Zardic World Report
X Edition
Foreign Minister Kostandian Breaks his Silence!
In a sweeping tour-de-force press briefing early this afternoon, Foreign Minister Kostandian finally broke his silence. Members of the government have been demanding as much as they reasonably could, that their parties Chairman and the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs address the press on a range of issues. This is the first press briefing given by Mr. Kostandian, all of the other Foreign Ministry briefings have been conducted by staffers and Deputy-Spokesman on behalf of the F.R.P. This marks the first time in decades that the most senior figure in the F.R.P. and now government has spoken out on his own. If today's press briefing is to be an indicator of the manner in which Foreign Minister Kostandian will be conducting himself from here on out, it is for certain to be a lively time for Terra.
It would indeed appear that Mr. Kostandian's reputation is well merited. Within his rather brief press conference he commented on more issues than most of the press could keep up with. The Foreign Minister addressed items ranging from the situation in Gaduridos and the situation between Pontesi and Lodamun. As well, the Foreign Minister weighed in on comments directly related to domestic and international items ranging from the nations of Lodamun, Luthori, Rutania and Hobrazia. On top of this the International Monarchist League, Global Peacekeeping Organization and NATO were also brought up in the Foreign Ministers remarks. In the interests of full disclosure, here is a full uncensored transcript from the briefing.
Zardic F.M. H. L. Kostandian IV
ZWP Transcript of F.M. Kostandian's Press Briefing, 4/11/2776
FM. H.L.K: "Ladies and Gentlemen, brothers and sisters, comrades and friends; good afternoon and thank you for coming. I've a few opening remarks to make and then I will take your questions.
First and foremost some light needs shined upon the situation in Gaduridos. The Foreign Office despite the lunatic ravings of some of the media outlets here and abroad have been painfully monitoring the situation. Indeed, I am aware of the positions of the governments of Lodamun, Pontesi and have ample reports from inside of Gaduridos that give the Foreign Ministry a fairly clear picture of what is going on.
The major problem is actually obtaining credible information on the ground in Gaduridos. The domestic political situation is delicate to be generous about it. The apparent two factions that have drawn lines within Gaduridos show no signs of backing down on their rhetoric or either's agendas. On the question of agendas this is what I'd like to address specifically. It's clear that the citizens of Gaduridos have been under several cruel and repressive regimes in the past. This is a crime and a great shame in and of itself especially when you consider the international organizations who have been and one still is embedded by law within Gaduridos.
I am naturally referring to both NATO and the GPO Peacekeeping Troops. While Gaduridos is not currently in the NATO sphere of influence it once was and during this time cruel and repressive regimes existed and NATO cannot be absolved of allowing their inaction to be justified. Indeed, the Government of Zardugal and Lodamun have great working relations, diplomatic and economic ties and I am by no means pointing them out to cause further controversy. The finger of blame can fly equally to the Global Peacekeeping Organization who has made no public comment on the situation whatsoever, and who currently Gaduridos recognizes and endorses the GPO's Peace Troop Treaty. I would ask where is the leadership of the GPO? Surely they've taken note of one of their allies and it's plight.
Though perhaps I am being too critical of the G.P.O. and it's lack of a stance on all of these tidings. The General-Consul of Zardugal and I spoke this morning on the various legality issues within Gaduridos and it is the opinion of the General-Consul and the Zardic Supreme Court that the current standing Pontesian Protectorate of Gaduridos Treaty in effect nullifies the treaty with the G.P.O. as Pontesi proper isn't a member of the G.P.O, and therefore under legal precedent neither would it's protectorate.
Furthermore the General-Consul has pointed out that Pontesi is a member of the International Monarchist League and again, the Pontesian Protectorate of Gaduridos Treaty establishes the monarchy within Gaduridos. The Government of Zardugal would like to know where the members of the I.M.L. have been as well in respect to the situation in Gaduridos?
All of these are questions the citizens of Gaduridos must decide for themselves. Indeed, Pontesi assumed control of Gaduridos per a mutually agreed upon set of conditions and the Government of Zardugal while not liking the precedent does in fact, respect the legal authority of the treaty. With that said and accepted by this government; we would urge the aforementioned nations and international organizations to make clear where they stand on the issues.
Moving on, another item that needs mentioned and I speak on behalf of the Government of Zardugal on the topic. It has come to our attention that the current situation in Lodamun is delicate as well. There have been reports from many factions of potential civil-unrest, wild accusations being thrown towards President Kynes and his administration. The sort of senseless rhetoric the detractors are using does them no good and makes them look like fools, frankly. The Liberal Party of Lodamun has brought unparalleled economic success to Lodamun and has had a splendid reign as the head of state and government and most cabinet positions by the will of the citizens of the Republic of Lodamun.
The wild accusations made against President Kynes recently in the Republic's newspapers are flatly unacceptable. I would advice Mr. Kynes to take a firm stance against these radicals that have entrenched themselves in Lodamun. We respect civil discourse and political factions of varied opinions. However, it is clear without question that the rally-cry behind the parties in Lodamun is merely one based on shallow rhetoric and using the current government as a huge target. Indeed, this is the oldest political tactics on the books and comes as no surprise to the Federation of Zardugal. The Federation of Zardugal still counts the Kynes administration and Lodamun as a close friend and partner and we will not allow a fellow Republic and freely and popularly elected leader of a nation be mocked, ridiculed and targeted in the manner in which the parties in Lodamun have decided to employ. The Federation of Zardugal stands firm behind our trust in President Kynes and will be monitoring the situation very closely.
