Den Konstitution - A Reliable Newspaper from Luziyca

[Luziyca]

Droughts and water shortages plague far eastern states of Luziyca

Irrigation canal providing Feniksgrad's water supply, 2013

FENIKSGRAD, PUSTINIA - As the northeastern states receive record-breaking amounts of rainfall so far this summer (with Bethlehem getting 27.5 mm of rain in the past 24 hours alone), the far eastern states located in the Great Desert are plagued with water shortages and droughts, since 2014, with no signs of abating.

In the State of Pustinia, Governor Ted Vorokovich has declared a state of emergency, due to record low rainfall in the past two years, causing severe drought, especially in several parts of the state, harming the state's agricultural sector, and causing many towns and cities, including the state capital, Feniksgrad, to impose water rationing.

Therefore, in order to "conserve our state's water supply," an outdoor water-use restriction was imposed earlier today, which would ban irrigation of lawns, planting of non-native grass, and recreational uses of water (i.e. swimming pools and waterslides) throughout the state. In addition, it mandates that car washes recycle their water, and bans washing vehicles on private property outside of a car wash.

To the north of Pustinia, the State of Lazar also has seen a major drought (although none to the likes seen in Pustinia), to the point that Governor William Makarov has mandated water rationing for the entire state.

In addition, the southern parts of Evpraksiya, the eastern counties of Khariton, the eastern counties of Kozunitan, and northern counties within the state of Voshkhod are under similar restrictions, as well as the southern counties of Nantai.

These are not new: in 2003 and 2004, a drought struck Pustinia, causing water rationing and the implementation of stricter water-use controls, and there has been a major drought during the 1930s which caused the creation of many ghost towns throughout the Great Desert. In addition, there is significant evidence pointing towards a severe mega-drought from the 1400s until the mid-1600s.

What it could mean for the future of the land
Climate scientist Lena Westermark at the Royal University of Jerusalem has stated that "the prolonged drought currently experienced in the eastern states of Luziyca is quite worrisome," considering that "in recent years, there has been a movement of people eastwards, as these eastern states are attractive to retirees and to people who want to achieve the Luziycan dream."

She said that "this drought has a risk of transforming into a mega-drought, much like the one that was experienced from the 1400s to the mid-1600s. But this time, it is because we are extracting too much of the scarce groundwater in the Great Desert and diverting too much of our streams and rivers to feed major cities like Feniksgrad or Po'ai. We are using the water to grow agricultural crops which suck up too much water so we can not have to import food."

"Unless if politicians and people agree to severely reduce their water usage to sustainable levels," Westermark warned, "we will find ourselves entering a mega-drought, and even if we do, we cannot even guarantee that we will not have a mega-drought."

The impacts
The impact on the consumer should be obvious: since 2014, meat prices have risen, especially since Pustinia is one of the major centers for production of meat products (the other being Shenitsa), due to a decrease in supply of meat products (as a consequence of the drought).

But in drought-stricken town of Blagoyev in Pustinia, rancher Dragan Kostov has expressed his concern.

"I am afraid that this is gonna end up like the Dust Bowl," Kostov said. "We've been ranching here for six generations now, and we just barely held on after the Dust Bowl, which killed much of our cattle. I have a hard time feeding my cattle, I have a hard time even giving them water. And with the water rationing, I am afraid that this might be it for my ranch."

The federal response
In response to the drought in the eastern states, President Sera Svensson has stated at a press conference in Bethlehem that "In light of the recent prolonged drought in Pustinia and Lazar, we're going to give ₤2.5 billion ($5 billion) in disaster relief funds to assist those impacted by the drought within those two states."

However, Leader of the Official Opposition, Paul Nikolovich, of the Social Credit Party made a controversial statement, saying "it is their [the residents in the far eastern states] own goddamned fault that they chose to live in a desert." Following social media outrage, Nikolovich retracted his statement and apologized for "causing any offense to those affected by this terrible disaster."

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• Riro - Former Katranjian despot Nuoju Zeng has died
• Xiaodong - Stock exchange to reopen following government bailout
• Ainin - Government condemns sieges around embassies in Teutonia, Pisdari land reform

[Luziyca]

Bill tabled to all but abolish the death penalty

Execution chamber

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Today, Socred legislator Edward Nikitovich, and Liberal legislator Kotova Tarasovna, introduced a bipartisan measure to the House of Representatives to abolish the death penalty for most crimes. The only crimes that will still warrant the death penalty include genocide, war crimes, treason, and terrorism.

The bill will only apply to all criminal offenses committed on or after January 1, 2017: criminal offenses committed prior to or on December 31, 2016 would not be covered by the bill, and they would still be eligible to be executed for offenses committed prior to that date.

Edward Nikitovich of the Social Credit Party introduced the bill, explaining that "in this day and age, the death penalty is extremely expensive to maintain. Unless if we are to undergo a savage route and ban any appeals process, there is little need for the continued existence of the death penalty for everyday crimes. Only genocide, war crimes, and terrorism truly warrant the death penalty."

Co-creator Kotova Tarasovna of the Liberal Party then added, "Many countries in the world have abolished the death penalty, or at least restricted its application to treason, war crimes, genocide, and terrorism. The fact that we are supposed to be the leader of the Free World and continue to tolerate revenge and the potential that an innocent person would be executed is sickening and is something that is unwelcome in the 21st century."

Both President Sera Svensson and leader of the official opposition Paul Nikolovich have expressed their support for the bipartisan bill, due to costs of maintaining the death penalty, the high possibility of an innocent person being executed, and due to how it violates the right to life.

However, Nikolai Serhoskav of the Whig Party has opposed it, explaining that "The death penalty is a powerful tool to deter various people. If we were to abolish it, then we may as well just get rid of the penal system, because criminals would no longer have anything to fear. Our judicial system would become nothing more than a joke if we were to destroy that tool."

NLP leader Dorothy Vasiliev has also condemned the proposal made by Tarasovna and Nikitovich, saying that "Serhoskav has explained a good proportion of why I support the death penalty, but I feel that the death penalty is actually humane for specific types of criminals who cannot be rehabilitated, since if they were to be released out into the world, they will return to crime because society will refuse to accept them. That is the official position of the National Luziycan Party."

CLP leader Vonora Khendalor however was more nuanced, saying that "if by capital punishment, you mean a method of torture, a method of revenge sanctioned by the State, a violation of the sixth commandment [in the Bible], a violation to the God-given right to life, and one where innocent people get executed, I am opposed to the death penalty."

She then went on to add, "However, if by capital punishment, you mean a merciful death for the criminal who stands no chance of being rehabilitated, a just punishment for people who commit crimes so serious that God will send them to Hell in a heartbeat, and a method to protect society from the worst criminals in the nation, then I am for it. This is my stance. I will not retreat from it, or compromise [on the matter]."

After spirited debate, the bill passed first reading, with 515 representatives voting in favor (all from the Liberal and Socred parties, and 24 from the CLP), 107 (all from the Whigs and NLP, and 23 from the CLP), and 3 abstentions (all of those from the CLP).

In other news

• Pisdara - Protests at Aininian cultural festival by both communist GSUP, and far-right AUP
• Kaona - President Sera Svensson continues her historic visit
• Namor - Kuo Zhang steps down, new leader to be elected
• Sardeed - Abortion to be legalized

[Luziyca]

KEEP THE DEATH PENALTY!

Protest signs

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Today, protesters converged in front of the Presidential Palace to protest the plans of the Liberal government (with the help of the Social Credit Party) to end the death penalty for all crimes except genocide, war crimes, treason, and terrorism. Organized by the Victim Rights Movement, the VRM has stated that one million people have turned out, while the Bethlehem Police Department said that 750,000 people had turned out to participate in the protests.

The protests
In the gardens of the Presidential Palace, many signs demanded that the government "RESPECT THE VICTIMS," "KEEP THE DEATH PENALTY," and "PROTECT US FROM THE WORST OF THE WORST!"

Ungern Maximovich, the leader of the Victim Rights Movement, told reporters that "we organized this protest because the federal government has shown that it intends to put the rights of these monsters above those of the victims. The government believes that the killers should live, but the victims never had a chance to live."

Maximovich also explained, "It helps that the death penalty serves as the ultimate form of societal protection, because these monsters who commit vile crimes, they will never be able to commit these acts again. Thus, we will be able to protect our communities!"

The protest saw emotional speeches made by various people, primarily friends and relatives of murder victims, and a few victims of rape were brave enough to tell the protesters of their experience and their desire to see their rapist executed.

Then after those speeches, Whig leader Nikolai Serhoskav declared that "the Whig Party will fight to protect the rights of the victims of crime to the bitter end." This was met with substantial applause.

Following Serhoskav's declaration was Dorothy Vasiliev declaring that "the NLP will try and make sure that justice will be served. We must keep the death penalty, for better or for worse, to protect our communities from the criminals that will never be able to be reintegrated into society! And we will fight all the way to the Supreme Court to make sure that Svensson's 'soft on crime' agenda will never become the law of the land!"

Vasiliev's speech was met not with the substantial applause, but with thunderous applause and cheering.

The response by the government
At a press conference, President Sera Svensson faced many questions about the protests in the gardens of the Presidential Palace, and asked her whether it would affect her plans to end the death penalty in Luziyca for almost all crimes.

