Der Eiserne Vorhang [ATTN: Eiffelland]

[Ostmark]

PALAST DER VOLKSREPUBLIK, WIEN

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People's Chancellor Horst Grasser is standing on the top of the stairs infront of the main entrance of the Palace of the People's Republic, seat of the People's Assembly and headquarter of the National-Syndicalist People's Party. Since the rise of the NSVP, this building has served as the heart and core of the National-Syndicalist regime presided by Horst Grasser and his most loyal adjutant, Vice-Chancellor Ludwig Bohmer. In the past months the NSVP enacted a series of reforms that heavily reshaped Ostmark's society, some say for the better while others say for the worst. While the effects on freedom of expression and movement are evident, according to recent surveys the large, overwhelming majority of the population seems to be supporting Horst Grasser and his innovative yet heretic economic policies, often described by foreign analysts as "third-way blasphemies" which embody elements from both extremes of the political spectrum.

When it comes to foreign policy, Volkskanzler Grasser recently abandoned isolationism to venture on a path of "good neighborliness" with the countries of Gallia-Germania such as the Kingdom of Elben, the People's Republic of Serenierre and the Union of Eiffelland-Retalia. A move that according to international media outlets has prompted nation states from both sides of the Iron Curtain to raise more than one eyebrow. But People's Chancellor Horst Grasser has refrained from taking side in the never-ending struggle between the Rurikgrad Pact and the former members of the Trier concord - instead, Grasser pragmatically placed himself between the two and maintained a neutral stance, ideologically and politically, in order to appear as a responsible and accountable leader.

People's Chancellor Grasser and his Vice-Chancellor Bohmer are patiently waiting for the their Eiffellander counterparts to reach the Palace of the People's Republic, where the two governments will discuss common economic and political subjects, both as a way to defuse the recent border frictions caused by Ostmark's proximity with Kadikistan, and the recent trade deal signed between the People's Republic of Ostmark and Eiffelland-Retalia's arch enemy, the People's Republic of Serenierre.

 

[Rheinbund]

Chancellor Rheinfeld completely understood Volkskanzler Grasser's wish to remain neutral in the struggle between the former Trier Concord countries, Serenierre and the Rurikgrad Pact. It was completely normal that he wanted to keep his country away from those struggles and out of possible wars. Eiffelland-Retalia would not be the one breaching that neutrality. The same accounted for Lars and Bergenheim. Those countries wished to remain neutral as well, and Eiffelland-Retalia would not violate that neutrality. But behind the scenes, Eiffelland was extending its armed forces. They would not fire the first shot, like they did not fire the first shot in the last war, but in the next war they wanted to be able to fire the shots 2 to 100 billion should the Sereniens and the Kadikistani go to war again. You never knew what they would do when Lars and Fleur sailing courses independent from them started to irritate them. And then Eiffelland-Retalia wanted to be sure that it could help out those countries. Of course that also applied to Ostmark: When Kadikistan would decide that the country was not Marxist enough, Eiffelland should be able to help it out.

But Chancellor Roland Rheinfeld and Minister of Economic Affairs Dr. Habil. Ariel Rubinstein would not mention anything about their intentions for the case that Kadikistan and Serenierre would decide to attack again. They were sitting on the back seat of Chancellor Rheinfeld's armoured black

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. Because the distance between Trier and Wien was so short, they decided to go by car instead of by plane. In front of the Palast der Volksrepublik, the limousine was parked in front of the start of the red carpet. Chancellor Rheinfeld stepped out, and waited for the car. As soon as Minister Rubinstein stood next to him, they walked towards Volkskanzler Grasser and Vizekanzler Bohmer.

"Good morning, Herr Kanzler," Chancellor Rheinfeld said.

