[ARG] Call to Ukraine

[Naio90]

The argentine Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs would invite the ukranian ambassador to Argentina to a private meeting at the Ministry.


GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

Ambassador Mariya Palinchak would accept the invitation. After finishing off the last of her morning coffee, she'd grab her bag and stepped out into the sunshine to hail a cab. That was one thing about the southern hemisphere she hadn't gotten used to yet--warm sunshine in November. She'd go to the front desk to inform them she had arrived and wait patiently for the Deputy Minister. Her tenure at the embassy had been fairly quiet so far, she wondered what they'd be discussing.
Naio90

 

[Naio90]

At the ministry, an aide would be waiting at the entrance and politely greet the ukranian representative. They would enter the building and use the VIP elevator and go directly to the Deputy Minister's Office. Once privately in the office, the Director would welcome the diplomat.

"Ambassador Palinchak, its a pleasure to finally meeting you. This meeting was long overdue, but recent circustances complicated the current governments plans to reinforce our bilateral ties with concrete meetings and talks.

Please, have a seat. Can we offer you something to drink?

I would like to review with you a potential list of areas of mutual cooperation and exchange. We see Ukraine as a major player in european and eastern politics, as well as a major potential trade partner for us. And not forget a potential equipment provider."

GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

"I completely understand, there are no hard feelings," Palinchak smiled as she took a seat. She would politely decline the offer for refreshments.

"We're pleased that Argentina has such a positive attitude towards Ukraine. I'm sure we can arrange for defense sales, but first let's discuss your list. I'm curious what your government has in mind."

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Argentina is always friendly towards likeminded and open nations, with whom we might share interests and points of views of multiple issues.

Regarding the agenda, the most urgent issue might be to know a little bit more about your position regarding the Antarctic crisis, news incoming from the south depict a critical situation, and the inminent Summit in the Netherlands will be key to what happens next.

On more positive agenda, we would like to discuss bilateral trade between our nations, the possibility of sharing with one another our foreign policies to see where we can find coincidences and cooperate, and also the possibility of acquiring some DPR's for ukranian components such as engines, motors, missiles, radars and sensors for a series of R&D projects we have currently on our design board. Obviouly, should Ukraine have special interest in some of them we would be delighted with having a more broad cooperation on them."

GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

“Oh, that…” Her smile wilted away. “The Republic of Ukraine is disappointed by Argentina’s failure to conduct search-and-rescue after the collision. However, given the presence of hostile military vessels we understand why a captain would, on the spot, decide against it. His first duty is to protect his own crew.

“Aside from that, you are correct, our countries share similar viewpoints. Like you, we have viewed Antarctica as a land unadulterated by human conflict—until now. Sweden’s kidnapping of Australian citizens has also caused us great distress. It wasn’t all that long ago that Ukrainian citizens feared abduction by the KGB—an agency we consider foreign in origin. We don't look Kindly upon such actions. Australia has our sympathy.

“Now, Ukraine would prefer for Antarctica to remain as it has been: unclaimed. If that is not practical, we would be more likely to support countries who have an historical and geographical basis for their claims.” She paused. “I would say the relation between Argentina and Antarctica is not so different from Ukraine’s connection to Crimea. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Argentina is conducting SAR in the area as best as it can, considering we ended up with a damaged ship stuck on treacherous waters and limited aerial operations due to the presence of swedish warships, who as opposed to Argentina, have not informed wheter they will respect the Geneva Conventions. We cannot risk our pilots getting shot down. We will do what we can on that issue.

Our intention in the end is to open up Antarctica for all nations, and to leave it to science. Although it is important that close nations, just as you say, retain a protagonist role in antarctic affairs, wheter by the constitution of a council of "Antarctic nations" or through the designation of SAR and environmental regulations enforcer regions. Ideas we will be eventually preenting at the Summit. But one thing is sure, none of our plans include a swedish antarctica.

As for Crimea, well, it is kind of different if we think of a productive and actually habitable piece of land, opposed to antarctica, which obviously cannot sustain a population on its own. Whats the current situation on Crimea?"

GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

"I see... Perhaps you’re right. Why shed blood for a block of ice? Ukraine has been viewing Sweden’s actions as a form of neo-colonialism, but it isn’t comparable. The Swedes didn’t force any native groups off the land, they aren’t coercing those Australian scientists to renounce their language and culture to become Nordic—I wouldn’t be surprised if they were even fed and given hot cocoa. It is very different from Crimea, indeed. I accept that our logic was flawed and we must take time to reexamine our position.

Since the dissolution of the Union, some bureaucratic nonsense has technically put the peninsula under Russian jurisdiction, but only for the time being. I believe it was on the list of discussion points for the state visit Ukraine is hosting. I'm hopeful it will turn out well."

