"I shall," Beatrice said as she stood. "Thank you Honourable President for accommodating us on such short notice. The dedication of the Republic to finding solutions for issues affecting our near neighbours is admirable, and I'm certain all in attendance appreciate the lengths you are willing to go to assist in facilitating a solution. I'm also pleased that Emperor Lapu was able and willing to join us here today, as am I pleased that Crown Princess Serenity is present as well. While it has been some time since we've been in such a setting together I know well that her dedication toward the arc of justice and that which is right has helped to guide many a scenario toward resolutions that serve the common good of Peoples, regardless of borders or the difficulty of the situation before us."
"With that being said, what is transpiring within Nueva Ardia is something which should be of concern to all Ardians, and those beyond our continent even. I understand that Emperor Lapu holds concerns over the protests and the spread of their ideas beyond the borders of Nueva Ardia, however, I do not share that fear. What I see in Nueva Ardia are those who display their patriotism and concern for their nation through actions: it is no small feat to shut down roads, ports and shopping centres across a nation, after all. We must consider that the referendum which granted Mr. Melos a continuance of his term was conducted in a manner which allows for no independent mechanism for review or verification, under institutions which we have no manner of knowing the depth of any alleged corruption or ulterior motives which may exist."
"This is why the First Empire views a referendum which is conducted by a neutral party, and is fully transparent to the Nueva Ardian People and the community of nations, as a necessity. If the People of Nueva Ardia are as supportive of Mr. Melos as he claims he has nothing to lose under such a scenario: the referendum is held, the results are verified, and those who may oppose the results may at least know that it was conducted fairly and not to the benefit of one man over the democratic voices of those he rules. If they do not support his position, we gain insight into the true will of the People and may take that information and use it accordingly as we approach the difficult situation within Nueva Ardia."
"I will also add that while Quintellian support for Mr. Melos was one reason behind the deployment of Rokkenjiman forces to the region, we primarily considered the threat of a heavy-handed response by Mr. Melos to the protests. It is my firm belief that had we not deployed the response would have been more forceful, more violent, and we could have seen blood in the streets as Mr. Melos retaliated. Given the history between the First Empire and SANE, and noting the Treaty of Non-Aggression, I certainly understand the concern Emperor Lapu would have in this situation. However, with the genocide conducted by Toshindai in recent history, we could take no risks in allowing Mr. Melos a blank cheque; precaution was thus the best strategy to at least provide guiderails and prevent the worst possible outcome from becoming a reality."
"To move forward from this point, and to see our mutual concerns addressed, I propose that should Quintellia, and by extension SANE, join in creating an environment which allows for a referendum which is transparent and verifiable to take place Rokkenjima would see this as a development which would allow for forces to be withdrawn from the Bay. This move would take place over the two weeks following any agreement reached here today. It is my hopes that, through dialogue and cooperation, we may find a path forward that ensures the democratic will of Nueva Ardia is heard unfiltered, and one which moves Rokkenjima and SANE toward an environment in which they need no longer view each other through tinges of lingering distrust, building a foundation which ultimately serves the stability and tranquility of our region and abroad."