[War] Spain/Canada: "A Unified Front."

[Iain]

"A Unified Front."

____________________
____________________
Prime Minister Elena Rodriguez
Prime Minister James McColl
Madrid

---------------

McColl had been to Spain twice in the past, the last time nearly twelve
years ago, when Jennifer and himself had gone on a vacation to southern
Spain after they married.  However, he had not been to Madrid, and was
looking forward to the experience, and to the meeting with the Spanish Prime
Minister.  Currently, that wasn't very far into the future, as the plane was
coming into the Madrid airport.  It was one of those huge airports where you
could get lost and wander for hours.  And if you were there at night, well,
have fun.  He'd heard as much from the various diplomats and people he kept
in touch with these days.

Elena was likewise looking forward to meeting the Canadian Prime Minister
once again, and had been uncharacteristically pleasant whilst chatting to
the press awaiting his arrival. She was not normally one for unscheduled
dealings with the media and they had seemed surprised that they were getting
answers to some of their questions. When her PA gave her the nod that the
plane had landed she excused herself and left the building to meet her
counterpart on the tarmac. There was an enjoyable cool breeze in the air
that gave a bit of relief from the sun that had been pelting down on Madrid
unceasingly for he past week.

As McColl waited for the RCMP detail to leave the plane first, he wondered
if his wife would like to do some cultural activities once the main business
was done.  He'd find out later.  As he descended from the plane, he waved to
the Spanish PM and the media.  

"Madam Prime Minister, great to see you again.  How's Madrid been the last
couple of months?"  They shook hands and smiled.

"Very warm and dry, Prime Minister, and busy for our government." She
lowered her voice to a whisper. "Too little time for enjoying oneself this
time of year I think."

McColl chuckled.  As they walked off the tarmac to the vehicles, they
chatted about nothing in particular.  Jennifer asked if there was anything
in Madrid that Rodriguez would recommend for sight-seeing and general
tourist nonsense.

"Oh Madrid holds a lot of hidden treasures of the Spanish heritage as well
as some better-known attractions. My personal favourite, even after frequent
visits for many years, is Retiro Park." Elena had spent a lot of 'thinking
time' there as both a diplomat and junior politician, it was a bit public
now but she occasionally still spent time there - with the mandatory
'protection'. "I'm sure my husband would be more than happy to show you some
of the sights if you'd like?"

Both McColls looked at each other, "Yea I think that would be great."  They
both said it at the same time.  Then looked at each other and laughed.

Elena gave a knowing smile and reached for her phone to ensure Diego was
waiting at the other end. She and James could have a quiet tete a tete while
Diego and Jennifer saw some of the sights. Hopefully that way the proper
discussions could be a bit more relaxed tomorrow.

"Actually, we'd like to go together, so why don't we plan that for the day
after the meeting, so that there's no rush."  McColl suggested.

Elena closed over her mobile with a nod. "Of course, in that case I feel
obliged to invite you to be subjected to some of my home cooking this
evening once you are settled in?"

"Well alright, if you don't mind."  Both McColls looked at each other,
thinking along the lines of: 'Sweet Deal!'

----------

The next day.

 

As, James walked down the hallway to Elena's office, he was thinking about
the amazing paella she had cooked the night before.  Best he'd ever had, no
if's, ands, or buts about it.   He arrived at the Prime Minister's outer
office where her secretary worked, and she rang into the office.

Rodriguez was hanging her suit jacket behind the door when the buzzer went
so she popped her head out into her secretary's office. "Ah, come in. Is it
tea or coffee, Prime Minister?" She had only just arrived herself and was
ready for her tea fix.

"Tea please.  I'll have whatever you're having."  They got settled in,
chit-chatted some, and then got down to business.

McColl decided to open up the subject of the Chinese bid for the Spanish
railway contract first.  "So, what did you think of Shenyang's bid?"

The smile that crept onto her features betold that she knew this topic would
come up. "Personally I think it sounds rather attractive, but I believe our
good friends at Bombardier are willing to match if not better any offers
made by them. And as you must be aware we already have a good working
relationship there. I just can't get over the irony of a Chinese and
Canadian bid being the forefront competitors, I'm sure you don't keep up to
date with our media but it has been suggested this was an indirect way of
getting us to appear to be 'taking sides'." She handed McColl his tea and
caught the look on his face. "A ridiculous notion, of course, but one that
deserves a bit more thought put on this than would usually be put towards
it."

