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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs :: Press Briefings
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Serenierre
Established Nation
Thomas Vavasseur: Members of the press, good morning. Today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has planned meetings with His Highness the Prince Regent and Premier Martinique to discuss the foreign policy agendas of the country.
Many of you, gathered here today, have lodged queries with my office in regards to the ongoing diplomatic tensions in Gallia and the recent easing of the same tensions. Well let me say, the current situation arose due to petty disputes between the media outlets of the respective countries and blow into something much bigger than the matter required... but it does show the undercurrents plaguing Gallia. Even during our association with the EDF, the alliance couldn't do anything to resolve these outstanding matters. The official position of the Kingdom remains that the issue at hand is just an example of the level intra-Gallian relations have reached. Its not a blame game, all are at fault.
Secondly, I would like to announce today that Foreign Minister Renaudière shall be speaking with members of the media very soon.
If you have questions, I shall gladly take them now.
Marc Xavier, Le Journal: Foreign Secretary Vavasseur, there are rumors floating that Belmont has been in talks with the People's Republic of Vangala. Is it true?
Thomas Vavasseur: Well, yes we have been in talks with the Government of Vangala, but they have occurred only at a fairly low level and happened in Augsburg. Basically to inform them that one of their citizens had been arrested trying to enter this country illegally. The citizen has been deported and this a matter that has been dealt with. And let me say we don't have additional talks planned with Kilkila or its representatives at this time.
Charles Mizou, L'Internationale: Secretary Vavasseur, will the Kingdom be renewing its treaties with Breotonia?
Thomas Vavasseur: Breotonia has long been an ally and we would like to see that continue on. Yes, the Kingdom will be renewing the treaties we have with them and talks are planned in Paris sometime in November.
Many of you, gathered here today, have lodged queries with my office in regards to the ongoing diplomatic tensions in Gallia and the recent easing of the same tensions. Well let me say, the current situation arose due to petty disputes between the media outlets of the respective countries and blow into something much bigger than the matter required... but it does show the undercurrents plaguing Gallia. Even during our association with the EDF, the alliance couldn't do anything to resolve these outstanding matters. The official position of the Kingdom remains that the issue at hand is just an example of the level intra-Gallian relations have reached. Its not a blame game, all are at fault.
Secondly, I would like to announce today that Foreign Minister Renaudière shall be speaking with members of the media very soon.
If you have questions, I shall gladly take them now.
Marc Xavier, Le Journal: Foreign Secretary Vavasseur, there are rumors floating that Belmont has been in talks with the People's Republic of Vangala. Is it true?
Thomas Vavasseur: Well, yes we have been in talks with the Government of Vangala, but they have occurred only at a fairly low level and happened in Augsburg. Basically to inform them that one of their citizens had been arrested trying to enter this country illegally. The citizen has been deported and this a matter that has been dealt with. And let me say we don't have additional talks planned with Kilkila or its representatives at this time.
Charles Mizou, L'Internationale: Secretary Vavasseur, will the Kingdom be renewing its treaties with Breotonia?
Thomas Vavasseur: Breotonia has long been an ally and we would like to see that continue on. Yes, the Kingdom will be renewing the treaties we have with them and talks are planned in Paris sometime in November.
OOC: Questions can be asked by foreign media as well.
Jake Courage worked as a journalist for the Breotish News Corporation and a regular columnist for some rather well known papers. He was an excellent writer but his true passion was photography. Sadly that art seemed to have an increasingly less important place in the press world. Video was king in today's online 24/7 instant access news world. He had done most of his passionate work in college writing papers on famous Great War photographers. He hated the horrible realities of war, the death and the pain and the destruction, but he could not help but be drawn to heroes and you could only find heroes in the worst conditions. Today he was not pursuing his passion but paying the bills. Not to say he wasn't interested in politics, especially such exciting politics. A shift in Belmontien policy would mean a drastic change in the strategic and political landscape of the entire Occident.
"Mister Secretary, does the Kingdom plan any major reviews of foreign or defense policy in light of Belmont's resignation from the EDF? If so what kind of changes are being talked about? What sort of new or amended policies does it seem likely Belmont will choose to adopt?"
"Mister Secretary, does the Kingdom plan any major reviews of foreign or defense policy in light of Belmont's resignation from the EDF? If so what kind of changes are being talked about? What sort of new or amended policies does it seem likely Belmont will choose to adopt?"
