Esquarium Today [Regional News, CLOSED]

[Britanno]

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Bill to Lower Criminal Responsibility Age Proposed

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Herman Ilbert, the chairman of the Freedom Party, has proposed a bill to Parliament that would lower the age of criminal responsibility from fifteen to twelve. The legislation comes in the light of recent figures which show a recent increase in youth crime. The bill has triggered a crisis within the government, with large splits within both the Conservatives and Christian Democrats.

Announcing the bill to Parliament, Herman Ilbert said: “In light of the dramatic rise in youth crime throughout Britanno, the Freedom Party submits a bill to lower the age of criminal responsibility to twelve. It is at this point that a citizen becomes mature enough to understand their actions and accept the legal consequences of them. When defenceless pensioners are being mugged in the streets, how is it right that their attackers can get away free due to their age? The Freedom Party is on the side of those who want a safer Britanno, as opposed to all that vote against this bill.”

The unpredicted move has caused chaos within the government. Prime Minister Marcus Browning has publicly spoken of his opposition to the change, but it is believed that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister James Williams, who leads the government’s junior coalition partner the Christian Democrats, is in favour of lowering the age at which minors can be charged with a crime. However, neither party is united, with many Conservative and Christian Democratic backbench MPs declaring their backing for Ilbert’s legislation.

The Liberal Party, which provides crossbench support for the government, has openly condemned the bill. Party leader Elizabeth Taylor described the bill as a “disgusting attempt to lock away children” and has said that the Liberals are united in opposition. “We stand shoulder to shoulder to defend the values that make this country what it is.” Opposition leader Nadia Stoyan has said she will vote against the legislation, but will not issue a whip to obligate the Social Democrats to do so. Her move has been called tactical by critics, who claim she is secretly lobbying her MPs to vote in favour of the bill rather than hurt her public image by openly backing the change. Stoyan denies this.

The charity Youth Reform, which provides support for young people to get out of crime, has condemned the move. In a joint statement with various other charities, Joan Hughes, chairwoman of Youth Reform, described the legislation as “counterproductive” and “damaging”. Bernard Stuart, the chief inspector of prisons in Britanno, has also warned that a change in the law could only contribute to the problem, and that putting children in a position where they face time in young offenders’ centres could jeopardise any chance of a return to normal life.

The bill will likely be tight. BNB political correspondent, Jennifer Clarke, told BNB that Ilbert will most likely look for support for SDP backbenchers as well as possibly attempting to convince Marcus Browning to back him. Any such agreement would likely come at a price, she said, adding that the reaching out by the far-right Freedom Party could illustrate a new period in which the Freedom Party aims for cooperation over simply “making a noise”.

[Greonterp]

PM Van Boelle Resigns from Politics, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anna Sørensen to Become Next PM

Anna Sørensen,
a young parliamentarian,
will become the next PM

Boswald - Despite PM Lily Van Boelle's repeated claims that she wouldn't resign, she resignation this evening out of fear of a motion of no-confidence.

Her resignation happened at a time where her approval ratings hit 31%, largely because of the extremely close Leeuwarden Independence Referendum. She's been blamed for failing to handle the situation in Leeuwarden.

"I'm sorry to say that I resign as Prime Minister of Greonterp, and as the Leader of the Christian Democratic Alliance. It's been a good, long journey, and I was happy to be your PM. On February 6th, Anna Sørensen, our Minister of Foreign Affairs and new leader of the Christian Democratic Alliance will become the Prime Minister. I'm confident that she'll be a wonderful PM, and god bless," said PM Van Boelle in a teary speech.

While Van Boelle resigned from all of her political positions, she'll still remain Prime Minister until Sørensen is sworn in on February 6th. Anna Sørensen is an interesting character, and will be the first of many things.

Sørensen, who is only 34, was born in 1980 to a working class family in Vestmark. This is why she has a Vestmarkic sounding name, as opposed to a Greonlian name. She immigrated to Greonterp at the age of 18 to attend university in Boswald. This will make her the first PM of Greonterp who wasn't born in the country.

She will also be the youngest Prime Minister, at only 34 years old. Becoming a member of parliament at only 26 years old, she quickly rose through the CDA party ranks to become Minister of Foreign Affairs by 2012. When she is sworn in as PM, a new Minister of Foreign Affairs will be announced.

Most importantly, Anna Sørensen will be the first openly LGBT Prime Minister of Greonterp. Sørensen is a lesbian, with a wife, and a child on the way. This has shocked some, as she's a member of a party with moderately socially conservative stances. While the CDA isn't opposed to same sex marriage or LGBT rights, a handful of their members have professed anti LGBT stances.

While Van Boelle has been relatively quiet on the topic of her resignation, Sørensen has been quite vocal on the topic.

"I'm very excited to lead Greonterp. Van Boelle got us through a recession, legalized marijuana, and shrunk the state. I plan to do the same. Van Boelle was basically a mild liberal in a conservative party. I hope to do the same. Together, we can pave a bright future for Greonterp," said Sørensen.

It should be noted that the future PM has been known to be extremely outspoken, in sharp contrast to Lily Van Boelle. At a party conference in 2013, she called for the re-naming of the Christian Democratic Alliance, saying that the party should drop the Christian from it's name to be "more inclusive." Now that she's PM, she may get her way.

The Boswald Times wishes her the best of luck, and hopes that Greonterp does the same.

[Katranjiev]

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SPIRO leader Alfred Tshwame declares a start of a "war to drive out the racists in Arnborg"

Alfred Tshwame in 2012 at a banquet

KRASIMIR, DUCHY OF KRASIMIR - Today, Secretary-General Alfred Tshwame, who served since 1992 in the role as head of the Svarta People's Independence Organization (SPIRO) declared that "it is no longer acceptable to expect change to come peacefully to avert this genocide against the svarta man, but rather, we must fight to destroy the racist regime and ensure that all those complicit in the maintenance of such a racist system be duly punished."

Alfred said that "It is unacceptable for the rest of the world to stand by and ignore the situation in Arnborg. However, it is also unacceptable for us svarta to hope that God deposes the racists, while we just sit back. The world will always stand idly, and I feel the only way we can end this system of racism is by changing our condition: to become revolutionaries, to take over the hemlands and declare the start of a liberation war, and with the goal of liberating Arvidstad, ending apartheid, and promoting equality. Once all of this is done, we need to punish all of the vita who have either supported or stayed silent and as a result were complicit in keeping apartheid alive."

When asked how he will punish them (the vita), Alfred responded, "We shall, almost in all probability, send them back to where they came from, and for us to take over their businesses and income. Those who opposed apartheid and co-operated with us in the struggle against the system propped by the Nevans for so long shall stay. However, we will respect diplomats and their immunity."

More questions came in: "How do you plan on promoting equality?"
Alfred replied, "We will make Parliament unicameral, we will have several official languages, we will become a Republic, and we shall let anyone, regardless of race, gender, or sexuality participate in the processes of creating a new Arnborg. We will conduct fast-track land reform to redistribute land from those that have supported or been complicit in the racist system, and give them to the oppressed, as well as wealth. We will expand our social services, and we will impose regulations to prevent a racist system from rising again."

"Which nations would you focus ties on?"
Alfred said, "I would ideally see Arnborg look towards Katranjiev, Namor, Luziyca, and Ainin, and far, far away from those Nevan bastards. End of story."

It is unclear if this statement will help hasten the downfall of Arnborg's racist regime, but it seems to be in a precarious position. Only time will really tell.

[Syldavya (Ancient)]

KING'S ABDICATION FORMALIZED, MUSKAR XIV SYLDAVIA'S NEW MONARCH

22nd January 2015

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King Muskar XIV

Former King Stanislav III Raszomir

KLOW - - His Royal Highness, Defender of all the Syldavs By The Grace of God, King Stanislav III Raszomir has, after 23 years on the 'Pelican Throne', officially abdicated the crown. He has left the Throne to his eldest son, His Majesty Stanislav IV, Prince of Almazsout.

The King had announced his intention to stand down on Christmas Day, December 25th, saying it was time for the nation to be lead by "One of the New Generation".