Svensson responded, "No. I've been shot before, but I have to do what is right for my country. I know that it [the bill tabled by Tarasovna and Nkitovich] is unpopular among much of the population, but I need to do as much as I possibly can to ensure that our global image is improved. Many of our neighbors have abolished or at least substantially restricted the application of the death penalty: Namor, Geadland, and Katranjiev."

Public opinion
The bill that would all but abolish the death penalty is a strong issue. Therefore, we have decided to poll people based on their age.

• 50 and older: 68% in support of the death penalty, 29% opposed to the death penalty, 3% undecided
• 35 to 50: 53% in support of the death penalty, 42% opposed to the death penalty, 5% undecided
• 18 to 35: 55% opposed to the death penalty, 40% in support of the death penalty, 5% undecided
• 18 and younger 35% opposed to the death penalty, 33% in support of the death penalty, 32% undecided

Thus, 48.5% of the population are supportive of the death penalty, while 40.25% are opposed to the death penalty. 11.25% of the population are undecided on whether to support it or not, or have chosen to not answer the question.

Thus, it shows that there is a growing rise in the opposition to the death penalty, but a plurality of the general population still supports the continuing usage of the death penalty.

In other news

• Namor - Shohai Antelope urges voters to vote in EC membership referendum
• Namor - Chia Bovang to choose new PFC leader after referendum
• Freyhill - Governor-General dies
• Opinion - Why abolishing the death penalty will be a grave mistake

[Luziyca]

Grave mistake made as death penalty bill passes second reading

Protest signs

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Today, the bill to only have the death penalty be in use for genocide, treason, war crimes, and terrorism passed second reading in the House of Representatives, thereby sending the bill to the House Judiciary Subcommittee of Public Safety and National Security.

This time, the bill passed with 491 votes in favor of the bill from both the Liberals and Socreds, while 84 representatives (from the NLP and the Whigs) voted against. Fifty representatives from the Christian Luziycan Party have chosen to abstain, and consequently did not vote.

From the lawmakers...
Liberal representative Kotova Tarasovna said after the bill passed second reading that "despite opposition from those who would rather execute a thousand innocent people than let one guilty person be free," referring to the incident when Rep. Stefano Adimari of the NLP heckled Tarasovna's speech, "we have managed to pass the bill through second reading."

She explained, "our main task now is for the subcommittee to examine the bill and to propose any amendments if necessary."

Socred representative Edward Nikitovich also explained that "I am quite thankful that this bill [to end the ordinary use of the death penalty] has gone this far. And by God, I have high hopes that this will pass muster."

...to the people
As soon as the bill passed second reading, Dorothy Vasiliev of the NLP told reporters outside the Congressional Palace that "these Liberals and Socreds, they have made a grave mistake in pandering to these criminals. They want to be soft on crime, to respect the rights of these subhuman criminals over that of those who are victimized by crime!"

She then went on to add, "Instead of going after good people like Narsete La Via, or Adalrico D'Arpino, we should be going after these subhuman gyps, these pedophiles, who threaten the very fabric of society!"

Her comments have caused a massive firestorm on social media, with many people from Firenze expressing support for Vasiliev's position regarding the Shudri population, but many other people from across the country demanding that she step down and transfer power to another member of the NLP.

Meanwhile, Whig leader Nikolai Serhoskav has criticized the measure, stating that "this bill fails to protect the victims of crime, and in fact benefits the criminals more than the victims."

"That said," he added, "we should not use this as an excuse to tar certain ethnic groups with the same brush! We must rather fight to protect the rights of the victims and make sure that we stay tough on CRIME!"

In other news

• Namor - EC referendum fails due to inadequate turnout
• Ocelot Isles - Discrimination rises against LGBT people after same-sex marriage legalized
• Britanno - Cabinet shuffle after PM wins leadership challenge
• Opinion - Why abolishing the death penalty will be a grave mistake

[Luziyca]

Death penalty passes third reading, is off to the Senate

Sera Svensson during 2016 election campaign

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - After the bill that would abolish the death penalty for common offenses passed the committee stage last night, the bill went through third reading today, before being passed by the House of Representatives and being sent to the Senate to go through the same process that the bill has gone through in the House.

The committee reports
The reports from committee show that the costs of a case involving the death penalty is ₤1.5 million (three million dollars) per case. Specifically, the reports say that it costs ₤630,000 ($1.26 million) for a trial, and ₤870,000 ($1.74 million) for imprisoning someone on death row. In contrast, it only costs ₤370,000 ($740,000) for a case that does not involve the death penalty.

As of 2016, there were 3,293 people on death row. Therefore, the report estimates that the death penalty would cost about ₤4.94 billion ($9.88 billion) to maintain all the prisoners on death row, of which ₤2.865 billion ($5.73 billion) is spent just to maintain the cost to imprison someone on death row.

In contrast, the average cost of maintaining an inmate is ₤15,643 ($31,286) per non-death row inmate, while the cost for a non-death row case is at ₤370,000 ($740,000). With the total incarceration rate hovering around 733 per 100,000 people as of 2015 (thus an estimate of 2,277,741 prisoners), the average cost for all prisoners, both on death row, and not would be at around ₤37,000,722.90 ($74,001,445.80). Out of this amount, ₤1,565,535.17 ($3,131,070.34) is spent to merely imprison the inmates.

Therefore, the committee stated that "it would be substantially cheaper to end the usage of the death penalty in the long run," but notes that the provisions to only have the bill apply to offenses committed after January 1, 2017 means that "we would not reap the benefits for a long time."

The debates
Whig leader (and former VP) Nikolai Serhoskav however was quick to be suspicious of the figures provided: he challenged the committee by stating that "the economic considerations are nil, because the cost to maintain those imprisoned actually rises to ₤4,293,190,064 ($8,586,380,128) if we take away those from death row. Meanwhile, the cost of their cases would be about ₤841,545,760,000 ($1,683,091,520,000). Thus, if you add two and two togehter, the total cost rises to ₤845,838,950,064 ($1,691,677,900,128) which would be about 10% of our GDP."

"It would be more expensive to get rid of the death penalty," Serhoskav explained, "since the current costs of imprisoning the scum of the Earth is basically minuscule [to Luziyca's GDP]."

However, Socred leader Paul Nikolovich challenged Serhoskav's numbers, stating that "the economic facts do not add up to your make-believe myth," and went on to add that "if we remove the death row prisoners from the equation, we'll find that the costs of maintaining ₤1,565,512.54 ($3,131,025.08) to just imprison those who are not on death row. If we remove the cost that includes the case, the cost will be at ₤37,000,188 ($74,000,376) per prisoner." He admitted that "it's not a huge drop, but it doesn't rise to the terrifying levels of 10% of our national GDP just to be spent on maintaining such a high incarceration rate!"

Nikolovich's remarks saw applause from his Socred and Liberal colleagues (as well as some members of the CLP), and some boos from the Whigs and NLP members.

Nikolai Serhoskav retracted his remarks, saying that "I was a bit tired when I did the math," but then claimed that "in any case, the savings are negligible. Total costs will only go down by ₤534.90 ($1,069.80), while costs to just imprison the prisoners would only end up at ₤22.63 ($45.26). But this is not even worth it, compared to the dangers that this bill will expose society to: you would increase the numbers of serial killers, of pedophiles, of rapists, and you will literally pervert the course of justice in the Christian Republic!"

Serhoskav's remarks drew applause from the Whigs, some of the CLP, and the NLP, while it drew boos from some Liberal backbenchers.

Following the debate over the reports of the committee, the bill went to a final vote in the House of Representatives.

In favor: 366 Liberals, 125 Socreds, 11 CLP, 502 in total
Against: 78 Whigs, 6 NLP, 10 CLP, 94 in total
Abstain: 29 CLP, 29 in total

The bill will now be sent to the Senate to repeat the same process again, and the bill is expected to be introduced in a few days.

In other news

• Pisdara - ONU referendum passes by a narrow majority
• Leanore - Parliament passes law denying Muslim refugees a home: Sera Svensson criticizes move, invites refugees to move to Luziyca
• Ionland - King to permit political parties
• Gijirokastra - 1.1 million protesters protest planned abolition of death penalty at the Square of Nations

[Luziyca]

Death penalty bill enters the Senate, passes first reading

Socred Sen. Samarin Danilovich

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Today, the bill that would only allow the death penalty for war crimes, terrorism, and genocide was finally tabled on the Senate floor by Liberal Senator Valerian Karandashov and Socred Senator Samarin Danilovich. This bill was virtually identical to the bill that had just been passed in the House of Representatives in content.

Valerian Karandashov introduced the bill to the Senate earlier today, repeating the same points that Edward Nikitovich and Kotova Tarasovna have made when they introduced the bill to the House on the second of August.

Debate
Following the introduction of the bill to the Senate, heated debate began to occur between the Social Credit Party and Liberals who are in favor of abolishing the death penalty, and the Whigs and the National Luziycan Party, who were opposed.

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Whig Senator Grigor Tarasovich suggested that "this body [the Senate] should act as a chamber for sober thought. We should not let the rabble of the entitled millennial threaten the public safety of this nation. If we are to get rid of the death penalty, there would be absolutely no deterrent to prevent any potential criminal from threatening the very fabric of our society!"

In response, Samarin Danilovich retorted "I am sure there would be lots of deterrents to stop criminals from offending. For example, our overcrowded prisons." That remark drew laughter from both sides.

