ANS: The Anzatan Commonwealth joins the Imperial Union
Posted in GNS by: Azarin Isard on Year 14 Day 185
ANZAT (ANS) - Defying expectations after years of turmoil and political isolation, the Anzatan Commonwealth has become the latest member state of the Imperial Union resulting in celebrations erupting throughout the Bortele Cluster and Maldrood sector with the historic step forward. Announced by Chancellor Azarin Isard during a press conference called for the event, the Anzatan Head of Government expressed pride in the end of the Commonwealth's sidelining in galactic affairs, and diplomatic isolation that has been the reality of Anzatans for many years. Whilst some observers of galactic politics were shocked by what they have characterised as a considerable shift in diplomatic tack, others more familiar with the Commonwealth have instead described it as a natural and steady progression that has resulted from a number of factors influencing the Commonwealth's diplomatic relations with its neighbours over the past few years.
The Anzatan Commonwealth has seen unprecedented growth within its territory over the past 12 months, with their economy strengthening with new directions for investment directed by Chancellor Isard who had long served the Commonwealth as its Treasurer. This expansion of the Commonwealth's economy has been demonstrated with the ongoing development of Anzatan worlds, establishment of the Anzatan Medical Corporation, and the purchase of the Corellian Merchant's Guild. The vibrant economy has attracted more investment and immigration in Commonwealth territory, however the traditionally neutral government has not been met with respect or the spirit of cooperation from formerly close friends. The Chancellor explained in his speech that "As [the Commonwealth's] situation improves I have become more aware that external conflicts threaten the security of the Commonwealth, and that neutrality has become increasingly untenable. While the hostile attitude of the New Republic increased in severity, the Galactic Empire reached out in the spirit of peace and mutual co-operation, and the reformed Imperial Union was with them in their generosity and genuine desire to see the Commonwealth continue to grow politically, economically, socially, and militarily."
To demonstrate the trustworthiness and reliability of the Imperial Union, Chancellor Isard recounted the events that occurred during his kidnapping and ransom in Year 13 during a humanitarian mission he was conducting on behalf of the Commonwealth. "Representatives from the Galactic Alliance chose to laugh at my predicament, with one delegate visiting [an Anzatan] embassy purely to say they were hoping I would not survive. It wasn't the Commonwealth's supposed friends that secured my release, but the Imperial Union. It was the Union that sent well wishes to Anzat and my family, and it was the Union that worked for my safe release; eventually brokering a deal through the negotiation skills of Dark Prince Knox of Black Sun. It was this event that crystallised for me that those who I once considered our most bitter enemies had shown us forgiveness, compassion, and respect; while those we considered our friends gave us nothing but hostility, derision and hatred." The Commonwealth's acceptance into the Imperial Union emboldens the reformed power bloc in its efforts to bring the rule of law, order, and prosperity to the lives of people throughout the galaxy. From its inception, membership of the Imperial Union has never been an impossibility for those who endeavoured to achieve greatness. Asked for comment, the Speaker of the Imperial Union, Lord Cherokee, described the process of joining the Union as a strong commitment to the principles laid down in the Union's charter. "Applicant governments have been seeking to modernize and reform their armed forces, and achieve the Imperial Union's impeccable standards of the rule of law and robust free market principles. All applicants have faced a long road of difficult and trying decisions and sacrifices. Overcoming these challenges is seen as a reflection of the underlying determination and commitment required to join the Imperial Union."
With the announcement of better times ahead, and greater stability, the Chancellor closed his speech looking forward. "The Anzatan Commonwealth has over the past year, come to desire membership in the reformed Imperial Union. For the Commonwealth, this objective has been achieved, but it is not the end of the journey for the people of the Anzatan Commonwealth. It is the beginning of a new epoch for our people, and with our Union allies, we will achieve new heights of prosperity and safety for the Commonwealth."
