Den Konstitution - A Reliable Newspaper from Luziyca

[Luziyca]

Funeral for the 19 people killed in the Veran Hus School Shooting

Pallbearers escorting coffin of Ruzica Erben to the cemetery

YERMAL, SPRESI - Today, at 11 am, the funeral service for the 19 victims of the Veran Hus school shooting (7 staff members, and 12 children) was held at St. Paul's Cathedral. Around 7,500 people attended, many related to those who were killed or wounded in this senseless terrorist attack, but prominent figures as well, such as Governor Matt Desislav of Spresi, President Breuvi Shjoraski, leader of the official opposition Sera Svensson, and director of Luztrak, Sergei Bandi, as well as the Pope, Stephan V.

The funeral of the victims were closed casket due to the damage that have been sustained. The Pope led the service, saying "In the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, the Holy Father asks God, our Father, to console all those who mourn and to sustain the entire community with the spiritual strength which triumphs over violence by the power of forgiveness, hope and reconciling love," and saying prayers. A choir sang traditional hymns, before eulogies were given by the parents of the victims.

Svetlana Sedlak said in her eulogy that "My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic, and then we can let our children rest in peace."

A slideshow was then shown, showing "happy times" of those who have perished in the attacks and then once this slideshow was concluded, bagpipes were played. Following the end of the ceremony, the caskets were escorted to the cemetery with honor guards from the state and municipal police departments walking alongside the caskets.

The State Police has said that "Vyapari has been buried in an unmarked grave somewhere in the state," and says that "many of the children were shot multiple times, about ten to fifteen times, and we are still investigating."

In other news

• Greenwich - Suspected gunmen from Francilie arrested at customs at Greenwich Airport
• Tiankong - Martial law imposed in Pidao region.
• Columbion - Threat, or not?
• Namor - Economists analyze whether Karshev's could fare well to the east

[Luziyca]

EU to suspend membership of the Ocelot Isles

Headquarters of the Esquarian Union

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Today, the Esquarian Commission, comprised of the top bureaucrats of the Esquarian Union have decided that "due to the coup d'etat that occurred within the Ocelot Isles, it is in the interests of the union to suspend the membership of the Ocelotian Isles until such time as a democratic government with the associated institutions is restored."

The Pavon news agency reported that "Generalissimo," Alexei Spalin said "It was I, along with the many people who helped made this possible, that orchestrated a new revolution in the country's history." He only permitted PAI and news sources like The Constitution to report on this coup, while domestic news sources and those opposed to him were shot.

Already, it is generating shockwaves, with President Mattheu Azurite of Pavonistade had condemned the coup, stating that "the Ocelotian people had neither consented to a coup nor to a military junta."
Secretary Alfhild Amandus of the Department of Foreign Affairs said that "this coup is unacceptable and is counter to the values of freedom and democracy."

The Luziycan delegate to the Esquarian Commission, Jennifer Molander said that "we are quite concerned with this coup d'etat, and the efforts of this 'generalissimo' to execute members of the foreign government. It is unacceptable for a nation, especially a fellow member that left one of the most trusted members to suppress democracy in such a brutal and totalitarian fashion."

In essence, the Ocelot Isles will be unable to vote in Congress (though a non-voting delegate, like an observer is permitted), nor take part in Esquarian Commission meetings. They may appeal to the Supreme Court regarding this decision, and they can still participate in the Greenwich Area, although nations in the EU can treat suspended members as other foreign nationals. In addition, they will not be permitted to participate in the free trade area.

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Greonterp - People make right decision in Leeuwarden, choose to stay with Luziyca
• Sandhelm - Truck crash in Eastern Sandhelm
• Columbion - Troops to be quadrupled
• Fenhang Dao - Avalanche kills six people near Hashi-Li

[Luziyca]

Luziyca to give ₤2.5 billion to the National Transitional Council

Flag of the NTC of Qianrong

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Ten days after President Breuvi Shjoraski sent an offer, Shjoraski responded by authorizing the transfer of ₤2.5 billion to the National Transitional Council, the maximum amount that was presented in the communique to help rebuild Qianrongese infrastructure. However, the National Transitional Council has refused the offer of Luziycan observers.

The release read "Luziyca had sworn to defend Qianrong against such threats, and had signed treaties to that effect. Breuvi Shjoraski told Song Li-Chao that Luziyca would honor this obligation, in person. However, Luziyca's government broke its word. The Luziycan betrayal has resulted in hundreds of civilians being murdered by the ASQ, imperiling the safety of all Qianrongese civilians. The ASQ has destroyed Qianrongese infrastructure, assaulted historical and cultural areas, and conducted a terror campaign against all sectors of Qianrongese society. As Luziyca did nothing, Qianrongese civilians lost their parents, siblings, spouses, and children to the hands of the ASQ. Legally obligated to stop the ASQ's ruthless terror campaign, Luziyca made no move to assist until it was clear that Qianrong was looking to more trustworthy nations."

It then requested that Luziyca give the Qianrongese the maximum amount presented in the communique sent to the National Transitional Council, before rejecting the offer of observers to monitor elections, with the explanation that went "The Qianrongese government is perfectly capable of doing what must be done, and is undoubtedly more qualified to do so than Luziyca," and feared that Qianrong would become the next Ocidenia.

Breuvi Shjoraski said that "As much as I felt disappointed by them rejecting the observers, I am not surprised. We stood by idly, and did not do much. We are to blame for our inaction, and we hope that this grant of ₤2.5 billion shall help start us off on the long road to recovery.

In other news

• Ocelot Isles - Ocelot Isles leave EU, Esquarian Commission declares this action "an invalid move by an illegal government"
• West Cedarbrook - Languages and corruption
• Namor - Following announcement of Karshev's, competitors eye Namorese market greedily
• Opinion - Luziycan is a global language, like it or not.

[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

[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

[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

[Luziyca]

Oldest mayor seeks joint investigation into Vulan incident

Mayor Boris Soyka of Lana (b. 1919)

LANA, PUSTINIA - Today, the Mayor of Lana, Boris Soyka, who served from 1952 to 1992 as Mayor of Lana, and then again since 2000 after the retirement of Mayor Madeline Smith who served as Mayor during the Third Namo-Luziycan War, has sent a letter to the mayor (or Namorese equivalent thereof) of the town of Vulan, proposing that a joint investigation be done between the two municipalities regarding the Vulan Incident, and that "if needed, I shall forward it to the state and district levels, and even up to the federal levels."

Boris Soyka said, "I have unfinished business, things I need to die before I pass on. I need to start a joint-investigation into the causes of the Vulan Incident, not because it looks good to the rest of the world, but because it is a good thing and a sign that our two nations are co-operating. It needs to be very thorough, and I expect that I think that both of us will be at fault for this whole mess: I don't think it can just be satisfied with just an investigation of the incident itself, but rather, it should involve the build-up."

The Luziycan report made by the then-Attorney General reported that the Luziycan troops accidentally headed into Vulan, and that there were "dozens of border police" in the area around Vulan, and that they fired first. However, Soyka and many insisted that "we shot first: first the blanks, then the live bullets at the Namorese." In contrast, Namor says that the incident was intentional.

Soyka said that "I think that at the time, we felt the Luziycan investigation was right, but I think the truth is probably somewhere in between those two falsehoods. We need to work together for a joint-investigation, so we can close that chapter in our history."

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Pavonistade - Operation Isamo begins, despite Pavons demanding that they take a "lead role to liberate the islands"
• Vestmarck - Luziycan Armed Forces to protect the island
• Kraq - Riots against the EU result in Karshev's suspending operations of the last of their stores in Ragobad
• Greonterp - Greonterp seeks to be more influential in Esquarium: it ain't gonna happen

[Luziyca]

Houter-Eskrau connection nearing completion, Esquarian Union to permit Geadland to participate in the Greenwich Area

Desert Wind near Makar, 1995

HOUTER, WEST GEADLAND - The Desert Wind will soon have service and a continuation to Eskrau next month, making it Luztrak's second connection to Geadland, besides the Linden extension from Vesterhag to Sofjastad in 1982. Currently, the only passenger line entering Geadland is the Linden, going from Semrov along the coast of the Sprska Sea, and going through Bethlehem towards Vesterhag, and ending in Sofjastad.

