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Meeting W/ Canton Rouge
Topic Started: Mar 9 2008, 01:11 AM (188 Views)
Ignatius
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2nd Lieutenant
 *  *  *  *  *
Rotterdam
UPCR

Flanked by a solid line of Escadron Protecteur troopers clad in their newly-made black "dress" uniforms (black uniforms with silver and gold lapels) and brandishing their loaded FN2000 assault rifles, King Leopold Amaedo II of Belgium's personal vehicle rolled slowly through the crowd packed streets of Rotterdam; the Belgian King waving diplomatically to the curious masses with one of his gloved hands. Despite the temporary conflict which had ensued within Belgium during the dissolution of the Belgian Grand Assembly, King Leopold had most certainly not forgotten about the planned meeting with Canton Rouge's head of state, doing all in his power to ensure that negotiations with the new European nation would take place on the agreed date. While certainly not an easy task, the King managed to more or less make enough time in his already hectic schedule to fly both himself and an entire regiment of Escadron Protecteur troopers to Rotterdam for the meeting; an amazing feat of both planning and determination which surprised even the King's brother; Duke Malbourne of Luxembourg.

While Leopold knew full well of Canton Rouge's reputation of being a relatively "liberal" nation with well known sympathies to several nations which the ToK already had strained relations with, the Belgian King nonetheless hoped to reach an agreement with the government of Canton Rouge which would allow the Kingdom of Belgium (by no means a "free" society) to successfully complete the long process of total social reconstruction without the hinderance of JAUST or the Madrid Pact.

The motorcade continued slowly down Rotterdam's main street, inching ever closer to the Canton Rouge capital building; bringing King Leopold nearer to destiny with each passing second..
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Canton Rouge
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That one Dutch nation up in Scandanavia.
 *  *
Rotterdam Capital Hall
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Inside a secure office, Queen Julianna II was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Belgian King Leopold Amaedo II. It was a meeting that the government had to perform well at mainly because of Belgium being a member of the Treaty of Konigsberg, which nations of the Madrid Pact eyed with worry. But hopefully, Queen Julianna would not have to bring up pacts during the meeting, and instead, focus on bringing two nations together as allies, or at the very least, not have to worry about entering a state of war, which would be costly for such a new nation.

Word soon came to the queen that the king's motorcade was just about at the building. She took this as her cue to go out and meet the entourage, and ensure a warm welcome for the Belgian party. The queen had ensured that everything would go off well, otherwise, it would give a bad reputation to everyone.

Right as the queen arrived at the entrance, the motorcade pulled up in fron of the building. On cue, a military band started to play the Belgian National Anthem, and soldiers flanking the steps engaged in a dignified salute, as a sign of respect to the Belgians. Immediately, the queen made her way down to the motorcade, and as soon as the Belgian King made his appearance, she greeted him, "King Leopold Amaedo II, it is an honour to meet you. I am Queen Julianna II. I do hope everything has gone well so far for you, for we strive to present a grand welcoming for any foreign dignitaries."
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Ignatius
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"A grand welcome, indeed.." quipped King Leopold, bowing his head slightly in respect to Queen Juliana, "It has been quite some time since I have enjoyed such a reception from an outside nation. I, Madame, am King Leopold Amaedo II and I speak to you on behalf of the entire Royal Family and the Kingdom of Belgium.."

Snapping his fingers loudly at his entourage of Escadron PA guards flanking the motorcade, Leopold wordlessly gave the order for the black-uniformed soldiers to relax their assault rifles into an "at rest" position; an order which was immediately obeyed by the sizable force of Escadron Protecteur. Smiling sheepishly at his host, Leopold nodded respectfully toward the main door of the Rotterdam Capital Hall, his thin eyebrows raising slightly in a slightly inquisitive manner.

"There is much to talk about, Madame, regarding tighter Belgae-Canton Rouge ties in Europe and the possibility of stronger political and military relations between our two nations. While the slight situation within my homeland has made travel very.... complicated for me... I assure you that I would not have missed this meeting for anything..."

Turning once more to point at the neatly assembled lines of soldiers standing before the welcoming committee, Leopold pointed calmly at the fairly impressive sight of Belgian military personnel, pointing out the figure of his brother (the Duke of Luxembourg) standing several meters away at the forefront of the Escadron PA column. The Duke, a powerful man of thirty-eight years, bowed his fiery-red head of hair towards the Queen of Canton Rouge, pulling off the brass 'pickelhauben' helmet he had been wearing for the occasion.