Grigor then snapped back, saying "I got statistics, saying that when the death penalty was abolished in Lyonsland in 1961, rates of rape increase 322%. Rates of murder rose 356% in Lyonsland. Need I say more?" He then added that "Point is, if you get rid of the death penalty, you get rid of the most important deterrent, which is that they want to live."

Valerian Karandashov then dryly remarked, "Last time I checked, Lyonsland abolished the death penalty for civilian crimes in the 14th century. It was from then on only used for military offenses. I don't think many Lyonese civilians noticed when Lyonsland got rid of the death penalty."

Eventually, the debate ended, and then a vote was taken: 57 Senators (52 from the Liberals and 5 from the Socreds) voted in favor, while 20 voted against (from the Whigs and NLP). Nine Senators from the CLP chose to abstain. Thus, the bill will be sent to second reading by Monday.

Response from the government
At a press conference at the Congressional Palace, Vice-President Colin Hardage said that "as the President of the Senate, and next in line to be the leader of the free world, it is nice that Luziyca is finally taking a stand and saying no to the execution of innocents, no to botched executions that take way too long and result in agony, and no to the death penalty for civilians."

He acknowledged that "there are some circumstances where the death penalty is warranted, such as genocide, war crimes, and terrorism. But for most other purposes, the death penalty has outstayed its welcome here in Luziyca, and I hope that soon, the rest of the civilized world will realize that the death penalty should only be restricted to crimes against humanity."

President Sera Svensson meanwhile has said that "this is a good stepping stone. But we need to do much more in order to reduce our incarceration rate and to make sure that penal reform can be achieved."

In other news

• Pisdara - ONU referendum passes by a narrow majority
• Kashui - 54-year old farmer kills 22-year old Shudri man, farmer claims Shudri was stealing his property
• Opinion - We must legalize vigilante justice
• Gijirokastra - 1.1 million protesters protest planned abolition of death penalty at the Square of Nations

[Luziyca]

Bill concerning the death penalty passes second reading

Socred Sen. Samarin Danilovich

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Yesterday, the bill that would only permit the usage of the death penalty for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide began the process of second reading in the Senate. Senators Karandashov and Danilovich once again presented the bill to the Senate in order to undergo the process of second reading.

The debates
Much like the first reading in the Senate, there was heated debates between the Social Credit Party and the Liberals against the Whigs and the National Luziycan Party. One of the most heated moments was an exchange between the NLP and the Liberals.

Lombardian Senator Fabio Bellanti from the NLP was quick to condemn the proposal, declaring that "if we were to permit such a proposal to pass, if we were to permit a motion that will destroy the safety of the nation and expose us to greater criminal activity, then I am clearly against it. I would rather have ten thousand innocent criminals executed than let one pedophile get away with their savage crimes."

Valerian Karandashov then asked Fabio Bellanti, "The fact that we take a gamble before we execute people, that even though we wait decades to execute people, there is always still a chance of them being innocent."

"That is why," Bellanti replied, "we hold people in death row for that long. We think that we need to give time to make sure that any evidence that can put reasonable doubt that they're guilty. But all this does is exacerbate the toll. I am of the opinion that we get rid of the mandatory appeals process, in order to end the psychological torture."

"If we did that," Karandashov remarked, "we will have far more executions than we would otherwise. Innocents would be executed left and right. But I doubt that you care about that, since you would execute ten thousand innocents to keep one monster away from the streets."

"That's right," he replied.

Later on, Whig Senator Grigor Tarasovich said that "it's a no-brainer that the death penalty be kept. It is a final solution to criminals who can never be reintegrated into society, whose crimes are so horrific and heinous that they deserve to be cast out of society. There is absolutely no need to fix something that is not broken, since the death penalty works. People punished this way have a recidivism rate of zero percent: it is much lower than most other forms of punishment, even life in prison without parole."

Samarin Danilovich then remarked, "In recent years, we have seen botched executions: there is greater difficulty trying to import specific items for our lethal injection. Therefore, they die in agony, since it takes so long to die."

Tarasovich then snapped back, "If they were a murderer, if they were a rapist, I think that is what they deserve: they deserve to feel the pain that they have inflicted upon their victims. They do not deserve a hug and a chance to commit their crimes again; no, we need to punish them and let God take it from there."

Danilovich stated, "We once burned people at the stake until 1968. But we got rid of that and replaced it because it was barbaric and uncivilized. It has no place in a modern nation. Likewise, many nations across the world are abolishing the death penalty. They recognize that the death penalty has outlived its welcome. To not abolish it now and to wait until everyone else gets rid of it means we can no longer be a true leader of the free world. We'd just be a mere follower."

The vote
Once the debate ended earlier today, a vote was taken: 57 Senators (52 from the Liberals and 5 from the Socreds) voted in favor, while 20 voted against (from the Whigs and NLP). The nine Senators from the CLP abstained.

Following the vote, Senator Danilovich told reporters, "I am so pleased that this bill is close to being passed. I can literally taste victory, because it is so close. But we must realize that between here and the President's desk lies a committee and third reading. And the committee stage is really the final hurdle. It could be possible that this bill [to get rid of the death penalty] would end up dead in committee, but I am sure it would be a grave mistake to kill that bill."

Senator Karandashov said that "I'm taking this one step at a time. But I am amazed how far it has come from the House, all the way to the Senate. I am already excited; this bill being so close to the end, it's like I can easily see the President signing it into law. But first, we need to take this through committee, and then we must debate the reports."

In other news

• Willowsea - Media claims that death penalty bill will bring back the death penalty
• Lecistan - Former President Szitowski dead at 74, President Svensson sends condolences
• Opinion - The Esquarian Games in Freyhill is doomed to failure
• Sardeed - Sarah Moien steps down from opposition leader position

[Luziyca]

Bill concerning the death penalty passes third reading, signed by President Svensson

Sera Svensson gives thumbs-up

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Yesterday, the bill had passed the committee stage and entered Third Reading. Today, the bill came to a vote, and after having been passed, it was quickly signed into law by President Sera Svensson, thereby abolishing the death penalty for all crimes committed after January 1, 2017, except war crimes, genocide, and terrorism. However, she went on to give clemency all but sixty-three criminals on death row and sentenced them to life imprisonment without parole.

The report from the Justice Senate Committee
The committee basically repeated the same report as the House Committee, explaining that "a case involving the death penalty is ₤1.5 million (three million dollars) per case," while the average cost of maintaining an inmate is at "₤15,643 ($31,286) per non-death row inmate", and the cost for a non-death row case is at "₤370,000 ($740,000)."

It explains that that the cost to try and imprison all inmates, regardless of whether they're on death row or not is currently at ₤37,000,722.90 ($74,001,445.80), with ₤1,565,535.17 ($3,131,070.34) spent merely on imprisonment. If the death penalty was abolished, and all prisoners were commuted to life imprisonment, it would fall to ₤35,630,702,463 ($71,261,404,926), and the absolute cost of imprisoning the inmates alone would be at ₤1,507,568,325 ($3,015,136,650).

Therefore, the committee stated that "it would be substantially cheaper to end the usage of the death penalty in the long run," but also noted that the provisions to only have the bill apply to offenses committed after January 1, 2017 means that "we would not reap the benefits [of abolishing the death penalty] for a long time."

The debates
Whig Senator Grigor Tarasovich said that "no expense is too great to keep the monsters off of our streets, the worst of the worst criminals from enjoying their 'right' to live and to keep these criminals from committing these crimes again."

In response, Senator Samarin Danilovich replied, "Theoretically, someone could launch an appeal and find the death penalty unconstitutional, because it violates their right to life, and violates the provision that there should be no cruel and unusual punishment."

"What about the victims, Senator?" Tarasovich replied. "Do you care about them?"

"I do," Danilovich replied, "but..."

Tarasovich interrupted Danilovich, saying, "You don't! If you did, you would realize that if the execution is botched, he can relive the agony of the victims that the subhuman criminal has endured."

At this point, the Speaker requested order from the Senators. However, the debate went on until six in the evening when the debate wrapped up.

The vote
The vote took place at nine in the morning, and was presided by Vice-President (and President of the Senate) Colin Hardage. The votes were whipped, causing the vote to be aligned by party. The Liberals and Socreds voted yes, the Whigs and NLP voted against, and the CLP chose to abstain.

In favor - 52 Liberals, 5 Socreds
Against - 19 Whig, 1 NLP
Abstain - 9 CLP

Thus, with the bill having passed the Senate 57-20 with nine abstentions, the bill was sent to the President's desk.

The signing ceremony
President Sera Svensson officially signed the bill into law at eleven in the morning, declaring that "Now that we have gotten rid of the death penalty, I call upon all nations in the world to follow the lead of the leader of the free world!"

However, in her signing statement, Svensson used the statement in order to exercise her executive powers to grant clemency by commuting the sentences of most of the people on death row to life in prison without parole. Her decision to commute the sentences affects 3,230 people on death row throughout the country.

Only sixty-three criminals, all of which are convicted of terrorism-related offenses will remain on death row, since Sera Svensson has announced that "since terrorism remains one of the crimes that will still warrant the death penalty, it would not make sense to give clemency to terrorists, especially in these trying times when we're fighting against The Caliphate." No criminals are on death row for war crimes or genocide.

