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An Invitation To Kaesong
The People's Democratic Republic of Kusan
In the coming days I, and the People of Kusan, will join together in Ri-Sŏng-jin Square to mark Victory Day, a date which is important to the Kusanese People and State as it represents our victory in preserving our nation, culture and traditions from the imperialist gaze of the Federal Republic of Rokkenjima. While we have celebrated this victory alone in years past it is my pleasure to invite honoured guests from across Mundus to join us for this years celebration in an event I feel is a most fitting occasion to reintroduce Kusan to the broader world. Following a parade in Ri-Sŏng-jin Square our honoured guests will have the chance to view the Arirang Mass Games and, of course, an opportunity to speak with me as Kusan seeks to forge new friendships and partnerships with our international neighbours.
This invitation is open to all nations except for the First Empire of Rokkenjima and the Empire of Daitō.
Chairwoman: Ri Sang-Hee
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Kaesong International Airport
Lee Ki-su, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Kusan and often seen as the right hand of Ri Sang-Hee, had been tasked with welcoming guests at Kaesong International Airport as she oversaw final preparations for Victory Day celebrations. His history as a bodyguard for the Ri family since the times of her father, moving on to serve as the chief intelligence officer for the PDRK before finding himself as an influential member of the Central Committee meant that the Respected Comrade held great faith and trust in him. It was her intention to see him head a reinvigorated diplomatic apparatus for the PDRK so his tasks today would prepare him for the work ahead whilst giving her an opportunity to gauge his abilities in this arena.
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Lee Ki-su awaiting the arrival of the honoured guests of Kusan along with the honour guard.
"Looks like Chŏng-jun lost the bet," one of Lee's staff murmured aside him, which prompted a raised eyebrow. "The Respected Comrade was expecting perhaps a delegation from Kaitaine first, yet we see the Mtkvarteli," he answered, which would prompt a chuckle from Lee. "I'm sure she hasn't demanded a wager he can't afford. Still, they're a nation that she sees prospect in, so it's fortunate they've found their way to Kaesong today." As they approached Lee extended a hand, "Welcome to the People's Democratic Republic of Kusan, honoured guests. I am Lee Ki-su, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Kusan, and will be your guide as we make our way to Ri-Sŏng-jin Square where final touches are being placed on the celebrations ahead. My associate here," he motioned to the staff aside him, "will take you to your personal transport to the square. Refreshments are available within," he concluded with a smile.
The second arrival was a bit of a surprise as well, President Tesan Cikniye of the Lakhzov Republic. Lee knew of the recent falling out between the Republic and the First Empire and, with his intelligence background, was contemplating what information the Lakhzovians may have on Rokkenjima that may be of use to the PDRK. The break in their relations was rather recent after all, so any information they held would be helpful in the crafting for PDRK operations regarding the Rokkenjimans. "Welcome to the Peoples Democratic Republic of Kusan as our honoured guest. I am Lee Ki-su, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Kusan, and will be your guide as we make our way to Ri-Sŏng-jin Square where final touches are being placed on the celebrations ahead. My associate here," he motioned to another member of his staff aside him, "will take you to your personal transport to the square. Refreshments are available within," he continued with a smile, "and I should think the Respected Comrade will be looking forward to discussing our mutual associate," he concluded with a knowing nod.
"We share your sentiments," Ki-su replied warmly. "Due to isolation following the fall of Warsaw, and the ostracization we've faced from a certain nation, not much is truly known about Kusan to those from the outside world. I'm sure you saw, just as we did, the Rokkenjimans and Daiōjin ridicule and mock the PDRK; actions demonstrated all so often by imperialist powers that throw their weight far beyond where its desired. While we've been isolated it doesn't mean we haven't looked outward and observed events as they transpired, so we know that your people were thrown to the wayside when the Anselmo's favourite pet, Kadassa, was finally evicted from office. Their kind don't tolerate those who deviate from their world view, as you've so unfortunately experienced."
"Enough of that though, today is one of celebration and a re-introduction to Mundus on our terms and in our voice. You will be aside Respected Comrade Ri Sang-Hee for the duration of the parade and, naturally, after the festivities I expect there will be a fair bit she wishes to discuss with you. It is of note that you have not withdrawn from the Cross-Straits organization, as such I would expect some curiosity from the Respected Comrade to be shown regarding certain happenings there. Finally, there will be interest for modernizing equipment utilized by the Kusanese People's Army. In the mean time, please do enjoy yourself while in our lands."
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Finally joined with her guests Ri Sang-Hee took in the sights of the parade, a display of Kusan's robust defense against a repeat of the war some seventy years ago which resulted in what Kusan viewed as a final answer to Rokkenjiman involvement in Kusanese affairs as well as its continued pledge to ensure that no amount of force, nor pressure, could again weigh upon the PDRK. Often times during the parade she would point and give a summary of individual units, pieces of equipment, as well as to the joy of the people involved in the parade itself. The patriarchal nature of Kusan was still on display in the view of the television feed available to her, with the camera cutting to her brother's reactions on a level annoyingly noticeable to her; with a single word spoken into her microphone the cameras took their focus off him and would train themselves upon her for the remainder of the parade. Naturally she knew that he had his own ambitions at play, people speaking into his ears that she had stolen something from him, yet she remained confident that she could keep his political interests contained. The alternative would be seeing any threat removed and, to date, she did not see that option as being necessary.
Looking to Nasaridze Sang-Hee would offer a sigh of sorts. "Kusan is a proud nation, but one which also laments that we must look over our shoulder on a daily basis, build such a defense that any imperialist venture into our territory would be a sentence of death for the invaders, but this is the reality imposed upon us by Rokkenjima and, most recently, the Daiōjin as well. I believe that these upcoming elections in Kalasin should not only be observed by the Coalition, but from unbiased eyes of their neighbours in Cotf Aranye as, unfortunately, Coalition observers observe from a position of perceived bias even if they, themselves, are clean of it. The PDRK has called for such continental based observers to be part of that process, a call which has to date been ignored. Do you think your government would be willing to support our calls for Cotf Aranye nations, absent Achkaerin as a party to the Coalition naturally, to play a role in observing the elections in Kalasin?"
She then turned to Cikniye. "The Vice Chairman has had several good things to say about you and your ability to make a good first impression, it's an honour to share time with you here today. Before you is the Kusanese answer to Rokkenjima's demands for compliance, a compliance I have never found good standing in abiding to and, by the way, congratulations on your independence from both Kadassa and the Anselmos. I feel we've much to discuss later, but please, do enjoy yourself; we are, after all, a most hospitable host and I don't wish to send any of my guests home without ensuring that they know the true spirit and essence of the Kusanese People."
OOC: For anyone worried, this topic should be considered as a time bubble prior to the allegations of Kusanese involvement in the attack upon Pyrettania. I'm not bombarding my own celebration. :)