Romulus, Qo'noS respond to Swaggart, May 29, 2397 Options

[Federation News ...]

Romulus -- In a response to Federation President Swaggart’s recent address, Romulan Praetorian candidate Destorie N’Dak called the remarks, "misplaced and ill-timed."

N’Dak, speaking before an audience of several thousand supporters at ch’Rihan’s famed Imperial Square at the base of the S’Task Statue, admonished the President for publicly addressing the Vacitu Conspirators before all of the issues surrounding the attack could be thoroughly examined.

"The president’s condemnation of the terrorists is troubling and problematic," he said. "While I do not accept the actions of the individuals, they are still Romulan citizens and will be given the full protections of our laws, and given the due process afforded to them by our Constitution.

"Our justice system will not be subverted by the will of any foreign power."

More troubling to N’Dak though, were the president’s remarks about unity and democracy. "His diatribes on unity and democracy should be seen for what they are. Does he question the loyalty of our Empire?"

"He speaks of unity and democracy," N’Dak continued, at times becoming strident and florid in his speech. "But only in terms of how it fits within the his own political ambitions."

The harsh words drew rounds of applause from the many pro-Unity supporters in the crowd, many of whom believe the Federation has become too influential on ch’Rihan, particularly in policy making. Addressing those concerns, N’Dak said, "ch’Rihan is a proud and independent power. And we will remain proud and independent. And no foreign power, ally or not, will dictate policy on ch’Rihan."

Speaking before supporters in the Rihan People's Party, his opponent, Aekal Donatra, likewise chided the President, "The Romulan Empire has never and will never settle for a Praetor that represents less than its best interests."

She also referenced the recent Romulan Civil War. "We have just fought a war to ensure that, and to suggest otherwise is an insult to the strength and the sacrifices of the Romulan people."

The Klingon response was less vocal. Chancellor Kimtor, who is slated to step aside in the next few weeks, said that his people’s affairs were their own. In accordance with Klingon tradition, which holds that the Chancellor is the voice of the Empire, the host of candidates to replace him have remained silent.