Local News Topic

In the goal of modernizing the Mondic arsenal, the Mondic Navy is planning on phasing the thirty Sinala VTOLs in service, putting them in reserve status. To fill the slots opened up by the VTOLs being put in reserve status, the Navy is going to procure thirty more Farandia fighter jets. This plan should be executed by mid-2020.
In an agreement with the nation of Ulstome, our nations are jointly developing a surface-to-air missile system that will be able to bolster the defensive capabilities of our nations's militaries. More information will be released as the project progresses.

An old and weathered veteran reporter who worked for Maloria Today checked the buttons on his jacket once more as to avoid any embarrassment on live television. The beauty team combed his hair one more time to a perfect combover. He took a drink of his iced tea and began when the cameraman said that they were live.


“Breaking news. On this Wednesday (January 1st) during a session of parliament in Bergum the Sergeant-at-Arms in addition to armed soldiers of the Secret Service stormed the chambers, arresting over a dozen MPs. The MPs were arrested under charges of bribery, abuse of power, several counts of corruption, and fraud found by the Secret Service and the Central Division for Discipline Inspection. These were not the only members arrested however, with a dozen more members bring arrested in the Kanadian Parliament as well.


Sources from the Imperial Palace have said that illegal campaign contributions were given to many of the people arrested. These politicians as well actively shut down investigations or relaxed regulations in turn for financial gains for themselves. One of those brought in was Lukas Kent, former Chancellor of Maloria who is now in a campaign for not only his seat but for the leadership of his party as well.


Activists for the unification movement in Maloria and Kanada have used this significantly to their advantage. Several protests and demonstrations being staged throughout Maloria and Kanada calling for further centralization between the two regions. The UCFP as well has used this opportunity to bring a drastic anti-corruption bill in both Maloria as well as Kanada which would crack down on campaign finance and bribery as well as allowing corruption charges to be punishable by death if found guilty.


Emperor Marten and Empress Grace stated in a press release today that they will side with the activists in what they said was a ‘call for further unity between the corners of our empire.’ Emperor Marten as well said that he fully intends to back these strong anti-corruption measures stating that the Imperial Government ‘will crack down these tigers and flies that have burrowed their graves into corruption.’ The Imperial Duet said that they plan show their centralization decree tomorrow.


While in Bayyah Na Tyrooz, Astragon, The Minister of Energy, Industry, and Natural Resources Josyp Lutsenko met with the Astragonese Minister of Energy Fazzah Na Mazrin and Kaider Kolo the Minister of Energy of Naizerre. In the Astragonese capital they pronounced the creation of the International Eras Petroleum Exporting Organization. The stated mission that they released of the organization is to ‘coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its member countries and ensure the stabilization of oil markets, in order to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers, a steady income to producers, and a fair return on capital for those investing in the petroleum industry.’ The organization will be headquartered here in Bergum. And with that you will be returned to your previous show.

Crown Declare New, Unified Government. Independent Parliaments Declared Null and Void.

BERGUM, SEVERIA - Following the massive reveal of the corruption in the current independent Parliaments, the Empress and Emperor have decided to put their plan for a new government into action. In front of the Bergum Palace, Empress Grace told the press that “The inefficiency, disorganization, and incapability of the current Parliament system cannot continue.”

The pair told silent reporters that the previous government would be nullified. The previous government consisted of Kanada and Maloria having their own parliament, along with a smaller, unified parliament, that would have a say in any bill being passed in each nation. This led to gridlock, especially in Kanada, where the Liberale-controlled parliament would refuse to pass any Konservatiivin-proposed bills, and the Conservative-controlled unified parliament would refuse to pass any Liberale-proposed bills. Since the unification of Maloria and Kanada, only two bills were passed by both the Kanadian parliament and the unified parliament.

The Emperor went on to explain how the new government would be organized. The new government will consist of three houses. The first house will be made up of representatives from constituencies representing roughly 160,000 people, the second house will be made up of representatives from each province, thanedom, and county. Kanada and Maloria each have 36 seats. The third house consists of people chosen by a Monarch.

The Royal couple said they had already chosen people to be the leaders and representatives of the new parliament until the next election cycle in 2022. Those chosen were primarily from people already in all three parliaments, though there has been quick criticism as some in the third house weren’t from the previous government, but instead prominent citizens and business owners.

Some people given important positions within the new government include:
Crown’s Consul - Marten Severyn the Elder
People’s Consul - Dmytro Petrenko
Vice Consul - Anders Olsen
Vice Consul - Mikel Føsterre
Vice Consul - Anastasiya Sokolova
Vice Consul - Josyp Barabash
Leader of the Majority (First House) - Lars Haaroldsen
Leader of the Minority (First House) - Anne Ulburg
Leader of the Majority (Second House) - Stefaniya Horbenko
Leader of the Minority (Second House) - Artem Kharchenko
Speaker of the First House - Elisabeth Larsen
Speaker of the Second House - Egil Haroldsen

There was also quick criticism about these choices, as both Consuls are Malorian.

The new Parliament will begin on the 7th of January, giving time for all sides to adapt and reorganize.

More information about the new Parliament can be found at ((https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9191522/))

Four Astragonese agents handed life sentences for espionage.
Øye Nansson -- January 2, 2020
GOJANNESSTAD, NYHETT- Imperial prosecutors today announced a judicial success before the public as juries found four Astragonese agents guilty of espionage, and judges handed out life sentences to the defendants. The four men, all in their forties and fifties, will most likely be spending the rest of their lives in prison as the courts accepted the maximum sentencing reccomendation given by the prosecution.

Espionage in Goyanes carries a potential penalty of anywhere from ten years to life in prison, and prosecutors pleaded for the maximum penalty, as the agents had been operating in Goyanes for some time, and had also engaged in a car chase through central Gojannesstad, which resulted in their arrest in the first place.

The car chase involved Enrico De Goldi, the Predicean soccer coach, as well as the former coach of the Astragon national team, Azanah Kadash. Kadash was being rushed by De Goldi to the Predicean embassy on Hl. Anthony Bane 690 in Gojannesstad, while simultaneaously being chased by the four agents from Astragon. The chase involved speeding along Autobaner routes as well as over the Heidbus Bridge, weaving through traffic at high speed.

According to statements from Goyanean intelligence and investigative services, it is believed that the Astragonese government was seeking to arrest Kadash due to their team losing in the first round of the elimination bracket to Essalanea. The four agents were promptly arrested as De Goldi and Kadash ran into the Predicean embassy, where immunity laws protected them as Kadash applied for asylum.

The four agents were taken to a GNP station for questioning, while agents remained issuing reckless driving citations to De Goldi (without much avail).

The case went into trial on December 26th, however after a brief recess for New Year's Day, the juries returned to issue the verdict. The four agents are expected to be eligible for parole after 10 years, pending further judicial review.

Stay tuned for more as this story develops.

Breaking: Former Sports Minister Executed for Corruption and Treason Following Court Hearing

Saghrasha Tashad, former minister of sports was today sentenced to death following a trial lasting several hours in which it was revealed that he had committed extensive crimes and abuses of power during his tenure.

Judge Chenzira Na Mara handed the former minister a death sentence following revelations that the minister had gambled vast sums of money on the national team's success, conspired with the former minister of internal security to arrest and execute former coach Azanah Na Kadash and collaborated with the illegitimate coup of Talesh Na Murza.

'You have shamed Astragon! Besmirched the good name of Hailakaid people everywhere! I sentence you to death! May Shaddai, Kaidain and Yeshana have mercy upon your soul!' Judge Chenzira declared as the courtroom cheered the verdict

On live television the disgraced politician read a signed confession detailing his treasonous acts:

'I Saghrasha Na Tashad have shamed my Motherland and Empress with my vile acts, I attempted to use state assets to enrich myself personally and engaged in the illegal use of security personnel in an attempt to have Azanah Kadash murdered. I can only throw myself at the feet of my Exalt and beg that she will have me shot!'

The Former sports minister was executed by firing squad shortly after, the sports minister's execution is the latest in a series of purges that have seen almost 90% of the imperial council executed for treason and corruption. Empress Sabhrain has granted Azanah Kadash a full pardon, the former coach is currently residing in Predice where he has been granted citizenship.

