[LOFS] First meeting of the Council

[Strix]

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Lusophonic Organization of Free States The Lusophone Council --- Portuguese Delegation​

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ENCRYPTED

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SENDER: The Portuguese Delegation

RECEIVER: The Brazilian Delegation (@JakeDorent), The Congolese Observer Representative (@Kuroko)

SUBJECT: 1st Council Meeting

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Greetings,

Since the Council and its subsidiary bodies does not have its official chairman as of now, we believe it is in the best interest of the Organization for the council members and its subsidiary bodies meet up here at Lisbon for elections and further discussions on the trajectory of the Organization's missions. And with this letter, I formally invite you all to come here at Lisbon to open the first session of the Council. Here we will discuss multiple topics, mainly about what has happened over the past few weeks. Particularly, the Arabian Crisis that has been unfolding at the time of sending this letter.

I hope that this letter may find you in good heart, and I will await for your arrival soon.

Signed,
Dona Sandra Henriques,
Head Representative of the Portuguese Delegation

 

[JakeDorent]

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Department of International Relations

Lusophonic Organization of Free States
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Brazilian Delegation​

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Recipient: The Portuguese Delegation
Subject RE: 1st Council Meeting
Classification: Secure

Greetings

We'd like to confirm the presence of the Brazilian Delegation to the Meeting, in these troubling times, a conference is more than adequate.

Yours truly

Pedro Santana Galego
Head Representative of the Brazilian Delegation

@Strix

 

[Strix]

Security around Lisbon is heightened due to recent events​

Police would be ordered to do more routine patrols around Lisbon, as high-profile visitors would be coming soon. A small area of the Airport would be shut off to the public to tend to the visiting parties, and security would be more present in these areas. The Portuguese delegation would be waiting at the airport to welcome their guests. A convoy would be readied with adequate police escorts, the roads necessarily cleared and the traffic rerouted.

Due to the urgency of the meeting paired with the lack of funding from the Organization as of now, the council would meet at the temporary venue of the Sao Bento Palace.

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@JakeDorent @Kuroko

 

[JakeDorent]

​

The Brazilian Delegation would arrive on the Airport as scheduled, led by Mr Pedro Santana Galego, Chief of International Relations and now the Leader of the Brazilian Delegation.

The Brazilian Delegation would shake hands with their Portuguese counterparts, Pedro speaking.

"Greetings Gentlemen, its good to see you all, especially in such troubling times, hopefully, today's talks can help bring good news to the world."

The Brazilian Delegation was eager to start talks with their Portuguese allies, especially surrounding the situation in the Middle East.

@Strix

 

[Kuroko]

Organisation Lusophonique des États Libres ​

Secret and Encrypted​ To: The Portuguese Delegation @Strix and the Brazilian Delegation @JakeDorent From: Arnaud Ngalula, Observer Representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Greetings, As the recently appointed representative to the Lusophone Council, I would like to apologize for the Congo's absence in previous discussions. While the nation rebuilds following devestation, we were unable to attend in person. I will remedy this matter immediately. I would like to confirm the Congolese presence in this conference. My Thanks, Arnaud Ngalula Observer Representative to the LOFS Democratic Republic of Congo

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The Congolese Delegation would arrive as scheduled, slightly later than their Brazilian counterparts. Led by Arnaud, wearing a colorful blue tuxedo and a matching beret, the group of five met the two delegations quickly within the airport. On his long tie were the Portuguese and Brazilian flags, and he wore a big grin with ease. His skin was deep and colorful, and unlike all of his Congolese compatriots, he had hair beneath his colorful beret.

"Gentlemen," he began in a fluent - if accented - Portuguese, "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Despite our observatory status, please, treat us as friends."

Two of the men behind him shifted uncomfortably, wearing grey military uniforms with orange berets. The other two wore blue berets, like Arnaud, and seemed more comfortable.

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[Strix]

"We're happy that we could finally meet you all in person. The Organization aims to help through the development of our nations, as well as being a shield against foreign threats. I would assume all of you know the current conflict that is brewing in the Middle East? Nonetheless, we are happy that you have arrived here safely."

The Foreign Minister would then smile as she shakes the hands of her guests, trying to balance the severity of the situation. The other delegates would essentially follow suit.