Sergei Bandi explained that "the completion of this missing link to Geadland will help make our network be one of the more efficient rail networks in the region, since passengers wishing to head towards Eskrau by train no longer will need to transfer to a Geadish train from Sofjastad: in particular, passengers heading from Katranjiev can now head straight up north to Geadland, enabling people to potentially head from the southern coast of Katranjiev to Geadland in a few days. I really hope that when the line is completed, cross-border service can begin and we can help make it possible to get to Desislav from Eskrau."

However, due to a requirement for an agreement to relax the border controls, Vice-President Nikolai Serhoskav (due to Shjoraski being in Tuthina) says that "I think that it is in the best interests of both Geadland and this free nation to end border controls between our two nations, and for Geadland to participate in the Greenwich Area, like nations such as Syldavia, Katranjiev, and Scotia to name some nations within our immediate area. We will be willing to let Geadland relax its border controls to a standard that pleases both of us, of course."

In spite of this, Secretary Kumbai Sosnaseen of the Department of Transport said that "an idea to solve this problem, at least for now, is to permit preclearance: all passengers who board with a ticket to go to Luziyca or Geadland must go through customs before boarding the train, with the ideal areas being Houter and Fingrries for Geadish and Luziycan pre-clearance stations."

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Inleda - Karshev's subsidiaries: Elda, Unica, and Glodmargaid to receive new logos for "consistent branding"
• Greonterp - Government joins in the mass intervention against the Ocelot Isles
• Atlantica - Terrible decision made: minimum wage to be raised
• Opinion - Why the train will never replace the automobile

[Luziyca]

(assume he came back today from the summit)

The electoral season begins!

The Bethlehem National Arena

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - This is a traditional hallmark marking the start of the electoral campaign: the Whig National Convention to select a Presidential candidate. Today, 21,500 delegates from the Whig Party, including 36 governors or leaders of official opposition and 2,150 super-delegates headed to the National Arena in Bethlehem to select the candidate for the Presidency in the 2015 Presidential election.

There was only a single contender in the Whig primary: incumbent President and party leader Breuvi Shjoraski, and as a result, he has been chosen to be the party leader and candidate for this upcoming general election as Presidential candidate. In addition, they have confirmed the Congressmen who are to campaign.

"My fellow Luziycans," Shjoraski announced after he was elected. "For the past four years, I have served as one of the greatest leaders of the freest nation within Esquarium. During my presidency, I have helped make this economy stronger, and I have helped ensure that Luziyca continues to play a significant role on the global stage. I kept a close eye on this nation, and while I have achieved a lot, it is clear that work must be done; for us to be ever-vigilant so we can continue to be the freest nation in Esquarium. I shall do my very best to ensure that this great nation shall continue to prosper, and play a positive role on the global stage."

Following Shjoraski's address, the First Lady, Caroline Shjoraski spoke, "It has been an honor to serve as a First Lady in a time where Esquarium shifted from a world where the world-view of communism vs. liberty exists to one of such intricate complexity that it is difficult to tell who is whom. Our nation has improved ties with Namor, with our fellow members in the Esquarian Union, and with much of the rest of Esquarium. We may have had some failures, like when we failed to join NOSDO a few times, but I feel that one day, NOSDO will be ready for us to join and contribute. In regards to this great party, I have witnessed it serve the people very well, especially during my husband's tenure, and I feel confident that it can continue to do so. Thank you!"

After these addresses, Nikolai Serhoskav proclaimed that "To quote the late and beloved President Phoebe Wilhelm, this is going to be the Luziycan century. She has proven herself right, and I feel extremely confident that Luziyca will remain influential in Esquarium for a long time." He has been confirmed to be Shjoraski's running mate.

In other news

• Ocelot Isles - Ocelot Isles to fall, Operation Isamo
• Greonterp - Anti-war protests break out in Boswald
• Michillies - Why the anti-monarchy act should be repealed
• Oteki - Christian Party wins majority of seats in elections for government-in-exile, leftist groups consider separating

[Luziyca]

Mission Accomplished!

President Kyu Tenshi of Hachishima

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Following the announcement of the fall of the Ocelot Isles, Presidents Breuvi Shjoraski of Luziyca and Kyu Tenshi of the Associated Free State of Hachishima released a joint announcement, proclaiming that "Operation Isamo has succeeded far beyond our expectations, and that we have managed to end without delay a tyrannical and oppressive regime and bring back freedom and democracy." It also stated that Operation Isamo will be transformed to Operation Antei (Operation Stability in Hachishiman).

The joint press release stated that "our lads have helped the Pavons and Scotians end the oppressive junta within the Ocelot Isles without delay, and it is the actions of our four nations: Scotia, Pavonistade, Luziyca, and of course, Bleckonia, that helped restore the God-given human rights that the population of the Ocelot Isles had prior to this coup. The operation (Operation Isamo) was to assist the Pavons significantly, and it has succeeded far beyond our expectations in removing a tyrannical and oppressive regime without delay."

"Now that we have deposed this tyrannical and oppressive regime," the press release noted, "an issue is who will police the islanders, who will manage with waste collection, the fire department, the hospitals, et cetera. Thus, we shall transform Operation Isamo to Operation Antei, to help stabilize these islands and prevent a Fourth War between the Ocelot Islands and Pavonistade, and to ensure that it becomes a prosperous state, whether it becomes an Associated Free State, an integral part of Pavonistade, or even, although unlikely, a sovereign and independent state within the Esquarian Union."

"However," the release concluded, "we feel that it is best to leave it to the Pavons to decide whether we should help assist to rebuild these islands and restore them, or for them to do it themselves."

With the announcement of victory, Pavon expats in Luziyca have celebrated, with many demanding that Pavonistade reincorporate those islands back into Pavonistade. And indeed, with victory, the Esquarian Union has plans to "examine and determine whether it is the best time for the membership of the Ocelot Isles to be restored."

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Esquarian Union - Ocelot Isles: we need to examine to determine if this is the "best time"
• Oteki - Mikhail Shumev and Natasha Roman join the Otekian National Coalition
• Greonterp - Anti-war protests in Boswald
• Opinion - Can we please not mudsling?

[Luziyca]

The "Letter of Millions" signed by countless officials
BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Geadish and Qianrongese people have over the past few days been signing what has come to be known as the "Letter of Millions." Signed by a hundred Geads and about a thousand Qianrongese, this letter's release has been met with a strong reaction within Luziyca.

The "Letter of Millions" reads as follows:

To Your Excellency, the President-General of the People's Republic of Namor,

We, the undersigned, write this letter to you to petition for a fairer treatment of the Otekian people. We hope that our concerns are also heeded by the government of the People's Republic, and by the Namorese people.

Firstly, we must state with emphasis that we condemn all violent and cruel actions that have been carried out in the name of Otekian separatism. We condemn any group that condones, assists or carries out atrocities to this end. We condemn any attempt to establish an Otekian state that is neither free nor democratic. It is understandable that the Namorese government has had to make difficult moral decisions when dealing with the threats posed by such groups. Nevertheless, it is important that certain rights are respected at all times.

We recognise that many Otekian people consider themselves to be a nation with a separate identity to the Namorese nation, and that they should have a right to self-determination. We say this in the interest of democracy. After all, it is not democratic if a nation is forced to endure a domestic government that its citizens do not want to have in the long run. For the same reason, we believe that no nation should be forced to remain part of another country if its citizens do not, in the long run, wish to remain part of it.

All of us below have many varied political convictions, but we all have a common belief that freedom of speech is inalienable. We therefore are united opposing all Namorese laws and policies, including the Anti-Secession Law, that prevent Otekian separatists from operating peacefully within a democratic system. We deplore the fact that some Otekians have been harassed or punished for stating their views. This includes Manya Valerija and Csedomir Pantejmonov. It also includes many others who did not make the headlines.

We further criticise government policies in Namor that have worked to undermine the national identity of the Otekian people. These have permitted and (in some cases) encouraged a large influx of outsider Namorese into the region, leaving people who identify themselves with the Otekian nation as a minority in their own homeland. Doing so has complicated the dispute and made it impossible to solve with a simple referendum. Other government policies have also targeted the culture and religion of the Otekian people. No democracy should exert this type of compulsion on any citizens.

We call for the government to listen to the genuine grievances of the Otekian people and to implement policies that better respect their human rights.

