RPNN World (News from Radiatia)

[Radiatia]

TSENYEN WEAKENS
CURRENCY DROPS BY 0.4 POINTS IN RESPONSE TO REGIONAL FINANCIAL UNCERTAINTY

EXEGRAD, ALAYENIA
The Radiatian Tsenyen (Z) has dropped by over 0.4 points from 1.8394 Universal Standard Dollars to US$ 1.7919 following uncertainty over the regional economy, caused by the recession in Battlion.

_{The value of the Tsenyen has fallen against the Universal Standard Dollar}

The currency is at its lowest rating since LET 35, as part of a steady slide downwards since the beginning of the year, with contributing factors including the recession in Battlion, as well Radiatia's growing trade deficit - believed to be the largest in the region.

"Radiatian consumers are essentially keeping overseas exporters afloat," Said one economist. "Increasingly the other markets are turning to ours given that we're the only country that looks likely to ride out the recession, given that we're still arguably in the post-communist boom."

The Federal Ministry of Finance are denying that the weaker Tsenyen is bad news.

"The weaker currency makes our exports more competitive - people are slightly more likely to buy Radiatian given that it's become that tiny bit cheaper." Said Prime Minister Soden Larssen - who is also the Federal Minister of Finance.

Despite the shaky overseas situation, Radiatian consumer confidence is still high with most Radiatians blissfully unaware of the international situation.

With most Radiatians looking forward to the arrival of Soden Larssen's promised tax cuts, the service and retail sectors are still functioning well, with Radiatians now ranked the largest consumers in the region.

However the United Democrats and the Workers Party are calling for the government to create a "Buy Radiatian" campaign in order to curb the trade deficit and insulate Radiatia from any adverse international effects.

"Volatile times such as these are the worst possible time for the government to be opening the economy - not that there is ever a good time." Said United Democrats leader and former Finance Minister Nevan Kaspar.

"The government needs to be concentrating on increasing production, not consumption." Said Opposition leader Luther Mikhailov.

So far the Prime Minister has denied that he will be holding a meeting of the Humanitarian League Finance and Economic Development Council.

"The situation isn't as bad as people think. That's the message I give to them. If you keep talking apocalyptically then of course your markets will suffer because you'll destroy business confidence. I will be continuing to open the country to foreign trade and investment, which will benefit not just us but the entire region."

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

ARTS BUDGET TO BE CUT "WITHOUT MERCY"
GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCE "PHASE ONE" OF CONTROVERSIAL SPENDING CUTS

XERCONIA
The government has announced that the Arts budget is to be slashed "without mercy", and that partial privatisation of state broadcaster RPNN is on the agenda.

_{With the 7th Federal Parliament still yet to open, protestors are already up in arms over
proposed cuts to the Arts Budget.}

In a press statement following today's Federal Cabinet meeting on the eve of the opening of the 7th Federal Parliament, Prime Minister Soden Larssen confirmed that the Conservatives will be pressing on with their planned "Cut and Thrust" tactics.

Public sector job losses are expected to come thick and fast, with former employees of the now defunct Federal Ministry of Arts and Media warned that they will soon be "put out in the real world".

Similar job losses are likely for employees of the former Federal Ministry of Revenue - which has been merged with the Federal Ministry of Finance, and for employees of the Federal Ministry of Youth, which has been merged with the Federal Ministry of Ethnic, Language and Tribal Affairs to create the Federal Ministry of Minority Affairs.

"This is all part of creating a smaller, more efficient government as promised," Said the Prime Minister.

However, the Larssen Administration has decided against the planned 'demolition' of the Federal Ministry of Environmental Protection, citing that "it has its uses."

Plans are also afoot for the government to sell its majority stake in state broadcaster RPNN.

"We intend to hold a minority share so that we can reap any profits and back it in hard times, but ultimately the government should not be directing a broadcasting company and to do so reeks of censorship." Said Internal Affairs Minister Bill Alyaha.

Members of the Radiatian Artists Union (RAU) have condemned plans to shut down the Federal Ministry of Arts and Media.

"Mr. Larssen needs to learn that not everything has a monetary value!" Said RAU spokeswoman Eryn Winther. "They're selling our hertiage, our culture, our history! Arts are what make us human... and as it is we're considered the least cultured country in the region!"

However the Prime Minister retorted that "Radiatia has plenty of culture - in fact we have so much of it that countries like Nui-ta are fearing that our culture is dominating theirs! How's that for culture?

"As for the arts budget, well, have you ever dealt with artists? They're insufferable, horrible people! Artists being poor is nature's way of saying 'Either get a real job or hurry up and die'."

Mr. Larssen has thus far refused to retract or issue an apology for his controversial statement.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

NORTH CORPSHIRE PASSES "LAW OF ATTRACTION"
EXPERTS QUESTION THE MENTAL HEALTH OF "THE HIPPY STATE"

SHINARAKKU, NORTH CORPSHIRE
The Greens Party dominated state of North Corpshire has passed a law that makes the metaphysical "law of attraction" an official piece of legislation in the state.

_{The State of North Corpshire has made the metaphysical "law of
attraction" an official piece of legislation in the state}

State Premier Zora Tavish said it was part of her vision to create the "grooviest" state in the Radiatian Federation.

"Basically we wanna get all the negative vibes out of this state man, so we're banning people from thinking negatively, so then they only attract positive good things to our state."

When asked how she planned to punish people who broke the laws, given that the state recently abolished the death penalty and will soon be abolishing prisons, she said "I don't believe in punishments man. We'll just give them some more love, we have lots to go around, man."

However, the Federal Government is set to investigate, given that the "Law of Attraction" could be counted as a religious belief, and thus go against stict federal regulations of religion.

"Given the irrationality of some of the legislation being passed in the state, it is possible that we may have to impeach the Premier based on mental health issues," Said Supreme Court Chief Judge Alexey Zitnik. "At this stage it appears they may be within their constitutional rights but it pends investigation."

And despite the state's lax law and order system, several criminals have still been arrested and executed by federal law enforcement agencies.

North Corpshire is not the first state to attempt to legislate a physical or metaphysical phenomenon - the State of Detzertscha recently 'repealed' the law of gravity, in an attempt to support the Radiatian Space Programme.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

9 SOLDIERS KILLED IN LIVE FIRE EXERCISE
"SORRY, IT'S MY FIRST DAY" SAYS TRAINEE PILOT

ZAMORO PENINSULA, VATFER
9 soldiers have been killed after a military training exercise went wrong at the Zamoro Peninsula Military Camp, the Federal Ministry of Defence has said.

_{A pilot error has resulted in the deaths of 9 soldiers during a live
fire exercise}

While the names of the soldiers have not yet been released, it has been confirmed that the nine soldiers were killed by an AGM which was fired early, during a co-ordinated joint training exercise between the RFA and the RFAF.

The pilot of the plane -a newly developed Arsky Sokol-98 Ground-attack aircraft - claimed he "got nervous and hit the trigger early".

"I didn't mean to kill those people. Gosh, it's my first day." He said. "I'm really embarrassed. I'll certainly do better tomorrow."

The RFAF will not be imposing any punishment on the pilot.

"Well, we all make mistakes," Said Squadron Leader Robert Moser. "I mean hell, if you wanna know about mistakes you should see my ex wife! Anyone? Come on, don't leave me hanging!"