As he sipped his tea, McColl considered her words.  "Indeed so.  I don't
follow European news closely, but I did hear of this, and I think that they
are right in a way.  It's all about the prestige, and inevitably, those who
garner points are the ones people listen to.  I'm not going to tell you what
to do, I think I can understand your dilemma here.  Of course I want you to
go with the Canadian bid, but you already knew that."

"I expect, although I have left the decision in the capable hands of the
Ministry for Industry and Trade, that you may be happy with their decision.
>From what I have been told of their negotiations so far Bombardier may come
out of this with not only the construction contract but that of the running
and maintaining of the rail system. I believe it is more a matter of.how
would you say. 'spin'? Rather than of what the decision will be."  

McColl smiled at that.  "I am glad to hear that."  A sip of the tea, still
lightly steaming.  "I take it then, that you don't mind pissing off
President Hong to a certain degree?"  Raised eyebrows.

"Never mind that, though.  I think you'll be happy to hear that our project
on refurbishing the pipeline from Alberta to the east coast is coming along
nicely.  It should be done right on schedule this coming spring barring
nothing out of the ordinary happens.  That will mean a guaranteed source of
oil for Spain, and possibly more of Europe down the road."

"President Hong will be.pleased at some of the other projects we have in the
pipework I think. Excuse the pun. And I am very glad indeed to hear that
although I'm sure some of our Middle Eastern and Russian counterparts may
not be." The stability of a good supply of oil from a Western nation had
been a coup for the Canadians, and that Spain had been quick to express
desire had worked out well for them. "I take it you've not had any trouble?"
It wasn't a secret that oil industries and sabotage came hand-in-hand, and
had done for many years now.

"Not so far, at any rate.  We tried to include all the big domestic players
and the provinces, so everyone has a stake in the good performance of the
project.  Or so we hope."  He smiled sadly.  "On that note, I think we may
shovel some more cash at the companies to ensure their... cooperation.  More
specifically with the refinery refits.  That didn't go as well as we'd
hoped.

"It's interesting that you mention the mid-east and Russia though.  I am
aware that Europe has been looking to decrease it's dependency on those
respective suppliers for a long time now.  What are your thoughts on a
possibly larger European deal or even just with individual countries?"

Elena shrugged a little. "I think like ourselves, most of the European
market is concerned by recent strikes in Russia, and her government's
unpredictable nature at times, and the Iran situation just served to
highlight just how unstable that region is. I think you have timed perfectly
for a Europe-wide approach if not for key allies of Canada's here. I have
had discussions on the matter with some officials from several European
governments whom I would be more than happy to put you in contact with."

"That would be great, thank you.  It's been one of my top goals to reduce
our dependence on America to keep our economy going, and this will surely
help.  I've been driving the conversation.  What did you want to discuss?"

"It's funny you should mention the dependence on America, I have been having
similar conversations this side of the Atlantic. Spain, whilst a supposedly
'important' member of the European Union, we can't help but feel that our
voice gets lost amongst the bureaucracy at times. We have also been looking
at ways of, if not being heard more clearly within Europe, then of having
our voice stand alone on some matters. However, the same bureaucracy makes
that difficult to do."

"I sure can understand you there.  But do go on, I don't think you quite
finished your point."  Another sip of the tea.

There was a little helpless shrug. "With our strategic position, being a
direct route between Africa and Europe, we can't help but feel if we were to
either begin having more involvement with our Southern neighbours or even
announce a separation from European policies we might get some attention and
more national freedom than has been afforded us as of late. One can't help
but marvel at the number of decisions that have to be taken to EU level."

"I see..."  A thoughtful silence descended for half a minute or so.  "I've
always rather wondered about the EU.  It does seem pretty stifling from my
side of the Atlantic, you know.  But you do realize that what you just said
could lead to a shakeup in international affairs?"

"I admit, it was the Romania situation that brought about this whole
discussion here, and look at the shockwaves that caused. The difference is
we are not dropping out of international relations, on the contrary we are
trying to strengthen our position internationally." Elena finished the tail
end of her tea. "I don't want to sound too pompous, but without Spain there
is a chance the EU could become dysfunctional for a time, and I cannot admit
to being displeased about that. There are certainly good things about the
Union, but the administrative drag holds us back at times. I would very much
like to be able to make the point and have it cleared up rapidly, but I know
that is not going to happen, it has been addressed over and over. This
'other' option would make quite a.firm point." Her eyebrows were raised
pointedly, Spain had always been a steadfast supporter of the EU through
thick and thin, but Rodriguez knew her government was not the only one
disgruntled at the increasing bureaucracy.