"My brother... Duke Malbourne of Luxembourg.." quipped Leopold, explaining Frederick's presence, "Is both my most trusted right-hand man and the head of the newly formed 'Escadron Protecteur', the Royal Family's personal military vanguard... Both of us are extremely pleased to be here today, and look forward to negotiations..."
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Canton Rouge
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That one Dutch nation up in Scandanavia.
 *  *
"Indeed, King Leopold," the queen replied, leading the guests inside to the meeting room. The queen showed no sign of faltering, as she was accustomed to dealing with royals and leaders when the prime minister was not able to greet foreign visitors. "And to you, Duke Malbourne of Luxembourg, I welcome you to the nation of Canton Rouge as well. I must regret that you could not meet Prime Minister Jan Hooplek, but he is busy negotiating with the Madrid Pact. And I know that will be one of the highlights of this meeting, so let us get down to business."

As a butler prepared refreshments for both the queen and the Belgians, the queen began, "First, I would like to assure you that we still stand by our decision in that we do not condemn your recent government change. Rest assured, it's important that the people feel fine under whatever rulers they have. Of course, we favor our long standing constitutional monarchy, which puts us at an advantage when it comes to dealing with both monarchies and democratic nations."

She continued, "Which brings me to our next point. Though we may belong to different sects, I do not see why this would prevent us from furthering the diplomatic ties that we have already established when we both set up embassies. I for one, am all in favor of strengthening both political and military ties, which we can hopefully come to a consensus on."

"We would be glad to have a Belgian military base out in the countryside or along the coastline, so as to ensure minimal civilian hinderance. We have in mind either Hollandia or Gelderland. Likewise, we also hope that we can establish a base for training purposes in Belgium as well," the queen remarked, stopping only a bit to help herself to a little chardonnay. She then went on, "As for political ties, that I will leave between you, the king, and Duke Malbourne, for I do not want to ask for too much, and offend both of you here within the hall...."
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Ignatius
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Canton Rouge
Mar 16 2008, 10:04 PM
"Indeed, King Leopold," the queen replied, leading the guests inside to the meeting room. The queen showed no sign of faltering, as she was accustomed to dealing with royals and leaders when the prime minister was not able to greet foreign visitors. "And to you, Duke Malbourne of Luxembourg, I welcome you to the nation of Canton Rouge as well. I must regret that you could not meet Prime Minister Jan Hooplek, but he is busy negotiating with the Madrid Pact. And I know that will be one of the highlights of this meeting, so let us get down to business."

As a butler prepared refreshments for both the queen and the Belgians, the queen began, "First, I would like to assure you that we still stand by our decision in that we do not condemn your recent government change. Rest assured, it's important that the people feel fine under whatever rulers they have. Of course, we favor our long standing constitutional monarchy, which puts us at an advantage when it comes to dealing with both monarchies and democratic nations."

She continued, "Which brings me to our next point. Though we may belong to different sects, I do not see why this would prevent us from furthering the diplomatic ties that we have already established when we both set up embassies. I for one, am all in favor of strengthening both political and military ties, which we can hopefully come to a consensus on."

"We would be glad to have a Belgian military base out in the countryside or along the coastline, so as to ensure minimal civilian hinderance. We have in mind either Hollandia or Gelderland. Likewise, we also hope that we can establish a base for training purposes in Belgium as well," the queen remarked, stopping only a bit to help herself to a little chardonnay. She then went on, "As for political ties, that I will leave between you, the king, and Duke Malbourne, for I do not want to ask for too much, and offend both of you here within the hall...."


The Duke of Luxembourg, while initially quiet during the conversation, snapped immediately to a state of attention when the topic of bilateral military ties sprung into the scene. Canton Rouge's offer had been overwhelmingly gracious, and had not been expected due to Leopold's assessment of Canton Rouge's ties to JAUST and the Madrid Pact.