"Monsieur Secretary, Marguerite Chaban of La Croix de Lorraine, though there has been much said about why Belmont left the EDF, very little has been said of why Belmont actually joined the alliance in the first place. With Belmont's wide range of agreements and alliances with non-EDF nations, some of which have a definate anti-EDF leaning, why would the government of Belmont even consider joining an established military and economic alliance which has well known foreign policies that for most part were not in-line with those of Belmont's?"
Serenierre
Established Nation
Thomas Vavasseur: In response to you, Mr. Courage, Belmont hasn't been in the EDF's associate program for long, our policies weren't changed too much during our five month stay in the alliance. But I will say that our policies are much better than they were at the start of the year. And I would like to clarify one thing, we have not resigned... we have merely asked for Belmont to be restored to PfS status. In our experience, the associate membership didn't prove to be a viable approach for this country.
Madame Sen, at this moment, the Government of Belmont does not plan on suing members of the Plantard ministry, furthermore, let me clarify that the Plantard government had planned on funding anti-communist insurgents, it never actually carried out the policy and it didn't fraternize with terrorist organizations... since the government collapsed.
Madame Chaban, The Kingdom joined the EDF because we, at the time, thought that it was the natural move... you must remember that Belmont has ongoing agreements with Franken, Eiffelland, the Francophone states and it was assumed by Premier Martinique that the next step should have been association with the EDF... in form of the associate membership. Madame Chaban, a central tenant of our foreign policy is geared to keep our economic interests in mind... our agreements with these states you hint at are economic in nature and I would ask you to not put pepper and salt on something quite plain and simple.
Madame Chaban, I will also say that our decision to pull out was motivated mainly by the role the alliance played during the time Belmont was embargoed by the Talemantines... furthermore, the entire CoN affair to legitimize the Talemantine invasion of the Jurzan was openly supported by every EDF member... save Belmont. In our eyes, that was wrong. As a premier world alliance, the EDF should have acted with responsibility... which it didn't... I admit, it changed course later but after great bloodshed in the Jurzan.
Additionally, our concerns and grievances were not allowed the same equal voice that was afforded to other members... I believe one Francophone publication called it "childish whining". So now, I ask you, Madame Chaban, how can any self respecting country be part of an alliance where its rank is not equal to others. The entire matter with Marquette also was avoidable... had Nürnberg played an active leadership role. Our decision was, honestly speaking, motivated by those matters and not necessarily by differences in foreign policy.
Madame Sen, at this moment, the Government of Belmont does not plan on suing members of the Plantard ministry, furthermore, let me clarify that the Plantard government had planned on funding anti-communist insurgents, it never actually carried out the policy and it didn't fraternize with terrorist organizations... since the government collapsed.
Madame Chaban, The Kingdom joined the EDF because we, at the time, thought that it was the natural move... you must remember that Belmont has ongoing agreements with Franken, Eiffelland, the Francophone states and it was assumed by Premier Martinique that the next step should have been association with the EDF... in form of the associate membership. Madame Chaban, a central tenant of our foreign policy is geared to keep our economic interests in mind... our agreements with these states you hint at are economic in nature and I would ask you to not put pepper and salt on something quite plain and simple.
Madame Chaban, I will also say that our decision to pull out was motivated mainly by the role the alliance played during the time Belmont was embargoed by the Talemantines... furthermore, the entire CoN affair to legitimize the Talemantine invasion of the Jurzan was openly supported by every EDF member... save Belmont. In our eyes, that was wrong. As a premier world alliance, the EDF should have acted with responsibility... which it didn't... I admit, it changed course later but after great bloodshed in the Jurzan.
Additionally, our concerns and grievances were not allowed the same equal voice that was afforded to other members... I believe one Francophone publication called it "childish whining". So now, I ask you, Madame Chaban, how can any self respecting country be part of an alliance where its rank is not equal to others. The entire matter with Marquette also was avoidable... had Nürnberg played an active leadership role. Our decision was, honestly speaking, motivated by those matters and not necessarily by differences in foreign policy.
Serenierre
Established Nation
Thomas Vavasseur: Madame Chaban, international politics and diplomacy is not a matter of friendship... every country formulates a foreign policy which is beneficial to its own interests. Yes, the Kingdom joined the EDF for its own interests... but then so has every other member state. You're portraying it as if its like a cardinal sin...
