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Vice President of the Crystal Castle Republic interviewed concerning negotiations between the CCR and Aureumterra over Ogtogo
"We remain committed to Ogtogo"; Vice President Hőbér announces President Lorraine Kindrakewich's visit to Potens as part of the latest round of talks concerning the centuries old feud.
Vice President Bertram Hőbér during the interview stated that "the government and people of this country assure you that the armed forces will protect them, and that any potential threats will be eliminated."
Written by Lénide Nadon, EBC.
Sainte François de Mamiel, Ogtogo, Toteco - Vice President Bertram Hőbér was interviewed by the renowned journalist Walt Estey, who has lived and worked in Ogtogo for five years, following the news that President Lorraine Kindrakewich was attending talks in Potens. The interview primarily focused on the actions that the federal government would take within the coming month which revolved around diplomatic support of Ghant and Anagonia. He also announced his government's decision to refrain from offering any military support in the hopes of alleviating fears among the general public worried about the rising tensions in the region.
Vice President Hőbér made several comments during the interview, citing that the federal government remained committed to "not only Ogtogo, but the whole of Toteco," but he refused to give any insight about the future of the Norfolkite embassy within Potens; when Estey noted the concerns of Norfolkite tourists visiting Aureumterra, he stated that there was no reason to worry, and that "were something the matter, the government would have already made it known to them." This has become, in light of recent tensions in Esvanovia, something of a hot topic amongst the public, primarily those living in Toteco. The state, long considered the poorest in the United Esvanovian States, has long elected, or otherwise been supportive of, populist politicians who run on racist platforms; in the thirties, presidential candidate Hugh Longfellow, controversial alone in Free Norfolk City proper for his bombastic speeches and fiery rhetoric about "leveling the economy," enjoyed near-unanimous support throughout Toteco for his inflammatory speeches condenming Aureumterra (he praised the numerous volunteers from Ogtogo who had, against government orders, went to fight with the Anagonians in Bekershafen) and promising that, if elected, he would intervene in the Great War on the side of the Triple Pact. Longfellow's campaign ultimately failed, but numerous "disciples" of his were active thereafter, often accusing Aureumterra of sponsoring secret societies seeking to extend Aureumterran sovereignty over the island of Ogtogo; combined with rumors of a Totecan woman being attacked and killed by an Enme man, and other "lurid, sordid events," a series of organized pogroms took place, with numerous Enme homes and businesses put to the torch, their occupants attacked and even killed. Once alerted, President Solomon Trevorrow mobilized the island's National Guard to assist law enforcement in suppressing the riots, and the governor of Toteco, Fytor Thoné, was thrown out of office once found by the federal goverment to have been complicit in the riots, calling it "opportunism" and "hatred" by the state government. His replacement, Kyros Cheeyev, said in his first speech to the public that there was a dire need to "drag a red hot iron across these islands," and made it his purpose in his political life to suppress Totecan radicals, preferring to obtain a political coordination between the state (and federal) authorities and Totecan moderates.
Despite Norfolkite neutrality during the Great War, Trevorrow's government was noted to be sympathetic to the Triple Pact, in particular Anagonia, and as a result, the Norfolkite embassy in Potens was temporarily closed for the duration of the Great War; it has been, since the cessation of hostilities, opened and closed a number of times and has been considered to be one of the most controversial international embassies of the country. When posed with the question of the future of the embassy, Hőbér stated that everything was under control, and that there was no need to worry. "I'm keeping the stress level a bit higher than usual," Hőbér explained. "But I assure you, we have everything under control. If we didn't, you would already know. Be rest assured, there's nothing to worry about. Look at Ogtogo! Look at Ogtogo! We can build this place! Once we've settled the score with Aureumterra, we can finally move forward, and carry out some much needed work that we've had to unfortunately delay."
He insisted upon the validity of the government's claim that the military in Ogtogo needed to remain on significant alert, citing the rising tensions in the region. When Estey pressed him to talk about it, stating that the popular impression was that the government was being vague and unspecific, Hőbér brushed him off, claiming that he was sure he had already answered the question:"We're not going back and forth on this, mate. I've already told you, as I've told numerous other people, that our government remains committed to the security of Ogtogo. We're mobilizing the military; yes, but it's for defensive purposes. Solely defensive. As President Kindrakewich and I have said, time and time again, we are doing everything exactly as we've promised. We're not making any promises lightly here. These people are our people. This government is committed to the core to ensure the existence of our people and a future for Norfolkite children. We aren't going to stand idly by while Aureumterran ships sail around our waters, while their soldiers take pot shots at our men and women serving their country. We abide by our constitution, and it states, as I'm sure you know, that we will not go to war unless provoked. Yes, we support Ghant in their territorial claims on Fonen, and we support their demand for Aureumterra to repent for their ethnic cleansing, genocide and systematic oppression. Yes, we support Anagonia, as they are a fellow republic and a good neighbour, and have scratched our backs when we scratched theirs. But, despite all this, we will not dreg up the muck, and roll around in it like pigs. We will not sacrfice the men and women of this country in the name of someone else's grievances..."
