This press message was released by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Vanuku.
President Bartlet and Prime Minister McGarry wish to make a joint statement in response to the callous statement made by the Nationalist Party of the Federated States of Rutania. Both President Bartlet and Prime Minister McGarry resent the implication that the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party is full of incompetence, and further more insinuating that the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Vanuku are stupid or foolish for voting this party back into office. President Bartlet stated
"I have always considered the people of Rutania as friends.. We still consider the people of Rutania as friends to our nation.. and this statement has no impact on our relationship with them. However Prime Minister McGarry, the Parliament of Vanuku and myself are appalled at this insinuation of incompetence in the Vanuku Government and the implication of the people of Vanuku lacking intelligence. We condemn this action by the Nationalist Party in Rutania. The Nationalist Party should be concerned with the interests of there own people and not the interest if the Vanuku people... I'm being paid to look after the Vanuku people and obviously this is something the Vanuku people appreciate and trust."
The President concluded. President Bartlet is now in his third term as President. The Pragmatist Party also had the following to say:
"The Liberal Democratic party, for the past few years, have been the leaders of a powerful coalition government. As the leaders of the coalition, they insist upon receiving the leadership roles in the government, and rightly so. The fact that they have maintained this coalition for the past three terms indicates that something is being done correctly."
President Bartlet was not concerned with this statement putting any pressure on the relationship between the two nations. He stated that the people of Rutania, the Government of Rutania were far to smart to fall into the same trap as the Nationalist Party. He also stated he would contact the leader of Rutania to ensure this would have no bearing on the Runtania-Vanuku relationship.
The President concluded his press conference by wishing all people in Terra a very Merry Christmas.. and a safe and prosperous New Year.Signed,
the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Vanuku