Private communiqué to the Commonwealth of Euirasia

[Markus]

To my Esteemed Counterpart,

Our nations have different cultures and values, and do not align each other in many respects. Those differences are of course reflected in the relations our two governments have. 

Euirasia seeks integration into various regional and continental organizations and while we do not understand that approach it, we understand that is the prerogative of the government to decide such things. Just as we understand that in these difficult and troubled times for your country the government is well within its right to take appropriate action to stabilize the country.

The Euirasian government has of course many friends aboard that can help. However, should the Euirasian government want for any reason our assistance in stabilizing the situation, I would like to let you know that the Tamoran government is willing to help to the best of its ability.

Respectfully yours,
Alya Safavid
Head of Foreign Affairs 

[Lakhzovia]

To the Esteemed Alya Safavid

I would like to extend thanks on behalf of my country for your nation's reaching out to us in our times of difficulty.

While it is true that the founding principles and the developmental course of our nations are somewhat different I too believe that there is a case for mutual support. We are thankful for your recognition of the right of our government to pursue whatever course of action is deemed necessary in order to ensure the long term stability that form the basis for prosperous national life. We likewise recognise the value of Tamoran sovereignty, and admire your nations resoluteness in the face of foreign hostility.

We believe that the opportunities presented by a strengthening of bonds and cooperation between our nations cannot be passed up and therefore would like to formally welcome you to enter into discussions about how best to work together for the future benefit of our respective peoples.

Respectfully Yours,

Tobias Mathers
Foreign Secretary

[Markus]

We are extremely pleased to see Euirasia is willing to listen to our proposals and engage in discussions aimed at finding ways to strengthen our two nations.


The Empire of Tamora wants to see a strong Euriasian government that can stabilize the country and neutralize disruptive elements. It is for those reasons that we propose the following avenues to explore:

•   Mutual public support for the right of each of our governments to use whatever means necessary to ensure the stability and tranquility of our nations. The Empire of Tamora will not engage in any sanctions against Euirasia because of its domestic policies and would expect Euirasia to do the same in relation to Tamora.
•   Depending on the energy needs of Euirasia, Tamora is always willing to be a stable provider of oil and gas regardless of any political turbulences and international pressure.
•   Because of a certain lagging behind of Tamora, we are always interesting in acquiring or entering into research agreements with Euirasian R&D development institutions. Any help on this matter would be appreciated.
•   Mutual understanding that while green energy can under certain circumstances be an alternative to fossil fuels it must not receive unfair advantages like subsidies and instead be allowed to compete without state privileges on the market.
•   The possibility of one of our banks to acquire one of your (large) banks. The agreement will also feature the promise that the new shareholders will voluntary (even if there is no legal requirement to do so) provide information to the relevant authorities regarding the financial activity of the persons whom the government deems disruptive to the stability of the country.
•   Acquiring any Euirasian state businesses that are struggling thus providing Euirasia with money at a critical time but also investors that would be sympathetic to the government and that will ensure that employees are encouraged to show support for the government in these difficult times and to not, under any circumstances, provide any type of support including moral to the disruptive forces that are currently engaged in an attempt to destabilize the country. In order to alleviate any concerns some might have, the Tamoran businesses can use their Elysium ( Heyra) registered subsidiaries to acquire the Euirasian companies and thus avoid any unnecessary talks about Tamora's peculiar institution (ooc: slavery).
•   Provide active support in the information war taking place on social media platforms inside your country. Our embassy in Euirasia informs me that sadly there is a lot of misinformation and antigovernment propaganda taking place on social media and that is detrimental to the stability of Euirasia. The Imperial Intelligence Service has a division aimed at combating such propaganda and we could offer our expertise and support to your intelligence service. Should cooperation between the two institutions prove satisfactory, further cooperation can be explored. 


Please feel free to suggest any other areas of cooperation as well as well inform us if there are any other areas your government might need support.


I look forward to your reply.

Respectfully yours,
Alya Safavid
Head of Foreign Affairs

[Lakhzovia]

The government of Euirasia takes an extremely positive view of your proposed framework for cooperation and are happy to agree to the draft document as it stands.

We would further like to take the opportunity to cement the growing friendship between our countries through a state visit of leading representatives to Euirasia. In doing so we hope to provide an opportunity for your government to get a better understanding of the situation on the ground in our country.

