Waratah :: A Potential Peace Arrangement

[Thaumantica]

Almshouse of the Grand Covenant,
Vesper, Cantignia

" . . and to have her in bloom, this Waratah Flower, is a great honor then-Wilurae that I lost my first love failing to pluck one."

On tables from the delegations from world parties such as @Pelasgia , @The Federation , @Josepania, and elsewhere concerned and embroiled such as @Radilo was that well bloomed waratah flower at which Damperod Tharawal, an Almskeeper of his tribal commune, considered with worry.

These foreign ones luxuriously-received, their planes and security details invested, the Cantiginian Communes of the Thaumantic Order presented the good-nature of amity to their guests, inviting them back once more at every turn for another stay down-Cannie . . . as odd as that did sound coming from the mouth of a bag carrier, driver, and even the security forces who were inviting the foreign security details to return with their families "for a rest".

"If you have a so-much loved one, regardless of this meeting's arrangements, I ask you take one home with you." Tharawal offered, "I found one-such flower for the woman I married and I am proud and grateful . . . Be so lucky that you do not need to bounce about in the Cannie deserts unless, so-be-we-with-me, you wish to . . ."

Beyond this introduction earpieces were arranged for the foreign-ones, had they not understood a Cantignian-basic understanding perhaps then they might be guided through Federation-Standard, Pelasgian, the Radilan language, and then again the Occidental amalgamation spoken where Josepanians roost.

 

[Pelasgia]

The Pelasgian delegation, not entirely sure what the talk about flowers was meant to signify, nonetheless did their best to politely seem to be paying attention. Headed by Adamantios Alexiades, the Magister of the Ambassadors, and by Rear Adm. Alexios Notaras, the Pelasgian delegation was evenly split between the the Nationalist Statists and the Neo-Militarists so as to placate both main factions in Propontis. Alexiades, as the most senior diplomat of the Empire and the nominal head of the diplomatic service, was a close confidant and a personal choice of the Emperor. Notaras, on the other hand, was a navy man through and through, and thus the representative of the more pro-war element in Propontis. Alexiades nominally headed the delegation, though Notaras' own better knowledge of Pelasgia's military status was certain to come in handy, giving him some ability to control his country's position.

"We would like to thank our most gracious hosts for their offering this safe, neutral location for talks to take place," started Alexiades, offering a small bow to Tharawal. For a man of such considerable age, he spoke with remarkable volume and clarity, and his pale blue eyes were still quite sharp. "It is a sign of hope for the international community that such talks can take place... even if we regret that things had to come to this in the first place. I would also like to thank our counterparts from the Federation for proposing these talks."

Opening his notes, Alexiades skimmed through a few lines before continuing. "First, I think it proper that we set the agenda, as with any diplomatic talks. First, we must consider the issue of the cessation of hostilities in Aresura and the Eastern Meridian. While this might seem self-evident, the fact that operations are currently still ongoing and that many of the actors on the ground are non-state affiliated militias might complicate such matters. Second, we must consider the issue of the restoration of diplomatic relations between the parties, including any conditions therefor. I understand that there might be certain guarantees and preconditions, as well as exchanges of prisoners and captured materiel and property, before this can take place. Third, we must consider the changes to the borders that are to take place, based on both actual control and on the political affiliations of the Aresuran population of the ground. Aresura is a deeply divided society, and the Special Military Operation has only made it more so; we must find a way for all Aresurans, both pro-Radilo and pro-Pelasgian, to be able to live after the war in a lasting, sustainable way that does not involve sectarian violence or renewed conflict. And fourth, we must consider any steps that would prevent the reignition of armed conflict between the state parties, such as dimilitarisation, further integration or trust-building measures."

Alexiades scanned each of the delegations, before facing the Cantignian chair. "Is everyone in accord or would anyone like to add or clarify any topics to the agenda?"​

 

[The Federation]

Denton Graves took the flower with a smile and thanked Damperod for his gracious hospitality and future invitation. Graves being Langley's top man in his administration was the only choice to represent the Federation in this meeting. He had successfully negotiated the withdrawal of Tarusan troops from Lethonia with his partners in the communes and the Hanseatic States and it was here that he hoped that a global war could be avoided.

Graves stood, his large 6 foot 5 frame towering over the meeting table.

"I in turn thank both Radilan and Pelasgian delegations for coming to this meeting. Here we have to chance to save ourselves more misery and pain by coming to an arrangement to end this thing before there is no turning back. I hope it will not be overly vain of me to say that the propaganda that has been spread characterizing Westernesse as violent interventionists has been disproven by our reaching out diplomatically.

Now I agree with the agenda that has been laid out, of course this will be difficult to solve no doubt and there will be much in the way of emotion when it comes to the discussion of the how's and why's. I would not dare to attempt to guess on what the Radilans should want from this, but I can tell you what the Federation can do to facilitate whatever is decided between Radilo and Pelasgia. We are willing to spend whatever money is needed and deploy whatever physical means are necessary to bring peace back to the Meridian. That is our promise.