The FMoD has apologised to the families of those killed, and even sent them all a voucher for a free ice cream at Greasy Joe's.

Senior officials within the FMoD have hinted that the pilot could be up for a commendation.

"Okay, so he didn't get his target, but he did kill some people and that's what the military is all about - killing people. Otherwise it's a waste of bombs."

None of the nine dead soldiers were available for comment, due to the fact that they are dead.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

MOUNT KRYSTA ERUPTS
HUGE FEARS OVER EFFECT ON STOCKMARKET. ALSO, PEOPLE MIGHT DIE.

TIMORG, BAHAMATSU
Following weeks of ominous signs, including a boiling lake and several earthquakes, Mount Krysta, near the small town of Timorg, Bahamatsu has erupted.

_{Mount Krysta, near the town of Timorg, Bahamatsu has erupted}

Unconfirmed reports are coming in that the north face of the mountain has collapsed altogether, while residents of the town are being forced to evacuate.

According to experts from the Radiatian Federal Geological Survey, this eruption is "the tip of the ice burg."

"The mountain is just clearing its throat," Said RFGS head Kichirou Marinov. "Once the pyroclastic explosion happens there's no hope. The town will be gone."

"What are the chances for survival in a pyroclastic explosion?"

"Zero. I've sent one of my best scientists up there, and if he's not dead by now he almost definitely will be soon. It's a shame, if I'd known the situtation was this bad I would have sent Dr. Jenkins to investigate - he has a really bad BO problem and no one likes him."

The entire region is on alert, with the volcanic ash cloud likely to suspend air travel west of the Yissell Mountains. The international airports in Das Engel, Radii, Midgard and Hyuganburg have all been closed, and all air travel - including private planes and helicopters - in the western Radiatian Federation is to cease.

Exegrad, Xerconia and Nepschu will not be affected.

The cloud is also likely to affect air travel in Penguinmark, Crata, Poldania, Detectatia, Kingborough and the remnants of Krebolia.

So far Radiatians have indicated that they are mostly anxious about the economic effects.

"I'm not really worried about the volcano. I feel bad for the town, but I'm more worried that it's going to cause a downturn on the Exegrad Stock Exchange." Said one man.

"Sir, you're in Timorg right now. That's the volcano erupting right behind you."

"I'm still not worried. I was planning to kill myself tonight anyway."

President Yerkal Nathus has declared a nationwide state of emergency, while the Radiatian Federal Army have been deployed to Timorg to keep law and order and facilitate in rescue efforts.

However, according to Kichirou Marinov the situation is already too dire for that. "The only law and order they'll be keeping is stopping zombie attacks. They'll be rescuing bodies, not people. If there's anyone still in the town, they're as good as dead."

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

SKODY WINS TANK CONTRACT
RADIATIAN TRUPMAßIIN-2 TO GO INTO MASS PRODUCTION

MIDGARD CITY, MIDGARD
The Federal Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Radiatian Arms Manufacturing company Skody, Inc. has won the valuable 20 billion Tsenyen contract to develop the new TrupmaЪiin-2 Main Battle Tank for use in the Radiatian Federal Army.

Some are calling the new tank "The Pride of the Radiatian Federation", while opponents have already dubbed it "an eyesore".

Skody managed to beat competition from international giants such as Lyras and Yohannes, as well as domestic competition from Bluevaier's proposed "Scorpion Tank".

The TrupmaЪiin-2 is set to replace the original TrupmaЪiin "Lightning Tanks", which were themselves originally produced by Skody during the communist era.

The upgrade of the aging TrupmaЪiins (Pronounced "Troop Machine" and literally meaning "Army Machine") is part and parcel of the government's major military modernisation programme.

The original TrupmaЪiins first appeared in 1980, during the Isthmus War and was at the time one of the fastest tanks ever built, earning it the nickname "The Lightning Tank". The tanks were dubbed "The Defenders of Socialism" and were one of the most feared weapons in the arsenal of the Radiatian People's Socialist Union.

The TrupmaЪiin-2 has been updated with an autoloader system, a more powerful gun, a thicker coating of armour and is also capable of firing guided anti-tank missiles. Despite this, it retains its higher than average speed, and at only 55 tonnes is lighter than the average Main Battle Tank.

Federal Minister of Defence Arkadi Pavlovic said he was "confident" that the new TrupmaЪiin-2 would be able to meet all its targets and be the "best tank in the region".

The FMoD originally considered importing tanks from abroad, but scrapped the idea, citing that foreign tanks would be unlikely to cope as well in Radiatia's harsh climate, whereas a Radiatian tank would be perfectly customised to the needs of the Radiatian Armed Forces.

"I'm proud to award the contract to a Radiatian company. And what can I say? It's a very Radiatian tank. It's very fast, it's very efficient and it's not going to let anyone get in its way."

Critics are also calling it "very Radiatian" but for less complimentary reasons.

"It's very Radiatian alright. You can tell by the fact that it's been designed by someone with no concept of aesthetic beauty." Said stand-up comedian - and former soldier - Martin Kalva.

The order is likely to generate thousands of jobs, with the FMoD placing an order of over 3000 new tanks.

Skody has not yet commented on whether or not the new tank will be available for export, while the FMoD has hinted that it may be selling off the original fleet of TrupmaЪiins.

The new fleet is not due in service until LET 44.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

RADIATIAN MAIL-ORDER BRIDES COMPANY CLOSED DOWN
NEW EVIDENCE OF UNLAWFUL BEHAVIOUR EMERGES

FURASTADT, DIIFGRAO
New evidence has emerged against suspected mafia boss Mykolas Kozlov, prompting an arrest and the immediate shut down of the Radiatian Mail-Order Brides Company.

_{Mykolas Kozlov (pictured)}

Arrests were made following solid new evidence that one of the "brides" being sold was actually a missing girl from Nui-ta, who was identified by Nui-tan authorities.

The girl in question was revealed to be none other than the girlfriend of Nui-tan Prime Minister Evan Isaci, who promptly informed Radiatian Prime Minister Soden Larssen of the girl's identity. The Prime Minister then ordered R-SOD to re-open the investigation into the business.

The Radiatian Mail-Order Brides Company is internationally famous (or, internationally infamous) and the company boasts that it has "sold" thousands of women and young girls into arranged marriages, usually with foreign leaders or businessmen, often fetching prices of over a million Tsenyens.

The government is divided over the issue, with cabinet ministers giving different views and statements.

Maynard Yordanov, the Federal Minister of Law and Order said that he was "disappointed" in the company and hoped it wouldn't affect similar business types. "I actually bought my wife from them. I'm really shocked that they were selling kidnapped people."

However Margot Kunkle, the outspoken and religiously fanatic Federal Minister of Minority Affairs had harsher words. "I should hope this is a lesson to all similar companies. What you are doing is degrading to women, in many cases degrading to immigrants and is very very immoral. Marriage is sacred, not something to be bought and sold."

Meanwhile, Opposition MPs have had a field day with the news. Workers Party MP Matko Protz commented that "It is hilarious to see the Conservatives torn between their desire to appear strict on law and order, and their desire to protect businesses. The arguments we're seeing in the Federal Cabinet only go to show how unprincipled this government is."

