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Empress Speaks With RBC On Tamora, Heyra and the QAMB SituationEmpress Evanthe spoke with the RBC regarding a range of topics including Tamora, Heyra and the destruction of QAMB. "Naturally I respect the work of the Empress-Emerita, however that respect for her triumphs can stand alongside criticisms for her later shortcomings. Unlike her stance in times prior to the Toshindai Genocide it seems that, with time, her actions and positions became increasingly mercurial. We now understand the issues she was facing alone, however, those reasons do not change the facts of the later portion of her reign. This is also why we see, in some circles, shock and dismay for the restoration of a Chrysanthemum Throne which not only lists the principles upon which the First Empire stands, but acts in support of them."
"While it has been some time since Rokkenjiman policy has matched our principles, and I realize that this return to form may upset some, I shall never apologize for Rokkenjima taking that course which is just. We saw an era which pushed forward the rights of Peoples across Mundus, and until we realize a day in which no man, woman or child is owned by another, our task is not yet over. It is one thing to recognize your capacity to influence circumstances across Mundus, another to have utilized them to do so in the past, but this capacity is one which my predecessor could seemingly no longer utilize toward the arc of the greater good and the improvement of lives across Mundus. Paralyzing ourselves with the most expedient path is a weakness which we've cast off, and recognizing that the path which the Empress Emerita took in respect to the Republic was one which consigned us to acting in convenience rather than standing on our principles is but one step in the process of rectifying past wrongs of our nation."
"In The Defense Journal we see Rokkenjima accused of intolerance against the Tamoran Empire
and any country that doesn't share our ideology. I don't know how to make it simple, but I'll attempt to do so: the First Empire is a signatory of the Mundus Convention for Universal Rights, a document which states in no unclear language that no person shall be held in slavery or servitude. It does not give exemptions for "culture" or religion and, as a free society, we recognize that the institution of slavery is morally reprehensible and indefensible on any basis. This means that, as our principles are wholly incompatible with slavery, a state which holds tens of millions of lives in the shackles of servitude is one which we shall most definitely not tolerate."
"While I do not put much faith in the study and believe it is flawed on many levels, the mere appearance of Tamoran soft power speaks of an ill Mundus, of nations which sign instruments such as the MCUR but are all too willing to set their principles aside and take a "convenient" approach when it comes to the Tamoran Empire. Soft power is not a contest of popularity but a measure of a state's capacity to influence situations and events. At the end of the day we see a Tamoran Empire which has largely excluded itself from international institutions, has not signed any major treaty, is the principle power allowing for slavery's continued existence, and has yet to prove a demonstrated capacity to influence situations. Certainly they may antagonize, disrupt and enflame situations across Mundus, as they tried in Ardia and are presently attempting in Albion, but their capacity to solely influence and determine the course which they ultimately take is just not there."
"Now if we look to the situation with the Heyran Republic and the destruction of Queen Adriana Military Base, the chain of events validates the Vicegerent's position that the Empress Emerita should never have signed it in the first place. An unequal treaty, which granted much to the Republic with returns that did not justify that which was granted, as well as pitting the foreign policy of the First Empire against traditional partners
and the very principles it espouses, could only work so long as she was on the Throne. With the Republic's insulting approach toward the Kingdom of Tytor and their utilization of the CFT in a series of attempts to prevent the First Empire from acting upon its principles shows that the nature of the relationship was not one of equal allies, but one which was employed by the Republic to gain benefits from the First Empire while hindering the execution of its policies in several spheres."
"It is also well known that the routes which the Republic was concerned of are some of the most secure waterways anywhere in Mundus, something which the nations of the Illumic and Mhorish Seas should be applauded for. In signing the CFT the Republic said, in essence, that the efforts of these nations was not enough at best or, at worst, sought to position the First Empire as some sort of counter-balance to native nations; a narrative which is supported by prior reporting from the Republic. While the Empress Emerita may have been content to grant these concessions to the Republic for a military base I must recognize what is beneficial to the First Empire, her People, allies and traditional partners as well as ensuring that treaties stand aligned with Rokkenjiman values and policy. These factors are why I commissioned the review of the CFT and then acted upon the recommendations presented to me."
"The First Empire will no longer take a convenient path, as the Empress Emerita often elected to do, in matters which concern our principles and values. Where the Empress Emerita faltered on the issue of Tamoran slavery I have seen Rokkenjiman policy restored to a position in-line with the values of our nation. Where the Empress Emerita ceded much to the Republic in return for a military base I have seen that the First Empire is not held over the heads of the Republic's neighbours as a cudgel, upending the great work and effort they've invested in their region."
"The destruction of QAMB is tragic, but it could have been prevented had, at just one of many junctures in the series of events which preceded it, a different approach had been decided upon by the Republic. If different language had been pursued, if direct communication rather than releases to the Press had been employed, had a Heyran diplomat simply picked up the phone and dialed my office, but I digress. Regardless of the circumstances, and the Heyran actions which contributed to them, the First Empire is committed to a path which shall see its responsibility addressed in a fair and compassionate manner. The events which have led us to this point are set in their place in history, however, that does not compel us to act with malice as we move beyond them."
"Earlier I authorized the Imperial Treasury to set aside funds and prepare an account, its final amount pending assessments, to address the restoration efforts which will be required in Lethe. We're exploring other avenues for the distribution of supplies and to ensure no strain is imposed upon those assisting the Republic in these efforts and I hope to have an update prepared on those efforts in the near future. These initiatives will focus on the immediate needs required of the situation and will not be influenced by politics or any sort of blame-game some politicians may wish to engage in. We must focus on the present and ensure that our actions do not contribute to anger or division, but toward healing."