Kadikistani-Sørlander diplomatic meeting

[Serenierre]

Governor House
Tananmøy

The summit with the Kadikistani government was perhaps the single-most important matter on the government's agenda. The country was famous for its unpredictability and Østfjord knew full well that with the storms of wars raging through much of the world, something definite and solid had to be agreed upon in regards to the Kadikistani access to international shipping lanes through Sørlander territorial waters.

The Kadikistani delegation had been picked up from the small airstrip of the city and been dropped off at the Chief Guest House earlier in the morning. By afternoon, in limos, the delegation arrived at the venue of the meetings for lunch.

Lunch had gone well, in Knudsen's eyes, with some warmth between herself and her counterpart. The Kadikistani delegation, a rare sight since the communist takeover, had been lavished with a five-course meal and bottles of wine, straight from the Ministry's own cellar, flowed without any problems.

Christiana Knudsen, Grand Councillor for Foreign Affairs, led her Kadikistani counterpart into the conference room of the Governor House of one western provinces of the country, Østfjord had decided to have the talks far away from the capital to ensure that none of the opposition politicians upset the temperamental Ivar regime. Taking their seat in front of their respective flags, the two ministers and their various delegation members sat facing each other.

Clearing her throat, Knudsen began, "Mr. Commissar, as I said earlier, its truly wonderful to have you with us today and I hope these talks yield a mutually beneficial result."

After the Kadikistani minister responded, the work began, the issue of Kadikistani access to international shipping lanes – a key point for Østfjord – and the increasing numbers of "deserters" – a serious matter for Ivar – would occupy much of the energies of the delegations.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

The Kadikistani delegation was rather small and consisted out of Colonel Dimitri Leninov, Commissar of External Affairs and President Nikolai Leninov's younger brother, together with a small entourage. The lunch had gone relatively well and the Commissar had enjoyed it. Not that he wasn't used to luxurious food, but he appreciated it. Dimitri was dressed in his latest military uniform complete with about a dozen medals. The uniform has been specially made for this meeting, after all he was the first Kadikistani official to visit a non-socialist nation in over a decade. The Leninovist policy had brought the country into semi-isolation for nearly twelve years, but Kadikistan was back and regardless of what some might say first impressions are the most important thing about meetings. That is why the uniform was so important, that is why two elite Spetsnaz' accompanied the small entourage and that's why it had to be Leninov's brother.

With the pleasantries over the diplomacy could begin. Dimitri took a look at the documents that where placed before him by one of his aides. After removing one of his hairs that had gently descended upon the paper with one strong wipe and taking one last stringent look at the interpretor, he addressed his counterpart.

"Recent reports in your media outlets have indicated that there is some debate within your government about the possibility of forcing payment upon us for going through the three islands pass. I hope that your government is not seriously considering allowing such a law to pass? The repercussions of such a thing would be unwelcome to say the least. It would mean that our international export would become more expensive for us and the nation's we are dealing with. What would be next? Inspecting all our vessels, civilian and military, before they can reach international waters? Not to mention that smugglers would be able to make a fortune, we both know that these people are known for their creativity."

Dimitri Leninov could not return home with the news that Kadikistan would have to pay Sørlandeten for access into international waters. If he did that he would have failed so tremendously that not even his bigger brother could ignore it. Regardless of what many in Europe might think the 'Glorious leader' did have strong positive emotions towards a very select group of people, including his brother Dimitri. But even then Nikolai Leninov would not doubt to 'put people aside' should they compromise anything that he had build. When you are put aside back in Ivar you don't go into retirement or find another job, you die or worse. Now to say that Dimitri would be killed if he'd return with such news might be an over-exaggeration, but he would be on thin ice. And the ice cracks faster in Kadikistan.

Dimitri had studied diplomacy at the most prestigious university in Vangala before he started his military career. He tried not to come over too strict or even demanding, but he needed to make something clear. Not even the highly developed propaganda machine could turn such a tariff around. After taking a quick sip of water he calmly finished speaking.