The King, and indeed, the monarchy itself, had been opposed for years due to numerous causes. these included an industrialization program that has been perceived by many to have failed, as well as a high profile expenses scandal. This has not been helped by the opposition of the left in the National Diet. The King also cited mental stress and health reasons, as he is reaching the age of 83. Despite his opposition in Parliament, he is still held as a cultural icon by the populace, seen as responsible for the democratization of Syldavia.

After a brief military parade, as well as cheering corwds saying farewell to the outgoing king, the two royals, along with their wives, drove to short he Parliament Building for the ceremony. At exactly 12:00 PM, His Majesty signed the abdication papers, formally relinquishing the throne. The sstatement he signed read: "I declare that I hereby step down from the monarchy of the Syldavian federation, relinquishing all powers of the Pelican Throne to my eldest son and rightful heir Stanislav IV, Prince of Almaszout, in accordance with the statutes and the constitution of our Most Serene and Holy Federation." The Prince has taken on the regnal name of Muskar XIV.

There were both cheers and tears from the crowds outside, watching on large television screens, as father and son signed the deed. When asked by the media if he regretted the decision, Stanslav said "Not in the least. I wholeheartdly trust my son to run this great country. I am saddened, yes, but this is the best for me, for him, and for Syldavia".

Muskar XIV has spoken along these lines. "My father has done a wonderful job as our monarch, and I pledge to continue to do the same."

His New Royal Highness takes the throne facing a myriad of issues confronting the country. Among these are keeping the rising tax burden low, continuing Syldavia's newfound economic rise, as well as improving relations with the outside world.

God Save the King.

[The Ocelot Isles]

Armed Police Gains Access to Explosives and New Weapons to Curb Nationwide Unrest

One of the armed police holding a grenade launcher

The situation in our country continues to grow more dire. More troublemakers come out to spread disorder and degrade the fabric of society, and both the junta and the armed police retaliate reasonably to control their wickedness. Despite the best defenses, it was not uncommon for some of the rioters to try and lob molotov cocktails or rocks at the Office of the Generalissimo, or threaten Generalissimo Alexei Spalin in any way. It was fortunate that all perpetrators were caught and put down indefinitely, but that seems to be ineffective at controlling the unnecessary turmoils. Currently, the armed police have lost 50 to the anarchists, and we here pay full tributes to the men and women who fought for stability.

The Generalissimo and Police Commissioner Frederick Vive had met in a conference inside the Office, and both had decided to authorize the hard-working defense forces to use explosives and launchers. "By using more powerful weapons," the Generalissimo stated, "we hope to further combat the hooligans and idiots that are staining the junta and the country." The Commissioner joined the leader and asked the armed police to "consider the provision of the new additions to the arsenal as a blessing." Despite his references to religion, which is outright prohibited by the junta and rejected by Ocelotian society, the Commissioner (and the Generalissimo) was applauded for his moves. Some non-explosive weapons were also offered.

The origin of these weapons almost always point to either seized contraband that were successfully smuggled in (rare origin) or the Pavonistadian Military bases on the country, left empty because the Pavonistadians withdrew for a possible invasion (much more common origin). In any cases, they were given to the armed police, and streets around the Ocelot Isles began to witness explosions from shoulder-fired launchers, grenades, and so on. The death toll of the foolish dogs had risen to at least 900.

Weapons available to the armed police included but are not limited to: blast mines, dibenzoxazepine (unlimited deployment), fragmentation mines, grenade launchers, malodorants, net guns (prototypes), pepper-spray projectiles, phenacyl chloride (unlimited deployment), and rocket-propelled grenades. Unlimited deployment refers to unrestricted use against the idiots on the streets, and may be limited due to the limited stocks.

[Kavgaci]

Central Communist Party declares war against Kavgaci
Military mobilizes to destroy the threat

^{SHARE THIS:}

Adnan Zeybek (@adnanzeybek31)
^{January 24 2015 | Koçi, Kavgaci}

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Communist militants marching to Büyük
Photo courtesy of Aslan Erçan.

Koçi, Kavgaci - In a shocking move today, Regional Command Executive of the Central Communist Party, Fahir Çoban declared war on the Union of Kavgaci in response of the killings of some party members. Fahir stated that he will not stop the war until Kadir Üzümcü steps down and hands down his position of Kılavuz and hands over power to the Central Communist Party.

In response to this move, Kadir Üzümcü stated that "I will never step down as Kılavuz until the day i die." A general military mobilization order was ordered today in an effort to curb this uprising and destroy the Central Communist Party once and for all. The cities of Büyük, Doğan and Aslai are under communist rebel control while the rest of Kavgaci is under control of the Üzümcüist regime. Life in the communist controlled cities is reported as "hard, difficult and scary" as mock executions, forced labor and a gulag system is in place. Soldiers have battled at Aslai, but have repeatedly failed and lost ~130 brave men to the horrors of communism.

In the city of Doğan, Journalist Cevhet Yilmaz ventured into this predominantly rural Sunni Muslim village. Upon entering, he saw a pile of bodies, mainly police officers from a looted police station nearby. He saw farmers toiling, presumably forced in collectivized farms out the back of a row of shops. Armed men patrolled the city, numerous times Cevhet was asked to hand over his camera, but his bodyguards explained the circumstances. As he left, a makeshift wooden platform was erected. A blindfolded man was walked across the platform and sat down on a steel chair. The guard who walked him over raised his Şahin rifle at his head and fired. The man was a defector to the Üzümcüist regime. He was executed.

Will this terror end? Will the Üzümcüist regime be victorious? Time holds the key to this answer.

Comments [ 2,674 ] | E-mail
©Kavgaci News Agency 2014

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[Nevamaa]

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Opinion: It's about time to find a new boogeyman

NEVANLINNA - Nevan troops in Arnborg are planning to attack Ainin! Nevanmaa is preparing for a negro genocide! If you're a Nevan and you can read, you have most likely stumbled upon such headlines when browsing through foreign newspapers and other media. Most of us have learnt to ignore such overly dramatic nonsense.

However, this week the Scotian newspaper "Duneden Courier" surprised even me, a lifelong cynic when they published an openly scaremongering article about a possible coup by the Patriotic Front. The article compared Nestori Konala and Paavo Somerjoki to generalissimo Alexei Spalin, the man behind the Ocelot Isles coup and contained several paragraphs of completely speculative hogwash about banning all left-wing political parties, murdering Outer Nevan protesters and making NOSDO attack the Michillies to restore its monarchy.

No, I am not joking.

Nevanmaa has been the official boogeyman for liberal Esquarians for decades. We've been branded as evil and devilish, a wicked land whose people are traditional and refuse to embrace international progressive dogma. But perhaps it's a time for certain people to think whether their libelous lies will promote peace and mutual understanding between nations, or whether they will only create discord, distrust or even war.

Nevanmaa is an unique nation among nations. We might be different and our culture might seem rather strange to foreigners, but we're no more evil than any other nation in the Northern Sea area. Nevans have always been a peace-loving people, and I see it as sad that some people see it as their right to insult our nation because we're different than them.

There is nothing more barbaric and intolerant than attacking a proud nation for its unique way of seeing and doing things. I thus urge the foreign media and progressive critics to sow seeds of friendship instead of discord and cherish the cultural diversity of our region in which every nation has a special place.

Antti Hänninen
National Coalition MP

[Qianrong]

RADIO FREE QIANRONG
自由茜蓉電台 - Zìyóu Qiànróng Diàntái
台觀龍自 - Đài Quan Rồng Tự
રડ્યો લીબ્રેંગ કન્રોન - Radyo Libreng Kanron








Free Media for a Free Nation

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BREAKING NEWS
ONE MILLION POLITICAL PRISONERS AND EXILES HAVE RETURNED HOME
The Ministry of the Interior has said that, combined, the return of political exiles and political prisoners will have a massive effect on the Qianrongese population-
They estimate that over a million people have returned to Qianrongese societies after leaving Namor for Qianrong or being released from the cells of political prisons.


Longtime exile Jin Huan-Xiang, returning to Yucheng, met with his son Jin Gui-Guo and saw his gradnson Jin Hui-Bao for the first time.