Somewhere in the plains of Essalanea there rages a battle. However, this battle is not waged with guns, tanks, bombs, or violence. Instead it waged with concrete mixers, shovels, hard labor, and long nights. All of this happening outside of Danek's Gap, a charming collection of yurts and huts that line a dirt path leading from the central steppe all the way west. With the arrival of modern governance and modernization the area is considered a vital way station. With mining operations having advanced, the need for better infrastructure has become paramount.

To this end a concrete road is being constructed in efforts to replace the small dirt path. This road or in this case, roads are being built by our very own comrades, who volunteered to travel to the Craviteran nation in the hopes they could improve the lives of others. They are not alone however. While they build their road, they are direct opposite of other foreigners, a few Norsians, on a mission of their own of a very similar goal.

After questioning both parties none seem to be able to really say why they were both assigned the same route or who made the mistake. What they both say however, is that they won't back down. Now both work tirelessly around the clock, digging, pouring concrete, jeering at their rivals.

We spoke to one of our young comrades, Misa Rybar, on the matter.

"Well at the end of the second day we were sitting around taking it easy. Eating, drinking n' smokin' n' the like. We saw that the Norsians were doin' the same y'know. They had made it farther so I went over to give a compliment on their road work. They seemed to get really worked up over it and started yelling at me!"

We took the time to get a Norsian's perspective on the event from Gérald Mallet.

"Well at the end of the second day we were sitting around relaxing. Smokin', drinkin', eating n' the like. We saw the Fussians doing similarly. We gotten farther than they did, but their work looked smoother or so the guys and I were sayin! But one of them probably drunk out of his mind walked over through our wet concrete! He pissed on it as well whilst singing!"

Apparently since that fateful day a week ago both teams of men have been working endlessly to finish the project faster than the other. They report to have been staring each other down and yelling slurs at one another. So far both teams have dug out and built over four kilometers of roadworks in this rivalry.

A local Essalanean man had this to say.

"I'm just happy that they finally got people to work on the dual lane carriage way. The truckers have been requesting it for a long time now."

Road Wars:Standoff at Danek's Gap

Essalanean soldiers stationed at the hamlet of Danek's gap were left equal parts perplexed and amused when they realized that construction teams from both the Fussian and Norsian militaries were both attempting to construct paved roads leading to the same destination.

'At first, we thought it was hilarious and started watching and taking bets' said one soldier

However, the situation soon devolved from humourous to combustible as Norsian and Fussian troops began exchanging insults and rude gestures. The Essalanean garrison came up with a typically blunt response.

'Well we like the Norsians and the unhorsed from Fuss have been sharing their vodka, so we figured we would station someone in between the two roads to stop any brawls' a clan sergeant says waving to a burly looking man sat on a wooden chair that is between the two roads.

When questioned on how this unorthodox strategy was intended to diffuse the tensions between the two sides the guard had this to say between sips of vodka

'If I see an unhorsed wandering towards the other side I cock my shotgun and yell something in Sudengots, apparently, they think our language is aggressive, all I'm saying is hello! it seems to work!' he says with a broad grin

While the argument has been relegated to hateful glances and distant insults, many Essalanean's are concerned with the potential complications of two roads leading to the same place.

'I mean don't get me wrong, more roads means more business, but it isn't the unhorsed who will have to maintain these paths, the chief will have us working double our regular output to keep both roads open!'

Other residents were concerned that the standoff could lead to a diplomatic incident

'Say one of them gets mad and thumps the other too hard? we could end up with two nations at loggerheads over a random brawl!' One resident said clearly worried by the presence of competing foreign forces

For some however the incident merely represented pure comedy

'Me and the boys have been betting to see who finishes first, the Norsian's are damn fast but those Fuss unhorsed seem very good at smoothing concrete! My money is on the wolf queens lads! YOU SODS BETTER WIN! I HAVE A STUTENMILCH RATION RIDING ON YOU!' A local resident said, yelling the last part in the Norsian's direction

The road's from Danek's gap are expected to act as a new highway capable of carrying raw materials to the port of Kimbria for sale in foreign markets. While both nations seem committed to creating new infrastructure, it remains to be seen how their simultaneous presence will be managed.

After a bill was passed both by the Reichsrat and Königlicher Senat and was ratified by His Majesty the King, both Landwehr and Heer troops moved into Enneville and the "treaty zones" of Herzen and Ostdorf. The troops were met by groups of protesters blocking roads leading into Enneville. After a Heer column that was entering the city was stopped, Militärpolizei troops were immediately dispached to disperse the protesters.

When entering downtown Enneville Militärpolizei troops encountered stiff resistance, but after 4 hours they managed to clear most of Alexanderstrasse. Unbeknownst to the protesters a small group of grenadier guards form the Heer's Garde-Grenadier-Regiment ‘Noorderveen’ was also deployed to Enneville to help Zivilarmee efforts and free up Reichspolizei SEK officers by the Ducal Assembly.


A group of airborne grenadiers were also deployed to protect Olaf Ludwig Airport because of suspected fromer BRA members trying to sabotage the Luftwaffe compound in the airport. Government reports show that 18 were arrested and 22 injured in Enneville and after extensive raids in Herzen conducted by Reichspolizei SEK about two dozen people were arrested on charges of terrorism. In one downtown house, SEK officers found explosives and several unregistered firearms.

Some electors in the Reichsrat form opposition parties compared the bill as a continuation of Operation Marder and Eugen Van Houten, leader of the DFöP (Demokratische Föderalistische Partei) warned the government of an impending second Adewald*.




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*Van Houten is reffering to the Adewald massacre that happened in 1974

Keris- Mads Adami finds himself stuck between worlds and he is quite honest about the fact that he doesn't know how to navigate between them at the moment. The native of Breioamyrr, a small industrial town in western Prydania, is certainly happy with the town's changing fortunes two and a half years since the end of the Civil War.

"Midland Mótorar and Aventure Automotive Group from Sil Dorsett came in" he explains.
"They converted a few of the old iron works into factories for the production of electric cars. People are finding work again. Myself included."
Mads currently works as an editor for industrial safety videos, a job needed to train a generation of young Prydanian workers entering new industries as the economy continues to grow.

That's not what Mads did for the longest time though, nor is it why many Prydanians would recognize his name and face. Mads worked as a functionary in the "Outer Party," the name for the government bureaucrats of the Syndicalist Republic, for the regime's Press Office. He was specifically tasked with making propaganda videos starring himself, where he would present a kind, energetic, funny (and punny) face for Syndicalist policies. Mads began working on them around 2008 and continued until the end. His videos were presented on government-approved news sites and even VidCast. Up to the point that the site banned Syndicalist Republic videos in light of a growing list of human rights abuses.

Mads' fate was uncertain following the end of the War.
"I was terrified" he freely admits.
"I had the rank of a pencil pusher lower middle management sort, but my face was out there, you know? I spoke for the regime. Right to the end. I figured I would be a good one for the FNU to make an example of."

In the end His Majesty issued two blanket pardons among his first acts as King. All members of the Syndicalist Republic Armed forces below the higher officer ranks were pardoned. And all members of the Syndicalist "Outer Party" were pardoned, full stop. Even if the Party itself was forcibly dissolved. Mads was spared, but his brother wasn't. Dr. Aleksander Adami was revealed to have been one of the principle overseers of torturing those arrested by the NRÖ, the Syndicalist regime's secret police, for political reasons. He was sentenced to death but Mads petitioned His Majesty. It was accepted. Dr. Adami now serves a life sentence in Briarviður prison for his crimes.
The whirlwind of the end of the War, and how his family was effected, has caused upheaval for Mads that he's not really over.

"I was happy of course" he says regarding his pardon.
"But it's strange. Legally I've been given the green light, but people know me. And...things have been rough since coming back home."
Mads had moved to Býkonsviði for his job in 2008, returning to Breioamyrr following his pardon. Breioamyrr was a traditional Syndicalist electoral stronghold in the days of the old democracy. Mads thought that, and his family's roots in the area, would mitigate the awkwardness of being a face of the Syndicalist regime.

"There are days where it's almost normal" he says, "where old friends and I chat, were we even grab a few drinks or take in a concert. The music scene's incredible these days. Other days though, no one will talk to me. It's like I'm a ghost."