"Surely you understand that my government can not allow such a thing to become reality. The Supreme Soviet would interpret it as holding our country hostage and threatening our welfare. Once again we are both well aware that an agitated Supreme Soviet in not be beneficial for the stability of our continent."

 

[Serenierre]

Knudsen listened to her counterpart silently with some of her aides passing a few papers to her as she did so. She wasn't surprised by the line being taken by the Kadikistani government. She cleared her throat and began, "Well, Commissar Leninov, if we go by things the media is saying, even Østfjord would like some clarifications with some items of interest emanating from Ivar's most respected publication. But let us first cover this transit matter..." she trailed off.

She looked at one of the papers in front of her, "We fully realize what an impact any duty would impose on Kadikistani exports and imports... and if you been careful enough to note, only some of our more conservative politicians have made statements... that too just on some political talk-show... I'm sure you know how politics are," she smiled. "But yes, we do understand your government's position... but we in Østfjord cannot allow a delicately imbalanced situation to continue. One thing," she began, firmly, "we must all understand, the Three Islands Pass matter can only be resolved with compromise from here and from Ivar. If Ivar is not interested in compromise," she said matter of factly, "I do not see any reason for these talks on the Three Islands Pass to continue..."

She paused for a brief moment. Letting the tension build. She knew that if nothing definite would come to pass from these talks, the conservatives would continue to push for a transit fee for using the Pass, though she didn't want to push that onto the table just yet. "If the Supreme Soviet's displeasure is not beneficial for regional stability... Østfjord also cannot be taken lightly." She smiled now, trying to ease the Kadikistani man, "At-least now we both understand our own respective government's stances a little better."

 

[Kadikistani Union]

"What exactly do you have in mind when you say 'compromise'? Kadikistan has never had to pay for entering international waters. Why should there be talks about such a thing now? Perhaps both our nation's displeasures would not beneficial for the region, but remember it is you who are talking about a compromise why we don't see why there should be a change in policy now? Especially when nearly every other nation is at war with someone. Who knows both Kadikistan and Sørlandeten might get swallowed up by the international crisis in the near future. Our continent has been spared for now, but you never know."

Commissar Dimitri Leninov and realised that his show of muscle had been answered by some Sørlander muscle. He did want to make progress during this meeting so he knew that it was best to remain calm, which he did. Although the last part about the wars raging in big parts of Europe was true Knudsen must have noticed the typical Kadikistani talk. It didn't take an anthropologist to know that scaremongering was a typical Kadikistani technique, however its effect on anything else then Kadikistani's varied from time to time. Regardless of the fact that Dimitri had learned to walk and talk differently when talking to foreigners it was hard to unlearn the usual rhetoric. But Kadikistani's where also know for their straight forwardness and that was what Knudsen lacked according to Dimitri. He didn't like vague answers, if her government had some sort of compromise she should have thrown it on the table directly.

With many question-marks in his mind he anxiously awaited a response.

 

[Serenierre]

Christiana was disgusted by the bravado that was shown by the man, clearly this was the reason why they had ignored Kadikistan for so long, trained by her long diplomatic career, she hid her annoyance well. "Commissar Leninov, before you start issuing these thinly veiled threats," she said plainly, "hear what we offer." The finer art of diplomacy had to dropped to accommodate the Kadikistani man, clearly Vangala was not a good destination for those wanting a career in diplomacy, she made a mental note. She looked down at one of the papers in front of her, "First, under the current system, Kadikistan has unrestricted access to most of our territorial waters in the Three Islands Pass what we propose is the creation of a shipping lane specifically for Kadikistani ships."

"The reason for this, before you ask me, is that the current situation is a logistic nightmare for port authorities and captains of various vessels in the area. By the creation of this lane, much in the manner aircraft use up in the sky, this narrow corridor can be regulated and traffic kept smooth. The regime we propose will also ensure that the problem of 'illegal immigrants'," she used the non-offensive, to the Kadikistani, term for the refugees, "which remains a serious concern for Ivar, is kept as minute as possible... but as you said, smugglers – of cargo and people – are ingenious in their tricks. The regime will simply keep ships at such a distance to allow for you to continue with your business but ensure that ships do not come to land... unless in absolute emergencies of course."