 

[Ostmark]

Volkskanzler Grasser walks down the stairs to meet Chancellor Rheinfeld and Minister Rubinstein, firmly shaking their hands and posing for photographers and journalists who are eaguer to capture this historic occasion. It is the first time the National-Syndicalist government of Ostmark meets the representatives of the bordering Union of Eiffelland-Retalia, even tho the two countries have engaged in sporadic diplomatic contacts culminating with Eiffelland's assistance during the tragic incident at Ostmarkische Motoren Werke "Welcome to Ostmark Chancellor Rheinfeld, Minister Rubinstein, it is a pleasure to finally meet our neighbors in person. Please, follow me inside the palace".

Once they reached the room designated for the meeting, Grasser takes a seat and pours water in each of the four glasses previously place on the table "Water?". The Volkskanzler then drinks a sip of water, and puts the glass back in place "Since you are our guests and considering we have much to discuss, from economy to foreign policy, i will grant you the honor of bringing on table the first subject" says a smiling People's Chancellor.

 

[Rheinbund]

"Yes, thank you, water is perfect," Chancellor Rheinfeld said. He was glad that he didn't have to refuse an alcoholic drink. After all, this meeting was work, and you don't drink alcohol at work. Minister Rubinstein was glad as well; he was a Jew, so he couldn't drink alcohol because of his religion.
"First of all, I would like to give you a present, Herr Volkskanzler," Chancellor Rheinfeld continued. "It is a CD-box with music from Eiffelloretalian bands from the 1980s."
After a sip of his water, he continued: "Let's start with discussing a possible economic agreement. I think that our economies can be complemental to each other. What is your thought?"



OOC: Sorry for the delay. It was really busy. Here's a bit of the music:

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[Ostmark]

"Ah. Foreign music. Well thank you. I will keep this one to my private collection". Horst unfolds a pile of papers and places them in the center of the table. They all display the logo of Ostmarkische Motoren Werke and a number of projects, schemes, technical descriptions and hand written notes by the Volkskanzler "The differences between our societies can indeed be complemental to each other. Eiffellandoretalians like cars and have a wide arrays of models at their disposal. On the other hand, Ostmarkische Motoren Werke is working at less than 70% of its capacity according to our analysis, due to a lack of demand by the public and the general rejection of consumerism by the populace. We only consume and produce what we really need and what we are capable of exporting, in accordance with the trade agreements we have signed with our partners. But we always need new jobs, we always welcome an increased production and the meeting of new quotas for our factories. More production equals more workforce required to keep up with an increased production. As Minister Rubinstein is aware of, the cost of the Ostmarkian work force is extremely lower if compared to it Eiffellandoretalian counterpart. At least 60% lower, considering the different economic system and the current devaluation of our national currency".

Horst then pauses for a minute and hands both Chancellor Rheinfeld and Minister Rubinstein two papers which summarize the production capabilities and related costs of production of Ostmarkische Motoren Werke "OMW can produce cheap yet reliable car parts, any car part, for Eiffelland-Retalia's car manufactuers. In my opinion the advantages of such an agreement is that Eiffelland-Retalia's car manufacturers will be able to lower the cost of the final products, thus making it accessible to a wider public, meanwhile Ostmarkische Motoren Werke will open new positions in its facilities, creating new jobs for hundreds, possibly thousands of Ostmarkian citizens. A lower trade fee specifically approved for this agreement could also stimulate car sales in Eiffelland-Retalia, which will be already lower in price thanks to the contribution of Ostmark's facilities in the manufacturing process and the lower costs of production"

 

[Rheinbund]

Chancellor Rheinfeld grinned a bit upon Volkskanzler Grasser's remark about the Ostmarkers' rejection of consumerism. Not because he considered it silly, but because he saw it in the context of the philosophy with which Eiffelloretalian companies made their products:

"Well, Herr Volkskanzler, I know that Eiffelloretalians are quite easy-going with respect to spending money, but they are to a lesser extent the big consumerists than you think," he smirked. "An Eiffeloretalian is angry when his washing machine dies after 15 years; he expects it to run at least 20 years. The same accounts for his dish washer and fridge. And for many other products. Also cars are expected to run around 20 years. And it is not for nothing that you can drop a Nichsdorf Lumin smartphone from three meters above the ground."