Vice President Hőbér also noted that the government remained committed to providing funding and technical support for numerous civilian projects throughout Toteco, stating that "our primary aim is helping striving business owners, project owners, entrepreneurs, business executives, and even children opening up lemonade stands achieve their hopes and dreams with the strongest and utmost care," and that, in particular, "we want to pay close attention to the tourism industry; the sandy shores of Ogtogo are some of the finest this region has to offer, and like I told Mayor Farugo when I met with him in Taniquiecache, we are gonna maximize their potential to bring in tourists from all over this region; indeed, the entire world." So far, despite the numerous warnings about Aureumterran activity, and various close calls, many tourists far and wide flock to Ogtogo to bask in the sun on its idyllic beaches, and enjoying the quaint, lovely charms of coastal communities. He noted, also, that Miguel Tomas Balacua, the CEO and President of the Monmouth Bay Trading Company, was fully supportive of his government's actions thus far. "I've spoken to Balacua on numerous occassions, and he assures me that the Monmouth Bay Trading Company will spare no expense in promoting peace and unity throughout Esvanovia." When Estey asked quickly if there were plans to implement long requested reforms, Hőbér replied, "We are more than happy with the current setup; we have no reason to change what's in place." He also told Estey that Ogtogo "shouldn't just be known for the ongoing Crisis," and that the people were some of the most warm and welcoming he had met during his political career, "practically second only to the Kataseans, who I had the cleanest, best pleasure of meeting on the anniversary of the handover of the Rin Leased Territory back in 2000." He then spoke a few words in Katasean, no doubt appealing to would-be voters among the Rinfolk, the largest Katasean diaspora outside of Greater Dienstad.
When asked about the Kindrakewich administration's position on regional tensions again, Hőbér stated, "We would very much like to see peace and good will between all nations. We're a part of the Concert of Esvanovia, after all, remember? I trust the leaders of our fellow region members will choose wisely. I liken it to a cook making a big meal: he or she must always be mindful of what they're adding, because once added, they can't take it away. As such, the same can be said of the governments of Aureumterra, Ghant, Anagonia, and so on: once they have put some such army here, made some such threat there, you can't exactly take those away, can you? Their impact will remain, yes? So, we must be mindful, very mindful, of what we put out in the region, in the world. Well, we're putting out a call for common sense over dogma, unity over division; President Kindrakewich has always told me that above all else, we must secure not just peace in our time, but peace for all time."
Lastly, he noted that he had reached out to Prime Minister Ylbonard Gulinne of Garbania, whose government has openly supported the Norfolkite claim to Ogtogo. "Prime Minister Gulinne has always been a staunch supporter of the sincere friendship between our peoples," Hőbér explained. "As you know, our country hosts the largest component of the Garbanian diaspora; they are one of the country's largest ethnic groups, and have made significant contributions to Norfolkite society as an integral, important part of our cultural mosaic..."
"Since I have you here, and since there have been protests and numerous more calls for it, have you addressed concerns in Shaiburg, with him, considering the Shaiburg Massacre?" asked Estey.
Hőbér shook his head. "Let us put a pin on this for now. One matter at a time, friend. One matter at a time."
"Very well; so, the Garbanians will continue to support the Norfolkite claim?"
"That is so, yes. The Garbania of today is not the same as the Garbania of yesteryear, after all."
"I see. Has their government said anything about the rising tensions in Esvanovia, knowing that the United Esvanovian States hosts a significant Garbanian expat community?"
"Their government will spare no expense to come to the aid of their citizens, but we have no intention of bringing them into any conflict, no. Should war break out, we will deal with it ourselves."
"But you don't believe it will, I assume?"
"No, of course not. I fully believe common sense will prevail."
He also noted that Vajas, a friendly nation in Greater Dienstad, had also endorsed the Norfolkite claim to Ogtogo, and that he had assured them that all Vajasians in Esvanovia would be safe and sound. "Prime Minister Chloé de Brún was, and still is, a good friend of President Kindrakewich—as I'm sure you're aware, the two go quite a ways back—we're happy to know that she has chosen to be on the right side of history, and we've assured her that Vajas will continue to remain one of our country's closest allies. We share a common origin, after all..."