The government has not yet confirmed whether it will be attempting to track down the girls sold through the company or not.

Meanwhile Mykolas Kozlov faces up to 40 years in prison if found guilty.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

ALIVE!
RESCUERS PULL VOLCANO SURVIVOR TO SAFETY

TIMORG, BAHAMATSU
Civil Defence and the RFA have announced that they found a woman trapped alive in the abandoned mines near Timorg, Bahamatsu, following the eruption of Mt Krysta.

_{Smoke and ash continues to flow from Mount Krysta, three days after the eruption}

With lava still oozing from the crater of Mount Krysta, the confirmed death toll from the Mount Krysta volcano now stands at 93 with a further 33 people still missing.

Rescuers from the RFA's 243rd Engineer Battalion confirmed that they found the woman, who was none other than the town's mayor Melina Forst.

Forst has reportedly been trapped in the mine, along with the decreased Dr. Harry Royce of the Radiatian Federal Geological Survey for three days, during which time she had been forced to eat his flesh in order to survive.

"Harry told me to do that before he died," She said tearfully. "He said it was the only way to survive and he was right."

Rescuers found Forst after the discovery of an Extremely Low Frequency transmission emitted by some of Dr. Royce's equipment.

Forst related that the bridge out of town had collapsed just before they were able to leave the town, and had chosen to escape the pyroclastic flow by hiding in the mine. However, Dr. Harry Royce was killed shortly after the blast by falling rocks.

Ground searching is to continue, although Lieutenant Kole Hargrave of the RFA, who is heading the search and rescue team, says he doubt they will be this lucky again.

"As the days go on the chances of finding more survivors becomes less and less likely. Eventually we're going to get to that horrible point where it becomes inefficient to continue searching."

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

RADIATIA TO CHANGE NATIONAL ANTHEM
CONTRACT FOR NEW ANTHEM TO BE OFFERED TO PRIVATE SECTOR

XERCONIA
The Federal Politburo has passed a bill which confirms that the Radiatian Federation will be adopting a new national anthem.

_{Could "Radiatia - F*** Yeah!" become our new national anthem?}

The bill, which was introduced in the Federal Council and then amended in the Federal Parliament, will see the government offer a 2 million Tsenyen contract to a private "individual, group or corporation" who can provide an "appropriate, patriotic and catchy" national anthem.

"It's not that the old anthem is bad," Said Federal Council Chairperson Taisiya Pearce. "But I can't help but feel 'The Communist Song' no longer represents the ideals of a modern Radiatia..."

Although the song "Glöreiac to Ra‡ija‡ija" ("Radiatia's Glory") has been used as an unofficial national anthem since the fall of communism, it has been revealed that 9 out of 10 Radiatians don't know the words to it, and only 4 out of 10 know the tune.

"The current song is slow, depressing... and it says nothing about who we are as a nation. Frankly it makes me feel almost ashamed. It's a depressing song and it's the result of government committees getting involved." Said Pearce.

Prime Minister Soden Larssen agreed. "We have a great music industry in this country, so why not let the private sector get in on this? We'll run this on a contractual basis. We want a modern sound, and a modern anthem for a modern country."

The brief for the new anthem is that it must be "catchy, patriotic, have a faster and more exciting tune and have lyrics that are simple enough for even the stupidest of Radiatians to remember. And it must have lyrics describing all the things that make this country great."

The leading contender for a new anthem is the rock song "Radiatia - F*** Yeah!", which has been designed to simply list words like "Communism" and "Das Engel" as well as names of major corporations while singing the slogan "Radiatia - F*** Yeah!".

"It's all about branding and brand awareness. The national anthem is how you market yourself to your people and the world, and I believe Radiatia - F*** Yeah is a slogan we can all get behind." Said a spokesperson for the Really Big Evil Corporation (R-BEC) who are pushing for the song to become the national anthem.

The song is already proving popular, even amongst Radiatia's many uneducated people.

"I likes it!" Said Ted Krejec, a farmer from Diatara. "Them words is all easy to remember an I now remember the name o' what country I's is from. Now I's is gonna decorate my house with Radiatian flags, and get rid of all them Detectatia flags I put up from when I done forgot what country I was from last week."

Other possible entries include "Radiatia Can!" and "Radiatia - Better than Tuthina!".

[OOC: Yes this is just America - F*** Yeah with the lyrics rewritten about Radiatia]

Radiatia...
Radiatia...
Radiatia, F*** YEAH!
Coming again, to save the mother f***ing day yeah,
Radiatia, F*** YEAH!
Freedom is the only way yeah,
Terrorists your game is through cause now you have to answer to,
Radiatia, F*** YEAH!
So lick my butt, and suck on my balls,
Radiatia, F*** YEAH!
What you going to do when we come for you now?

It’s the dream that we all share; it’s the hope for tomorrow

F*** YEAH!

Bluevaier, F*** YEAH!
R-BEC, F*** YEAH!
Exegrad, F*** YEAH!
Football, F*** YEAH!
The RFA, F***, YEAH!
Greasy Joe's, F*** YEAH!
Efficiency, F*** YEAH!
Communists, F*** YEAH!

F*** YEAH!

Atheists, F*** YEAH!
FHS, F*** YEAH!
Porno, F*** YEAH!
Oligarchs, F*** YEAH!
Deserts, F** YEAH!
Bull & Schitt, F*** YEAH!
Tundra, F*** YEAH!
Pollution, F*** YEAH!
Petrolium, F*** YEAH!
EDEBC (F*** yeah, F*** yeah)

Democracy, F*** YEAH!
No women's rights, F*** YEAH!
Obesity, F*** YEAH!
Warheads, F*** YEAH!
Das Engel, F*** YEAH!
Retail, F*** YEAH!
Polaris, F*** YEAH!
The Overland, F*** YEAH!
Bureaucrats, F*** YEAH!
Conservatives (f*** yeah, f*** yeah)
Workers Party
Smog

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

UFO SIGHTINGS IN SASKENYA
RFAF "CAN NEITHER CONFIRM NOR DENY" IF LEGITIMATE

KYUNUU, SASKENYA
Residents of Kyunuu, Saskenya have said that they saw an unidentified flying object, the second time in a month that such an observation has been reported in the area.

_{Factory worker Martin Simeonov believes he has photographed a UFO}

The sighting was witnessed by several people on the city's main street at around lunch time, including the city's police chief.

"It was this thing, shaped like a diamond, with green lights on the side." Said Police Chief Edmund Brozic. "It came just above the tops of buildings, directly over Main Street, just sweeping down. And then it left. It wasn't a plane or a helicoptor and I have never seen anything move that fast."

Mia Crewe, who was walking with her baby said she noticed something huge fly over here. "It wasn't an optical illusion. The thing was right there. I thought it was a plane about to crash, and then it went away."

Martin Simeonov, a factory worker, claims he managed to snap a picture of the object as it flew towards the city. "This is my second UFO sighting, and ever since the first time I always have my phone's camera on hand to get a picture. I want to prove that this is real."

Reports from across the city also include the detection of a sonic boom.

"Something definitely broke the sound barrier, and it wasn't one of our planes." Said Irvin Newman, an air traffic controller at Kyunuu Domestic Airport.

