Feb. 26 - Genoshan Press Release

[Michael Asters]

The press release begins with Cassiel taking the podium, before the Genoshan national flag.

"We in Genosha extend our heartfelt sorrow to those who have suffered in London. While it was, indeed, our defense program which produced the Sentinels which attacked London, it was never our intent that they be used as such. The program was initiated by my colleague, Lord Bennett, with the support of much of the government and military, as a national defense system, to act in our defense on this island. We never dreamed that they would be subverted in such a manner, and cannot possibly express how deeply sorry we are that they were used to harm the people of London."

"We have located the perpetrators, those among us who collaborated to sabotage our defense programs, and have tried them by Genoshan law. The full details will be available through official channels, should the government of Great Britain request them."

"Further, we have taken this as a sign that changes must be made regarding Genosha's place in this world. As a result, in order to foster more stable relations with our neighbors, by order of Lord Magneto, negotiations for the opening of Genoshan embassies in countries around the world began this morning, an we invite all nations to open embassies here."

"Lord Magneto is not expected to recover," he said, his voice cracking briefly. "Our doctors are working their hardest, but estimate that he has days, at best. Per his wishes, I am announcing that our nations leadership will be chosen, on his death, by the Genoshan council. Lord Bennett and I, despite rumors, will not seek the seat, nor will we accept it should it be offered to us. Lord Bennett has elected to focus on the training of our defense forces, after the recent losses we have suffered. I have been offered the position as Genoshan ambassador to London, and have accepted."

"We extend our gratitude to those nations and organizations which have sent us aid in our time of crisis. We have been wounded, but we will recover. We will not dwell upon yesterday, but will look toward tomorrow."

"I thank you for your time."