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Well, you have to understand that it is not only a block of ice. Leaving aside the historic and social factors, you have to take into consideration the vast mineral resources present on Antarctica, the huge drinking water reservoirs and the research opportunities, including bio-prospecting tht are contained under the 60°S. We will under no circumstances allow for only one nation to grab them.

Had you the chance to talk with Russia over this? Argentina has not yet adopted a clear position on the matter, but we do value territorial integrity above all, and do not welcome separatists or
secessionist movements."

GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

“So, would you summarize your argument as ‘by claiming Antarctica and it’s vast resources, Sweden is stealing from the world’? I suppose that is a reasonable assertion, one that we would be more likely to agree with...

But you just said the difference between Antarctica and Crimea is that one is a productive piece of land and the other is not. You seem to be contradicting yourself and I do not understand why.

You also claim Antarctica is different from Crimea because Antarctica is uninhabitable, rightly implying there are social and historical issues to consider in Crimea. But then you said “ignoring the social and historical factors” surrounding Antarctica... In the eyes of Argentina, what is the real difference? I'm afraid I'm not understanding.

Perhaps, Crimea being a relatively small peninsula on the other side of the world, this issue has not been top of mind for your government. As you said, you have not adopted a formal policy, and I'm afraid that to you it seems I brought up a small, unrelated matter rather abruptly. Unfortunately, to Ukraine this is no small matter and we see many similarities between Crimea and Antarctica.

We have plans to discuss the issue with the Russian Federation very soon. We have hope that this can be peacefully resolved. However, it would be helpful if other states were to voice their support, just as I'm sure Argentina would appreciate support from other countries at the Antarctic Summit."

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Differences start the moment Crimea was crontolled by the Russian Empire, then by the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic and afterwards by the Russian Federation, while Antarctica has had no consolidated controller.

As I said before, the fact that situations are quite different does not mean we are not willing to understand and share Ukraine's point of view. We are well capable of extrapolating situations and study them with different legal frameworks, but mantaining same or similar legal and moral perceptions to judge with."

GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

"Mr. Deputy Minister, I must admit I'm beginning to feel incredibly embarrassed. I am here to represent Ukraine in diplomatic talks, but I'm afraid I'm not doing a very good job of it, because I'm not following what you've said. I must ask you to answer a few more questions and reword your responses to my previous inquiries so I can be sure I'm properly interpreting Argentina's stances.

If you are, as you said, 'not unwilling to understand and share Ukraine's point of view,' does that mean you do agree with us on the matter of Crimea? Also, would you please elaborate on what you mean by 'consolidated controller.'"

She paused. "And if it's not too much trouble, I think I actually will take you up on that offer for a drink. I wouldn't mind a glass of water."

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Sir, you surely know how international politics work. Its a delicate process of negotiation and seeking balances, Crimea is a sensible matter and I am confident you can infere Argentinas position on the matter based on my previous responses.

We see that Ukraine has an issue with Crimea and Argentina has an issue with Antarctica, if you are looking to gain mutual support on theses causes, its time we speak frankly, and as I said, we cannot give you a formal position without complete information, and we basically don't have Russia's position on the matter. Thats why we asked you for that.

As for "consolidatet controller" I mean a central authority, a State, exercising direct and effective control over an area. Crimea had his, Antarctica, not."

GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

She frowned at being called sir, but would not comment on it.

“Although I would continue to make points contrary to your statement on the comparison of Antarctica and Crimea, I will refrain as it is clearly beginning to sow unnecessary hostility between us. It is unproductive, and for that I apologize.

“We understand Argentina’s need to defer on the matter of Crimea’s government until we both have a clearer comprehension of Russia’s intentions. After all, they are a world power and it would not benefit Argentina to become entangled in a verbal dispute with them. We respect your decision.

"With this in mind, we ask that you respect Ukraine’s decision to refrain from making statements on Antarctica, as we do not have complete information. Ukraine will require Russia’s opinion before proceeding. As I said, they are a world power, much like Sweden. Declaring a stance too hastily might result in Ukraine alienating not one, but two of its powerful neighbors. I’m sure you understand how international politics works. It is a delicate balance.

“Now, I’m afraid there isn’t much else for us to talk about and I regret that this conversation has yielded nothing for either party. I suppose we could discuss trade, or we can reserve that for another time, once our stances on the Arctic and Crimea have crystallized. It’s your decision.”


Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Antarctic... Arctic is the north pole."

A waiter would enter and serve the ukranian diplomat a glass of water.

"There is not much more to know regarding Antarctica, all partiicpating nations have expressed their intentions and showed their objectives. Including "superpower" Sweden, which is clearly an ambitious title for the small scandinavian nation. We do however respect your nations position and you should make it public when you think its the right time to.

We could talk trade if you would like, Argentina is always looking for new trade partners. We could offer you petroleum and gas, vehicles, lithium and grain."

GingeOrCringe