Talks to resolve the lingering crisis over Puerto Christo fall through as both Herwanese and Octavian delegates have angrily left the bargaining table.
The impasse stems from whether Puerto Christo should revert to Chercagoan control should its independence be compromised. The Herwanese insist that Puerto Christo should become Chercagoan if they perceive any country is exerting direct or indirect influence on Puerto Christo at any time. On the other hand, the Octavians contend that Puerto Christo should merely remain a non-aligned state.
The Octavians and Herwanese come from very different standpoints. To Octavton, the people of Puerto Christo are under Chercagoan occupation as the latter tricked El Moustache (former leader of Puerto Christo) into giving up control.
In contrast, Herwan views the conference as a magnanimous gesture as Chercago is willing to (optionally) sacrifice its fully legal jurisdiction over Puerto Christo in return for the sincere independence of the people of Puerto Christo.
After nearly a month of getting nowhere, Octavian delegates left the palace in Marcusburg where the negotiations were taking place in frustration. The Principal Councillor meanwhile has slapped an economic embargo on Puerto Christo for as long as it remains under Chercagoan control.
Back in Puerto Christo, Chercagoan officials are barely keeping a lid on violent demonstrations and protests against foreign interference in domestic affairs. Over 1,000 people have died so far in clashes with police with no sign of the conflict coming to a close soon.
