Forum on Security and Democracy [ATTN: All]

[Jydsken-Østveg]

The Meeting Actual Timeline
Hotel Meeting Room, Tokjin

It now seemed as if the entire Forum waited for the response of the Scanlaw with bated breath. Saga did not particularly want to be put on the spot like this because she wanted to see more on how the shape of things would look. She could be combative and rant about the hypocrisy of the members gathered but it wouldn't be very constructive, much less accomplish anything other than a swift departure. She did somewhat wish to depart. CETO would have been quite useful but there seemed to be a slight obsession with standing in opposition with the Gothic Sea Pact. Furthermore now she felt a bit confused because while the definition of CETO was a response to the actions of the Gothic Sea Pact, they also desired further illumination on what the Gothic Sea Pact actually meant. She figured that might be the best starting place, and to tread softly from there.

"Honorable friends and acquaintances, the Gothic Sea Pact was forged as a compromise of the great powers of Northern Gallogermania. That is to say, an agreement was made in order to keep the peace. It is not like what CETO aims to be. There is not an 'Article Five' as this treaty aims to deliver. It is my understanding that the Gothic Sea Pact works together outside of Gallogermania in order to keep the peace inside Gallogermania. It is not especially formalized, but it works together to cooperate on issues of economic, defense, and foreign policy when possible. Of course, the pact will gain more and more formality as meetings in the headquarters begin. It is my understanding that the text in this CETO treaty is purely defensive and cooperative, on the basis of pan-democratic beliefs and understandings... and if that is true, it is my belief that 'Skånskelagen' is without any violation to any of the provisions written down at this moment."

 

[Hanseatic Republics]

Jaan nodded in response to Zhuan. He did not need to response verbally. Until more could be learned, CETO would go back to Parliament and the President... who that would be. Of course things were looking tricky for the Scanlaw. There were concerns about conflict of interest between the Gothic Sea Pact and CETO, and Metsamaa would not be able to depart the Gothic Sea Pact with any sort of haste. Jaan believed it could be quite some time before there was an open window. So on this point, Metsamaa was unfortunately still married to the Scanlaw and he was curious if this would be a hole dug into the ground designed to sink the Scanlaw that would unwittingly also sink Metsamaa.

 

[Pelasgia]

"One could wonder what part of 'defence' entails kickstarting a colonial empire by invading a different continent," Foreign Minister Metaxas whispered rather loudly. His microphone was off and yet everyone still heard him—which was just what he intended, though he feigned the opposite.

In so far as Metsamaa was concerned, the Pelasgians did not see any problem, since it had not yet participated in the Scanlaw's neo-colonial project in Himyar. But with regard to the Scanians themselves, the Pelasgian position was clear: so long as they continued to deny independence to the people of Hajr and Al-Magrab, Propontis could not be in the same alliance as them. Pelasgia had only attended this conference precisely in order to frustrate the colonial designs of the Franks and the Tarusans in the Ebony Continent. To look the other way when a 'democratic' nation did so would be a betrayal of the rest of Himyar—and a profound violation of long-standing Pelasgian foreign policy, as well as the country's own efforts to throw off the last vestiges of the Carian yoke.

Beyond this remark, the Pelasgians awaited the response of the Tianlong Chairmanship. So far, Zhuan had said everything they intended and then some.​

 

[Imimoya]

The president put his hand on the microphone, but waited a couple of moments before turning it on, he turned behind and exchanged glances with a couple of his assistants, one of them stood up and handed him a cardboard folder, similar to the one he contained the CETO agreements. Zhuan leafs through the folder with one hand after placing it on the table in front of him.

The microphone was switched on again.
"I understand, from your words the Gothic Sea Pact seems to be in an embryonic state and still lacks a document or agreement that regulates the functions and activities of its members. Said thus it seems more a declaration of intent than a real pact. Nonetheless, you have engaged in a joint military campaign with the GSP in the nations of Al-Magrab and Hajr.

But unlike the other two nations involved, your military actions seem to suffer from several problems, from internal political opposition to limited capabilities on the battlefield, as if there was no real commitment, only representation. I took the liberty of asking our economists and some other experts to analyze what would be the advantageous economic effects on the Scanlaw. They turn out to be almost nil if not a loss. I have a hard time believing that your commitment to this campaign is purely ideological.

Therefore, I have an offer for you, which could solve the problem of Article 7. We propose to withdraw your troops from the Hymlar and re-enter the Scanlaw, terminate your military campaign. We do not ask you to leave the Gothic Sea Pact as there is currently no conflict with the CETO. If you agree to withdraw, the Republic of Tianlong is ready to promote your adhesion to the World Belt Initiative. Up to now, due to your foreign policy, we have excluded you as a possible supplier of hydrocarbons and gas. If you accept, not only will you fully comply with all the requirements to join the CETO, but you will also be part of the World Belt Initiative and Tianlong will once again consider you a usual business partner from which to bye a not indifferent amount of goods, as well as financing strategic infrastructural and technological investments."

