Gathering of the Russian Lands

[Justinian the Mighty]

ooc: This thread is for Uber, Mudd and I.

ic: The gates to the Slavorussian Embassy in Oslo were virtually always open in spite of the upheaval created by the collapse of Norway-Sweden’s constitutional monarchy. Cars transporting “special diplomatic envoys” or in other terms intelligence agents, arrived constantly. These so called special envoys were quickly moved from the embassy to what the Russians knew as the Murmansk Oblast in order to agitate the local Russians toward declaring independence from Norway and reunify with Russia.

Slavorussian agitators target major economic centers, especially Murmansk City to begin spreading their propaganda. Although relatively easy to spread given the current atmosphere, the propaganda will play a crucial role preventing the locals from forming their own independent governments.

Other agitators with military training and experience help to organize local Russians who pledge their loyalty to the emperor and the empire into small localized militias.
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Thanks to the ongoing nuclear exchange, Slavorussian military assets in Karelia and Arkhangelsk were on standby and ready to move at a moments notice. They planned for the militia would ask for Slavorussias support, but if they didn’t the current upheaval was as good of a cause as any for the Slavorussian military to intervene. If all else failed, then perhaps Norway's government would be open to negotiations.

[Manetheren]

[img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/Russian_embassy_Oslo_front_building.jpg[/img]
Slavorussian Embassy, Oslo

A cable arrived at the Russian Embassy in Oslo summoning the Slavorussian Ambassador to meet the interim Prime Minister for urgent meetings.

[Justinian the Mighty]

Vladislav Belyanov, Slavorussia’s ambassador in Oslo had just finished his report to Moscow upon hearing the Norway’s interim Prime Minister had requested a meeting. Within minues Ambassador Belyanov’s car was waiting in the courtyard to take him where he needed to go.

[Manetheren]

The Ambassador was welcomed to Inkognitogata 18, the official residence of the Prime Minister. After passing through a brief security checkpoint he was admitted to the Prime Minister's office. Prime Minister Stoltenberg rose and offered refreshments. Aides and a translator stood by to assist the Prime Minister should it be necessary. After taking their seats, the Prime Minister began.

"Mr. Belyanov, my intelligence advisors tell me Slavorussian agents are spreading propaganda and inciting rebellion, not to mention arming civilians. I must first protest these actions in the strongest terms. It is completely unacceptable for one nation to interfere in another in this manner. I would have hoped that mutual respect would carry the day and allow for a civil discourse on historically Russian territories future status, either as a part of Norway or Slavorussia."

"Now, that said, I find it completely ludicrous that the Murmansk area, what has previously been known as Murmansk Oblast, was ever occupied and administered by the Norwegian state. I happen to know that King Harald agrees with me and must relay to you that it is his personal wish that I, to quote His Majesty, 'Find a way to diplomatically get rid of the region, and do it quickly.' Furthermore, it was always this government's intention to contact the Russian government and offer a diplomatic solution. There is a great deal of anger about Slavorussian interference in our internal affairs though, as I have mentioned earlier and that anger did, for a short while, threaten to derail our plans. I am not here to dress you down, instead merely reflecting my sincere disappointment. It is more important to us, though, that we find a mutually agreeable solution."

"So, therefore, I have called this meeting so that I may communicate the Norwegian Government's position, which is that of support for reintegration of Murmansk into the Slavorussian Empire. It is our plan, and I would appreciate Russian assistance in doing so, to administer a referendum which will include the option to stay part of Norway as well as reunite with the rest of Slavorussia."

"We have no intentions to campaign either way and desire Slavorussian financial support in hosting the referendum."

The Prime Minister looked to the Ambassador to gauge his reaction, both to the news that the Norwegians were angry at the Slavorussian government but also agreeable to returning Murmansk, pending a referendum in favor of such an option.

[Justinian the Mighty]

The ambassador expressions stayed neutral. His thin cadaverous face and cold grey eyes gave neither a hint of joy or sadness nor bravery or fear. “Your Excellency it isn‘t my place to criticize the people who gather your intelligence, but I can say with complete certainty that anyone who is spreading propaganda or trying to cause violence are not engaging in any of these activities with consent from Slavorussia‘s government.

Having said that, if there‘s anything that we can do to help with Murmansk, anything at all, just ask. I know that the Prime Minister would be willing to throw his support and the support of the entire government behind a positive plan of action.”

[Manetheren]

"We are more than willing to offer the people of Murmansk a referendum on their future. It would be conducted by local authorities, and we would indeed ask for financial assistance from Slavorussia as joining Slavorussia will be an option. We do not plan on campaigning either way. As long as you can assure me that those that campaign for continued union with Norway would not be discriminated against or prosecuted should the pro-SLavorussia option win, we can begin preparations for such a plebiscite immediately.

[Justinian the Mighty]

"I’m glad you suggested that. The fate or Murmansk has been an issue which garners constant attention in Moscow. While the Prime Minister would probably rather see Murmansk directly reunited with Slavorussia I think he’d be open to this idea. I’m sure my government would be able and willing to cover the financial burden of the referendum as well."