Vauleo-Buryatia requests a meeting with Slavorussia and Australia

[Imperator Azenquor]

A private message is conveyed via the Embassy of the Queendom of Australia in Slavorussia to the government.

To: Government of the Slavorussian Empire

Fr: President Anyatevich, Great People's Socialist Union of Vauleyo-Buryatia

Re: Negotiations

On behalf of the government of Vauleo-Buryatia, in my capacity as President, I would like to request a formal meeting between our two nations to be chaired by the representative of the Queendom of Australia. It is my hope that we may discuss the conditionality of a restoration of diplomatic ties as well as to find a formal resolution, even if it is a temporary one regarding the current issues over Yacrania and Bely Island.

Signed,

President Anyatevich

5th Deputy President, Grigori Ourumov

[Subtleknifewielder]

The message is forwarded to the Slavorussian government, and then a reply is sent back to Valeo-Buryatia.

--The Queendom would be happy to host such a meeting--

***End Message***

This message is also sent to Slavorussia

[Justinian the Mighty]

Dmitry takes the letter to the palace for a conference with Tsar Justinian and his advisors. Finally after long and heated debate, Dmitry agrees to attend the meeting, but asks the Tsar to come along. The Foreign Ministry sends their reply through the Queendom’s embassy.

To President Anyatevich,

Since you’ve taken the first stop toward correcting a horrible mistake, I have decided to attend the three-way diplomatic summit you’ve proposed. In addition to my presence, His Imperial Majesty, Tsar Justinian will be attending as an additional representative of the Slavorussian Empire. Please forward information regarding a time and location to the Slavorussian Foreign Ministry so that we may make travel arrangements.

Signed,
Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister

[Subtleknifewielder]

OOC: Just consider all messages forwarded.

[Imperator Azenquor]

To: Foreign Ministry, Government of the Slavorussian Empire

Fr: Office of the President of the Great People's Socialist Union of Vauleyo-Buryatia

We suggest a meeting to be held in two days time, preferably in Australia, as it is a neutral venue.

Signed,

Grigori Ourumov 5th Deputy President

***Private***

The 5th Deputy President boards a Government designated TU-144 Aircraft which takes off from the capital as soon as he is aboard. Two hours later, a second Tu-144 taxis onto the runway and takes off once President Anyatevich is on board. Both planes take different routes, and no one is told which government official is on which aircraft.

On the aircraft, President Anyatevich opens a letter that was handed to him by the Defense Minister:

To: President Anyatevich

Fr: People's Army Military High Command

Information sent to the High Command via the Foreign Ministry confirms that you are, by now, en route to Australia to negotiations with the Slavorussian Empire. If in the course of those negotiations any concessions are made that severely undermine Vauleo-Buryatian sovereignty or the absolute inviolability of our territorial claim to the Former Yacrania region, then I am not able to ensure that you will continue to have the support of the entire military. I would also not be prepared to defend such an act on your part.

Be very careful, for time and time again, the military has played a decisive role in destroying several government officials. After all, look at the late Vladimir Zhukovsky.

Signed,

Army Chief of Staff

[Subtleknifewielder]

If the Slavorussian leadership agreed to the neutral meeting place, they would all be touching down in the still relatively new capital of Darwin.

At the airport, they would be greeted by armed guards of the special forces, and escorted to the palace.

[Justinian the Mighty]

Two Slavorussian airliners carrying the seal of the Slavorussian government land and taxi on the runway until stopping. The first airliner, a cargo plane, unloads from its bay, two modified limousines, and four black SUV’s. After the cars are set up Slavorussia’s Prime Minister exit’s the second plane, flanked by aides and over a dozen Imperial Guardsmen. Several minutes after the first two planes landed a third plane arrives with the Tsar onboard.

[Subtleknifewielder]

The Prime Minister would be greeted warmly by Benjamin Wallace, the Duke of Darwin, as would the Tsar when he disembarked. He would not actually leave the airport with them, however, as he also had to wait to greet President Anyatevich.

The escort primarily consisted of members of the Lillian Guard, though there were a few others from the SWORD organization in plain clothes throughout the area to ensure the safety along the route to be taken.