Such a fact finding mission will provide the additional benefit of equipping us both for further cooperation in a number of fields in the future.

I anticipate your response.

Yours in Friendship,
Tobias Mathers

[Markus]

As Alya’s plane made its way for Euirasia she did her best to prepare for the coming meeting.  Eurasia suffered from what many in Tamora called the democracy problem or as Tamorans called it "mob rule". The elected government had the slimmest possible majority and the opposition was trying to paralyze the government into forcing them to have snap elections which would probably be won by a slim majority of the opposition which will then be blocked by the new opposition and so forth. It's no wonder democracy didn't get anything done and most of Mundus had strong monarchies with Midaranye leading the way in this as having at least four absolute monarchies, Tamora being among them.

She expected that dealing with the Euirasians would not be easy. She had little information about them but so far their government did not make statements against Tamora. That was probably because MidAranye problems were of no concern for Euirasians rather than anything else but that was still a good foundation to build upon. Tamoran businesses had not taken part in the privatization process of the Eurasian monopolies and that was not because of lack of interest but rather fear that Euirasia would be tempted to nationalize them as sanctions against the Tamoran government. The fears were not unfounded as Euirasia, ever since emerging from isolation, has attempted to integrate itself into the international community including having close relations with Rokkenjima, one of the countries that had sanctioned Tamora the most.

Now the Euirasian government was trying to stabilize the country and bring the opposition in line in order to stop the chaos and bring order to the country. The Tamoran government saw this as an opportunity to create an ally on the Ardian continent, one not bound by common culture or religion but reciprocal need but there were still lots of issues to consider.

As Alya’s plane reached the airport and stopped on the lane, she got up, adjusted her hijab and put on her gloves. In Tamoran culture it was considered inappropriate for the opposite sex to touch each other and wearing gloves was a way to avoid any complications should the hosts prove to be too "friendly” and might want to shake hands .

Once she was out of the plane she politely bowed and greeted the hosts in the Euirasian native language using the few words she rehearsed several times in preparation for the meeting. She then switched to the lingua franca of Mundus. She made sure to follow to the letter the Euirasian protocol when it came to foreign visits. Not only did Tamaorans like formality and protocol but it was a way for them to show respect.

Once they reached  the place where the meeting would take place, she waited until the non-essential staff and especially the press was not around so that she could speak in peace having the needed discretion:

“I would like to say in the name of the Tamoran Empire that we appreciate the openness presented by your government to engage in these talks and to allow us to have this fact finding mission. The Tamoran government is a strong supporter of the idea that facts should be considered first before making a decision. It is our belief that if more Mundus governments were to have this approach then perhaps not so many would have placed sanctions on our country. “

Alya waited for the hosts to reply before continuing:

“So if it is convenient to you, I propose that you perhaps present what current the situation is Euirasia. There has been a lot of misinformation spread around by various media channels like the…” she checks the notes before continuing”Workers’ Weekly which seems in our opinion to have an anti-government bias”.

[Lakhzovia]

Tobias met his Tamoran counterpart at the airport where a secure zone had been created for the brief reception. Remembering his briefing on the cultural and religious sensitivities of the Tamoran's he returned the bow without offering to shake hands. They then departed for the Ministry offices in a limousine, the Tamoran bringing her entourage as chaperone on the journey.

As the convoy wound its way through the streets of the capital city the level of civic disturbance became increasingly clear, with shops shut and boarded up, the streets littered with the debris of riots. The cars passed through several security checkpoints along the route before approaching the main government district. This area was the most tightly secured with police vehicles parked in a line across the wide boulevards and avenues, uniformed and shielded officers forming cordons along the sides of the streets holding back masses of irate protesters, their expletive laden banners decrying the government.

Upon sight of the convoy the crowd became visibly more agitated, increasing its pressure on the police lines while a great roar of indignation rose up along with chants of "FASCISTS!" and "MURDERERS!", bottles and stones began to rain down around the vehicle as the police waved the now speeding convoy through the checkpoint into the secure zone.

Now finally arrived at the Ministry offices they exited the car, the distant noise of the riotous mob still audible. "I apologise for that." said Tobias tiredly "We have rather gotten used to it now, however I understand if it may have been disturbing for you. If you prefer upon leaving we can have you conveyed to the airport by helicopter?"

