Svobodna Dnevnik

[Hadash]

Macharaviayaische Zeitung

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Mordvanian President Visits Khibland
By: Elena Manstein
Published: Alvan 27, 1587


President Zvezdana Serebryak

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President of the Republic Mordvania Zvezdana Serebryak became the first Brigidnan head of state to visit Khibland, in the second official visit by a Mordvanian delegation since Khibland's independece, which the northern Brigidnan country did not recognize until 1582.

The Mordvanian President met Khiblander president Cynebaldina Mazzini and Prime Minister Primoz Destovnik in order to stregthen relations between the Brigidnan nation and its former colonial territory, now recognized as a sovereign nation. Serebryak and Destovnik reportedly discussed of trade, international cooperation, national security, and defense. The formalization of Mordvanian military presence in the Avidnan country (which have remained in Khibland since 1573 invasion, and the current agreement stipulates that they could only stay until 1589, unless a new treaty is signed) was probably an important issue in yesterday talks

The visit was not without as controversy, as the opposition and several human right organizations have accused Prime Minister Destovnik in recent years to endanger freedom of press and judiciary independence through several legislative reforms. While President Serebryak expressed support toward Khibland's sovereignty and security and urged President Mazzini to keep the compromise toward rule of law and democracy as established in the 1574 Südenberg Agreement, she also declared that her government does not aim to interfere in the Avidnan country internal affairs.

President Serebryak is expected to have a brief meeting with the opposition leaders and members of the Khiblander social society, before leaving the country. However, it was rather an answer during Serebryak press conference along President Mazzini which caused a stir in the Avidnan nation.

When asked by a local journalist if her government considered to apologize for the role of the Kingdom of Abdania and Mordvania on colonialism in Avidna, and specially in Khibland, which became an almost personal possession of the Abdanian monarchy from colonization in early 14th century to 1566, when Khibland proclaimed independence. Serebryak answered that her government was not considered to apologize, as Mordvania "[was]...a subject of Abdanian colonialism as well as the Avidnan people were, even if different methods of oppression were used", she said. "The values in which our republic was founded will make us always on brotherhood with the people of Khibland", she added.

Serebryak's remarks were considered "insulting" and even a "rewritting of history" by many in Khibland, including supporters of Destovnik's government, as Abdanian colonization of the Avidnan territory is officially considered an "act of genocide" through the Remembrance Act of 1577 and slavery was not abolished by the Abdanian monarchy in 1502, while the Mordvanian nobility under the Kingdom of Abdania and Mordvania was allowed to keep a legislature and a limited self-autonomy.

Speaking on the controversy, Khiblander scholar Matthias Marsund told Macharaviayaische Zeitung: "The [Mordvanian] president's answer showed a great ignorance on colonialism in our continent. The fact that [she] chose to visit Khibland is welcoming, and I believe the spirit of her visit was constructive and positive for Khibland's interests...but I can only hope this controversy will change her perception and knowledge on Avidnan history and culture...It is not encouraging that elected officials attempt to manipulate history that way, in order to score political points at home or to avoid their moral responsability".

The Mordvanian Minister of Foreign Affairs has rejected to comment on if the president's words could be considered insensitive. In a statement quoted by Mordvanian media, a spokesperson said: "The diplomatic visit by President Serebryak to Khibland was considered conclusive and successful by both sides. We hope a constructive relation will increase between both countries, and it is our aim that cooperation on trade, national security, regional stability, culture, and education will continue for a long time".

President Zvezdana Serebryak will be leaving Khibland direction to Nyköping, Nyland, in an one-week visit to the Skathian country.