YUCHENG, QIANRONG - JANUARY 10^th, 2015 - The Ministry of Information has told the National Transitional Council that they estimate that a total of one million people have either been freed from Qianrongese political prisons or have returned from Little Qianrongs in Namor, and will increase the Qianrongese population by nearly 1 million people.

"Political exiles and those interred in political prisons were generally robbed of their citizenship," the official report released to both the NTC and the general public read. "Now, however, as these individuals are freed from prison camps and return home from abroad, they are having their citizenships restored... we have found ourselves capable of handling this surge, and are proud to report that we believe all individuals returning to Qianrongese society from political prisons or foreign countries will soon be fully reintegrated as Qianrongese citizens." The report also estimated how many people it had processed and would be processing as this process continued, saying that "we believe that over 1 million people will be returning to Qianrongese society following internment or exile for political crimes."

The Free Democratic Republic was known for its brutality, and was known to have numerous prisons solely for those convicted of political crimes. As a result, many Qianrongese wound up in these prisons, frequently abused and tortured in the interest of finding other possible political criminals. Other Qianrongese fled the country, generally to Namor. Many of these exiles were subjected to human trafficking or risked their lives sailing across the East Namor Sea in flimsy homemade rafts.

A collection of Mahusaynese friends and family members take a photo with relatives and friends who were previously interred in a political prison.

Some exiles had already returned before the end of the Winter Rebellion- most notably Csedomir Pantejmonov, Otekian Qianrongese chief editor of Radio Free Qianrong, who was forced to leave Namor in order to be openly in favor of Otekian independence. Many, however, waited to make sure that the Winter Rebellion was over and won before returning home, in order to guarantee that they didn't wind up in political prisons- as they no doubt would have had Guo or Pangahatang won.

Families across Qianrong are celebrating this return, as many of them has relatives or family friends who had gone missing in the night or had been living in foreign countries; oftentimes, these families did not expect to ever see their loved ones again. Across the country, reunions and parties are being held to celebrate the return of these individuals. Many have hailed their return as a sign of Qianrong's brighter, freer future.

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COMMENTS

Tapat Makatarungan | 272 Likes 1 Dislike | Report
It's heartwarming, to see so many people reunited with their loved ones, free from fear and uncertainty.

Nikifor Gusevsky | 169 Likes 19 Dislikes | Report
As much as I love Qianrong, and as happy as I am that so many people are returning to Qianrong, I can't help but think of this as bittersweet based on the experiences of my family regarding political exile... I was lucky that Li Jian-Zheng won, otherwise I would have been a political criminal in Qianrong. And I would have had nowhere to flee, because I've technically been a political criminal in Namor for some time now.

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OTHER NEWS STORIES
Uncensored, Unedited Truth
Nevanmaa: Nevanmaa, still a nation for white wealthy Christian males only, wants us to change so they can feel better
Kavgaci: Central Communist Party declares war on the Union of Kavgaci following numerous lethal confrontations
Arnborg: Why bigotry against whites is no better than bigotry against blacks in Arnborg
Ocelot Isles: Why the Ocelotians should protest against Spalin: the potential of an Ocelotian Winter Rebellion is wholly obvious
Pavonistade: Is Spalin's military coup a convenient excuse for Pavonistade to invade and occupy the Isles?
Scotia: Backwards Foreign Policy of the Day: Scotia doesn't recognize the Ocelot Isles even though Pavonistade does
Syldavia: Stanislav III abdicates to his son Muskar XIV as Defender of all the Syldavs after 23 years
Greonterp: Lily van Boelle resigns, Anna Sorensen to become next Prime Minister of Greonterp

[New Sakatia]

Breaking - Simna Liberation Front fighters execute 4 hostages, including a Luziycan tourist

Plavagrad - Sakatia Today - - The gunmen inside the Federation Mall executed 4 hostages following the governments refusal to negotiate with the terrorists. The 4 hostages were chosen at random and one of the executed hostages was confirmed as a tourist from Luziyca The government announced yesterday that they will not negotiate with the gunmen or the Simna Liberation Front.

The Sakatian Federal Police said they will maintain their positions surrounding the mall, possibly the same strategy they tried in the Omsk subway hostage crisis in 2008, when SLF fighters took 30 people hostage. The police launched a attack on the rebels following 8 days of waiting and 8 hostages being executed before attacking. The operation resulted in all the gunmen dead and no further casualties. However observers are saying the police cannot use this tactic due to the sheer size of the mall.

Meanwhile in Simna, the Sakatian military launched operations against the SLF, destroying weapons caches and SLF safe houses. The Sakatian Federal Police has also begun, according to some controversially, arresting people suspected of being SLF fighters or sympathizers. Since the operation was launched, almost 3,000 people have been arrested. The identities of all the accused were also posted on the SFP website with mugshots of the accused.

The Simna Liberation Front has been active since 1979, when North Sakatia invaded a then independent Simna. Its primary goal is to gain independence for Simna by fighting the Sakatian authorities and the Simnanese S.A.R. government. In 2009, a ceasefire was agreed by the SLF and the Sakatian government, however it collapsed in 2013, following a series of police operations against the the group.

[Geadland]

The Liberal reports
GREONTERP'S GOVERNMENT: THAT WAS QUICK
Two crucial errors led to Van Boelle's resignation

All political careers, it is said, are destined to end in downfall, but Lily Van Boelle's was disturbingly quick. Twenty-three days ago, she coasted to victory in the Greonlian general election. Although her party lost seats, the coalition trounced the left-wing opposition, while her conservative-centrist party warded off an attempt by the Liberal Forum to overtake them in size. Her approval rating in the approach to the election stood as high as 61%. Then two days ago, she announced her resignation, by which time her approval rating had halved to 29%. Like a Greek tragedy, Van Boelle's demise was sudden and quick. What happened?

Van Boelle's demise was a result of the mishandling of an independence referendum in the province of Leeuwarden. A vote which was scheduled for 1 February was suddenly rescheduled with just three days' notice by the Labour-led provincial government. The unionist provincial Premier, Willem Van Dreis, said he was prompted by the large pro-independence rallies, which drew as much as 10-20% of Leeuwarden's population. Van Dreis' reasoning was simple. Given that support for independence in the province was growing, many thought that holding the vote early would ensure it was held while the unionists were still leading in the polls, in other words, 'striking while the iron was hot'. It would placate Danique Rutten and her supporters, who loudly demanded an "immediate" vote. This newspaper does not doubt that Van Dreis wanted to keep his province in Greonterp.

The reasoning overlooked a significant problem: a ballot held with such short notice cannot be a fair one. The reasoning was also flawed, as evidenced by the fact that the 'No' vote won by a margin of less than 200 votes, and it is not hard to see why. The separatist voters were quite simply more determined to vote and campaign than the unionist voters. They held massive rallies, gave impassioned speeches and dominated discussion in public and on the internet. The unionist and undecided voters stayed quiet, even though they were the majority. The separatist voters were much easy to mobilise and benefited from the rescheduling. Furthermore, because the separatists were appeased and their demand for an early ballot was met, the message Leeuwarden voters got was that the separatists had made a reasonable demand when in fact it was unfair and anti-democratic.

Van Dreis deserved to go, but what did Van Boelle do wrong? Her first mistake was to accept and support the rescheduling, despite the issues mentioned above. Van Boelle had the authority to overrule the provincial government but decided against it, perhaps because she reckoned that this is what Leeuwart voters wanted and also due to fears that intervening would have benefited to the separatists. But just because large crowds demanded an immediate vote does not mean that a majority of voters wanted one. As the liberal philosopher Georgus Am Skeelft once said, "a mob is not a majority".

The other mistake was a long-term error. Leeuwarden lacked an effective 'No' campaign. This is a contrast with Vesperia, a province of Arkiasis that will also vote on independence in a few weeks. The unionist campaign in Vesperia, Stronger Together, has at times been hampered by divisions. It contains leftists, centrists and conservatives who all agree that Vesperia should stay in Arkiasis but cannot always agree why. Separatists have also been far more active campaigning than unionists, mainly because it is far sexier to campaign for a nationalist dream than it is to campaign for the status quo. Stronger Together may have headwinds blowing against them, but at least they actually exist.