 

[Radilo]

THE MEEATING TIMELINE
Meeting Room, Cultural Center of Tokjin

Meeting Room, Cultural Center of Tokjin

Barnapola's phone vibrated several times, with the mic still off, he whispered into the Prime Minister's ear, "we have universal consent, we'll get the bill through before some prideful aristocrat has time to make a fuss."

"Good," she whispered back, "balls in a vicegrip was a good metaphor for this."

Guesting toward the Scranlaw delegations, but only with her eyes.

"Signal to our ambassador to start drawing up plans. The long age of our nominal neutrality is finally over. What the Great war could not dislodge has been undone by this haphazard cluster. Of course ambiguity had a point back then. And that purpose is now gone," she said, the last bit almost wistful.

"At once, Madame Prime Minister."


THE EARLY ARRIVAL TIMELINE
Hotel Meeting Room, Tokjin

As the Radilan delegation entered the main reception area Prime Minister Lacé noticed that on of their security detail was carrying a heavy, elaborately decorated metal box. She turned to the Doge.

"Clemente, did you did you bring your Coronation Corno Ducale?"

"I consider this to be a state affair," he said smirking.

"I swear to God, Raul..."

 

[Rheinbund]

The map with the CETO treaty text typed out came as a surprise to Minister Kohlschreiber. Unlike the Doge, he did not have the authority here to decide to give up the Rheinbund's neutrality. He had to contact Lauritzen for this.

The situation was, that giving up neutrality needed a twothirds majority in the Bundesversammlung and unanimity in the Rat der Regierungen. To achieve this, an agreement with seven different political parties was needed. One of them was Grün, the environmentalist party. This party was pacifist out of principle. He knew that unofficially Grün was against the Gothic Pact's invasion of Northern Hymiar, but would the anger about that invasion be enough for them to vote in favour of the CETO? Grün had been critical about the government's plans to invest in the armed forces. And Grün was also in the government of Sauerland.

After discussions with Lauritzen, Kohlschreiber switched his microphone on: "Like I mentioned earlier, the Rheinbund stands for the freedom of each nation to choose how it wants to be governed. It is not up to country A to decide how country B should be governed. It is our impression that the CETO has this purpose as well. I notified Chancellor Lauritzen of this treaty; he is currently working on getting the needed support among the coalition parties and parts of the opposition."

 

[Radilo]

THE MEEATING TIMELINE
Meeting Room, Cultural Center of Tokjin

The Prime Minister turned her microphone back on.

"That which the Great War could not compel us to say publicly, here this resurgence of despotism has: the Most Serene Republic will end her official neutrality and sign the Central European Treaty.

I can say with some relief that we will no longer need to abide by the glaring contradiction that my predecessors had to pay lip service to. But what at that time was necessary, is today no longer.

But we will always remain, as it has been said, to all nations of the world, in war: enimies, but in peace: friends. This organization will advance the cause of peace. And for that cause, with this, we join our allies."

She turned off the microphone.

The Doge, his jewel encrusted gold hedress gleaming under the harah florecent light of the conference room leaned over to her, "the first Captain General in almost 200 years to say the obvious. But much more glad handing will be necessary."

"I know."

 

[Josepania]

THE MEETING TIMELINE
Hotel Meeting Room, Tokjin

A quick, silent conference between Foreign Secretary Verdugo and Foreign Minister Francisco de Rosas occurred as the Scanians were confronted with their own imperialism and contributions to the Himyari crisis. The topic was Monterrey, and the discussion was whether or not Gran Occidentia could reasonably proclaim itself ready to sign the treaty. This above all else was paramount to San José. And while it seemed like there was some initial hesitance, news from home confirmed that this was indeed possible. Therefore, with a nod from Verdugo, El Presidente himself switched on his microphone.

"I speak not just for San José but also for Gran Occidentia, who we have just consulted and reviewed this treaty with. I announce both San José and Gran Occidentia shall sign the treaty and join, as fellow founding members, the Central European Treaty Organization. May we never have to invoke its articles, and may its very presence give the forces of the Global Exploitation Conspiracy pause as they realize they have forced the free people of the world to unite in resistance against their dark schemes."

The microphone was turned off, the papers were signed, and the proceedings could continue with a little bit more clarity now. San José was committing itself to being part of the Free World, both in the New and the Old.

 

[Rheinbund]

The meeting timeline

It took a lot of time, but just before closing the meeting, the message came in from Chancellor Lauritzen: "We have the support of 2/3 of the Bundesversammlung. Franziska Neumann and the Greens in the government of Sauerland agree as well, so we also have unanimity in the Rat der Regierungen. You can sign for CETO."

So Minister Kohlschreiber opened his microphone: "I just got confirmation from Chancellor Lauritzen that I can sign for the Rheinbund joining the Central European Treaty Organisation."