One of the Federation's main concerns however will be Pelasgia's continued membership in the Pressburg Pact. We ask that this be entered into the agenda. The Pressburg Pact is in my opinion no place for the ancient and once well respected Pelasgian nation. Pelasgia cannot re-enter the community of nations while it aligns itself with the ilk that makes up this alliance.

I fear that I must also announce that our forces have reached the Meridian and Basilisk seas and a quarantine by sea and air of Pelasgia and Aresura will begin. I am informed that our allies in Tianlong are a part of this quarantine and this quarantine will not end until we have reached an agreement here. Westernesse does not wish to enter into war with Pelasgia nor the Pressburg Pact nations but it will do what it must if it be so."

 

[Pelasgia]

Alexiades raised an eyebrow at the mention of the word "quarantine." He spoke Enghwal fluently, but he asked one of his aides to confirm that that had been the word used before answering. "Could Mr. Graves explain to us what is meant by 'quarantine'? If you mean a blockade, then that is wholly inconsistent with the conduct of a nation at peace, and, in so far as we are concerned, the Federation and Tianlong have already entered into a war with us. Aresura might be de jure Radilan territory and thus it is not our concern if someone blockades it per se, but in so far as Pelasgian territory is concerned, we will not accept any unlawful limitations upon entry and exit of people and goods from our country without our consent."

"Regarding the issue of the Pressburg Pact, I will note that Pelasgia has long resisted joining the Pact until recently, and that we have only done so for security considerations. If we can be offered equivalent security considerations outside of the Pact, we would be willing to leave. Given that Tianlong has rushed to prepare for war against us for Radilo's sake, in spite of very publicly and loudly vowing to never do so after the collapse of CETO, and given that the Federation and other nations have been arming Radilo throughout the Special Military Operation, you must understand that, from our point of view, the Pressburg Pact is the only allies we have in the world. To ask us to abandon them and stand alone is a big ask. Therefore, I imagine you have some sort of proposal in mind?"​

 

[Imimoya]

The Tianlong Delegation was rather small, except for the name of, Liao Jianhong, the others seemed to be minor officials of the foreign ministry. The small number signified Tianlong's internal desire not to place too much pressure on a meeting if it ended in stalemate or in a bad way.

Liao Jianhong waited for the other members to finish their speech before he could speak himself, with a calm voice and confident cadence. As if he were reading a text already prepared previously. "Honorable Alexiades, my respectable Federation colleague is not referring to a naval blockade, that would be a war action and a logistical undertaking imposed on all the coasts of Pelasgia. Which we are not interested in pursuing at the moment, I will then leave the floor to Graves to clarify his position regarding the quarantine."

Nonetheless, Tialong is proactive in promoting peace, and we personally feel responsible for the conflict. If we had remained in the CETO, we would certainly have prevented this clash and these victims on both sides. Nonetheless, Pelasgian entry into the Pressburg Pact changed the balance of power internationally, a change we could not ignore as you now sided with an organization that promoted piracy, the conversion of civilian merchant ships into warships masquerading as civilians and terrorist attacks against our fleet. By joining them, you have indirectly endorsed their policy, forcing our hand to intervene in our turn.

Why am I telling you all this? Because I believe that you have only made a series of wrong choices, and that there is still the possibility, even if minimal, of remedying them. Therefore. I have classified information, a rare occasion given the nature of the enemy's assets, that the combined fleet to the west, the one heading to Valetta to prevent further bloodshed in this conflict, is at this moment followed by two Tarusa-class submarines, who are hiding in the noise produced by the fleet. We are currently pretending not to have noticed them. "

The man paused for a moment so that the Pelasgian delegation could exchange a few words with the microphone off before speaking again. " I certainly don't have to tell you what tactics the Tarusa fleet used in the northern fjords to hide their involvement in piracy. Therefore ask ourselves, when and not if, but when these submarines will try to sink one of our ships by blaming the forces of Pelsgia, using your empire as a sacrificial lamb?.

If Pelasgia needs a guarantee for its safety, I don't think there is any problem on our part or the Federation in guaranteeing it, but there is no future for you within the Pressburg Pact.

 

[Radilo]

Eloisa "Ellie" Vecchio was not the most stand-out member of the Radilan Delegation, but she was it's leader. Small, standing barely more than 150 centimeters (about 5 feet in freedom units), she did not strike an imposing presence. Instead the nearly two meter tall imposingly plum Serviliano Croce garnered more attention and hand shaking. As the former Radilan ambassador to @The Federation , he was already a well established presence--though he was mostly there to observe. He was there, first, to observe and interpret what the Federation delegation meant by their proposals. His second purpose, unbeknownst to anyone who had not bothered to research him was to listen to the delegation from @Pelasgia . Serviliano was born and raised in Porto-di-Radila, and despite being an ethnic Radilan, he spoke fluent Pelasgian.