We wish your nation a free, peaceful and prosperous future.

Upon release, there has been a strong reaction: today, Chief Executives Kung Alicia of Nantai and Embla Borghild of Inleda, Governors Mitt Drugov of Gijirokastra, Diana Schmidt of Samaria, Lily Krovseen of Rutland, Nisyev Rasheed of Kashui, Adam Shudrov of Upper York, Hugo Glasov of Lower York, Sergei Hintonov of Trelawney, Justin Krovich of Southern Luziyca, William Makar of Lazar, Simon Kristenseen of Bethlehem, and Ted Vorokovich of Pustinia have signed this Letter of Millions. Also, Vice-President Nikolai Serhoskav has signed.

In addition, Pope Stephan V has signed, as well as 150 congressmen, 35 prominent CEOs including the CEO of Karshev's and PNK, about 3,500 Luziycan celebrities, and 1,500 state officials.

However, Mikhail Shumev, Natasha Roman, Valeriy Anisim, Yorskov Lhego, and Kolya Vitalik from the Otekian diaspora, as well as many prominent Otekian celebrities and CEOs within society, with many in the Otekian diaspora endorsing the letter, but highly doubts that much will change in Oteki.

In other news

• Lyonsland - King diagnosed with cancer
• West Cedarbrook - United as One campaign begins
• Pavonistade - Two referenda to be held in Pavonistade and Ocelot Isles regarding reunification
• Jerusalem - Liberal primary to occur this Saturday

[Luziyca]

Opinion: The Liberator? More like the Lieberator.

Sun Nicholas, a model

HIHANG, NANTAI - When I do not model in Gijirokastra or other major cities, I live in Hihang with my family, all Kannei Namorese in an old home, and I help my family out. And in recent days, the "Letter of Millions" has gotten the attention of many people within the region, and Namor ignored it. Thus, as I await for Namorese New Year, I've decided to contribute my 10c to rebut the lies that the Lieberator, the best generator of conspiracy theories everywhere had made regarding their response to the letter.

"Time is running out for the forces sympathetic towards Otekian independence," the Liberator writes. "Txotai's been in the embrace of the People's Republic for decades now - Breuvi Chikmurdof is but the past, the Knights have been disbanded, the 'government-in-exile' is split in two, and the exiles living outside of Namor (we're talking about the generation of exiles who fled overseas when the rebellion was pacified) realize that there's a huge possibility they are going to die exiles. To them, this is definitely worrying, and they've tried every single tactic to steal Namorese territory - from bombing to putting up a crybaby show in front of the world for PR reasons - and yet here they are, not only unable to break into Namor, but broken themselves. They're so desperate, they're so worried...that they write a letter."

Yeah. The language right there seems downright unprofessional: sure, they have explained what has happened from the perspective of the Namorese, but they use the term 'crybaby.' It sounds quite childish, if you ask me, but I am not some pedantic person, so I shall move on to what they have to say.

"So about this letter - it was first seen on Geadland's National Daily Post," they continue, "[a]nd was titled 'An Open Letter to the President of Namor: Regarding Namorese policy towards the Otekian people.' Apparently the letter mentioned that it does not condone separatist extremism, but alleges that Namor is responsible for a bunch of nasty things in post-rebellion Txotai, including the deprivation of certain rights from certain Otekians and doing things to destroy their culture. The letter urged President-General Fu to revisit the government's policy towards Otekian people (if there even is any) and concluded with signatures from a hundred or so Geadish individuals - some of them were religious clerics, others were ethnic Luziycans living in Geadland, while others are just people we never heard of."

This is ridiculous. They seem to doubt that the claims of the Otekians, the people who have already and will sign it are true, and they claim that there is no policy against Otekians: just because there is no formal policy doesn't mean that de-facto, Otekians would be treated equally. I have a feeling that it isn't all paradise that the Liberator is portraying it as. Moving on.

"It shouldn't be a big deal," they state, "considering there were many attempts by separatists and pro-separatists to write petitions and letters aimed at pressuring the government to stop doing something it never was. We at The Liberator initially declined to comment on this because we understand how babyish this is (some things are just not worth publicizing, as every journalist knows). But in the end we decided to, mainly because this letter managed to gain a significant number of signatures from two countries that historically have poor relations with Namor - Luziyca and Qianrong."

For God's sake: seriously? They deny the fact that demographic manipulation is going on in Oteki? Yeah, and Arnborg is the least racist state in all of Esquarium: oh wait. They are not. And demographic manipulation (which is when a bunch of well-educated people flee a conqueror, so the conquerors decide to encourage their own people to move to the homes and take the jobs they left behind, and ultimately make the conquered people a minority) is in fact, happening in Oteki. I know Simon Bloom can explain this better than I, but it certainly is happening.

The Liberator continues, "Not to mention Radio Free Qianrong (RFQ)'s recent attempt at mocking Namorese media's practice of putting quotation marks around certain words to express illegitimacy, which is merely an act of nagging Namo and, indirectly, someone in Namor to respond to this supposed public phenomenon that's gained steam over the past few hours. We realized that if PTH doesn't comment on this issue (and they certainly have the ethics not to because of, again, how immature this issue has become), someone from this country has to. And it's going to be us."
Okay, what does this have to do with the Letter of Millions? Is it something unrelated so to deliberately discredit Qianrongese people? Also, they claim that it is a "supposed public phenomenon" and that it is immature: I know for a fact that it is real, because I know Otekians outside of Oteki, who had fled from their homeland. I know it because across the West, people have been adding their signatures to the Letter.

They then show their take on the letter: "Basically, we think this letter is yet another publicity campaign, a smear offensive carried out by nosey-parker social (in)justice warriors who on the surface may seem they want to bring about change, but in reality they just want attention and tears running down the cheeks of deluded people."

Nosey-parker social injustice warriors? A smear offensive? Are you sure that they do not want to, I don't know, face the truth that is in Oteki? Then they show a picture showing where Radio Free Qianrong forgets to place the "Namorese government" in quotes, and tries to use it to discredit them. I think that it is a possible typo: I know from time to time when I read this very newspaper, I've seen typos, some more horrific than others.

"This paper can point out several flaws in the letter itself," the reporters of falsehood declare, "[t]he letter says that 'it is not democratic if a nation is forced to endure a domestic government that its citizens do not want to have in the long run.' This is by no means a false statement, but one flaw we just can't not point out is that there's no evidence (besides testimonies from exiles in their eighties or over) that ethnic Otekians - let alone any other ethnic minority group - don't like the administration of the Txotai Autonomous Republic. In the NMR 2355 Txotai referendum which paved the way for Txotai to become an autonomous republic, 82.3% of Otekians who took part voted 'yes' in favor of Txotai becoming the autonomous republic it is today. And overall, 67.4% of referendum voters voted in favor of an autonomous republic. The referendum was commended by many governments (including Geadland where this letter originated from), and naturally the separatists weren't happy because they benefit from the image of an undemocratic Namorese administration. "

It may be fair, and they may have given autonomy, but a third did not vote in favor of becoming an autonomous republic. I highly suspect many of them were Namorese, and I feel the referenda in Pavonistade and the Ocelot Isles will be the same: rigged at worse, and biased at best.

But of course, the Lieberator reporters are at it: "The letter said 'many Otekian people consider themselves to be a nation with a separate identity to the Namorese nation.' That's not untrue - many Otekians living outside of Namor consider themselves to be this hypothetical 'Otekian nation,' and that's nearly 3-4 million people. But it's a one-sided truth - it's implying that every Otekian, including the 5 million Otekians living in Txotai or other places in Namor, don't consider themselves Namorese or favor independence. Once again, this is another dangerous generalization the separatists want to impose on world opinion - the generalization of all or most Otekians being supportive of separation. It's not true, and at most this is just an one-sided allegation one should study carefully before reaching a conclusion."
Oh for goodness sake. That is ridiculous. Many does not mean all or most, it means at least a plurality, and I am quite certain that this is an attempt to discredit all Otekians. I know Inledans who consider themselves an Inledan nation, Lombardians who do the same, despite them being in Luziyca. But implying that all people identify as Namorese, whether Kannei or not within Namor is false: it is one-sided as well. They are quite hypocritical there.