In other news

• Gijirokastra - 1.2 million people protest abolition of death penalty and the granting of pardons by Svensson
• Opinion poll - LRT poll shows 44% of respondents support the death penalty, 42% oppose it, and 14% are netural
• Shenitsa - Governor condemns mass-pardon by Svensson, plans to sue the President to make this mass-pardon unconstitutional
• West Cedarbrook - Satirical article from The Pickle makes the rounds again on social media mocking Cedarbrookese grammar

[Luziyca]

Last Jewish refugees arrive from Ionland, President Sera Svensson condemns Ionland for racist policies

Svensson embraces an old Jewish man

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Today, the final members of the Jewish community in Ionland have arrived in the Christian Republic of Luziyca following an agreement to permit the Ionite government to deport all 100,000 Jews to Luziyca. Following the official welcome in front of the Presidential Palace, President Sera Svensson delivered a speech condemning Ionland's treatment of ethnic minorities.

"As the leader of the free world," Sera Svensson says, "we offered to take in the 100,000 Jews. We did that not because we support Ionland: to the contrary, we abhor their racist policies that they have implemented. Many of them have lived in Ionland for generations, only to be forced out due to the racist policies of the Ionite government."

Svensson announced, "We will not only provide value equivalent to the assets that have been seized [by the Ionite government], but we shall ensure that they, as well as any other ethnic minority who happens to be discriminated based on racism and fabricated statistics used to justify these racist beliefs," referring to the "research" done by the Royal Research Institute of Sobieski, which has been based on dubious data. She has also urged Congress to "institute sanctions against Ionland until such time as Ionland sees reason once again."

The reaction in Congress
While many Liberal and Christian Luziycan Party members in both houses supported Svensson's calls, there have been criticism from other parties, most notably led by the Whigs and the National Luziycan Party.

Whig leader Nikolai Serhoskav explained at a press conference that "as Svensson takes in 100,000 refugees from Ionland, and spends to help ensure that they transition into our society, she must not forget that we have problems here. We have Shudri who are discriminated against by many sectors of society, especially in the southwestern regions of this great nation. We have homeless people who run the risk of freezing to death in this winter, which has already struck the northeast."

Dorothy Vasiliev of the NLP however stated that "as much as we sympathize with their plight, we do not have any guarantees that they would integrate into Luziycan society. We don't have any guarantee that they're not Ionite agents gathering intelligence in this free nation. And if we let 100,000 refugees from Ionland in, what is to say that this won't be used as precedent to permit 100,000, a million Muslims into our country and wreak havoc upon Luziyca?"

Socred leader Paul Nikolovich has supported the "arrival of the Jews," but opposes providing compensation for their assets that have been seized, explaining that "this grant will cause our budget to go deep into the red. The ideal thing is to pressure Ionland to provide compensation to the Jews that they have expelled from the country, at the very least."

Guardians of Liberty
This development on the human rights situation in Ionland has greatly upset Director Hannes Ahlgren of the Guardians of Liberty.

Ahlgren explained that "in recent years, we had expressed hope that Ionland was becoming more tolerant. While it has democratized a bit, and has permitted political parties, the seizure of Jewish assets in Ionland and the de-facto expulsion of the Jews poses both a threat to economic and to civil freedoms."

He added that "We are concerned that such policies, though may be justified in the name of national order and stability, would result in further discrimination against ethnic minorities, in addition to scaring investors who may have previously been quite willing to invest into the Ionite market."

In other news

• Unolia - Zheng ends moratorium on death penalty, Svensson demands that Li Meiyang be released
• Irvadistan - Habroun close to falling to Ankoreni forces
• Pisdara - Baba Naram-Sin dies at age 79, Svensson sends condolences
• Creepy clowns - Are the growing numbers of clown sightings a threat to our children, or are we all just clowning around?

[Luziyca]

The Christian Republic finally joins the EC

President Svensson gives congratulatory speech

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Yesterday, the Esquarian Community officially approved the admission of the Christian Republic of Luziyca. Since the beginning of Svensson's presidency, she has aspired to get Luziyca to join the Esquarian Community. Today, Luziyca officially became the twenty-fifth member, with five members voting in favor of admission, one abstaining, and nineteen members not voting.

At a press conference in the Presidential Palace, President Sera Svensson explained to reporters that "our membership [in the Esquarian Community] was inevitable: as soon as Pavonistade left the Esquarian Union to join the EC, and the EU began to wind down its operations, we knew that it was time for us to abandon the Esquarian Community, which has become redundant and has had a poor reputation abroad due to our connections to the EU. So over the past few months, we had filled out the paperwork and began the process of joining the EC."

When asked what would Luziyca's role be in the EC, Svensson replied, "Our role in the EC, would not be to utilize it as a tool to exercise our foreign policy. Rather, our role in the EC shall be to co-operate with other nations and ensure that we will contribute to making a more peaceful and prosperous Esquarium."

The political consequences
Within hours of acceptance, Elections Luziyca announced that "the constituencies for the Esquarian Parliament shall utilize single-transferable vote, with the Hare quota to be used," in order to comply with the requirement that all seats in the Esquarian Parliament use some sort of proportional system.

It also has announced that there will be eleven three-seat constituencies covering the entire nation. The only exception is the constituent republic of Nantai, where it would have a single-seat constituency that will use alternative vote. Officials explained the decision to grant Nantai a one-seat constituency as opposed to making it part of a four-seat constituency was "due to the sensitive political situation in Nantai," and a desire to not make it appear to the Namorese government that Nantai was integrated into a Luziycan constituency.

Elections Luziyca has also announced to hold by-elections to elect the sixty-seven Luziycan Esquarian seats of the Esquarian Parliament on the fifteenth of November.

In other news

• Pisdara - Loup-CGT's headquarters raided after corruption scandal breaks out, Svensson condemns the exploitation of workers
• Irvadistan - Habroun liberated by Ankoreni forces, Svensson congratulates Ankoren
• Xiaodong - State Presidium is deadlocked
• Opinion - Why joining the EC is a huge mistake

[Luziyca]

How to cast a vote under STV, and many other burning questions

An example ballot

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - With the elections to the Esquarian Parliament on November 15th, we need to have a talk about single transferable vote, and how it works, so come EP election day, most Luziycans will know how to vote in these elections and ensure that you will know how to vote.

Why are we using STV?
The Esquarian Community has required us that we use some sort of proportional representation. Fortunately, it does not specify how it'd be used. Thus, Elections Luziyca has took the liberty of implementing single-transferable vote for sixty-six of the sixty-seven seats that we have received from the EC. We'll get to you later, Nantai.

In particular, it will use the Hare quota, instead of Droop, mainly so people can understand the framework for the system. Thus, the number of votes will be divided by the number of seats available.

How does it work?
Because I am not exactly fond of explaining it, let's just assume that somewhere, we create a constituency in the middle of nowhere.

Let's use the hypothetical results for the constituency that we set up. Suppose it was like this:

• Whigs - 35% of the vote
• Liberals - 30% of the vote
• Social Credit Party - 25% of the vote
• Christian Luziycan Party - 10% of the vote

Under a first past the post system, the Whig candidate will win, even though 65% of the voters voted against him. This does not give proportional representation, and would not fly under EC rules. In addition, this forces voters to choose between a party they truly like, and a party that they don't like, but prefer over the other party.

So, what if we use single-transferable vote for the constituency?

For simplicity's sake, assume that the results were still as it were at the top. If it is a three-seat constituency, the Whigs will get a single seat. However, because we have about 2 percentage points left, that is when we can transfer voters.

If we get half (so 0.83333335%) to the Socreds, and half to the CLP, we can get this result:

• Whigs - 33.3333333% (1 seat)
• Liberals - 30%
• Socreds - 25.83333335%
• CLP - 10.83333335%

Now, because nobody is above the threshold, we need to eliminate the biggest loser first. The CLP, ergo, is the first to go. Half of the percentage points chose Socreds as a second/third choice, while the rest chose the Liberals. Thus, we get to:

• Whigs - 33.3333333% (1 seat)
• Liberals - 35.4166667%
• Socreds - 31.25%

Since the Liberals exceeded the threshold, we can once again grant the Liberals one seat. However, we now run into two problems: the first issue is that the Liberals have exceeded the threshold so we need to redistribute the votes. However, the second issue is that there is only one biggest loser left.

Therefore, we are left with no choice but to grant the Liberals and the Socreds a single seat each. Thus, all three seats have been selected.

• Whigs - 1 seat
• Liberals - 1 seat
• Socreds - 1 seat

Seems complicated
It may seem complicated because of how it has been explained. The key difference though? You can vote more than once. Well, not in different locations, but you can check off more boxes and you don't have to be afraid that you will help your opponent get into office. However, you can check as much as you want: no need to check all the boxes, and if you wanna only check one box: that's fine.

Thus, this system will be more representative than the first-past-the-post method that is still used for domestic elections (until Svensson overhauls our electoral system).

...what about us?
Okay, Nantainese. You guys have to deal with alternative vote, since instead of just putting you in a four-seat constituency (with the neighboring areas of Luziyca), the government has decided to put you in a one-seat constituency, so that in the event that Namor joins the EC and wants Nantai to be part of Namor (for EC purposes), it'd be easier for us to do that.

So, let's have a constituency in Po'ai, for example. Again, we have:

• Liberals - 27%
• Whigs - 26%
• People's Action Party - 20%
• Social Credit Party - 14%
• Christian Luziycan Party - 13%

If we use first-past the post, the Liberals would win this seat, even though 73% voted against the Liberals. However, if we utilize alternative voting (or instant runoff voting), then you can rank your votes preferentially.

