Istalia

[XanderOne]

Romula responds to Kaliburg: "Opinions are not State orders"

The Istalian government reiterates its desire to maintain friendly relations, but firmly rejects the Anantonese Emperor's accusations. "Istalia is a democracy, not a regime. Freedom of the press is not a state crime"

.

May 5682 (OOC: backdated)

---

ROMULA - Following the harsh words spoken by Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto before the National Assembly of Kalistan, in response to an article published in the Istalian journal Equilibri Globali, the Government of the Imperial State, after the response given to the Kingdom of Vanuku, now towards Kalistan has released an official statement aimed at clarifying its position and, hopefully, restoring serenity to relations between the two countries.

The Minister Secretary of State Moccia himself released the statement before the press at Antinori Palace, for the occasion joined by the Archchancellor of the Imperial State, symbolically present to underline and strenghten the support of the Crown for the Government.

Istalia continues to consider the Empire of Kalistan and Ananto an important partner and a valued interlocutor. Our relations are based on mutual respect, shared history and a common vision of international stability. We regret what happened and the resulting misunderstandings, but we firmly reject any accusation of endorsement or connection between the Government of the Imperial State and the article published in Equilibri Globali.

The Government took the opportunity to clearly reiterate that Istalia is "a nation rich in newspapers, magazines, academic and think tanks", where freedom of expression and the press are fundamental pillars of democratic life.

The Imperial State cannot, and above all must not, censor or limit the freedom of its citizens to express their opinions. Likewise, in full respect of this principle, the Government does not deem it appropriate to intervene to dissociate itself from publications that in no way represent official positions. Equilibri Globali is not a state organ, is not supported by the state, and has no connection with it.

In a more thoughtful passage, the Minister Secretary of State expressed surprise at Kaliburg's words, suggesting a certain regret over the lack of understanding of Istalian pluralism.

It is almost astonishing that in Kalistan the possibility of a pluralist dialectic independent of the State does not seem to be contemplated. Must we perhaps conclude that every press organ in Kalistan is an expression of the Imperial Government? If so, then the definition of "Regime", so lightly attributed to us, is truly meaningless.

The Istalian government then reaffirmed its founding principles, recalling that political pluralism and freedom of opinion are at the heart of Istalian democracy:

It would be unthinkable, in Istalia, to outlaw a political parties or reduce public debate to a single voice. Our system is founded on the rule of law and the defense of democracy, but it will always and solely be the will of the Istalian people that determines the nation's destiny.

In support of this vision, Minister Secretary Moccia also recalls the country's history:

Over its long history, Istalia has experienced several changes in its form of government and significant political transitions, but almost always these occurred peacefully and through the free expression of the vote. The safe and prolonged persistence of the House of Appiano De Borromei in Istalia, even under different regimes, their members able to live, undisturbed and protected for most of these periods, like any other citizen, is tangible proof of this: a sign of a nation capable of evolving without renouncing its values.

Towards the end of the statement, Minister Secretary Moccia expressed regret for the tone of Emperor Frederick's speech, but chose not to respond to the harsher remarks.

Nor the Government, nor the Imperial Crown, intend to fuel controversy. The solidity and dignity of a nation are not measured by the declarations of a day, but by the consistency of its principles. And our principles of freedom and pluralism will remain firm.

Then, the Head of Government concluded with a call for mutual understanding and respect for different institutional models:

We understand well where the source of sovereignty and legitimacy lies in Kalistan. We hope that Kalistan will also strive to understand where it lies in Istalia: in its people. A people whose rights will always be protected and guaranteed, and among these, foremost among them, freedom of thought and speech. This, however, does not automatically make every citizen an agent or spokesperson of the Government. We trust that in Kalistan the difference between a private publication and a government statement will be recognized.

With this sober yet decisive response, the Government led by Minister Secretary of State Moccia reaffirmed the moral and institutional strength of the Imperial State, choosing not to fuel conflict but to respond with dignity and clarity, reaffirming the autonomy of internal Istalian debate and the desire to maintain stable and respectful relations with Kalistan. It now remains to be seen whether Romula's calm and diplomacy will be echoed in future statements from Kaliburg.