Roberta Scirano entered the bustling room holding a thing folder, followed by some members of her staff. She walked confidently until she reached the podium, placed the folder on it, then looked at all the reporters, never showing any nervousness. As the Assistant Director of Public Affairs for the Foreign Office, it was often her job to lead the press conferences during summits and similar events. In accordance with the agenda, the leaders were now having lunch, having finished their morning session, so she had been directed to provide a brief summary of the discussions and answer questions from the press.
“Good morning everyone, and thank you for being here. I will first read a short statement, and will then take questions.” She opened the folder, and looked at the paper on top. “This morning, the heads of government of the Artemian Union held a thorough and productive discussion on foreign policy and global threats. They assessed recent incidents, including the threats issued by Soltek Leader Edward Yutan and the recent terrorist attack in Parthenopias, among others, and discussed common courses of action in the face of such threats, to ensure safety for the member states of the Union and the world.”
She closed the folder. “I will now take questions.”
“Will there be a statement on the attack in Parthenopias?”
“The Foreign Office has prepared a statement, which should be issued early this afternoon. If you are referring to a statement by the heads of government, it’s possible, but such a determination will be made in due course.”
“Is there any information on the attacker?”
“The investigation on attack in Parthenopias is being handled by Parthenopian authorities. There will be coordination with them, but until the circumstances change, this is an ongoing investigation, and we will not comment on the specifics.”
“Recently Nicolina Anselmetti ascended to Grand Commander of Kalos. Will there be any change to Union policy with regards to Kalos?”
“We are cautious about the ascention of Grand Commander Anselmetti. Her policies are different to those of her predecessors, but Kalos has been a longtime adversary and, consequently, our policies towards them will remain until we see a chance in Kalos’ attitude towards us.”
“Does that mean that there will be no thaw or dialogue?”
“The Artemian Union has always been open to dialogue with Kalos. But we are also aware of the realities of the situation, and a true change in our relationship will only be possible once Kalos commits itself to a good faith integration into the international community.”
“What will be the response to the threat issued by Edward Yutan?”
“The heads of government had a thorough discussion on the threat issued by Mr Yutan. They agree that such rhetoric is unacceptable and dangerously close to the kind of behavior that could lead to armed conflict. What the actual response is, including any sanctions or further punitive actions that may be imposed, will be detailed in the Messelia Declaration.”
“So there will be sanctions?”
“The imposition of sanctions, or lack thereof, will be detailed in the Messelia Declaration.”
“With the attacks here in Sartoria, in Alexra and now in Parthenopias, is any steps be taken to contain the rise in terrorism?”
“I will not comment on the incidents in Sartoria; those have been handled by local law enforcement, and to my knowledge, they have not been classified as terrorist acts. To your broader point, we take terrorism very seriously, and will take all necessary steps, within the law, to ensure that everyone is safe and certain in their ability to live without fear. Terrorism was indeed discussed this morning, and what steps need to be taken, they will be taken."
“Sources in Fornoire say the King has closed off his palace. Can you comment on that?”
The King of Fornoire has every right to open or close the gates to his palace as he sees fit. Based on that report alone, we see no reason to be concerned."
“Can you comment on the new Prime Minister of Selene and Archon of Parthenopias, and how they have interacted with the other heads of government?”
“They have interacted very well. All heads of government are very experienced and dedicated people, and share a deep care for the progress of their countries. Their discussions have been very productive, and we have no doubt that they will develop a positive chemistry in time.”
To her right, an aide signaled that they had to go, to prepare for the afternoon session. “I will take one more question.”
“Can you confirm the contents of the discussion for the afternoon session?”
As the public record confirms, the discussion for the afternoon session will be focused on mutual cooperation and development initiatives. Beyond that, I would encourage you to attend our press briefing later today, for a more thorough description of the discussion. Thank you all.”
Leaks were not uncommon, but she had worked hard to keep the full agenda private, as she had been instructed to do. She wondered who had been the lucky reported who first got it.