So, suppose that these are our first choice votes. The first losers will be the CLP: out of the 13%, 7% voted for the PAP, 4% voted for the Whigs, and the remainder for the Social Credit Party. So...

• Liberals - 27%
• Whigs - 30%
• People's Action Party - 27%
• Social Credit Party - 18%

Unfortunately, the Social Credit falls last. Their next choices involve 9% of them voting for the Whigs, 5% voting for the PAP, and 4% for the Liberals. Thus, with the Socred's votes redistributed...

• Liberals - 31%
• Whigs - 39%
• People's Action Party - 32%

Finally, we do one final redistribution. With the Liberals in last place, we redistribute their votes: 20% voting for the PAP, and 11% for the Whigs.

• Whigs - 49%
• PAP - 51%

Thus, since there are only two choices left on the ballot, the People's Action Party obtains the seat.

In other news

• Pisdara - General strike begins
• South Nautasia - Tuthinan-South Nautasian relations increase
• Namor - Ambassador proposes that if Namor joins the EC, the Nantai constituency will be "transferred" to Namor for the purposes of EC
• Opinion - FPTP is the simplest system

[Luziyca]

Legislators contemplate mandating ID to buy books in Jinalut, protests erupt

Protesters in Malanu

MALANU, JINALUT - Following the arrest of three teenagers after their return from an educational trip on the island for possession of literature written in the Masivan language, legislator Bêxal Nêçîrvan of the Progressive Party tabled a bill that would mandate that local ID be displayed before purchasing or borrowing books, in order to "protect the Masivan language" and "prevent smugglers from trying to take books to the mainland."

The debate
Almost immediately, legislator Abdul Mehrayin of the People's Party criticized the bill, declaring it a "threat to our economy, a threat to our freedom of speech, and a threat to our brothers in the Azkuri Territory! We may as well raise a white flag and invite the Ankoreni government to take possession of the island when we pass it!"

Nêçîrvan defended the bill, saying that "if we pass the bill, there may be some loss, but the benefits make up for it: we will continue to get tourists from Ankoren, we will continue to receive most of our basic needs, and there will be no war on the horizon."

Mehrayin retorted, "At the cost of our own self-interest? At what point do we draw a line in the sand and tell Ankoren to not interfere in our island's affairs? Our fathers fought to maintain our liberties during the War, and all this just so we can squander them for the sake of short-term economic growth?"

Nêçîrvan stated, "It would be in our self-interest to make it appear to Ankoren that we are not that hostile to their government, if only so we can continue to receive their money, their tourist dollars, and more importantly, getting the new airport completed. If we put in efforts to restrict the distribution of books to the locals, then at least we won't appear to be allowing smuggling."

After a few hours, the bill came to a vote: it passed first reading with 18 ayes, and 12 nays, with zero abstentions.

Protests break out
As soon as the bill was tabled by Nêçîrvan, protesters began making their way to Liberation Square. Many were carrying flags of Jinalut, and chanting their motto (Our liberties we prize, and our rights we shall maintain!). Many also carried banners demanding the release of the three teenagers, and also demanded the continuation of the exports.

A protester said, "Maybe they should not have gotten their hands on those books, but we all did dumb sh*t as kids, right? Why should those teens be punished for having a few books?" He also stated that "Besides, it's not like they're drinking booze or raping someone: they were just reading some books. Who knows what their intent was?"

Another protester told reporters that "The bill that was tabled will harm our liberties, and will harm our economy." She added that "We have survived without Ankoreni tourists before, and I know that if we end up in that situation, we can do so again."

By noon (local time), the police reported that there were around "fifteen thousand demonstrators" at the square, and that the protests were peaceful.

However, Governor Rawezh Hazar declared her support for the bill, stating "if Svensson can implement an injunction for the Nantai referendum to placate Namor, then I think it's not too unreasonable for us to make some concessions for the Ankorenis."

In other news

• Francilie - Terrorist attacks ahead of self-determination referendum for the Montchauvois
• Pisdara - GSUP deputy in hot water following desire to see corrupt legislators "on the lampposts"
• Ankoren - Over 350 people arrested in anti-graft campaign
• Xiaodong - New elections called after state chairperson fails to be elected

[Luziyca]

Jinalutian opposition leader accuses Rawezh Hazar of "whoring out our island to the Ankorenis"

Protesters in Malanu

MALANU, JINALUT - With the endorsement of Bêxal Nêçîrvan's bill by the Ankoreni government, Jinalutian leader of the Official Opposition Zerdo Navdest launched an attack at Governor Rawezh Hazar for "endorsing a bill that will destroy the economy and greatly harm our civil liberties."

Zerdo Navdest of the People's Party stated that "the bill tabled by Bêxal Nêçîrvan can only be seen as an attack on our civil liberties, just because some Ankoreni teenagers got arrested for bringing some of our literature back to Ankoren. To require that local ID be used for purchasing or borrowing books here in the Associated Free State [of Jinalut] will harm our publishing industry, and will do little to deter smuggling."

Rawezh Hazar explained to Nadvest that "the publishing industry is not the most important industry on Jinalut. Since 2010, it has fallen fivefold because stricter policies to counter smuggling of Azkuri-language books had been implemented in Ankoren. We are now trying to play our part to prevent sanctions, to preserve good relations, and to ensure that our economy remains stable."

Nadvest however became furious. He declared that "Rawezh Hezar's administration is whoring our island to the Ankorenis! You will sacrifice basic liberties, you will sacrifice our literature and arts, just to appease the Ankorenis! You are so willing to kowtow to Ankoren and moon the Masivans that you are not even a Hilkar, you're worse than him!" Nadvest's remarks gained applause among his colleagues, but boos and jeers from the Progressive legislators.

When asked to apologize for his sexist remarks, Nadvest said, "I will only apologize for these remarks if the Progressives stops trying to kowtow to Ankoren's every demand!"

On the streets of Malanu
Meanwhile, on the streets of Malanu, while some women have condemned Nadvest's sexist remarks, many have applauded him for "standing up to the Ankoreni thugs!"

"We need someone like Nadvest to be our Governor," a veteran of the Jinalut War explained. "We cannot allow ourselves to lower our guard to the Ankoreni's like what Hazar is doing. She will one day pay the cost when Ankoren lands on Jinalut and begins another occupation and destroys our language and culture."

Police arrested a 26-year old man after he tried to burn the Ankoreni flag from a lamppost at Liberation Square. However, the protests have remained peaceful, demanding that the law be shelved and that the three teenagers be released. The numbers have been rising: 20,000 protesters are now at the square, or about a fifth of the island's population.

In other news

• Nantai - 50,000 protesters in Kenyen demand participation in the EC over Namorese demands, voter turnout expected to be high on Nov. 15
• Francilie - Terrorist attacks ahead of self-determination referendum for the Montchauvois
• Pisdara - GSUP deputy in hot water following desire to see corrupt legislators "on the lampposts"
• Ankoren - Over 350 people arrested in anti-graft campaign

[Luziyca]

Luziycan ambassador to Namor dismissed, future of detente uncertain

Foreign Secretary Alina Stefanov

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Due to deteriorating relations between Namor and Luziyca, Secretary Alina Stasov of the Department of Foreign Affairs has recalled Ambassador Ryov Merkonsov from Namo and dismissed him from his position. She has replaced Merkonsov with Nantai-born Tsao Feng, who will serve as chargés d'affaires to serve in his place until the "political climate improves."

Alina Stasov declared that this move was made due to "deteriorating relations, especially in the past few days between the governments of the Christian Republic and People's Republic." She also explained that "Merkonsov has been relieved of his position, primarily due to his unprofessional comments about using Namorese territorial integrity to try and get Namor to join the EC."

She bemoaned the deteriorating relations, saying that "it is a tragedy that Nantainese representation in the Esquarian Parliament has proven to be a major issue," and called for direct bilateral negotiations with the People's Republic of Namor.

She declared that "Negotiations will be the only way we can prevent further hostilities, let alone a Fourth Namo-Luziycan War. We need to have immediate bilateral negotiation concerning the Nantai issue, and at the very least resolve its status concerning representation in the Esquarian Parliament."

Response from the government and the opposition
President Sera Svensson has supported bilateral negotiations, stating that "we have to resolve these issues and nip the situation in the bud without depriving the inhabitants of Nantai of the representation that they deserve in the Esquarian Parliament." It is unclear whether she will invite the President-General of Namor for talks.

Nikolovich declared that "it would be more beneficial in the long run to resolve the dispute with Namor, even if it means having to give up Nantai. That being said, I support Nantainese being represented in the Esquarian Parliament," and condemned Namor's insistence that they be treated as second class citizens.

Meanwhile, Nikolai Serhoskav has stated that "detente has failed. If Namor cannot allow the Nantainese the right to determine their own future, to decide whether they want to be Luziycan or Namorese, and wants to destroy relations with us, then we need to increase military readiness, and seal the [Namo-Luziycan] border. I wish it didn't get to this point, but there is nobody left in the constituent republic that remembers Namorese rule. It is time for Namor to abandon these dreams."

