CNS Live Special: Signing of the Rheinland-Liberty peace treaty

[Bundeskabinett Sekretariat]

----- CNS | Channel: News24/7 | Now Playing: Live Special: Signing of the Rheinland-Liberty peace treaty -----

"Hello dear Rheinlanders, Libertonians and viewers from all other houses or independent regions! I´m Adele Jones and you are watching CNS Live Special from the signing of the Rheinland-Liberty peace treaty. In a few minutes, we will switch to live broadcast from the ceremonial hall in Bundestag on the planet New Berlin, where the treaty will be signed by Rheinland Chancellor Luisa Neumann and Liberty Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Sam Worthington. But before that, lets sum up what happened recently for those who missed our breaking news about events which happened during travel of Liberty diplomatic convoy to Rheinland because it definitely was not undisturbed trip.

Liberty chose quite a militaristic convoy for diplomatic mission - it contained even Atlantis class carrier and Overlord class dreadnought. But it turned out they either knew there is real reason for it, or at least they expected big troubles. And they really came. Our reporters obtained information that shortly after convoy met Rheinland counterpart in Hudson system, both groups were attacked heavily by some forces without markings. According to our sources, attackers managed to heavily damage dreadnaught 5th|LNS-Odyssey, which ended temporarily out of service with several injured crew members, and destroyed at least two fighters - one belonging to Liberty Navy, other to Rheinland Federal Police. Apart from that, they even seriously endangered the carrier [LN]-LNS-Jacobi with the diplomatic mission including Secretary of State onboard and the ship had to leave the battle to make sure it will deliver its precious passangers.

Further details are not known unfortunately and both militaries refused to comment the event, so it is not clear if hostiles were based from Liberty or Rheinland. Though it is no secret there are groups on both sides which not welcome the peace between these houses. Conspirative theories on the NeuralNet forums but also some respectable analysts already came even with theory that Gallia could have been directly or indirectly behind the assault, because massive fleets which were kept on Rheinland border might be soon relocated to fight against them and this may turn tide of war. On the other hand, there are also rumours spreading that at least part of the attackers were aliens known as Nomads. However that is very unlikely because their home grounds are in deep Omicrons.

Anyway, despite mentioned damage and losses, combined forces managed to outnumber and annihilate all enemies. Joint convoy gathered again in Hamburg system then, where also more Rheinland Federal Police forces accompanied it to help repel any possible another attacks. All ships then proceeded without any troubles to New Berlin to the capital planet. But right there, in the middle of welcoming talks and ceremony between representatives of both houses and their militaries, lone terrorist without any identification markings found his way into heavily guarded area with bomber loaded with munitions, and attempted to suicide attack the carrier in futile effort to destroy it and interrupt the peace talks. One of our reporters managed to obtain copy of record of the communication from that moment:"

[RM]-Niflheimr: This is the captain of the Niflheimr, Welcome to New Berlin.
[LN]-LNS-Jacobi: CIC: Niflheimr, this is the Jacobi. It's a pleasure to be in New Berlin airspace on friendly terms.
RFP|Die.Kaiserin.Leicht: Artura: Ja. The Polizei of Rheinland welcome these wanted and much needed changes. It's gut to see progress.
[RM]-Niflheimr: It is good to have you here under these conditions captain of the Jacobi. I heard it got rather stressful out there.
[LN]-LNS-Jacobi: CIC: We did come under some duress, but thanks to the fine work of our combined coalition, we made it through with little to no issue.
[RM]-Niflheimr: It is good to see you made it here safe guarded by the unity of Rheinland and Libertonian vessels.
[RM]-Niflheimr: Please, feel free to have your pilots dock and resupply here within Rheinland.
[RM]-Niflheimr: You will find New Berlin to be quite comforting.
RFP|Wach.G.Nijmegen: A bomber?
[LN]-LNS-Jacobi: CIC: We'll deal with fixing up the scratches in due time - we have history to make first, Captain.
[LN]-LNS-Jacobi: CIC: Ah, the Odyssey. Glad to see you made it.
5th|LNS-Odyssey: Darius: Would not miss this for anything!
The.Messenger: Here are they...traitors and filthy Libertonians!
[RM]-Niflheimr: Verstanden, I trust we can drink to that together in my Vaterland, as this will be remembered as a historical stepping stone.
RFP|Wach.G.Nijmegen: Dammit, I knew it.
[RM]-Niflheimr: To building a much brighter future between our two houses.
The.Messenger: You will be never welcomed you filthy Libertonians!
The.Messenger: Rheinland will never surrender!
The.Messenger: DIE as you deserve!!! For true Rheinland!!!
5th|LNS-Odyssey: Darius: Damn that guy can talk a lot.
RFP|Kad.Claris.Claus: Contact spotted
[LN]-Kelly.O'Brien: Breaking escort. Going to intercept.
RFP|Kad.Claris.Claus: Engaging target
The.Messenger: AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
*sound of explosion*
5th|LNS-Odyssey: Darius: A crazy person is down.
RFP|Kad.Claris.Claus: Target was found and destroyed.
[LN]-ESRD|Guard: Damnit!
[RM]-Niflheimr: I see, we should conduct our business under the safe haven of Planet New Berlin.