"Yes, Monsieur Secretary, that is true, a country does formulate its own policies, but when part of an alliance, another variable is put into place, one that means compromises, something Belmont's policies do not seem to allow for. It seems that it was Belmont that wanted the protection of the EDF while conducting its own independent economic and foreign policies with no consideration for the alliance itself and then wonders why the rest of the alliance would not go along those policies. Considering the failure of Belmont's attempt at a Francophone Union, its inability to work within the structure of the EDF, the disasterous meeting with SEEDTO, and now the disputes with the rest of Gallia, could it be that it is Belmont's pursuit of only its own self interests that might really be the problem here?"
"Elise Brunn, Wieserreichische Welle. What is the official stance of the Belmontien government about the recent leak of a diplomatic letter from Count Babelfisch to Mr. Villevan? Do you expect that this will hurt Belmont's relations with Wieserreich, and how does your government plan to make up for the incident?"
Serenierre
Established Nation
Thomas Vavasseur: Perhaps we should have kept Mr. Villevan on... don't worry Madame Chaban... this is a joke.
But now to answer you... Madame Chaban, Belmont has solid friendships and alliances with numerous countries around the world. The Francophone Union was initiated by the Millerand government, which served just before us, and we have never given any Francophone alliance too much importance. The SEEDTO matter was blown out of proportion by Cakistan's delegation. And Belmont did try its utmost to work with the EDF... but if everyone else will ignore our suggestions, I do not think remaining in such an alliance is beneficial to either us or the alliance in question.
Now Madame Chaban, I believe I have answered your questions adequately, there is a lady in the back... wanting to ask her question.
Marie Jean Pierre, LE VOIX: Mr. Secretary, what is the Kingdom's response to Franconian media reporting that Belmont shall get PfS status again?
Thomas Vavasseur: Yes, I have read the reports but so far I do not think it is in my place to comment... till nothing is final, I will not comment on it. And before you ask, if the PfS is not reinstated... the Kingdom shall not pursue the matter further and will let this entire saga dissolve into the history books and news archives. I think we have time just for one more question... from someone who hasn't had a chance as yet.
But now to answer you... Madame Chaban, Belmont has solid friendships and alliances with numerous countries around the world. The Francophone Union was initiated by the Millerand government, which served just before us, and we have never given any Francophone alliance too much importance. The SEEDTO matter was blown out of proportion by Cakistan's delegation. And Belmont did try its utmost to work with the EDF... but if everyone else will ignore our suggestions, I do not think remaining in such an alliance is beneficial to either us or the alliance in question.
Now Madame Chaban, I believe I have answered your questions adequately, there is a lady in the back... wanting to ask her question.
Marie Jean Pierre, LE VOIX: Mr. Secretary, what is the Kingdom's response to Franconian media reporting that Belmont shall get PfS status again?
Thomas Vavasseur: Yes, I have read the reports but so far I do not think it is in my place to comment... till nothing is final, I will not comment on it. And before you ask, if the PfS is not reinstated... the Kingdom shall not pursue the matter further and will let this entire saga dissolve into the history books and news archives. I think we have time just for one more question... from someone who hasn't had a chance as yet.
"Elise Brunn, Wieserreichische Welle. What is the official stance of the Belmontien government about the recent leak of a diplomatic letter from Count Babelfisch to Mr. Villevan? Do you expect that this will hurt Belmont's relations with Wieserreich, and how does your government plan to make up for the incident?"
Serenierre
Established Nation
Thomas Vavasseur: Yes, Madame Brun, the incident was highly unfortunate and my office has launched an investigation into the matter. But I do not think that bilateral ties will be damaged... at least not for the long term. The Foreign Office will discharge those who are found to have leaked the document in question.
For today's briefing, these are all the questions I shall be answering. As always, members whose questions weren't answered may lodge their queries and questions with my office and I shall answer them in tomorrow's briefing or contact the journalist in question.
Thank you.
For today's briefing, these are all the questions I shall be answering. As always, members whose questions weren't answered may lodge their queries and questions with my office and I shall answer them in tomorrow's briefing or contact the journalist in question.
Thank you.
Serenierre
Established Nation
Thomas Vavasseur: Good morning, members of the press.
