by Mr.Yankees » Mon Aug 17, 2009 3:31 am
OOC: I apologize for being late to the RP. I am taking a couple of days off from work and I will follow this more closely. The following will be adding to what you have already posted, Vidoja, plus adding a follow up. Should be fun.
Mr. Krkljus greeted by Chairman Forest upon arrival. Talks are short but deemed fruitful so far.
Days before his arrival, Mr. Krkljus was informed by his staff that he wasn't going to be able to use his usual airplane when visiting Lodamun. Mr. Krkljus' assistant received special instructions from the Liberal Party Chairman's Office to fly on a jet chartered by the Liberal Party. This, in part, do to the fact that the visit was deemed unofficial.
Even though controversy arose after Mr. Krkljus' visit was announced by the Liberal Party, the party leaders stood steadfast and did not allow the opposition and cabinet members to block Mr. Krkljus. This visit was not only essential for the relations between Telamon and Lodamun, it was also the first visit by a Telamese official in decades. Such lapse in direct communication had not been seen since the late 27th century, early 28th century.
Minutes after his arrival to the Andalay International Airport, Mr. Krkljus was greeted in the airport's main lobby by Chairman Forest, Regional Chairman of Andalay, and his staff.
Chairman Forest was most delighted after being offered such grandiose opportunity. He was a staunch internationalist, after all.
Mr. Forest and his staff briefly exchanged handshakes and pleasantries with Mr. Krkljus and his staff. Soon after, they were all instructed by the security detail to board the limousine waiting outside. This limousine was specially designed for the personal use of the National Chairman and great men and women had sat inside before. Such history gave it the best of illusions to an unsuspecting visitor though the machine itself was in splendid form.
The press was kept a few dozens feet away. Though they were allowed to take pictures, no questions were answered.
In the limousine, Chairman Forest and Mr. Krkljus had a little more time to speak their minds freely. Mr. Forest quickly explained to Mr. Krkljus that the situation in Lodamun was difficult. Political strife had stricken the nation for decades now and that Parliament remains very divided. He mentioned that though the Liberal Party had a clear favorability by the people, the results did not show so. He even hinted at a possibility of election fraud though he did not mention so directly.
Before proceeding to the National Headquarters of the Liberal Party, two scheduled stops were made.
The first was at the Grand Plaza. The Grand Plaza houses the Parliament's building, the Independence statue, and several other important historical locations and museums. The plaza also housed several churches. Most edifices at the plaza dates back to the 21st century.
Security was tight, to say the least. The security personnel of the Liberal Party established very strict perimeters around these such important men and women. However, both Mr. Forest and Mr. Krkljus took the time to reach to those walking by and greeting them. Reporters were allowed to follow them around but were required to keep a certain distance. More than fifty reporters crowded around these men and it certainly made for an interesting sight.
Soon after exiting the limousine, Mr. Forest courteously provided a tour for Mr. Krkljus. They strolled around the Plaza for a couple of minutes and even though the commotion to the sight of such important figure (Mr. Krkljus) was certainly great, they made their way to the step of Parliament. Mr. Forest explained to Mr. Krkljus:
"This is where we make enemies, Mr. Krkljus" he chuckled. "This building you see here has been the location of Parliament for many, many years. Everyday, people come and go but at the end, nothing is done for our people. This is the building where those who decided to abolish the Republic work. But fortunately for the people of Lodamun, this building also houses the offices of good men and women who have dedicated their lives to improve the lives of our citizens. It is a shame we don't have more people like them. We did once and everything went smoothly and our country prospered and our people prospered. But now, all of that is gone. It is very sad."
The two men stood there exchanging words while the reporters took pictures and recorded them with gigantic cameras which emanated a distinctive amount of light. Though uncomfortable, it was beneficial as night was setting in at Port Andalay.
Soon after, both men and their respective staff and other invitees walked towards the Independence Statue. To this, Mr. Forest only said: "Mr. Krkljus, this is the most important place for Lodamun. Here we have cried for our dead brothers and sisters, here we celebrated our victories. Nothing will ever surpass the significance of this monument."
Mr. Forest then proceeded to show Mr. Krkljus and those accompanying the Remembrance Book. This massive book allowed all the visitors to sign their name to express their respect to those who have fallen defending Lodamun's freedom and way of life.
By the time Mr. Krkljus was able to enter the Orthodox Church of St. Djordje, night had set its dark coat over the sky. After nearly twenty minutes at the church, Mr. Krkljus, his staff, and the other visitors each walked to their respective car/limousine and headed to the second scheduled stop: The former Presidential Palace.
The caravan reached the Palace by 6:30pm. Everyone stepped out, closely guarded by the Liberal Party's security personnel (Mr. Krkljus had been asked by Chairman Johnson not to come with his security detail given the situation surrounding his visit---not a state visit); reporters followed every step closely behind.
Mr. Forest gave the Foreign Affairs Minister a rather lengthy explanation of the Palace's past and present history. Chairman Forest was widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable historians of the Andalay Republic.
While both men walked side by side, Mr. Krkljus was recorded saying: "Pity I cannot go to this building, I am on a mission of peace, but it only sounds that one part of the Lodamese Union wants peace and good relations with Telamon."
After walking around the Palace for a few minutes both men were instructed to step in their vehicles to head to the Liberal Party's headquarters. Shortly after stepping into their limousine, Mr. Forest asked Mr. Krkljus: "So, what did you think of the Palace very powerful men and women once called "home"?
While the caravan made its way to the National Headquarters of the Liberal Party, reporters gathered in the news room awaiting for a brief statement by the Special Assistant to the National Chairman for Media Relation, Ms. Jean Callaway.
After confirmation of the caravan's departure from the Palace, Ms. Callaway entered the news room and issued a brief statement and answered a couple of questions.
"Thank you for being here, ladies and gentlemen. OK, here's the schedule we have so far. Please, keep in mind that this is not a completed schedule and as soon as we have more information, we will definitely let you know.
Today, Mr. Krkljus will meet with Mrs. Johnson briefly and then both will eat dinner. Tomorrow, Mr. Krkljus will meet with Mrs. Johnson, former Finance Minister Rose Kynes, and former Chairman Gregory Kynes II for the beginning of the discussions. While we do not have a set topic to discuss, the Chairman as assured me that everything pertinent will be discussed while Mr. Krkljus is visiting our country but the discussion will clearly focus on Telamon relationship with Lodamun.
Several other officials from the party will meet with the other visitors to hold similar discussions.
That's all I have for now. I will now take two questions."
George Hulls from LCN (Lodamese Cable News): "Ms. Callaway, is Minister Krkljus going to receive protection from the Liberal Party's security personnel while visiting the country?"
Ms. Callaway: "As you have said before: Minister Krkljus will receive the best protection possible. I will remind you that the men and women coordinating our security served on various Presidential details?"
Kyle Verone: "Does the Chairman intend to reach any deal with Minister Krkljus?"
Ms. Callaway: "Obviously, I can't foresee the results of this discussions. What I can tell you is that our goal here is to improve our relations with Telamon and provide a forum for discussion. Thank you all."
Chairman Johnson awaited in her office for the arrival of Mr. Krkljus. She was patiently reviewing the last draft for her major speech the next day. During this major gathering sponsored by the Liberal Party, several keynote speakers were making an appearance, including Mr. Krkljus, former Finance Minister, Ms. Rose Kynes, and former Defense Minister, Mr. Matt Lincoln.
More to come later...(OOC: Vidoja, feel free to step in wherever you like)
Fighting for the people, supported by the people.