I asked him if he thought it had to do with his brother.
"No" he shook his head.
"I don't think so at least. Aleks...I didn't even know what he was doing, really. But me...I was there. Online every week, defending the government. I was told to act like everyone's best friend at the bar, just shoot the shit about the government and put a good spin on things. It was popular...well at first, I guess."

Mads admits that the reception in Breioamyrr wasn't what he expected.
"A few people have angrily yelled at me, told me what the government did here. The killings, arrests. I still have a hard time believing it."

I still have a hard time believing it.

That is, beyond an icy reception in his home town, what Mads is struggling with.
"During the Republic, I was party. Outer Party, but still. We had our area of the capital. I had my studio I shared with three other productions. But...it was normal. I suppose. The soldiers and Peoples' Militia patrolled the streets, shops, but we were at war. We hung out, we talked, we had...lives. I didn't, I mean we didn't...a lot of what was happening elsewhere wasn't really talked about. We didn't know that much inside of the Party zones."

The first crack came during the Shaddaist pogrom in the capital led by Syndicalist Inner Party Organizer for Beaconsviði Charles Sonfjall in 2015.

"Everyone knew that there was commotion in the city. But the soldiers stopped us at the Party Zone checkpoints. Said there was an emergency, we had to go back to our homes."

Mads looked visibly nervous discussing what happened next, but it was a vital part of his story, and the downfall of the world in which he had, in part, willingly allowed himself to be bubbled in.
"The next week I had a show to film. I got the list of talking points from the Party. They told me to address the fact that the government had rounded up a lot of Shaddaists, killed a lot of Cohens, including the Gadol. I didn't even know really what those words were! I'm from Breioamyrr! I never met a Shaddaist in my life and..."

Mads grew visibly agitated. I asked if he wanted to continue, but he did.
"They liked me to make things light, friendly. Like I said, your friend at the bar shooting the shit about politics. So I made some jokes. Made fun of of some stereotypes, told people to calm down, the Shaddaists, with their Yihuddi accents would get over it. Did some bad impressions. I wanted to make it funny."

"I didn't...no, no. Look. I knew it was stereotyping, but I was told...look. I thought that a few rabble rousers from the Shaddaist community had caused a stink and the government put it down. I didn't know how bad it was. We didn't know."

The response internationally was a disaster. VidCast began to ban Syndicalist Republic videos that defended the pogrom- the first steps that would lead to them being banned from the platform all together- Mads' included. His video, before it was pulled, was littered with angry responses.
"I had no idea what the extent of what I was talking about, and I thought the caricature voices and mannerisms, I thought they were funny. I saw what people were saying though, and I was taken aback."

I asked him if he understood that what he had done was hurtful.
"I didn't know any Shaddaists, like I said. I just thought...you know...make light of something tense? Look, I didn't get into this to oppress anyone. I know people like to think that about every former Party member, but I didn't. I got into this because my brother said I had a knack for putting people at ease, and I thought that was worthwhile. But seeing that...people react to what I said about that pogrom...it was an eye opener, that things were different then what I had been told."

His brother Dr. Aleksander Adami is another sour spot, an uncomfortable reminder of the regime he served. The Sáttargrunnur (Reconciliation Committee) was set up by the new Kingdom government after the Syndicalist archives were seized. Suddenly Aleksander's role in the torture of over 1,000 people on behalf of the Syndicalist government became known.

"Aleks is...was a good guy" Mads says.
"He was always political. My family had votes Syndie for generations leading up to the Revolution in '02. I wasn't very political, but it was part of growing up in a working class town. Aleks is an intellectual though. He's always been passionate about politics. When the Revolution happened and he found himself on track to be a high ranking Inner Party member...it was exciting. I thought he'd thrive. I guess he did."

I asked him if he still visits Aleks on occasion.
"He doesn't get many visiting days, but I go when I can."
I asked him what they talk about.
"Hockey, music mostly."
I ask him if he feels like his brother is a good person. He thinks for a moment, as if struggling to find words.

"He's a good brother. A passionate knob at times who didn't know when to shut up, but I love him."
Finally I asked the sticking point. What does Mads say to those who were tortured by his brother, and their families? All of whom are public record thanks to the Sáttargrunnur. Mads sighs. He adjusts himself in his seat.

"I'm very sorry. I would tell them I'm very sorry for what he did. That he believed in good things, but he lost his way. It doesn't excuse what he did though. I hope they find peace. They deserve peace."

That prompts me to ask him point blank. Is Syndicalism in any way redeemable? And how does he feel about the current government?

"We grew up in a working class town. The Syndicalist Party was our party. I didn't give a toss about politics on the eve of the Revolution. I was still a kid then. But my dad and mom...they'd go on about the Syndicalist Party being the party that looked out for us. So we went with it...and when I was recruited? It was easy to go along with what they told us. I think we need a party that works for working people, but obviously what the Syndicalist Party ended up being, I don't believe that's good, no. It took me seeing people outside of the party reacting to what I was doing, and coming home and seeing how much people who stayed here came to resent the Syndicalist government to fully see it. And I struggle with what I did for it."

And the government?
"The King seems like a good guy, honestly. And the government, like I said. I work in a field that's made possible because they bring work back. I want a party that works for working people, but yeah. I don't hold grudges against the King, or the current government. I just want to let that stuff I did, let it fade away."

That's Mads' struggle. Pardoned for his role in the regime, yet known by many people because of the visibility of the role. He dedicates himself to his work, he enjoys the heavy metal scene emerging in post-War Prydania. He reconnects with old friends and makes new ones, but his past follows him. Innocent in the eyes of the law, guilty in the eyes of public opinion.

He's not alone, though he might be among the most high profile, of Syndicalist Outer Party members who carry a pardon from the King yet are still dogged by their past associations. Some call it a lost generation. Others, walking ghosts. To most of us? They're friends, neighbours, and family attempting to put a disastrous past behind them. Like our nation as a whole.

Today on 1/8/2020, the Yakuvoniak Head of the Sector revolving Foreign and International Affairs, Korzhev Androniki Igorevich, has declared in a public speech that the Republic of Yakuvony will not be recognizing the sovereignty revolving the nation of Ugria.

During the public speech, it was reported the Korzhev said the following, "There is little reason for us to recognize this rebellious state. The free Republic of Yakuvony gains absolutely nothing with a recognition of this state. Any embassy within that state will be pulled out, and the Yakuvoniak diplomats will be pulled out to serve more for another nation. Additionally, I will end that any map in the Republic of Yakuvony will show the area as either disputed, to which, the area will be referred to as 'North Xentherida' or 'South Collerni' Optionally, being shown split between Xentherida and Collerni. We hope the international community will follow through our decision, and support it. Thank you."
When asked by a few news reporter as to why the decision was made, in a joking tone, Korzhev replied, "The reason for the recognition isn't important. What is more important is what Xentherida is going to do with that extra land. Who knows? They could start making good use of that area of land by planting marijuana. In all seriousness, this was proposed by the Svobomna Commune a few days ago, and all the other political subdivisions of the nation had agreed to it."

When further asked for the reasons, he refused to add anything more towards what he said.

The news of the nonrecognition of Ugria has been meet with some confusion, backlash, and some support. A poll is being taken in a few of the political subdivisions to see whether the popularity of this decision.

On other news, towards the weather.....

1 hour ago

Political tensions worsen in Rio Verde concession

Major protests broke out today in Rio Verde's Limpasha ward, the primarily Astragonese inhabitants marched down the main roads of the downtown area effectively halting traffic.

The demonstrators carried images of soon to be crowned Empress Sabhrain I and banners bearing the Kevsha manticore. Women in traditional garb sang patriotic songs while men carrying tribal shields and spears directed defiant chants at the police cordon in front of the city legation building.

The international concession city has been a foreign ruled city-state since 1913 when the then emperor of Astragon, Kaskaran II leased the Emmereh peninsula to foreign interests hoping to aid the ailing economy that had been crippled by the Meterran flu.

The concession is considered a national embarrassment by many in Astragon and a vestige of colonialism. With the resurgence of strong leadership within the empire, the 107-year-old city's fate is now in limbo, the empress has yet to comment but many have already gauged the mood and decided it is time to restore Rio Verde to Astragonese hands.