By contrast, the Greonlian political establishment did little to present a case or campaign for keeping Greonterp together. They relied on the assumption that voters in Leeuwarden had enough loyalty to Greonterp to make independence an impossibility. Van Boelle's highly technocratic government perhaps did not understand how a populist like Danique Rutten could be taken seriously. But one of the main reasons why the independence movement was able to gain support was that the campaign was rather one-sided. Separatism could continue to fester and lead to a break-up of Greonterp in the future. Or it could fall away; voters who buy into populist political movements are notoriously fickle.

It is clear why Van Boelle's popularity has slumped, but debatable as to whether she should have resigned. After all, she has been a successful Prime Minister. Van Boelle's coalition pursued free trade, tax cuts, the environment and innovative social policies, including the legalisation of cannabis. Her political motto ("No, I'm just not that ideological. I do what's right for this country") was never one to get the crowds chanting, but it did lead to sensible and centrist governance. Fortunately, her designated successor Anna Sørensen will likely move the country in the same direction.

[Namor]

Uontze mayor plans to list begging as "profession," beggars as employed people
Beggars divided on the issue

January 24, NMR 2374

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NAMO, CAPITAL DISTRICT - The mayor of Uontze, Southern Namor, says he is planning on listing begging as a profession and consider all beggars as employed people. This has sparked a mounting debate within the "beggar community."

A beggar in Uontze, Southern Namor. Mayor Zhong Da's
new plan may generalize all beggars to be people with a
profession and job

Uontze has a "beggar season" that traditionally lasts from late January to early March - this practice has lasted for several generations. During "beggar season," beggars pour out into the street and ask for alms ranging from money to food. Although beggars roam the streets all year-round, "beggar season" is when beggar traveling in Uontze reaches a peak. It is considered an act of compassion to give alms to beggars, although many government officials have frowned upon this act saying that an abundance in beggars is "poking holes" through the welfare system.

Which is why Uontze mayor Zhong Da is considering listing beggars as employed people, breaking from original policy which states that begging is not a job that those who beg don't legally work and are therefore unemployed. He announced this decision on local television, arguing that such will make things more "efficient."

"If you look at it from a rational perspective, begging is a job," he said. "When people work, they get paid. Beggars who go out into the streets also get money. They are also paid. Beggars work too because they have to do something to get that money. So I think it's right to see them as working people and change our city policy to list them as part of the employed population. In many places, not just Uontze but other places [in Namor], begging is a profession. People form guilds to beg. There's bosses telling people where to beg and encouraging them to beg for money and get lots of money."

Beggars aren't "necessarily poor," said Zhong.

"We've been familiar with media reports that say beggars aren't as poor as we want to believe they are. In some cases, they're as rich as people who 'work,'" he said. "One professional beggar got around P1400 one day and was able to eat at a fast food restaurant. He wasn't homeless; he lived in a typical home. It's just that his job isn't lounging in the office or making toys, it's to beg. Many beggars do not want to stop begging because they view it as a profession, it's what they do, and I think it's about time we acknowledged that."

Zhong cited many advantages of listing begging as a job in Uontze; as beggars will not be considered unemployed, the unemployment rate will go down; beggars will be "more respected;" and it will ensure "equality between beggars and other workers...the realization that they're all professional at something."

"Professional begging" is nothing new to Namorese. In many cities, beggars team up, form organizations and spread out throughout the city to beg. Many of them get a certain amount of money before returning home. Some beggars even perform "shifts" where a beggar is assigned to go to a certain place, lie around and beg before his "shift" is up and another beggar replaces him. This practice has gained much controversy among Namorese, some of whom believe beggars should be given a "legit" job instead of lying around all day "sucking up welfare." Some are frustrated at professional beggars for not admitting they beg "for a living" and really have no "misery" to get out of. President-General Fu is a supporter of reducing the beggar population through "self-change" - getting "real jobs through hard work and innovation."

But some have questioned the ethical consequences of listing begging as a profession. "Not all beggars are professional," one beggar in Uontze was on record saying. "I know I'm not. I'm actually poor. I can't get a job. This is what I do and I don't want to do it forever. I want a job - this is not a job. The mayor should draw a distinct line between those who beg for fun - other people, and those who beg because they depend on it - like me."

Many in Uontze say they support the mayor's new act.

"I don't see the difference between a person who works in factory and a beggar, no, not here," one local said. "Just a few days ago it was discovered that this beggar who said he wanted money because he's dying from cancer ended up owning three mansions and is in perfect health. This is how they live, this is how they get their money. Just like how I'm a waiter in a restaurant and I receive tips. This is how I get my money."

There are opponents, though. "I really do not like where this is headed," another Uontze resident said. "We're supposed to care for the beggars and the poor, give them welfare, give them handouts, give them an education to make their lives worthwhile. The mayor is listing begging as a job because he wants to stop caring for them. Do you call this a socialist country? This is laissez-faire at best, ignorance at worst."

COMMENTS

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Hui Chang
How the fuck is this national news...PTH, stop reporting on stop that don't matter, like beggars. 102 45

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Tu Bao
My plan is better - we throw all beggars into labor camps where they can work their asses out and get paid. They're also educated so they know how to compete in life. After all you can't learn how to swim without actually swimming (when I mean "labor camps" i don't mean the ones they had in Soviet Orientalia, but labor camps where people actually work) 80 57

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Shun Tu
@Tu Bao I see where you're headed, but don't say "labor camps," it just has that authoritarian connotation that won't go away for a long time. 72 38

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Cheng Heng
Good job, Uontze! All of Namor should do this too. Beggars aren't "jobless" or "homeless," they live in homes and their job is to beg! By doing this, less people will be officially unemployed and that means the government can take care of less people entirely. 97 73

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Other News

---

• Esquarian Summit in Tuthina, Fu attends - Major world leaders are meeting in Tuthina to discuss environmental issues and international terrorism. But how can the President-General of Namor visit a theocracy that still wants dynastic rule to return here?
• From Mann to Van Boelle: A look at politicians who forgot to turn off their mikes - The impact of gaffes on political careers, and just how damaging they may be.
• Namor and Qianrong's Great Migration - 1 million people are moving back to Qianrong in the aftermath of the Winter Rebellion, most of them coming from Namor. How will this population transfer affect both countries?
• Crisis in the Ocelot Isles escalates as "Generalissimo" takes action against Namorese - In an act that many believe will further alienate the junta, the Ocelotian "generalissimo" says he wants all Namorese deported from the island country. The future of Namo-Ocelotian relations remain uncertain.

[Mizra]

---

BREAKING NEWS - COUP TOPPLES SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT!

Tanks roll into Yeshabulet as the coup is prosperous.

In a shocking move today, the expatriated bellwether of the Zionist Unity Party, Yitzhak Kedar returned to Mizra in a blow of full force. Him and his 3,500 Warriors of Elohim launched rockets into the capital and slayed every single member of the Knesset. President Avraham Oded of the Social Democratic Party is one of the Knesset members corroborated killed by the assailment. Yitzhak Kedar has self styled himself Chief Rabbi and Field Marshall of the Mizran Defense Forces.

"I will not stop until Mizra is liberated from the horrors of communism!" Yitzhak Kedar stated in a press interview early this morning. "Mizra is for the Jewish people! No alien Arab or Turk will reap our land again!" After this statement, a mass exodus of Muslims and Arabs commenced, Mosques could be sighted shutting down and men and women leaving the predominantly-Jewish country. Chief Rabbi Yitzhak verbalized that" these aliens will not be sanctioned to return to the Jewish homeland."

What does the future hold for Mizra? Is the future dark? Or will Mizra go into its golden era? Time holds the key to that answer.

[Luziyca]

Opinion: Beggars are a criminal problem, not a social problem

Amelia Pond

FIRENZE, LOMBARDIA - In the Namorese town of Uontze, Mayor Zhong Da has announced to make begging a profession. It has the barbaric tradition of a "beggar season" where from January to March, beggars beg en masse, with their culture seeing it as a good thing to "give alms" to the beggars.