"Your Majesty..." spoke Malbourne, bowing slighty, "These offers are both welcome and generous to our ears, and will be accepted by the Kingdom of Belgium. As a Strategos in the Belgian Armed Forces, I wholeheartedly agree with tighter military ties between both our countries and offer Canton Rouge the use of an already constructed military base in Belgian Brasilias.. Rest assured, the unit which had previously been stationed there has been moved elsewhere by command of the Polemarch; Canton Rouge presence in Belgian Brasilias will allow both our nations to conduct joint military exercises and further the war against the South American drug trade together..."

"Belgian Brasilias, prior to its inclusion into the Kingdom as a colonial territory, was formerly overrun by illicit drug trades which still dominate South America... While we have succeeded in largely wiping out many of the cartels from Belgian territory, there are still a great many organizations outside of Belgian Brasilias which still must be dealt with..."

Clearing his throat loudly to signify his intention to speak, King Leopold softly nudged Frederick's shoulder with a free elbow, flashing the Duke with a brief glare of impatience.

"Yes.... I concur fully with my brother, Frederick, and would like to request access to a Belgian Military base in Gelderland... This will be manned by two divisions of Belgian regulars and will serve as both a training facility and air base for the BAF's needs...."

"Regarding politics... I would like to flirt with the possibility of a 'secret nonaggression pact' between our two countries in the event of a war between Belgium and one of the Madrid Pact's member nations... Criticism has been... harsh from several outside nations and rumors of my nephew (Isaac Comnemus) overstepping his boundaries as governor of Belgian Brasilias worry me... In the event of Belgian Brasilias deciding to separate from the Kingdom... Could I trust on support from Canton Rouge forces in the area (Brasilias Military Base) to recognize and support the commissariat of the Escadron Protecteur?"
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Canton Rouge
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That one Dutch nation up in Scandanavia.
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The queen needed only to hear the words from both the king and the duke before replying, "Yes, we will agree to setting up a base in the Gelderland. In a couple of weeks, it should be ready for your divisions to move in. Likewise, we accept the offer of stationing soldiers in Belgian Brasilias."

"I also wish to accept your proposal of a non-aggression pact, King Leopold," the queen continued. "Surely, this may be the beginning of an age where politics will not have to be judged by political blocs, but rather by sensible agreements between leaders of countries."

"And finally, we the people will accept the recognition and support of the commissariat of Belgian Brasilias. Although this may give us the bad reputation from JAUST, some sacrifices have to be made."

"Now then, do you have anything else to add?" the queen remarked, pleased that the talks were going well...
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Ignatius
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"Despite the fact that French is the most common language in the Kingdom of Belgium," added Leopold, "the Dutch language is spoken by nearly seventy-five percent of Belgians and is especially predominant in the Flemish provinces of our country. Due to our similar cultures, I propose that the economic and transportation barriers between the both of our nations be brought down completely, with trade restrictions eliminated for the sake of our two Dutch-speaking nations. Travel between Belgium and Canton Rouge should be made easier for our citizens, with less hassle on transportation for the common workingman..."

"I also propose that to further solidify our two governments, Canton Rouge and Belgium merge their markets together into one European Economic Union (EEU) and tie both our governments into one entity. While under this plan both Canton Rouge and Belgium will have a sizable amount of self-control, my proposed EEU will grant our citizens an untold amount of prosperity and peace with our combined economies, infrastructure, and militaries; forming a formidable political and economic force here in Europe worthy of worldwide attention.."

"Naturally, both our governments would have to work extensively in 'ironing out the kinks' in this planned system, but a bi-partisan state involving both Canton Rouge and Belgium would work the best for all..."
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Canton Rouge
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That one Dutch nation up in Scandanavia.
 *  *
The queen listened intently to the proposals that the Belgian king brought up with a keen ear. It would be a very risky tenure to start a bi-partisan government with a nation that, according to the allies of Canton Rouge, was a unjust monarchy. And this would not be met well with both the international community and those who wanted to remain an independent nation. But, she was also well aware of the potential benefits with the Belgians. And besides, if this European Economic Union plan worked, other nations might join in, thus uniting both sides of the political spectrum.

Therefore, the queen, after weighing in her opinions, commented, "King Leopold, I first off must say that I do agree with the removal of these economic and transportation barriers must be brought down to better our nations. After all, the benefits this will bring both of our countries will surely outweigh any of the potential consequences this may bring from signing this agreement."