The RFAF - who have a base near the city - have stated that the sonic boom was caused by one of their fighter jets on a training exercise and that they did not detect anything unusual on their radars.

"Needless to say, I don't want to rule anything out," Said Group Commander Daniel Hopper. "I can't confirm or deny if there really was a UFO. I know some of the boys in the Group have seen some weird things out there. We all have. But we don't have any solid evidence for the sightings, so I'm afraid the skeptic in me wins this round."

Kyunuu is the state capital of Saskenya and has a population of around 90,000 people.

- UFO DAILY

[Radiatia]

HIROSHI VODOTEL CONFIRMED AS PRESIDENT
FORMER PRESIDENTIAL GUARD BECOMES PRESIDENT

XERCONIA, FCT
The Federal Council has appointed RSEF Brigadier and former Presidential Guard Hiroshi Vodotel as the next President of the Radiatian Federation.

_{RSEF Brigadier Hiroshi Vodotel has been confirmed as the next President}

Vodotel will be officially sworn in as President in the next few days, following a state farewell for incumbent President Yerkal Nathus.

Vodotel said he was "slightly dumbstruck" after Yerkal Nathus asked him to be his successor.

"I knew that I had been considered for the role, but no way did I think he was going to choose me. It's, well, it's still sinking in to be honest."

Vodotel said the more he thought about the role, the more he felt confident that he could make a positive contribution to the nation.

"I believe in this nation. I believe that we have a fighting spirit, that we are determined, and that we will uphold values such as freedom and human rights, simply because we have had to fight so hard to gain them for ourselves. We know what oppression is like, and we know how to break free, and defend ourselves and others from that same oppression."

Yerkal Nathus says that the decision to select Hiroshi Vodotel as his successor came from none other than Exalted Citizen Traiyan Silviu.

"I have every confidence in him," Said Nathus. "And the fact that Hiroshi Vodotel is endorsed by a hero like Traiyan Silviu speaks volumes about the character of the man."

Prime Minister Soden Larssen and Opposition Leader Luther Mikhailov both paid tribute to Hiroshi Vodotel.

"I believe that a man like Hiroshi Vodotel is exactly the sort of person we need as President in this day and age." Said the Prime Minister. "Someone who is unbiased, but who will also bring efficiency and military discipline to the job."

"I believe that the Federal Council, and Yerkal Nathus, have made the right choice." Said Luther Mikhailov.

Hiroshi Vodotel spent most of his life in the Armed Forces, and was one of the commanding officers of the pro-democracy forces during the civil war. He was offered the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, but turned the position down to serve as a mercenary for ten years, before returning to the RSEF in LET 30.

Vodotel was selected from a list of potential Presidents that included Commander-General Oleksiy Romanov and former Prime Minister Lena Toriah.

The Federal Council unanimously voted him in as President this afternoon.

There is to be a state farewell for President Yerkal Nathus, followed by the inauguration of Hiroshi Vodotel, who is to move into Level 101 next week.

Traiyan Silviu has announced that he will be attending both events, while the government have announced they are considering inviting other Humanitarian League heads of state to attend.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

NATIONAL SECURITY ACT PASSES FIRST READING
CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS ACCUSE GOVERNMENT OF "EMPIRE-BUILDING"

XERCONIA, FCT
The controversial National Security Act has today passed its first reading in the Federal Parliament. The bill will completely reorganise Radiatia's Armed Forces, and create Unified Combatant Commands in an attempt to end inter-service rivalry.

_{The controversial National Security Act - which aims to reorganise the defence forces - has passed its first reading}

The bill has received strong opposition - including from the government's main coalition partner, the NLP, who opposed the bill on the grounds of the cost to taxpayers. The National Security Act may well see defence expenditure rise to 50% of the federal government's budget.

Civil rights activists also accused the government of trying to 'build an empire'.

"This isn't about modernising our defence forces! This is about creating an attack force!" Said one activist.

Many pacifist and civil rights groups highlighted plans for "strategic regional commands" - which activists are calling akin to "military imperialism".

The bill also caused controversy when an initial draft proposed that non-military personnel be excluded from being selected for the office of President. The government has since removed the clause.

The bill does however strip the President of direct command of the armed forces, and place it in the hands of the Federal Cabinet instead - giving the Federal Minister of Defence and the Prime Minister more power to directly command the military.

"I stand by this bill," Said Defence Minister Arkadi Pavlovic. "It increases the efficiency of our defence forces, it addresses fundamental problems with it, and it actually makes our military more democratic by giving parliament increased control over the military."

Civil rights groups have vowed to fight the bill "through every stage of its passage".

The bill was passed with support from the United Democrats, Radiatian Destiny Party and Communist Party.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

JENERI NAZUMI DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER
FORMER PRIME MINISTER REVEALS HE IS UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY

EDDINGTON, XEGFAUSE
Former Prime Minister Jeneri Nazumi has revealed that he is undergoing chemotherapy, after being diagnosed with skin cancer.

_{Former PM Jeneri Nazumi has been diagnosed with skin cancer}

The revelation came shortly after the inauguration of President Hiroshi Vodotel, where Nazumi was seen as the ceremony visibly in poor health.

"For the most part I chose to keep it private. But I suppose it was inevitable that the news would leak out," He said, keeping a smile on his face despite the news.

Jeneri Nazumi led the first - and thus far only - Workers Party government, from LET 18 until LET 26, making him the longest serving Prime Minister.

Since then he has lived in semi-retirement in his ranch in Xegfause, near the small village of Eddington.

"I don't know why I have cancer, and I don't like to speculate. It is what it is." He said, although he added his theories. "I do spend a lot of time out in the sun these days, so that could be it. Or it could be pollution. Who knows?"

Cancer is by far the largest killer in the Radiatian Federation, with 49% of deaths in the country being attributed to the disease.

Nazumi's doctors say he has a 50/50 chance of the chemotherapy being successful.

Prime Minister Soden Larssen says he was "shocked" to hear the news, and said that he wished for Nazumi's full recovery.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

NORTH CORPSHIRE BANS NUCLEAR POWER
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THREATENS VETO

SHINARAKKU, NORTH CORPSHIRE
The State of North Corpshire has enacted legislation to ban nuclear power - causing an uproar from the federal government.

_{The State of North Corpshire has banned nuclear power, triggering a row with the federal government}

The Nuclear Power Abolishment Act was passed by the North Corpshire State Legislature with a two vote majority, and signed into law by the state's increasingly controversial Premier, Zora Tavish.

"Nuclear power is dangerous man, and I want this state to be all about nature," She said.

North Corpshire is said to be the most environmentally friendly state in the Radiatian Federation, and has earned the nickname "The Hippy State".

However, the state's decisions are not sitting well with the federal government, who are threatening to overturn the law using rare constitutional powers.

"North Corpshire contains several large nuclear power stations, and shutting them down could plunge us into an energy crisis," Said Federal Minister of Energy, Takahiro Daskalov. "At this point the federal government may have to veto the legislation on the grounds of it negatively impacting other states in the federation."

However opposition groups have siezed on the government's plans to veto, and accused them of turning their back on state sovereignty.

"This is a party who have talked non stop about state rights and about the federal government strangling the rights of the states, and now they're hypocritical enough to do something which will directly interfere in the legislation of a state!" Said Opposition Leader Luther Mikhailov.

