sip.

He began his introductory remarks: "My good friends, I know that our countries share a beautiful historical connection and it is our belief that we should consolidate our efforts to make regional cooperation a cornerstone of our policy. In her opinion, Premier Shahrazad Martinique, believes that by opening ourselves to the many opportunities that are present to us as a region, we can rise collectively, to take advantage of our region's stable and peaceful state to become world leaders in the sphere of economics. But to do this, we must first cross hurdles that have butted their heads many a time in the past. We need to resolve old disputes that present themselves on and off in our bilateral relations."

"The fact that Belmont abandoned the idea of monarchy in the 1850s, is the turning point in our relations, as we know the other Gallic states remained monarchical and there has been tension between republican forces here in Belmont and the monarchists in the other states. I propose that we all, collectively agree that we must not intervene or attempt to influence the internal governance of each of our states and leave these matters to be decided by the people and government of that country, itself. Our Government believes that it is best to resolve this historical flashpoint. If we do, we shall be able to open dialogue on issues that will allow us all to benefit in the long run."

"So, my friends, if we can use this opportunity provided by this conference to put prior differences in the rubbish heaps of history we can build a solid, stable foundation for a prosperous future." Kouchner meant what he said and hoped that his intention had carried over. The time for a fresh start was now.
[MENTION=295]Seneca[/MENTION] [MENTION=26]Bourgogne[/MENTION] [MENTION=1698]coeurleon[/MENTION] [MENTION=1690]Venissieux[/MENTION]

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Michel Jannot had been in diplomacy for nearly 30 years. He had worked as a staffer, assistant ambassador and finally spent 10 years as ambassador to Twente and Yujin. Now with the new government, he had been recalled home based on his international reputation as a diplomat. He was slightly overweight but wore it well on a 6'1 frame. His face was characterized by hard lines making his face very stone-like. His eyebrows were wildly bushy but clearly defined above two hard and gray eyes. Jannot had been appointed as the interim government's head diplomat, though many suspected he would have a serious role in any newly elected government. He listened carefully, painfully aware of Bourgogne's historic relationship with Belmont. For centuries they had resisted their political influence. Though they had over the last century and a half had relatively good relations, the Burgundian government had remained vigilant as it considered Belmont to be attempting to assert political dominance over the region in the past. Jannot remained hopeful that he could bridge the divide which had been close for at least the past century. He sat, listening with his hands folded in his lap.

He had declined the champagne, instead drinking a glass of water. Jannot's stomach at age 59 did not care for the acidity found in some champagne. He pursed his lips at the mention of the monarchy. Throughout most of his life, the Ducal family had quietly run the nation. It had been chased out by a fanatically republican government who had become enemies of their own people. Now that the Duke had returned and the nation moving towards democracy, it had still gotten some rather negative attention; especially in certain arenas of Belmont. Jannot considered the statement briefly before dismissing it. He decided to focus on the other aspects of the introduction. With Bourgogne's port of Auxerre rapidly growing to be among the busiest, Bourgogne could play a vital role. Indeed, it was the entry point of most tonnage from Brazul, Seneca, and even took in some from Ommeroth. Bourgogne's rail system splintered out East through Belmont and Southeast through Undtsierra. The Burgundian port was still not as big as those of Vittoria and Eiffelland, which accepted massive traffic from the far east. No, it was not the largest but still, it was rapidly growing. Jannot reflected back on the latest economic report. Bourgogne's recent mass investment in infrastructure widly reported by le Soleil was met with some raised eyebrows by the Burgundian people, confused by the interim government making such a bold move with the purse strings. Still, it was yet another card to play. Jannot also had considered on the plane what the Green Peninsula could mean, if anything. It still produced high quality coffee, agriculture, and rubber. However, the year 1960 was fast approaching. By 1961, Peninsule Vert would be a totally independent nation. If anything, he considered that in such a conference, the colony was worth almost nothing. On the plane, he had shook his head, reviewing the poor industrial production numbers. Tourism was still fairly high and domestic agriculture was still excellent. But the industrial production numbers were seriously depressing. Luckily, the report was new and the other nations would be unaware of the exact state of Burgundian industry. His only trump card was Auxerre and the nation's newly restored infrastructure.