'Their foreign masters are no longer here to protect them! the time has come for us to take back our land and restore it to the empire! Sabhrain is rising! Astragon is rising! the time of the coloniser is done! the time for Pan-Iteria is now!' one protest leader explained enthusiastically

The city faces a changing population demographics, over the last 25 years more then three-quarters of new arrivals have been mainland Astragonese. Violence between Verdean and Astragonese gangs has turned lower-income wards into virtual warzones and the police have struggled to deal with the increasingly divided ethnic mix.

An increasingly assertive Astragon has largely outpaced the city both economically and in population size by developing its own urban centres. Military presence from nearby mainland cities has also been building as the Exalted Empire seeks to send a message of strength to the faltering legation council. One thing is certain, the city remains a free state for now, but the future is increasingly being shaped by actions on the mainland.

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"There is no question about Rio Verde," heckled Nakashad says

Nakashad declares vague support for the Astragonese government on Rio Verde in response to a question in KFs. An angry Alwablah heckles and demands a clear answer.


GANATRASTADT - Yesterday in The Batasan, Nifa Nakashad was heckled by Volksaktion party leader Asad Alwablah in her reply to a question about the government's current policy on the growing tensions in Rio Verde. The question was made by Naila Elsayed, Bangsaloton party leader in the Batasan Pambansa. Nakashad responded and continued calmly in the KF clash with the Volksaktion Opposition Leader.

Nakashad said: "There is no question about Rio Verde. When it comes to treaties such as the lease agreement which set the terms and limitations of Rio Verde's status, the government has always supported the rule of international law, and law in general. All previous governments regardless of partisan beliefs always did.

"I believe Astragon will do its best to maintain the success Rio Verde enjoys today. But it is not a foreign country's business to demand another country to reconsider their own policies. I believe the Opposition has already us frontbenchers opposite for that, unless they want to see more of us in the future."

Alwablah then heckled with repeated shouts of "Give a Lawstoner answer, or are you a traitor?!" and "Astragonese sleeper!"

Nakashad did not respond and continued her speech.

After Nakashad finished, Batasan President Kalaw Dimaano scolded Alwablah for heckling the Chancellor in the middle of her response. Dimaano left him off with a warning and reminded the house of its code of conduct. Dimaano said: "If the Opposition Leader himself is allowed to scream like a naughty young boy in someone else's house, the implications shall threaten the very fabric of parliamentary protocol."

Alwablah said in his response to Nakashad's answer: "It was the 20th Century when this country declared independence from Highton. Now it's the 21st. It's been four decades since the people voted to abolish the monarchy and became a republic. It's been forever, Mr. President, and the Republic, ang Haring Ganatrang Kalatogan (Sovereign Lawstoner Republic), has yet to find its own independent voice! Now, when people's liberties are at stake, the time is now!"

Minister-President Jameela Elkazi, Bangsaloton party leader in the Alhududian Bayt, recently called on the Chancellor to defend the status quo in Rio Verde after the devolved legislature voted to formally appeal to the government for its support.

This is not the first time Alwablah interrupted Nakashad in KFs. In April 2019, when the Department of Information was created, Alwablah also heckled Nakashad before she could answer his own question on the new department. He shouted: "Feel free to tell your secrets! Thoughts are free, and so is this society!" In June 2017, before Nakashad began her first KFs, Alwablah laughed at his racist joke: "Take care not to give reverence to the Exalted Emperor!"

Later this week, President Galang will attend the coronation of the new Astragonese empress, Sabhrain I. (arg)

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Batasan votes in favor of Lawston entry into IEF

The Batasan passes IEF Ratification Bill. Nakashad declares victory for "Lawston and the Free World." Alwablah responds with "less optimism as a chicken hanging upside down from the secure hands of a butcher."


GANATRASTADT- The Batasan voted in favor of the bill that will ratify all the international treaties and agreements required to join the International Economic Forum. Today, Nifa Nakashad celebrated in KFs with a rousing applause from her cabinet members and colleagues. Volksaktion and other parties in the opposite side watched in silence until Opposition Leader Asad Alwablah spoke up for their continued resistance against the bill.

Alwablah said: "I, and I think I represent everyone in this side of the chamber when I say I am not convinced. I suppose it's easy for the government since it will virtually cost them nothing to pervert our free trade principles. But I respect the democratic process, so I welcome this unfortunate result with less enthusiasm as a chicken hanging upside down from the secure hands of a butcher."

The opposition benches roared boos at the government side and imitated sounds of a choking chicken. Nakashad and the frontbench only smiled as the rest of the Lostan Partei laughed from the backbenches. It took more than a minute before Batasan President Kalaw Dimaano threatened several opposition MPs to leave for "their growing record of misconduct."

After The Batasan quieted down, Nakashad finally responded: "Mr. President, we are not doing this for the sole purpose of making money, and what we did didn't cost nothing at all. We drafted, redrafted, debated, amended, repeated some of these steps, and voted, and we won. The government merely proposed this bill.

"We applauded earlier not because 'we, the government' won. It's because of what we did for them, the people, who won. Each and every one of them, and it may be said to include all of us too. This is a day for Lawston and the free world. We may not see its fruits now, but I don't believe anything is impossible until we tried it."

Before Nakashad could continue, Alwablah fired back: "Yeah. Thomas Nielsen and his Syndicalist thugs thought staging a coup will help, and look what that did to the Prydanians! 'It was going well,' they said and they tried. They tried it on their own people, many of whom are now resting in peace and others are resting in pieces!"

After Batasan President Dimaano demanded Alwablah to listen quietly and wait for his chance to respond, Nakashad commented: "Mr. President, I believe it's neither fair nor respectful to compare an entire nation's struggle to a mundane democratic process. It is terribly disrespectful and cruelly offensive."

Batasan President Dimaano then asked Alwablah to withdraw his remarks and apologize to the Prydanian people. Alwablah made a short apology and continued: "I've said it before and I'll say it again. Lawston doesn't need an organization promoting free trade when it already does. The IEF is expensive and a globalist effort to undermine national governments. I will continue to believe this so as long as I am a citizen of the Lawstoner Republic."

After the vote, it was rumored Minister of Information Roming "Bob" Halili entered the wrong door during the division of the assembly and voted against the bill. His parliamentary protocol adviser Linto Aamer, MP for Hararouz-Süden/Zentral, laughed it off and said: "Oh really?"

Anti-IEF protesters gathered around the Bahay-ng-Batas and blocked visitors from getting inside. They clashed with several Pro-IEF groups who went to support the government. The Batasan Branch of the Ganatrastadt Police have also appeared around The Batasan's perimeter to ensure safety during the demonstrations.

Bitoy Kalaw, leader of Mandirigma ng Latog and face of the Anti-IEF movement, addressed the crowds blocking the main gate. He said: "It will take long even after The Batasan gave its consent. We are now on the brink of war. We will not let them silence us. We will not go quietly."

According to the Constitution, treaties can only be negotiated and ratified by The Batasan. President Rajesh, can only sign the bill. Though President Rajesh will not be able to sign the bill or the treaties until he returns from his trips abroad, the bill does not require it and the bill will become law in 10 days if the President does not sign it.

In Ovaler Platz Nordwest, the demonstrations occupied nearly half of the lanes. Due to heavy traffic, a 69-year-old man who suffered a heart attack died in an ambulance.

No injuries related to the demonstrations have been reported. (gs)

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RIIGITEATAJA

Ugrian Government issues White paper on Ardyylija


VÕNNU, RI - The Government of the Ugrian Federation issued a white paper yesterday, concluding that Ardyylija should belong to Andrenne. The report claims, that the region’s cultural, and historical ties correlate far more with Andrenne. The Government of The Ugrian Federation has backed this up, by recognising Ardyylija as a part of Andrenne.
This comes after the Yakuvniak Government stopped recognising the Ugrian Federation as a sovereign nation.
More as the story develops.

Ceannaire Na Mais To Step Down
Earlier today the Ceannaire na Mais, George Roberts, announced that after leading the NNP to victory in the last three Montonget elections will be stepping down as the Ceannaire na Mais in order to spend more time with his family. He will however remain in the position until a new leader is chosen.