Passing a map to the Kadikistani man, she started speaking again, "As you see here, this is the route we propose, which will allow Kadikistani ships to pass but remain far enough from Sørlander territory to keep things organized. It is in this we seek a solid agreement to ensure that as Kadikistani trade rises it should not turn this small pass into a bottlenecked mess."

The regime she was pushing for had been truly seen as a compromise in Østfjord, which would ensure that Kadikistan continued to get access to international shipping lanes, all the while making sure that Sørlander security wasn't compromised. Though they wouldn't let it on, Østfjord didn't trust Ivar.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

"Excuse me Madame Knudsen, but where exactly did I threaten you with? Did you find it threatening when I spoke of the possible expansion of the wars across the Long Sea? About the possible effects of such a thing? Thrust me, if that war would somehow reach us it is not Kadikistan you would have to be worried about, but nation's such as Engellex. It is their expansionist policies I was talking about. That's what I consider a threat."

'Fucking bitches', Dimitri thought to himself, 'Leave it to Sørlandeten to send a women'. While on paper men and women are equal in Kadikistan male dominance remained within the government. Steps had been taken to fight sexism, but as in most countries the prejudices where very strong especially in men like Dimitri who was sometimes described as a macho by foreign media. While he honestly had no idea which or what threat he had made during his previous statement he did find the situation amusing. After all it showed that his counterpart was truly on her toes, why else would she act so though? After a short relatively quiet laugh the commissar started looking at the map. He signalled his aid to bring him his 1,500 euro glasses which he put on his nose with some grandeur. About twenty seconds later he readdressed Knudsen while taking his glasses back off and gently throwing them to an aide who for a moment there felt very lucky that he didn't drop them.

"I believe that such a shipping lane could prove useful in, as you say, 'keeping things organized'. I trust no payments will have to be made?"

The latter had not been specified by Knudsen. As he uttered those last words he was already anxiously awaiting a response. That response would determine if the meeting could move on or not. He also deliberately avoided Knudsen's mentioning of the refugees, 'that would be for later', he thought. While having little respect for Knudsen he masked his real thoughts by appearing as kind and respectful as possible. With that little laugh from earlier he might have lost his cool for a moment but he remained professional.

 

[Serenierre]

REDACTED

 

[Serenierre]

Knudsen hadn't just risen to the top by virtue of her beauty or just because she was a woman, far from it. She was entering her fifties and had spent thirty years working in the Foreign Service, serving as Ambassador to countless countries in that time, and had been the Grand Councillor for Foreign Affairs for just under five years. In addition to that, she was shrewd, she was a politician after all. She had risen through the ranks of her party through her dedication to her work and now, she was famous for reputation as a tough woman.

As the Kadikistani man continued speaking, she eyed him with scepticism, clearly the man was in his position simply because he had the fortune of being that raving lunatic Leninov's brother. As he spoke, she ensured she maintained eye contact, her steely cold, grey eyes staring right at the commissar, giving the impression she was hanging on his every word, whereas she was formulating her own response to the man. Before speaking, she had sipped some water, glanced at one of the papers her aides had passed and did a last minute mental note of how she was going to respond.

"Commissar Leninov," she began, firmly, yet politely, "Yes, you are correct that no payments shall be necessary for the use of this transit course... for merchant and civilian vessels. Military vessels are another matter entirely. According to international conventions, Sørlandeten has full right to decide whether or not a particular military vessel passes through its territory or not – much as Kadikistan has in regards to the same situation in its own waters." She paused for a moment. "And I should warn you," she continued, "if we have any reason to believe that this rule is being flouted by anyone we do send the Coast Guard – and that is the rule for everyone – to conduct a rapid inspection."

"And that leads me to another matter, as it stands, Sørlandeten is the largest market for Kadikistan, given our geographical proximity and the immensity of our economy in comparison to the region, and we fully understand the reservations Kadikistan has on allowing a mass influx of Sørlandet items into the country, as we have other markets to invest it, we can look past this example of protectionism... but we do, however, seek stronger and more robust economic ties which sees our trade relationship expand... as you must know, we appreciate the Kadikistani natural resources and present a most generous monetary compensation... and that is something we are eager to do more of," she smiled.