[Imperator Azenquor]

The first of the two Tu-144s touched down at the airport in Darwin. The aircraft taxied up to the terminal and slowed to a stop. Once the doors opened, 5th Deputy President Ourumov emerged, flanked by two armed bodyguards and walked up to the Slavorussian and Australian delegations.

Two hours later, a second Tu-144 aircraft touched down and taxied up to the terminal. As the aircraft stopped, President Anyatevich emerged with six armed bodyguards. As he exchanged pleasantries with the Australian and Slavorussian representatives, the Vauleo-Buryatian Diplomatic Corps sent a convoy of cars from the Embassy in Australia. For the President, a customized, armored Aston Martin Vanquish, and two SUVs for the rest of the Vauleo-Buryatian delegation.

All the delegation needed now was the location of the meeting so that negotiations could begin. On board the President's Aircraft seven Internal Security Agents dressed in plainclothes operated a mobile command center that monitored everything from the weather to the President's vital signs. The Agents maintained a direct link to their equivalent Agency in Vauleo-Buryatia and stayed out of sight in the aircraft. The agents also established a line of communication with the Vauleo-Buryatian Embassy in Australia.

Edited December 19, 2009 by Imperator Azenquor

[Subtleknifewielder]

Each of the representatives, upon arrival, would be infomred of the location for the meeting--Lillia Palace.

The streets between the airport had been cleard of any and all motor traffic. Pedestrians were permitted, but they had to remain on the sidewalks for their own safety.

Upon arrival at the palace, all armed guards were required to either remain outside, or hand over weapons to the Palace guard if they wanted to enter and remain with their charges.

"Sorry, standard procedure," Wallace explained. "This is, despite being the capitol building, also the home of the Queen and the Grand Duke. The Lillian Guard will ensure nothing happens to you while you are here."

Once inside, they were quickly escorted to a private meeting room. There was one person already there--a young lieutenant of the Lillian Guard. She turned to face the entering delegates, her grey eyes carefully neutral.

"Gentlemen, welcome to Darwin, and Lillia Palace. Please have a seat, and then we can begin negotiations."

[Justinian the Mighty]

The Justinian and Dmitry’s chief bodyguards agree to relinquish their weapons, but only if they’re assured no weapons, from any of the three delegations, including the Lillian Guard, will be permitted in the meeting room. If they suspect any weapons are present they will withdraw the Slavorussian leaders as per protocol.

Justinian sighs heavily and leans over to say something in Dmitry’s ear, “Lets get this over with.” he whispers to Dmitry, expressing his deep lack of faith as a result of Slavorussia and Vauleo-Buryatia’s last diplomatic attempts.

[Subtleknifewielder]

The Justinian and Dmitry's chief bodyguards agree to relinquish their weapons, but only if they're assured no weapons, from any of the three delegations, including the Lillian Guard, will be permitted in the meeting room...

He would be reassured that none of the delegations would be permitted to bring weapons into the room, including the Australians.

[Imperator Azenquor]

The Vauleo-Buryatian soldiers agree to remain outside, but they stressed that Australia would be held entirely responsible in the event that the President was endangered during the negotiations.

President Anyatevich took his seat and began immediately:

"At this point, in the interest of finding a solution to the Yacrania situation we are willing to withdraw all preconditions to negotiations. We previously enjoyed a stable, albeit limited diplomatic relationship with the Slavorussian Empire, and we wish to take the first key steps towards the restoration of that relationship. Despite the status of the Zhukov Doctrine, I am willing to recognize Slavorussia's claim to mainland Yacrania as long as the following conditions are agreed upon:

1) A formal agreement of Non Aggression between Slavorussia and Vauleo-Buryatia

2) Bely Island is transferred to Vauleo-Buryatian sovereignty as a demilitarized territory, the process of which is to be overseen by Australian Peacekeepers

3) The Restoration of Diplomatic ties is not a condition of either 1) or 2), but rather an option to be undertaken in stages based upon mutual agreement by both parties

"

[Justinian the Mighty]

Suddenly a look of amazement falls over Justinian’s face, it’s probably the first time anyone has made the Tsar speechless. He and Dmitry confer for a moment on how to reply.