From humble beginnings serving as a paratrooper, in the Ulstome armed forces, before entering into politics at the age of 27 as a candidate for the NNP. Winning his seat of Selona Old Port from the DOP in the 1998 election, a seat he then held in the 2003 election. In 2005 he became the leader of the NNP. He successfully campaigned for the 2008 election where the NNP gained 32 seats to became the largest party after 15 years of DOP hold. Although not gaining a majority in the 2008 election he was able to successfully form an unusual 4 party coalition with the LP, SDP and the ADP. The coalition lasted until the 2013 election where once again the NNP gained 11 seats. A new coalition of only the NNP and LP was formed which remained strong much like the previous coalition. It was only in the 2018 election however that a majority was able to be obtained, the first majority government since the NNP government of 1985. Throughout their time as the Ceannaire na Mais they had modernised the NNP for the changing Ulstome political landscape, overseen the construction of the Continental tunnels and brought the devolved powers back to the central Government.

This stepping down is expected to deal a damaging blow to the NNP government, after having the full support of their party and the electorate it is unlikely that any replacement will be able to maintain the NNPs majority during the next election.

The race to become the new leader has already begun. The announcement that Roberts will be stepping down marks its start. There will be a one month period for candidates to come forward, all are required to have the backing of at least 10 NNP MMs. Although no candidates will have been declared at this point in time the main three who are expected to put their names forward are
the Defence Minister, Harold von Vannestein, the Police and security minister, Conor Owen and the Benefits, work and pensions Minister, Julia Brenton. It is expected that these three will be the main candidates to replace Roberts.

Morning Edition, 26 January 2020

UMATCO, NEW METERRA DEFENSIVE ALLIANCE, ESTABLISHED BY LEADING METERRAN POWERS

Xi Char – Announced with little fanfare, a new defensive alliance known as UMATCO has been established by five of Meterras most internationally active nations. Demescia, Haor Chall, Naizerre, Mouxordia and the Lancerian Empire, have acceded to the United Meterran Aegis Treaty and pledged to the common defence of each other.

The nations represent a diverse mix of military capabilities but all are internationally active and members of the Meterran Economic Treaty Association (META). Although META contains a common defence clause, the UMATCO treaty suggests a closer level of defence and security co-operation between these nations and potentially non-META Meterran nations in the future.

Defence experts say the quiet arrival of UMATCO on the international scene was probably a deliberate decision of the member states, as the new alliance marks a significant step change in the international security dynamics of the continent and, if developed cohesively, could become the most powerful military alliance in all of Eras. Even the most positive analysts say there is a long way to go from such a position however.

The alliance is open to new members, from nations on Meterra, and governments across the world will be watching to see how many other Meterran nations express an interest in joining.


HAOR CHALL ACCEPTED INTO INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM

Xi Char - Haor Chall has been formally admitted into the International Economic Forum (IEF), following a 17-0 vote in favour by the existing member states. As one of the largest economies in Meterra and a member of META, the positive vote had largely been expected, following the Majestic Twelve's ratification of the IEF charter late last year.

Archegnum Officially Joins Lanceria Today
Natalie Betrand
Jan. 26th, 2019

After the successful referendum vote in Archegnum earlier this month, today marks the first official day that the provinces of Archegnum join the Lancerian Empire. Federationists are celebrating the event throughout the nations and on social media calling it a bold move in supporting the ideals of all those in both countries.



The provinces of Junais, Nairmac, Hampden, and Lorem officially joined as the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th provinces of the Lancerian Empire, keeping their current provincial boundaries and governments until the next natural election. There will, however, be new elections held for members of the national parliament in Archegnum as the balancing of seats and the size of the new expanded parliament is considered.

"We are excited to welcome our closest allies into our arms as more than neighbours, becoming one great nation together." said Queen-Empress Amelia today.

Parliamentary debate will begin next week on whether to change the name of the nation to eliminate colonial overtones in the "Empire" moniker, dropping it from official title of "The United Kingdoms of The Lancerian Empire" or changing the name completely such as the "Archo-Lancerian Federation".

Eight Thousand Attend Ulburg Speech at Wehrspaht Stålverk Uni.


Minority Leader of the First House drew a massive crowd at Wehrspaht's Stålverk University, with an estimated 8,000 people in attendance, mostly students, listening to Ulburg despite the cold. In front of the podium at the end of the University's central quad, you could not see a blade of grass under the waiting crowd. Broadcasted across Kanada, and some of Maloria, cheers rose as the rising star appeared, clipboard in hand, and began her speech.

She began by thanking the attendees, claiming that this appeared to be her biggest rally yet, again followed by a wave of applause. Immediately, she dug into the Monarchy's recent controversial action to unify Kanada and Maloria's parliament. Ulburg spoke, "I am not saying that Maloria and Kanada's governments should have never merged, but it should not have been this quick, and it definitely should not have been done through the lone command of the Crown. If the dual monarchs can change our parliaments so swiftly and to such a great extent, without even asking the legislature, who's to say they won't dissolve our representation if the need comes?"

Later in the speech, she attacked the idea of the Monarchy itself, "Having unelected leaders with greater power than Parliament, that rule for life, gaining their position by simply winning the lottery of being the oldest child, is how we get bumbling fools such as Johan II or Magnus XI. ...And when Parliament does not have the right to remove the Monarchs, even by unanimous support, and the Military is built to protect the Monarchs, how are we to oppose them if they do wrong, other than revolution? To Marten and Grace, this is not a threat, but a promise, that if you continue down this road towards authoritarianism, the people will have no choice but to follow in the actions of those in 1927, not for the sake of personal gain, but for the sake of making sure their voices are heard. As long as you live in comfortable palaces and have lavish parties with CEOs and nobles, you can stay out of the representation of people with debt, and those barely making enough to live."

Ulburg then went on to talk about further policy ideas, such as making all public universities in Kanada free. Most of the attention, though, was stolen by the anti-monarchy talk. The Crown is yet to respond.

Excerpt from the Embassy Exchange Programme of Yohannes.

Princess Elisabeth spent many hours reading the Queendom of Imperial Joseon.

She had been enthralled by the book, but more surprised at her own reaction to it. She had found its subject fascinating. Until now, she had not thought much about the Orient or any other place like it. In fact, there was only one such country that had ever made her yearn to learn and read when she was younger, and that was Laeral. In the royal palace she had learned to live without much contact. The only person her age whom she knew well within its secluded confines was her brother, with whom she would read books together on the couch and watch the news before dinnertime, so that they could question their father and laugh with him every night.

Normal countries did not fascinate her the same way exotic countries did. The Queendom of Imperial Joseon had a rich, old culture, while the Realm of Yohannes was just like any other Germanic countries. And she liked to read about Joseon’s culture. It was something to do with its harmony with nature, something about the interesting cuisines, some biases towards the rise of countries that had worked hard to learn from the outside world and ended up being seen in their own right. Like her own country in the past when it had to adapt and work hard to avoid being colonised by English-speaking empires—what was it again? Without the economy, the Navy would not exist. And without the Navy, the nation would not exist, yes.

Father always read stories to her when she was young and, when Mother was not around, encouraged Elisabeth to look at the outside world. Mother did not share Father’s enthusiasm for foreign things, but she’d always smile halfheartedly without agreeing or disagreeing with him. It was not that she was a xenophobe. Mother felt sure Elisabeth was too young to learn complicated things like cultures and diversity. Maybe she was afraid of disappointing her only daughter. Her maternal instinct told her to shield her only daughter from the outside world, whereas Father wanted Elisabeth to be like him. They love me in their own way, Elisabeth thought, but I need my own identity. If I’m enthralled by this book and national dossiers I’m reading, it’s because I’m a grown woman and can make my own decisions, and exotic countries like Joseon are actually charming.

So she continued reading, ignoring Parliament’s report on her desk.

Chancellor Annabelle Thorndon-Stevensonn had recommended to Elisabeth what her Government had mentioned in Parliament House last week. Yohannes had been a trading nation since its unification, and it was important to be able to trade on equal terms with sensible countries, like Joseon for instance, or Laeral. The Office of Embassy and Consulate Programme must do all they can to safeguard trade that will soon exist with Joseon, and capital flows in particular, for they need the best possible opportunity to be able to trade on very good terms with Joseon exporters.

