---

The recently-selected Prime Minister, Erel Kosai, has formally put forwards a motion to restore the previously-abolished Chapter IX of the 1899 constitution, which, if still in effect, would allow for the Emperor to appoint a citizen of Ikhan to the position of Imperial Chancellor. This is not the first time that such a motion has been proposed, but until recently it lacked support due to it's legacy being tied to the Ikirist dictatorship. Nonetheless, in light of recent events, many in the National Assembly believe it may be necessary to restore the position as a check to the power of both the Emperor and the Prime Minister. It is curious, then, that the Prime Minister himself would propose it, with many speculating that it could be a result of his own political views or because of his mandate requiring that he seek a measure that would prevent a similar event from happening in the future.

If approved, the Chapter would require that the Emperor appoint a Chancellor within seven days of the Constitution's approval, after which they must be approved by a simple majority in both chambers of the National Assembly. Should the vote to consider the restoration pass, the National Assembly will review the Chapter and adjust it to fit within the proposed 2021 constitution.

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The Coalition government of the ALP and ADP has formally convened a vote to select the next Prime Minister from among their ranks, as is permitted under the 1899 Constitution in the event of the removal of an elected Prime Minister by vote of no confidence. While Acting Prime Minister Kaval has served admirably, many believed that handing such affairs to a member of the Virasid lineage of Clan Khasa might disrespect the legacy of Chancellor Esik Viras, who believed that members of the nobility should not hold that position. Though his policies have had considerable support in the Assembly, many in the coalition believe that Ikhan needs a more measured approach rather than rapid reform, especially in light of last year's crisis. That said, Acting PM Viras has not gone without support, though he has said that he doubts the Assembly permit him being given the premiership. Nonetheless, the results of the vote were as follows:

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• Acting PM Jishek Viras — 38%
• Deputy Aren Etas — 19%
• Senator Erel Kosai — 39%
• Deputy Berai Nikas — 4%

---

With Senator Kosai receiving 39% of the vote from the two parties, he narrowly beat out Acting PM Viras as a result of two seats in the Chamber of Deputies. Jishek Viras has congratulated his opponent, recognizing that he would make a strong leader in the coming years and wishing him the best. Jishek Viras, having forfeited his seat in the Chamber of Deputies, has not released any statements on what he plans for his next move, though rumors have circulated that he may be offered a position within the Privy Council or on the new PM's cabinet.

---

The 25th anniversary of the Ishkot Uprising was celebrated today, with denizens of the city gathering together to remember the 200 days during which the city, isolated behind Ardian lines, threw off the shackles of foreign oppressors and successfully held the city until relief from troops of the 3rd Armored Division and 7th Andreši Guards Division. As a part of this celebration, the Call of Freedom, an 85 meter tall statue made of pre-stressed concrete with wire ropes, as well as a blade made of stainless steel. Construction began in 1961 and was completed two months ago, but until today, it had not been formally dedicated. Governor Viras had the following to say during the dedication ceremony:

Today, as we gather together in commemoration of the 200 days when we stood in defiance against the Ardian aggressors, we remember the sacrifice of the ten-thousand slain. We honour the price paid by our soldiers, both in the Imperial Army and Free Army, as they fought with tooth and nail around the clock to save our homes. Today, we dedicate this new colossus, a memorial to their sacrifice and a reminder that we will always fight to preserve our freedom! You, the people of Ishkot, are an example unto the world, showing that those who fight can bring freedom to their lands!"

Arkan nodded as he listened to the others speak; while he had some minor disagreements, they were little more than semantic at that point. Not the place for this situation, that was to say. But when he was called on, he stood. It was strange to think that he was among such important figures from the region only a few months into his reign, and not only that, he was able to speak to them as an equal.
            "My father often taught me that history will judge us not for how we lived and died, but rather by how we treat our fellow man." He began, ever-so-slightly nervous at the start. "I believe it is our duty, no matter our position, to seek to better the lives of our citizens and indeed the citizens of the world, as well as eliminate the potential for unnecessary suffering on a global scale. It is for that reason I propose the following addition."

The Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima, Prime Minister Madeline Thatcher, representing His Majesty's Government in the Kingdom of Tytor, Emperor Peter Azurewind representing the Holy Empire of Achkaerin, The Emperor of the Second Empire of Ikhan and her territories,[ETC, ETC] being met together on [DATE], deem it right to make known certain common principles in the national policies of the respective Governments of the Cross-Straits Community on which they base their hopes for a better future for Mundus.

First, their countries seek a day where no man, woman or child is held in servitude. Whether this servitude be in the chains of slavery, the scourge of forced sexual labour, or the practice of indentured servitude the quest for equality, and ensuring the rights of all Mundusians, must continue to be fought just as strongly as it was in the grand Progressive Era which gave us several cornerstone international accords advancing the rights and freedoms of all Peoples.

Second, they desire to ensure the internal and territorial integrity of all nations and the prevention of a new era of imperialism. Countering the interventionist policies of certain nations while supporting legitimate governments in moments of vulnerability ensures that no state may take advantage of another to forward their own goals and objectives at the expense of another sovereign state.

Third, they will endeavour to protect international accords and norms as to prevent them from being subverted by certain states in the advancement of their interests. The utilization of international accords as weapons by states in the pursuit of their foreign and military policies dilutes the effectiveness of said Accords, as well as the faith of the community of nations in those Accords.

Fourth, they declare their commitment to the basic freedoms of humankind, which every human being on Mundus ought to enjoy by right, namely Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear.  They define Freedom of Speech as the right to the free expression of opinion, of conscience, and of choice, whether in word, in deed, or in writing.  They define Freedom of Religion as the right to the free exercise of any, all, or no faiths, as dictated by conscience alone.  They define Freedom from Want as the right to such necessities of life as food, water, shelter, and clothing.  They define Freedom from Fear as the right to safety both at home and abroad, for one's self and one's family.  Every state should guarantee each of these freedoms, and no excuse can be invented to truly justify the violation of any of them, anywhere in the world, no matter how tempting it may be.

Fifth, they reaffirm their loyalty to the ideals of democracy and self-determination, holding the will of the people to be sacrosanct.  History has shown the path of the tyrant and of the autocrat to be an easy one, but it is the path of the democrat and of the people's representative which is the more fulfilling.  Recognizing the ease with which democracy can be subverted, they pledge greater effort on behalf of both its maintenance and its spread.

Sixth, they affirm that the use of military force must only be pursued when there exists no other option, in a proportionate not disproportionate manner and in keeping with International laws and conventions. The lands of Mundus bear many scars inflicted by the convenient use of military force by those who have sought to impose their oppressive mindsets on others, who believe that "might makes right" who believe because they have power that they can do whatever they please, not so just because something can be done does not mean it should be done. There is no justification in the killing of others simply because they do not share your point of view, your faith, skin colour, gender, sexual orientation or similar, and the legacy of several genocides across Mundus makes it clear that "Never again." must mean "Never again."

Seventh, they declare that the days of nuclear weapons are over and must remain so. It is owed to all the peoples of Mundus to ensure that the universal disarmament of nuclear weapons as carried out by the Holy Empire of Achkaerin, Kingdom of East Moreland and First Empire of Rokkenjima and verified by members of the international community stands the test of time. No nation should be allowed to visit weapons of this ilk upon Mundus, the parties shall undertake greater vigilance and do everything in their power to ensure these weapons, once consigned to history, do not return.

Eighth, they make known their belief that one cannot simply walk by on the other side when disaster strikes, whether it be earthquake, volcanic eruption, tsunami, pandemic or other such occurrence. There is no price that can be put on a life and irrespective of political disagreement, sanctions of any sort, legal proceedings etc, the Community shall not turn its back in the face of such disaster, if help can be offered then it must be offered.

Ninth, they commit to the ideal that the planet of Mundus must be left in a better condition than it was found. Work into cleaner, renewable sources of energy is needed, developments must account for environmental damage, more care for the environment in general is needed, we have only one planet and it should be cared for.