Zhong Da said that "If you look at it from a rational perspective, begging is a job," he said. "When people work, they get paid. Beggars who go out into the streets also get money. They are also paid. Beggars work too because they have to do something to get that money. So I think it's right to see them as working people and change our city policy to list them as part of the employed population. In many places, not just Uontze but other places [in Namor], begging is a profession. People form guilds to beg. There's bosses telling people where to beg and encouraging them to beg for money and get lots of money." He explained a story of a beggar who earned ₤100 one day and ate at a fast food restaurant, but lived in a typical home, and saw it as profession.

The mayor made the idiotic claim that they "will not be considered unemployed, the unemployment rate will go down; beggars will be 'more respected;' and it will ensure 'equality between beggars and other workers...the realization that they're all professional at something.'" Of course, the truth is, beggars are a criminal problem.

All beggars do is hang around public areas: plazas, parks, schools, government buildings and shops, praying for someone to give some of their hard-earned lira to them. And back in my home of Firenze, where I live, most of them are gypsies. They loiter, they insult those that do not give much (like a penny) and assault them, and I've seen some of them living in mansions like welfare queens, while collecting welfare cheques from the Republic of Lombardia. Thankfully, especially in recent days, police officers have been dispersing beggars and cleansing my city of the problem the beggars make.

Besides what I have described, if enough beggars gather at a site, it will be inviting for other types of criminals: first to come will be the pickpockets, hired as people so to blackmail to force passersby to give money to them (the pickpockets and the beggars). Next will be the vandalizers, damaging property, followed by the prostitutes, until murderers come along, and succeed in turning the area from a good place to visit or do something into a "no-go" zone. And even in my city, we have no go zones full of gyps, scum who are too lazy to find jobs, and instead beg/kidnap/extort/do whatever. Thus, I feel that Zhong Da is being very, very soft on crime, and he should reconsider that strategy and instead be tough on crime, by imprisoning all the beggars, and forcing them to make license plates, or something productive. Only then could that problem be eliminated.

In other news

• Mizra - Coup by Yitzhak Kedar and expulsion of Muslims, Luziyca condemns "serious breach of human rights"
• Sakatia - Four hostages, including a tourist from Firenze executed
• Qianrong - About one million Qianrongese exiles return home after end of the FDRQ
• Kavgaci - Communists declare war on the democratic government of Kavgaci

[The Sanguinian Islands]

The Sanguinian Noble Courier

Ваш голос за истину

Empress Regent Catherine Maria Borovets comes out of the closet, Senate outraged.

Countess of Lied, Geanna Kärner-Borovets-Lõhmus, at 14 years of age, is suspected of being the 44 year old Empress's partner.

The Empress today quietly registered herself as a homosexual this morning, and as a result, the Noble's Senate is in a uproar, trying to decide if the Current Regency for Emperor John Little is still unfit for rule.

Speaker of the Borovets Family, former emperor Piotr Borovets, had this to say:
"I believe that the state of the Sanguinian nation is in shambles, we elect a mentally deficient Emperor to the throne, and then choose a woman, what monstrosity of the state, even then we act like communists, who is also that Emperor's mother, then this happens. The Senate is now convening to decide if we should find a new Emperor for the Glorious Nation of Sanguinia. Personally, I would just condemn the Empress, because the Sanguinian Monarchy needs no instability at this point in our history."

The senate is expected to only pass down a condemnation of the Empress' rash actions, which would be the first condemnation since Nestorius Orovich's reign, who was condemned for supporting female voting.

[Nevamaa]

Julia Kauhala, chairwoman of
Moderate Left is perhaps the
most well-known black Nevan
rights advocate.

Opposition parties to organize a joint mass rally to protest government budget plan, racial laws, voting right limitations among others

NEVANLINNA - Several opposition parties and organizations have announced their intention to participate in a mass rally against the policies of the newly elected right-wing government in Nevanlinna on Monday.

The theme of the rally is "#notinmyname", in an attempt to show the world that all Nevans agree with the government's racialist and conservative policies. The idea was concieved by Julia Kauhala, chairwoman of Moderate Left and a well-known Black Nevan rights advocate. She was the Minister of Interior during Rantala's government and was chosen as the Person of the Year by newspaper Päivälehti in 2014 for "her tireless efforts to promote progressive values and oppose narrow-mindedness in Nevanmaa".

In an interview to Kansan Ääni, Kauhala told that "using our constitutional right to protest the harmful economic policies of the government and the unacceptable discrimination against Black Nevans is important; Not only can the protests pressure the government to change their policies, but also because the world must see that we are not all racist, ultramonarchist bigots."

When asked whether she'll believe that the rally will acheive anything, Kauhala responded: "All movements start as small grassroots movements until they start to grow. More and more Nevans now have access to the internet and international news sources, and more and more people will start questioning whether if it is wise to continue following the old-fashioned and outdated values and beliefs that many of us have unfortunately clung onto for centuries."

Coalition Youth, the youth and student organization of the National Coalition announced that they intend to hold a counter-rally. Patriotic Front also intended to hold a counter-protest but was not granted permission by the Nevanlinna Police Department.

[Pavonistade]

Pavon/Pavonistadian Enjlish | Français | International English | Γαυδσκε Σπρωγ | Nemryllic | ȣяλeƨȣaунe | Luziycan | Наморайин | Neva (+) | 茜蓉语 | 文語 | Vjaarlandsk | Vyvluder

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PARLIAMENT TO VOTE ON DECLARATION OF WAR ON OCELOT ISLES
Passage of declaration would directly lead to Third Ocelotian-Pavonistadian War

Date: January 25, 2015

Writer: Genevieve Saunters

Parliament, pictured in 2008. It is to vote on whether to pass the declaration
of war, already approved by its War Committee and pre-emptively signed by
President Mattheu Azurite.

The declaration of war on the Ocelot Isles has been approved by Parliament's secretive War Committee, and President Mattheu Azurite had given it a preemptive signature, a signature in which it is given to a proposal prior to voting in the Parliament (only declarations of war or major treaties may receive preemptive signatures) and which is prone to drawing anger from the public. The final step in enforcing the declaration would be passage in the Parliament.

Four days ago the War Committee, staffed by approximately ten members, had authorized any declarations of war on the Ocelot Isles. This meant that the country would be able to invade the country at any given time, although other processes have to be gone over first. Due to the secretive nature of the council. it is not known how many members voted for and against the declaration, although President Azurite claimed that "the War Committee was overwhelmingly in support of any efforts against the junta."

As with previous declarations of war on the Ocelot Isles, which did so on Pavonistade first in 2006 and 2013, the council had given the President a choice to pre-emptively sign the declaration and the President had confirmed that such a signature was given. The declaration now completed two processes since its inception in January 20.

It is now left to standard Members of Parliament to decide on whether or not Pavonistade should declare war on the Ocelot Isles, and is to commence soon after this is published. Several MPs have voiced their opinions regarding a Third Ocelotian-Pavonistadian War. One of those that spoke out was Laurent D'Artoise of the Capitalist Party, who wanted "to take back lost Pavonistadian territory through all available forces in our arsenal." Some MPs were hesitant; for example, MP Clarke Ulysses of the Green Party stated that "there is still a chance for negotiations with the junta [...] and there is no need for a third repetition of a conflict with our neighbor."

As well as putting Pavonistade into war, the declaration will immediately order mobilization of the Pavonistadian Military, especially squadrons stationed in Western Pavonistade, western North Pavonistade, and southern Central State. It will also mandate the reservation of some resources for opposing Generalissimo Spalin. The DEFCON of the country, based on proximity to conventional wars rather than proximity to nuclear wars, will be raised from 4 to 3 and a state of emergency will be declared in various districts (particularly those in Western Pavonistade).

It is expected that the results of the voting will be disclosed later today.

