Al A'raf Conference on the Fulanistan Crisis (Closed Doors)

[Hesperia]

Grand Conference Chamber
Diwan of Foreign Affairs
Sultan Harun Palace, 4 Sultan Faisal Road,
Al A’raf, Sultanate of Hajr

The Grand Conference Chamber had originally been built to serve as the office of the Franconian Resident, the pseudo-ambassador who was, in fact, the most powerful man in the Sultanate during the colonial era. When the Residency Palace had been abandoned as the Franconians had withdrawn from their protectorate as a whole, it was rechristened the Sultan Harun Palace, named after the progenitor of the current line of Sultans, and was given to the newly created Diwan of Foreign Affairs, symbol of the newly re-won independence of Hajr.

The Resident’s office chamber, with its superb view of the lake on which Al A’raf was situated, with the mountains looming in the distance, now served as the place where the Sultanate received foreign diplomats for major conferences. At its center, the large expanse of the marble floor was dominated by a long mahogany table that stretched a good deal of the chamber’s length.

At this table were gathered as unlikely a group of diplomats as any imaginable: the nations of Himyar. Hajri officials had managed to bring together some of the fiercest rivals and dedicated enemies in all of Europe, and all for one issue: the Fulanistan crisis.

The Batavian attempt to unify former colony and former overlord in a political union had roused the ire of almost the entire continent. The sudden and unexpected move had caught many napping, and morning tempers were rife. Foreign meddling in the Southern Hemisphere would not be tolerated.

Thus it was that Ali ibn Maktoum al-Ma’muni, effectively the Hajri foreign minister (though officially the post was the Sultan’s), addressed the representatives of Wazistan, Frescania, Axum, Talemantros, and Akhaltsikhe. He had never expected to even meet a Wazi diplomat—let alone one from Akhaltsikhe, so deeply hated by the Arabs. Never say never, then, was his wry thought.

“Fellow Himyarites, let me open our meeting, by saying that I am most thankful for your presence. All of us are aware of the differences that separate us. None of us, I think, could have predicted this conference, unifying all of our nations, even a month ago. Many of our nations still have outstanding, nigh on irreconcilable differences at this time.

“Nevertheless we are all gathered here. We, the nations of Himyar, are here to formulate a common response to the crisis, to show the world that our business is ours alone, and nobody else’s.”

Ending his short speech, al-Ma’muni set the agenda for the summit. The Hajris had prepared several points of discussion:

• The position of the attending Powers regarding the Fulanistan Crisis;
• The formulation of a joint statement, containing the agreed-on mutual Himyarite position, on the crisis, by the attending Parties;
• Sanctions in the case of a Batavian rejection of the joint statement;
• Bringing Fulanistan into the united Himyarite front;
• Ensuring regional unity in regards to the crisis.

As the representative of the organizing Power, al-Ma’muni took the opportunity to elaborate on the Sultanate’s positions regarding the points on the agenda.

“Our position, gentlemen, regarding the crisis is that the Batavian Commonwealth is an unacceptable intrusion upon the inviolable sovereignty of an independent Himyarite nation. His Majesty the Sultan is of the opinion that Batavia must unconditionally withdraw its claim to the position of head-of-state of Fulanistan. Having done so, the so-called Batavian Commonwealth will no longer exist except in theory. Himyar must, in our eyes, take this position, in order to establish once and for all that this type of behavior towards our continent is completely and totally unacceptable.

“As a result, Hajr argues that we should formulate the joint statement, to be released upon the conclusion of this summit, with the following points in mind: the inviolable sovereignty of every Himyarite nation, Fulanistan in particular; the unconditional demand that Batavia withdraw its claims on Fulanistan; the offer to Batavia of a diplomatic conference in which it and the nations of Himyar—Fulanistan included—will attempt to settle their differences; and finally the warning that the failure of diplomacy will result in sanctions by the nations of Himyar.”

The Hajri minister took a quick drink of water before continuing. “This brings us to our position in regards to possible sanctions, which, in our eyes, must be enacted if Batavia fails to comply with our demands. As a major oil producer as well as exporter, we ensure our fellow attending Parties that we will enact a total and uncompromising oil embargo on the Batavian Republic if they refuse to cooperate. We call on our fellow Himyarite oil producers to adopt the same policy, if need be. In addition, we call on those Himyarites who do not possess oil industries of importance to prepare economic sanctions of a different kind, and enact them if the need arises.