Ellie had taken a flower and made the gesture of smelling it. It was a greenhouse flower, sentless. She tried to discern some meaning from its color, but she could not. She had stayed silent, emotionless as the other delegates spoke. One word the Pelasgian delegate spoke in a huff after the Quarantine was mentioned stood out to her. Once their friends from @Tianlong had brought the room to some degree of silence after their mention of subs from @Tarusa , she found an opening to speak.

"Consent," she blurted out dryly, catching everyone's attention. "Odd when the rapist goes on whining about consent. You don't ascend to having your territorial waters quarantined, the Republic does not ascend to having its territory invaded, its people raped and killed, or its cities burned. This is not some deeply complex conflict with challenging perspectives and disagreements. This is an unprovoked invasion that has led to the deaths of tens or even now hundreds of thousands and the displacement of millions--and for what reason? The Pelasgian Empire wanted to control some oil fields while engaging in a revanchist fantasy. For that alone the People of Radilo suffer. The Ambassador called Aresura a "devided" society--no it is a diverse society, a pluralistic one. I do not concur with the proposed agenda because it does not adress the actual solutionto this war."

She paused for a minute and took in a deep breath, before resuming.

"This conflict can be resolved very easily: Pelasgia can leave the Republic. Get in your tanks and armored personnel carriers and drive back across the border, and this conflict will be over. The Republic agrees with our friends from the East, this can be resolved, easily, with sound decisions. Move your forces out of the country and we will no longer be at war. Those citizens who support you may go with you. We will guarantee safe passage. There will be no reprisals, and they can sell whatever property they cannot take with then for a fair price. And I'm sure with all of the destruction your missiles have wrought--they will get a good price. Leave with whatever remains of your dignity. Before this war, Radilo wanted to be your friend. Mayhaps, that is still possible; if the ledger is squared, not just peace, but friendship might be the natural course of our relationship. I pray so. We thank the Federation and Tianlong, as well as those nations who are not here who have helped us. We thank our hosts."

 

[Pelasgia]

Alexiades remained stoic throughout the tirade launched by the junior Radilan delegate. A lesser man would have sighed, yawned or rolled his eyes, but Alexiades was a diplomat of the old school, who had lived through the Archipelago Crisis, the Central Himyari War, the Pannonian Crisis and the chaos of the 20th century, and he knew better than any of that. "I would advise the Radilan delegation to keep its moral grandstanding for the cameras. This is not a court and you are not the prosecutor. This is a negotiation. If you wish, I can leave here and we can go back to hurling bombs at each other. Otherwise, I suggest we set aside strong feelings and try to rationally find some sort of compromise."

"First, you have stated that this is an 'unprovoked act of aggression' about some 'oil fields.' Let me remind you how this war started. Aresura was occupied by your colonial power centuries ago, and despite assimilationist efforts, it has remained Pelasgian, ethnically and linguistically. You have succeeded in forcefully converting the majority of locals to Tiburan Catholicism, but still a good 20% are Pelasgian Orthodox. Moreover, demands for democratic self-government forced you to grant the locals basic civil liberties almost a century ago, in no small part for fear of the rising industrial-military power of Pelasgia, which kicked you out of the rest of the Archipelago. Did Pelasgia also liberate the arid isle of Hagios Andreas for its non-existent oil? Or because these are our people and they have a right to freedom from Crusader colonialism?

"Still, this did not stop you from illicitly terrorising locals supporting Enosis, or the reunification of Pelasgia with Aresura. The most recent incident, which sparked the Special Military Operaton, involved the brazen assassination of protesters at a pro-Enosis rally by sniper fire." Alexiades paused and an attendant pulled out a transparent envelope with a bullet. "I have here the instrument that killed one of the twenty six dead from the Antiochia Massacre--she was a young woman of nineteen, a nurse from what I've read. Perhaps you can tell her parents about 'consent'." Alexiades set aside the bullet and produced a stack of files. "I also have here signed testimonies by persons arrested for plotting a coup in Pelasgia, who all attest to having liaised with Radilan Intelligence--your infamous M--along with photos of Camorra members to prove the fact. For those who do not know, Radilan intelligence employs mafiosi thugs throughout the world, and it is directly tied to the underworld of many countries, including Pelasgia. We had previously agreed with 'M' to pause our crackdown on the Camorra in exchange for their scaling down their attacks on Pelasgian Government targets... but I think attempting to overthrow our government has nullified that agreement. Do you not?"