McColl raised his eyebrows too.  "Well, I think you can have our diplomatic
support on that question.  It will defintely be interesting to see where it
leads.  But I also have a question of my own.  Would Spain be willing to
back us in our long-simmering border dispute with America in the Beaufort
Sea and the Northwest Passage?"  He handed Elena a dossier with the info
inside.

Elena nodded as she skim-read that documents in the dossier, it was not
entirely new information to her but it wasn't something she had expected. In
fact, it rather seemed to put her in a good bargaining position for her next
point. "May I present to you a similar document," Elena pulled a file from
her briefcase and handed it to McColl. "Our stance on the Gibraltar issue,
which I'm sure you are aware of. Although I currently must concur that the
Northwest Passage should perhaps remain an international strait, I propose
that in return for support over claims to the Beaufort Sea, that we gain
support over our proposals for Gibraltar. Whilst we would like to gain
sovereignty over Gibraltar once more, we are aware that this position is not
likely, therefore we wish to either be allowed to maintain a Spanish
Garrison there similar to that maintained by the UK, and joint Sovereignty
or that neither be allowed military occupation."

"I would be more than happy to support you on Gibraltar, if you support us
on the Northwest Passage.  That is our more pressing concern."  He raised
his eyebrows.

McColl was clearly a skilled negotiator, Rodriguez made a mental note to
check into what he did before politics. "Mr. McColl, I think that this
government's main concern with Canada declaring sovereignty over the
Northwest Passages is that we have several tourism and research companies
that operate vessels in the area at times. If we could come to some sort of
agreement - a guarantee of sorts I suppose, that this could continue
indefinitely then I'm sure our support could probably be given."

"That is very sensible suggestion, and one which I think you find Canadians
will willingly explore with anyone who so wishes to go down that avenue."
He smiled widely, and then continued.  "The Northwest Passage is Canadian
internal waters.  If people want to dispute that with us, then let them.
But, I and we are happy to accommodates differing needs, and we have no
problems with shipping using the area to transit through.  Undoubtedly you
feel similarly towards Gibraltar, it was once a Spanish possession, taken
from you in war by the British.  Why should you not feel like that is a core
Spanish area also?  You need only look on a map to tell the same with the
Northwest Passage."  He stated it matter-of-factly.

"You make a good point, Prime Minister." Elena smirked, she was enjoying a
good old fashioned tit-for-tat negotiation, it had been some time. "I think
you can count on our support. Are we thinking a joint announcement or just
simultaneously from our respective press offices?"

"Might as well do a joint announcement since we're here, no?"

"Sounds like a sensible idea to me," Elena nodded her agreement. "I can
arrange to have a press conference set up later this afternoon if you like?"

"Alright, I'll see you later today then.  Thanks for such a productive
meeting, I always enjoy working with you."  McColl smiled, and they shook
hands as they stood.

Actions:

1)       Development of relationship between McColl and Rodriguez

2)       Announcement that Bombardier to win contract to build and operate
Spanish railways giving already stable working relationship

3)       Update on oil from Canada situation

4)       Rodriguez to arrange to have European government representatives
get in touch with McColl government regarding possible intention to obtain
oil

5)       Expression of growing discontentment at Euro-Beaurocracy

6)       Make it known that Spain is willing to take drastic measures over
same

7)       Expression of intention to work more closely with African
'neighbours'

8)       Joint statement from McColl and Rodriguez to International Press:

a)       Canada sees Northwest passage as internal waters, Spain agrees and
reassures Spanish businesses that agreement will be reached to ensure
continued use

b)       Canada to reaffirm claims over Beaufort Sea, Spain gives full
backing

c)       Spain issues protest over British Sovereignty over Spanish
'territory' or Gibraltar, formally calls for either withdrawal of British
forces or for a Spanish Garrison to be maintained. Canada fully supports
calls.

d)       Spain demands return of Gibraltar, if not under full Spanish
Sovereignty then under a joint Sovereignty. Canada fully supports plan.

 

OOC: It's been a bit quiet so thought we'd stir things up a bit ;-)

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