“On the issue of Fulanistan’s inclusion into our regional front of unity, His Majesty the Sultan is of the opinion that we must ensure that the voice of the Fulani people is heard in this matter. Our coming joint statement, or any future ones, will greatly benefit if the signature of a major Fulani political figure is added to it.

“Finally, the Sultanate is adamant that this assembly of nations must remain unified until the crisis has been resolved. We therefore propose that, upon concluding this summit, our assembled nations agree to a future conference, to be held within a reasonable amount of time in another capital of Himyar, to discuss new developments in the crisis, review how far we have come in achieving our goals, and, generally speaking, to keep regional dialogue on the issue alive.”

Al-Ma’muni fell silent for a moment, shifting in his traditional robes. “We invite our fellow Himyarites to communicate their positions on the points on the agenda.”

 

[Clarenthia]

“Before I go begin, I’d like to point out just how momentous this meeting truly is. It is not often that the nations of Himyar can come together, all with the same opinion in mind to formulate a united response.

Now, I’d like to applaud the efforts of the nation of Hajr in calling this meeting. What happened in Fulanistan is nothing more than a new brand of colonialism, what concerns us even more is the willingness of Fulanistan to go through with this, which leads us to believe they didn’t understand the hidden agenda.

Batavië claims that this is merely a cultural thing, to increase the relations between the two nations. This concerns our nation as well considering that there are other ways to pursue diplomatic relations with a nation. Never before have I seen a nation sign away its independence for the sole purpose of increased diplomatic and cultural ties. It all just seems strange and suspicious to us. But ultimately, this meeting can only produce words unless we add something that can actually be done, and that’s where the embargos come in.

Akhaltsikhe –“he paused for dramatic effect “agrees and supports Hajr with their proposal to put an oil embargo onto the nation of Batavië. Although Akhaltsikhe is not a major importer of Batavië nor is she a major exporter to Batavië, we will also place an embargo onto the nation.”

The Akhaltsikhi Minister paused for a moment, to give a break from his speech. “I agree that a signature from Fulanistan will greatly increase our cause, but I doubt it’ll ever happen. I’m also concerned with the possibility that Batavië will not react positively to our resolve and there will be an immensely increased tension between the Himyari States and Batavië’s allies, but that, I suppose, is a thing to worry about later.”

 

[Fulanistan]

The Grey SUV pulled up to Grand Conference Chamber. Abdul De Keizer was quickly rushed inside to the already in session meeting. He quickly took his place beside his two assistants at the meeting table.

"Excuse me for being so late, I was only notified of this meeting at the last minute. Anyway, lets begin our discussion."

Abdul opens up his Ipad and brings up his arguments page.

"My position on the current issue in my country is that the commonwealth is illegitimate and it does not represent the wishes of the people and therefore must be stopped. Our people were not consulted whatsoever, and while initially mildly popular, we have seen that it is a gateway to allow former state-owned companies to be sold off to Batavian investors to stimulate the economy in Batavia after the downfall of communism there.

We as a people will not allow this to happen, and we seek to peacefully and democratically overthrow the puppet government of our country and establish a peaceful people's republic in our land. We see Himyar as a family, and we wish to be part of that family again."

 

[Axum]

Seeing the Fulani representative take his seat Ras-Leul Teferi Negasi decided now was as good a time as any to make his statement. Clearing his throat, he began: "The position of the Atse and the Empire is simple. There is no commonwealth between Batavie and Fulanistan. Furthermore the current government of Fulanistan having colluded with the Batavien's in the takeover of their country have rendered themselves little more than an occupational authority and can no longer be considered the legitimate leaders of Fulanistan."

"As to the terms proposed by our Hajiri hosts, In my mind these are acceptable and necessary steps. I propose an additional one whoever, all nations present should agree to enact a diplomatic embargo of the government of Fulanistan. We should not in any way legitimize the current Batavien puppet regime. Any communication should be arranged and conducted through a neutral intermediary."