Having made his point, Alexiades set those documents aside too, offering copies for the record if anyone wished. "My point about consent, dear colleague, touched on a blockade being an act of war in the absence of consent. If you wish, your equating a theoretical Federation-Tianese blockade with our own Special Military Operation does prove my point. Unless, of course, you believe that the Special Military Operation is not an act of war. Please, do tell."

"Now, setting aside questions of moral culpability, let us get to the essence of our discussions once more: stopping the killing. I will explain how each of the items on the agenda, as amended by our Federation counterparts, would serve that purpose:

"First, cessation of hostilities in Aresura and the Eastern Meridian. As I mentioned operations are still ongoing, but many of the parties involved are not state actors. Radilo, in flagrant contravention of humanitarian law, has armed non-uniformed illegal militants, including underage men and women, and set them loose. On our end, Pelasgia has equipped pro-Pelasgian militiamen (approximately 100,000 as of right now) to counter the random attacks carried out on non-combatants and illegitimate targets, such as families of pro-Pelasgians or military hospitals, throughout the territory. Obviously, actually getting these people to stop fighting is not the same as ordering soldiers to pull out. If we pulled out tomorrow, that fighting would still go on. For that fighting to stop, both sides have to be given a solution that they can accept. Saying that reprisals will not take place is one thing, but enforcing it is quite another.

"Second, restoration of diplomatic ties. As you well know, we have severed diplomatic ties and seized each other's assets, also stopping all bilateral trade. Our mutual allies, official or otherwise, have done the same. For peace to reign, we would have to work out some way to restore diplomatic representation, open trade routes again and return seized goods to the extent possible. This is also a necessary component of peace.

"Third, the change of borders is not about 'greed' or 'oil fields.' As I mentioned, a third of Aresuran Pelasgians support the Empire. These people are between four and six million. They cannot just 'up and leave' to a different State, selling off and abandoning their goods. Not only is this impractical, it is also a violation of the rights of our loyal protected persons and co-nationals that we will not tolerate. We will not ethnically cleanse Aresura for you, Ms. Vecchio. What we proposed is a redistribution of the territory of Aresura, such that all those who wish to leave under Pelasgian rule can do so, while all who prefer Radilan rule can continue to enjoy it. A formal population exchange, with property assessment and exchange, on such a scale is necessary and can only be coordinated at a governmental level.

"If you do not wish to see Aresura somehow partitioned, its character as just another Radilan province will unfortunately have to change so drastically to accommodate adequate representation and protections for the pro-Pelasgian third that you might find it simpler and quicker to partition the territory. Pelasgia currently controls almost all of Aresura, and yet we are not claiming all that territory. This is because this is a Special Military Operation to enforce certain rights and interests, not a war interested in annexing all of Aresura, or the Oil Fields of Peraica for that matter. For the sake of peace, I suggest you open yourselves to meeting us somewhere toward the middle.

Alexiades took a sip of water and allowed the point to set in before continuing. "Fourth, regarding the issue of avoiding state hostilities, I believe we need to consider steps that would guarantee such a peace and address both parties fears. On your end, I think a total abandonment of Camorra operations in Pelasgia would be warranted. On our end, we can offer a mutual demilitarization of our land border, such that a future attack on either side would be impractical. Trust-building measures, such as a constant forum for dialogue under the auspices of a neutral third party, like our gracious hosts, might also help in that regard."

"Finally, with respect to Pressburg Pact membership, Pelasgia would be open to leaving the Pact, if the parties here can guarantee the enforcement of such reasonable terms. We can explore more specific security guarantees once we actually have some kind of working deal on the table, I believe, though I thank our Tianese colleague for his excellent offer in that regard."​

 

[The Federation]

Graves spoke after the Radilans and Pelasgians made their cases.

"If I may continue to explain myself as I have failed to do last I spoke. No, the quarantine is not a blockade. We do not wish to conduct economic warfare on Pelasgia. What we want to do is prevent the flow of troops, warships and weaponry into the area by outside forces. In the same vein as the Tarusan "blockade" of Ebria."

Graves took a moment and spoke again. "Now, clearly there are centuries of grievances that may never be resolved in this place nor is it our place to try and resolve them. We agree the fighting needs to stop now. Secondly restoration of diplomatic ties at least for the Federation is an easy hand wave away assuming we can come to an agreement here.

Third it seems as if the Radilans do not wish to give up their territory and we do not blame them and of course the Pelasgians do not wish to see a war between ethnicities and political ideals. Perhaps then I can suggest a multinational police force of which the Federation would volunteer to participate in to help limit these kinds of clashes.

I remain silent on the fourth matter as this seems much more deeply personal to your two nations and as an outsider I could not comment intelligently.

As for the Pressburg Pact I will agree with our Tianese friends on the matter. We are prepared to issue a guarantee to help create a positive outcome on this issue."