"As you could hear, the terrorist was successfully eliminated before he was able to crash into carrier and cause any major damage to it. Though this event ended the welcoming, all ships landed or moored and the Liberty diplomatic envoys were transported by heavily guarded shuttle to government spaceport on the planet New Berlin. However, CNS obtained exclusively three unofficial photographs which captured the unique sight at Liberty Navy warships on the orbit of planet New Berlin. Here they are..."

"But now we are switching to our reporter David Branagh, which is in the gardens of Bundestag and Bundeskanzleramt Complex with further information. David, how does it look there? I guess security measures related to the signing of the treaty are really strict?"

"Good afternoon Adele, you are right. The scale of security measures is unprecedented. Area of several kilometers around administrative governmental district, where signing will take place and also where Liberty diplomatic envoys are accommodated, is temporarily off limits for everyone except those who work or live here, and these people need special entrance ID cards. There are several security zones where police and military do ID checks at the entrance checkpoints, there are patrols armed everywhere with heavy weaponry including automatic guns. Even no fly zone for all civilian traffic was declared temporarily in area of ten kilometers around the district, and only police or military helicopters and shuttles are allowed to fly inside. We saw here military vehicles with anti-aircraft missiles ready to immediately shoot down any intruder."

"It sounds that Rheinland government either wants to be prepared or really expects problems. But after events during the travel of Liberty convoy, it is not surprising. Anyway, tell us more about the place where the treaty will be signed in around thirty or so minutes."

"Sure. The treaty will be signed in the Bundestag Small Ceremonial Hall which was constructed based on so called Goldener Saal, what means Golden Hall, which was built back in ancient Sol times on Earth in Germany. It served as a ceremonial room and it was famous for its ceiling paintings, murals, and golden wall decoration. The Bundestag Small Ceremonial Hall is precise copy of it. This is how it looked like during preparations..."

"We had the opportunity to visit it two days ago during presentation made for selected journalists and I must say it is a beautiful place which gives you the feeling of nobility and anywhere you stand, history emanates on you. Just look at that magnificent ceiling..."

"I guess it is also time to explain why am I standing here in the gardens instead of inside the Bundestag, in this heavy snowing which is nothing unusual on the New Berlin in this time of local year though. Like I said, the security measures are very strict. Only very few people were given the honor to watch the signing directly in the Small Ceremonial Hall. There will be only the most important politicians, high representatives of the most important corporations, few other guests and very few carefully selected journalists. And we are proud to say that the CNS political reporter on planet New Berlin Johanna Kohl is between them."