Hi, This is not a warning, you have not done anything wrong, however, it is important that you are aware of some basic concepts with regards to Eras RP. Eras is a fictional setting with its own world built cultures, as such, we do not have Germanic, English or other real-world cultures. It would be good if you could reach out to the mod team and we can help get you up to speed on the basics of Eras. Hope this helps.

Edit: Thank you so much! I have posted a thread here regarding Era: https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9191666/

On the 19th January after the Enneville riots have been dispersed the Heer started to move into "treaty zones" in convoys, one of them blocked almost the entirety of the B12 highway leading to Herzen. After dismounting they started to occupy the areas. Since the creation of the treaty zone many citizen militia organizations were set up to protect the locals from government forces if they broke the Neuhafen Agreement. Such a milita was set up in Ostdorf's treaty zone called the "Sicherheitsmiliz" or Security Militia. It is completly made up of braslenian Laurenists, led by fromer BRA hardliners. On the 20th the militia got into a skirmish after several warnings from Heer troops to lay down their arms. It is unknown who fired the first shot, but thankfully the hour long firefight ended with no casualties and only 3 wounded from the militia side. The Heer stated that the local milita played the role of aggressor, while a local newspaper stated otherwise.

The Staatskanzler reacted to the news in a video saying that the only was to end this crisis is to flush out the remenants of the BRA and build up Enneheim back to its former glory.

Althought smaller riots occur every day in Herzen also dubbed as the "Terroist capital of Illderia", a 3 times larger riot happened this morning and because of this, a higher Zivilarmee presence and Landwehr troops were noticable on Karlstrasse. From our current information the riot is still ongoing and is a direct response to the shootout that happened the day earlier.

By: Claudia A
29 Jan, 2020 5:19 pm EYT

Excerpt from The Financial Diary.

Interest rate derivatives market players always look forward to the next turning point of a cycle. That’s only to be expected when we take into account the fact that those who could predict early—and right—will reap the most benefit. Sadly, this also means they would too eagerly try to predict the next turning point on some occasions, going forward recklessly even when the Economic Palace has not decided to ease or tighten its policy yet. The Financial Diary has seen it happen many times. We believe that they’re making the same mistake again, now.

Every cloud has a silver lining—Cash Rate to go up by five basis points “only”

Heidemarie Vogelweide said last month’s new policy statement was drafted to show that the balance of risks has shifted to the upside, with the currency gaining ground against the Universal Standard Dollar (USD) on a steady to strong basis. Despite concerns related to increasing debts found in the country’s underperforming shipbuilding industry, Governor Vogelweide announced that we will see a hike in the Imperial Cash Rate (ICR) by “only five basis points,” with the economy growing at a slightly faster pace in the third quarter. She also promised a new series of policies which are aimed at alleviating pressures on urban house prices. In terms of core inflation, the Bank of Yohannes has released its Core and Common CPI (headline) commentary. They believe that the rate of price changes of goods and services, excluding volatile goods such as grocery food and crude petroleum, will stay at three per cent. This is in line with earlier predictions made last year.

Don’t ride so high already—confidence indicators say it’s not increasing

In a seemingly self-contradictory way, business confidence has not increased, with less employers intending to hire more workers and more part-time employees believing that they will lose jobs. There are many underlying reasons for both—many small and medium-sized businesses are still concerned about the Executive Council’s policies last year, with Marioncare taking the biggest share of blame this quarter, and next month’s Report to Parliament indicators pointing to weaker growth in retail sales and lower business investment in the aging metals and mining sector.

Setting expectations too high—the alternative to increasing tax is breaking earlier promises

Increasing government consumption this year means higher public debt. However, the Executive Council has enjoyed a modest increase in tax revenues so far, which are forecast to stay on the upside next year. The current Executive Council can afford to continue last year’s planned spending which it had promised to the general electorates. However, the Financial Diary is expecting Chancellor Annabelle Thorndon-Stevensonn to have a bumpy ride soon. The costs of the Infrastructure of Nation-State Significance Programme and Superannuation through the Central Provident Fund Scheme are set to increase again next year. Is it true the Executive Council can’t afford their promises?

The changing faces of Yohannes—more millionaire migrants in our suburbs

Population growth is set to continue unabated this year, with net migration of high net wealth and high income individuals from countries of the Orient set to increase. This will provide more fuel to the fire already raging, further increasing house prices in popular inner-city suburbs undergoing extensive gentrification. We expect to see new funding increase for the residential construction sector. This will come at the expense of the productive sectors of the economy, with productivity growth in the tradable sector of the economy forecast to be lower next year.

Outlook for next week—what can we expect to see?

The Financial Diary is expecting export prices to trend slightly lower, with increasing imports amid higher commodity prices largely driven by fuel and other essential industrial supplies. Low-end manufacturing will continue to face considerable pressure, with strong competitors finally making their presence felt from Alpes, Joseon, Saarkon, and other new trading partners.

The president of the Junta, Marianum Rayo, of the Vivanquian's Popular Party has publically denounced the president of the oposition, Cannus Santxez of one of the most striking corruption cases currently striking the Socialist Party of Vivanco. While the veteran president can be object of critiques as well, his party being the most investigated for these kinds of cases, the polls still give them a thriving majority for the elections coming next month.

In that very same session, there was a lot of noise with the mention of reform of the Vivanquian Constitution, as part of the speech given by a member of the "Vivanco, Unite!" party, Louis Piedrahito. The subject of the reform has always been a sensible topic within national politics, and has been always seen as a power grab by the executive branch.

But still, when... [READ MORE]

1 Hour Ago

MALORIAN IMPERIAL NAVY WELCOMED TO DOMOS HARBOUR WITH PARADE

Following several weeks of talks, the Imperial Malorian Navy has sent a detachment to Astragon, the naval taskforce will be based in the port city of Domos where they will aid Astragon in rebuilding the nations Coastal defences. The Exalted Empire is in the process of modernising its coastal defence network following the discovery of numerous security flaws that were uncovered during the civil war. Recently Promoted Grand Admiral Naishah Na Jomosh had this to say:

"The Malorian navy has a great deal of expertise in coastal defences and we look forward to working with them as we tweak, upgrade and modernise the nation's security, this is truly a great day for Astragon!"

The detachment was welcomed to Astragon with great fanfare as parades and cheering crowds turned out to greet the Craviterean naval personnel. Analysts predict that this new co-operation is but the first of many joint operations.

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Alwablah on Rio Verde: "Something must be done"
(UPDATE: Stoyanovich resigns?)

Alwablah to propose intervention in Rio Verde? Opposition leader hints pro-status quo stance after Volksaktion leadership meeting. Stoyanovich reveals a Rio Verde policy bill is in the works.


GANATRASTADT - Alwablah indicated his intentions to prevent any unilateral Astragonese annexation of Rio Verde. He was on his way back to the Bahay-ng-Batas from a meeting with the Volksaktion National Central Committee in party headquarters Imbakan-Bau. IBC Iteria reporter Kanada Muzumdar asked Alwablah for the opposition's official policy on Rio Verde. Alwablah laughed with fellow party seniors before he finally responded.

Alwablah said: "Lawston cannot question the sovereignty of Rio Verde. We are only concerned about the lack of any discussion or plan from the government, in Astragon's part, to prepare for a smooth transition from autonomy back to full Astragonese sovereignty. Something must be done."

Kanada asked if there will be talks, should the Legation Council continue to represent Rio Verde despite being dominated by corporate-appointed councilors. Alwablah shook his head.

Alwablah answered: "We are against any sort of corporate interference in political governance, much less grant them political representation. There's a deafening difference between business interests and people's interests. It should be the few Verdean councilors who were elected from the people, by the people, and for the people."

Immediately after he answered, Volksaktion's biggest party donor, pharma tycoon and Oceania Corporation CEO Laarni Yosop, stepped forward and whispered to Alwablah. Kanada was about to ask Alwablah another question but he mouthed his thanks as he left with Yosop and Volksaktion Members.

However, controversial Deputy Opposition Leader Grigor Stoyanovich stayed behind. Generally unkempt and appears to be drunk with his signature glass of alchohol in hand (actually filled with colored water), the kooky appearance of the elder statesman did little to deter Kanada to try asking him her question originally for Alwablah.