Justinian leans back in his char folding his hands in his lap. “You’ve surprised me President Anyatevich, I didn’t expect Vauleo-Buryatia to make any concessions. I thought you would try to throw the Zhukov Doctrine at us again, but this is a refreshing surprise.”

Dmitry quickly cuts Justinian off, because he knows his Tsar, and he knows that leading into backhanded compliment. “I think what His Majesty is saying is that, while this is a huge step, there‘s not much incentive for us.”

[Imperator Azenquor]

President Anyatevich cracked a smile before replying:

"And what sort of incentive is the Slavorussian Empire looking for?"

***Private***

A third Tu-144 bearing the government seal takes of from Buryatia and flies at mach 2 towards Australia.

[Justinian the Mighty]

“Therein lies the problem, don’t you agree? There‘s not much you have to offer that we would expect you to give, and considering the way you‘ve acted toward us lately reestablishing relations isn‘t very important.” Justinian responds.

[Imperator Azenquor]

"So far we have offered a significant concession. We have placed an offer to rescind the Zhukov Doctrine claim to mainland Yacrania, demilitarize the remaining area, and to sign a binding Non Aggression pact on the table. What further can we be expected to concede? Would you rather we simply concede everything and walk away with nothing at all?

We have offered an option that, while would not be a resolution where either of us gains everything we would wish, it would diffuse some of the tension. Despite these concessions, is it still the wish of the government of Slavorussia to not accept these terms?"-President Anyatevich

[Justinian the Mighty]

Both Justinian and Dmitry frown a little. They're both thinking the same thing. Vauleo-Buryatia has taken a step, not a leep, like the President makes it sound. Justinian speaks before Dmitry can cut him off again, “Honestly your concession isn‘t as huge as it sounds. We have Yacrania, and it’s islands within our control. We’ve already brushed off the Zhukov Doctrine, because it infringes on our sovereignty and the sovereignty of all countries in it’s sphere. While we all know Vaulean half of Vauleo-Buryatia would never violate a non-aggression pact, no matter what the reason, that’s no concession. Essentially what you’re asking for is for us to give you Bely Island for the possibility of friendship and maybe your assurance that you wouldn’t invade Yacrania."

Justinian rubs his chin as he thinks, "We've all heard the rumors of what's going on in Novaya Zemlya. Rumors of nuclear silos were in your own papers, as well as the build up of troops and equipment on the island. Are these rumors true?”

[Imperator Azenquor]

President Anyatevich maintains his demeanor as he responds:

“Firstly we must take offense at the insinuation that we would invade Yacrania and change the status quo through the use of force. I see no constructive reason to respond to your comment regarding the 'Vaulean half' of Vauleo-Buryatia, and I will therefore not do so.

Regarding Novaya Zemlya, my government has already clarified the matter in detail. Firstly, the number of troops stationed on Novaya Zemlya has been increased under the same security initiative that led to the construction of the two new bases on the islands. This decision was announced directly by our Interior Ministry prior to its occurrence. The additional troops on the islands that were deployed there as part of the security exercises have almost entirely been withdrawn, leaving only the original forces and those who are deployed in a permanent capacity to the two new bases on the islands.

Secondly, as to rumors of the existence of nuclear silos on Novaya Zemlya, this is an absolute fabrication. There are no nuclear weapons of any kind deployed to Novaya Zemlya. The only missile silos that exist on Novaya Zemlya are those which make up the Anti-Missile Defense Network, and the Strategic Defense Initiative. The silos were constructed under a government mandated program to incorporate Novaya Zemlya into the national anti-missile defense system. On occasion certain news media in Vauleo-Buryatia sometimes tend to get carried away with their claims.

We are simply asking for the return of Bely Island as an entirely demilitarized entity, in exchange for our government rescinding our claims to mainland Yacrania, and to signing a formal agreement that would thus bind us to non aggression against the Slavorussian Empire and vice versa. Is that such an insignificant concession? We ask again, what then should we concede? Should I simply sign a blank sheet of paper and permit the Slavorussian government to write in whatever terms it sees fit?”-President Anyatevich

[Justinian the Mighty]

After stopping again to confer with Dmitry Justinian continues with the discussion, “I must apologize to you President Anyatevich. I was being rude, and there‘s no excuse for my rudeness. Anyway I have two questions for you, the first being, If there are no nuclear weapons located in Novaya Zemlya, would you concent to an investigation to put our nerves at ease? The Second, why is Bely Island so important to Vauleo-Buryatia?”