The constitution does grant the federal government the power to overturn laws made by state governments, although so far no government has chosen to exercise this power before.

The Prime Minister was not available for comment.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

RADIATIAN SCIENTISTS INVENT "TORTURE PILL"
CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS CALL FOR ITS IMMEDIATE BAN

KUREI, TCHORT
Scientists at Tchort State University have controversially developed a torture drug.

_{Scientists have invented a controversial torture pill}

The drug, which was tested on a convicted criminal after years of animal testing, apparently triggers all pain receptors in the body at once, causing the victim so much agony that eventually it kills them.

"I've created a monster," Said the project's chief scientist, Dr. Jonatan Larenz. "I wish I could say I'm proud of this but... what have I done?"

Civil rights activists staged a large protest outside of the university, while the opposition is urging the government to ban the pill.

"This violates every code of ethics ever written," Said Opposition Leader Luther Mikhailov. "Animal testing? Torturing someone to death for science? The project should have been scrapped a long time ago, and the results of the experiment should be destroyed and the pill banned. I implore the government to do so."

The Greens Party were even more damning.

"Considering how much talent we clearly have in our scientific community, why are our scientists not working on cures for diseases or hunger?" Said Greens Leader Lukas Matic. "Instead we constantly work on bombs, guns, killing machines and ways to harm people. This is absolutely disgusting."

The Federal Ministry of Defence, and R-SOD have both issued statements categorically denying that they funded the project.

Federal Minister of Law and Order Maynard Yordanov declined to comment when asked if the pill would be used on convicted criminals.

The government have not yet confirmed whether or not they will ban the pill, however several backbench Conservative MPs have indicated that they would vote in favour of a bill banning the pill, if put forward by the opposition.

The Workers Party, Greens, United Democrats and Communist Party have all vowed that they intend to ban the pill, and Luther Mikhailov has stated he is drafting a private members bill regarding it.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

RADIATIA AND NUI-TA TO HOLD JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE
"NUI-RA" WAR GAMES TO BE LARGEST JOINT MILITARY DRILL IN NOCTUR HISTORY

MIZNEO, GYANBERK
Radiatia and Nui-ta have confirmed that they will be holding the largest joint military exercise in Noctur history, an exercise codenamed as "Nui-Ra".

_{A Radiatian soldier (left) with a Nui-tan soldier (right) as they prepare for the joint exercise}

More than 200,000 troops from all branches of both nations are to take part in the exercises, which will last for 10 days across three theaters of operation. The RFA and the Nui-tan Army will both be excercising in the Radiatian State of Gyanberk, along with the RFAF and Nui-tan Air Force.

The RFSF and Nui-tan Navy will be conducting operations off the coast of Nui-ta, while the RSEF and Nui-tan Elite Corps will be embarking on a training mission in the jungles of Hephazi, Nui-ta, an area known as "Restricted Biome H".

The main focus of the war games will actually be region-wide defence, with the Radiatian Federation and Nui-ta both ranking as having the best equipped defence forces in the region.

"In the past military strategy has focussed on nations within Noctur, and of conflicts within the region," Said Radiatian Defence Minister Arkadi Pavlovic. "However these days we need to band together in order to ensure we aren't threatened by greater and more hostile powers from beyond the region."

The Nui-Ra exercises are being held on the anniversary of the Nui-ta-Radiatia Free Trade and Defence Pact which was signed 5 years ago and has seen the two nations become very close allies. The Federal Ministry of Defence has repotedly requested of the Nui-tan government that Restricted Biome H be made available in future for RSEF training purposes.

In Radiatia, Nui-tan troops will be given the opportunity to use Radiatian equipment, including Radiatian Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) during the exercises in Gyanberk.

Likewise, aging RFSF Frigates are to be used as target practice for the Nui-tan Air Force and Navy.

The Nui-Ra games are not the only war games planned by the Radiatian Federation, with the government planning to involve other nations in future joint military exercises.

The government has suggested the formation of the Noctur Defence Treaty Organisation to replace the increasingly defunct Humanitarian League Council of Defence, with the government hoping to involve itself in similar joint exercises with other allies such as ArghNeedAName, Poldania, Aazeronia and Detectatia.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

CONTROVERSIAL HEALTHCARE REFORMS GIVEN GREEN LIGHT
OPPOSITION ACCUSES GOVERNMENT OF ATTEMPTING TO PRIVATISE FHS

XERCONIA, FCT
The controverisal "Healthcare and Funding Bill" has today passed its first reading in the Federal Parliament, following an extended debate.

_{Federal Minister of Health, Tony Randall, has denied that the government intends to privatise the FHS}

The bill passed its first reading 440 votes to 321, with the Radiatian Destiny Party choosing to abstain.

The Conservatives and the NLP were the only parties to support the bill, which the Workers Party referred to as a "covert attempt to privatise the Federal Health Service."

The bill has two main clauses. The first is the creation of a wholly private health insurance and healthcare provider, to be named the "Radiatian Private Healthcare Providers, or RPHP. The RPHP is designed as a means of creating competition for the FHS, and allowing citizens who can afford to, or who have private health insurance, to be able to skip the long waiting lines.

"The constitution guarantees the right to free healthcare, and yet by having a single, government run health service we are seeing people dying while on waiting lists," Said Federal Minister of Health, Tony Randall.

The second - and more controversial clause - which was added into the bill by the NLP as part of their confidence and supply agreement, was that the FHS would no longer be a single-payer healthcare system, with a new compulsory health insurance scheme to be introduced to replace the FHS tax.

Likewise, the FHS would no longer be regulated directly by the Federal Ministry of Health, but would be run by competing private companies under a federal government voucher system, much the same way that military procurement works.

It is this which has drawn criticism from the opposition, with Workers Party MP Atamas Huemi saying that the bill "will only benefit corporations and oligarchs, at the expense of everybody else."

Likewise, United Democrats MP Adelle Ruskin - the previous Federal Minister of Health - called the bill "utterly illogical."

"Healthcare is not a fungible good. Competition cannot assure quality, because you can't create true market competition in the industry. That's why it needs to remain a government-owned monopoly."

The opposition have also referred to the Prime Minister's controversial statements that he made in LET 32, when he said that the FHS would be "gone by lunchtime" if he was elected.

When he appeared on a breakfast talk show, Prime Minister Soden Larssen deflected questions regarding his comments and said that the bill "was not a privatisation of the FHS. Simply a modernisation to get it out of the hands of bureaucrats and into the business of actually providing healthcare."

The Radiatian Medical Association has expressed "grave doubts" about the planned reforms and has stated that it will not rule out protesting against the legislation should "significant amendments" not be made.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

RADIATIA COMMISSIONS FIFTH AIRCRAFT CARRIER
RFS DERRO VAHNSEHN PUTS RFSF EN ROUTE TO BEING A BLUE WATER NAVY

KIKEN, CHONGLUNTZ
The Radiatian Federal Sea Force has commissioned its fifth nuclear powered aircraft carrier, in a ceremony in southwestern Chongluntz.

_{Derro Vahnsehn walks aboard his namesake at the commissioning ceremony.}

Radiatia's newest aircraft carrier, CVN-5 has been christened the RFS Derro Vahnsehn, and puts the Radiatian Federal Sea Force another step closer to achieving its blue-water navy ambitions.