"The letter went on and said 'We further criticise government policies in Namor that have worked to undermine the national identity of the Otekian people...No democracy should exert this type of compulsion on any citizens.' It basically criticized the influx of non-Otekians into the Txotai region, which did happen," the Lieberator stated. "Except this happened in the rest of northern Namor, too," it continues. "As part of Gelai Antelope's 'Northern Development' plan, the government encouraged people down south to move north and do business there. This plan had nothing but economic motives, it wasn't some sinister conspiracy intended on intimidating ethnic minorities demographically. If it was, people would have moved into Txotai only - not Thalassa, not Arra (which was dominated by Kannei before the plan was initiated, by the way) - just Txotai, so the ethnic Otekian population would be clearly targeted and they would clearly know it. If the government did mean to diminish Otekians demographically, they would've done so on a smaller scale. No government ever overuses its own resources to accomplish something which could've been done with a few resources."

So this is a side effect of the plan? Possibly. However, maybe they decided to encourage people to move to Thalassa and Arra so to distract the rest of the world from the influx of Otekians, so they can be targetted. And while I'm glad the Liberator did admit that non-Otekians moved to Oteki, it seems that this strategy played a role in demographic manipulation.

"It's implied in the letter that such a movement of people from one place to another is unwarranted and illegal," that paper said, "but considering how most countries (except for some obvious ones) recognize Txotai as Namorese territory, people are allowed to move from one place to another. It's not like the government suddenly encouraged people to pack their bags, leave Namor and settle in...Chorea? Well, that's how the letter's portraying the situation as - a country sending its own people to move and dominate another country. Absurdity at its finest."

The thing is, Oteki was a sovereign state in the 20th century, from 1901 to 1950, and from 1966 to 1970. Prior to 1720, it was part of the Duchy of York, which is Luziycan: the people have their own unique culture like Katranjians, they have their own cuisine and identity, and during their independence, they had a strong nation-state which was prosperous until the Great Depression hit: had it remained sovereign, Oteki may have recovered and today be a thriving nation. It may have been a product of war, but Luziyca was a product of war: a war of unification in the 1860s. Does that mean we have no right to sovereignty?

"'We call for the government to listen to the genuine grievances of the Otekian people and to implement policies that better respect their human rights,'" the Lieberator reports. "Good news for the letter - Otekians make up around 70% of legislatures in prefectures of Txotai that are dominated by ethnic Otekians. Like all ethnic Otekians in Namor who bear Namorese citizenship, they are allowed to vote, run for office, and not only that, receive benefits they're entitled to as ethnic minorities (virtually everything a truly occupied population can't do). Kannei be envy, but Otekians' medical care costs are covered almost entirely by the government regardless of where the clinics they visit are. Some might say the benefits minority groups get are ridiculous, but if they were taken away another letter would've probably been written. It's one of these damned if you do, damned if you don't situations that one has to cope with from time to time."

Propaganda portraying that life for Otekians in Namor is like paradise. Their medical costs are covered by the government, they can vote, run for office, yadda yadda yadda, but if I worked at say, a job where I get luxurious benefits like healthcare insurance that pays for everything, full meals every day (breakfast, lunch and dinner), but only earn a penny per hour and get treated as a slave, am I really treated nicely? Not at all.

"And did the letter say 'human rights?' Funny how they say that considering all Namorese citizens are entitled to all basic human rights written on the book; in fact, more rights than some of the countries whose people signed the letter," they report. "Another note - it wasn't Namor that burned people at the stake as a form of capital punishment. Oh wait, that's not a human rights violation as it seems...."
Implying that all people who criticize the human rights violations in Oteki want people to be burnt at the stake. To quote the "Letter of Millions," "We condemn any group that condones, assists or carries out atrocities to this end." This includes burning people at the stake that was done both in Luziyca and Oteki in the past, but no longer is done now. The Liberator is really hellbent on discrediting the complaints of many people.

Now, we need to see what the Lieberators want to do with this letter. Do they want it to be spread and inform the President-Gener... not at all.

"Trash it, throw it away, light it up with a match...there's a billion things we can do about this 'Letter of Millions,'" that paper remarks. "But in some superhero comics, the protagonist cannot kill the antagonist because if he does, the antagonist wins because his point is proven. This is the situation we're having right now and here - if we discard the letter or ignore it, the separatists win because they're going to go all around and call us out for being 'afraid' of facing them head-on."

Well, if that's the way you roll, don't be surprised when all of a sudden, people demanding devomax manage to protest and demand maximum autonomy from Namor.

They continue: "But our point brought up in the very beginning of this editorial remains - why should we give this letter so much publicity? It's yet another publicity stunt that PTH rightfully didn't bring up in its headlines news because of its absurd motives. We're giving the separatists attention by giving attention to this letter, and if we give attention to this letter others will give attention to this letter, and the infection continues. And not before long, an issue that shouldn't really be so important is being regurgitated in a debate contest comprised of preschoolers."

Seriously? You don't consider human rights important? Do you consider an issue that has been smoldering for decades with the occasional flare-up unimportant? I feel that if even if it bites you in the arse, you will ensure that you recover Oteki, like how you want to take Nantai, against the wishes of the people here in my region. And for Nushen's sake, if your preschoolers debate politics, I feel you may be brainwashing them.

It gets closer to the end: "The letter appears to be popular - but it's far from it. Most of the signatories are from the very few countries that still have relations with the so-called government-in-exile and have piss-poor relations with our country. In essence, it's a campaign belonging to a campaign that is led by our ideological enemies. We wouldn't be surprised if everyone in Luziyca (500 million people) and Qianrong (65 million people) signed this letter - it'll still be a 'letter of millions' on the surface."

Except, remember, this letter has originated in Geadland. It's about as far as you can get from an ideological enemy but also not a full ally either. This is really unsustainable, and to claim that everyone who signs it is against Namor itself is like saying that everyone who hates Luziyca hates freedom: it is foolish to insist on that.

"President-General Fu most likely threw the letter into the trash can, if he even saw the letter. Well, we did, and here's what we have to say - Keep Calm and Carry On."

And that will be what we shall do: we will keep calm and carry on with our campaign, so even if it never reaches Fu Wen's desk, it will be enough to force Namo to at the very least think about what they are doing.

To quote the Lieberator for one last time: "Thus ends this editorial."

In other news

• Vestmark - Toxic waste dumped into Northern Sea, Inleda to monitor the coast
• Dhomland - Same-sex marriage to be outlawed?
• Arkiasis - Vesperia's independence referendum approved
• Greonterp - Anna Sorensen to become PM tomorrow

[Luziyca]

A gyp is rightfully slain by a saintly Lombardian!

Schiavo Padyatri at St. Sara's Church, 2014 (right)

FIRENZE, LOMBARDIA - In a gated community in Firenze's suburbs, 17 year old gypsy boy Schiavo Padyatri was shot dead by the neighborhood watch coordinator in the gated community of "Collina Albero" (One Tree Hill), 49-year old Adalrico D'Arpino.

Yesterday, at 7:25 pm local time, Adalrico saw Schiavo Padyatri walking from a convenience store and called the Firenze Police Department, explaining that "We've had some break-ins in my neighborhood, and there's a real suspicious guy." He described the male as a "five foot eleven inch guy who looks like a gyp, and is up to no good at all, like a subhuman, and has a black hoodie. He's looking at houses and appears to be carrying a weapon." D'Arpino then informs the dispatcher that Schiavo is running and pointed the direction: afterwards, the dispatcher told him to not run, but D'Arpino says, "it is my duty to stop him, for they always get away with it." The call ends there.

At 7:29 pm, gunshots rung out, and at 7:31 pm, the Firenze Police Department arrived. D'Arpino was questioned for five hours, but was released this morning due to proof that he was defending against himself. However, some witnesses questioned the account presented by Adalrico D'Arpino.

"I was waiting for my daughter's friend to be picked up by her mother," explained Tarsilla Ianni, resident at Collina Albero. "Suddenly, I see a car crash into another: we live across where relatives of Padyatri live, his grandparents on his father's side, and I saw Adalrico D'Arpino step out, and force the driver, Schiavo Padyatri to get out of the car. D'Arpino then grabbed Padyatri by the ear and cuff, and shoved him on the street. He then took out his gun, and fired one, two, maybe four shots at him, and then left him to bleed to death."

