Whitehouse Speaks in Zarantin

Deputy Imperial Chancellor Sheldon Whitehouse traveled to Zarantin to speak about the short-term need for unity for the duration of the war but also about the future of Verzoonium in general. The following is an except from the address:
"What our friends in Veldunium and Hastiga understand is that there's too much at stake right now to further this independence discussion. In fact, when the Federal Liberals suggested that exit negotiations begin in spite of the war, the Veld government explicitly turned the idea down because it's simply not the right time. We must be united not just as a Falleen Empire, but as a united Neurope, a united free world even, fighting against the scourge of tyranny."
"Of course, the Verz have as much a right to self-determination as any other group in this Empire, and I hope that this government's good faith towards the democratic will of the people of Hastiga and Veldunium proves that your federal leaders will not ignore your voice. The only comments I have to make on that account are that the independence process will need to begin with a new referendum. I know that in the previous Verz referendum, it was a dangerous time to live in this state - hard to believe that such a beautiful place was plagued with such violence in our lifetimes - but there were terror attacks on referendum day. A few polling stations had to close. Falleentium and Verzoonium deserve the highest democratic standards, so that there's no ambiguity, no questions left over at the end of the day. We deserve an election day where nobody is impeded from casting their vote."
"One final remark: one of my colleagues, Secretary Rumsfeld, commented yesterday that Verzoonium should wait until Hastiga and Veldunium finish their exit negotiations before any action is taken to bring the state towards independence. I'm inclined to agree. Look, if anybody tells you that they know exactly what kind of deal Hastiga and Veldunium will get, they're lying to you - but I think it's safe to say that the Nonambar Agreement isn't going to happen. The Verz people have an advantage that the Hastigans and Velds did not have: the Verz have an opportunity to see exactly how things turn out for Hastiga and Veldunium. I don't think it's a stretch to assume there are plenty of voters in Verzoonium who want to know what kind of deal they can expect if they vote to leave. That's all I'll say about it, thank you for your time"
Category:The Imperial Constitution