CLP leader Vonora Khendalor criticized the tensions, saying that "We want to see both sides not treating God's children in Nantai as though they were mere pawns, but rather, as people with their own needs and wants. We need to negotiate so we do not risk sacrificing God's children in both Namor and Luziyca over a thin strip of land."

Finally, Dorothy Vasiliev of the NLP declared that "the only way out of this mess is if we push Luziyca out of the Esquarian Community. Not only will it make things worse for our fatherland in the long run by having the EC impose their communistic laws upon us, if they deny Nantai representation, they are saying to us that Nantainese are not worth that of Luziycans living anywhere else. A person in Kenyen is just as much a Luziycan as someone in Firenze!"

In other news

• Jinalut - About a fifth of population protest against book ban
• Francilie - Terrorist attacks ahead of self-determination referendum for the Montchauvois
• Pisdara - GSUP deputy in hot water following desire to see corrupt legislators "on the lampposts"
• Ankoren - Over 350 people arrested in anti-graft campaign

[Luziyca]

Esquarian Parliament denies Nantai representation, protests break out in Kenyen

Protesters in Kenyen

KENYEN, NANTAI - The Esquarian Parliament passed a resolution with 197 votes in favor, 111 against, and 21 abstaining, to deny Nantainese representatives the right to represent the Nantainese people in the Esquarian Parliament. Proposed by Aininian legislator Marie Hong of the Communist Party, it is speculated to be connected to the Namorese requests that Nantai not be allowed to participate in the Esquarian Community until a "permanent solution to the Nantai question has been reached."

At a press conference outside the Council of Esquarium, Luziycan delegate Taras Pashkov explained that "I am disappointed that the Esquarian Parliament has decided to deny the people of Nantai representation. I will be working to make sure that the people of Nantai will still get a say within the Esquarian Parliament so long as they remain a Namorese territory under Luziycan administration."

The protests in Nantai
Minutes after the results of the vote were released, many Nantainese in West Po'ai and in Kenyen took to the streets to protest the outcome of the vote.

In Kenyen, the Police Department estimated that around 250,000 people came out to protest the vote. Luziycan and Nantainese flags were carried, as well as banners condemning the Esquarian Parliament for denying Nantai representation. Protesters chanted "SHAME ON YOU!" and "WE DESERVE TO BE REPRESENTED [in the Esquarian Parliament]!"

A 19-year old protester, who spoke under the condition of anonymity said that "Nantai is part of an EC member state. Yet, the EC is capitulating to the will of Namor, and has decided to deny us representation!"

However, the protests were peaceful: only one was taken into custody after attempting to burn a Namorese flag, which happened to be fireproof.

It was a stark contrast to Po'ai, where despite only having 3,000 protesters, it was far more violent. The protesters burned Namorese and Esquarian Community flags, and chanted slogans demanding that Namor abandon their claim over Nantai, as well as Namophobic slogans directed at the People's Republic of Namor. They attempted to make their way towards the Central Avenue Port of Entry, but were stopped by riot police 2.5 km away from the border. There, it was a tense situation, as the protesters demanded to be let through, while the police prevented the protesters (and traffic going to Namor) from going through.

After an hour, the protesters attempted to break through the police lines, which caused the police to throw tear gas canisters, which dispersed most of the protesters, who were promptly taken into custody for rioting, hate speech, and blocking traffic.

In other news

• Nevanmaa - Juhani III dies, President Svensson sends condolences, urges successor to reform
• Lecistan - Riots break out following death of Juhani III, state of emergency declared
• Francilie - Montchauvois to reunite with Francilie, Autians threaten secession
• East Nautarya - Ankoren bombs Caliphate training camp, villagers claim that village was targeted

[Luziyca]

Relations restored with Namor, Tsao Feng to become new Ambassador to Namor

Alina Stasov

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Today, the Foreign Minister of Namor, Fao Venzong has stated that Namor is "ready" to restore relations with Luziyca after the Esquarian Parliament voted to deny Nantai their representation. In response, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Alina Stasov expressed her gratitude, and officially upgraded Tsao Feng's rank from chargé d'affaires ad interim to ambassador, officially succeeding Ryov Merkonsov as the Luziycan Ambassador to Namor.

Alina Stasov held a press conference, stating that "the Christian Republic is willing to restore relations with the People's Republic of Namor, and we are extremely thankful that the government of Namor has decided to offer to restore relations."

She stated that "Mutually beneficial relations between the People's Republic of Namor and the Christian Republic of Luziyca are clearly in our own best interests," and stated that in order to achieve them, "some changes had to be made to our embassy in Namor" to get rid of "Namophobic" elements. This would segue into the introduction of the new ambassador to Namor (who served as chargé d'affaires ad interim during the row), Tsao Feng (who was born in Nantai).

"We hope that our new ambassador to Namor, Tsao Feng, shall help ensure that the old Namophobic policies in the past be swept away, so a more equitable relationship can be created between Namor and Luziyca, as opposed to the old system of unequal treaties and exploitation."

In other news

• An apology - After two images were printed out, to the bemusement of Namorese social media, we're obliged to apologize
• Jinalut - Controversial law requiring ID to buy books passes, opponents pledge court action
• EP elections - Elections Luziyca to not postpone elections, protesters demand that all MEPs refuse to sit until Nantainese representatives can be seated
• Aucuria - Provincial premier wants to rename Calvonia to "Nantai," Luziycan Ambassador Märta Marklund says "cute, but ultimately non-productive."

[Luziyca]

Government condemns Crown of St. Lucia plan

Foreign Secretary Alina Stefanov

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - With the new King of Nevanmaa, Juhani IV, proposing to unify the countries of Nevanmaa, Costa Sud, and Lecistan to create a single country, Foreign Secretary Alina Stasov held a press conference in the Congressional Palace, where she condemned the plan as a "threat to international stability."

Alina Stasov told reporters that "the plans of the Nevan government to essentially grant Costa Sud and Lecistan seats in the lower house of the Nevan legislature in the name of 'deconstructing all overlapping jursidictions' and granting representation to all people under the rule of the House of Kaarenmaa-Hennala is tantamount to de-facto annexation of these territories."

"The fact of the matter is while the House of Kaarenmaa-Hennala has maintained rule over Costa Sud for centuries," she explained, "the fact of the matter is that both Lecistan and Costa Sud are sovereign and independent states." She also pointed out that if Lecistan were to end up as part of the Nevan realm, "there is a potential that Francilie and Masseau could essentially institute a blockade over Lecistan, resulting in grave and dire consequences for the people of Lecistan."

"We will only recognize the unification of the lands governed by the House of Kaarenmaa-Hennala when the peoples of Nevanmaa, Lecistan, and Costa Sud agree via referendum to formally merge the countries into one," she declared. "Until this happens, such a merger will pose a threat to international stability, and will bring dire consequences to Lecistan."

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Nantai - Namorese foreign minister says Nantai not part of EC member, Chief Executive Tam declares "Nantai may be Namorese, but an EC member administers it"
• Irvadistan - Ankoreni military allegedly integrating Ankoreni-occupied regions into Ankoren proper
• Namor - Condolences sent following building collapse
• Lecistan - Department of Foreign Affairs issues travel advisory to Lecistan due to increased terrorism

[Luziyca]

The Chaska i Esquarium opening ceremonies

The National Stadium in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Tomorrow is the beginning of the seventh edition of the Chaska i Esquarium. For the first time since the second edition, the Chaska has made its way to the Christian Republic of Luziyca, following a bid in the inaugural edition of the Chaska i Esquarium that was rejected by all members of the Esquarian Football Federation. But tonight was the opening ceremonies of the seventh edition of the Coupe d'Esquarium at the National Stadium in Bethlehem.

The opening act
At 12:00 pm EST (11:00 am WST), the opening ceremonies for the seventh edition of the Coupe d'Esquarium began. For the opening act, 1,500 individuals did a performance. It showcased Luziyca's technological progress, as well as paid tribute to football, with a living ball. Fifteen minutes afterwards, the first part of the performance ended. During this time, some of the performers played a simulated football match, with the uniforms being that of winning teams in previous Coupes, from Luziyca in its inaugural edition to Atlia, the champions of the previous Coupe d'Esquarium. At the same time, the "audience" on the pitch began chanting Luziycan football chants and did the wave.

At 12:30 pm EST (11:30 am WST), the performers dispersed. Immediately after, a fanfare was performed by seven individuals, dressed in the traditional costumes of heralds from various regions of the country.

The Parade of Nations
Shortly after the fanfare was played, the Parade of Nations started. Due to the fact that Francilie hosts the Esquarian Football Association, the Francilian delegation were the first to march in: each delegation comprised of their entire team, and support staff to ensure that their stay in Luziyca would be comfortable. They were dressed in their national clothing, and the coach, Thierry Fabron carried the flag of Francilie.

Following the Francilians were the Aininian delegation, dressed in traditional Aininian clothing, with their assistant manager, Ahmad Badawi carrying the Aininian flag. From there, the parade continued in (Luziycan) alphabetical order, although some Luziycans were shocked when following Livancia came Lydland. However, after the Vyvlander delegation made their way into the stadium, the Luziycan delegation finally arrived, much to great applause. The Luziycan flagbearer was Barbara Schmidt, the assistant manager to the Patriots.

The speeches
After all the teams have arrived in the stadium by 12:45 pm EST (11:45 am WST), the Presidential Salute was performed as President Sera Svensson made her way to a podium on the pitch. Once the salute ended, and she was on the podium, she made her speech.