If the man was smart, Knudsen thought, he'd understand that though he might be losing unhindered military access, he stood to be the man who brought in hundreds in millions, if not billions, of foreign currency into the state exchequer, or better into the Leninov family's various offshore bank accounts. In her, and Østfjord's eyes, they held the better cards. Sørlandeten was the first country to restore economic ties with Kadikistan after the revolution and had been providing a vital financial lifeline. Yes, Kadikistan's natural resources were valuable for Sørlandeten, but they weren't her only suppliers.

Throughout their meeting, Leninov had been displaying a mix of machismo and arrogance, much to the disgust of most of the Sørlandet delegation, but Knudsen too wasn't just a pretty face. After all, she knew how to play her cards well. The fact was plain and simple, in Østfjord's eyes, Kadikistan needed Sørlandeten much more than Sørlandeten needed Kadikistan. But that was something no one would be stupid enough to let slip. But now the question was, what did Kadikistan want? To continue to receive funds or to push for unhindered military access? Knudsen was intrigued.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

A lot of information had just been thrown at Dimitri Leninov's stubborn head. For a very long time Kadikistan had strictly refused to trade with non-socialist/communist states, a policy that for obvious reasons became unsustainable some year ago. It might come as a surprise to certain people but the semi-isolationist Leninovist policies had actually expanded the Kadikistani foreign market. Since the policy change to Leninovism at the 4th of October twelve years ago Dimitri's nation had 'opened its arms' to nations like Polasciana and in lesser amount Sørlandeten. However the nation would still never conduct business with nations to far near the right political spectrum. Unless of course on the famous black market, the one place the Ivar regime had never shown any repugnance. Thus Leninovism was viewed as a more progressive route by most Kadikistani's. This much to the anger of conservative hard-liners like Leninov's main rival Ivan Tsjekova, who desires a return to the old, obsolete ways. The latter causing a deep division in Kadikistani politics, a division that was covered from the world. Although Tsjekova's faction was not yet strong enough to even openly oppose Leninov and his loyal entourage, people where plotting in some very dark rooms.

Knudsen had put Dimitri in a very difficult position. To him it seemed like he had to chose between the plague and cholera. Gain access to a relatively new market which might bring in billions, but losing the military connection to the rest of the world. Since the dawn of the 'Leninovism era' Sørlandeten had been a rather good trading partner. Although trade between both nations could be considered low by some other nation's standards Kadikistan's Eastern neighbour had become the fifth largest trading partner, right after Polasciana and Coronado. Needless to say Sørlandeten was indeed a vital lifeline, but although losing it would be bad it wouldn't be a disaster. After all the military-priority/self-reliance policy that defined Leninovism had made sure the Kadikistani people had anything they needed to survive with a minimum of foreign assistance. But everybody who was somebody in Kadikistan knew that the more progressive circles, including the 'Glorious Leader' himself, had much more ambition that far exceeded the luxury they already had. And if the common people's lives would improve, it would only increase their loyalty and feed the propaganda machine.

Dimitri had trouble hiding his antipathy about the choice he now sat before. Whichever his decision would be, there would be people who would exploit the more negative parts of the deal. Unless of course he could mask those negative parts or attempt to force enough concessions from his counterpart. Dimitri needed some time to think. As a pragmatic man he took a sip of his drink and grabbed a pack of Freiheitian cigarettes, a very rare brand. He took his time to do all that so he could think for a little while longer, naturally not overdoing it so that the obviously experienced Knudsen wouldn't catch on. After slightly adjusting his posture he readdressed his counterpart with a straight back and his hands crossed upon the table.

