Unable To Set Empires Stance

[zalphor]

I am unable to set the stance of my empire twords another empire.
The friend and neutral stance buttons do not appear to function.

Tried:
-- Request empires button:
"Refreshes" the list but no changes of stance are shown.
-- Switched between my two avatars of the same rank and permissions:
no change.

Also cannot use the close document button in the diplomacy window.

Governance and Diplomacy buttons on side bar flash continuously and have not stopped since i renewed my subscription.