The carrier is over 330m long, weighs over 101,000 long tons and is to have a crew of over 5000 people. It is the second of Radiatia's new Traiyan Silviu-class nuclear powered supercarriers. The ship was built by Fukuyama Shipwrights, based in Kiken, Chongluntz.

Five other Traiyan Silviu-class supercarriers are scheduled for delivery over the next few years, as part of the "Ten Carriers in Ten Years" plan begun by United Democrats Defence Minister Feodor Schindler.

As with seemingly all aspects of Derro Vahnsehn's life, the aircraft carrier has already attracted controversy - with Shadow Minister of Defence Leon Peyton criticising the RFSF for choosing to name the ship after Derro Vahnsehn.

"To name a ship after someone who is currently a member of parliament will surely create some sort of political bias," Said Peyton. "Furthermore, Derro Vahnsehn had no connections to the navy, and he's someone who has been controversial for all the wrong reasons."

However, an RFSF spokesperson said that Vahnsehn's parliamentary career as leader of the far right Radiatian Destiny Party had no bearing on the decision to name the carrier after him - rather the decision was based on Vahnsehn's term as President between LET 26 and LET 31.

"We're sticking with a Presidents theme. The last one was named after Traiyan Silviu. This one is being named after Derro Vahnsehn." Said the spokesperson, who revealed that the next carrier, CVN-6, is being tentatively titled the "RFS Yerkal Nathus".

Many people have come forward supporting the choice of name.

"The name suits it perfectly," Said one man, who was present at the ceremony. "It's a big machine designed to kill foreigners - I mean, if that doesn't sound like Derro Vahnsehn to you, I don't know what does!"

"I have no problem with the ship's name," Said Defence Minister Arkadi Pavlovic at the commissioning ceremony. "I can't help but feel that it will strike fear into the hearts of our enemies should they find out that Derro Vahnsehn has been sighted off shore!"

Derro Vahnsehn himself was present to give the ship's first orders, "Man her up and bring her to life."

Mr. Vahnsehn said it was an "absolute honour" to have the aircraft carrier named after him.

"It will be nice to know that even when I die, I will live on via this ship and continue to defend our federation from attack."

The former President's boost in media exposure has not however managed to boost the ratings of his Radiatian Destiny Party - with the party now trailing on a record low 2% of public support - below the Greens who are on 3%.

Polls show that if an election were held today, the Radiatian Destiny Party would be unlikely to gain a single seat.

In other news, the Federal Minister of Health, Tony Randall, has stated that he "welcomes" the views of the Faransian government on the government's proposed healthcare reforms. "We will be receiving submissions on the bill shortly and I strongly advice those in Faransia who have strong views on the bill to put their thoughts forward for consideration."

The Minister has stated that the government "will not go into these reforms lightly" and has pledged that he plans to "listen to everyone and be as democratic as possible about this."

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

LARSSEN: ONE YEAR ON:
THE BIG MAN STILL POPULAR IN FACE OF FRACTURED OPPOSITION

EDITORIAL
Polls show that 51% of voters approve of the government, as they end their first year in office.

_{Polls show Soden Larssen remains popular after his first year in office}

The government have retained the edge over the opposition in polls, despite a series of controversial issues, including the decision to privatise the RPNN, the controversial healthcare reforms and the infamous U-turn on plans to open the economy to free trade.

The Conservative Party sits on 51% of public support, the Workers Party on 30%, and the United Democrats on 15%, while the NLP, the Greens and the Radiatian Destiny Party have 2%, 1.5% and 1% support respectively, while only 0.5% of people approve of the once-mighty Communist Party.

The results show that the Tories would be looking at a second term if an election were to be held now - however they would need to guard against losing support to the Workers Party or United Democrats, who could still form a threatening coalition.

Soden Larssen's personal popularity appears to be the key factor in the ratings - with 65% of people preferring him as Prime Minister. Opposition Leader Luther Mikhailov has been almost entirely unable to gain traction on the PM, at only 6% of public support, while the shadow of Lena Toriah hovers over Radiatian politics, with 10% of voters indicating they wished for her to return as Prime Minister, despite her retirement from politics.

However while Mr. Larssen himself is popular, and his party is relatively popular, his coalition partners the NLP could face annihilation if their dismal poll ratings continue.

"I voted for the NLP in the state and federal elections," Said Jeffry Barlow, a restaurant owner from southern Alayenia. "They called themselves 'liberal' so I thought they'd be a moderating force on the Tories. Instead they're more right-wing than the Conservatives - in fact they're actually Libertarians which is another word for Anarchists!"

Indeed approval among most minor parties is low, with the Greens, Communists and Radiatian Destiny Party all marginalised at less than 5% of public support, while 48% of Radiatians polled now say they would support scrapping MMP and switching to a First Past the Post voting system.

Meanwhile, Soden Larssen said that he attributes his support to his government's focus "on issues which really matter to Radiatians - issues like taxation and the economy."

However political scientist Dr. Boris Kahler warns that Soden Larssen is at risk of "creating a cult of personality".

"Soden Larssen is a lot like Lena Toriah. Both leaders relied almost exclusively on their personal popularity to see their parties through to election. Toriah relied on sex appeal and the perception that she was a strong leader.

"Mr. Larssen has contrasted himself with Toriah by appearing to be an every man, even though he's one of the richest men in the country. He lets people in to his private life, he appears on talk shows... he's very present in the mainstream media, and portrays himself as being much more affable and open than his more confrontational predecessor."

Dr. Kahler believes that Mr. Larssen has managed to partially avoid Mrs. Toriah's mistake of being too dominating in the cabinet - which contributed to her downfall.

"While both leaders have a cult of personality, Mr. Larssen has made it clear that it's a team effort, and has allowed his ministers to flourish in their own right. Whereas few of Lena Toriah's ministers had any exposure, and if they did it was only to take the fall for Mrs. Toriah."

Dr. Kahler said that Defence Minister Arkadi Pavlovic and Foreign Affairs Minister Gregori Fyoderov are both clearly the 'rising stars' of the Conservative Party and believes that one of them will take the party leadership in the post-Larssen future.

"Arkadi Pavlovic has been clever," Said Dr. Kahler. "While the Military Modernisation Programme was begun under his predecessor, he has managed to take credit for it, being present every time a new tank, plane or aircraft carrier is launched. Increasingly the Military Modernisation Programme is likely to become one of the defining points of the Larssen Government - which is likely making the United Democrats turn in their political graves.

"Likewise even though some have accused Gregori Fyoderov of U-Turning on the promised "Sunshine Policy", I think Radiatians are seeing him as being someone who is able to take a stand and hold his ground against the rest of the world. He definitely has leadership potential."

Many Radiatians apparently view the lack of organised opposition as another reason to support the Tories.

"I don't really like the Tories but I can't think who else to vote for," Said Katri Richardson, a teacher from Mendovium. "Luther Mikhailov and the Workers Party don't seem sensible enough to govern, and I no longer trust the United Democrats. So the Conservatives are the lesser of the many evils at the moment."