"However, these journalist were not allowed to bring anybody with them or to bring any technical equipment for live streams, cameras or even their personal mobile communication devices. And same measures are applied to all guests. Officially, to avoid interruption of signing by someone and to keep the full dignity of the event. Though, another reason is very likely to completely eliminate the risk that someone will somehow sneak some weapon or explosive through. Just to describe the atmosphere here in the heart of administrative governmental district - the Small Ceremonial Hall is security zone one since yesterday and basically no one is allowed to move there alone, without security personnel with him. The rest of the building is security zone two and measures are almost the same there. Around is security zone three which include gardens where are we standing right now with permission to make live stream, and we are monitored whole time by two patrols standing nearby, one armed drone watching us from the sky and several snipers from the roofs. If we would try any wrong move, we would be dead like three times within few seconds. I have never seen such measures in my life.

Anyway, our viewers will have the opportunity to hear about the atmosphere in the ceremonial hall during signing directly from Johanna, which will be on live stream after the act will end. Stay with us, and now I´m switching back to studio."

"Thank you for interesting information David, go get some hot drink to warm up. Now before we will switch to the live stream directly from signing ceremonial, which will be provided by Bundestag Public Relations Department in few minutes, we offer short summary of events which led to today´s event to those of you which missed the news. War between Liberty and Rheinland started in the year 817 A.S. after the war declaration was made by Liberty - officially due to provocations made by Rheinland forces in border systems, however it followed after Rheinland media blamed Liberty for conducting experiments which involved aliens known as Nomads. Anyway, several years of heavy fights, during which incredible amount of fighters, bombers and capital warships was destroyed or heavily crippled, did not bring anything significant to any side. Rheinland was able to penetrate and keep presence in New Hampshire system, on the other hand they were pushed back in Bering and Hudson systems what even led to unprecedent decision to blow up the jump gates leading to Hamburg system to prevent that Liberty Navy will be able to conquer it. However, after the connection between Sirius and Kingdom of Gallia was revealed, and after the Gallia declared war against Bretonia and Liberty, followed by their advance deep into Bretonia territory, strong voices to stop war with Rheinland appeared in Liberty. Same opinions could be heard from time to time also in Rheinland due to increasing serious economy problems which were caused by expensive conflict.

But the breaking point of war came from unexpected side - the nature harmed by humans. Last June CNS brought you news that the terrorist group known as The Lane Hackers leaked an Ageira Technologies confidential report, in which an Ageira engineer reports his growing concerns regarding the instability of the disabled Hamburg Jump Gate in the Hudson System because inspection revealed several components of the gate reached critical deterioration levels. According to the document, the lack of maintenance could likely cause multiple malfunctions, resulting in the appearance of an uncontrollable anomaly and this anomaly is described as potentially twenty times larger than the Texas anomaly, covering the entire Hudson system in a deadly dark matter cloud.

Facing the natural disaster of enormous scale, the government of Liberty very soon officially offered ceasefire to Rheinland and even proposed cooperation to avert the disaster. Rheinland government replied they will consider it but then stayed silent. Reason was revealed shortly after, it turned out that there was a political crisis which culminated in July by surprising change of Rheinland chancellor about which CNS immediatelly informed you. Large group which consisted of more than three-quarters of all Bundestag representatives interrupted the announced schedule and iniciated a vote of no confidence against chancellor Maxmillian Schulte. Situation which never happened before in history of this house resulted in removal of Schulte from his position after 85 percent of all representatives voted against him. Following this event, new chancellor Luisa Neumann, which so far was in position of Federal Minister of Industry and Trade, was elected."

"In her inauguration speech, which CNS offered you live, she officially accepted the ceasefire and basically voiced intention to end the war. However it took another several months before diplomatic negotiations were finished and the peace treaty was arranged. CNS was able to exclusively obtain text of the treaty before the signing and you can download it through our NeuralNet interface."

CNS NeuralNet page offered you a file. Click here to download it.

Peace Treaty

between the Bundesrepublik Rheinland and the Republic of Liberty

PREAMBLE

Signatories to this Treaty (hereafter as "the Parties") - The Government of Bundesrepublik Rheinland (hereafter as "Rheinland") and the Government of the Republic of Liberty (hereafter as "Liberty"):

Desiring to bring to an end the state of war between them and to establish a peace in which they can live in neighborly security and stability;

Respecting each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity, boundaries and political independence;

Desiring as well to develop friendly relations and cooperation between themselves in accordance with the principles of peaceful international relations, with intention to refrain from the threats or use of force against each other and to settle all disputes between them by peaceful means from now on;

Aiming to achieve relations of those of nations which, as sovereign equals, cooperate in friendly association to promote their common welfare;

Have agreed as follows:

CHAPTER I - Relations

Article 1

The state of war between the Parties is terminated and peace is established between them upon the signing of this Treaty by delegated representatives of the Parties.