 

[Radilo]

Nouvo Porto, 8th Quarter, Bar Café Aurora
Early afternoon

The bar was small and was meant to look like a neighborhood tavern from the turn of the previous century. Someone from Westernesse or Occidentia may have thought of it as a more "authentic" version of what passed for Radilan themed chain restraunts, but here such a look was meant to invoke the past not somewhere else. But not many tourists went to this neighborhood, unless they were lost or looking to gamble. Aurora's clientele were mostly government bureaucrats and military officials. Which would explain why it was almost dead, as for its clientele, the last few weeks had been a perpetual nine alarm fire. There was a somewhat unremarkable looking woman sitting by herself in a booth, sipping on a glass of red wine.

The kitchen door of the Cafe opened and M walked into the seating area. "Rad tebya videt', kak vsegda." It's good to see you as always. M said, taking the seat across from her.

"I vam togo zhe." You as well. She replied.

A waiter came and set a frosted martini glass with a clear liquid in it. "YA slyshal, chto voyenno-morskoye komandovaniye nemnogo nervnichayet." I've heared that the Naval high command is getting a little bit jittery. He said, necking his glass, the waiter quickly brought him another one.

"YA uveren, chto tvoi druz'ya govoryat tebe imenno eto." I'm sure that's what your friends tell you. She replied, sipping on her wine.

"O da, u menya takiye khoroshiye druz'ya, i tak mnogo." Oh yes, I do have such good friends and so many.

"Admiralteystvo vospriimchivo k etomu predlozheniyu." The admiralty is receptive to the proposal.

"Khoroshiy." Good, M said, downing his second drink in a single gulp.


Almshouse of the Grand Covenant

Serviliano Croce's phone began to vibrate, seeing what the number was decided to answer it rather loudly.

"Moy drug... da... da... eto otlichno... do skorogo." My friend... yea... yea... that is excellent... talk to you soon. He leaned over to Ellie and whispered something into her ear. Her facial expression changed noticeably.

"The former ambassador has a proposal for us," Ellie said, yielding to Serviliano.

"My friends, having spoken some with my colleagues in Nouvo Porto, I think we have a proposal that most people here will agree with," he said letting his eye contact linger on Admiral Notaras. "We will conceed territory for peace. Santi Apostili, and elsewhere that were previous areas with proclivities for the Empire, including a share of the eastern oil fields. In exchange: the war ends; Pelasgia will pay reparations for the loss of life and destruction property, and will pay the full cost of any displacement after the new border is drawn; Pelasgia will join the Meridian Union--our societies will become so interwoven that such a war could never happen again; and, finally, Pelasgisa must take responsibility fornwhat it has done; war criminals must be held to account." He paused, and turned again to Notaras, "Admiral, you can throw whoever under the bus you need to. Eneough blood has been spilled. We did find your friend's* body, how many like him have been ground into meat for these ambitions? Agree to this and he will soon laid to rest with full military honors in Propontis."

*Admiral Gasparinos, KIA in Valletta.

@Pelasgia @The Federation @Thaumantica @Imimoya @Josepania

 

[Pelasgia]

The Admiral traded stares with the Ambassador. The Radilans had offered them the perfect way out: a nominal land victory that they could market to the Navy High Command and the hardliners back in Propontis, and also Meridian Union membership, which would take care of the concerns of the doves. Pelasgia would shoulder the financial and moral burden of the war true... but then, that was also quite fair. The bigger sticking point was the "war criminal" allegations, but Croce's open invitation to "throw whoever [they wanted] under the bus" was quite a clear message that Propontis could afford to shift the blame on exactly those parties that would oppose the peace, without having to risk any high leadership figures, at least for now.

"We are amenable to these terms," Notaras said, taking the floor for the first time. "Naturally, we will both have to return a lot of bodies and a lot of prisoners." He was alluding, of course, to the YKA camps, which were still full of detainees. That one could not be brushed under the rug, and so the YKA would have to take the blame and the punishment (which was, in truth, more than fair). Indeed, it would also neutralize the last major threat to proper civilian rule in Propontis, which was what was required for peace to reign and the terms to be properly met.

"Pelasgia will of course have to institute significant political reforms to be in a position to join the Meridian Union, and to likely also withdraw its recognition of the Alfonsists... but these are steps that we are willing to take. Moreover, I believe that our Meridian Union membership would be incompatible with Pressburg Pact membership. In this respect, I would ask that our colleagues from the Federation and Tianlong guarantee the enforcement of this agreement against any third parties, including the safety of both contracting nations. This would allow us and our Radilan colleagues to focus on the necessary troop withdrawals and population shifts, without having to worry about external threats."