The two made themselves comfortable in the Ministry conference room and began their formal discussions.

“So if it is convenient to you, I propose that you perhaps present what current the situation is Euirasia. There has been a lot of misinformation spread around by various media channels like the…” she checks the notes before continuing”Workers’ Weekly which seems in our opinion to have an anti-government bias” said the Tamoran.

"Of course, I am more than happy to provide you with greater information. I am not sure which would better suit you, the long version or the short? Presuming you wish to understand the deeper roots of the current political situation it may be of benefit for you to be provided with a little history.

Euirasia is a country that began life as a province of the Ardian Empire, ruled for a thousand years by a Governor selected by the Empire itself, while the true economic and social administration of the territory was carried out by the feudal Nomarchs. Following the disintegration of the Ardian Empire Euirasia gained independence, initially constituting itself as a Nomarchic Republic, a democracy with limited francise. In the years that followed it was found that such a system proved incapable of dealing with the challenges faced by the modern state, further the pressures generated by the global suffrage movements as well as the socialism that then was winning over a great deal of post-colonial states led to the Nomarchs voluntarily reforming the government system to act as a sort of pressure valve, to avoid a greater political catastrophe.

Following from this the elections brought the Workers Party of Euirasia to power, a Social Democratic party which governed for an extended period of time. Their use of unions to prop up their power, particularly in latter years as the economic mismanagement of the country became obvious, has led to a situation where the country is afflicted by an extremely militant left wing union movement along with a plethora of left wing parties.

Despite this the majority of the populace finally grew to recognise that their prospects and conditions cannot rise so long as the economy remained dominated by the state and unions concerns. As such the first centrist and right of centre governments were finally brought into power. The unions and other left-wing militants have set out on a path of absolute confrontation; they are prepared to destroy the country's economy rather than allow for the programmes of liberalisation that are needed to revitalise our national fortunes.

Having forced an election the results were such that only a coalition of the right could govern, proof if any is needed that the majority in the country no longer support the destructive programme of the left. Yet they continue their aggression against the government and the democratic will of the people, now seeking to portray the current administration as some manner of fascists, simply because we are attempting to implement our democratic mandate.

I hope this sufficiently apprises you of the current situation. If you have any questions on areas I have not covered, or wish for further detail please do not hesitate to ask me."

[Markus]

((Now finally arrived at the Ministry offices they exited the car, the distant noise of the riotous mob still audible. "I apologise for that." said Tobias tiredly "We have rather gotten used to it now, however I understand if it may have been disturbing for you. If you prefer upon leaving we can have you conveyed to the airport by helicopter?"))

“I think it’s best if I return by helicopter”. Not wanting to suggest that she didn’t trust her hosts with her security she added: “It’s best if we avoid any potential incidents” she added.

The trip to their destination left a bit of an impression on her. The country seemed paralyzed with the government under siege. She wasn’t used to seeing people screaming insults at the government. While people did take to the streets in Tamora and protests against the government itself were not illegal they were not allowed to “gather steam” through a combination of through a combination of two institutions: the native church and the imperial secret service. In Euriasia however, things seemed out of control from her perspective though the hosts seemed much less affected by the protests.

Alya listed to her counterpart’s description of the situation. It sounded like a though spot to be in. Under such conditions, the “Labour Harmony Act” made sense as a way to stop the trade unions from harming the economy even further, the “Migration Monitoring Act” offered the government a way to show the people that even without such strong trade unions the government will protect the local workforce and that the laws against trade unions were not laws against workers in general. Furthermore, the “Anti-Incitement Act” also seemed like a reasonable way to discourage the riots.

“Thank you for providing these details. If I may ask, what effects have had the three recent laws that you passed or is it too early to tell?”
“What is the situation on the media front? How much of the media are supportive of the government? I think it’s important for the government to be able to both block the disinformation of the syndicates but also inform the public of the real dangers facing the country. ”
“What about the social media platforms? I assume the social media is full of disinformation against the government.”
“Just how united are these trade unions? Has the recent privatization that has taken place help? And by that I mean, are the unions of the privatized companies less critical than the ones for public/state workers?”

Alya asked the questions trying to look for ways that could open cooperation between the two countries.