Article 2

Violations of conditions of this Treaty by any side will be met with sanctions depending on the severity.

CHAPTER II - Financial or other compensations

Article 3

The Parties are not entitled to require any financial or other compensation for damages caused by war with exception of payment for repairs and re-commissioning of Hamburg Jump Gate in Hudson system and Hudson Jump Gate in Hamburg system, where 67 percent of the costs will be paid by Liberty and 33 percent of the costs by Rheinland.

CHAPTER III - Status of Hudson system

Article 4

System is under joint administration of both houses, divided into Libertonian (sectors A-H 1-4) and Rheinland (sectors A-H 5-8) zone. Borderline is set on the border of sectors A4-H4 and A5-H5 with shared zone of 10 kilometers of distance from the borderline inside both exclusive zones.

Article 5

Planet Atka and area of 15 kilometers around it is considered as part of Liberty zone with exception of planet Atka - Hamburg Jump Gate trade lane.

Article 6

Both houses are allowed to place one battleship in their zone to serve as base for their patrols. No other military installations are allowed.

Article 7

Patrols are allowed to patrol only in their respective zone and also in shared zone, applying laws of their house without any interference of opposite house authorities or corporations. Exceptions for entering opposite exclusive zone are case of system-wide emergency call for help or chase of hostile or illegal entity which flew into opposite exclusive zone during pursuit. Under no circumstances Rheinland patrols are allowed to enter Texas system and Liberty patrols Hamburg system.

Article 8

Running costs of trade lane from Hamburg Jump Gate to planet Atka are paid by Rheinland, running costs of trade lane from planet Atka to Texas Jump Gate are paid by Liberty.

Article 9

All rules and further conditions for Hudson system may be later regulated by special treaty between the Parties.

CHAPTER IV - Status of Bering system

Article 10

System is under joint administration of both houses, divided into Libertonian (sectors A-H 1-4) and Rheinland (sectors A-H 5-8) zone. Borderline is set on the border of sectors A4-H4 and A5-H5 with shared zone of 10 kilometers of distance from the borderline inside both exclusive zones.

Article 11

Both houses are allowed to place one battleship in their zone to serve as base for their patrols. No other military installations are allowed.

Article 12

Patrols are allowed to patrol only in their respective zone and also in shared zone, applying laws of their house without any interference of opposite house authorities or corporations. Exceptions for entering opposite exclusive zone are case of system-wide emergency call for help or chase of hostile or illegal entity which flew into opposite exclusive zone during pursuit. Under no circumstances Rheinland patrols are allowed to enter Texas system and Liberty patrols Hamburg system.

Article 13

Running costs of trade lane from former location of Hamburg Jump Gate to Freeport 2 will be paid by Rheinland, running costs of trade lane from Freeport 2 to Texas Jump Gate will be paid by Liberty.

Article 14

All rules and further conditions for Bering system may be later regulated by special treaty between the Parties.

CHAPTER V - Status of Bremen and New Hampshire systems

Article 15

The New Hampshire system is considered as part of Liberty space and treated accordingly with all Liberty laws applied in its entirety. All Rheinland military units present there will leave it and move to Rheinland space within 168 hours after this Treaty is signed by both Parties.

Article 16

The Bremen system will be considered as part of Rheinland space and treated accordingly with all Rheinland laws applied in its entirety once conditions defined by Article 15 of this Treaty are met.

CHAPTER VI - Restoration of trade relations

Article 17

Viewing economic development and prosperity as pillars of peace, security and harmonious relations between houses, and also affirming their mutual desire to promote economic cooperation between them, the Parties agree to restore mutual economic relations and to terminate economic boycotts and border embargoes directed at each other, including native corporations and manufactured ships.

