[center][h2]The Greater European Confederation[/h2][/center]

[b]The Arabian Sea[/b]
The contingent of GEC naval vessels continued to glide forwards, coasting slowly through the vast, open blueness that surrounded the ten vessels. With any belligerent fleets still a distance aways, the submarines had surface, allowing their crews to stretch their bodies for a time before they were required to return to the depths of the ocean. It would be several days yet before any action had to be taken in regards to the approaching fleets. Despite their small size, the force hoped to act as a deterrent, risking the invitation of war with another nation if the Mexican or UTA ships open fired on the Confederation vessels.

[hider=To the Second Ethiopian Empire]
The 1st Emergency Naval Contingent of the Greater European Confederation requests permission from the Second Ethiopian Empire to utilize her ports to refuel and restock supplies over the next one and a half days. We extend additional condolences and will act as state representatives for the matter of any funerals.[/hider]

[hr]

To Fasilides Zaile,

On behalf of the Greater European Confederation, we, the Chancellors of the Confederation, extend our sympathies to you, your family, and your country. A tragedy such as this is detestable indeed, for it marks the end of a bright life and the reminder of the darker side of humanity. Were it not for people such as the man who killed your father, the world would be a much better place. Know that the Greater European Confederation stands with you, and that we ask you to investigate the situation fully before acting in a rash manner.

With heart, 

Andrej Dusan and Karen Årud, Chancellors of the Greater European Confederation

[hr]

[b]Palermo, Italy, the Greater European Confederation[/b]

Vice Admiral Calio Sapienti crumpled up the orders sent to him by Rostock, realizing with all seriousness what the words meant. Just last night, the GEC's DEFCON had been raised to Moderate. And now they were at Substantial, requiring a readiness condition of at least 4 theater wide. He silently cursed the Mexicans for their foolhardy actions. If the reports were correct, Atlantic elements were moving somewhere. Only one location could be assumed. Reaching over to the telephone set next to his desk, Sapienti called his secretary and began to issue the necessary orders. Within several hours, a majority of the GEC's remaining Mediterranean fleet, including the two carriers left there, would be either ready to deploy within half an hour or patrolling the Mediterranean waters with even greater care. No belligerent could be let through. Of that they would make sure.

[hr]

[b]Rome, Italy, the Greater European Confederation[/b]

Thousands flocked in the massive square facing Saint Peter's Basilica, a throng of worshipers and news reporters competing for space and proximity. A light wind gusted through the congregation, chilling some, yet the general atmosphere kept most warm. It had been years since Pope Francis II had given a general address to the public, especially one as publicized as this. Dozens of major and minor reporting stations had sent correspondents once news of this event had leaked out into the world. As the glistening doors on the balcony of the great Basilica, a thunderous cheer erupted from many thousands of throats, exuberant at finally seeing their spiritual leader once again.

Pope Francis II stepped through, a stooped man of 62 with a kindly yet tired face, appearing to be in a constant state of concern over the matters of the world. Originally called Gustav Zellweger, he had heeded the calling of God decades ago, finding his true path in life. Now, in these trying times, God called upon him to ease the world's troubles. So he would try.

After the general hubbub subsided, he spoke into the microphones situated on the balcony, projecting his voice across the plaza. "Join me, brothers and sisters, in prayer, for last night the life of Zakariah Abraham Zaile was robbed by one of ill intent. Let us pray for his child, for his country." After a brief moment of silence, many of the men and women sending their own personal messages to God, Francis II cleared his throat. "While a tragedy, we must also look to the rest of the world. War brews as the United South Asian Empire and the Third Mexican Empire marches towards the Caliphate of Istanbul, bent upon exacting revenge in blood for the killings committed almost twenty years ago. The leaders of the Third Mexican Empire declare a crusade in the name of Christ, vowing to kill the Muslims of the Caliphate. Yet that is not the way of God, that is not the way of Jesus. Was it not said in Matthew 6:14-15 that: 'For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins?' Did they not say in Romans 12:17 to 'Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all?' Our brothers in Mexico go against this holy word, deceived by the evil of their government. I bid you, Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, and peoples of all race and creed, stand with me. Oppose this unholy war, and make the aggressors see the errors of the way. God be with you. Amen."

As Francis II turned back to walk inside, Saint Peter's Square exploded into clapping and cheers. It seemed that his old body yet had some good in it.

[hr]

[hider=To the United Kingdom of Great Britain]
[i]To the Economic, Monetary and Fiscal Policymakers of the Greater European Confederation[/i]

You speak of recession and misery as a result of protectionist policies, condemn our decisions to do what we see as best for our constituent nations. The market capitalism practiced by the United Kingdom reminds one of the pre-War nations with similar economies, the materialistic greed and lack of state support that ran rampant through such countries, leaving many more in even worse positions. We do not oppose foreign investments, simply the replacement of domestic goods with foreign products, reducing the number of available jobs to the people of the Confederation. Were it not for the policies practiced, the states of the Confederation would be nothing but puppets for foreign companies, unable to evict their presence without damaging the integrity of the nation.

As you have not sent an official response, we extend our invitation once again to the United Kingdom to join various states of the world in discussing the situation of the Caliphate in Hamburg, Germany.

[i]Sincerely,
Andrej Dusan and Karen Årud, Chancellors of the Greater European Confederation[/i][/hider]

[hider=To the United States of Africa, the Republic of Nigeria, the Kingdom of the Hellenes]
We invite you to commence discussions. Other countries shall join as they accept.

OOC: I'll create a PM for the conference tomorrow. Or one of you guys can if you want.
[/hider]

[hider=To the Midwestern Commonwealth and the Second Ethiopian Empire]
We cordially invite you to the conference in Hamburg, Germany, the Greater European Confederation to discuss the situation regarding the Caliphate of Istanbul and the aggressor nations.[/hider]