2017 Eastern Realms Conference

Statement by the First Councillor
On the Terrorist Attack and Hostage Situation

Our nation is shocked by the acts of terror that were perpetrated last night. We have been attacked by a coward adversary, one content with operating in the dark, attacking the innocent and those who have given their careers to serving this country. I am here to assure you that Sartoria is stronger than that.

Those who attacked us hoped that the attempt on my life, and the kidnapping of Second Councillor Sciarra, would leave this country scarred and its hopeful spirit deformed, but I know that our resolve is much stronger. I know the Second Councillor, and I also know the five Governors that are also being held hostage. They exemplify the very best of the Sartorian spirit, and the courage and determination that characterise us as a nation. We must follow their lead and trust that this situation will not stand, that these attacksers, these criminals, will not be allowed to violate our peace.

This morning I directed the Corpo di Carabinieri to provide an increased level of protection to the streets of Messelia. In coordination with the Chancellor of Chiavere and the Minister of Public Safety of Tavoletro, I have also directed the Carabinieri to protect the streets of Chiavere and Regù. I am also in constant contact with the Carabinieri and Finestreri to discuss all possible alternatives for the safe rescue of the Second Councillor, the five Governors and all other hostages.

We ignore yet the motivations behind these cowardly acts of terror, but any future knowledge does not change the error in their ways, nor does it diminish our responsibility to rescue those that are being kept from us, and to bring those responsible to justice, because rest assured, they will face our justice.