 

[Venissieux]

Unlike the Francophone countries like Bourgogne and Belmont who have a singular governing body, Venissieux is a political union of sovereign kingdoms - much like the Kingdom of Auraria but looser in structure and remained more decentralized. The United Kingdoms consisted of Avignon, Brasschatt, Evreux, Libourne and Orlais. The Venissians sat together to represent Venissieux, but it was formality more than anything. Each kingdom's interests may differ from one and another in Venissieux, making it somewhat of a political mess with the United Kingdoms' foreign policies. If people were to ignore the union there would be a total of nine present countries at the conference - Venissieux representing more than half the conference. However each of the Kingdoms were small in stature comparatively to the rest of the invited guests.

The Evreuxians and Orlesians were the twin engines that propels the kingdom and manages to project their interests outwards - the rest were relatively minor powers in the region with the exception of a few big trade deals the Brasschatte manage to broker. While allies under the union, the two countries were historical rivals - only united as an alliance of convenience at the time. Despite the fact that the two countries have become closer in economical and political ties in the last few decades, the governments continue to butt heads with each other. Vincent Hebert and Roland Marion represented Evreux and Orlais respectively.

Both Hebert and Marion nodded in response to putting aside ideological differences, only to take glances at each other. While the Venissian states believes that its citizens should dictate which government it should be governed by, the Evreuxians and Orlesians have continued on and off bickering about political structure in their ceaseless arguments. Evreux was democratic in nature, much like Brasschatt, while the Orlesians had an absolute ruling monarch. Though the differences has been dampened, the politicians still take shots at each other, partly to direct attention away from internal problems and historical rivalry.

 

[Coeurleon]

The Cœurlois Ambassador to Belmont, Bertrand-Louis de Vexin, was born to be a diplomat. His family’s involvement in the Foreign Civil Service was as old as the service was in existence. The first Marquis de Vexin was responsible for establishing the service; his father, grandfather and great-grandfather served in diplomatic posts throughout much of their lives. The Vexin family were committed to diplomacy as they were to the Crown. Unfortunately, his elder brother Guillaume was more interested in spending the family’s fortune than ‘doing his bit’. Bertrand-Louis needed to pick up the pieces.

The 53-year-old sipped on his champagne, making mental notes of the representatives of the Francophone nations. He took his handkerchief to dot the remainder of the champagne from his mustache. He then opened his blue, leather folio that bore the seal of his country. Ruffling through his papers, he took out one that was handwritten rather than typed. “The Government of Cœurléon desires to uphold the especial relationship between the Francophone countries. The Minister for the Arts has sent me a draft proposal which, I believe, will be most satisfactory for the representatives here. We propose the Biennial française - an art exhibition put on by and for artists of Francophone countries.”

 

[Serenierre]

The Foreign Minister listened to the representatives from each of the invited countries, and when his turn came, he smiled at the delegation from [MENTION=1698]Coeurleon[/MENTION], "The Republic is indeed keen to support initiatives which shall see our common culture and the many variances be exhibited in the manner that you suggest." He turned his attention to the representative from [MENTION=26]Bourgogne[/MENTION], "And we are happy that there is broad agreement that the past must be allowed to recede from the current dynamics. And so, to usher in an era of cooperation and solidarity, let me propose the following:"

"Firstly: an economic union, members of which shall be engaged in a policy of open trade, with custom duties or taxes levied at the same rate as domestic subjects. This shall allow for us all to enhance and expand our collective economies."

"Secondly, we propose that the borders between our countries should from now on be monitored by members of the police... rather than the military... and that citizens from any of our countries may visit without the need of visas."

"Our friends from Coeurleon have already suggested a cultural initiative which we support fully, as mentioned previously. However, we recommend that these measures should not compromise national sovereignty, as we believe that foreign, defence, and financial affairs should be decided by the individual capitals and governments of our states."

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Jannot nodded, making notes. Not so much as to remind himself of what was said but of what he wanted to cover and also what he wished to report to the interim government. He glanced around at the other delegates. An economic union was a big step for Bourgogne. He wrote a few more things before gently placing his Lubot fountain pen down. "I am happy to discuss such a union" said Jannot somberly. "However, I think it would only be fair to everyone here if there were no illusions" he began, noting some concern on the faces of the others. "We do not yet have a standard government representing the people. While I am authorized to make minor agreements, this is something not even the interim government could agree to at this time. Only an elected government could do so. Now, as far as the military and borders" he began, breathing deeply before the change in subjects "Our military strength at border crossings is virtually non existent" concluded Jannot. "We have no problem agreeing to cultural engagements, but an economic union is something for an elected government" repeated Jannot, sinking back into his chair, clearly finished.

