The Council of Kerlile today released a statement confirming that the Matriarchy of Kerlile is committed to a no-first-strike policy regarding nuclear weapons. Previously, Kerlile had no official position on the matter, but leaked documents in the past have hinted that a no-first-strike policy has been in existence in the country since they first began the development of nuclear weapons. The Council today confirmed that the documents were in fact genuine, and reiterated their commitment to the policy.
“Our nuclear arsenal exists solely for two purposes,” read the statement. “Defence and deterrence. This Council is committed to refraining from the use of nuclear weapons for offensive purposes, as to do so would be to invite the destruction of all we hold dear in the world. Nuclear war would be a tragedy we hope never happens. Our maintenance of these weapons is solely due to the numerous threats the Matriarchy faces in a world that is still predominantly run by countries with patriarchal cultures.”
The Council has also stated that they intend to support a proposal “as written” at LIDUN by Novella Islands to create a nuclear safety body that would form an International Nuclear Safety Authority. The proposal is still being debated; with amendments possible which may alter the Matriarchy’s position. This is a remarkable change for the Council, who have previously resisted all international frameworks on nuclear issues, with Kerlile having refused to sign a number of treaties on the issue.
Kerlile’s nuclear program has come under greater scrutiny in recent months since the so-called Kerlian Missile Crisis (also known as the Lake Wallace Crisis) between Kerlile and Greater Acadia over a malfunction in the testing of a ballistic missile. The crisis led to the creation of a Xiomeran military base in Kerlile, which has been a source of deep controversy both at home and abroad, with a number of protests in Grapevale over the issue leading to clashes between protesters and police. The Xiomeran base also led Eiria to break off formal diplomatic relations with Kerlile.