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Other Recent Reports

• Namorese Mayor Plans Recognition of Begging as Profession
  "Beggars work too because they have to do something," Uontze mayor claims
  
  
• Nevan Parties Prepare for Demonstrations Against Government
  Racial laws, mandated disenfranchisement among those to be opposed
  
  
• Political Prisoners, Exiles Return to Qianrong After W. Rebellion
  Ministry of the Interior approximates # of returning to be 1 million

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Comments
Page 1 of 252 - Next page - Last Page

NetWorm#6
▲ Like - 304 | ▼ Dislike - 91 | ! Flag
Anyone notice that this war will be the first one where we Pavonistadians are the aggressors and the Ocelotians are the defenders?

GotOcelot?
▲ Like - 176 | ▼ Dislike - 58 | ! Flag
@NetWorm#6
You're right, we'll be the ones to strike the first blow. Then Namor comes and whine about how we get militarily involved. and then Luziyca tries to turn the Isles into an Associated Free State. Ugh.

EvaTheElephant
▲ Like - 45 | ▼ Dislike - 162 | ! Flag
Seriously, this is stupid. We could have used peaceful means instead of going to the Isles and beating up the puny government again.

[Luziyca]

"If the Pavons declare war," Shjoraski announces, "we shall assist"

President Breuvi Shjoraski

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Today, after announcements from Pavonistadeck that the Parliament will vote on declaring war against the Ocelot Isles, President Breuvi Shjoraski has announced that "if the Pavons declare war against the Ocelot Isles, we shall assist, because we have a moral obligation to help our allies."

He explained that "we will engage in a police action, not because we want to retake these islands for the Pavons, but because we are concerned for the human rights that are being violated under the junta. We want to assist the Pavons, to help end the human rights violations and to determine whether the Ocelot Isles should even be trusted with the idea of sovereign independence, since the Ocelotians have demanded independence over and over again, but when the Pavons let them go, these islands have suffered and are just as unstable as they were at the start."

Shjoraski declared, "We, as the leader of the free and democratic countries, want to end the Generalissimo's reign within the Ocelot Isles, and ideally help make these islands more stable so in the long run, they can prosper, whether as part of Pavonistade, or as a sovereign state."

Despite the non-recognition of the Ocelot Isles by Luziyca as a sovereign state, it has been part of the EU since 2014, even though its membership was recently suspended, but since the coup, all travel has been suspended from the Ocelot Isles. In some areas, notably Firenze, there are people demanding that the Ocelot Isles become an Associated Free State like Hachishima, or an overseas territory like Pulaski Station in the Arctic.

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Arnborg - After Tshwame declares the start of a revolution, Arvidstad considers to deploy the military to the hemlands
• Tuthina - Second Esquarian Summit to begin in Tuthinan capital
• Nevanmaa - Mass rally against Nevan racial laws planned
• Opinion - Why Scotia should switch to the correct side of the road, like much of Esquarium

[Scotia-99]

25 January, 2015

Tòiseach MacLeod: If Pavonistade restores order, Scotia will assist

Tòiseach MacLeod speaks to the press corps
in Government House on Sunday

ABERLEFEN, SCOTIA - In an emergency press conference at Government House today, Tòiseach David MacLeod has now announced that should Pavonistade vote to restore order to the separatist-controlled Ocelot Isles, Scotia will back them up with the deployment of the Royal Armed Forces. The move comes as Luziyca's President Breuvi Shjoraski has also offerred support to the Pavonistadian government.

The announcement involves a readying of three air units of the Royal Scotian Air Force and a squadron of the Royal Navy (led by the carrier HMS William Wallace) for a possible deployment to Pavonistade to assist in deposing the despotic regime of so-called "Generalissimo" Alexei Spalin.

When speaking to the hastily-assembled press corps, the Tòiseach clarified that "our reason for this announcement is simple: we have seen what Spalin and this tyrannical regime have committed against its own people, and we're here to help both the Pavonistadian authorities in restoring order, as well as the Ocelotian people in liberating themselves from this despotic regime." However, in response to comments from his Luziycan counterpart on "whether the Ocelot Isles should even be trusted with the idea of sovereign independence", Mr. MacLeod made it clear that "the Ocelot Isles are undisputedly Pavonistadian territory and the Royal Scotian Armed Forces are there to ensure the Pavonistadian Armed Forces restore order to the islands."

The Dàil is expected to vote on the issue tomorrow morning.

In other news

• Protests against Nevan racial laws commence - The Foreign Ministry has stated it will support the wishes of the Moderate Left and other left-wing parties as they protest the mandated disenfranchisement and discrimination of Black Nevans
• Majority of Scotians say "Keep to the Left" - A recent poll conducted by the Scotia Times show 82% support towards keeping the country's driving in the left side of the road, with support for changing to the right strongest among ethnic Namorese and Katranjians.

[Namor]

EDITORIAL The end of Ocelotian sovereignty?
Pavonistade is considering military intervention against Ocelot Isles and several governments voiced their intention to assist. Are there other motives besides overthrowing an undemocratic junta?
Наморайин | English

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Pavonistade is a step away from declaring war on the Ocelot Isles. Pavonistade Agency of News reported that the War Committee of he Pavonistadian Parliament approved of a declaration war on the Ocelot Isles, which is currently run by a junta that deposed a democratically-elected government in a coup. The declaration was then signed preemptively by president Azurite and is not awaiting passage through Parliament.

The military intervention contemplated by Pavonistade seeks to overthrow Spalin. But
will it also undo this?

Immediately after it was announced that Pavonistade is seriously thinking about sending troops to the Ocelot Isles and removing the dictatorial "generalissimo," several other governments declared their support and willingness to assist Pavonistade if the declaration of war passes through all barriers. Not surprisingly, these governments - we're talking about Luziyca and Scotia - never recognized the Ocelot Isles as independent even after the former claimant, Pavonistade, did. Luziycan president Shjoraski said that he wants "to determine whether the Ocelot Isles should even be trusted with the idea of sovereign independence." David McLeod, leader of Scotia (another country that does not recognize the Ocelot Isles), said he'll also assist a Pavonistadian military intervention. He "made it clear" that "the Ocelot Isles are [indisputably] Pavonistadian territory and the Royal Scottian Armed Forces are there to ensure the Pavonistadian Armed Forces restore order to the islands."

More words coming from a Pavonistadian politician who supports a declaration of war. Laurent D'Artoise of the Capitalist Party, for example, who wanted "to take back lost Pavonistadian territory through all available forces in our arsenal."

Now we don't know if Pavonistade wants to re-annex the Ocelot Isles if/when it takes military action against the Ocelot Isles and overthrow the junta. But seeing that prominent Pavonistadian politicians are speaking in favor of "recovering" territory and support for war is coming from countries that do not recognize the Ocelot Isles as an independent country, it's safe to say that this declaration of war is something the "Ocelot Isles is Pavonistade" party wanted all along for a reason.

We at The Liberator do not support the junta, period. The military government of Alexei Spalin is undoubtedly a ruthless brute force - not only did it seize power through undemocratic and illicit means, but it also managed to provoke international ire by enacting sanctions against several countries, as well as deporting Namorese, Luziycans and other people who hail from countries the junta alleges supports the democratic administration. In the past few days, Spalin called protesters demanding a return to popular control "idiots" and shamelessly threatened to wipe them out to the last person. We are by no means standing with this autocratic, reactionary military junta, and it is our utmost hope that it is deposed soon through means that satisfy the Ocelotian populace.

Which brings us to the Pavonistadian declaration of war and the intent of government officials - both Pavonistadians and non-Pavonistadians - to re-annex the island country or at least "question" Ocelotian independence (like Shjoraski). The re-annexation of the Ocelot Isles is not the price Ocelotian people want to pay for their liberation from the junta. We don't need to bring up the polls, let alone the referendum results and decades of struggle by Ocelotians for independence to prove that the Ocelotians desire to be (and stay) an independent people; this is a fact all people are aware of. Just because a sovereign country is run by a leader everybody wants deposed doesn't mean the country deserves to be annexed by another country, especially a country that isn't well received by the general population.

And if the military intervention that seems to be turning into reality in the halls of the Pavonistadian Parliament does turn out to be an intention to annex the Ocelot Isles in the name of deposing a brute, then we can say that the declaration of war is just as bad as "Generalissimo" Spalin, and something the Ocelotian people should not welcome.