Tenth, they commit to prohibit the manufacture of chemical agents designed to do permanent harm to a person, and to prohibit the manufacture of biological weapons. In keeping with this provision, the signatories of this charter shall make it their duty to be ever-vigilant and do everything in their power to prevent the unleashing of such weapons for the rest of human history.

With that, he returned to his seat, finding the charter in it's present state now satisfactory.

[quote=Dunwich Charter, as presently constituted]The Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima, Prime Minister Madeline Thatcher, representing His Majesty's Government in the Kingdom of Tytor, Emperor Peter Azurewind representing the Holy Empire of Achkaerin, The Emperor of the Second Empire of Ikhan and her territories,[ETC, ETC] being met together on [DATE], deem it right to make known certain common principles in the national policies of the respective Governments of the Cross-Straits Community on which they base their hopes for a better future for Mundus.

First, their countries seek a day where no man, woman or child is held in servitude. Whether this servitude be in the chains of slavery, the scourge of forced sexual labour, or the practice of indentured servitude the quest for equality, and ensuring the rights of all Mundusians, must continue to be fought just as strongly as it was in the grand Progressive Era which gave us several cornerstone international accords advancing the rights and freedoms of all Peoples.

Second, they desire to ensure the internal and territorial integrity of all nations and the prevention of a new era of imperialism. Countering the interventionist policies of certain nations while supporting legitimate governments in moments of vulnerability ensures that no state may take advantage of another to forward their own goals and objectives at the expense of another sovereign state.

Third, they will endeavour to protect international accords and norms as to prevent them from being subverted by certain states in the advancement of their interests. The utilization of international accords as weapons by states in the pursuit of their foreign and military policies dilutes the effectiveness of said Accords, as well as the faith of the community of nations in those Accords.

Fourth, they declare their commitment to the basic freedoms of humankind, which every human being on Mundus ought to enjoy by right, namely Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear.  They define Freedom of Speech as the right to the free expression of opinion, of conscience, and of choice, whether in word, in deed, or in writing.  They define Freedom of Religion as the right to the free exercise of any, all, or no faiths, as dictated by conscience alone.  They define Freedom from Want as the right to such necessities of life as food, water, shelter, and clothing.  They define Freedom from Fear as the right to safety both at home and abroad, for one's self and one's family.  Every state should guarantee each of these freedoms, and no excuse can be invented to truly justify the violation of any of them, anywhere in the world, no matter how tempting it may be.

Fifth, they reaffirm their loyalty to the ideals of democracy and self-determination, holding the will of the people to be sacrosanct.  History has shown the path of the tyrant and of the autocrat to be an easy one, but it is the path of the democrat and of the people's representative which is the more fulfilling.  Recognizing the ease with which democracy can be subverted, they pledge greater effort on behalf of both its maintenance and its spread.

Sixth, they affirm that the use of military force must only be pursued when there exists no other option, in a proportionate not disproportionate manner and in keeping with International laws and conventions. The lands of Mundus bear many scars inflicted by the convenient use of military force by those who have sought to impose their oppressive mindsets on others, who believe that "might makes right" who believe because they have power that they can do whatever they please, not so just because something can be done does not mean it should be done. There is no justification in the killing of others simply because they do not share your point of view, your faith, skin colour, gender, sexual orientation or similar, and the legacy of several genocides across Mundus makes it clear that "Never again." must mean "Never again."

Seventh, they declare that the days of nuclear weapons are over and must remain so. It is owed to all the peoples of Mundus to ensure that the universal disarmament of nuclear weapons as carried out by the Holy Empire of Achkaerin, Kingdom of East Moreland and First Empire of Rokkenjima and verified by members of the international community stands the test of time. No nation should be allowed to visit weapons of this ilk upon Mundus, the parties shall undertake greater vigilance and do everything in their power to ensure these weapons, once consigned to history, do not return.

Eighth, they make known their belief that one cannot simply walk by on the other side when disaster strikes, whether it be earthquake, volcanic eruption, tsunami, pandemic or other such occurrence. There is no price that can be put on a life and irrespective of political disagreement, sanctions of any sort, legal proceedings etc, the Community shall not turn its back in the face of such disaster, if help can be offered then it must be offered.