 

[Jydsken-Østveg]

The president put his hand on the microphone, but waited a couple of moments before turning it on, he turned behind and exchanged glances with a couple of his assistants, one of them stood up and handed him a cardboard folder, similar to the one he contained the CETO agreements. Zhuan leafs through the folder with one hand after placing it on the table in front of him.

The microphone was switched on again.
"I understand, from your words the Gothic Sea Pact seems to be in an embryonic state and still lacks a document or agreement that regulates the functions and activities of its members. Said thus it seems more a declaration of intent than a real pact. Nonetheless, you have engaged in a joint military campaign with the GSP in the nations of Al-Magrab and Hajr.

But unlike the other two nations involved, your military actions seem to suffer from several problems, from internal political opposition to limited capabilities on the battlefield, as if there was no real commitment, only representation. I took the liberty of asking our economists and some other experts to analyze what would be the advantageous economic effects on the Scanlaw. They turn out to be almost nil if not a loss. I have a hard time believing that your commitment to this campaign is purely ideological.

Therefore, I have an offer for you, which could solve the problem of Article 7. We propose to withdraw your troops from the Hymlar and re-enter the Scanlaw, terminate your military campaign. We do not ask you to leave the Gothic Sea Pact as there is currently no conflict with the CETO. If you agree to withdraw, the Republic of Tianlong is ready to promote your adhesion to the World Belt Initiative. Up to now, due to your foreign policy, we have excluded you as a possible supplier of hydrocarbons and gas. If you accept, not only will you fully comply with all the requirements to join the CETO, but you will also be part of the World Belt Initiative and Tianlong will once again consider you a usual business partner from which to bye a not indifferent amount of goods, as well as financing strategic infrastructural and technological investments."

The Meeting Actual Timeline
// Before Signing of Kjellerup Union Deal
—Before Destiny Awaits No One //


Hotel Meeting Room, Tokjin
Saga de la Gardie had several choices here. Many of which she was not authorized to give. While others spoke and declared their intention to sign onto the treaty, she knew she could not. It was impossible for her to make the choice to agree to all of Zhuan's proposals and expect for that to have any weight at home. That said, she did not believe the Union was in a healthy enough state to be able to sustain her rejecting or accepting the terms. So as others spoke she quickly spread word to the other delegates her decision.

As the Rhenish delegation surprised everyone with a sudden end to their stance of neutrality, and normally that would've perked up Saga's ears. Instead she was in crisis management mode and rushing to get all the delegations on the same page.

With a break in the speaking it became clear that everyone was expecting a response from the Scanlaw before anything further could happen. So Saga clicked on her microphone and gave perhaps the most unclear sentence she had even uttered before, "It is without saying that the Scanlaw has no intention to join the World Belt Initiative, and therefore cannot join the ranks of CETO without the consultation of its constituents that shall henceforth state their intention to join the ranks of CETO in some nominal fashion."

It was nonsensical.

Parsing the words was important though. In the contradictions existed something meaningful, and the next steps taken might suggest exactly what those words meant. In part because those steps were given physically, but also because of the steps not taken as well. A mass of people stood up collected their belongings and straightened their chairs and walked out of the conference room. It was a sight to be behold because it was a rather large amount of people that took a bit of time to do. Saga herself continued as this occurred behind her, "I thank you all for the invitation." She was the last to get up from her chair and walk out of the room.

As the door closed behind her there were a lot of empty seats, but oddly still some occupied.

It was then that a man walked up to the former seat held by Saga de la Gardie. He spoke much faster than his predecessor, "My name is Bent Sehested, and I can confirm that the Scanlaw will comply with the terms given and has the full intention to join CETO under these terms. How and on what level I must confirm with the government, once formed of course."

 

[Imimoya]

The Meeting Actual Timeline

The Tianlong president listened to the intervention of every delegation present. Whenever a representative confirmed his intention to sign the agreement, Zhuan would draw a line on a slip of paper he had on the table in front of him, as if to erase it. When was the turn of the Scanlaw delegation, the president wrote a question mark next to their name.

"All the countries that have confirmed their intention and possibility of signing the agreement, are officially present here and they are know as founding members; Republic of Tianlong, Most Serene Republic of Radila, Rheinbund, San José and Gran Occidentia. All of you have make history today, but above all, you have begun to build the foundations of peace for the next generations of free men.

Now let's give space to the signing ceremony in front of the whole world, so that everyone can witness the historical event that took place in this room."

Just before everyone got up to go to the next room where a table was set up for the ceremonial signing. Zhuan turned on the microphone one last time and said: "I remind you that as the first act of the alliance, it is necessary to choose the seat of the CETO Assembly. The Tianlong Government is of the opinion that the headquarters should be in a friendly territory, therefore we are not propose any cities."*

*ooc: choose on discord section rp, don't make me suffer again with the forum, let's conclude this!