 

[Coeurleon]

Mssr. de Vexin glanced at a note in his folio. It was delivered to the embassy hours before the conference. It was addressed to the ambassador with the words Pour vos yeux seulement.* It was note directly from ‘C’ at the Crown Intelligence Service. In the intelligence community, the Cœurlois spy network was well respected. ‘C’ gave warnings against the ambassador making any additional agreements beyond cultural. The greatest fear by the Coïdavid Ministry was the cross-border movement without visas. Republicans were certainly not held in the highest regard in Merteuil.

“Monsieur Kouchner, Her Majesty’s Government desires this meeting to bring about cultural ties, certainly not economic. I have been advised by my government to not accept any deals beyond such.” He glances at Monsieur Jannot and nods in agreement.

*For your eyes only.

 

[Serenierre]

"So," Kouchner's tone hardened and he looked at the man, "we see that the old ways have not ended in Merteuil. What Villesen offered was a true path of success to the region and while we can not force anyone to do anything... nor do we seek to do any such thing... but it is indeed sad that the Coeurlois have shot the aspirations of a strong Francophone bloc in its chest. But we can only say that Messr Vexin we are disappointed. However, we must state that the Bourgogne have legitimate concerns as far as their government is concerned and we understand. But what does the delegation from Vennisieux have to say, I am most intrigued."

 

[Tyvia]

Proud Huguenots, the Lecuyer line had been among the first settlers to make their way to the vales and forests of what is now modern Seneca; carving out a home for themselves in the same place as most other New World French-speakers--the foothills of the Greymane in the north-western Tynevale. It was from this pedigree that Yvonne Lecuyer was drawn, having entered the diplomatic service with the help of family ties and a well-regarded education. Though the family's classically Latin features had long since grown increasingly Germanic, Lecuyer still looked every part the Frenchwoman. Her long blonde hair was carefully plaited and done up, and a stately blue dress modestly concealed her form all the while accentuating her likewise colored eyes. Perfectly fluent in French, only the tiniest hint of New World intonation here and there might betray the presence of an accent.

For the majority of the proceedings, she was more than content to simply sit and observe. At her side, an aide hastily scribbled down notes in Engellexic while she herself serenely sipped from her glass of champagne. Her gaze wandered idly between the assembled men, flicking between them as they each spoke in turn; eyes never focusing on any single one for too long. Reaching for the crystal decanter, she poured herself another glass and finally deigned to raise her voice.

"The topic of most concern to the État-Union would be the first raised, that of a mutual open trade zone. I do not doubt that the assorted delegates here had my nation in mind, of course, when considering the proposal--but we would potentially be amenable to such an agreement. Given the weight of shipping already between several of the nations represented here and the Union State, it is our belief that encouraging further fair and free trade can only be advantageous to both Gallic and Occidentian markets."

Her aide briefly reminded her to talk about the other points, and the woman waved him away before continuing.

"With regards to visas, the Union State's policy will not change. Individuals from Francophone nations, just as those from any other state in Gallia, Germania, or Gunnlandia, may simply purchase a visa for a modest sum upon arrival in the New World."

 

[Venissieux]

"Oui, we agree to all of the proposals brought by Belmont." Marion said. For the Orlesians, making the market more freely accessible would help facilitate trade as a landlocked country, historically relying on the Brasschatte to export their trades when the Evreuxians refused Orlesian goods. Hebert from Evreux followed up on Marion, not to be outdone by the Orlesians. "This is a sound proposal, I do not believe we have a problem agreeing to an economic union and the visas." Other Venissian delegates voiced their unanimous agreement. Should all the Francophone bloc form an economic union, all the countries stand to benefit from a market that's roughly 200 million strong. The Venissian kingdoms wants to be apart of that union, being left out alone would put them in a disadvantageous spot, especially considering the loose structure of Venissieux.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Jannot had remained quiet. 'shot in the chest' repeated in his head. He scratched his knee before taking a deep breath. The old diplomat exhaled and took another deep breath. " old ways have not ended in Merteuil" he began in a quiet and calm tone. "Perhaps such accusations are not appropriate for such a meeting? Many in Bourgogne are worried that Belmont will again try to assert a political dominance....or that is how it is seen by many in Bourgogne. It is not necessarily something I believe. However, if a nation does not agree to join, I do not think it is something to assume. What I mean is that it is totally plausible for them to have their reasons. Perhaps it would be more prudent to discuss and ask why and when the reasons are found out; discuss them. We cannot have unity without serious discussions and understanding"