Hőbér concluded the interview by stating: "Be rest assured, people of Ogtogo. You made the choice to elect us, and we will serve and protect you as we promised. As I'm speaking here, the Coast Guard patrols the waters of your beloved island, protecting your loved ones as they fish and dive for pearls from Aureumterran "inspections." As I'm speaking here, the military patrols every inch of Ogtogan soil; they are fully armed and equipped to handle any opponent, and will commit to their removal with extreme prejudice, should the need arise; of course, I hope not! We want the world, let alone Esvanovia, to know that Ogtogo; no, Toteco as a whole, is not just some fetid backwater bickered and squabbled over, but a thriving, cosmopolitan society." He pulled out a bottle of Esvacola, and took a hearty swig. "You know, I recently toured an Esvacola factory in Huaxtepec, and I was very pleased to see how many hard working employees were, well, at work! Ours is a simple principle: honest pay for honest work. We are working around the clock to make sure that all companies do right by their employees, and Esvacola certainly has done its part!" Another swig. "And to make such a fine beverage as this, one of the best known contributions we've made to this region. Healthy and refreshing!" Estey rolled his eyes slightly as Hőbér took another swig. "The success of the Esvacola brand, being sold throughout this region, and indeed, the entire world, is yet another testament to just how well we've maintained this country. It is another example of how we seek to establish that Toteco, as a whole, is a vital part of the United Esvanovian States, and that we will stop at nothing to ensure that it thrives and prospers."
At the end of the interview, Hőbér shook Estey's hand and thanked him for the years of community service ("entirely unprompted, no less!") that he had done throughout Toteco. "We'll make sure that you are properly honored for all your hard work and dedication; after all, this government recognizes all the men, women and folx who make our country great, a shining example throughout the region and, indeed, the whole world. Thank you, Mr. Estey, for all that you do."
A spokesperson for the federal government stated that Vice President Hőbér would visit the CoinSquirt Liquid Finance offices here in Sainte François de Mamiel, as well as be the latest politician to visit the regionally renowned Atomic Shrimp restaurant, before heading back to Charlottechurch to conclude his tour of the United Esvanovian States; he visited the capital's mayor, Charslyn Le Cleck, as well, and told her that he was quite happy to see that her government had "done so much, so well," and urged her to keep up the stellar work. He also met with the governor of Toteco, Titouan Yorxn, his wife Aravelle and son, Jerobolod, and publically endorsed him, calling him "a good friend and staunch defender of democracy and freedom."
At Ogtogo's main airport, before departing for Charlottechurch, Vice President Hőbér addressed the crowd, stating that he and his government greatly appreciated the love and support from the people of Toteco, and that they would be rewarded "in due time" for both. The military band played both the national anthem and the state song of Toteco, and then Hőbér made dual v for victory signs before entering the plane, which flew off to the jubilant cheers of the onlookers, waving miniature Norfolkite and state flags and shouting patriotic slogans.
"I have full faith in the Kindrakewich administration," said one onlooker. "I voted for the Kindrakewich-Hőbér ticket because I knew that they told it like it is, that they weren't spouting bullshit like so many others would, and had. I am happy that I got off my tuchus to go and vote, and I urge everyone to do likewise: vote Kindrakewich-Hőbér! Zero tolerance, zero bullshit, all business!"
"Damn, yo!" howled another. "That big tiddy Goth MILF of ours is gonna kick some serious Enme ass! She's gonna take hold of that bitchmade, sorry ass Freddy, break his back, f*** his a**, and make him humble! Me and the boys at the frat are all pulling for her. Well, we're pulling something, airight!"
"Ugh! Of all the nerve!" shouted a third onlooker, a housewife from the suburbs. "Don't listen to that college punk! Our president is a strong, independent woman, not just some piece of meat to be gawked at! I'm honestly thrilled to know that our president is setting such a great example for all girls and women, nationwide." She rubbed her swollen belly pridefully and added, "If it's a girl, I'll make sure to name her after our great, inspiring president! Go Lorraine, go! Show those stuffy royals that times have changed, and you can't just push people around no more!"
As the crowd gradually dispersed, there was a feeling of great satisfaction among the people, but nothing is ever certain, and we do not know for sure how the talks in Potens will play out, but we will do our best to keep you up to date with the latest news. Let us all do our part to promote peace and unity in Esvanovia, so that we may never again repeat the mistakes of the Great War.
