5679: Shar-Mearvi Conference (Xsampa - Tel Bira)

[Elena1012]

Richen Shar, Commissar of Foreign Affairs, Democratic Republic of Xsampa

Indeed I am, I am asking for a lot. Joining your networks is also an ask. I must say, we've gone a very long way since the Bargas Chenpo, haven't we? From sworn enemies, to negotiating as equals. We'd be willing to enter the 3PF. Our interests in the Migrants Pass are aligned in keeping the peace and calm. However, it's also our only avenue into Eastern Artania. 

Vamaj however, is a firm refusal. That's a line we simply cannot cross. If this deal is accepted, you'll be allowed to enter Xsampan harbours for shipping and such. Vamaj is not something we can accept however. Would you really ask that we join a network that distributes oil from a neo-fascist state that has antagonized Xsampa for merely existing? 

Yes, the Passereau Administration is seeing it's approvals dip. The citizens of Metz-Leonid have very... Strong opinions about anything yeudi. Elections are next year, and Comrade Passereau is hoping a good foreign policy win will boost his chances of re-election. Irregardless, we'd be willing to accept positioning a fleet in Haifbourg, instead of demilitarizing it.

Now, this is quite a situation. We both are asking for alot. We're asking for Haifbourg. You're asking for us to open the door for your networks. I do want to ask, what's simply stopping us from accepting, annexing Haifbourg and then slamming the door? With all due respect, there's not much, if anything that Tel Bira, or any of the other city states could do. 

Don't get me wrong. We're open to establishing basic economic ties, and we won't mind it. What we do have issues with, is things such as joining vamaj. 

I'm making a big ask, yes. But so are you. We both can walk out of this conference happy, with concessions and compromises made. Or we can walk home angry with no progress. Say what you will about the status quo, but there's always a new threat around the corner. Would you rather another emerges from the Red Bass? Threaten your profits and trade? Simply because we both walk away from Tel Bira with nothing but a bitter frown? Or would you rather we both walk away with a deal that while it isn't perfect, it's tolerable to keep the peace. After all, another Red Bass War would only harm profits more. Let alone tensions that disrupts trade.

I believe we can keep joining vamaj off the negotiating table. That's a firm line in the sand we cannot, and will not cross, Comrade Mearvi.