Portuguese security personnel would lead the parties to their assigned cars in the motorcade, as usual, security would be heightened along the preplanned route to the palace. While the Portuguese motorcades usually take the scenic route for the pleasure of their guests, the nature of the matter requires them to take the shortest time. As such, it wouldn't be long before they would arrive at the palace.

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At the palace, the parties would be lead to a room. A large round wooden table would be present in the center, while fluorescent lights would illuminate the area. They would be lead to their seats, wherein their respective nation's flag would be placed in front. Water would be provided to the parties involved, as well as light snacks. After everyone has seated, the Portuguese delegation would begin the first session. An assigned Portuguese secretary would type away the minutes of the meeting.

"I do apologize for the frantic manner we have prepared here, I'll make it so the next session would be held in a more pleasant location. Nonetheless, do you gentlemen have anything to say before we'll start the meetings?"

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@JakeDorent @Kuroko

 

[JakeDorent]

Pedro was the first to speak up, awaiting the Portuguese finish their speech before standing up and speaking in a calm and respectful manner.

"I'd like to say a warm welcome to our Congolense friends, We understand your presence in the first summit had to be cancelled, but I'd like to speak for the entire Brazilian Delegation and give you all a warm welcome, we look forward to having your presence in future council meetings."

Pedro would give the Congolense Representative a friendly smile, the rest of the Brazilians doing the same, before sitting back down on his chair.

@Kuroko @Strix

 

[Kuroko]

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Arnaud smiled as the three delegations came together in the final chamber. Even if perhaps temporary, this was far beyond what much of the Congo could hope for; to imagine that this was not a pleasant location to the Portuguese... Arnaud sat, the four in his company sitting in pairs on either side of him. Indeed, their flags all had similarities, yet he was but an observer for obvious reasons. His nation was not only the only republic among them, but the only African, the only non-Lusophonic.

Pedro stood and Arnaud watched him with a gentle smile, hands clasped in front of him. When Pedro finished, he stood, bowing his head. "I will keep it short, as I have given my thanks already, but I thank you again for welcoming me and my country. We intend to observe every meeting, even if perhaps we cannot always influence as your nations may."

He sat, scooting in and again clasping his hands.

@Strix @JakeDorent

 

[Strix]

"Very well. The Organization, while still at its infancy stage, would aim to be one of the leading roles in the International state, encouraging cooperation, goodwill, and development among the nations of the world. I would like to stress that the Observer Representatives to the Organization would be able to make suggestions to the council, to show that each of our nations can equally provide insight into the discussions that the Organization would provide.

This meeting would hereby be referred to in later dates as 'the first meeting of the Lusophone Council.' We would discuss the topics of the appointment of the role of Chairman, The Economic Situation between the member states, such as trade and future infrastructure projects, as well as the looming conflict that is unfolding in the Middle East.

For now, let us start with the voting of the chairman so that they may lead the meeting soon after... The Portuguese Delegation would put forth Cesário Santana as our candidate for the role. Nonetheless, I will now give the table to Mr. Santana, if I may."


A man would stand up from the Portuguese delegation. He seems to be around his early 30's, wearing a dark grey suit with the Royal Portuguese Flag on his lapel. He would smile before the members of the organization, eager to put forth his ideas to advance the organization. He would then begin his short introductory speech. While certainly no stranger to international politics himself, being one of the core personnel in overseeing the European department for Foreign Affairs, he was eager to offer the Organization his diplomatic expertise.

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"Hello everyone. My name is Cesário Santana, aspiring Chairman of the Lusophone Council. The Organization, under my supervision, would aim to promote diplomatic and economic benefits to its members. I would aim to try and face each problem with intelligence rather than brute force, ensuring that all parties may be able to face the most satisfactory outcome.

I would prioritize the issues within the Organization rather than external matters, although any issue that severely affects any of the member states counts as an interior one. If you vote for me as Chairman, I would ensure to you that all of your suggestions would be discussed and answered, as I remain as a servant to our peoples. "

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@JakeDorent @Kuroko

 

[JakeDorent]

The Brazilian Delegation looked at each other, Pedro thought for a moment before standing up and speaking.