"But joking apart now, the Eiffelloretalian car industry is indeed interested in a deal like you propose. A cost reduction like you describe is much needed. If for instance Ostmarker companies could produce exhausts, tyres, wheels, copper wire, fuel tanks, windshield wipers, windows, light bulbs, head lights and tail lights, we would be very happy," Minister Rubinstein said.

OOC: Some more music:

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[Ostmark]

"Yes, Ostmarkische Motoren Werke has the capabilities and the know-how to produce the parts you mentioned. All they need is the schemes and the projects, our highly specialized technicians and welders will do the rest" Horst pauses for a moment "Very good then, i think this would be a good start in the economic partnership between our countries and represent a great show of cooperation in Gallia-Germania, as a testament to the fact that despite two nations don't share the same economic and political system they can still contribute to the respective progress and well being of their peoples"

"As you may have noticed" continues the People's Chancellor as he moves some papers on the table "We have recently began to climb out of our self-imposed isolationism to broaden our economic partnerships. This does not translate into a political involvement in the events of Gallia-Germania, but into a mere aknowledgement of necessary mutual development, as long as it is in the interest of Ostmark, of course. We are aware of the border frictions in the Retalian sea, and Eiffelland-Retalia's concern over our proximity with Kadikistan, but i want to reassure you that the People's Republic of Ostmark is not associated with the Rurikgrad Pact or the Marxist bloc in general. At the moment the global political scenario offers two ways, the way of the east and the way of the west. We've taken a different path, for we don't see any progress and benefit in either exporting our political system or align ourselves with foreign powers. I guarantee you that the People's Republic of Ostmark is not a threat for Eiffelland-Retalia, or any other nation in Gallia-Germania and Europe. What we ask is respect for our sovereignty and our committment to improve the conditions of our workers and our citizens, nothing more".

 

[Rheinbund]

"We are definitely convinced of the capabilities of your technicians and your welders, Herr Kanzler," Minister Rubinstein said. "Thank you very much. We will make sure that our car industry sends you the schemes of the parts you will produce. Indeed, you are right, this is a good start of an economic partnership."

Chancellor Rheinfeld continued: "I totally understand your wish to remain neutral on the international stage. We respect that wish. We also respect the sovereignty of Ostmark, and your efforts to try a new economic system and see if that leads to the desired result of prosperity for all. We do have concerns about Kadikistan and Serenierre. The world has witnessed, and is still witnessing, that the people of those countries exercise a very special interest in other cultures. Unfortunately, that very special interest in other cultures is not so healthy for the people who are part of those other cultures. We think that the world is better off with peace. We do not want to impose our will upon other countries. We sometimes give advice to other countries and ask other countries to reconsider decisions, but we impose nothing. And if we close treaties, we close them with equality of all members as basis and with the intention to let everyone equally benefit."

 

[Ostmark]

"I am aware that the relationship between Eiffelland-Retalia and Serenierre and Kadikistan are not in the best terms, and i am also aware of the tensions between the West and the East. I can guarantee that the People's Republic of Ostmark will not be a part of that" Grasser continued and took a sip from the glass of water, to clear his throat "We pursue the interest and the well being of our volk and our nation. Wars, geopolitical scheming and plotting of sorts, are in no way in the interest of Ostmark or its people. We are frankly surprised by the rivalry that is emerging in Gallia and Germania, and we are greatly concerned by the recent escalations in the Long Sea. We understand that past rivalries are hard to forgive, and forget, but conflicts between civilized nations are not acceptable anymore, unless countries are ready to accept the consequences. Thousands, hundreds of thousands of dead, with a large majority being children, women and elders. I hope that all players involved will take this into consideration".