[Imperator Azenquor]

After stopping again to confer with Dmitry Justinian continues with the discussion, “I must apologize to you President Anyatevich. I was being rude, and there‘s no excuse for my rudeness. Anyway I have two questions for you, the first being, If there are no nuclear weapons located in Novaya Zemlya, would you concent to an investigation to put our nerves at ease? The Second, why is Bely Island so important to Vauleo-Buryatia?”

President Anyatevich nods and replies:

"I understand that when one discusses matters regarding their nation, the discussions tend to sometimes become very passionate, I accept your apology.

To your first question, I would gladly allow a joint Slavorussian-Australian Inspection team to go to Novaya Zemlya to examine the new missile silos that have been constructed, as well as those being repaired to verify that there are no nuclear weapons on Novaya Zemlya. Would this be enough to ease Slavorussian concerns?

Secondly, Bely Island is important to us for several reasons. Firstly, although there is no need to revisit this, our own documents regarding Yacrania's Independence declaration, as well as their own maps indicated specifically that the island was not ceded to them, thus making it a part of our prior protectorate. If indeed there were any Yacranian forces on Bely Island, then that would have been tantamount to a Yacranian Invasion of our protectorate. Secondly, the island used to be a part of Vaule and several of our citizens had to be displaced from the region when we granted Yacrania independence. It is our hope that, while surrendering the claim on the rest of Yacrania, we would be able to resettle those displaced citizens on Bely Island, and in turn agree to keep that island demilitarized. Admittedly in a distant third, is the fact that if the island is returned, then we will not walk away from negotiations empty handed."

[Subtleknifewielder]

The Lillian who'd greeted them on entry smiled.

"Australia is, of course, deadicated to seeing that its two friends walk away if not friends themselves, then no longer enemies. I foresee no difficulty with Australians being part of an inspection team, or peacekeepers if that is what you can agree to."

[Justinian the Mighty]

Justinian glances over to Dmitry who’s subtly nodding in approval. He rubs his brow and replies, “Since you're willing to allow us in to alleviate our concerns, the Prime Minister is telling me to agree to this. Apart from a research and experimental facility, Bely Island isn’t that important to us. If we can keep that facility then the transfer only needs to be formalized.”

[Imperator Azenquor]

Justinian glances over to Dmitry who’s subtly nodding in approval. He rubs his brow and replies, “Since you're willing to allow us in to alleviate our concerns, the Prime Minister is telling me to agree to this. Apart from a research and experimental facility, Bely Island isn’t that important to us. If we can keep that facility then the transfer only needs to be formalized.”

"We see no issue with the existing facilities remaining on the island and with these facilities remaining under the control of the Slavorussian government. As for the inspection of the bases and new silos in Novaya Zemlya, we will grant the necessary visas and entry credentials to those selected to be a part of the joint Slavorussian-Australian Inspection team. If this is agreeable, then perhaps we can draft a formal agreement?"-President Anyatevich

5th Deputy President Ourumov's pager beeped breaking the short silence. He glanced at the pager before turning to the President and replying:

"It appears another member of our delegation has arrived"

***Private***

A third Tu-144 registered to Vauleo-Buryatia, touches down on the runway in Darwin and taxis up to the terminal. Crown Prince Azenquor II walks quickly from the aircraft, into a black SUV and speeds towards the meeting venue (not exceeding the Australian speed limit of course)

[Justinian the Mighty]

Justinian and Dmitry look at each other, wondering who the addition to the Vauleo-Buryatian delegation could be. After a few moments whispering, Dmitry, who has hardly said a word during the whole meeting nods reassuringly to his Tsar. Justinian shrugs his shoulders and hesitantly responds, “If… um, this new addition to your delegation has nothing to add then we could begin to draft the agreement.”