"As Representative of the Brazilian Delegation of the Lusophonic Organization of Free States, I place my vote on Mr Santana to the seat of Chairman of LOFS"

The other members of the Delegation gave a nod of support, agreeing with Pedro's choice, the Representative would give Santana a smile and a respectful nod before sitting back on his seat.

@Strix

 

[Kuroko]

Arnaud did not look to his fellows as Pedro had, nor did they offer up a chairman, obviously. Arnaud has considered them barely a member at all but it seems he had been mistaken. Still, his smile came easily and he stood after Pedro day, chuckling as he adjusted his tie.

"I will, if it matters, place my vote for Mr. Santana as well. I would like to know how often a vote like this will be, however. My brothers in Angola, if they ever join, may be uncomfortable with a consistent Portuguese chairman."

He sat, whispering to one of the other Congolese delegates, who nodded.

@Strix @JakeDorent

 

[Strix]

"Members can nominate someone into the positions, but bear in mind that observer states may only be able to vote for whoever they wish to be, besides, the actions of the council may ripple to both the members and the observers. Nonetheless, it is important to note that we should vote for who would be most capable of leading the organization, and for the task of building the foundation, we believe it would be Mr. Santana who would be best for it."

The Portuguese delegation would make it clear that they too voted for Mr. Santana. Cesário Santana, who was shocked by the quick 'victory', would stand up and proceed to continue the meeting. He would stand up and grab a few folders he has deployed on the round table.

"Thank you. Now as acting chairman of the Organization, I believe we should first move towards the positions of Chairmanship of the Defense and the Trade and Economic Committee. While the delegates of Portugal have already nominated one of theirs, I would say that it is within the best interests that they would refrain from nominating other members for the remaining positions, to avoid dominance over this intergovernmental organization."

"The Congolese Observer Representatives may nominate a member for the position of Chairmanship for the Trade and Economic Committee if they so wish. After the elections, we would go to the main topics of the meeting."

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@JakeDorent @Kuroko

 

[JakeDorent]

Pedro would nod, before looking over to the Head of the "Caxias" Research and Development Facility, who nodded in return.

"To the Seat of Chairmanship of Defense, We, the Brazilian Delegation, put forward Mr Silva, Head Researcher of the "Caxias" Facility."

Mr Silva would stand up, the Researcher was previously working at the Facility, but also had experience working in the Air Force with the Aeronautic research and development department as well as being one of the graduates of the Imperial Air Force Academy in São Paulo, he was in his mid-30s.

"Gentlemen, I am Eduardo Souza da Silva, aspiring to be Chairman of Defense, under my supervision I promise to overlook the development of all armed forces of the countries involved in the Organization, as well as oversee the development of joint ventures between all our countries.

I'd prioritize defensive development and the familiarization of the various armed forces through joint exercises and joint development of equipment."

Not being a man of many words, Eduardo gave a respectful nod before sitting back down on his seat.

@Strix @Kuroko

 

[Kuroko]

Arnaud watched the two groups with a small smile, glancing towards another member of his group when addressed. Receiving a harsh gaze he nodded silently, then listened to the Brazilian delegation in somewhat comfortable quiet. He swallowed, standing with a nod to Eduardo and clearing his throat. Before he could speak another representative stood as well, the man with a harsh gaze. He wore a dark grey military uniform with orange stitchings and an orange beret on his head.

"Ah..." Arnaud began, clasping his hands in front of him. "I vote for Mr. Silva, quite happily. As for the Chairmanship offered to us... may I present Lieutenant-Général Jean Kazadi."

Arnaud gestured, and the harsh looking man nodded. His skin was darker, and he was shaved bald. Despite the appearances, he stepped up and nodded deeply. His voice was a bit deeper, and his Portuguese more heavily accented. "Bonjour, mes amis. I am Jean Kazadi, of the Mouvement pour la libération du Congo, a friend of the Director of Industry and Vice President, Monsieur Bemba. While I am a man of the military first, I have been reassigned happily, and will make my stay here as chairman with consistent contact to my home. I know finance, I know our resources, I know forms!" He chuckles then, and the other Congolese laugh softly with him. "I was in fact originally sent to keep financial records, and was a secretary in Zaire's government for many years."

He paused, standing for a moment before sitting back down.