"Finally at risk of being seen as premature I would like to put forward Axum, capital of the Empire and the ancient kingdom of Tigray, as a possible site for the future meeting."

 

[Frescania]

Pedro Villas took another looked at the propositions made by al-Ma’muni and the one send to him by Fortaleza Real. The ambassador to Hajr expected difference in the approach to the situation, but not to the extend it had happened. He took a sip of water and gave a few papers to his aide, whom was having troubles with the translation machines. Villas smiled, his second language was none other than the native tongue of the Sultanate.

He turned on his microphone and tapped it two times to check it was working, then put his glasses on.

“Esteem representatives;

First of all, I would like to thank Mr. al-Ma’muni for organizing this conference and I am happy to see all the Himyar nations participate on a regional problem through diplomatic channels.

The Frescanian Government agrees that any type of imperialism or colonialism has to end in Himyar, and a unitied response to the Batavian Republic has to be send.”

He stopped for a second after saying those last words. He had just realized the Government never recognized the so call Republic of Batavia, or for that matter stopped recognizing Communist Batavia.

“We agree with the Sultanate that in case of refusal by Batavia, we should begin sanctions. Having said that, I would recommend that we should begin in some way, working with the Council of Nations on this situation. If we do being an embargo, I will let all of you present the steps Frescania will be taking. We also hope Fulanistan can be re incorporated into Himyar as an independent state, and we hope future meetings between all our nations can continue to solve not only this problem, but also any other issues that could dismantle this unity we see her today.”

 

[Axum]

"The Council of Nations will do nothing but drag us down with unnecessary bureaucracy. This is a challenge for Himyar and it deserves a Himyarite solution."

 

[Taley]

"I believe we are getting ahead of ourselves. Everyone appears to be fuming at the teeth waiting to be let off their lease to bite. If we continue to follow this trend of thinking soon someone will be suggesting that we forcibly remove the Fulanistan government. We need to look at this situation as objectively as possible."

Being calm and level-headed was Secretary of Commerce Ottavia Questi's trade mark and with the recent statements by the states current assembled the empire and Chancellor thought it would be best if Ms. Questi represented the empire's voice.

"Lets look at the situation, there was not coup, no war, no invasion, no assassinations and no bloodshed. What we have here is a peaceful decision by too states. My government agrees with everyone here about the situation and that this commonwealth should not be formed. However, if this Commonwealth has the support of Fulanistan then who are we to dictate to a sovereign nation what path they wish to take. If we do then we are no better than what we are accusing Batavie of doing. We believe that we here lack appropriate information to make a solid decision. First we must obtain that information, more specifically the temperament of the Fulanistani people.

Any statement should be one of welcome and peace not threats. The group of us acting like the bullies on the block will get us no where and only fuel support for our opponents. In this statement the Talemantine Empire will suggest that we support the free will of all the people of Himyar. That we recognize the right of any state to pursue its own destiny.

We then encourage and insist that a public referendum be held in Fulanistan on the issue of the commonwealth with all due haste. This referendum will be observed by our states or a CN commission and that all Fulanistani citizens be allowed to participate in the referendum. If the referendum fails then the commonwealth be dissolved and we will insist that immediate elections be held in Fulanistan to replace the current government with a new one.

Then a promise that a refusal of the declaration by either Fulanistan or Batavie will result in further action. We also place a 48 or 72 hour ultimatum on this declaration. We don't say what action since we do not wish to show Batavie our cards. Then we wait to see what they do and when they decide we meet back here to reevaluate our position.

Simply put the empire is not willing to jump straight to sanctions or more further escalations of an already tense situation. We should continue to explore the less aggressive alternative routes to our goal."

 

[Batavië]

A page walked into the room bearing an envelope, which was placed onto the table for the head of the conference to open and read. The letter was on the office stationary of the Batavian embassy in Hajr.

TO: The Gathering of Himyarite Governments Meeting in Hajr
FROM: Ambassador to Hajr, Henrik van Rijksdeel

I am well aware, as is the rest of the world, that a meeting regarding the proposed Batavian Commonwealth is taking place as this is being read. I am well aware, as are some media outlets, that requests for Batavië-Himyar talks were rejected. Regardless I have written to make an official offer even though I am not sure what is being discussed right now in your meeting.