This assertion was confirmed by Bunnu Padyatri, grandmother of Schiavo Padyatri who was waiting for Schiavo Padyatri to return to her home to spend the night, when she said that "I saw a middle-aged man crash his car marked 'SICUREZZA' into my grandson's car, and then he grabbed my grrandson by the neck and pushed him on the ground, beating his head a few times. My grandson was saying, 'Ma ke gare?' (What did I do?) and that man said, 'Hai rotto nelle case qui. Si deve pagare!' (You broke into the homes here. You must pay!) Then that man fired four times, and left my son to die."

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Namor - #LoveNevanmaa Week begins, anti-racist organizations condemn it, saying that "it offends those oppressed by the Nevans."
• Nevanmaa - #LoveNevanmaa Week used to attract tourists to Nevanmaa
• Greonterp - Income taxes for the job creators to be lowered
• West Cedarbrook - Local banks improve their standards, but still long way to go

[Luziyca]

Protests against the murder of Schiavo Padyatri

Protesters in Yerevan demanding an investigation into the murder of Padyatri

YEREVAN, LOMBARDIA - Today, 350,000 protesters took to the streets of Yerevan demanding that the Lombardian government investigate what they term as an "unjust murder" of Schiavo Padyatri at Collina Albero, with about 35,000 of the protesters being of the Shudri ethnicity, and most of the rest being ethnic Lombardians. Signs bore slogans like "Dobbiamo arrestare l'assassino!" (We must arrest the murderer!), "Dobbiamo essere uguali!" (We must be equal!) and "Zingari sono persone troppo!" (Shudri are people too!).

The protests began at 1 pm, local time, and was a march along the streets of the old city of Yerevan. It passed by the former Palace, now home to the government of the constituent republic. Along with those banners, many chanted slogans demanding a full investigation into the murder of 17-year old Schiavo Padyatri, and put Adalrico D'Arpino on trial. At 2:30 pm, the march ended.

25 year old participant Dana Litovsky said that "It felt good to participate in something that you believe in: to state that the racism against the Shudri is totally unacceptable. I feel that we have had an impact in forcing Lombardia to solve this issue."
The 28 year old Efrem Zarlengo, who also participated explained that "I feel that Shudri have been mistreated for centuries, even before the unification of Luziyca. In this day and age, we are not truly the freest nation if we continue to mistreat our fellow Luziycans like that."

Despite the protests in Yerevan, the mayor of Firenze, Orlando D'Alesandro said that "Adalrico D'Arpino has been investigated by the Firenze Police Department, and they have confirmed that it was, in fact, self-defense against a perceived threat in the community. Collina Albero is about half a kilometer from a gypsy ghetto, and there is a high crime rate there: Shudri often cause trouble in Collina Albero, so it is inevitable."
Orlando then explains "the only way we can solve this problem is if we deport all the gyps to, say, the Ocelot Isles. Then they get a state and we don't have to deal with their barbaric ways."

The comments of Mayor Orlando D'Alesandro has sparked controversy, with President Breuvi Shjoraski stating that "His [D'Alesandro] comments regarding the Shudri are unacceptable and only inflame tensions during a time where relations between Luziycans and Shudri are at the lowest point in centuries."
Governor Niysev Rasheed of Kashui also condemned it, saying that "as the governor of a state with a substantial Shudri minority, I find it unacceptable for people to demand that they leave Luziyca: they are just as much Luziycan as Swedes, Lombardians and Slavs."

Prominent celebrities and officials condemned it, as well as Natasha Roman from Oteki, saying that "this racial injustice has been going on for centuries in Luziyca: as an Otekian, this must come to an end."

In other news

• Oteki - Natasha Roman speaks out against ONC statement threatening to remove its name from the petition, saying that "the Letter of Millions should not be limited to just one ideology, but it should encompass all parts of the spectrum."
• Carolina - National Federalist Party wins
• Vjaarland - Defense agreement signed with Greonterp
• Britanno - Britanno to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 12? Five reasons why it is a good thing

[Luziyca]

Adalrico D'Arpino arrested!

Adalrico D'Arpino's mugshot

FIRENZE, LOMBARDIA - After countless protests, an arrest warrant was issued by Chief Executive Arcibaldo Mattiace for Adalrico D'Arpino for the "racially-motivated murder of Schiavo Padyatri." Shortly after it was issued, the Firenze Police Department acting under the orders of the government in Yerevan arrested Adalrico D'Arpino and charged him with racially-motivated murder.

At nine pm last night (local time), the Firenze Police Department was given a warrant to arrest Adalrico D'Arpino, who surrendered peacefully to the officers, saying as he was being taken to a police car that "I will do my best to comply with the law and obey it unlike those gyps who violate it." It was publicized and covered by many media outlets in the country.

As soon as the arrest occurred, on GoFundMe, two competing fundraisers have began: the "Fondo Memoriale per Schiavo Padyatri" (Memorial Fund for Schiavo Padyatri) and "Sostieni il nostro fratello, Adalrico D'Arpino!" (Support our brother, Adalrico D'Arpino). As of this morning, the Memorial Fund earned ₤17,500 ($35,000), whilst the fundraiser dedicated to Adalrico D'Arpino earned ₤152,500 ($305,000).

Mayor Orlando D'Alesandro gave ₤500 ($1,000) from his salary to support D'Arpino, commenting that "Adalrico D'Arpino has stood in self-defense against these subhuman gyps: he thought Schiavo was stealing something, and so he made a right decision."
Many of the Firenze Police Department also signed the fundraiser that supported Adalrico D'Arpino, and some parents of the victims of the Veran Hus school shooting like Paul Novachek who said that "Adalrico D'Arpino did the right thing in killing someone who was committing crimes by stealing. Schiavo shouldn't have existed."

However, parents like Svetlana Sedlak, who lost two children at the Veran Hus school shooting in Yermal, Spresi gave ₤1,000 ($2,000) to the Memorial Fund, with her reasoning being "not all Shudri are like Chota Vyapari: Vedrana and Goranka died, but it is not the fault of their race, it is his own fault." Many Shudri have also donated to the Memorial Fund.

Earlier today, the mugshot of Adalrico D'Arpino was taken and the trial date of Adalrico D'Arpino will be set for March 2nd at the Firenze Courthouse.

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Scotia - Twelfth Vrach flattered at "how Scotians wanted to choose me, despite me being a Luziycan citizen."
• Ocelot Isles - Slim majority for rejoining Pavonistade
• Namor - Love Nevanmaa Week grows stronger: discrediting Oteki or Arthur Griffin?
• Vestmark - NORDSTO taking too much of a bite?

[Luziyca]

Oh dear God: attitudes towards Shudri are getting worse

Schiavo Padyatri

YEREVAN, LOMBARDIA - According to a poll by the General Social Survey in Lombardia with a sample of 2,500 people, attitudes towards the Shudri have gotten worse since 2005, with the highest decreases being in Lombardia. The only areas where attitudes have improved were Inleda, Danzig, and West Geadland.

In Lombardia, 79% viewed the Shudri ethnicity as a group "prone to criminal activity," an increase from 62% from 2005 in the region. In Inleda, the percentage of people believing that the Shudri were prone to criminal activity is at 16%, down from 23% in 2005. On average across the nation, 52% believe that Shudri were prone to criminal activity, up from 47% in 2005.

For the following question, "Would you let your child marry or date a person of the Shudri ethnicity?", 85% of Lombardians said that they "would not," up from 72% in 2005. In Inleda, it is only at 9%, down from 18% in 2005, but West Geadland had it down to 1%, down from 8% in 2005. On average across the country, 48% opposed it, down from 51% in 2005.

When the General Social Survey asked about whether they'd want to live next to a Shudri neighbor, 81% of Lombardians stated that "they would not want to live next to a gypsy," up from 63% in 2005. In contrast, Danzig only has 8% who would not live next to a Shudri neighbor, which has unchanged since 2005. On average, 53% opposed having a Shudri neighbor living next door, up from 48% in 2005.

In regards to whether the Shudri should carry special identification, 74% of Lombardians supported it, up from 62% in 2005. In Inleda, it was at 3%, which has been unchanged since 2005. Across the nation, it is at 47%, up from 32% in 2005.