Scratching his head, Horst carefully looks at the map of Gallia-Germania hanging on the wall infront of the table "Regardless, we've been dealing with a pulverizing economic crisis for the past five years now, and the last thing we want to is to stirr up unjustified hatred and hostilities with our neighbors or our international partners. But Ostmark must pursue its interests, that coincides with the rebuilding of our national economy and the implementation of the reforms promised by me and the National-Syndicalist People's Party, in the interest of Ostmark, in the interest of the working classes. If an economic partnership between Ostmark and Eiffelland-Retalia will be of use and bring benefits for both our nations' economies, so be it. Vice-Chancellor Bohmer will be glad, after the end of this meeting, to discuss the details of this agreement with Minister Rubinstein. If there is any other subject you wish to discuss, please let me know".

 

[Rheinbund]

"I understand your point, Herr Volkskanzler Grasser. Don't think that I am blind to the many victims of the war, both military and civilian. We consider it our duty to prevent wars as much as possible. But when other countries decide to go to war against us, we have no choice but to fight, no matter how much we hate war. The only thing we can do in such case, is making sure that countries which are not part of the underlying conflict will not fall victim to hostilities. We will also do everything we can to lower the tensions between Serenierre and Kadikistan on the one side and Eiffelland-Retalia on the other side," Rheinfeld said.

Also he took a sip of his water.

"The implication of the recent events in the Long Sea is something that concerns us. What we saw, was a spectacular scenario from the Engellexian movie industry coming true. Whether it was piracy or a targeted action against the Hyacinthe by two separate entities, the fact that it happened concerns us and makes us conclude that there is a safety issue in the Long Sea and the Retalian Sea. This safety issue will have consequences to us all. This is something the Long Sea nations have to address together. What is your thought about a cooperation between our navies with respect to this problem?" he asked.

 

[Ostmark]

"We have noticed an increased presence of these so-called 'free navies' in the area, which is a cause of great concern given the hostility of the Anti-State towards the People's Republic of Ostmark. The involvement of countries that are nowhere near the Long Sea and the Retalian Sea suggests me that certain foreign interests are seeking to profit from the current situation by increasing their presence, on the pretext of guaranteeing safety of trade and passenger traffic in the region" said Grasser.

"The Long Sea should not become an international issue. It is a regional one. And regional issues require regional solutions and must lead to cooperation among all playes involved, including the People's Republic of Ostmark and the Seraziniste Republic of Serenierre. Our geography implicitly suggests that both our countries are the eastern gateway for the Long Sea" added Grasser while observing the eastern Long Sea on the map.

"We fear that the peace in this particular area might be exploited by either pirates or hostile forces to further destabilize the region. What i suggest is joint patrol operations between the People's Navy and the Navy of Eiffelland-Retalia. The message is that Long Sea nations will not fall into the machinations of certain international forces, or allow our waters to become a hotbed for piracy and saber rattling. The People's Coast Guard is also ready to commit part of its personnel to intensify inspections and routine checks on vessels transiting in our national waters, streghten our efforts to counter human trafficking, drug trafficking, and smuggling in general. Serenierre has expressed concern over a possible cooperation between the People's Navy and the Navy of Eiffelland-Retalia. I understand their legitimate concerns, given the current situation, but i will contact Premier Martinique to reassure her that our position is one of neutrality and in the interest of Ostmark and the region as a whole" he said.

 

[Rheinbund]

"You are currently talking about Serenierre having objections against our navies cooperating, but don't forget your eastern neighbour," Chancellor Rheinfeld said. "Kadikistan has already shown to be willing to invade its neighbours for cooperating too intensely with other countries than Kadikistan. If our navies cooperate too much in the open, our countries will be turned into either provinces or vassal states of Kadikistan. Maybe you can convince Serenierre of the necessity to cooperate against piracy, but we will have the Kadikistani 'assisting' us in the Long Sea if you inform them about the problem. I am completely in favour of a cooperation between our navies, also openly, but it could be better to cooperate on the background, for instance by having direct communication lines between the parts of our navies that are involved in piracy fighting."