Ninth, they commit to the ideal that the planet of Mundus must be left in a better condition than it was found. Work into cleaner, renewable sources of energy is needed, developments must account for environmental damage, more care for the environment in general is needed, we have only one planet and it should be cared for.

Tenth, they commit to prohibit the manufacture of chemical agents designed to do permanent harm to a person, and to prohibit the manufacture of biological weapons. In keeping with this provision, the signatories of this charter shall make it their duty to be ever-vigilant and do everything in their power to prevent the unleashing of such weapons for the rest of human history.[/quote]

---

The Ikhani National Aerospace Research Organization has formally confirmed the flightplan of the Nikai M-1 spacecraft, which is planned to be a test flight to determine it's future within the program. The flight, crewed by Nikranauts Esik Akai, Vira Tiran, Bagrat Shavur, and Nergui Alkat, will fly upon a circumlunar free return trajectory, taking it around the moon before flying back to Mundus. While the spacecraft and launch vehicle are more than capable of attaining orbit on their own, INARO believes it necessary to determine the functionality of the spacecraft before any missions of a more complicated sort are flown. This comes on the heel of rumors that the organization is planning on test flying the "Akran" spacecraft, a spaceplane which would in theory replace the Nikai in the coming years.

INARO has also confirmed that it is looking into chartering flights for it's Nikranauts aboard foreign-built spacecraft going forwards.

---

The GDP of the Empire of Ikhan shrunk in the last year, this being in part influenced by the attempted assassination of the Emperor in April and the coup-attempt by former Prime Minister Ashot Kaval. While it is hoped that the economy will begin to bounce back from this hit, the GDP nonetheless shrunk by approximately 1.3%. As a result, whereas it formerly stood at $4.17 trillion, it is now $4.11 trillion. The GDP per capita has also decreased, now reaching $17,934 while it was formerly $18,168.

"The Empire of Ikhan concurs with the Rokkenjiman delegation at this time and shall not put forwards a nomination for the positions of Secretary General and Chief Commissioner. We therefore support the nominations of Reginald St. George and Lģosa Cąidh to said positions."

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The Defense ministry has confirmed that it intends to reactivate several ships in the Reserve Fleet and return them to active service. The ships selected have not yet been entirely confirmed, but it is expected that the Ikan-class "Aircraft Cruisers" INS Ikan (which underwent significant modification in the 1990s and early 2000s to become a full Aircraft Carrier, only to be retired in 2015), INS Ishkot (unmodified), and INS Khoros (again, unmodified) will be among the ships which will return to service. In the case of the latter two, it will be at least another six months before they can return to duty, as they will undergo modernizations to bring their subsystems in-line with modern technology. Other vessels that are expected to return to service include two cruisers of the Kani-class, the INS Akran and INS Vikil, several destroyers, and a few submarines. The plan calls for an increase in funding for the Military, which will be requested early next year.

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Acting Prime Minister Viras has released a statement regarding his goals in the first year of his premiership, with the statement being as follows:

---

The first goal of my government will be to establish an exploratory committee for the creation of new amendments to the 1899 constitution, specifically going over it and subsequent amendments to see where loopholes therein may exist before recommending change to the national assembly. If, at their recommendation, it is necessary to draft a new constitution entirely, then the process will be handed over to the National Assembly to vote upon. If they, in turn, are in favour of this move, then the committee will be expanded to include various members of the assembly and experts on the laws of the nation, as well as representatives from various minority groups within the Empire of Ikhan.

Secondly, going forwards, I will order that the Esat make public all dossiers of citizens existing from before 1990 and will order the establishment of an organization which will help said citizens gain access to them free of charge. That being said, some of these said documents may need to be withheld or censored if their full release could damage national security.

Beyond this, I will move to put forwards a bill in the National Assembly that would, if approved, grant all citizens the right to access documentation and proceedings of the government with the goal of allowing for the state better public oversight. It is my firm belief that the government, if it has nothing to hide, should be open about it's day-to-day operations.

