Kalistani Major History

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Williams uncharacteristically Calm in response to Lourenne provocationsDeclares that Kalistani Navy has surpassed Lourenne
Kaliburg, Annato District
June 29, 4411


Foreign Minister Williams, recently called a "foul-mouthed dictator" shows a calmer side

The war of words continues between Kalistan and Lourenne, though it seems that Kalistan's government has turned a corner.  Williams was uncharacteristically conciliatory in a recent interview about Lourennaise insults found in their Quotidien.

"We've surpassed the Lourenne Navy on the Sea," Williams declared.  "And we are actually able to mount a credible defense of Kalistan for the first time in hundreds of years.  The Lourennaise Navy doesn't pose as much of a threat as they used to.  So anytime they would like to come to Kaliburg to discuss terms, we'd sure like to hear from them.  Meanwhile, the Straits stay closed, and without satisfactory negotiations, we will burn to the ground before we reopen them."

Williams seemed less perturbed by the propaganda coming from other nation's newspapers. "They called me a...  yes, it was a 'foul-mouthed dictator'.  That was actually kinda good," Williams said with a slight chuckle.  "I'm sure the Premier thought it was funny too.  But no, there was only a few minor factual errors in their most recent screed, so its nothing we should really feel the need to answer."

When pressed, especially on the comments that the Anantonese Ocean was now Lourenne's to influence, Williams just shrugged.  "I mean, what do you want me to say?  They don't have the navy by themselves to do it, so I imagine that when they say the Anantonese Ocean now belongs to Lourenne, I assume they mean the influence is theirs, but their influence is backed up with Kazulian guns and ships.  I'm a realist, and it seems that we have more than matched Lourenne's Navy ship for ship and then some.  So, math being what it is, they can talk if they like, but they should remember who is buttering their bread."

Williams continued, "Wouldn't it be better for Lourenne if they allied with someone closer?  I mean, for crying out loud, Kazulia doesn't even border the Anantonese Ocean.  When the chips are down, how willing do they think Kazulia will be to come to a region that they don't even have any interests in?  This whole thing started when Lourenne decided to begin an arms race in the region.  The matter is resolved, for the time being, and it is to Kalistan's advantage.  Wouldn't it be better if we worked together, as equals and as Brothers for a secure Anantonese Ocean, rather than working with a large empire for which Lourenne are merely an outpost?"

Williams shrugged again.  "As long as these people keep attacking, we will keep defending-  Need I remind you that ALL blood spilled has been spilled in Kalistani waters, while none has been spilled abroad.  But the construction of the new Kalistani Navy changes the balance of power in the region once more.  So, it is up to the other side to resolve the Straits issue in a way that satisfies us all.  Or they can keep talking negatively about us in their paper and firing on our ships who are doing legitimate defense of our National Territory in the Straits and around Ananto.  That's their choice."