Kalistani Major History

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The People's Press
Presidential Rapprochement
Foster attempts to ease tensions in a special, one-off speech in Kaliburg
Kaliburg, Ananto
April 23rd 4133


President of the Republic Franklin Foster appeared to criticise the Human Rights Foundation

President of the Republic Franklin Foster delivered a unique speech in the centre of Kaliburg this morning, aimed at reducing the tension between Kalistan and nations across Terra. In his most significant engagement since his election last year, Foster seemed to take aim at his former colleague Sophia Conti and her Human Rights Foundation. Attached is a transcript.

In the twelve months since I was elected President, we have a seen a great deal of pressure and strain placed on the relations between Kalistan and her allies. No sooner had we regained control of the National Assembly and, in doing so, eliminated the internal politic threat to those relationships, a new threat seems to have appeared. Many, internally and internationally, have tried to establish some kind of link between the Human Rights Foundation and the government of Kalistan. They suggest that, simply because Mrs Conti has been involved with both, the two entities must be one and the same: that is utterly false. Tainting Kalistan's name based on the actions of an NGO is wrong and I will not stand for it.

Nevertheless, it seems that some damage has already been done. Beiteynu has requested we extradite Mrs Conti, insisting that she is a terrorist and showing a complete disregard for our national laws. It seems hypocritical to me that the nations who rail against the HRF on the basis that it undermines the sovereignty of national governments are often the same nations who believe their own national laws should override those of other countries! At any rate, there is no chance whatsoever that Kalistan will extradite any citizen of the state, especially not to a nation which has repeatedly shown a complete disregard for the lives of ethnic minorities, as Beitynu has.

With such turbulence and bitterness permeating throughout our international discourse, it is important that we do not allow ourselves to be whipped into a frenzy of self-righteous jingoism, as the Kalistan Radical Front would like us to. For that reason, I have asked Foreign Minister Fabian to promptly contact the Kazulian and Vanukean governments to determine their own positions and establish a strategy for the future. No positive outcome can be reached without direct communication between senior figures on both sides. If those nations feel that previous behaviour has had such a negative impact on their view of Kalistan, that they no longer want to deal with us, at least that can be made clear. If they decide, as I sincerely hope that they will, that it is mutually beneficial that we retain a relationship, we can discuss the next steps.

Kalistan has always been a nation which prides itself on being open to anyone, that includes foreign leaders and diplomats. Any government who wants to establish a relationship need only contact us and we will do everything in our power to facilitate a fruitful discussion. We do not and will never desire conflict, that is helpful to nobody.