---

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It has recently been confirmed that Former Prime Minister Kaval, having been found guilty on the charges of treason, corruption, and crimes against the state. Following this, the court has sentenced the former Prime Minister to death, with the sentence set to be carried out on the 24th of January. The method of execution has not been decided upon, nor shall it be disclosed until after his death. The Prime Minister's legal team has attempted to appeal this sentencing, but it has been rejected by the courts based on the evidence found. With this measure taken, Ikhan may now truly begin to heal after the crisis that shook it earlier this month.

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We were recently able to sit down with Prime Minister Viras for an interview following the recent crisis. This interview will play after the break.

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Vaguzia. You all know it for it's sights, but its people are in need of help. Every day, a Vaguzian citizen has to go withou- you change the channel until the break ends

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And we're back. For those who missed it, we had the pleasure of holding an interview with Prime Minister Viras following the recent crisis. (Note: "E-" = Interviewer, "J-" = Jishek Viras)

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E- "Before we begin, I'd like to thank you for accepting our request."

J- "You're welcome, even if it's gonna be strange to watch myself speak tomorrow."

E- "I suppose... Anyways, I'd like to ask you a few questions, if you don't mind."

J- "Well, that's why I'm here, isn't it? Fire away."

E- "For starters, what led to you deciding that former Prime Minister Ashot Kaval needed to be removed from office? Is it a difference in policy, or maybe you felt he wasn't fit to serve?"

J- "Obviously, we just hated each other... Nah, not really. It's the latter, honestly. I mean, my home province was one of the worst affected by his 'management' of the economy, and he nearly led the country to ruin the last time he was in office."

E- "Would you say his opponents were any better, or are you implying that the people simply didn't know what they were doing when they voted him in?"

J- "Honestly, neither. Though we work together, I honestly couldn't see Deputy Hatas being able to manage the country, not for at least another few years. Prime Minister Ekhral, while decent in the role, never really wowed me, and don't get me started on the fascist and the regionalist. On the other hand, I don't think the people voted for the wrong party perse. Even I didn't like the choices we had, but knowing what that man had done in his previous administration was more than enough to tell me he shouldn't be Prime Minister again."

E- "So you broke with your party on this one?"

J- "Yeah, I did. How I see it, partisanship comes secondary to the needs of the nation, and as the last few months have shown, we definitely didn't need him in power."

E- "That brings me to my next question, that being in regards to Kaval's successor. As many of us know, you are in the running to take over as Prime Minister full time rather than just holding the position temporarily. Other than yourself, who would you think could fill the role?"

J- "Well, for starters, by being Interim Prime Minister, I am technically already his successor. To say otherwise is to simply ignore the facts. But if I were to not be accepted fully in such a position, I would hope that the person who follows in my footsteps would have the best interests of the people at heart, as well as the guts to do what is needed to be done in an emergency. While we don't exactly see eye-to-eye on many things policy-wise, I'd say Berai Nikas would make for an excellent Prime Minister, if not my Deputy Prime Minister if I am formally confirmed."

E- "Do you have anything you would like to say to those who are competing with you for the position?"

J- "Yeah, actually... Good luck."

E- "Now then, as many of our viewers know, you are a member of a noble clan, yes?"

J- "Clan Khasa, guilty as charged."

E- "Well, I'd like to ask... Do you think your roots will have any effect on your policies?"

J- "I'd be lying if I didn't say I was proud of my ancestors. Being the grandson and great great-grandson of Erel and Esik Viras respectively has played a role in shaping how I view the world. Those two were really ahead of their time, if you ask me."

E- "That's great and all, but it doesn't answer my question. How will the views of your ancestors impact you going forwards?"

J- "Well, as we all know, Esik was known to seek equity among all citizens of Ikhan, regardless of the circumstances of their birth. I completely agree, after all, everyone should have an equal chance of doing great things for the nation, whether it means fighting on the frontlines or serving as Prime Minister of Ikhan as a whole. Much like him and my grandfather, I believe we need to be pragmatic in how we deal with other nations, if tempered with a bit of optimism. After all, if we don't hold onto our ideals, then we'll become no better than states like Heyra or Tamora."