@Strix @JakeDorent

 

[JakeDorent]

Silva nodded, sitting back down...Pedro couldn't help but notice the exchange between the two Congolense Representatives, looking at the other Brazilians for a moment and whispering something in Portuguese for them representatives before speaking himself.

"Interesting...however, could you tell us more about your knowledge regarding Economics and what are your priorities regarding the Organization?"

Pedro asked, Economics were one of the fundamental positions of the Organization, and for the Brazilian, it had to be lead by the proper authorities.

@Kuroko @Strix

 

[Strix]

The Portuguese delegation would watch the exchange. Certainly interested in the men who presented themselves as the respective leaders of their areas. The Portuguese would look to the Chairman, confirming their vote for the Brazilian representative. In the meantime, they watched the Congolese representatives with curiosity, waiting for their answer. The Brazilians did in fact present a valid point, and they were ready to put forth another nominee if things go sour. The Chairman looked at the Portuguese, seemingly discouraging the interjection. Nonetheless, they had to listen to the Congolese representative's plans on managing financial matters.

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@JakeDorent @Kuroko

 

[Kuroko]

Jean blinked owlishly upon being questioned. While not offended he did shift in his chair. Arnaud, meanwhile, just gave an apologetic smile.

"I have much experience with finances and economic studies. Zaire was not a good place to get educated, but I was considered best for financially managing this representative group even without knowing of the chairman position. I do not understand why you must question me, and not these two." Jean gestured to the two other chairmen, sighing. He remained seated.

"The Congo has purchased trade ships from the State of Japan, but it is unclear whether we are to receive them. We would like Portuguese or Brazilian ships to purchase permanently; perhaps even license. Free Trade Agreements could be established, with high tariffs for our valuable diamonds, gold, and cobalt, but much lower than for other countries. We know our worth, and we are willing to negotiate trade of equal values in Brazilian and Portuguese goods. I believe in a strong Congo, one that will not be made a subject or taken advantage of, and I would like the position of chairman to ensure this."

He finally stopped, clasping his hands and furrowing his brow.

@Strix @JakeDorent

 

[JakeDorent]

"I was simply questioning as the other two explained their priorities, I was curious to hear yours."

Pedro crossed his arms and sat back on his chair, giving Arnaud a respectful nod before turning over to the Portuguese Delegation

"If I may, I'd like to first give a chance to the portuguese delegation to speak on the topic at hand."

@Strix @Kuroko

 

[Strix]

"Of course."

Sandra Henriques, the Portuguese Minister for foreign affairs, as well as the leader of the Portuguese delegation, would shuffle in her seat before speaking. Her associates were seemingly confident in communicating their ideas.

"While we were planning on nominating one of ours to take the chairmanship for the Trade and Economics Committee, we believe that it would be best for Mr. Kazadi here to become the chairman instead. We need to thank the Brazilian delegation for the clarification, as well as applaud Mr. Kazadi for his visions in managing the organization economically. Managing the Organization's financial affairs would be a great feat for anyone. Nonetheless, we would place our vote to Mr. Kazadi if no one else interjects."

The Portuguese would likewise smile to the other two delegates, who were eager to know their official response. The chairman would then speak to break the ice after the Portuguese reply.

"Do we have anymore questions? If so, we may proceed to the voting process for both of these positions. I believe we only have a single nominee for both positions so unless anyone would run against these aspiring gentlemen, I would say that we would immediately appoint the two for their respective positions. After this, we would proceed to address the elephant in the room."

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@JakeDorent @Kuroko

 

[Kuroko]

While Jean had a low voice and narrowed eyes, he did nod, not seeming too upset by the further interrogation he had received. "I understand. The Congo must be cautious with its boons, you see. We have learned the destruction that comes with selling our souls to the west."

"What he means," Arnaud interrupted with a soft chuckle, "Is that the Congo has rescinded all trade deals Zaire had made, legally or otherwise. We are seeking an economy of protectionism, so our country can move towards progress on its own. That does not mean trade is impossible, of course! That's simply the current ideals of the administration"

With that, Jean seemed to agree, nodding firmly.

"We have no questions as of yet, and our votes have been cast. We vote for Mr. Silva and Mr. Kazadi." Arnaud smiled, seemingly content with this arrangement.

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@Strix @JakeDorent