| Joint communique from the BWA and the Chef Libre du Niokolo Koba:
The BWA, and the Chief of Niokolo Koba, extend their greetings to the
Vexillium community of nations, in the name off all our people!
As you all know, the BWA and the Chief have been meeting for the last
few days in the Ursulan city of Iratabad, near our common borders,
to
discuss the issues facing our two nations at this point in history,
the
direction that will be taken by the new leader of Niokolo Koba, and
the
topics of collaboration between our two neighboring states.
The BWA has continuously tried to involve itself for the better in the
development of NK, in a humanitarian, economic, and infrastructure
point
of view - these efforts were regularly rebuffed by the previous Chief,
Diatta, who tried deliberately to keep a distance from what he felt
were
the disturbing hands of Westria upon his people, no doubt influenced
by
the dominating interferance of the dictatorial and flawed-in-concept
La
Sainte Alliance (LSA), which, of course, has been recently dissolved
as
a complete failure.
Without the aid of their former protectors Phenixia, and unwilling to
cooperate with their powerful western neighbors, NK inevitably developed
several major national problems, on the fronts of economy, eduction,
infrastructure, agriculture, and most importantly, defense. On
the
other hand, Westria grew increasingly frustrated with the unwillingness
of NK authorities to cooperate in a mutually rewarding manner, the
deterioration of conditions in that neighboring country, and the
resulting increasing influx of illegal aliens across the borders into
Westrian Deucoland, which required significant additional expenses
and
Border Partol allotments.
The major points of discussions between the Chief and the BWA were:
Economy: it was agreed upon that it is to the mutual benefit of
both
nations to establish joint ventures with Westrian capital and NK
resources and labor, establishing several large manufaturing centers
and
upgrading NK's financial systems. The tremendous disparity and
instablility of the NK currency, the Sakk, to most all other Vexillium
currencies is, however, a major concern at this time.
Infrastructure: Westria has expressed its interest in helping
to
upgrade the roads, buildings, bridges, utilities, ports, airports,
public facilities, hospitals, police and fire stations, etc. of Niokolo
Koba - but remains the question of the benefit in return. Although
some
moneys can be allocated despite the still ongoing revitalization of
Westrian Deucoland, the BWA's national budget has no provisions for
any
major investments in NK without a subsequent bottom line return benefit.
Education and medical systems: regardless of the overall scope of
economic and infrastructural collaboration, Westria expresses its
willingness in volunteering expertise and know-how in training NK
personnel, teachers, doctors, and medical support staff on location,
as
well as in Westria. The Westrian Science Board has made a preliminary
committment to a large grant to benefit such training programs.
The
exact details are still unclear. Some resistance in the Scientific
community of Westria can be expected, as many would rather see grants
go
towards improving education in the Realm.
Ethnic-cultural issues: the new Chief is determined to address the
lingering problems concerning the disadvantaging of the Niokolan ethnic
group, versus the Koban ethnic group in NK, and has asked to be allowed
to employ strategies of inclusion successfully used by the BWA in
dealing with the various ethnic groups present in the Westrian Realm.
Military: the single biggest issue of the Chief is the safety
of the
shores and borders of NK. Just yesterday, two Djerigan ships
were seen
violating NK waters on what seemed to be a reconnaissance mission,
before they withdrew after several smaller Koban boats, although
inadequate in firepower, were confronting them. It is a grave
concern
of the NK people, and therefore their chief, that the possibility of
a
Djerigan invasion always lurks above their heads. They have seen
what
happened to the also peceful and underdeveloped Deuco people, who were
brutally subdued by a small number of superiorily equipped Djerigan
terrorists, who kept the entire country under their yoke, until they
finally managed o break free in a monumental struggle against their
oppressors. Once Djeriga's military recovers from their losses
in
Deucoland, there is no telling what they might do! NK does under
no
circumstances want to have to face a similar fate, and possibilities
for
military aid and protection from Westria were discussed to great extent.
The overall consensus of the discussions was, that in their current
configurations, Westria and Niokolo Koba can address many, but by no
means all the important issues facing both nations at this time.