E- "That brings me to my final question. As you know, under Prime Minister Ekhral's administration, Ikhan took it's first steps towards integrating with it's neighbors in the Cross-straits region. My question is this: Will you continue this process if you are confirmed as Prime Minister by the ALP?"

J- "As it stands, joining the CSTO was, objectively, the best move we could've made at the time, and still is. If I am confirmed, I will actively pursue membership for Ikhan within the Cross Straights Union as well as maintaining this key relationship. As it stands, membership within it, as well as closer cooperation with our allies in the CSTO, is well within the best interests of Ikhan going forwards."

E- "Prime Minister Viras, thank you for your time. That's it."

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Today, we have a special broadcast for our viewers from His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Arkan VI Vahram ve Sherkoz. The broadcast is as follows:

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"My fellow citizens, today, we gather together to respect our ancestors and to celebrate the turning of the seasons. Of course, it is also a time to remember— to reflect upon the events of the year as it now passes.

It was the twenty-eighth day of August, now a hundred-and-nineteen days ago, that I took the throne from my father, the Emperor Emeritus, after the attempt on his life left him with grave health issues. While he has been on the mend since then, he was recently hospitalized as a result of complications following a round of treatment. We do believe, however, that he will pull through soon enough. Regardless of that, I am thankful to you for your well-wishes, both to my father and to myself. But of course, that isn’t to say it was the only event of this year for our people.

This year, Ikhan formally acceded to the Cross-Straits Treaty Organization. This marks a major point in the history of our nation as it represents but the first step towards reintegrating ourselves into our local community, as well as the world at large. It is my utmost belief that, though I say this with the greatest respect for my father, our isolationist policies were a grave mistake. Now, even as we look forward to the future, we cannot help but look to the past, for this year marks a most important anniversary for the world.

Between the years 1914 and 1945— a period of thirty-one years— our nation, one of many, waged a series of wars against the Ardian Empire. Despite this, seventy-five years onwards, I know that many still feel contempt for the Ardian people, even though the vast majority has moved away from such beliefs. I pray that, in time, the wounds of the war will fully heal and that bridges will be built where battlefields once blocked the way forwards.

This year saw the greatest threat to our nation since those dark years under Marshal Ikir’s regime, when Prime Minister Ashot Kaval sought to ignore the vote of the National Assembly in no confidence with his government. This ultimately led to the Prime Minister, in conjunction with disloyal elements within the Imperial Military and the Esat, attempting a coup and shutting down communications across the nation. We are blessed to have weathered this storm, and I am deeply thankful to those among you who took to the streets to defend your rights. Rest easy knowing that, though reform is coming, the dream of our forefathers yet lives.

Going forwards, it is my hope that the National Assembly will vote to elect a new Prime Minister, whether it be the acting Prime Minister or a fellow member of the chamber of deputies or the senate. It is my firm belief that the crisis we have just passed through has shown that reforms must be undertaken. Clearly, though justified at the time, the constitution has allowed for far too much power to be handed directly to the Prime Minister. I, like Prime Minister Viras, will push for greater transparency in the government, though this can only be done if we work together.

With that said, I wish you and your families well, and pray that the coming year will be good for all of us. Thank you, and have a good night.

This thread will be used to catalogue news stories from Ikhan during the 20th and early 21st century that came out before the primary thread was released. These posts are to be treated as history and as such largely not relevant to the modern day except as references to events mentioned elsewhere. For stories from the present, please go to: https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=1826.0

There was a moment where Arkan didn't speak, in part because he needed a few seconds to process what had been said and a few less to formulate a response. Evidently, someone had done their research, even if they struggled to get their point across in his native tongue. An understandable issue, after all, not many outside his homeland spoke it, but an admirable effort nonetheless. There seemed, almost, something more to it however, but what that was he couldn't be too certain of. Regardless, whatever it was, it might not hurt to see where it might lead.
 "Is that so?" Arkan asked, himself speaking in Rokkenjiman because he saw no need to do otherwise. "While I can certainly say I am intrigued by... what you have said, perhaps it might be best we spoke more about this after the summit, perhaps?" He proposed, after all, he had much on his mind regarding the meeting ahead. They'd have plenty of time to discuss these matters later.