When the respondents asked about whether a Shudri nation is acceptable, 88% of Shudri respondents stated that "the Shudri need a homeland," which has increased from 72% in 2005. However, it is split in much of the rest of the country, with only 42% seeing it as acceptable, down from 51% in 2005. When asked why, the most popular reason against it is the "creation of a hemland where all Shudri will be separated from the rest of society," and comparing it to Arnborg, being at 45% in 2005, and now at 46%.

Finally, the last question was whether they had any prejudice against Shudri. 83% of Lombardians admitted that they were prejudiced against Shudri, up from 73% in 2005, while only 4% of Inledans were prejudiced, down from 6% in 2005, followed by 5% of West Geads, down from 7%, and 8% of people from Danzig, down from 15% in 2005.

"The results," explained Matteo d'Sangue, director of the General Social Survey, "are quite disappointing. In a time when the world sees our treatment of the Shudri as the greatest moral failure, we have only gotten worse. When a petition to provide legal funds to Adalrico D'Arpino earns about two hundred thousand lira, and the fund to make a memorial for Schiavo Padyatri is only around twenty thousand lira, this is a bad sign for the Shudri. Things have gotten much worse, and I wouldn't be surprised if we face riots. Unless if the federal government starts combating prejudice and racism against the Shudri, we'd see things take a turn for the worse."

In other news

• Scotia - Griffin proposes bill to recognize sovereignty of Outer Nevan Realms and Oteki
• Ocelot Isles - "Safe zone" to be created for Shudri
• Riro - Riro may join Namor?
• Qianrong - "Slurs" advertisements popular among social media

[Luziyca]

Tzo Sergoy to invite President-General Fu Wen to visit Po'ai

West Po'ai

PO'AI, NANTAI - Today, the popular Namorese newspaper, The Liberator announced that the President-General of Namor, Fu Wen, and his family are going to travel to East Po'ai to celebrate the Namorese New Year. Tomorrow evening, Fu Wen and his family will visit East Po'ai and according to the newspaper will be there for around a week before returning back to the capital city of Namo.

According to The Liberator, "Starting Wednesday evening, Fu, First Lady Lan Yujing and their two children, Shang and Bing, will leave Namo for Po'ai on plane, and will stay there for 'around a week,' according to the Executive House. He will pay a presidential new year call from there on Thursday, when the 15-day festival begins.

'The President-General will meet with local leaders of [eastern] Po'ai and spend some time with the people there,' said Executive House press secretary Hong Yong. 'He will pay his presidential new year call from Po'ai, addressed to all Namorese, home and abroad, as per tradition.'"

With this announcement, despite the Liberator stating that "Sources close to the President-General told The Liberator that Fu will stay in eastern Po'ai only, and will not travel to the western side of the city that is controlled by the Luziycans. However, 'there is a possibility' that Fu may reserve a portion of the new year call addressing Nantai compatriots, according to an official who spoke to the paper on the condition of anonymity," Mayor Tzo Sergoy extended an invitation to President-General Fu Wen to visit West Po'ai.

Tzo Sergoy explained, "As citizens of one city, though divided by two nations, with one language and one culture, I do not think that petty politics ought to get in the way of our cultural traditions. Thus, I seek to invite President-General Fu Wen of Namor to visit the people of West Po'ai and celebrate Namorese New Year's with people of Po'ai, both in the east and west!"

In other news

• New Zepuha - Auto industry to face new regulation
• Ocelot Isles - Sinhako to be created, 118 ayes to 80 nays, and 2 abstained
• Carolina - Slava Vjaranov to become President of Carolina
• Qianrong - Li to step down and join human rights group

[Luziyca]

Good riddance: gyps prepare to go to Sinhako

Helga Duta

FIRENZE, LOMBARDIA - After the announcement of the creation of Sinhako in the Ocelot Isles, Shudri in the town celebrated, but there were also protests, many of them by Lombardians, criticizing the establishment of Sinhako, though some Lombardians also supported the creation of Sinhako.
On Bajara Street, the center of the local Shudri community, 1,500 people have packed up their bags and prepared to head by plane to Yerevan to transfer onto a flight to Konguevia, with people giving them savings and plane tickets. Many brought their ID, as well as equipment to help make the community.

Carpenter Trionfo Sikarmi said "I plan on heading to Sinhako, since I want to build the infrastructure needed for the people who will come. I want to support my family, to play a role in ensuring that my friends, family and my blood brothers arrive safely."
Helga Duta released plans for Sinhako, explaining "we are heavily indebted to the government of the Ocelot Isles. We need to not only build this home for our own people, but we need to help our fellow people on the Ocelot Isles." She says that "the officials in Lalatara have ordered that housing in urban areas be given by the government, and for the farmland to be sold to willing Shudri farmers."

Some Lombardians have supported it: brother of Aldarico D'Arpino, Benvolio D'Arpino stated that "The creation of a Shudri nation is a good thing for us Lombardians, because we do not have to deal with their filth and crime. The Ocelotians can deal with the idiocy of the Shudri, and us Lombardians no longer need to deal with their criminal ways."

However, there are a lot of opponents on the Lombardian side: Mayor Orlando D'Alesandro said that "As much as I hate those vermin, no man in their right mind could support an Arnborg-style hemland in the Ocelot Isles. The Ocelotians may think they are getting a good deal, but when they get there, these gyps will only care about making their state better than the rest of the archipelago: they will neglect the rest of the isles and stick to their ghetto, and ultimately become leeches. Establishing a racist hemland for these gyps is not going to cut it: they need to change their attitudes and ways so they will stop being vagrants and leeches. They are not being discriminated or persecuted in this town, and even if they are, it is their own fault."
Innocenza Sapone, a university student in Yerevan explained, "I feel that the creation of a nation is a short-term solution, but a better idea is for us Lombardians and Shudri to fight to end the discrimination against the Shudri. Many Shudri have grown up here and I feel that they'd be better off if we gave them affirmative action."

An opponent to Sinhako, Tracy Duta (cousin of Helga Duta) said "Unlike my cousin, I do not think that this is a good idea. It is like a honeypot: the Ocelotians promise a better life, then when all of us enter, WHAM! They impose a racist hemland that is similar to the ones in Arnborg and essentially set up apartheid in the east."

Despite this, it is clear that Prasanta will begin construction soon, as well as the other settlements, with prefabricated buildings to be used in the construction of the settlements in the Ocelot Isles.

In other news

• Pavonistade - Referenda starts on whether the Ocelot Isles and Pavonistade to reunite, EU observing
• Qianrong - ASQ to take 6 hostages
• Greonterp - NORDSTO to hold summit in Boswald
• Nantai - Would Fu Wen accept Sergoy's invitation?

[Luziyca]

Namorese New Year celebrations

Kung Alica

KENYEN, NANTAI - Today, as the Namorese New Year starts, Chief Executive Kung Alicia made her annual speech to celebrate the Namorese New Year, following a tradition made by various Chief Executives, starting with Kan Ying in 1953 on television and radio and continuing on towards the present.

"My fellow Nantainese," Kung proclaimed in Namorese (the Nantainese dialect, to be precise). "Today, we celebrate the start of a new Namorese year. As we witness the start of another year, I wish to raise a toast to the people in Nantai, both Namorese and Luziycan, for prosperity, health, and freedom. We raise a toast to the great things that our government has done over the years to improve our standard of living and to recover from the devastating attack."

"To the people of my blood," she said, referring to Namor, "I raise a toast to you, for continuing detente and preserving the ties which over the past few years has improved quite dramatically. If I were asked ten years ago that it will ever happen, I would've laughed in your face. So the fact that we have improved our relations, the fact that Luziyca has improved ties with Namor and is closer to settling this Nantai issue for good is a wonderful thing, and I know the future will bring nothing but prosperity for everyone on both sides of the wall."

She then explained to the Nantainese, "However, just because ties are improving, does not mean we should lose a sense of who we are: I am ethnic Namorese, and most of us are, and we speak the Namorese language. However, we are Nantainese. We have our own distinct identity, with a blend of Namorese and Luziycan traditions. Many of us eat vareniki made in a Namorese way today, many celebrate in where we live with the eldest relatives in that area, though some still travel, we launch fireworks all across the nation, and we even use firecrackers at the temples."

