A Tense meeting

[Fulanistan]

Prime Minister Van Der Berg looked out her office window to the protest-filled streets below. Everywhere she looked she saw the red flag of the FLF. Behind her several soldiers gathered important documents and items to bring to the secret transports underneath Central Government Bloc in Al Azir. They were being moved to a Government stronghold in the far west of the country, where Van Der Berg would also be meeting President Joost van Randburg to discuss the future of the commonwealth. He would be arriving tomorrow, but Van Der Berg was leaving on the last train out of Al Azir. The train pulled into the facility, where Van Der Berg was brought to her sleeping quarters for tonight. She had a big day ahead of her.

 

[Batavië]

You must be registered for see links

The Griffin had, up until now, only been used for the PM and the Foreign Minister. Today it was being used to bring President Joost van Randburg to Fulanistan. The ten hour flight had given him plenty of time to catch up on sleep and read some more information about the country. When it finally landed in Al Azir he exited the plane along with his staff, security and travelling press crew. He had invited AP and Reuters to tag along, too.

He was informed upon landing that the Fulani Prime Minister was outside the city and so a caravan of vehicles was brought over. Van Randburg requested a coach bus and a group of black cars. They request was, of course, fulfilled.

He had another few hours to read the local papers, the Dutch ones, for now. His Arabic lessons began upon his return home and he was looking forward to them, although a bit nervous. Driving along the road he would occasionally look out the window into the desert. Not much to see. Finally they arrived at this more remote location.

He exited the bus and immediately shed his suit jacket and rolled up his shirt sleeves. It was unbelievably hot...scorching even for him.

'Madam Van Der Berg, a sincere pleasure to meet you and thank you for hosting me on such short notice. We have much to discuss and I hope that we can return to the cities at some point, despite the current situation. I want to meet and interact with the people. It is the only hope we have to remedy the frustrations and show them my true purpose here, to be a unifying figure, not some leader from across the seas.'

 

[Fulanistan]

"We thank you for coming to our country. We are sorry that times are so turbulent and that we cannot enter the cities and towns, but it is too dangerous at this time. We are excited to be meeting with you so we can discuss the Commonwealth and how it affects both of us. Would you like to start?"

Prime Minister Van Den Berg moved towards the long meeting table and sat down, followed by the Batavian Diplomats.

 

[Batavië]

The President looked disappointed at this news, that he would not be able to travel into the cities.

'Perhaps some smaller villages, then, or a secure venue in one of the cities.'

He sat down and got comfortable. 'I am anxious to see who your government has put on the list for Governor Generals, but before we get to that matter we have a major domestic and international image crisis on our hands. The reason that I want to go and meet and speak with the people is to show them what my purpose here is and what the Commonwealth will do for them. Better trade, cultural and educational links, the removal of visa restrictions, the ability to travel between countries for work very smoothly. There are no drawbacks whatsoever, just benefits. People don't understand that. If they see me on television explaining that to a common person concerned with the whole ordeal, they might have a change of heart or at least calm down.'

He accepted a glass of water from the server and replenished himself. The heat was arduous on him, but he was going to have to adjust.

'So, tell me what I can do in regards to this. It is essential for stability here in Fulanistan that I have access to the public and vice versa.'

 

[Fulanistan]

"I agree it is a good idea to speak to the people at some point, however the safety risk at present is much to great, even in areas with a strong Batavian population. If the situation calms, you are welcome back at anytime to speak to the people."

Van Der Berg flips through her notes looking for something to say. She reaches a small note card about public image.

"The image of the commonwealth has been very negative so far, with many countries in Himyar refusing to recognize our decison, as well as the reaction of the public. We are extremely worried that this reaction could lead to the collapse of Fulanistan and the Commonwealth. What are your thoughts?"

 

[Batavië]

Van Randburg didn't feel as though this was going anywhere.

'Well, to be quite frank, as I have said, I think the only way to calm the people here in Fulanistan and then eventually all of Himyar is to get me with some people. Surely there must be a hotel or convention centre where you can gather some Batavian Fulanistanis and some Arab citizens as well, do a security check and get me in there to talk with them, cameras rolling. I have a chat, here their concerns, explain it to them in plane words and we begin our solution process. Only a few hundred. Manageable, in a smaller city, perhaps.'

He finished his third glass of water.

'Honestly that is all I can suggest right now. We cannot fight this backlash with force. That's what they want us to do. Hajr will have a field day with it and we will never have a chance at repairing these relations.'