Vlaanderen is aware that the majority of Himyarite governments are concerned with the decision of Fulanistan and Batavië to form a mutual commonwealth. Your governments have every right to be upset, worried and concerned. Your governments are likely discussing now a combined and unified response. I do not know what that response will be, but I am sure it will be potent.

The Government of Batavië is willing to concede one point: it did not properly access the repercussions of the formation of a commonwealth or the Himyarite perceptions. Therefore the Government of Batavië is prepared to halt the final movements to officially form the Batavian Commonwealth and instead choose an equally supportive cultural and socio-economic cooperative with Fulanistan on a much lower profile basis that does not involve head of state issues. The Government is also willing to apologise for acting a bit too quickly without concerned parties.

It is hoped that this will avoid unnecessary, disruptive and costly choices on both sides of this issue. A response from this meeting of Himyarite governments would be greatly appreciated and can be delivered by courier to the Batavian Republic's embassy in Hajr, at the embassy's expense.

Respectfully at the service of your governments,

His Excellency Ambassador Henrik van Rijksdeel

 

[Wazistan]

Naguib al-Azzawi watched intently as diplomats made their remarks on the Hajri-proposed agenda, on occasion exchanging brief comments with an aide sitting behind him. It was not lost upon the permanent secretary to the Frescanian Embassy that his presence in the Sultanate was nothing short of historic. Not since the days before the Islamic Revolution had a Wazi official set foot in the lands of the two Holy Mosques and he would hope that this alone would serve as a sign of the severity to the Batavians and international community in which the Himylarite nations viewed this crisis.

Once Ms. Questi completed her remarks, Al-Azzawi adjusted his microphone and began to make his statement.

"First off, I want to make it clear that the Islamic Republic strongly condemns this act of neo-colonialism and imperialism orchestrated by the Batavian government against the Fulanistani nation. The Commonwealth Act, hastily passed by a legislature without any input from the public or Himyarite community at large, should best serve as an example of the dangerous in which the Himyar continue to face from the West.

On the agenda items presented by the Hajri representative, I will say the Islamic Republic will strongly support any and all measures that will ensure the expulsion of the Batavians from our land and ensure that the West understand that any such future acts will never be tolerated again."

Having completed his remarks, Azzawi turned off his microphone and awaited further responses. Unlike his fellow representatives, Azzawi was aware it would not be appropriate to give too much praise to the Hajris. Despite collapse of the Islamic regime, many quarters of the government still remain suspicious of the Sultanate and its intentions, and Azzawi was warned to tread carefully during his stay in Al A’raf.

 

[Hesperia]

Grand Conference Chamber
Diwan of Foreign Affairs
Sultan Harun Palace, 4 Sultan Faisal Road,
Al A’raf, Sultanate of Hajr

Upon seeing the official Batavian government seal on the paper before him, al-Ma’muni quickly read the brief message put before him, as the other participants of the summit debated the agenda he had set. He was pleased that the storm the Sultanate and the other nations of Himyar had kicked up over the planned Commonwealth had apparently alarmed the Batavians to such an extent that they were willing to make very extensive concessions. No doubt fearing an oil embargo, he mused.

Nevertheless, he chose not to inform the other Parties at the conference of the note until after he had made his reply to the points made by his fellow delegates. He was especially irked by the Talemantine woman, Ottavia Questi, with her contrary proposals and her attempt to hijack the agenda he had set.

“I thank you, esteemed colleagues, for elucidating your position on the points of the agenda. I am pleased that we are generally united on the issue. Surely the historic nature of this fact escapes none of us.”

He looked at the Questi woman. “I shall reply, first, to the fair points made by Ms. Questi.” The hag. “I fear that I am of the opinion that it is the honored Talemantine delegate that has gotten ahead of matters. However, my esteemed colleague makes a fair point, when she touches upon the matter of the Fulani people’s opinion. Yet I am forced to wonder: has Ms. Questi forgotten that there is a representative of that Himyarite brother nation here? Mr. Abdul de Keizer.” al-Ma’muni nodded to the Fulani man, somewhat angered that his staff had apparently failed to properly announce his entrance, for the desired effect.