She remarked, "Our people have traditionally had a higher standard of living than in Namor, though the gap is closing. We ring church bells to hail in the new year, and many of us march on the streets, singing songs and beating drums. We've cleaned our homes and businesses, and I know that good luck is coming in. But despite all that, we are Nantainese. Nantainese take great care and do not partake in travel rushes these days: we prefer to be under the rule of Bethlehem than Namo, and we only urge that we enjoy our ways."

She concluded the speech with "Thank you and a happy new year."

In other news

• Britanno - Amendment to bill to lower age of criminal responsibility to 13, still fails
• Lyonsland - Gronbis preparing to host Esquarivision
• New Zepuha - Military leaders are under heavy pressure
• Scotia - Legislature votes against Arthur Griffin's bill

[Luziyca]

Opinion: Why Geadland needs to join the Greenwich Area

Bondhaven School of Law

HOUTER, WEST GEADLAND - In the past few weeks, the Desert Wind has blown from the desert in the east to go into Geadland: as far north as Eskrov. As both nations agreed for both services to operate from Eskrov to Houter, extending the Desert Wind from Eskrov in the north to Talnakh in the south, it seems quite clear that it is inevitable for Geadland to take the next logical step: entering the Greenwich Area.

We know the Geads are not really fond of the Esquarian Union: they seem to view it as an agent of this falsehood of "Luziycan imperialism." But we do not need them to join the EU proper, though it would definitely be nice if it did, for it is a member of the Esquarian Community. However, it is clear that the Geads need to join the Esquarian Union, for the following reasons.

It would strengthen the Geadish economy
The Greenwich Area's purpose in 1985 was to provide for the free movement of people and goods all across the Esquarian Union. There are no passport checks on the border with other member nations, and trade among countries in the EU and that of the Greenwich Area has increased significantly, especially since the late 1980s and early 1990s with the end of communism. Today, the largest sector of the Greenwich Area/EU is in Southern Velkia: the areas in the Greenwich Area are Luziyca, Katranjiev, Syldavia, Dhomland, and Scotia. In contrast, virtually every other member doesn't share any land borders with any other member (if we count maritime borders, Pavonistade and the Ocelot Isles do technically border each other).

In the "core zone," trade among the five are significant, with the other four being on the top fifteen trading partners for Luziyca: Katranjiev is third, behind Namor and Geadland respectively, followed by Scotia at #6, Dhomland at #8 and Syldavia at #11. They benefit from a lack of tariffs, as well as having free movements of goods, services and people. The economies have grown significantly, and tourism among the five are significant: Luziycans generally head south for the beaches and the warmer weather compared to Luziyca itself.

Should Geadland join the Greenwich Area, we can anticipate that its exports to Luziyca will rise significantly, and more profit will be produced for Geadish enterprises wishing to export to Greenwich Area nations. People wanting to buy Geadish stuff can do so and not fear high prices due to tariffs. Likewise, stuff from other nations such as Luziyca will be a lot cheaper, ensuring that the buyers within Geadland have freedom of choice, and cheaper prices which encourages competition among businesses.

It will improve tourism
It may seem ridiculous: "who the hell wants to visit Geadland with their boring old flatness?" Truth is, many do. Geadland is a land of history, of culture and it projects itself as this old nation which seems to be technologically modern, yet somehow pre-modern in the sense of social values, almost as if they are still in the Sofian era to this day. There are battlefields, more lovely castles, heavily preserved architecture, the old village markets which have all but disappeared here in Luziyca, and even the churches. There's a reason why until recently, the Sofia I Port of Entry in Vesterhag/Sofjastad was the busiest border crossing between Geadland.

It will also improve tourism outside of Geadland since Geads in particular tend to visit Luziyca: the mountains are perfect in the winter for skiing and snowboarding, while in the summer, the Geads tend to bring their recreational vehicles or motor homes up to Luziyca to camp, moreso here in the northeast, and also to examine our beautiful nature. A lot of Geads also have family around in Luziyca, so if Geadland is part of the Greenwich Area, it will reduce wait times at the border from around 15-30 minutes during rush hour to essentially nil. Geadish tourists visiting other Greenwich Area states do not need to worry about wait times, or being asked, "business or pleasure" as you enter Luziyca.

It gives people options
One thing that I forgot to mention is that people in the Greenwich Area can work and live (with the proper permits) in any country they choose to reside in. So if one feels that Luziyca is too big and/or too cold, they can head to a smaller country, like say, Katranjiev or Syldavia and live there. Likewise, if someone feels limited in their options in Dhomland, and it is too hot, they can come up to Luziyca and reside there.

If Geadland were to join the Greenwich Area, Geads who feel that they want to change and live somewhere else can apply for the necessary permits and move there and be a permanent resident, and vice-versa. People can travel freely across internal borders between member states, provided they are citizens of the Greenwich Area, which means that whether it is short-term or long-term, people can live in Geadland and vice-versa.

So, what does that leave us?
In summary, I feel that a Geadland in the Greenwich Area will benefit both of us. It improves the Geadish economy and our own, it will increase tourism to and from Geadland, and it gives people more options on where to reside. They get to participate in this institution and be heard on the global stage, for we will have a common visa policy, and thus make it and the EU better.

In other news

• Ocelot Isles - People celebrate results of referendum to maintain their sovereignty, EU to restore full membership rights
• Namor - Direct flights between Luziyca and Namor to commence soon, Mayor of Kenyen "concerned about economic ramifications for the city."
• Pavonistade - President Azurite has died, VP Nikolai Serhoskav to attend funeral
• Qianrong - Three of six hostages beheaded, Shjoraski condemns the act

[Luziyca]

Why Qianrong's future depends on the Republican Unity Party

Republican Unity Party

YUCHENG, QIANRONG - As QIanrongese head to the polls, we have to look at the choices: from the get-go, The Constitution has decided to endorse the Republican Unity Party, and why the future of the democracy in Qianrong depends on the Republican Unity Party getting elected into Congress.

To quote the party statement, "The RUP is the center-rightist party in Congress. The present party image is that of a party which is firmly conservative, standing for family values and shared religious morality, but not so radical that they will be unwilling to compromise when the needs of the Qianrongese people demand it. The party's leadership has urged a streamlining of the Qianrongese government and military to guarantee their effectiveness, and supports free-market economics. Their foreign policy is also somewhat similar to the DLP's: that Namor cannot be trusted. Unlike the DLP, however, the RUP wants to bring Qianrong closer to New Zepuha. He also supports a second chance for Luziyca to aid the Qianrongese people. The RUP can easily tap into the large centrer-rightist demographic in Qianrong, which has responded warmly to his traditionalism and to his party's patriotism. It has also gained the support of many of Qianrong's Otekians."

It is led by Le Gia Dinh and Siemycza Vlasinov, and the fact the latter is an Otekian is a plus. The conservative views are in fact, wonderful. They support traditional family values and religious morality. However, they tend to be more supportive of comprising so to meet the needs of the Qianrongese if they demand it. They want to reduce the size of the government of Qianrong and the military to make it more effective. However, we object bringing it closer to New Zepuha, but we support how they are distrustful of Namor and want to give us Luzzies a second chance to aid the people of Qianrongese people and forgive them for what we have done.

According to recent opinion polls, they appear to have a substantial popularity, especially among Otekians. The party is patriotic and quite traditionalist, and so if they win, it will be a good thing for Qianrong.

In other news

• Vesperia - Will they succeed in seceding from Arkiasis?
• New Zepuha - Kniter condemns beheading of Park Li, New Zepuhan national
• Namor - The Constitution to sue the Pickle News Network for copyright infringement
• Nevanmaa - Juhani III in hospital

[Luziyca]

Trial for the "murder" of Schiavo Padyatri to begin tomorrow

Adalrico D'Arpino's mugshot

FIRENZE, LOMBARDIA - Tomorrow, the trial of Adalrico D'Arpino will be held at the Firenze Courthouse. Adalrico D'Arpino was accused of murdering Schiavo Padyatri, and the prosecution has set their case up. The jury has been chosen, comprised of six men and six women, and all of them are of Lombardian ethnicity.

The prosecution seeks to charge 49-year old Adalrico D'Arpino with first-degree murder, and requesting life in prison with parole after 25 years, due to "clear malice motivated by racial hatred against the Shudri." When asked, Adalrico D'Arpino said, "I did not do it because I hate the gyps, I did it because he was clearly a thief. Clear and simple. He had something to hide, he refused to follow my orders, and he had a weapon. If I didn't kill him, God knows what he will do to our community 'ere."