She then said in Luziycan, "On behalf of all the sportsmen and women of the world, I declare the seventh edition of the Coupe d'Esquarium open." She then repeated it in Swedish and Lombardian, and then was met with applause.

As she left the pitch, Luziycan forward Tyrone Dobrev headed towards the podium.

Tyrone Dobrev spoke, and said the Footballers' Oath in Luziycan: "In the name of all competitors for the Coupe d'Esquarium, we promise that we shall respect and abide by the rules of the Coupe d'Esquarium, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams. So help me God!"

Once Tyrone Dobrev swore the Footballers' Oath, the audience cheered loudly. Tyrone Dobrev returned to his position in the Luziycan delegation, and two thousand sixteen doves were released into the stadium, as a symbol of peace in the world. After the release of the doves, the athletes marched out of the stadium, concluding the opening ceremonies for the Coupe d'Esquarium.

In other news

• Chaska i Esquarium - How good are our chances of winning?
• Ankoren - Concerns about deteriorating human rights in Ankoren according to the Guardians of Liberty
• Francilie - Significant political reforms underway
• Nantai - House prices reach record high as many Phikamese eye the region to escape the specter of communism

[Luziyca]

Patriots defeat the Filimon Filiharmonic 2-0

The National Stadium in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Today was the first match. At 10:00 am EST (9:00 am WST), the Patriots faced the Filimon Filiharmonic on the pitch at the National Stadium, in front of a sold out crowd who braved the -23 degree wind chill to attend the Patriot's first match on home soil in the history of the Chaska i Esquarium.

The highlights
Following the performance of the Filimon and Luziycan national anthems, the match commenced. For the first half of the match, the Filiharmonic made several attempts to score goals at the nineteen minute, twenty-two minute, and the thirty-second minute marks. Yet, in spite of these efforts, the defense was swift to adapt their strategies to prevent the Filiharmonic from being as sharp as they would have expected.

As a consequence, the Filiharmonic offensive and defensive began to collapse as the players went off tune. This enabled forward A.B. Normal to score a goal at the forty-five minute mark with just seconds to go, ending the half on a positive note for the Patriots, with the Patriots leading 1-0.

In the second half, the Filiharmonic attempted to get back in tune. However, they were unable to get back into rhythm as a consequence of their sub-par performance, and the collapse of their offensive sections. Thus, as the Filiharmonic played in the defense, the Patriots made advances until at the 76 minute mark, A.B. Normal manages to succeed in scoring yet another goal.

From that point, it seemed that the Filiharmonic regained their rhythm. The Filimon team seemed to have regained their offensive and with increasing vigor attempted to score a goal at the eighty-two minute and eighty-seventh minute. However, the Patriots managed to keep the Filiharmonic from playing the wrong tune, with An Grigor deflecting both attempts.

At the end of the match, the Patriots were in the lead, 2-0, ending today's sub-par performance by the Filimon Filiharmonic.

Post-mortem
Captain Henry Jung told reporters after the match that "we had won because we practiced much more often, and we're used to these cold temperatures, especially those of us from the northeast [of Luziyca]. I don't think the Filimon team even saw snow until they arrived in Bethlehem, actually."

Currently, Luziyca is second-place in their group, behind Ainin, whose Coyotes managed to pounce on Namor 5-1. In third position for Group A is the Filimon Filiharmonic, and in last place rest the Namorese team.

In other news

• Chaska i Esquarium - Highlights from the other matches of the group stages
• Francilie - Five parties announce their nominees
• Ankoren - Congressman Naseem Qadr found dead, Jinalutians hold vigil in Qadr's honor
• Opinion - Is the Chaska i Esquarium a coup on our finances?

[Luziyca]

Concerns mount over the coming Namor vs. Luziyca match

Riot police in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - After winning 3-2 over the Coyotes, the Patriots are gearing up for Friday's match against the People's Republic of Namor. However, the municipal government has announced plans to boost security in the stadium, its surrounding areas, and in the viewing spots for the Namor v. Luziyca match.

Statement from municipal government
The mayor of Bethlehem, Karl Kazankov stated at a press conference that "because of the huge tensions that have existed between Namor and Luziyca, I anticipate that this match may be a powderkeg to serious riots that have the potential to damage our economy. Therefore, in order to stave off riots, we will boost security in the designated viewing areas for people wanting to watch the Namor v. Luziyca match, as well as both inside and outside the Stadium."

Thus, over the next few days, he informed reporters that there will be an increase of police presence in Bethlehem in order to deter football hooligans and other "ne'er do wells" from committing acts of violence.

"Football may feel important, and I am sure it is, but it is not worth the life of another person, or someone else's hard-earned life that he or she has built," Kazankov declared. "We will not tolerate those who harm other people or destroy people's livelihoods in the name of football. End of story."

The Bethlehem Police Department has urged Luziycan fans going to the match to take the bus to the stadium, while Namorese fans should take the subway system to reduce the possibility of contacting one another. It has also urged fans to not use chants that would risk

The Patriotic response
When asked about the coming match against the Warriors of the Nozama River, captain Henry Jung explained that "it'd be definitely interesting: we're facing the team that has to win this [coming] match or risk being eliminated and sent home, while we are basically guaranteed an advance into the Round of Sixteen. However, we're going to do our best to win, because we are representing our country on home soil."

However, he added that "I am afraid that detente could collapse because of a Namorese defeat if we were to win. But I cannot waste my time worrying about that when I want Luziycans to keep supporting the Patriots."

Manager Alfred Smith explained to reporters that "Our team is practicing hard and is fresh off the heels of our two victories against Filimons and Ainin. I may be a fool to say that we will steamroll the Namorese team, but it'd be just as foolish to believe that we will play it soft. We will do our best to ensure that the Patriots shall win our next match, and all the ones that come afterwards."

In other news

• Chaska i Esquarium - Highlights from the other matches of the group stages
• Chaska i Esquarium - Results from the Coyotes v. Patriots match
• Ankoren - State President urges more citizens onto the streets to purge reactionaries
• Pisdara - Aid arrives to poverty-stricken nation grappling with a massive general strike

[Luziyca]

Our prospects for the Round of Sixteen

The National Stadium in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - After having tied 2-2 with the Warriors of the Nozama, the Patriots are now preparing for their first Round of Sixteen on home soil. In light of this, let us take a gander at who will win the matches of the Round of Sixteen.

The Round of 16
Luziyca's record has been good, with two victories: one against the Coyotes, and the other against the Filiharmonic, as well as a draw against the Warriors of Nozama.

Arkiasis meanwhile has had a spotty record, only having a single win, loss, and draw each. Thus, we expect that our Patriots shall easily trounce the weak Wolfpack, and prevent these wolves from continuing to threaten us. Bookmakers are predicting a 90% chance that the Patriots will win and advance to the quarter-finals.

For Toksan and Vyvland, Toksan's Little Marchers has won all of its matches, doing so without conceding a single goal. In contrast, Vyvland has had a similar record to Arkiasis: they have a win, a loss, and a draw. However, the Vyvlanders can potentially have a chance to stop Toksan's Little March right then and there. Thus, our bookmakers believe that both sides have the potential to advance into the quarter-finals.

The united team from the communist nation of Kaona and the Phikamese Islands have done quite spectacularly, winning all three matches. Their opponents, the Tinzhanese have two wins and a loss. Both have the same goal differential, and they are both debutantes. Thus, our bookmakers predict the same odds for this match as the Toksanese-Vyvlander match.

In the match between Montecara and the Ocelot Isles, Montecara has won all of its matches, while the Ocelotians have one win, one loss, and one draw. Thus, our bookmakers predict that there is a 95% chance that Montecara shall advance into the quarter-finals.

For Ainin and Fjalland, Fjalland has won all three of its matches, and its goal differential is at five, while Ainin has two victories (against the Filiharmonic and the Warriors of the Nozama), and a loss (against Luziyca), with a goal differential of five. Thus, much like the Toksanese-Vyvlander match and the Kaonese-Tinzhanese match, our bookmakers will give 50-50 odds.

In regards to Senria and Pisdara, Senria has won two matches and only had one draw. It's goal differential is at 3. In contrast, Pisdara has one win, two losses, and has a goal differential of zero. Thus, bookmakers predict that there's a 60% chance that Senria will advance to the quarter-finals.

For the match between Daecon and Livancia, Livancia has only a single victory, and two losses. In contrast, Daecon has two victories and a loss. To this end, our bookmakers predict that there's an 80% chance that Daecon shall advance into the quarter-finals.

Finally, for the match between West Cedarbrook and Lyonsland, Lyonsland has won all three of its matches, and has a goal differential of seven. In contrast, West Cedarbrook has two victories and a loss (against Montecara), with a goal differential of four. Thus, bookmakers predict that Lyonsland will have a 70% chance of advancing into the quarter finals.

Thus, while the Patriots should not rest on their laurels, they should at least be less concerned that the Patriots will be savaged by a pack of wolves.

In other news

• Chaska i Esquarium - Highlights from the Luziyca v. Namor match
• Cortoguay - Protests break out due to Communist victories in the Chaska
• Francilie - Liet expresses desire to invade Lecistan if they join St. Lucia's plan, Luziycan Ambassador Alda De Natale condemns it
• Opinion - Why the Luziyca v. Namor match was fixed to preserve detente

[Luziyca]

Our prospects for the Quarter-Finals

The National Stadium in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - We have managed to win after extra time 3-2 against the Wolfpack, after tying 2 all, with a last minute goal by Captain Henry Jung (after the two goals by A.B. Normal). Now, we examine the prospects for not just the Patriots or the Little Marchers, but for the all of the other teams that have made it to the Quarter-Finals of the seventh Chaska i Esquarium.