Stoyanovich said: "We prefer People's Leg (people's representatives in the Legation Council) to talk with Astros (Astragonese). Deans (Verdeans) have many important queries and Astroland (Astragon) should er...clean the ears. Just because they don't look same...and I mean no offense, but um... different flags don't mix well when washed together. This only applies to Astro washing machines and the like. Democratic washers do and its got built-in dryers."

"With Rio takeaway, there must be proper calibration. Not drive thru, but drive through narrow roads. (I) Drink light to stay safe. I think it affected my car accidents, but most of my cars were third or fourth-hand. My twins shared a wheelchair and it was annoying. If hitting pinky toes on kiddie cars is bad, imagine when ten times bigger. We're talking kissing the floor. So...there should be guarantee. You know, like on back of potato chip bag."

Stoyanovich took out a piece of paper from under his jacket and waved it in the air.

He said what it was: "The draft of the 'Rio Verde Policy Bill.' We're working on it as I speak."

Later that day, the Opposition Leader's Office released the following statement:


Astragonese ambassador Solomesh Na Vendah was returning from his dinner with Nakashad when he praised the Chancellor's support for Astragon in contrast to Alwablah's recent statements about Rio Verde and Astragon.

Na Vendah said: "We welcome the Chancellor's respectful support for Astragon's right to deal with its internal matters as it sees fit. Concerning Mr. Alwablah's ramblings, we have no comment."

Rio Verde has been an autonomous territory since 1913. It was during the Meterran Flu. Astragon was already crippled by the mounting deaths due to the epidemic when a group of secessionists called the Na Themba infiltrated an independence movement in former Astragonese North Bhandari. They took over, declared North Bhandari independence, invaded Rafhazani-controlled Alhududia, and united The Inlands. Pressured by growing instability, Emperor Kaskaran II looked to foreigners and offered the 100-year lease of Emmereh peninsula. The leased land later became Rio Verde.

In 2013, 100 years passed and Rio Verde was supposed to revert back to Astragonese sovereignty. However, corrupt Astragonese ministers under Emperor Kaskaran III prevented this after they were bribed by powerful international companies in Rio Verde. The lease agreement expiration was ignored to delay any discussion of transition until the 2019 Astragonese Civil War. The ministers involved made these confessions shortly before they were publicly executed. Kaskaran died before the war and his niece Sabhrain, former Prime Marshal now Astragonese empress, overthrew self-declared regent Talesh Na Murza.

IBC Iteria reported they were able to record some of the words Yosop whispered to Alwablah earlier. It was enhanced and it was believed she said the words "seaside" and "patience." (gc)

UPDATE 1: OF Office released another statement announcing the resignation of Grigor Stoyanovich as Deputy Opposition Leader.
UPDATE 2: OF Office withdrew their previous announcement on Stoyanovich's resignation and explained there has been a miscommunication with the Department of Information. They apologized for the misunderstanding caused by their mistake.

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The Royal Ministry of Defense announced today that it is now pursuing domestic bids for a state-of-the-art line of main battle tanks to replace the current aging and outdated inventory. The required MBT would have to achieve an effective firing range of [REDACTED], max speed of [REDACTED], and effective armor thickness of [REDACTED]

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HIGHTON CITY, NH -- February 8th, 2020, will certainly go down as one of the most historic days in Hightonian history. The day began with Ereion's surrender bringing the end to a nearly month-long war following Highton invasion of North Vaasa; this invasion was prompted by the refusal of Ereion to acknowledge the true results of a referendum which saw the province's people overwhelmingly express their wish to join Highton. The surrender formally brought an end to the war at 6:08 Rixion Standard Time. A few minutes later, at 6:16, the symbolic end of the war came as Hightonian navy pilots landed on some of North Vaasa's uninhabited offshore islands and planted a Hightonian flag.

At 8:54, the Versammlung passed a historic act–the New Rixion Plan–which reorganizes Highton's eastermost regions, and perhaps most importantly, ensures that North Vaasa's residents will be permitted to vote in the 2020 Hightonian Election. The plan sees dozens of seats added to the Versammlung; the total will rise to exactly 300 following the elections this August. Another part of the plan sees Cocoland and Hightonia merged to form the state of Rixionland; North Vaasa, as well as the South Vaasa panhandle, will be incorporated as the state of Vaasa.

President Calabrese has described the day as "one of the proudest of my life" as he plans to visit Kzüna next week upon the opening of their new state capitol building.

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HIGHTON CITY, NH -- It is very clear now that for the first time in the history of the Conservative Republican Party, it will have a female leader. The race has essentially been narrowed down to two candidates: slim frontrunner Annika Winterbach, the 38-year-old Versammlunger from Trier, and Alina Ziegler, the current Vice President of Highton. When Winterbach entered the race, her success could not have been foreseen; she provided a fresh, young, energetic face with creative policy proposals. However, Ziegler has been Vice President for four years in what has been considered one of the most successful administrations of modern times and it has been assumed that in the end, she will win over KRP members in April to secure her party's nomination.

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by Prakash Patel in Pataliputra
February 12, 2001

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Earlier today, Congress passed the North Vaasa Aid Act, which adds the Crowned Republic of Highton to the list of nations receiving expanded and deepened foreign aid under the Aid to Troubled States on Craviter Act. ATSCA, originally passed in December of 2017, was a framework document that contained a list of states receiving the expanded aid the Act defined, with the initial recipients being Arrandal and Norsos, though Norsos' addition was mostly a formality, as the country had already been receiving expanded aid, as well as significant investment from the private sector, after the end of fascist rule in January of the same year.

The region of North Vaasa, for which the North Vaasa Aid Act was named, has experienced many troubles in recent years, culminating in a recent standoff between the now-defunct state of Ereion and the Hightonian government. The region's people are predominantly ethnically Rixion, and have long wished to join Highton. After Norsos invaded Ereion, Hightonian troops moved in to secure North Vaasa, and on February 8, the Hightonian Versammlung passed the New Rixion Plan, admitting the region as a state. Highton, being an important Imperial ally in the region, now needed - and needs - to consolidate the area and work towards its recovery.

The Government backed both the Hightonian liberation of North Vaasa and its subsequent annexation from the outset, and following the full admission of North Vaasa as a Hightonian state, the Government moved quickly to propose the NVAA. Speaking on the bill during the Monday, February 10th sitting of Congress, R. Hon. Diwan Sahab Ji stated, "In the spirit of good will and of our alliance with the Hightonians, we must pass a bill to add Highton as an ATSCA recipient, so we can do all we can to help ensure a safe and swift recovery in North Vaasa." The parties' positions on the NVAA largely followed the patterns of support on the original ATSCA bill, with the SJP and Civic League broadly in favor, the Samajwadi Party divided between its hardline and Varamist wings, and the RSP universally in opposition.

The Opposition branded the NVAA as "yet another sordid waste of taxpayer money" and "a continuation of the insult this Congress made to His Majesty just over two years ago by prioritizing a foreign state over His Majesty's own", yet, despite this criticism, the bill still passed with a handsome majority. The vote was mostly along party lines, with the exception of the Samajwadi Party. Though Party Supremo Nisha Srinivasan, a hardliner, was mostly able to maintain control, three staunch Varamist MCs - Jayaram Banerjee of Bokaronagar South 4, Smriti Tharoor of Bokaronagar East 6, and Mulayam Sisodia of Shravasti Promontory 2, still voted for the bill despite pressure from Ms. Srinivasan's leadership.

Public reception of the bill has been mixed, with approval and disapproval polls released by the Sun earlier today roughly reflecting the parties' votes. His Majesty has given his assent to the bill and ordered that aid expansion to Highton be formally commenced at midnight tomorrow, February 13th. Teams of aid workers were already seen loading cargo planes soon after His Majesty announced his assent.

Translation by Vijay Dongre
February 12, 2001

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Lancerian Armed Forces Announces Standardization And Upgrade Initiative
Barat Couture
Feb. 15th, 2020

General Alexandre Brenier announced today that the Royal Lancerian Army would be seeking to upgrade and standardize various aspects of the armed forces with procurement contracts for a new tank and main service rifle to be awarded in 2020 for upgrades to begin in the early 2020s.