He scanned the other delegations before asking. "Does anyone have anything further to add, or should we put together an agreement and sign on this?" As he said this, Notaras broke off and placed a call to his recently released and reinstated boss, Admiral Sphrantzes, who was formally in charge of the Navy once again. «Ναί, θὰ πρότεινα νὰ ἀποσύρετε τοὺς Πευζοναῦτες ἀπὸ τὴν Προποντίδα προτοῦ ἐνημερωθοῦν γιὰ τὴ συμφωνία. Μὲ τὴν ΥΚΑ τὶ λέτε νὰ κάνουμε; ... Κατανοητόν.» ("Yes, I would recommend withdrawing the Marines from Propontis before they are informed of the agreement. What should we do with the YKA? .... Understood.")

@Radilo ​

 

[Josepania]

Almshouse of the Grand Covenant,
Vesper, Cantignia

Throughout the negotiations, the small Josepanian delegation headed by Ambassador Manuel Rocha had remained notably silent, never taking the floor for speeches or proposals or rebuttals, not even comments. Their involvement was representative of the Occidental Republic's own involvement in the Radillan-Pelasgian War: in the background from the shadows. The entire time, encrypted phone messages through HootChat were sent to Secretary Graves of the Federation, Minister Liao of Tianlong, and Delegates Vecchio and Croce of Radilo, in an effort to coordinate the negotiations, offering suggestions as to what to propose, how to respond and so forth. When the breakthrough with the Pelasgians was achieved, Ambassador Rocha and his delegation set to work quietly drawing up the draft treaty, and then proceeded to speak for the very first time, Waratah flower in hand as a symbolic gesture of gratitude to the Cantignians for their assistance.

"Esteemed delegates, in response to Rear Admiral Notaras, I am pleased to present what I consider to be an acceptable treaty that neatly summarizes what was discussed and agreed upon here. I am thankful and appreciative both to our Cantignian hosts and to all delegations here who have approached and handled these negotiations so admirably. I am hopeful that what I present here is acceptable to you all, and if we are in agreement, especially the most important parties of Radilo and Pelasgia, then let us sign it and finally have peace in the Meridian again."

TREATY OF PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN THE PELASGIAN EMPIRE AND THE MOST SERENE REPUBLIC OF RADILO
The Pelasgian Empire (“Pelasgia”) and the Most Serene Republic of Radilo (“Radilo”, and together with Pelasgia, the “Conflicted Parties”), at the intercession of the Federation of Westernesse (the “Federation”), the Occidental Republic of Josepania (“Josepania”) and the Tianlong Republic (“Tianlong”) (the “Interceding Parties”, and collectively with the Conflicted Parties, the “High Contracting Parties”) and thanks to the graceful provision of neutral negotiating premises by the Thaumantic Order (“Thaumantica”), considering:

I. The mutual wish of the Conflicted Parties for the present conflict between them to come to an end, and for peace and friendship to reign once again between their peoples;
II. The commitment of the Conflicted Parties to avoiding the future occurrence of warfare in the Meridian Sea region;
III. The legitimate interests of all of the High Contracting Parties to the restoration of peace in the Archipelago and the end of the present conflict between the Conflicted Parties; and
IV. The long history shared by the Conflicted Parties and the complexity of their relations;

HAVE DECIDED AND AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1 – Cessation of Hostilities
(1) All land, sea and air forces of the Conflicted Parties, and all irregular forces affiliated therewith, shall immediately cease all military operations and withdraw to the territory controlled by them, in accordance with Article 2 of this Treaty.
(2) The Conflicted Parties shall call upon their allies to not engage in any hostile acts against each other, nor shall the Conflicted Parties permit any third party to station troops on their territory with the intent to harm the other.

Article 2 – Territorial Changes
The Province of Santi Apostoli and the Province of Antiochia except for the entirety of the Antiochia Metropolitan Region (collectively, the “Ceded Territories”) shall be ceded by Radilo to Pelasgia. In return, Pelasgia shall recognize full Radilan sovereignty over the remainder of Aresura (the “Remaining Territories”) and forever renounce any and all claims thereto.

Article 3 – Population Exchange
(1) From the date that this Treaty is ratified by both parties and until one (1) full calendar year thereafter, all citizens of Radilo residing permanently in Aresura who wish to move to (i) the Ceded Territories from the Remaining Territories or (ii) to the Remaining Territories from the Ceded Territories shall have to right to do so without any harm or obstruction from any party.
(2) All citizens of Radilo who move from the Remaining Territories to the Ceded Territories shall lose their Radilan citizenship in favour of Pelasgian citizenship.
(3) All citizens affected by the provisions of this Article shall be entitled to bring with them all of their movable property, at a reasonable cost subsidized by Pelasgia. They will lose all rights to their immovable property in the part of Aresura that they left, and they will be compensated with equivalent property in the part of Aresura that they moved to. The property will be transferred to other persons moving in the opposite direction or sold, and any difference shall be made up at the expense of Pelasgia, to be calculated based on the fair market value of the property.
(4) To observe the execution of the provisions of this Article, an International Commission for the Aresuran Population Exchange (hereinafter, the “Commission”) made up equally of representatives from all the High Contracting Parties will be established.

