100386.9 FNS: FEDERATION DECLARES WAR ON STAR EMPIRE

[kermit]

100386.9 Federation News Service
FEDERATION DECLARES WAR ON STAR EMPIRE

After 48 hours of debates, speeches, and closed-door meetings, the Federation Council has tonight passed a declaration of war against the Romulan Star Empire.

Speaking on behalf of the Council, Federation President Aennik Okeg summarized the declaration. The President cited the Star Empire’s unprovoked invasion of the Romulan Republic, disregard for interstellar law and sentient life, unwillingness to engage in good-faith diplomacy, and finally the murder of three Starfleet personnel on diplomatic assignment to Rator III.

After outlining the justification for war, the official declaration reads: “The President is directed to utilize the full force of Starfleet and every other resource of the United Federation of Planets available and necessary to bring about the swift resolution of this conflict.” The full text of the document was transmitted through official channels to the Romulan Imperial Senate and delivered personally to the RSE Ambassador on Earth.

<President Aennik Okeg>
The Star Empire has been repeatedly warned that there would be consequences for continued aggression. The Federation does not want this war, and neither seeks nor stands to gain resources or any material benefit. It is simply a matter of principle, and our principles demand that we not sit by while our neighbor embarks on a campaign of conquest against our allies, who want nothing more than to govern themselves free from oppression."

The first engagement between Starfleet and the Star Navy took place only minutes after the President’s remarks and saw the Starfleet 9th Fleet engage and destroy a supply convoy en route to Tri’Vokil. While Starfleet Command has not yet announced any additional fleet mobilizations to the Romulan border, sources close to Admiral T’Nae report that elements of several other nearby standing fleets will be utilized to support and reinforce the units already committed.