Zardic World ReportEdition LXIV
Zardic Government Breaks Silence as Indrala Prepares for the WorseBelgae, Unkassa
January 12th 3100For the fifth day in a row protestors gathered outside the Luthorian Embassy in Belgae as well as outside the offices of the Director-General Kostandian and Director of State Benjamin. The protests have been centered on demands for democracy, human rights, and economic justice for the Luthorian people. The numbers swelled once news was released that the Luthorian Monarchists have started a campaign to crackdown and try members of the Republican or ‘revolutionary’ forces as traitors. The Minister of Internal Affairs for the Imperial Government of Luthori addressed these issues in an interview with the
Luthorian Post and was clear in urging caution in going too far in this reported crackdown.
The Zardic government appears to be coming out of its bunker, at last, and conduct the business of government in the open once more. Minister of Internal Affairs Johnny Glanville, U.N.A. and his office released the following statement in respect to the ongoing protests:
” Zardic citizens have every right to assemble in public, to this point they have not been violent and therefore there is not much we can do. There is an increased BLS Security presence in the area with full riot gear just in case the situation escalates as well as paramedics and emergency response teams just in case of medical emergencies. Right now those men are under orders to ensure that no violence occurs and if it does that it is quickly and peacefully resolved, besides that there have been medical aid stations as well as hydration stations set up to ensure that people are staying properly hydrated in this hot Zardic Summer. We are a true democratic society and I am proud that we can disagree yet still be civil and maintain law and order.”
Along with the Internal Affairs Ministry, the Foreign Ministry has resumed operations as normal. To the surprise of many, the first act of the Foreign Ministry was to see fit to ratify a diplomatic treaty with the government of Alduria recognizing its status as a newly formed Republic. The treaty was co-signed with Lodamun. The Aldurian topic has been reported as a recent sour spot in Zardic-Luthori relations. The current Foreign Minister is recently-elected Director-General Vardel Kostandian, leaving daily operations to the Deputy Foreign Minister Milton Showaddy of the United Nationalist Alliance who released a statement after the treaty had passed the Directorate.
In the release the Deputy F.M. hailed the treaty as, “..truly historic moment.” Great emphasis was placed on future aspirations for the Federation and Alduria’s diplomatic and economic relations. Any mention of Luthori and the situation unfolding there wasn’t contained in the release. It was announced that the Director-General had completed a successful diplomatic mission to Vanuku and shortly there would be new legislation being worked up to reflect the continued ties and economic cooperation between the two nations.
It was hardly imaginable earlier in the day that the Zardic Government wouldn’t try and outdo the prior news cycles which do not reflect the traditional Zardic position. The issue of the treaty with Alduria alone sent pundits into a frenzy about what it meant in light of all the recent events in Luthori that the Foreign Ministry seemingly continued to avoid speaking about Luthori. Sure enough, the Director-General’s office released a prepared statement to all media outlets.
”The Zardic Federation stands with our friends and allies in Luthori. Political forces come and go and this is the test of a truly free society. Many nations who have gone through such heated political challenges would have already broken into violence. So far both sides in this most unfortunate disagreement have acted with measure. I would, above all else, urge all parties within the Luthorian Diet to meet as equals and settle outstanding differences they may have to ensure, not just for themselves, but all the proud people of Luthori that the future shall be one of peace and not strife. The Federation is here, as we always have been and will be, for the Luthorians.
After news broke of Indrala’s military exercises and continued presence near Luthorian territory, the Deputy Director of Defense General Thomas Wilburn appeared on Zardic News Network. General Wilburn also is currently serving as Chairman for the Federated Marines of Zardugal, F.M.Z. and urged his counterparts in Indrala to consider pulling back their Black Tortoise Fleet. “We understand all too well and even respect the active role Indrala has taken in light of recent events. Though, reports seem to confirm that such actions may be uncalled for in light of recent news out of Luthori. I not only speak for myself here, but others in the cabinet by saying further militancy will only inflame the situation further and risk an unfavorable international response and one that can surely only undermine the Imperial Government of Luthori.”