Thus ends this editorial.


Trending

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Opposition parties organize mass rally to protest Nevan racism | What Uontze should be doing against beggars | Fu attends international summit...in Tuthina

[Pavonistade]

Pavon/Pavonistadian Enjlish | Français | International English | Γαυδσκε Σπρωγ | Nemryllic | ȣяλeƨȣaунe | Luziycan | Наморайин | Neva (+) | 茜蓉语 | 文語 | Vjaarlandsk | Vyvluder

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-BREAKING- DECLARATION OF WAR PASSED, PAVONISTADE AT WAR WITH OCELOT ISLES
Parliament passes declaration almost unanimously, begins Third Ocelotian-Pavonistadian War

Date: January 25, 2015

Writer: Xafieur Kolton

Vice President Yksteldehs Oppenheim
announced a state of war in the absence of
President Azurite and after Parliament passed
the declaration.

For the past few hours, Pavonistadians and Ocelotians have waited for the news from the Parliament, on whether or not the Pavonistadian Military will invade the junta-held Ocelot Isles. The results from the Parliament have been released, and it is gathering both praise and criticism.

A press conference held hours after the voting session was commenced by Parliamental Speaker Vanessa Adeodatus. She had announced that of the 400 Members of Parliament in the session, 399 have voted in favor of a war on the Ocelot Isles while one member voted against and no one abstained. "It is clear now that the Pavonistadian States will be engaged in a war," Adeodatus said, "but we need one final declaration from the Vice-President."

Normally it would be the President who makes the final declaration and formally commences a war. However, as President Azurite is in the Second Esquarian Summit in Miyako of Sakan of Tuthina, this task is handed over to Vice President Yksteldehs Oppenheim. After Adeodatus disclosed the results, Oppenheim took over with a speech that marked the start of the Third Ocelotian-Pavonistadian War.

"The junta that is continuously suppressing the Ocelotian populace must go," Vice President Oppenheim declared, "we cannot allow the junta to stay in its seat of abusive power, and it appears that direct intervention is the required step to restore democracy and liberties to the Ocelotians. As a result of the dire situation, along with approval from the War Committee, the Parliament, and the President, it is on the twenty-fifth of January in the year twenty-fifteen that the Pavonistadian States shall be officially at war with the Ocelot Isles."

This Ocelotian-Pavonistadian war is the first in which Pavonistade is the attacker; the previous two Ocelotian-Pavonistadian wars involved first strikes by the Ocelotians. With the country at war, other mandates will immediately come into effect, including but not limited to: mobilizing the Pavonistadian Military for deployment, reserving war resources and materials for the invasion of the Ocelot Isles, raising the Pavonistadian Military defense readiness condition (DEFCON) to 3, raising the National Terrorism Risk Level, and declaring a state of emergency in various districts.

There were mixed responses to the declaration of war and its passage by Parliament. The Ocelotian government-in-exile supported the move, with head Calvin Hopins (also head of the exiled Frontier Party) believing that "war is the only way to eliminate the junta." Conservative party leader Patricie Haroyld said that she "applauded the Parliament for doing what is right, and that right act is to put the junta out of its place through force." Not everyone was supportive; Member of Parliament Clarke Ulysses, the only MP to vote against the declaration, justified that "we should not risk losing any more lives and vessels in a conflict that we can solve through diplomacy and pacifism." Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianka Lawrence was "distraught at the approval of the use of force," but will "respect what the Parliament says."

The Internal Professional Hackers (INTERPROS) were also involved in the reactions to the start of the Third Ocelotian-Pavonistadian War. One of its spokesperson stated that "the junta in the Ocelot Isles is a clear suppressor of inalienable rights and is clearly comparable to the earlier dissidents that are now defeated [referencing opponents in the Winter Rebellion]." The person had warned "the INTERPROS will use its powers to bring the downfall of Generalissimo Alexei Spalin."

Many people are predicting a quick fall of Spalin's junta, but they are also the same people that do not know the future after the war or the junta.

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Other Recent Reports

• Luziyca, Scotia to Assist if Pavonistade Declares War
  Presidents Shjoraski, MacLeod expresses anti-junta support
  
  
• PAN Holds Interview with Child Actress Rosalie Evuasgka
  Saphiretowner reveals careers, political views, opinion on junta
  
  
• Nevan Parties Prepare for Demonstrations Against Government
  Racial laws, mandated disenfranchisement among those to be opposed

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Comments
Page 1 of 400 - Next page - Last Page

WiliamTarneaud
▲ Like - 283 | ▼ Dislike - 57 | ! Flag
It's all we've been waiting for finally, folks, the end to all of this bickering and the solid decision to kick some orange kitty butts.

NewZeppelin
▲ Like - 194 | ▼ Dislike - 96 | ! Flag
LET'S GO PAVONISTADE!!! There is absolutely no way we will be defeated, seriously. Do know that:

• Pavonistade spends 11% of its GDP on the military
• Pavonistade has compulsory military service and has experience in war
• Pavonistade has better equipment and technology
• Pavonistade has better training for all personnel
• Pavonistade doesn't give a s*** about innocents

The Ocelotian armed police won't stand a chance, so the best Spalin and his carb junta can do is to cross their fingers and hope we give them mercy.

200lumpdoughs
▲ Like - 85 | ▼ Dislike - 53 | ! Flag
@NewZeppelin
Yeah... everything you said is true except for the last point, where you said that we don't give a s*** about innocent people caught in between. We do care about innocents, it's just that they may be caught in coastal shelling or something.

MMPRbestSystem
▲ Like - 32 | ▼ Dislike - 29 | ! Flag
Okay, this is seriously screwed up. We don't need a freaking war again, right?

[Dhomland]

Conservative initiative collected signatures for a referendum against gay marriage

Aniela Hermanova, from the Protect family

Conservative initiative Protect family has collected signatures for a referendum against gay marriage. The questions on the referendum will ask whether voters would like marriage to be constitutionally defined as one man and one woman, whether gay and lesbian couples should be constitutionally banned from adopting, whether children should be taught sex education classes against their parents’ wishes and whether should be banned to legalise any form of homosexual unions including registered partnerships.

Vilim Tusser from LGBT group is disgusted by this referendum: "I can not believe how much hatred toward gay people is still present in the 21st century. How would they feel if 27 million people is deciding on their human rights?"

On the other hand, Aniela Hermanova, from the Protect family , is very pleased with the fact that the referendum will be held: "This is an indication that we are a very democratic society. Citizens will be able to freely say what marriage really is. This is our historic opportunity to protect marriage from redefinition."

Prime Minister Martin Duran has promised to hold a referendum as soon as possible.

OTHER NEWS:
Pavonistade: Parliament approved declaration of war?
Nevanmaa: The opposition is preparing a protest against the democratically elected Government.

[Geadland]

GEADLAND OFFERS TO SUPPORT PAVONISTADE
Bill to authorise intervention has cross-party support

25 January 2015 Last updated 19:34 Geadish Standard Time
Prime Minister Efa Nordland has expressed a willingness to join a Pavonistade-led military intervention to overthrow the military regime that controls the Ocelot Isles. The government will send a draft bill to Parliament tomorrow to authorise military action if it is needed, and the Royal Navy is already being mobilised.

People are dying in the Ocelot Isles. Protestors are being massacred. Human rights are being trampled on. Nations cannot stand idle while this happens; we have a moral obligation to stop their actions. Alas, it appears that military junta cares little for sanctions and diplomatic pressure. But this military intervention must be planned carefully. Wars are often a lot easier to get into than to get out of.

Her announcement comes just hours after Luziycan President Breuvi Shjoraski and Scotian Tòiseach David MacLeod also offered support to a Pavonistade-led intervention. However, in contrast to the other two leaders, Nordland said that the Ocelot Isles should be treated as a separate country from Pavonistade, unless they had “changed their minds”.