The full results of the polls are below:

Party:	Support:
Conservatives	51%
Workers Party	30%
United Democrats	15%
NLP	2%
Greens	1.5%
Radiatian Destiny Party	1%
Communists	0.5%

Preferred Prime Minister:	Approval Rating:
Soden Larssen	65%
Lena Toriah	10%
Luther Mikhailov	6%
Derro Vahnsehn	4%
Nevan Kaspar	3%
Ronald Herzlos	3%
Lukas Matic	2%
Kenzie Essart	1%

[Radiatia]

65 YEAR OLD WOMAN DRAFTED INTO MILITARY
QUESTIONS RAISED OVER "UNEMPLOYMENT DRAFT"

VENYA, TUVEA
Questions have been raised over the "Unemployment Draft" after a 65 year old woman from Tuvea found herself conscripted into the RFA.

_{A 65 year woman was accidentally drafted into the RFA after erroneously filing for
unemployment rather than the old-age pension}

Evelina Dunst reportedly got the "fright of her life" when a group of burly military men arrived at her house last week to escort her to the recruitment centre.

"Apparently it was because I had been out of a job for two months," She said. "But I didn't realise that you had to work while you're retired. I quit my job after my knee operation, so I'm very confused about all this."

A spokesperson from the Federal Ministry of Social Welfare stated that Mrs. Dunst had reportedly filed for federal assistance two months ago, and because she has not informed them of having found work since then has been drafted into the military, as is standard procedure.

Mrs. Dunst says she thought that that was where she was meant to file for her old age pension.

"I was told it to go to the Ministry of Social Welfare, but I'm confused. There's a Federal Ministry of Social Welfare as well as a Tuvea State Ministry of Social Welfare... I don't know which is which."

A spokesperson from the RFA said that while he understood that Mrs. Dunst had filed for unemployment welfare erroneously, it would not excuse her from having to serve 18 months military service.

"We're bureaucrats. We don't make the rules, we just enforce them." He said. "I'm sorry that this has happened but regulations are regulations and I for one am not willing to break what is clearly stated in Regulation 4826 Paragraph C, Section Four. She'll have to serve."

The government have announced that they will be reviewing the unemployment draft law, which was brought in under the previous United Democrats government.

"It definitely needs some tweaking to stop things like this happening," Said Federal Minister of Social Welfare, Iva Espenson. "It's still fundamentally a good idea, we just need to tighten the loopholes. Or perhaps step in to ensure that no one over the age of 60 is put on the front lines."

"It's nothing short of stupid," Said Opposition Leader Luther Mikhailov. "I have said that from day one. We don't need the unemployment draft, we don't need our excessive military. What we need is for the money we waste on the military to go towards ensuring that people like Mrs. Dunst are well looked after in their retirement."

Mrs. Dunst said she is annoyed about having to spend her retirement serving in the military but is "willing to do what it takes to defend our socialist utopia from imperialist and capitalist infiltration."

When we informed her that Radiatia has been capitalist for the last 25 years, she promptly fainted, causing her to fail her medical exam.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

RORY SCHMITZ ROLLS NEVAN KASPAR AS UNITED DEMOCRATS LEADER
PROMISES TO "RETURN THE PARTY TO ITS ROOTS" AFTER LEADERSHIP COUP

XERCONIA, FCT
44 year old MP Rory Schmitz has defeated Nevan Kaspar in a secret ballot to determine the leadership of the United Democrats, making him the new party leader.

_{Rory Schmitz has ousted incumbent United Democrats leader Nevan Kaspar.}

Schmitz siezed the party leadership off the former Finance Minister, who has seen the former governing party slide into irrelevance since the resignation of former PM Lena Toriah.

The United Democrats have been hanging on for dear life in the polls, at just 15% - despite being at 51% approval two years ago.

The majority of United Democrats MPs voted for Schmitz in a secret ballot this morning, although the vote count has not been revealed.

Schmitz has stated that he intends to rebuild the party, and return it to its roots as a moderate, centrist party.

"I intend to make the United Democrats a party of unity and democracy once again," He said in a press statement outside Xerconia Castle. "There has been a sense that the party has drifted too far towards the political left, with some international commentators even calling us a centre-left party.

"This is not true at all. The United Democrats will work constructively with the Workers Party and/or the Conservative Party, in order to ensure that future governments remain rooted to the political centre."

Schmitz has announced a major reshuffle, and has cleared the party of the last vestiges of the Toriah Government, by condeming her former cabinet ministers, including Nevan Kaspar, to the backbenches.

Only former Defence Minister Feodor Schindler remains on the party front bench, having gained the portfolio of party spokesman on foreign affairs.

Rory Schmitz says he is a "Non-radical centrist" who entered politics to combat corruption in the government, and to reverse Radiatia's regression into authoritarianism, which was occuring under Derro Vahnsehn and Kurt Demodand at the time.

Nevan Kaspar has given no statement on his ousting.

The United Democrats have been plagued by divisions over the previous few years, including the momentous schism that formed the New Liberal Party.

Nevan Kaspar ousted former leader and Prime Minister Lena Toriah in LET 38, which many attribute to the demise of the United Democrats government.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

RFA DISPERSES FOOTBALL HOOLIGANS
CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS CRITICISE "HEAVY-HANDED" RESPONSE

DAS ENGEL, AMENTRA
The Radiatian Federal Army has been called in to disperse riots, following a football game between Das Engel and their arch-rivals Exegrad United.

_{The RFA has been deployed to disperse a football riot in Das Engel}

The RFA reportedly used an audio weapon called "The Scream" to break up the riots. The sound emitted from the weapon reportedly caused rioters to fall to their knees, suffering from nausea, while tear gas was also used. The RFA were reportedly given orders to "open fire if necessary", however there have thus far been no reported casualties.

Although thousands of police officers were on hand near Enfield Stadium, where the game was being played, hooligans quickly overwhelmed the DEPED, who used water cannons and rubber bullets to attempt to disperse the crowd.

The violence began when a group of several thousand Das Engel fans crossed paths with a group of around 2000 Exegrad United fans. A number of people were reportedly stabbed, while vehicles were overturned and shops broken into.

As the violence began to spread to other parts of the city, including suburban areas, Das Engel mayor Samson Royle requested that the RFA be deployed to the city to keep order.

At 10pm, President Hiroshi Vodotel announced that the city of Das Engel was to be placed under martial law, as an armoured division of the RFA entered the city, with tanks blocking major roads and military checkpoints set up.

Over 150 people were hospitalised, many of them with stab wounds, although many were suffering from the effects of tear gas and the audio weapon.

Prime Minister Soden Larssen - who owns shares in Exegrad United - flew over the city by helicopter and described it as "like being in a war zone".

Civil rights activists have critised the use of the RFA to disperse rioters as being "heavy-handed", and condemned the use of experimental weaponry.

"While it's important to maintain order, I don't think that there was any need to bring in the army, or threaten hooligans with tanks and rifles." Said one commentator, who admitted that he was "not in the city at the time of the riots".

Despite the clashes, the game ended in a 2-2 draw between Das Engel and Exegrad United, which puts them at second and third place respectively on the RFL table. Polaris remains at the top of the table.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

RADIATIA, POLDANIA SIGN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
NOCTUR'S "G2" TAKES A GIANT LEAP FORWARD WITH LANDMARK TRADE DEAL

VERDONA, POLDANIA
Radiatia and Poldania have entered into an historic free trade agreement, one which will inject billions of dollars into both economies.