In Firenze, 2,000 people have gathered surrounding the courthouse, most expressing support for Adalrico D'Arpino.

A father of four said, "It is a foolish thing for the police to arrest Adalrico D'Arpino. He was only protecting his community against a thief who was carrying a weapon. The jury ought to acquit him, because it was in clear self-defense against the gyp."
However, some have criticized it: Arcibaldo Mattice who was present said that "the attitude of the Lombardians against the Shudri are a huge problem: it is our greatest moral failure, and we are now more better known for this than our cuisine, which is a shame."

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Namor - Court dismisses lawsuit against The Constipation, declares it frivolous
• Arkiasis - Vesperia makes right decision, stays in Arkiasis
• Ocelot Isles - Celebrate the first anniversary since independence
• Francilie - Legislative elections to be held

[Luziyca]

Trial for the "murder" of Schiavo Padyatri to begin tomorrow

Firenze Courthouse

FIRENZE, LOMBARDIA - At half past nine this morning, the trial of the person who rightly slain a gyp, Adalrico D'Arpino began. He was charged with one count of first degree murder, and one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle, and it was televised live on local television and the LRT News Channel.

After the charges were read, Adalrico D'Arpino swore an oath, promising to tell the court the truth: he said, "Io, Adalrico D'Arpino, giuro sulla Bibbia di presentare la verità, nient'altro che la verità. Così Dio mi aiuti!" (I, Adalrico D'Arpino, swear upon the Bible to present the truth, and nothing but the truth. So help me God!) Others did the same, all in Lombardian.

The prosecution then presented their case, and summoned two witnesses: Bunnu Padyatri and Tarsilla Ianni to testify against Adalrico D'Arpino. Both witnesses gave their testimonies, and the prosecution provided evidence to prove their case: a recording of the collision and murder, which was recorded by a passerby. That passerby then gave a similar testimony to the previous two.

Following this, the defense made their case. Lawyer to Adalrico D'Arpino provided evidence: security camera footage of the convenience store, where he was seen putting some chocolate bars in his hoodie pocket, a broken laptop near the scene, and crime statistics before and after his death, and witness statements by Secondo Del Pozzo, the cashier, and Samanta Giuntoli who lived near the scene of the crime.

Samanta gave a riveting testimony, saying that "I saw that hoodlum head from that shop to one of the homes: I saw him use a branch of a tree to break in, he stepped into the window, took a laptop, dropped it in a bush when he saw D'Arpino come, and then I saw him sprint like a devil back to his place. He had been stealing a bit o' stuff from us residents at Collina Albero, and I remember I saw a boy just like him steal my TV. I tried letting the cops know, but they didn't bother answering our complaint. I am glad that he killed that gyp: since he died, we have had no crimes."

At two in the afternoon, the trial was adjourned.

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Michillies - North Cortoguay to try their attempts to leave Michillies into the maw of communism
• Geadland - Plurality of Geads support having a sovereign Oteki
• Vozergovina - Government declares no citizenship for those that do not learn Vozergovinan
• Sakatia - Salkov deposed

[Luziyca]

The trial continues on

Firenze Courthouse

FIRENZE, LOMBARDIA - Today, the trial of Adalrico D'Arpino was resumed at noon today. It was focusing more on direct examination, with lawyers asking the witnesses questions to ensure that they give sufficient evidence to their case in regards to this alleged murder.

The witnesses were asked questions, none of them leading questions, asking for information regarding the events that have occurred at the scene, and each of them complied. They gave answers that helped satisfy the claim of each side, with each witness going one by one.

Following the conclusion of the direct examination, cross-examination commenced, with the witnesses of the prosecution questioning the witnesses chosen by the defense. Both Secondo Del Pozzo and Samanta Giuntoli responded to those questions, answering to help bolster Adalrico's case, both related to the testimony and the issues not raised by it. Following this, the witnesses of the defense questioned that of the prosecution, and the witnesses have responded to the questions raised, mainly related to the testimony.

At around 2:30 pm, the witnesses were re-examined. They were asked to explain the testimony brought out by the opponent during cross-examination, and once again, the witnesses have explained things quite clearly. Secondo Del Pozza and Tarsilla Ianni gave theirs quite clearly. Bunnu Padyatri seemed to have tried hard to clarify.

The prosecution then began to try to prove that the defendant is beyond-doubt guilty, by providing the evidence that the prosecutors presented, as well as circumstantial evidence: such as the fingerprint on the gun, and the vehicle, combined with the witness testimony. A lawyer for the prosecution said that "All of these things are quite frankly, a smoking gun. He has left fingerprints on the gun, he has left his car at the scene, the recording of the collision and subsequent murder of Schiavo Padyatri, clearly indicate that he is guilty. The testimony is only the final nail in that coffin, not just for the murder, but for the racism that us Lombardians have done to the Shudri."

Adalrico D'Arpino then countered it, stating that "it was done in self-defense," providing his evidence and testimonies by the witnesses, saying that "the statistics, the testimonies, and the footage shows that what I have done was good for the community."

At 5 pm, the trial was adjourned, and Adalrico D'Arpino said on the steps, "I am very sure that we will win!" This met the roaring approval of the crowd, but some jeering from the protesters, who feel that the trial was unfair, notably due to the fact the jury is all Lombardian.

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Oteki - Elections to be held by the end of the month as Vang Jun retires: will it be free and fair?
• Lyannesia - Costa Sud threatens to declare independence
• Qianrong - 44 civilians killed in Yucheng followed by terrorist attacks on subway system
• Sakatia - Andrei Anosov to be named acting President

[Luziyca]

D'Arpino found innocent!

Firenze Courthouse

FIRENZE, LOMBARDIA - After the debate yesterday, at 10 am, local time, the closing statements were read, first by the prosecutors, followed by the defense: reiterating their arguments presented in the trial, before the jury was sent for the deliberation.

The judge explained to the jury, "Negli ultimi giorni, si è di fronte una decisione difficile. Così, noi si carica di ritirarsi in camera di consiglio per decidere il verdetto." (For the past few days, you have faced a difficult decision. Thus, we charge you to retire to the jury room to decide upon a verdict.) With these simple words, the twelve members of the jury headed to the jury room, as well as the balliff.

In the room, they elected a foreman, and after twenty minutes, the jurors returned.

Foreman Liviana Aresco presented the verdict to the baliff, and the verdict was read as follows: "Noi, la giuria, hanno deciso che l'imputato si trova 'non colpevole', con l'accusa di omicidio di primo grado, e di ritenere lui 'colpevole' sul funzionamento pericoloso di una carica del veicolo." (We, the jury, have decided that the defendant be found "not guilty" on the first-degree murder charge, and to deem him "guilty" on the dangerous operation of a vehicle charge.)

The prosecution then requested that the jury be polled, and it was revealed that all of the jurors agreed with the verdict. Thus, the jurors were dismissed, and the judge entered the judgement: agreeing with it. The judge then informed Adalrico D'Arpino that he must pay a fine of ₤1,500 ($3,000) for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. It was paid on the spot.

Following the trial, Bunnu Padyatri said, "If the Lombardians refuse to convict this man for murder, I will make sure that we make him bankrupt!" This was supported by many who opposed the verdict, including the Chief Executive of Lombardia, who said "Questo processo è un aborto spontaneo della giustizia." (That trial was a miscarriage of justice.) on Twitter.

Outside the courthouse, there was jubilant celebration as Adalrico D'Arpino was found not guilty. Adalrico said, proudly to those gathered outside of the courthouse, "Questa prova è finita! Sono abbastanza grato a Dio e la mia famiglia, per avermi aiutato a ottenere attraverso questo, e mi fa piacere che i giurati sapevano che si trattava di autodifesa contro un ladro." (This ordeal is over! I am quite thankful to God and my family, for helping me get through this, and I am glad that the jurors knew that it was self-defense against a thief.) The mayor also praised him for defending himself against criminal elements.

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Carolina - Conch Islands referendum fails
• Vozergovina - Monarchists demand that it become a monarchy again
• Namor - Omniprescence to air soon: LRT4 to air it live
• Opinion - The verdict presented by the case is a stain on Luziyca's reputation abroad