"Furthermore," she continued. "I agree to the proposal of merging our market in the European Economic Union, and your idea of tying the governments into a single entity. As clarified before, this will benefit us more than harm us, especially considering the power and status we may gain by going through with this. I know this won't be easy at first, like you said. But in due time, everything will have been worked out, much to the benefit of both of our nations, King Leopold. Only one thing will trouble myself, P.M. Jan Hooplek, and the populace. I worry how the democratic blocs will see ourselves dealing with a so called 'threat'. I surely do not want to have to ask P.M. Hooplek to pull Canton Rouge from JAUST and the Madrid Pact because of a few countries not agreeing with our ideals..."
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
OOC- Sorry for the interruption, but you wouldn't have to deal with that, considering that Imperial Kasnyia is on good terms with Germany and an observer in ToK as well as a member in JAUST.
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Ignatius
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Canton Rouge
Mar 18 2008, 08:09 PM
The queen listened intently to the proposals that the Belgian king brought up with a keen ear. It would be a very risky tenure to start a bi-partisan government with a nation that, according to the allies of Canton Rouge, was a unjust monarchy. And this would not be met well with both the international community and those who wanted to remain an independent nation. But, she was also well aware of the potential benefits with the Belgians. And besides, if this European Economic Union plan worked, other nations might join in, thus uniting both sides of the political spectrum.

Therefore, the queen, after weighing in her opinions, commented, "King Leopold, I first off must say that I do agree with the removal of these economic and transportation barriers must be brought down to better our nations. After all, the benefits this will bring both of our countries will surely outweigh any of the potential consequences this may bring from signing this agreement."

"Furthermore," she continued. "I agree to the proposal of merging our market in the European Economic Union, and your idea of tying the governments into a single entity. As clarified before, this will benefit us more than harm us, especially considering the power and status we may gain by going through with this. I know this won't be easy at first, like you said. But in due time, everything will have been worked out, much to the benefit of both of our nations, King Leopold. Only one thing will trouble myself, P.M. Jan Hooplek, and the populace. I worry how the democratic blocs will see ourselves dealing with a so called 'threat'. I surely do not want to have to ask P.M. Hooplek to pull Canton Rouge from JAUST and the Madrid Pact because of a few countries not agreeing with our ideals..."


"While I know the Madrid Pact may not respond well to the combination of both our states into one entity, JAUST will most certainly not object to tighter Belgae-Canton Rouge ties due to the Treaty of Konigsburg's relatively tranquil relationship with this largely North-American based treaty.. The uniting of both our Dutch-speaking nations will not force Canton Rouge to exit out of JAUST, due to the fact that this is simply a merging of two culturally similar territories into one bipartisan state."

Leopold paused for a moment, before continuing on.

"Regarding your 'Prime Minister', I would venture to say that his opinion on the matter is not especially important. As Queen of the people of Canton Rouge, you naturally would hold much of the support and affection of your people due to you being the traditional figurehead of traditional Canton Rouge society. If you could perhaps encourage support and a revival of Monarchism within Canton Rouge society and conveniently hold a large event worthy of national pride, the peoples' support would invariably support the bolstering of the Dutch identity with further social, economic, political, and military strengths..."

"I do know that my son, the Crown Prince Johann Amaedo, is nearing the age of responsibility and does not yet have a suitable fiance of his own... If perhaps both our Royal families could combine bloodlines, there would be a more plausible reason for the union of both our Dutch states into the EEU..."
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Canton Rouge
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That one Dutch nation up in Scandanavia.
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"King Leopold, I must agree with your idea of uniting of our bloodlines. I would suggest that Crown Prince Johann Amaedo might be interested in marrying my daughter, Princess Maria. She has been looking for a suitable person, however, none of the royalty here have managed to suit her needs, which I find a trife disappointing," the queen commented.

A grave look came on her face when she added, "As for your ideas of reviving Monarchism, I must say that is an idea that would never happen. Like all the people here in my nation, I am bound to the laws, and if I were to go against what the people want, it would be treason. Furthermore, royalists only hold a very small percentage in parliament, thus ruling out any possible attempts of restoring absolute rule."

"I do apologize if this isn't what you wanted to hear, King Leopold. I am just looking out for the best interests of my people, and as you could tell, we have been happy with our current system, and unless something drastic were to happen, I do not think they would want a change in government..."
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