_{Radiatia and Poldania have entered into an
historic free trade agreement}

The deal, which was signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Gregori Fyoderov, and Poldanian Secretary of State Maia Duchamp in the Poldanian capital of Verdona, will see Noctur's two largest economies have greater access to one another, with improved economic co-operation.

The deal was signed in front of Radiatian President Hiroshi Vodotel and Poldanian President Jordan Calmes.

"This is a great day for Radiatia-Poldanian relations," Said Vodotel. "It will see our friendly relationship become closer and deliver tangible benefits to both countries. Furthermore, it will underpin regional stability now that the two largest economies are officially co-operating."

The deal will see the removal of 35% of tarriffs immediately upon implementation, with 96% of tarriffs to be abolished by the year LET 50.

Poldania is currently Radiatia's fourth largest trading partner, with somewhere in the region of $500 billion Universal Standard Dollars worth of trade conducted between the two economic giants each year. For Radiatia it will be the largest and most lucrative FTA since the one signed with Nui-ta in LET 34.

At the moment, the Radiatia has very strict regulations on foreign companies wishing to set up shop in the federation, and slaps a 30% tarriff on all Poldanian exports. Likewise, Radiatian exports are also hit with trade barriers of 10-30% with some unable to enter the Poldanian market altogether.

However, the trade deal recognises the complimentary nature of the two economies - with Poldania's economy being mostly service and merchant based, compared with the manufacturing and resource based economy of the Radiatian Federation.

Likewise, it represents co-operation between two groups within the region, with Poldania representing the developed, Humanitarian League nations and the Radiatian Federation representing Noctur's emerging markets and non-HL nations.

The trade agreement has been criticised by the United Democrats, Radiatian Destiny Party and Greens, however the Workers Party have "tentatively" lent their support to the agreement, which has been strongly backed by the Conservatives and the NLP.

President Hiroshi Vodotel was notably relunctant to ratify the agreement, opting to wait for approval from the Federal Council.

This morning the Federal Council voted 21-15 in favour of the agreement, thus ratifying it. The first stage comes into force in October.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

RADIATIA WELCOMES ITS 37th STATE
ELDURA IS PROCLAIMED 37th STATE OF THE RADIATIAN FEDERATION

KRIGA, ELDURA
President Hiroshi Vodotel has formally proclaimed Eldura as the 37th state of the Radiatian Federation.

_{Eldura has officially become Radiatia's 37th state}

Eldura, a group of islands in the arctic ocean, located roughly equidistant between Polaris and Penguinmark, was officially welcomed into the federation at a ceremony in the capital city of Kriga, which was attended by the President and the Prime Minister.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now Radiatians." Said Kärtsy Nepula, the state's first elected Premier, as he received confirmation from Xerconia.

Nepula, a Conservative, was elected as Premier not long after the results of referendum were announced as being more than two-thirds in favour of joining the Radiatian Federation.

Despite the official pomp and ceremony occuring at the new state capitol (which was previously the Thane's palace), it is business as usual for most Elduran residents.

The President wished the new state "prosperity" and closer ties to the other 36 states in the federation.

"I am sure that Eldura will make the Radiatian Federation a greater and stronger nation than ever before."

Prime Minister Soden Larssen pledged that the federal government will act to modernise Eldura, and to "ensure that Eldurans enjoy the same economic prosperity and high standard of living as the mainland states."

Eldura has a population of around 1.3 million people, making it slightly more populous than the State of Tchort, while its land mass is slightly larger than the State of Midgard. It will be the second smallest state in land mass, and ranked 29th in population. Currently there are more Eldurans living in Exegrad than in Eldura, with over 2 million Eldurans living in Radiatia's largest city and a million more living in the country due to the relaxation of visa requirements for Eldurans under the Nazumi Government in LET 20.

Eldura was a protectorate of the Radiatian Federation, and has been occupied by the RFA since the Arctic War, when Eldura attempted to invade Polaris. The last Thane (king) of Eldura was executed in Xerconia in LET 15.

This is the third time a referendum has been held on the possibility of statehood, with the first two being defeated. However, following Radiatia's major economic and military rise, a new, younger generation of Eldurans has emerged to tip the balance in favour of joining the federation.

"We pretty much are Radiatians already," Said Vanja Seppänen, who recently returned to Kriga after living in Exegrad for 8 years. "We're just one of many cultures within it, like the Drachenese and the Alayenians. Except we're not allowed to vote or use the FHS. Becoming a state will be the best thing we could do for ourselves."

Eldura's statehood will add one seat to the Federal Council, increasing it to 37 seats, and will add two seats to the Federal Parliament, increasing it to 812 seats. The state has elected a Conservative Premier, as well as one Conservative and one Workers Party MP.

- RPNN

[Radiatia]

'SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS BREACH OF PRIVACY' SAY CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS

EXEGRAD, ALAYENIA
Civil rights groups are mounting pressure on Exegrad Mayor Adalwin Monday to dismantle the mass surveillance system (MSS) used by the Exegrad Metropolitan Police Force, following concerns over breaches of privacy.

_{Exegrad's Mass Surveillance System has come under fire}

"It's disgusting how 25 years after communism we still have Big Brother watching us," Said Exegrad resident Ryou Thorsen, who began a campaign against the Mass Surveillance System after her brother was caught and arrested for doing heroin in a public toilet, having been exposed on a surveillance camera. "There's a line between security and perversion, and this is well and truly the latter! We have cameras in the toilets in this city for god's sake!"

The MSS was designed and built by the communist regime and the infrastructure exists in every major city. However, following the fall of communism most muncipal governments dismantled the system, which had previously been used to spy on suspected dissidents or political enemies.

However, in LET 29 Conservative Mayor Adalwin Monday was elected, and made the controversial decision to reinstate the MSS, giving the Metropolitan Police permission to use it for crime solving purposes.

The MSS has been branded by opponents as "totalitarian" and "unnecessary" throughout its time, however supporters have pointed to Exegrad's unusually low crime rates as proof of the system's effectiveness.

"I think enough is enough," Said Marjana Cvetkov, a city councillor for the Greens Party. "People deserve the right to privacy. We've fought for our freedom, and privacy is one important aspect of freedom."

Cvetkov has found an unlikely ally in the NLP, with NLP city councillor Adam Krastev stating that the MSS "interferes in the individuals right to a self determined and private lifestyle."

Exegrad Metropolitan Police Chief Commission Alexsandr Novorod said that he was aware of the concerns of the anti-MSS groups.

"I overheard one of their meetings via one of the bugs in their building, and I can understand their point of view." He said. "However the fact is that we cannot effectively fight crime without being able to see and hear all parts of the city, even if it does mean that have a Surveillance Team on hand who... often... watch.... attractive young ladies in the shower.... ohhh.... yeah.... sorry what was I talking about?"

Mayor Monday, who was recently re-elected for an historic fourth term as mayor, stated that he will not at any point be abandoning the system.

"If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear." He said. "Crime shot up after the fall of communism, and it was because we abandoned this system. Since we brought it back we have had extremely low crime rates. I dare you to find me a city of 20 million people with crime rates as low as in Exegrad."

- RPNN