Article 18

The Parties retain right to keep general restrictions on cargo which is classified as contraband by local laws, to keep licensing systems which applies to all ships generally without distinction of origin, and to keep laws governing mining rights in their territory.

Article 19

Native corporations of both houses will be granted access to all public systems and docking rights to all planets under administration of house authorities - specifically planets Hamburg, New Berlin, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Denver, Erie, Houston, Los Angeles and Manhattan - without undue delay. This will be executed by joint transponder codes update under supervision of Sirius Identification Commission.

CHAPTER VII - Prisoner Exchanges

Article 20

The Parties will release and transfer without undue delay all combatants and civilians held in relation to the conflict in conformity with international humanitarian guidelines.

CHAPTER VIII - Final clauses

Article 21

This Treaty is signed by both parties in two certified identical copies; one is kept and archived by each Party.

Article 22

This Treaty enters into force upon signature by delegated representative of each Party.

"And now we will examine the treaty closer with Melissa Lasswell from Department of Internation relations of Stanford University, which is joining us through the video call. Hello Melissa, how do you assess text of the treaty? Which side won the war in the end?"

"Hello. The text of the treaty shows that no side can be called a winner. It is obvious that neither Liberty nor Rheinland had the upper hand during the peace negotiations. There are literally no territory gains - New Hampshire and Bremen systems are acknowledged fully as parts of respective houses, and Bering and Hudson systems are divided between them almost equally with expressed intention to make special treaties which will further regulate joint administration of these border systems."

"However, what can catch eye of neutral reader is fact that Liberty pledged to pay 67 percent of the costs of repairs and re-commissioning of Hamburg Jump Gate in Hudson system and Hudson Jump Gate in Hamburg system. That will be quite a lot of money paid for repair of gates which were damaged by Rheinlanders themselves when they desperately tried to stop full Liberty invasion."

"That is right, on the other hand Rheinland pledged to almost immediately leave the New Hampshire where its military hold strong bridgehead. But this can be interpreted as Liberty´s expression of determination to end the war despite it will cost something. It is actually understandable - they will buy a lot of military and material resources for this money. First, they will gain more forces to fight with Gallia because they will be no longer needed on two fronts of Rheinland border. Second, once the peace will be established, they can buy important resources like raw ores from Rheinland, which are needed for their industry including manufacturing of ships and weapons."

"Speaking of which, what the mutual trade relations will be according to the treaty? So far the situation was quite strongly imbalanced, because the trade embargo in Liberty and on the border was very strict, banning almost all Rheinland corporations and even Rheinland made transport ships, while Rheinland allowed almost all Libertonian corporations at least limited trading and in the final stages of war even mitigated the embargo on the border and allowed export of many commodities to the enemy."

"Exactly as you say, critical economy situation forced Rheinland to make lot of concessions before end of the war. However even in this area no side obtained any advantage and all restrictions and embargoes will be lifted equally on both sides according to the treaty. But it is logical, as we said Rheinland needs to export commodities and mainly raw ores as much as possible, and Liberty needs them for their war effort. It will be interesting to watch if Rheinland corporations will find way how to obtain some contracts in Liberty as they will be in huge disadvantage after years of isolation, and same applies to the Liberty corporations in Rheinland. Speaking about it, Rheinland succeeded in important part as they were able to keep in place laws governing mining rights in their territory. Mining is heavily regulated there, only native corporations are allowed to do it and obviously no change will happen. This part was probably important to Rheinland government, because otherwise they could lose support of their mining corporations which is vital politically in these times of economic problems. Chancellor Neumann knows very well that her predecessor was removed quickly when he lost support of Rheinland corporations and it is no secret their power and influence still continue to grow."

Thank you for your analysis, Melissa, we will get in touch again after the signing act."

Thank you for inviting me."

"And now it is just about time to switch to Bundestag Small Ceremonial Hall where everything is ready to start signing act of the peace treaty between Rheinland and Liberty."

---

(//created by Laura C.)