Kalistani Major History

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Hundreds gather to Petition Government in Kaliburg
Nationalists and Brethrenists Request for change in Relationship with Lourenne
Kaliburg, Ananto
July 4, 4770


Nationalists joined with anti-militarists to request action of Liberation

A completely peaceful protest was held in downtown Kaliburg and was attended by more than 1000 demonstrators. The message of the protest was singular: "It is time to wish Lourenne well and return sovereignty to Kalistan." The protest was attended by both Nationalists, who have made peace with the Socialist Party and participated in recent elections as well as members of the Brethrenist faction which has dominated the Socialist Party for the last ten years.

"We have generally benefited from Lourenne's presence here in Kalistan. They've brought security and stability to Kalistan, which was needed to get us back on their feet," said one young protestor, "but I think its time to say 'bonjour, mes amis,' and invite them to return Kalistan's independence."

The protest was notably joined by several prominent socialist politicians, including the Mayor of Kaliburg, Anthony Wayne, who is the clerk of the influential Kaliburg Monthly Meeting, and 15 Socialist Deputies from across the Republic. Recent commentary in the Press supporting full independence has treaded a fine line between conciliation and reasonable argument, arguing that an independent Kalistan could unleash the full potential of the Republic, and could continue to provide the Canrillaise Empire a reliable ally in the Northern Anantonese Ocean.

"I hear what they are saying," said Foreign Minister Uxue Etxeberri. "I am quite impressed, personally, with the restraint exhibited so far by those who are calling for a change of status between the Republic and the Crown" She noted that most comments were clear that there was no objection to the condition of Kalistan's existence under the Lourennaise crown, but the initial cause of Lourenne's occupation no longer exist, and Kalistan is progressing both economically and in terms of security.

The protest included both a rally at Revolution Plaza before the National Assembly, an then a march to the Office of the Governor General, where protest leaders presented a petition signed by 25,000 Kalistanis from across the Republic asking for consideration of the cause of Change of Status. At presstime, the Governor General did not provide any comment on the protest or the petition, but foreign Minister Etxeberri sounded an optimistic note. "We had the occasion to discuss Kalistan's status with the Crown when we visited Eroncourt for the Queen's Funeral. From my impression, they were open to discussing the status of Kalistan, sooner, I believe, rather than later."

The Foreign Minister underscored her confidence that a peaceful change in status was not only possible, but likely in the near future. The messaging coming from the Government on this matter have gone a long way to ensure the peacefulness and lawfulness of the protests to date, as the people seem to share the FM's confidence. Another major contribution to the peace surrounding these protests is the recent joining of the movement by Brethrenists, who insist that the movement remain pacifistic and non-confrontational. As a result, the protests, of which the latest one was the largest, have adopted more of an air of a party and celebration rather than civil disorder.

The movement is expected to grow while the question remains unresolved.