"You are putting me in a rather difficult position, madame Knudsen. I must say that I would probably act no different sitting from where you are sitting. However I do wonder, what would you do if you where in my position? The gift from our Glorious Leader that you so neatly described as protectionism has served us well. While it is my truest and deepest desire that both our nations could increase trade you must acknowledge that you are taking away a huge part of our military abilities. You understand that regardless of any Sørlander attempt we will still reach international waters in future endeavours. The easy way, madame Knudsen, or the hard way. We can not let our recent increase in naval spending go to wast now can we. Nor will we neglect to play our international role, to take our rightful place in the world."

Dimitri had to contain himself, emotions could show weakness as easily as it could show strength. Now he was turning the tables and was about to test how Knudsen would deal under such stress. No doubt she was the better diplomat of the two, but the real intimidation had begun. There was however one last offer Kadikistan had to make before Knudsen would have a chance to reply.

"How do you stand on a purchase? My government is willing to pay a substantial amount of money to receive a corridor through the 'three islands pass'. The land we would take of your hands would not be bigger then roughly the area of the shipping lane you proposed. These lands would then become Kadikistani national waters. You would no longer have to worry about our shipping affairs, militarily nor civilian."

 

[Serenierre]

She listened to Commissar politely. The rhetoric emerging from the man was not to her liking and this meeting was fast becoming bothersome, yet she hid that well. "First, Mr. Commissar," she began firmly, "it would be wise to refrain from threats... this after all a diplomatic meeting." If Kadikistan had its navy, she thought, Sørlandeten too wasn't unarmed to handle matters at sea. She folded her arms, "But Commissar Leninov," she said firmly, "One thing I must make categorically clear is that Sørlandet territory is absolutely not for sale... a gravely insulting suggestion. But you and I both agree there is a need to compromise."

She paused for a moment, shifted in her seat and continued, "And to answer you question," she said, now much calmer, "Were I in your position, I would offer a proposal which included a non-aggression pact, with the purpose of assuaging primary concerns." She thought for a second, "I would then propose a regime which would see the navy gaining access to the shipping lane without the Government having to buy it – a lease of sorts – which would see the government pay for annual military usage. Which could then ensure unhindered access, thanks in part to the non-aggression pact, as we would not be threatening to each other." As she spoke, it did occur to her that she was doing the work for the man. "I'm sure you understand the line of thinking... it has its rewards, you see."

She let the man think, taking the time to look through some of the papers on the table in front of her. Strategically, her proposal was mutually beneficial, Kadikistan would get its unhindered access to global shipping lanes and Sørlandeten would see its own concerns about Kadikistan addressed and a de jure recognition of Sørlandeten's strategic importance in the region. However if they did agree to that compromise, there were still concerns in Knudsen's mind. Though she would see how they reacted to her proposal.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

Dimitri had succeeded in his goal. By suggesting the impossible he had achieved a more Kadikistani friendly compromise. After all he was clever enough to realise that Sørlandeten would have lost much of its regional importance should they have agreed to the purchase. The link to international waters was the ace in Østfjord's hands, the weight they where able to put onto the table. The commissar also realised that Knudsen had done her homework. It took her much to little time to come up with such a compromise. It was now more clear exactly how far she and her nation would go. Dimitri felt that the atmosphere of this talks was below enjoyable to say at the least. No matter how much both diplomats would attempt to hide it, especially the very professional Knudsen, there was no way anyone was having a good time. While most of Dimitri's entourage where wondering just how far Dimitri could go and exactly when Knudsen would crack, they would be genuinely disappointed. Regardless of how stubborn Kadikistan's People's Commissar of External Affairs was, the man realised that this was as far as the Sørlanders would go.

He however also realised that he was the only party in these talks that had to give something up. Sure, shipping lanes would be more organized, a substantial amount of money would come to Kadikistan's economy among several other lucrative advantages the Sørlander proposal would include. But at the end of the day Kadikistan would lose its unhindered military access into international waters not to mention that the more illegal activities that Ivar was involved in would have to be rethought. And on top of all that Kadikistan would have to pay for it. As far as Sørlandeten was concerned it was a win-win situation. They would be able to largely control and monitor Kadikistani shipping, both military and civilian, at the financial expense of Kadikistan. Among other things this deal would install them as a stronger regional power, holding a vital key to Kadikistan's future. They would also most likely experience a small economical boom with resources like relatively cheap Kadikistani oil coming their way. Many other things could be named, but nothing negative. At least for Sørlandeten.