The speech made by the Marquen king yesterday has shown that other Francophone kingdoms have a deep rooted bias against Belmont. The Francophone union that was proposed can not work without Belmont... we are, let us not forget, the center of the Francophone world... geographically speaking. The situation is being made worse by the Marquen king and I can not say that Gallia will become peaceful anytime soon with such attitudes coming from the other Francophone capitals.
Secondly, the Ascaloni embargo is something which is quite ineffectual on us... as you might know we rely on mainly Hajr, Greater Sarmatia, Arendaal for oil... they meet majority of our needs and embargoes by nations such as Talemantros and Ascalon, while disrupting the markets a bit, they don't really hamper us or our people in any way. It just damages the country in question's reputation internationally for being a reliable oil supplier. Belmont has strong allies in the oil world and we shall get by just fine.
Now, some of the questions that were submitted by the local media to my office, I shall answer them.
A few of you have asked about the stance on the ultimatum issued by Foreign Minister Villevan to his Lorrainese counterpart. Well, let me say that the ultimatum has been removed but that we continue to demand a proper explanation from the Lorrainese government in regards to certain questionable statements made by them. It would be best if a proper response was delivered to my office.
Then, I have been asked to confirm if the Kingdom was pursuing a treaty with Greater Sarmatia over oil matter like we have recently done so with Arendaal. The Governments in Paris and Hrodino have agreed unofficially and a meeting is scheduled later this month. At this moment, I can not comment further.
Questions? I am a little pressed today, so for today we'll just allow one question per journalist.
The speech made by the Marquen king yesterday has shown that other Francophone kingdoms have a deep rooted bias against Belmont. The Francophone union that was proposed can not work without Belmont... we are, let us not forget, the center of the Francophone world... geographically speaking. The situation is being made worse by the Marquen king and I can not say that Gallia will become peaceful anytime soon with such attitudes coming from the other Francophone capitals.
Secondly, the Ascaloni embargo is something which is quite ineffectual on us... as you might know we rely on mainly Hajr, Greater Sarmatia, Arendaal for oil... they meet majority of our needs and embargoes by nations such as Talemantros and Ascalon, while disrupting the markets a bit, they don't really hamper us or our people in any way. It just damages the country in question's reputation internationally for being a reliable oil supplier. Belmont has strong allies in the oil world and we shall get by just fine.
Now, some of the questions that were submitted by the local media to my office, I shall answer them.
A few of you have asked about the stance on the ultimatum issued by Foreign Minister Villevan to his Lorrainese counterpart. Well, let me say that the ultimatum has been removed but that we continue to demand a proper explanation from the Lorrainese government in regards to certain questionable statements made by them. It would be best if a proper response was delivered to my office.
Then, I have been asked to confirm if the Kingdom was pursuing a treaty with Greater Sarmatia over oil matter like we have recently done so with Arendaal. The Governments in Paris and Hrodino have agreed unofficially and a meeting is scheduled later this month. At this moment, I can not comment further.
Questions? I am a little pressed today, so for today we'll just allow one question per journalist.
"Elise Brunn, Wieserreichische Welle.Mr. Vasseur, are you implying that Belmont and the rest of the Francophone world are enemies? Do you expect hostilities to extend from a political level to diplomacy, or even worse? Is Belmont committed to fighting such enemies?"
Serenierre
Established Nation
Thomas Vavasseur: Madame Brunn, I don't think that Belmont and the Francophone world are enemies... but all four Francophone Gallian kingdoms are facing a situation where a radical shift is taking in place in how we view each other... and in this period of transition one can not really predict what the future shall hold. The Kingdom doesn't plan on rescinding any agreements with the others at this moment. And Madame Brunn, we should be thankful that the day hasn't come where the Francophone states are against each other... in what ever bloc structure, as you might know, Belmont doesn't shy away from its own defense.
"Panrit Taptim, UNISTAR newsgroup. Mister Vavasseur, where does Belmontien foreign policy stand on the issues of not just one, but two civil wars being waged in the East; and the Oikawan-led crackdown on the 'Yiyuan-clique'?"
Serenierre
Established Nation
Thomas Vavasseur: Madame/Sir* the civil wars in the east are regrettable and we hope peace comes soon.
* - can't tell if the reporter is a man or a woman.
Serenierre
Established Nation
Thomas Vavasseur: Madame Sen, claims such as those are inherently wrong... the Vangalan citizen was attempting to enter Belmont illegally... and that is why he was deported. If a national of another country would do something like that, we will respond in the same way.