Article 4 – Acceptance of Responsibility; Reparations
(1) Pelasgia shall accept full moral responsibility for the Conflict in Aresura and the Eastern Meridian, including its acknowledgement of that the conduct of forces affiliated with the State Security Service of the Pelasgian Empire did, at various times, violate the rules of war and the peremptory norms of international humanitarian law. Pelasgia also recognizes that its attack upon Radilo without a formal declaration of war violated international law, overcoming any legitimate grievances that Pelasgia might have held against Radilo.
(2) In light of its moral culpability for the conflict, Pelasgia shall make full compensation to Radilo for the loss of life and the destruction of property caused by the conflict. Moreover, Pelasgia shall bear the full cost of any territorial changes and population shifts associated with the provisions of this Treaty.

Article 5 – Holding War Criminals to Account
(1) In accordance with the provisions of Article 4 of this Treaty, Pelasgia shall arrest and surrender to Radilo for trial any and all persons accused of crimes against humanity, war crimes or other violations of international humanitarian law.
(2) In order to determine who the persons contemplated in Part (1) of this Article are, an International Investigative Council (the “Investigative Council”) shall be set up, made up equally of representatives from all the High Contracting Parties.
(3) Where any persons accused or suspected of crimes under this Article have fled the territory or control of Pelasgia, Pelasgia shall make every reasonable effort to deliver them or to cause them to be delivered to the custody of Radilo.
(4) All Radilan judicial instruments and decisions made under this Article shall be given full faith and credit by the Pelasgian Judiciary, provided that they are verified by the Investigative Council.

Article 6 – Prisoner Exchanges; Restoration of Diplomatic Ties; Return of Remains
(1) All prisoners of war, detainees, interned persons and other individuals deprived of their liberty for whatever reason by either of the Conflicted Parties that are nationals, citizens, protected persons or military personnel of the other shall be returned to the latter Conflicted Party. In the case of persons so deprived for ordinary violations of the penal law, they shall be returned, conditional upon serving their sentence, except where both parties agree that the violation in question was of a minor or political nature, or that it was a natural result of the hardship caused by the conflict. To facilitate this exchange, a Special Liaison System (the “Special Liaison”) shall be set up between the Conflicted Parties.
(2) The High Contracting Parties shall restore full diplomatic ties between them. They shall re-establish and re-accredit diplomatic missions shut down because of the conflict, and they shall return all detained persons, seized property and seized funds to one another, where possible. Normal, peacetime trade and travel between them shall be re-established, as it existed prior to the conflict. The export of natural resources from Aresura to the High Contracting Parties shall also resume in the same fashion, mutatis mutandis. Pelasgia shall apologise to Radilo for the unjustified severing of its ties therewith.
(3) The Conflicted Parties shall return to one another the remains and personal effects of their dead from the conflict, to the extent possible, forthwith and with due respect.

Article 7 – Meridian Union Membership; Pelasgia to leave the Pressburg Pact
(1) Pelasgia shall take all reasonable steps to align its economy, society and political system with the standards of the Meridian Union and it shall promptly seek membership thereto. Radilo shall not oppose and shall actively support Pelasgia’s application to the Meridian Union, provided that Pelasgia abides by its obligations under this Article and the rest of this Treaty.
(2) In keeping with its intent to join the Meridian Union, Pelasgia shall leave the Pressburg Pact and notify its allies to withdraw any and all military forces and assets from its territory as soon as possible.

Article 8 – Guarantee
(1) The Interceding Parties shall undertake to guarantee the enforcement and execution of this Treaty and to safeguard the Conflicted Parties from any external threat during the enforcement and execution of this Treaty.
(2) The Conflicted Parties shall do everything in their power to assist and accommodate the Interceding Parties in the fulfillment of their duty under Part (1) of this Article.

Article 9 – Operating Provisions
(1) This Treaty shall be interpreted as a whole.
(2) No modification may be made to this Treaty without the express, written consent of all the High Contracting Parties. Where obligations in this Treaty concern solely the Conflicted Parties, they make mutually consent in writing to modify them.
(3) Versions of this Treaty shall exist in the primary official language or languages of each of the High Contracting Parties and of Thaumantica. All versions of this Treaty are equally and fully valid. In case of conflict or disagreement, the Enghwal version shall predominate.
(4) This Treaty shall bind all successors of the High Contracting Parties.
(5) This Treaty must be ratified by the Conflicted Parties within one (1) month of its execution and by the Interceding Parties within one (1) year of its execution in order to be valid.
(6) Any disputes arising from this Treaty shall be settled via means of Arbitration in the Arbitral Courts of Vrijpoort.
(7) All terms and clauses in this Treaty shall be interpreted according to their standard grammatical meaning and construction, in keeping with the fundamental principles of International Law and the general rules of contractual interpretation.
(8) Any failure of one party to meet its obligations absolves the other parties to this Treaty with respect to their obligations to that party until its compliance is restored.
(9) If any party wishes to denounce this Treaty, it must give one (1) year’s notice to the other parties. Nevertheless, the Conflicted Parties may not denounce this Treaty, except in keeping with the notice requirements of this Part and following one (1) year’s breach by the other Conflicted Party and following a refusal of the said party to attend mandatory Arbitration under Part (6) of this Article.
(10) This Treaty shall be deposited for safekeeping with Thaumantica, and copies shall be distributed to each of the High Contracting Parties.

