The Hutt representative spoke of deals and bargains; but Alistair knew that these would always be made to line their own pockets and never to better their citizens. The time to debate methods of government would have to wait for later, however.
After a quick communication with superiors, Alistair stepped forward once more. "The Empire is willing to engage in peace talks with the Hutt Clans on the condition that they immediately halt their assault and withdraw their invasion forces - including any mercenaries on their payroll - entirely from Empire territory," he counter-proposed, meeting Arok's gaze. "Imperial forces will cease fire once this order has been given to the Hutt aggressors; but until these stipulations are met, the Empire has no choice but to protect itself from aggression." Despite their attempts to change the narrative, it was abundantly clear that the Hutts had begun this war, and Alistair refused to let any statement to the contrary go uncontested.
"In regards to the former Senate gathering, you will recall that the primary allegations for Empire expulsion was for being controlled by the Sith," he continued, now addressing the others, "which is hardly a similar situation to the current turn of events. Here, a member of this body has clearly declared an unjust and power-greedy war against another member of the Senate, promising death to those that did not surrender. This is an affront to the spirit of diplomacy that should take precedence here in this building - and while Nal Hutta's offer for peace talks is the proper next step, a more conciliatory approach should have been taken first before the extreme act of war. If Nal Hutta cannot respect this arena of negotiation except for when it suits their devices, they should not be given the privilege of using it. A standard that every member of this Senate should be held to."
His address complete, he stepped away from the podium. While he was certain the others would make some remark about Imperial expansion, Alistair would hold his tongue. The time for debate on the Empire's superior form of governance would wait for another day.
After a quick communication with superiors, Alistair stepped forward once more. "The Empire is willing to engage in peace talks with the Hutt Clans on the condition that they immediately halt their assault and withdraw their invasion forces - including any mercenaries on their payroll - entirely from Empire territory," he counter-proposed, meeting Arok's gaze. "Imperial forces will cease fire once this order has been given to the Hutt aggressors; but until these stipulations are met, the Empire has no choice but to protect itself from aggression." Despite their attempts to change the narrative, it was abundantly clear that the Hutts had begun this war, and Alistair refused to let any statement to the contrary go uncontested.
"In regards to the former Senate gathering, you will recall that the primary allegations for Empire expulsion was for being controlled by the Sith," he continued, now addressing the others, "which is hardly a similar situation to the current turn of events. Here, a member of this body has clearly declared an unjust and power-greedy war against another member of the Senate, promising death to those that did not surrender. This is an affront to the spirit of diplomacy that should take precedence here in this building - and while Nal Hutta's offer for peace talks is the proper next step, a more conciliatory approach should have been taken first before the extreme act of war. If Nal Hutta cannot respect this arena of negotiation except for when it suits their devices, they should not be given the privilege of using it. A standard that every member of this Senate should be held to."
His address complete, he stepped away from the podium. While he was certain the others would make some remark about Imperial expansion, Alistair would hold his tongue. The time for debate on the Empire's superior form of governance would wait for another day.