This had been expected as an eventual move budgeted for over the previous decade as the Lancerian Army's equipment aged, especially their heavily upgraded Tigre tanks distantly based on the 1960s-designed Cerf tanks. Gen. Brenier noted that the platform was significantly outdated and that any further life-extension programs would be costly and less effective than procuring new vehicles. With some former Archegnum units also being incorporated into the Lancerian command structure, there has been a new need as differing Archegnum equipment would mean notable inconsistencies through the army, a challenging logistical issue. Considerable numbers of former Archegnum equipment has been declared surplus in the wake of the merger.



With the Lancerian Empire joining the United Meterran Aegis Treaty Coalition Organisation (UMATCO) as a founding member, there is also the potential to begin standardization at the international level between other UMATCO nations. It's believed that though Lancerian army leadership will be entertaining all contracts, they will be looking first to UMATCO member's equipment to replace their own, beginning to bring the alliance together on military standardization. Experts have also noted that it's likely the general staff are looking to get a particularly good price, hoping that companies will recognize the greater likelihood that other UMATCO nations will pick the equipment that wins the Lancerian contracts, considering it will likely be the standard between both Lancerian and the winning country's military.

"This is an important move for our armed forces," said Gen. Brenier, "we expect it will bring us in line with the best military technology in Eras and allow us to better fulfill our mission objectives worldwide in the support of peace and freedom."

Applications for bidders are expected to open before the end of February.

Hellstrand Announces Major Foreign Policy Shift; New PGU Ambassador Confirmed
February 7, 2020

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LUCERNE- Both the Federalist Party and the Hellstrand Administration have seemingly been in deep retrospection throughout the month of January, with the federal government coming off a major diplomatic incident in the halls of the Pan-Gotic Union at Cosöna, Xentherida in late December of 2019. Following a long-winded argument between the Vallish PGU delegation, led by Christina Driessen, and the delegation of Gotmark over whether or not Hightonian representative Lucie Marquette was extorted for support by the Vallish government, now-former Chancellor Kjeld Svane of Prydania took the stand. In his final speech to the assembled delegates of the PGU, Chancellor Svane blasted the Vallish delegation, calling it and by extension the Federalists as a whole "provincially-minded thugs" as well as "bigots and assorted closed-minded fools".

Earlier today, at a rally in Lucerne, President Hellstrand declared that changes were being made to how Valland operates on the world stage. "We made a promise to put Valland back on the map," Hellstrand quipped, alluding to the Federalists' campaign promise to increase Valland's standing on the world stage and promote Vallish businesses. "and, quite simply, folks, we're going through a lot of bullshit! It's time to solve it." Hellstrand noted the country's arguments with its neighbors, not naming Gotmark nor referring to Svane's now-infamous tirade, before making his primary statement.

"We're going to be debuting a brand new approach. It's amazing; genius." Hellstrand stated, in his usual unorthodox tone. "I love it; you're all gonna love it. We're calling it the 'New Decade Initiative', and it's all about strategy. We want to cooperate with our neighbors to get meaningful stuff done, folks. And believe me, we're going to make amazing trade deals. The best this country has ever seen in a long time. Absolutely wonderful. The important thing is that we make sure the world knows, Valland is open for business but the Vallish people are not for sale! We're going to make sure that no trade deal we sign will infringe on the sovereignty of our great nation." Hellstrand, in effect, declared a softening of his party's foreign policy, often criticized as inflammatory and dominated by reckless bravado.

Reactions were mixed, with the Federalists' New Decade Initiative proving instantly controversial. The NDI, as of this writing, has an 80% approval rating amongst Federalist Party supporters, with a 5% margin of error; while high, generally speaking, for the extremely dedicated Federalist base, this is a new low which could very well serve to divide said base in the future. Lotte Jensen, the leader of the Messianist Democrats, and Norbert Ritter, the SoCred leader, praised the move in a joint statement, calling it a "serious new source of hope for Valland's future", but also subtly mocking the Federalists, stating that "the Federalist Party seems to have, at last, come to their senses and shown they're ready to let this country engage in true diplomacy."

Mark Solberg, the CDP leader, had a different tone, however. "The President's 'new initiative' is too little, too late." he quipped, in a statement of his own. "All the Federalists have shown today is that their leader is a master flip-flopper, only out for himself, who presents a serious danger to our country both at home and abroad." However, despite political divisions, the Lånsevar near-unanimously confirmed Sylvi Aartsen, a Federalist MV with a more moderate voting record compared to that of previous ambassador Driessen, to the position of PGU Ambassador following her nomination by the President, itself following the Council's dismissal of Ambassador Driessen earlier this week.

At his Lucerne rally, President Hellstrand also announced that, on February 11, Valland would be signing an agreement to form the North Gotic Economic Council with Goyanes, Hessunland, Andrenne, and Yalkan. Hellstrand promoted the agreement as one that would bolster Vallish domestic businesses by increasing the customer pool and increasing Valland's direct economic influence, and also touted that "our intrepid Vallish negotiators made sure that nothing in the agreement would transgress on our precious national sovereignty", a bold claim that, according to some fact-checkers, is currently dubious. While the NGEC received only meaningful opposition from the CDP in the Mensedag, the public is more divided, similar to opinions on the NDI as a whole, which could very well signal a significant political shift in these early years of Federalist administration.

Homelessness has become a problem. In the nationofthesun we acknowledge this therefore we are increasing funding of welfare

Hi please ensure news posts are an appropriate length before posting. Generally anything smaller then a few paragraphs is not appropriate for this thread and would need to be posted in Fluttr.

The Mod Team

A few days ago, in the city of Kristiansand, there is an armed uprising by a group of the population. This armed group, formed by immigrants; they raided some army weapons depots and took control of the city, declaring themselves a sovereign and independent nation. The majority of the population is on the run, while law enforcement, being numerically surpassed and in firepower, withdrew helping civilians evacuate and requesting help from the army. The Royal Army has taken charge of the matter and has begun the march towards the city, however, even without coming into contact with the rebels, hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries are reported from the armed uprising. The number of immigrants (and their descendants) within the city is unknown.

In a press conference held at Matthäus Army Base on the 21st, Staatskanzler Reinhard Franz announced that a major joint operation was undertaken by Heer and KöMI special forces that killed Christophe Veiliger, the head of the main BRA splinter group. The operation was oversaw by army Generalleutnant Fredrik Höherstein who was also present at the conference. The general told INN that Veiliger was killed alongside 15 insurgents in a rebel hideout near the town of Waldborn in eastern Enneheim. Höherstein also explained the raid during the interview.


After Veiliger's death hit the news, with the already crumbling morale of rouge BRA units, several militia groups announced that they would lay down their arms, but only to Zivilarmee authorities. The current duke of Enneheim, Duke Norbert III Weisskopf responded to the news with the message that "This could be the beginning of a new era for Enneheim and I am willing to work with members of the opposition to make Enneheim a better place".

Two Police Officers pictured outside of a murder scene in East Belenau (Left) and police vehicles parked after an intense chase that ended with two vehicular manslaughter charges (right)​

New reports in the capital city of the Ukrgite Nation, Belenau, shows that the crime rate has risen after months of falling. The rise in crime comes from a cut on the police budget by the Mayor of the city, Marshall Sutton. The surge was accompanied by reported vandalism rates going up by 3.1%, Burglary rising by 2.7% and violence and sexual crimes going up by 1.3%; this marks the highest point since April of 2017 for that statistic. There was a total of 8.274 reported crime this month. The effectiveness of the Capital Police has also gone down as reports show that 45% of crimes reported have ended with closed cases with no suspect found/dealt with. Violence has risen against police officers, shown in the "Eden Incident" where two policemen where called to do a welfare check and were later found in an alley across the road with arms and noses broken, bruised ribs, along with heavy concussions due to being hit with blunt objects in the skull, that case is still open.

Many questions have been raised to Mayor Sutton regarding his decision to slash some sections of the police budget and move said Floraels to City-Regeneration despite the ex-mayor Lloyd's intensive "Road Map" plans that brought a large part of the city into a new, connected era through communications, infrastructure and many more sectors.

While Mayor Sutton has not yet released a statement, the Chief of the Belenau Police said in a hasty press conference regarding the issue that, "We are trying our best with the cards we have been dealt by the Mayor of the capital."