[Lakhzovia]

"The laws are simply on the legislative agenda at the moment. The first of the votes is due to be held in two days time on the Migration Monitoring Act, the other two acts will be voted on the following week. The current disturbances you saw on your way in appears to be the left's attempt to derail that process by breaking the nerve of the Assembly Members.

Should we manage to pass the acts we hope to invoke the Labour Harmony and Anti-Incitement Acts immediately and utilise their full force to put an end to the current situation. Of course we are expecting this to draw some strong condemnation from foreign powers, however we are gratified to see that at least some, such as yourselves, understand our course of action.

In regards to the media we find ourselves supported by the Maldun Tribune and the Financial Times along with a number of smaller tabloid outlets. However there are a number of media houses which are engaging in highly charged editorialising, particularly belonging to the left, the worst among which is the Workers' Weekly, a paper linked to the All Euirasia Trade Union Congress. We are hopeful that the passing of the anti-incitement act will reign in the more extreme rhetoric but undoubtedly they will attempt find ways to continue their subversion in spite of it.

We have historically avoided state control of media in our country, however it has been proposed by some of our coalition partners that we introduce a State Censor to regulate the press and ensure that the media accurately reflects the truth free from political spin.

In regards social media our issue is that while the left readily uses it to propagandise and organise we are powerless to regulate them, given that the platforms they use are hosted outside of our country. Short of limiting access to the internet there is little we can do at this point; though it is a point that if we introduce a State Censor as previously suggested that they may be in a position to more closely monitor and find ways to counteract this phenomenon.

Finally you ask about the trade unions. Unfortunately the historical pandering to them has led them to be highly organised and united, the AETUC that I previously mentions is the supreme umbrella organisation, a federation of all major Euirasia trade unions. It is through that body unified political and industrial action is organised. As such it is difficult to see unions as individual entities in this country as they are all, to some extent, subordinated to the supra-organisation that can utilise intimidation against any union that may seek individual rapprochement with the government or move towards acceptance of the economic reforms."

[Markus]

“You are right in saying there will be backlash from some foreign capitals but Djerb (ooc: Tamora’s capital) understands the measures are need if the country is to break the current impasse it finds itself in. We will also do our best to explain the situation to our friends in the other Midaranye countries. Not everyone in Mundus is willing to condemn other governments for how they manage their internal affairs. The nations of Midaranye are not exactly rich or trouble free so we understand that not all governments have the luxury of rich countries and they are sometimes forced to make hard choices. It's not like your government wants this but the unions and their allies leave you no other choice. “

“As far as the media is concerned, perhaps your government can audit the state companies and see to it that they use their marketing and publicly budgets for buying ads to the media institutions you have mentioned that follow journalistic standards. There is no point in my view to have state companies basically fund media trusts that have an anti-government agenda. I also think, and please forgive me for saying this, that you allow too much leeway to the Workers' Weekly and other such extreme newspapers. I am in no way advocating censorship but if these papers are so radical in their agendas and so bent on promoting propaganda then perhaps the government should also be less understanding when it come to their financial matters. After all, if Euriasia is like most countries then it has a tax code that is both huge and open to interpretation and under normal circumstances it's perfectly reasonable for government auditors to understand taxpayers when they make a mistake or misunderstand some articles but when the taxpayer,  in this case the newspaperm is so bluntly pushing an anti-government agenda that hurts the country then perhaps the government auditors should no longer be so understanding in any future tax audits they do.”

“On the social media platforms we weren't suggesting censorship but rather using web brigades to push for narratives that are favorable to the government. After all, if the opposition tries to demolish your then you have to fight back by promoting your viewpoint and allowing the public to decide which narrative is truthful. In this area, should you want to our intelligence service can help you since we have experience in this field both at home and abroad. “

“In that case AETUC is indeed very powerful because of its virtual monopoly on the representation of the Euriasian workforce. In fact such a monopoly is quite dangerous for the economy and perhaps your government can look into it and check if the current anti trust laws allow for such a monopoly on the representation of the workforce or if maybe a decision to break this monopoly into several competing organizations would be a better approach to protect workers’ rights. I mean a lot of people say competition is good so perhaps more competition here might be what is needed. I understand the government is busy and has many issues to consider but I believe that is one avenue you might want to explore. “