The third issue I'd like to make a few comments on is the recent elections in the Holy Luthori Empire. It is widely known that the Luthori government and the Federation of Zardugal are more than just friends or economic partners. Given the reporting coming in from the Luthori Central News Network and private conversations with members of the Government of Luthori I will not mince words. The new political factions that have arrived on the shores of Luthori would be most wise to listen and respect the wisdom and keen insights of The League within Luthori.
As well, the Tories in Luthori ought tread softly with their agenda; Zardugal does not view the recent reports as items to be dismissed or chalked up to the desires of the people of Luthori. The governing coalition of the Constitutional Imperial League and Liberal-Democratic Party of Luthori has been beyond praise. What is evident to any thinking mammal is that the Tories are seeking to impose radical near revolutionary reforms upon the Holy Luthori Empire; something the Federation will not sit idly by and watch.
Before I take questions, I've just a few more comments to make. The Federation of Zardugal would like to again congratulate the First Party of Hobrazia in its recent smashing election victory. The Hobrazian Imperium would have been left into rubble had it not been for the strident and patriotic members of the First Party. I can honestly think of no other person better suited to assume the position as head of state within the Imperium than the noble Michael Neesam.
The recent elections in the Imperial Crownlands of Greater Hulstria is something the Foreign Office has taken note of. First off, I'd like to congratulate the Fascist Authority Party for its majority stake in the legislature. The F.A.P. is considered by the Federation of Zardugal as an ally; their work under the leadership of Chairman Chamberlain, Mr. Max Hansel and the honorable Kristofer Mason is beyond praise. We thank all the members of the F.A.P. for their continued friendship. I hate to end my comments about Hulstria with the unfortunate news that the National Parties foreign affairs expert, Mr. Westmoreland has announced his resignation due to health concerns. The Zardic Federation wishes him and his family all the best.
So let me open it up for questions, I'll start with you, Tiffany."
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Q: Thank you, Sir. In light of your comments on civil unrest within Gaduridos, would it be fair to say that Zardugal is not taking any actions in respect to Gaduridos?
A: No, that would not be fair to say. Next question.
Q: But, Sir-a followup?
A: Well Jennifer you asked me a rather simple question and I gave you an answer. Next time sharpen up your questions. I've got to move on. Uhh, go ahead Gavin.
Q: Thank you very much for the opportunity, Sir. Switching gears, there have been reports surfacing that indicate that the latest cabinet reshuffle was a deliberate attempt to consolidate the power of both your party and Director of State Bruce Kent's Realist Party. It was reported in the Zardic World Report that over 75% of the current members of the Government extending all the way down to the Directorate are directly affiliated with the Axis Alliance. With all respect Sir, even you are the Head Advisor to the Axis. Do you not think this is compromising our nation's ability to act independently of an Axis agenda?
A: Oh Gavin, you know how these silly stories get started. There is a small but extremely vocal minority of citizens here in the Federation who primarily are the worthless remnants of the terrorist group Confederacy of Social Darwinists and Saiserists. I wouldn't piss on the aforementioned groups if they were on fire. . .
**silence across the room**
A: Well, I don't mince my words-get used to it. Now, this rubbish idea that the Federation of Zardugal is just a puppet for the Axis is nothing but the work of fantasy. Indeed, Zardugal is tied closely with the Axis and will continue to be. The Axis has done more for this nation alongside the F.R.P. than well, just go read a history book, ok? Seriously, I'm tired of these crackpot theories. No, my post within the Axis nor Director-General Gould, nor Director of State Kent nor the Defense Minister is 'compromised' in our abilities to function as we, the government, see fit. Alright, John from TerraWire, you're up; where are you?
Q: Right here, Sir. I'd like to echo the sentiments expressed so far, we really appreciate you taking time to do this briefing yourself. It's known and accepted that the Federal-Republicans under your tenure have gone through enormous lengths to put spokespeople in here with the press versus allowing us the change to question directly yourself, Mr. Kent or Mr. Gould. As acting Chairman of the F.R.P. and Foreign Minister would you be willing to pledge to the nation that you will encourage more members of the government to speak directly versus using an aide?
A: Excellent question. It is my honor to be here today, I have no need to apologize for the decisions and policies employed thus far by the government nor the F.R.P. or the Realist Party. Though, I've quite enjoyed our little chat today and I will accept your pledge and do what is within my power to ensure a new era of transparency is ushered in. Alright, one more question…alright, Katie from Z.W.P.
Q: Thank you very much, SIr. From sources I've gathered who have gone on the record, it is said that you and Director-General Gould are not seeing eye-to-eye. With your recent and sudden movement into public-office you'd have to be naïve to believe you were not up to something. Are you going to be the next candidate for the Federal-Republicans to replace Director-General Gould?
A: Well, that’s certainly a direct question. Director-General Gould is an honorable and very intelligent man; I have nothing but respect for him and he is a close friend. I know some people think I'm calling all the shots within the party; this is just silly. Indeed, I am the Chairman of the F.R.P. and I have no intentions of stepping down from the post. As such I am aware that there are certain back-benchers within the Directorate who are not satisfied with Director-General Gould. To them I simply say, he has my endorsement and they ought do the same. It would not be appropriate for me to go into any further details about internal party questions at this venue. Thank you all for your time, I will make a point of doing this more often. Good Day.