[War] Spain: Spaniard on Tour Part I

[Iain]

"Spaniard on Tour Part I"
20th July, 2014
PM Elena Garcia Rodriguez
Spain

OOC: Just to avoid confusion we've agreed that the Spanish President of the
Government should be translated to Prime Minister :D
IC:
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"And what did the King say when you discussed this with him?"

The Deputy Prime Minister was concerned about the ambitious plans of his
superior, He knew there had been talk of the resurrection of Spanish
International Diplomacy since Rodriguez had come to power but was it her
place to personally undertake this rebirth?

"His Majesty believes that Spanish pride needs to be given a boost. This
country has been quiet for too long and faith in her position worldwide is
at an all time low. However, he is keen that the head of his government does
not place herself in danger and should tread carefully in these
unpredictable times."

"Elena," The younger man stood and paced before her desk, he already knew
that the next suggestion was redundant but it was his place to make it.
"That is exactly my point, why most you take yourself into a war torn region
when you have Foreign Ministers, Defence Ministers and even myself more than
willing to go as your representative?"

Elena smiled a little and shook her head. She had chosen a very sensible
Deputy despite what people might think about his 'token' status in her
Cabinet. However, she was determined to do this her own way. Spain needed a
strong face out there, particularly with recent public comments from herself
and her government making them fewer friends than they already had. It was
time to make some new friends, and become reacquainted with the old ones.
She had heard all the objections she could, or would, bear about her safety,
about being seen to take sides on a question of religion, morals or ethics,
about being viewed as wanting a share in the oil fields of Azerbaijan or
even of being seen as a weak woman from a weak country seeking support. Well
she was first a diplomat, then a Spaniard and only then a Prime Minister.
This was her duty, this was why she was here now, and no-one could stop
Elena Garcia Rodriguez when she had her mind so set.

"Tristan, as good as I think you would look in military fatigues," She let
out a little sniff of humour at the thought. "This is one I have to do
myself. You can hold the fort here until my return and I assure you I WILL
return. For a start, who would want to kidnap a Spaniard?"

Tristan felt that last question was too loaded to even think about.

----

"Ladies and gentlemen," Prime Minister Rodriguez brushed a lock of dark hair
behind her left ear as she stood behind the bank of microphones. "I have
gathered you here to make a few announcements. Firstly, I am happy to share
intelligence that the NATO forces in Azerbaijan appear to have the Iranian
Army in retreat and I would like to personally thank all of the good men and
women of Spain, and indeed of other participating nations, for their effort
and dedication during this crisis.

"This brings me to my first announcement. I have discussed this matter at
length and it has been decided that I shall visit Baku and the Azerbaijani
government regarding any further support that we could possible lend. I
will, of course, be pleased to visit some of our troops while I am out there
and give them my personal messages of support and thanks for their work.

"This visit will mark a new beginning for Spain in International Politics.
It has been some time since a senior government official from this country,
let alone the President, has went out and met her counterparts. It is my
intention to do just that, and I shall be talking with world leaders in the
coming months with a view to meeting them personally to discuss issues that
are common to Spain and her allies."

The Prime Minister paused for a moment and glanced to her left and was
reassured by the nod from her PA. So she continued to address the gathered
members of the national press.

"I must also stress, that whilst Iran has issued statements that the NATO
forces are driving their troops from Azerbaijan to stem the growth of Islam
and restrict its practice, the Spanish government is committed to the
liberty of any person to practice any belief providing it does not impinge
on the rights of others. The Iranian invasion not only impinged on the
rights of Azerbaijani people to exercise their rights but also made an
attempt to gain control of her wealth. These are the reasons that Spain
pledged support and troops to this operation and there were no religious
motives.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your time. Any questions can be
directed to the Presidential press office."

Among the usual flurry of calling her name, reporters standing and
half-shouted questions, Elena Rodriguez turned and stepped down from the
podium. The secret servicemen that met her as she left the room only rolled
their eyes at her PA. They knew the boss was not going to be happy about the
Azerbaijan visit, particularly to active troops. Hopefully they would be
able to avoid him for a couple of days.

"Maria, I want someone from the Baku government on my phone when I get to my
office and I suppose you better send for the Head of the Secret Service.
We're getting this ball rolling ASAP." Elena smiled as her PA ran off to
carry out her instructions. She was going out to be a diplomat for her
country once again, whether her security advisors liked it or not.

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Actions:

1) PM to visit Baku and meet government officials and discuss current
situation and any addition support required
2) PM to visit troops fighting in Azerbaijan and give messages of thanks and
support
3) Madrid to issue intention of PM to visit all major friendly nations (i.e.
get back to me you guys ;-))
4) Say hello to Elena Garcia Rodriguez :P