The
biggest disparity lies in the need of Niokolo Koba for military
protection against the possible threat of a Djerigan invasion, and
the
BWA's inability to provide such protection due to the neutrality clause
in the Westrian constitution. Supporting another nation militarily
to
fend off invaders is obviously a breach of neutrality that would result
in the rightful explusion from the ANNV, and international ridicule.
Considering these limitations, and considering the precedent of the
BWA
takeover in Deucoland, which has been received extremely well by that
population, and which has resulted in the great improvement of the
region in terms of security, health, infrastructure, economy, and
overall development, the Chief has made a baffling proposition to the
BWA: he suggested to explore the possibility of inclusion of Niokolo
Koba into the Westrian Realm, as a protectorate, under the BWA.
The Chief proposed that, NK becoming a part of the Westrian Realm would
solve many of the difficulties facing the various issues of
collaboration, such as:
1.) Military: as part of the Westrian Realm, NK would no longer
be
considered a "foreign" country, and abiding by the Westrian neutrality,
Westria will be able to offer FULL military protection of NK's borders
and shores, which will of course then be the Realm's borders and shores.
2.) Economic development: it will be considerably easier for Westrian
industry and commerce to invest in locations INSIDE the Realm, versus
foreign soil, according to Westrian International Trade, Industry,
and
Commerce Law and Regulations. It would also mean that Westrian
investment stays inside the realm, remaining as part of the overall
National product. As part of the Realm, NK would ditch it's worthless
currency, the Sakk, and instead deal in the most stable hard currency
available: the Westrian Zaster!
3.) Infrastructure: with NK part of the Realm, issues of infrastructure
connectivity will be better solved as Westrian building and construction
standards will be adhered to. Most importantly, however, by taking
possession of NK's natural resources in full, the BWA and Westria would
be adequately compensated for the large expenses associated with
infrastructural development of NK, making the proposition economically
feasible.
4.) Ethnic-cultural issues: under BWA management, all ethnic groups
receive equal and just treatment, and are allowed the propagation of
their own language, culture, etc. within the framework of the Westrian
Realm. The Chief proposed the establishment of two new ministerial
positions: Minister for Koban Issues, and Minister for Niokolan Issues,
to complement the ministeries for Maersk and Deuco Issues already in
place. With "standard" or "english" as the official language
in the
Realm, the population of NK will be able to study and coverse with
the
planet with ease, as it is the language most spoken to date.
English
would be taught in all NK schools mandatory.
Although the BWA was initially reluctant to take on another territory
which is in dire need of great capital expenditures to develop it and
raise living standards, provide military protection, etc., the BWA
is
willing to consider such a proposal, if apprived by the people of
Niokolo Koba, and under certain conditions, which are not elaborated
on
at this time. The Chief and his delegation have therefore committed
to
return to NK to conduct a popular referendum, gauging the attitudes
of
the NK people. Although the overall attitude is expected to be
pro-Westrian and pro-progress and -development, the people will have
their opportunity to decide which way they wish to go. Should
the
referendum be in favor of the proposal, the BWA will then make further
considerations on the issue, and enter into more detailed negotiations
with the Chief, and his committee.
The Chief will return back to Dianamalary this evening, and will convene
with the Council of Adults all day tomorrow to discuss the proposal
and
make provisions to conduct the referendum, some time next week.
At the
same time, the BWA will undertake internal deliberations on the possible
impacts the proposed course of action may have on the Westrian Realm
and
people. The BWA and the Chief will then reconvene for discussions,
this
time in Dianamalary, after the conduct of the referendum, some time
next
week.
We shall inform you of any further developments as soon as possible.
Peace, Freedom, and Prosperity for All!
Yek, yek, yek!
For the BWA: Patrick Firlefanthz, Spokesperson of the BWA
For the NK delegation: M'butu Diéye-Diop, Chef libre du Niokolo
Koba
Roynesson Hotel & Conference Center, Iratabad, Ursulan, Westria |