 

[Fulanistan]

"There is the possibility of Holding a tightly secured public meeting. Such an event would have to be held at a government building where we can ensure no citizen can bring in anything unwanted. The Nahedia Town Hall could work as a good place, it is a small rural town with one of the highest supported Commonwealth populations in the country."

Van Der Berg calls over an assistant to get information for President Van Randburg about Nahedia.

 

[Batavië]

'That sounds excellent. But please, make sure there are Arabs as well as people against the commonwealth present in the audience. As long as they are not violent then I want to hear them speak. We can have a civil discussion about it and help people better understand.'

His fourth glass of water arrived and soon he was going to have to ask for a washroom.

'Now, in the meantime while your people set up this meaning, please show me your list of prospective Governor Generals.'

 

[Fulanistan]

Van Der Berg pulls out two portfolios from her bag and places them on the table.

"We have chosen two candidates for Governor General. We feel they best represent Fulanistan, and they would both be suitable candidates."

The Portfolio Reads:

You must be registered for see images

Erik Korteweg
Born: April 5th 1964
Birthplace: Zandburg, Zandalia Province, Fulanistan
Employment:
Premier of Zandalia Province 1998-2004
Domestic Affairs Minister 2005-2010

You must be registered for see images

Ferial Al Jeddar
Born: December 2nd 1954
Birthplace: New Medina, Himyarland Special Administrative Region, Fulanistan
Employment:
Mayor of New Medina, Himyarland SAR 1992-2004
One Love Foundation Charity President 1995-Present

 

[Batavië]

Van Randburg looked through the portfolios. He set them down and removed his glasses.

'As you know the Batavian embassy in Hajr has offered an appeasement to the gathered governments there. A step back for our idea. Instead of a commonwealth, a special cooperation organisation. Essentially the same thing, same purposes and tasks, but I would not become head of state. I would still be involved in projects, of course. These Governor General candidates would instead be called something else. Perhaps the Secretary of the Batavia-Fulanistan Cooperation Organisation.'

Van Randburg could see the surprise, disappointment even. But he knew they had no choice if they wanted to prevent a huge backlash from Himyar and severe consequences.

'Perhaps one day, with full public support, we can do what we originally set out to do. Until then, I think this is our best option. I want to know what you think.'

 

[Fulanistan]

"Personally I fully agree with such a plan. However I feel we should consult the Fulani people first, and hold a vote. This would show if the people are truly interested in such an idea and would prove to other nations that we are indeed interested."

 

[Batavië]

'Well, I am glad that we see eye to eye. How soon can you organise a vote? The sooner the better. It is entirely in your hands.'

 

[Fulanistan]

Prime Minister Van Der Berg whispers to the Deputy Prime Minister about the referendum.

"I think the best possible date will be this Sunday. That gives us enough time to prepare, and gives both sides a chance to make their point."

 

[Batavië]

With the referendum now over and Van den Berg resigned and off to Batavië to 'visit family', President Van Randburg had been moved to the city of Zandburg. He insisted to be among the people. The largest city of Fulanistan also contained a high concentration of Dutch-speaking Fulanistanis, yet there were plenty of Arabs. His presence was not yet made public and his hotel, one of the nicest in town, was being watched by plane clothes police from Fulanistan.

He was inside his suite with the television on. The Dutch-language news channel kept repeating the latest national news: PM Van den Berg Resigns! What Lies Ahead?

He muted it and brought his coffee cup outside to the terrace. He looked out into the city, enjoying the breeze, the view, the bustling people. Arabs and those of Batavia decent, mixed race, all mingling together in one city. He found it mesmerising. Batavië, having been closed off for so many decades, had a pure population. That wasn't be right word, more like a single population. With Immigration Batavia now beginning an enormous refugee programme, scores of Wazis, Shinese, Barazis and now even Jozhouans were pouring in to Vlaanderen International Airport. Handed cheques, an address for a cheap flat and a second address for a factory job, they could lead safe lives, mostly better, too, than what they had, but nothing glamorous.

The phone inside the room rang and President Van Randburg ended his thoughts and went inside to pick up the receiver. He sat in the lounge chair by the window.

'Ja, met Joost.' he said. 'Ah, hallo meneer. Ja, alstublieft kom binnen. We moeten praten!..Vijf minuten? Prima!' (Yes, with Joost. Ah, hello sir. Yes, please come inside. We need to have a chat! Five minutes?...Perfect!')