11 months ago, 89% of Ocelotian voters backed independence from Pavonistade. Our goal should be to leave behind an independent and democratic Ocelot Isles, unless the population have changed their minds. It is also essential that Pavonistade does not invade the Ocelot Isles on its own, but leads a multilateral invasion. Otherwise, the intervention could come across as a ‘reconquest’.

Nordland promised to send a squadron of the Royal Navy Fleet and a battalion of Royal Naval Marines if Pavonistade accepted the assistance.

Opposition leader Samuel Stefansen said that “The SDLP agree that military intervention should be used to bring down the despotic Spalin regime. However, let’s be careful here. If the intervention is mishandled, we could end up supporting a prolonged occupation of the Ocelot Isles that the local people do not want.” He also argued that Luziyca should not participate in the campaign because “The last thing we want to do is support the installation of a different despot. This is all too common in Luziyca’s foreign policy decisions.”

The only parties to oppose the move were the Greens, the Socialists and the New Alliance. The Greens are the most pacifist party in Parliament. The Socialists are also opposed due to the likelihood that Luziyca would also participate in the intervention. New Alliance Georgus den Holm said that while he supports Pavonistade’s military intervention, “the Ocelot Isles are so far away from Geadland that it isn’t really our business what happens there.”

[New Waterford]

The Messenger
An Teachtaire
De Kurier

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Primate Peadar VIII dies at the age of 87

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Peadar VIII, who passed away due to heart failure

25 Jan. 2015, Kilbrendan - Peadar VIII, the Primate of the Brendanian Catholic Church, has died at Kilbrendan Central Hospital at the age of 87.

His health had been in decline since early December, but he had been suffering from chest pains since Friday. He was admitted to the coronary unit of the Hospital that evening, but his condition worsened over the course of the next few days. Many Brendanian Catholics and other religious leaders in An Déise offered prayers for his health, but he passed away early this morning. He was alone at the time of his death, as he had no living close relatives. In a statement issued by the Brendanian Synod, the cause of death was heart failure.

Following the Primate's death, the Synod has called for an impromptu meeting of all bishops of the Church to decide who shall follow in his stead. Throughout his tenure as Primate since his election in 1993, Peadar strove in as many ways as he could to put the words and teachings of Jesus into action; he gave any excess wealth he had to the poor, emphasised the importance of compassion and forgiveness, and fiercely condemned those in the public eye whom he deemed to be too self-centred, malicious or decadent, including wealthy capitalists and major government figures (to the point where, controversially, he denied communion to the then-President, Graham Fitzsimmons). Whether his successor will continue in this vein or return the Church back to its bureaucratic, corrupt origins, only time will tell.

In other news

• BREAKING - Pavonistade declares war against Ocelot Isles - The Pavonistadian Parliament has passed a declaration of war against the Ocelot Isles. Luziyca and Scotia have previously said they are willing to join the side of the former and latter, respectively, in the event of the legislation passing.
• Nevan opposition rally against gov. policies - A multitude of opposition parties in Nevanmaa shall rally against the policies of the new right-wing government, especially regarding the racial laws, voting rights and the budget

[Luziyca]

Pavons declare war, Luziyca to assist the Pavons

LAFB Shurisho

PAVONISTADECK, PAVONISTADECK - Today, 499-1, the Pavon Parliament voted to declare war on the Ocelot Isles. Following this announcement, President Breuvi Shjoraski said that "without a doubt, we shall help end these human rights violations and ensure that the Ocelot Isles become a stable region: however, if it is prone to instability, more radical measures may need to be taken."

As such, LAFB Shurisho in Hachishima has been activated to deploy twenty-four bombers and ten transport craft, as well as one aircraft carrier stationed there to be deployed in Operation Isamo, named in honor of the first and legendary king of Hachishima, with the intent to help liberate the Ocelot Isles and stabilize the region.

Despite calls from nations like Geadland to leave the war, Shjoraski said that "As the leader of the free world, we are morally obligated to liberate tyrannical regimes like the Ocelot Isles. We will treat these fair isles as part of Pavonistade until these islands are fully stabilized, by whatever measures possible." Plans are for Opreation Isamo to begin either this evening or tomorrow morning.

More as the story develops.

In other news

• New Waterford - Primate Peadar VIII dies aged 87
• Dhomland - Referendum on to ban same-sex marriage
• Gijirokastra - 25,000 people demonstrate in support of Operation Isamo
• Hachishima - How the war may affect this Associated Free State

[Namor]

Namor will not participate in Pavonistade-led intervention, FM says

January 25, NMR 2374

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NAMO, CAPITAL DISTRICT - Following Pavonistade's declaration of war on the Ocelot Isles and numerous countries including Luziyca and Geadland voicing their support, Namorese Foreign Minister Shen Wuhong said that Namor will not participate in the military intervention.

Shen announced this minutes after Pavonistade's Parliament passed a declaration of war on the Ocelot Isles; as of now, Pavonistadeck is in a state of war with the Ocelot Isles, controlled by a military regime that has faced international condemnation in recent days for its suppression of dissidents and sanctions against other countries.

"Namor will not take part in the Pavonistade-led military intervention," Shen said. "No Namorese military personnel will be deployed to assist in the intervention. We do not understand the hostile position of the Ocelotian junta and we do not believe what the junta has done in the past few days are productive, but right now we are not in the position to help out in a military intervention in the Ocelot Isles."

When asked if Namor will support the intervention diplomatically, Shen said Namor is "closely monitoring the situation" but for now will "take a neutral stance on developments."

"The outcome of this intervention is obvious. Pavonistade's military is too powerful, the junta does not stand a chance," he said. "What we're concerned about is the future of the Ocelot Isles after the intervention, whether the intervention will have any impact on the country's sovereignty or the livelihood of the Ocelotian people. Whenever one engages in military intervention it must be coordinated diligently from start to finish. It must be something nobody will regret years later. Too many interventions have seen people euphoric about it at first but then moan about the aftermath. We don't want to see this happening, especially in a place like the Ocelot Isles."

Shen didn't comment extensively about if the Namorese side believes the Ocelot Isles' independence will be challenged or curtailed in any way as a result of the Pavonistadian intervention, but hinted that it is a possibility and should be avoided.

"Disservice will be done if any attempt on reversing the effects of OIIR14 - a transparent and fair referendum - is made," he said. "You already have countries that somehow do not recognize the Ocelot Isles as independent supporting the intervention, and that really raises an eyebrow."

Pavonistade's Parliament passed a declaration of war on the Ocelot Isles. According to Vice President Yksteldehs Oppenheim, the aim of the intervention is to overthrow the junta controlling the Ocelot Isles, led by self-proclaimed generalissimo Alexei Spalin. Oppenheim said that "we cannot allow the junta to stay in its seat of abusive power." He did not indicate if any changes will be made on the Ocelot Isles' status as an independent state once Spalin is toppled.

COMMENTS

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Min Wei
Wow, Geadland is already mobilizing their puny Royal Navy and all I got was this lame statement. 97 56

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Heng Hui
Just Pavonsitade trying to retake the Ocelot Isles regardless of what the islanders think. Not falling for it. 91 35

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Hai Ah
I really don't know about it...what do you prefer, an independent totalitarian military junta or a colonized free state? 62 54

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Da Minfang
We should stay out. Because the Luzzies are apparently part of this thing. We don't work with Luzzies, no, never. 40 10

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Other News

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• "Nations cannot stand idle while this happens:" Geadland offers to support Pavonistade-led intervention - While supporting a military intervention to depose the junta ruling the Ocelot Isles, the Geadish Prime Minister said that the Ocelot Isles should remain a separate country from Pavonistade once the regime is overthrown.
• Why some Namorese aren't buying the Pavonisatdian war - How Namorese support for Ocelotian sovereignty affects their stance towards the Pavonistadian intervention.
• Namor and Qianrong's Great Migration - 1 million people are moving back to Qianrong in the aftermath of the Winter Rebellion, most of them coming from Namor. How will this population transfer affect both countries?
• Crisis in the Ocelot Isles escalates as "Generalissimo" takes action against Namorese - In an act that many believe will further alienate the junta, the Ocelotian "generalissimo" says he wants all Namorese deported from the island country. The future of Namo-Ocelotian relations remain uncertain.