"I shall refrain from making threats if you refrain from calling this deal a compromise.", Dimitri suddenly showing a disgustingly decadent smile on his face. "I see you and your nation are keen on changing the old ways. And I also see how all this benefits Sørlandeten, but surely you see that my nation is on the losing end here. But I'm a reasonable man representing an even more reasonable country...", there was that smile again. "I have been given permission to establish more lasting relations with your county. A non-aggression pact might indeed serve both our goals. And if there is no other way we will place annual payments for military access into international waters. Do know that the news of this payment plan will most likely place the accomplishments of these talks in its shade."

 

[Serenierre]

Knudsen listened to her counterpart silently, nodding where the need arose and going through the events of the meeting in her mind. She ignored most of those venom laden smiles, choosing instead to remain firm. She knew full well had the roles been the other way around, they would have given just as much trouble to her, if not more. This was the way. "Considering how long a term relationship we are intending, it is our hope that any issue with the payment structure shall eventually be pushed aside as our interaction increases and the other benefits start showing to the Kadikistani leadership and people. The details of the non-aggression agreement shall be sorted out by members of our delegation at a later date*."

Now, with her end of the deal sorted out, she leaned forward and started, "But from our end, we would be genuinely unhappy if this is a one-sided deal. Could we offer something to Kadikistan? Perhaps we can help to stabilize the currency... we are willing to buy bonds... hopefully it could stabilize your currency. Is Ivar open to this?" The offer was simply there to placate Ivar, Sørlandeten stood to gain little from that offer. Hopefully Ivar would be more willing to look past the issue of payments.

They just had a few more points to cover after that the meeting would be over, and the two tired and annoyed delegations could return home and put the meeting behind them. Though for Knudsen, immediately after ending the meeting she would be meeting with the King and the Chancellor informing them what had been agreed upon. She was looking forward to returning home that day.

OOC: We'll sort out the terms via PM.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

"Allow me to inform you that Kadikistan's GDP growth has been slow but steady. In recent years, growth has gradually accelerated to 5.7% in 2010, the fastest pace in almost a decade. As you would agree this is far from stagnation. The level of our currency may at times not reflect such a thing, but we are in fact artificially holding it down. I'm taking a lot of liberty talking about this, but as our nation's have little common interests in the global market I see no problem with it. But you already knew of course, in which case you realize that this policy has opened up many lucrative deals for our nation. This policy is something you and many others might disapprove, although I'm sure you understand it. Therefore I must respectfully deny your offers. Although I will certainly inform Ivar of your generosity."

Dimitri wasn't sure that he would tell Ivar about the latest proposal from his counterpart. It would look to much like charity, that's basically what it was. There weren't to much real honourable high ranking officials in Kadikistan, but they all prided themselves with it. Taking the money from Sørlandeten like a third world nation taking food or medical supplies would look bad both internally and externally. And once again it would make Sørlandeten look even better. Sure the Kadikistani's had little freedom on most fields, especially political, but the economy had much improved. Things like collectivisations had in the past caused famines had many other negative consequences, but the 'sacrifices' of the previous generations had provided today's generation with a strong economy and basic needs for all. Needless to say Ivar would not receive the proposal well. Dimitri was determined to get results, for the meeting to be considered a success back in Ivar he needed something that could cloud the payment affairs.

"There is in fact a matter that could assure more positive views on the outcome of this meeting. A matter that lies very close to the heart of our Glorious leader. As you know every year several hundred Kadikistani citizens attempt to reach your nation's borders and attempt to obtain some kind of asylum. These illegal immigrants are not our primary concern as these numbers are relatively low and decreasing. What does concern us is that several of these so called 'political refugees' are known terrorists. I have here the documents that include over five-thousand names of people that have until now successfully avoided prosecution. Before going more into detail I would like to know where Sørlandeten stands on this issue. You realise that should these people's somehow find there way back to Kadikistan it would be seen as a very noble deed."