Vela-Pontus seeks destination for ex-Zogrian leaders

[Vela-Pontus]

The government of Vela-Pontus seeks another nation state to accept the ex-leaders of Zogria, following the end of the Zogrian Civil War.

Occurring from 2016-2018, the Zogrian Civil War was a conflict between the authoritarian federal government of Zogria and the joint forces of Velan and Pontusian (the two largest regions of Zogria) rebels. Following the rebels’ victory, they reintroduced democracy (suppressed by the defeated Zogrian government since 2002) and renamed the nation Vela-Pontus.

Following their victory, the Vela-Pontusian leaders denied officials from the previous government citizenship in the new, renamed nation. Instead they have offered them the chance to emigrate from the country, in exchange for them agreeing to ‘Public Silence’ (an old Zogrian law whereby the individual avoids prison/death by effectively retreating from public life).

If any nation is willing to accept these individuals please inform the Republic of Vela-Pontus below.

[Kuronami]

To Whom it May Concern,

Kuronami has been made aware of the desire to exile the former leaders of Zogria. We give our praise to you for showing grace and humanity by offering to expel the deposed rather than have them killed so Kuronami would be willing to accept them into our nation as ordinary citizens and agree to your conditions where they will remain out of public light. If you accept we also will still broach relations with your nation and give you full recognition.

Please let us know your decision,

Benio Hanamura - Royal Agent of State

Under Her Majesty, Empress Ortfiné Fredericka von Eylstadt

[Vela-Pontus]

Thank you for your response. The Republic of Vela-Pontus gladly accepts your offer. In return we extend an offer to your nation to both open an embassy and engage in bilateral talks regarding a trade deal between our two countries.

Regarding the expulsion of the ex-Zogrian government, there will be 22 individuals to accept. The most prominent, listed below, will require constant surveillance by both your security services and our own.

Enriqo Salazar - the 88 year old who was dictator of Zogria between 1980 and 1997. Went into hiding following the democratic revolution of 1997, but returned to power after the military seized control in 2002 and suspended all democratic processes. In 2010 he resigned as President under pressure from within the governing National Zogria party, but remained as ceremonial leader of the party until the end of the civil war.

Gusto Benito - the 57 year former President, who succeeded Salazar in 2010 and remained in office until the end of the civil war. Charismatic and radical, he was immensely popular within the party but poor economic policies adopted under his regime led to the 2016 uprising and the eventual fall of his government.

Susa Benito - the 42 year old wife of Gusto, also a leading official within the now-defunct National Zogria party.

General Humus Rascal - the 61 year old former leader of Zogria’s armed forces. He was responsible for the military seizing control in 2002 and suspending democracy. He led the severe repression of regional politics and organised protest. Many in the country are calling for him to be imprisoned or even executed, but he still maintains strong connections with the armed forces and such a move will likely antsgonise the still influential army.

We eagerly await your response.

Warmest regards,
Benedict Horatio-Watson
Foreign Minister of Vela-Pontus