DONE IN VESPER, CANTIGNIA ON [____], 2024.​

 

[Pelasgia]

Alexiades and Notaras read through the document, and though their faces were quite stoic, the response was overwhelmingly positive. "We have no edits to recommend. The agreement is perfectly acceptable to us as proposed."

Saying that, the two leading Pelasgian delegates affixed their names to the document.​

---

FOR THE PELASGIAN EMPIRE

Ἀδαμάντιος ὁ Ἀλεξιάδης
Adamantios Alexiades, Magister of the Ambassadors

Ἀλέξιος ὁ Νοταρᾶς
Rear Adm. Alexios Notaras (P.I.N.)

 

[Thaumantica]

Very much internal character that will not address international maters post so please ignore

Tharawal Damperod monitored with half of his mind the peace arrangement and with the other his Democratic Revivalal race which would culminate this Easter Sunday. The Engwahlians, those idiots, would want him now to press on the Radilan point of war criminal investigations but he would not. A Nievishman might lecture, bemoan, and threaten over events sometime past. Instead Tharwawal of the Wilurae began to cry for there was a chance now that Thaumantica might end its draft in Cantignia, then Engwahl and Nieveland, and dance the peacefoot it forgot after favoring its stomping warfoot.

"So marked on behalf of the Thaumantic Order." Damperod said, drawing out the same symbol affixed to horse and cattle on his generational ranch. A server then tapped him on the shoulder and whispered, tugged, then pressed a whisper for a few nearby to hear "Caitekurke calls!"

The Alderman strolled out, accepted a Clover SmartBlock, then stood for awhile while the Nievish server watched him waste her Almskeeper's time with consternation. Damperod did not budge until one of the Nievishwomen stomped over and pressed the phone up into is ear and shouted "he's quite with ye Laird Almskeeper!"

"And so I am, hello Laird MacBain - afraid I'll never have the title . ." Tharawal pointed angrily as a message of MacBain's vestigial royal past.

"Why hello there, connecting you now to the Almskeeper - please be so very patient, there's a bit of a blizzard up-Nievie if ye can understand?" a secretary screened.

Damperod went white nearly, thinking he was gaming MacBain's wasted moments while he was now waiting.

"Hello, Mister Tharawal? that same female voiced returned, "Our Dear Laird is so intensely engaged right now, Mister Thamperod can you hear me or are we losing you?"

"I hear ye . ." Tharawal replied.

"And so, such a great work doing down-Cannie, and the Laird of Alms wants to make sure ye'make a fair win this Revival don't we?" the voice explained with some sputtering in and out from the Order's poor satellites.

"We do," Tharawal replied, "be sure his confidence is posted with those Cannie-ones deployed up-North!" he growled.

"The post such as it is," the woman on the other end laughed in chitters with Nievishness that enraged Tharawal ". . a Pressburg Pirate might sink your polls!"

Tharawal walked outside and sat in the grass before saying: "I will be the next Almskeeper of the Grand Covenant and MacBain will hear me, I am waiting dear Lass."

Not more than a moment or two passed before MacBain picked up and said "Laird Tharawal, I need a good man like you here in Caitekurke. How are things at the foreign-one's conference?"

"A white man, these lads and lassies, they have made their marks for peace. And Laird?" Tharawal replied then asked before continuing "I see you!"

 

[Radilo]

Ellie and Serviliano nodded to eachother, then Ellie made a subtle sign of the cross.

"This outcome is acceptable to us as well."


FOR THE MOST SERENE REPUBLIC OF RADILA

Eloisa Vecchio
High Commissioner

Serviliano Croce
Ambassador Emeritus

 

[The Federation]

Denton Graves stood and spoke, "let this be the example to all what can be accomplished when there is a strong desire for peace."

FOR THE FEDERATION OF WESTERNESSE

Denton Graves
Federation Secretary of State

 

[Josepania]

Pleased to see that both warring parties and the Federation had signed the drafted treaty with no complaint or dispute, Ambassador Rocha quietly added his own signature to forever engrave Josepania's contribution to global peace.

FOR THE OCCIDENTAL REPUBLIC OF JOSEPANIA

Manuel Rocha
Ambassador of the Occidental Republic