He heard the tap at the door and opened it to find the Batavian chargé d'affaires to Fulanistan. The ambassador, to be appointed by President Van Randburg, had not yet been selected, and probably wouldn't for some time if the governmental situation in Al Azir remained as was, unpredictable.

'Ga zitten.' he motioned to the terrace. 'Ik wil buiten praten als dat goed voor je is?' (Take a seat. I want to talk outside if that is all right with you?')

'Geen probleem, meneer president. Vandaag is so mooi, maar heet, hé?' (No problem, Mr President. Today is so beautful, but hot, eh?)

Van Randburg nodded his head in agreement. Luckily for them the sun was now shining on the other side of the building, leaving them to enjoy the breezy shade.

'I wouldn't normally call you up to me, but I heard that you were outside of Al Azir today checking on the consulate down here in Zandburg. Look, we have some issues, as you know. The referendum...whatever' Van Randburg waved his hand at the mention of the word. 'We knew it would happen, that's fine. The government here is unstable. The last thing that we want is some extreme party, right or left, taking power. I need to speak with the moderate party leaders. Get a hold of them and tell them that I would like to meet with them at this hotel in the conference room as soon as possible. We need to discuss campaigning, funding, all that stuff. I also want a representative from this newest government to see me today. Can you do all of that?'

Chargé d'affaires Geert de Gek nodded as he set down his glass of water.

'Of course. I've been keeping an eye on things. If we spend a decent amount on television, radio and print adverts, we can get them to vote more towards the centre parties. We've got people fluent in Arabic at the consulate and embassy. We can coordinate with the centrist parties and see what they can put together. The Dutch-speaking vote is pretty much settled. They'll vote centre, as far as I know.'

'Good, then we'll catch up after I have these meetings. Thanks again, Geert.' They rose and the President led him to the door. As he was closing the door, he stopped and called out down the hall, 'Oh and Geert! If you manage this right you'll get accreditations no problem!'

 

[Fulanistan]

President Hafez Al-Nahed was brought to the International Business Hotel in Zandburg to meet President Van Randburg for the first time. It was going to be a private meeting to touch up on the current situation. Hafez stepped out of his Limousine and into the Hotel towards the elevator. He was rushed up with his guards to a small conference room on the 30th floor.

Hafez stepped out of the elevator into the long hallway. It was bright with the morning sun shining in at both ends of the hall. He passed a maid with her cart on the way to the conference room. The look on her face was one of interest. He entered the conference room were President Van Randburg sat on a couch watching International News in Dutch. He quickly fumbled and turned the TV off gathering his composure. Hafez sat on a chair next to the couch and began to speak.

"Hello President Van Randburg, It is a pleasure to meet with you today. I would like to hear your thoughts on the recent PDC Party split and how it might affect our relationship and future."

 

[Batavië]

Van Randburg shook Al Nahed's hand and sat back down.

'So good of you to come, I appreciate it. It's funny, you know, I have spent more time in Fulanistan as President of Batavië than I have in Batavië itself!' he chuckled at the thought.

'Yes, this PDC split is breaking news, certainly breaking. I am not too surprised, but I am glad, to be quite frank and honest with you. Communism is not the way to go.' He stressed this very heavily.

'Seriously, just look at Batavië. We just ended over 60 years of brutal communist, tyrannical rule. It will kill the economy, harm the people and dissolve most of Fulanistan's international relations. Moderate socialism is a better alternative. Capitalistic elements should be preserved, in my opinion.'

He sighed and lent forwards.

'The PDC split just made it a hundred times more difficult for De Keizer to win the elections. His voters will be confused. Who will they vote for? They won't know. This is where we can step in. Massive campaigning and advertising. Billboards, radio, television, newspapers and magazines. Bombard the populace, Dutch-speaking and Arab, with reasons to vote against De Keizer. Explain to them how a growing economy, job security and a brighter future will not be achieved with communism.'

He sat back again on the couch and crossed his legs.

'And, so long as it is not against any local laws, allow us to help fund this advertising campaign. Then ask for election observers, maybe from the EDF. They have been good to us with their peacekeeping mission, I would trust them to ensure a smooth election. The bottom line is this: if you want Fulanistan to remain prosperous and connected with the international community, it has to avoid a nut like De Keizer.'