"Tamoran companies would like to invest in Euriasia, they are not afraid of political turmoil like the one your country is not experiencing and have business practices that state they should promote and support the local government. One only needs to look at Zimalia and see how well Tamoran companies have worked with the government there in the interest of both parties. There is however the issue of sanctions that keeps them away. There are afraid that your government might decide to confiscate their assets they have in Euriasia on various grounds. Your neighbor in fact had this approach just a few months ago where they have confiscated the little Tamoran private assets there were in Rokkenjima because the Tamoran government chose to recognize the Theocracy of Kaitaine. While you might disagree with the Tamoran government’s position of Kaitaine, I believe you understand why Rokkenjima’s decision to punish Tamoran companies and individuals for the decision of the government has made Tamoran businesses even more prudent when investing abroad.  This is why I would like to know where your government stands on these sanctions issue so I can then transmit it to the Tamoran business community. “

[Lakhzovia]

"Ah yes, the sanctions issue.

I doubt it would surprise you to learn that the Euirasian government does not, at this time take any particular foreign stances. We are a country which has spent years in a form of self-imposed isolation and just as you recognise the value of our own sovereignty in our domestic policies so too do we recognise the value of the sovereignty of others.

Euirasia may be a remnant of the Ardian Empire, but that Imperialism and the interventionist doctrine that it engendered is long past.

We are hardly in a position to turn away the hand if friendship wherever it is presented to us, and on these bases you have my assurances that Tamora has no need to fear that our government would even considered implementing a sanctions regime against your country. Let it be known, your merchants and businessmen are welcome here, our market is open to all friendly nations."

[Markus]

“This is good news indeed. And though this should be the standard approach between sovereign countries it is sadly something that is rare in today’s Mundus.

We will inform our businesses that the Tamoran government considers Euriasia a safe country to do business in and I am sure quite a few will be interested. While I hope I am wrong, I expect some other governments to resort to sanctions against your country in the future and that will open opportunities for our companies to invest in your country. After all, if others will no longer wish to do business with Euriasia, then they should step aside and let companies like ours who do want to. “

“And if we are talking about opportunities, what are the areas where you believe Tamora can provide assistance?”   

[Lakhzovia]

"Tamora has something of a reputation for maintaining a high degree of social and political cohesion. This is clearly something we find ourselves lacking, we would welcome Tamoran support on initiatives aimed at bringing about greater social harmony within our state.

We perhaps would also benefit from easing access of Euirasian citizens to Tamoran institutions of higher education, as part of which we would seek to implement favourable visa conditions for Tamoran citizens seeking to access Euirasia.

Finally we would be in favour of greater diplomatic cooperation between our nations to strengthen our respective positions against the impositions of foreign powers who disapprove of our respective political courses."

[Markus]

“We will do our best to support your government in your drive to improve the social cohesion in your country. I will also make sure our embassy in Euriasia has a team of experts that can advise you should your government need any advice.

I will also see that our government easies access to our universities. I believe Euriasian citizens attending our universities will return to their homeland with a different perspective, one more inclined to social cohesion as you said so well. I will however need to add that our university system is quite different than yours so I do not expect a high number of Euriasian students attending our universities.

Lastly, you can expect more diplomatic support from Djerb. Critics need to see that regardless of cultural differences, sovereignty is a value that many people, I would argue most people, hold dear. “

“I would also ask your government to lessen any restriction you might have in place when it comes to your research institutions collaborating with their counterparts in Tamora. Many of the rich nations of Mundus are benefiting from the brain drain that affects many of the less prosperous nations. Allowing our research institution to cooperate where they find it to their benefit will help alleviate some of the problems cause by this brain drain that is certainly affecting my nation.”

[Lakhzovia]

"We are of course happy to eliminate barriers to collaboration between the research institutions of our respective countries, and look forward to a fruitful future of friendship between our peoples.

If there is nothing further to discuss then I propose that we have our respective teams liaise to work on the fine print of the agreement for ratification and signing."

[Markus]

“I believe we have covered everything that there is on our agenda. We will now let our teams do the rest. I would like to thank you for your hospitality and your openness to discuss these issues.”

With that, after making sure the hosts did not have anything else to add or discuss, she stood up and made a short bow. Afterwards, she took the helicopter to the airport as agreed.