He was more annoyed by the Questi woman’s stubbornness, however. What was a woman even doing here? Did they send her to spite us? al-Ma’muni could not help but muse. “Mr. De Keizer has, I believe, satisfactorily addressed the matter of the Fulani people’s opinion. He is the leader of the opposition, he is a proud Fulani: his judgment can be trusted.

“The absolute right to self-rule and independence of the Himyarite nations is unquestioned. Mr. De Keizer represents the Fulani nation. The voice of Fulanistan is therefore present at this very table.

“In addition, Ms. Questi, I think all Powers present have agreed with the initial position of the Sultanate that sanctions are a tool that will only be used if the Batavians refuse our offer of dialogue, or if said dialogue collapses.”

al-Ma’muni took another sip of water. “That does not change the fact, however, that the honored Talemantine delegation, in my eyes, has made a very reasonable suggestion in proposing that we demand a referendum on the subject. However, the Sultanate is of the opinion that this demand must not be made in our joint, public statement, but rather to the Batavians and their allies in the current Fulani government, if and when we meet them in order to attempt a diplomatic solution to this crisis.

“This brings me to point two on the agenda of this summit: formulating a joint Himyarite statement on the crisis. The following positions must be in the statement, I think, on the account of being accepted by all Parties:

• The unconditional demand that the Batavian Commonwealth be dissolved;
• The offer to the Batavians and their allies in the current Fulani government of talks in order to resolve the crisis peacefully;
• The threat of sanctions, or, better formulated, ‘united Himyarite action,’ if this offer is refused;
• The absolute right to self-determination of the Fulani nation in particular, and the nations of Himyar in general.

“I will add, in reply to the concerns of my esteemed Talemantine colleague, that it is not likely that we will have to enact sanctions, considering the recent reports in the news of the Batavian opposition demanding dialogue with Himyar and the dismantling of the Commonwealth.

“In addition to these universally accepted elements, His Majesty the Sultan is of the opinion that a passage underlining the unity of Himyar must be included. This historic fact must be recognized by the world. Hajr also thinks that a demand for a referendum must be made, behind closed doors, if and when the Batavians agree to talks, and not in a public statement such as this one.

“We invite all fellow Himyarites to discuss the issue of the joint statement now.”

 

[Hesperia]

OOC: Ahum. *cough*

 

[Clarenthia]

"As I have informed, Fulanistan has begun with the Referendum that we have requested, so I believe that we should refrain from making any statement until the Fulani Referendum is done and they've made their decision. If it's a fair vote, then I believe Himyar as a whole would be acting improperly to initiate sanctions on a nation that has voted for what it wants."

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

"How can we expect a government that was willing to subjugate its people to colonial rule, to be holding a fair referendum about said subjugation?"

The Carentanian Commissar for Foreign Affairs was his usual bright and happy self, a gentle smile hiding the sharpness in his sudden comment.

"How can we expect a referendum to truly represent the will of the people, if its proponents have all the means to advertise their desired outcome? Let us face it, Batavie wishes to return to the colonial age and the Fulanistani elites are more than willing to become its pawns, bribed by the promise of power and wealth the position of a modern form of colonial beuraucracy can still offer. Either they will manipulate the outcome through fraud, through violent threats or through massive brainwashing of its population with lies and fraudulent promises, we can probably expect the referendum to pass.

But does it change anything about the nature of this commonwealth? Does it change the fact that it is an attempt by a nation suffering from internal strife and an economic restructuring to gain prestige and a better position on the world market for itself? Does it change anything about the fact that neo-colonialism at its best is at work here, attempting to utilize a foreign nation for domestic goals?

Carentania, at least, is unwilling to stand by as a monstrosity we already thought to be dying, namely Imperialism, raises its ugly face over Himyar. We will support a tough stance by the Himyarite nations on the issue and punitive sanctions."

 

[Hesperia]

"The Sultanate wishes to hear the words of Mr. De Keizer before continuing the debate."

 

[Axum]

"The Fulanistani referendum should be the subject of international observation if we are to accept it as legitimate."