Kalistani Major History

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Conti Addresses International Tension
Foreign Minister remarks on Kalistan's relations across Terra and the crises affecting our world
Kaliburg, Ananto
June 10, 4124


Foreign Affairs Minister and former President of the Republic Sophia Conti appears on The Evening Report

In her first major interview since becoming Foreign Affairs Minister as part of the first Labour-led government in decades, former President Sophia Conti has decried the 'provocative' and 'self-serving' behaviour of the government of New Endralon/Kizenia. The full transcript of her interview with national news anchor Gregor Dand.

(Gregor Dand, news anchor): Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to a special episode of The Evening Report! Tonight, I am delighted to have to alongside me, Kalistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Sophia Conti: at a time when international relations are severely strained. Minister Conti, welcome to the show.

(Sophia Conti): Thank you for letting me come on, Gregor.

D: Now, you have taken office at a time when relations between Kalistan and several other nations are being put under a lot of pressure. Most recently, the Confederation of New Endralon, Kizenia and Kuzakiului has declared war against drugs, one of Kalistan's most influential exports; this after the actions of Vanuku along the coast of Saridan. How do you respond to these two nations and what do you perceive their motives to be?

C: Firstly, I want everybody in Kalistan and across Terra to understand that in these deeply uncertain times, when it often seems as though darkness is lurking around every corner, Kalistan will always remain as a safe haven for the persecuted and victimised. Throughout the centuries when conflict has arisen, those who are in danger have always sought refuge in our great nation and it is now a deeply ingrained and integral part of who we are as a country and as a people. With regards to the specifics of the nations you mentioned, I have to be rather careful with what I say. In the case of Kizenia, it is apparent to me (and it should be apparent to everyone) that this is a nation which is desperately trying to secure power for itself. The NEPP, in particular, claim they speak for their population when in fact they cannot even manage to reach an agreement within their government! Their cowardly actions, to use Vanuku as a shield to protect themselves with, demonstrate how they are attempting to exploit a geopolitical crisis for the advancement of their self-serving agenda.

D: Do you not believe that their ambassador to the World Congress is correct when he says that Kalistan is trafficking drugs into nations where they are illegal?

C: Gregor, as I am sure you know, as Foreign Minister ODEN does not fall under my scope and so I cannot offer a comment on that matter. If you want my thoughts on the Confederation's ambassador then I won't be ashamed to tell you that I think he is a liar and I think he has grossly overestimated his position. This is a man who has called upon his nation's two closest allies, Hutori and Vanuku, to go to war with Kalistan! In what circumstances is that acceptable? Fortunately, I consider the leader's of those nations to be both rational and competent; I believe they will see that Kizenia is behaving in a way that is provocative and which threatens peace in Terra. Hopefully, they will speak to their ally and ensure that they understand the consequences of their actions and rhetoric.

D: The relationship between Vanuku and Kalistan is a mysterious one, to say the least, could you perhaps shed some light on whether you have spoken to the Vanukean government or whether you intend to do that?

C: Personally, I have had no direct contact with Vanuku so far but that is an option which we are exploring. One potential route which is being considered by the Foreign Affairs Ministry is that Kalistani and Vanukean delegates hold formal talks on a neutral ground. At this time, what I'm telling you is very much unconfirmed and we still need to contact our counterparts in Majatra- nonetheless- I don't think this is something that should be put off the table. One encouraging sign is a new relationship between Trigunia and Vanuku that we see blossoming. The Trigunian Empire, ruled discerningly by His Imperial Majesty, has been a close ally of Kalistan for many years- actually, I would even say it is Kalistan's closest ally in Terra today. If Kalistan and Vanuku are to reach an agreement in relation to Saridan, I feel Trigunia could be crucial in facilitating it.

D: Minister, for a number of years, most observers would agree that one of Kalistan's strongest international relationships was with the Celestial Empire of Indrala. Recently, the Empire has seen great turmoil and at one time it looked like they might abrogate the 'Indralan-Kalistani Fraternal Affinity Community'. What is the state of this relationship today?

C: Honestly? It is weak. You correctly referred to the complete turmoil which has engulfed the Indralan political system, first with the rise of the radical 'Socialist Worker's Party' and now with the similarly radical 'Dragon Faction. In these circumstances, it is testing for us because many nations want to engage with Kalistan, many want to do business and cut deals and if we are hampered by our past commitment to Indrala, well that is an issue. At the moment, for example, Indrala is considering the ratification of the 'Treaty of the Lion, the Tiger, and the Dragon Addendum: The Phoenix', in which Kalistan is explicitly stated to be part of Indrala's 'sphere of influence'. To me, that is repulsive! We are a sovereign nation and if we are to cooperate with other countries, it must be on an equal footing.

D: Finally, Minister, a word on domestic policy if you don't mind. A leaked memo from your office revealed that you and the Social Democrats were at loggerheads over a spending and taxation budget, can you explain that?

C: It would be inappropriate of me to delve into too much detail. The difference in opinion arose over taxation. In the Labour Party, we believe that citizens pay more than enough in tax and that the increases we wish to see- in defence spending particularly- should come from our surplus not from the wallets of our citizens. The Social Democrats would prefer otherwise.

D: Okay, well thank you for joining us Minsiter Conti!

C: Anytime, Gregor. Have a wonderful evening.