The Bethlehem quarter-finals
Toksan had won all of its matches in the group stage with no goals, and they have continued the trend by defeating Vyvland 2-0 yesterday. They even have a goal differential of seven.

In contrast, the Patriots have two victories and two draws thus far, and they have a goal differential of four. As mentioned earlier, we have just managed to advance after a goal by Henry Jung.

Thus, as much as it pains us to say this, Toksan has a 75% chance of winning the coming match tomorrow against the Patriots, and reaching the semi-finals.

The Gijirokastra quarter-finals
On the red corner rests Kaona-Phaonam: the debutant team from the People's Union of Kaona and the Dominion of Caona which has managed to win all three of its matches in the Group Stage, although unlike the Little Marchers of Toksan, the commies have a goal differential of six, since they have conceded goals. They have also earned a single victory.

On the blue corner is the Ocelot Isles: in a stunning upset yesterday, they defeated Montecara 3-1. Their goal differential is zero, and they had won a single match, drew a single match, and lost a single match in the Group Stage, although they have won an additional match yesterday.

Kaona-Phaonam has a 75% chance of defeating the Ocelot Isles, and advancing into the semi-finals.

The Yerevan quater-finals
Yesterday, Ainin defeated Fjalland 2-0, and as a result go up against Senria. The Aininians have won two matches, and lost one in the group stage. Their goal differential is seven points.

The Coyotes face the Senrians, which won three matches thus far and only drew one. Their goal differential is at four points.

Thus, we predict a 55% chance that Ainin would win this match and advance into the semi-finals, but it is anybody's game, and it would not be too unreasonable that Senria will likely win.

The Greenwich quarter final
Finally, we reach the final quarter-final in Greenwich, Shenitsa between Daecon and Lyonsland.

The Lyonese have won all of their matches so far, and as of yesterday, their goal differential was at eight points. In contrast, Daecon has won three matches: two in the group stage, and has only lost one match in the group stage. Their goal differential is at five points.

Therefore, the Constitution predicts that there's a 65% chance that Lyonsland will advance into the semi-finals after tomorrow's match.

We hope the best for the Patriots, but we are doubtful that they will pass beyond the Quarter-Finals.

In other news

• Chaska i Esquarium - What to expect tomorrow
• Pisdara - Pisdari team to stay in Luziyca for a few weeks after the Coupe
• Xiaodong - New party in power may not mean anything
• Francilie - Liet expresses desire to invade Lecistan if they join St. Lucia's plan, Luziycan Ambassador Alda De Natale condemns it

[Luziyca]

Our prospects for the Semi-Finals

The National Stadium in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Following our victory over the Little Marchers 4-2 (Henry Jung scoring two goals at the 41' and 57' mark, and A.B. Normal at the 24' and 38' mark), tomorrow, we prepare to face the Ocelots tomorrow at noon at the National Stadium. If we lose, then on the 23rd, we will be playing in Yerevan, and would not be eliminated from contention. Thus, we will like to examine the matches for tomorrow.

The Bethlehem semi-final
We now face the Ocelots tomorrow. The Ocelots have defied many expectations of defeat, especially after facing powers such as Montecara. The Ocelots tied their previous match against the Red Elephants 1-1, but after extra time, they defeated them 3-2.

As of yesterday, the Patriots have a goal differential of six goals, while the Ocelots have a goal differential of one goal.

If we measured purely by using goal differential, we have an 86% chance of defeating the Ocelotians. However, it has been clear that the Ocelot Isles has managed to catch betting markets by surprise all across the region, and it is likely that if we use that figure, the Ocelotians could have the potential to surprise us once again.

Thus, betting markets are predicting that it could be anybody's game: either the Ocelots or the Patriots will advance to the finals, and the loser of tomorrow night's match shall head to Yerevan for the consolation tournament.

The Yerevan semi-final
Meanwhile, the Coyotes are gearing up for their match tomorrow against the Lyonese Warriors. Lyonsland has won all of its matches thus far, defeating Daecon 7-5 after extra time, while the Coyotes defeated Senria 3-2 after extra time, and have of course, lost a single match against the Patriots.

The Aininians currently have a goal differential of eight, while the Warriors have a goal differential of ten points.

Thus, there's a 65% chance that Lyonsland will make it to the finals, and it is very likely that Ainin will be facing off whoever loses tomorrow's match in Bethlehem on the 23rd.

In other news

• Chaska i Esquarium - What to expect tomorrow
• Oteki - First non-Kannei elected President of Oteki, ONC congratulates her for her victory, and hope "improved relations between Otekians and Namorese"
• Tinzhan - Director of bank resigns
• Opinion - The Coupe d'Esquarium will be an undoubted success

[Luziyca]

Our predictions for the final matches in the Chaska i Esquarium

The National Stadium in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Following our defeat in the match against the Ocelot Isles 0-1, when Patrik Sonna scored a goal just seconds before the end of regulation time, the Patriots are en route to Yerevan to face off against the Lyonese Warriors to try and obtain the consolation prize, and ensure that we get third place.

The third place tournament
The previous match against the Ocelots was the first match that we have lost (instead of drew), while for the Lyonese Warriors, it has been the first match that they have lost, being defeated by Ainin 2-4.

The Lyonese have gotten to know the Grande Stadio in Yerevan very well and have had time to prepare themselves for the preceding match against Ainin. Now that they get to stay in Yerevan, they have home field advantage over the Patriots, which have played since the first group stage match in this edition of the Chaska i Esquarium.

Thus, considering that the Luzzies will need to rest and practice for tomorrow's match, there's a 60% chance that Lyonsland shall take the bronze medal.

The Catfight
As we mentioned, the Coyotes beat the Lyonese Warriors 4-2, and so they get to proceed into the finals. The opponent is the rising Ocelots, who have managed to beat Luziyca 1-0 just prior to the end of regulation time (with seconds left to go).

Unlike the third place match, this match will take place on the 24th of December at 2 pm EST (1 pm WST), meaning that the Coyotes have some time to relax and practice for their final match. However, it is predicted that the temperature will be at -14 degrees, with a 60% chance of flurries. This could make the Aininians long for Yerevan, whose temperature tomorrow will be at 13 degrees, although there will be rainfall.

The Ocelots have managed to defy the predictions made by many betting markets. Thus, we predict that for the final match in Bethlehem's National Stadium, the Ocelots will have an 85% chance of taking the trophy, and the Coyotes would get a silver medal.

Regardless, we hope that tomorrow, the Patriots take the bronze medal and prove that we can do it!

In other news

• Chaska i Esquarium - Preparations for the closing ceremonies underway
• Oteki - First non-Kannei elected President of Oteki, ONC congratulates her for her victory, and hope "improved relations between Otekians and Namorese"
• Christmas - Record number of tourists visiting Bethlehem, at highest level since Christmas 1999
• Tinzhan - Bank director resigns

[Luziyca]

Svensson announces to create a "Great Society"

President Svensson

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - At 6 pm EST (5 pm WST), President Sera Svensson, following tradition that goes all the way back to Khranovi Semrov in 1961, took to the airwaves to broadcast her first Christmas address as the leader of the free world, where she had a year in review, and then announced her plans for the Liberal administration in the next year.

The year in review
In her first year in review, she was swift to focus on her assassination attempt in Frontiersburg, which happened just over a week after she took office.

"It is a Christmas miracle not only that I have survived the attempt [on my life]," she explained, "but that I have recovered so quickly and was able to re-assume my duties by the start of April. And so far, all I got from it is a limp!"

She then explained her accomplishments: she managed to support legislation that ended the use of the death penalty in the Christian Republic, and managed to get Luziyca to join the Esquarian Community for the first time, and oversaw Luziyca hosting its first Coupe d'Esquarium. In addition, she also acknowledged the start of a trend in reducing Luziyca's colonial empire.

"All in all," she stated, "I feel that 2016 was an okay year. That said, it definitely got better towards the end."

The plans for 2017
In her next portion of the speech, President Svensson stated that "it is time to focus inwards. We have our own problems: we have high income inequality, we still heavily rely on fossil fuels, and we do not have a large safety net for the poor."

"Under preceding administrations, the Whigs have vested a major interest in expanding the prison-industrial complex, and pushing Shudri and poor children through the school-to-prison pipeline," she declared. "In 2017, I promise that we will make substantial reforms to our penal systems: to end private prisons, to end overcrowding [in prisons], and to make sure that rehabilitation becomes the main focus, not just pure deterrence."

"That being said," she added, "that is just the start. I want 2017 to be the year where we begin creating our Great Society, to make Luziyca be a true shining city on a hill."

"We will provide greater welfare coverage, and we will institute progressive taxation," she announced. She then paused for a few moments and then stated that "Our goal shall be to follow the path of many developed nations like Geadland, Arkiasis, Katranjiev, and Montecara, and ensure that by the end of this decade, we will create a Great Society, in order to maximize the number of people achieving the Luziycan dream."

In addition to the Great Society, she also made one astounding declaration to the Associated Free States in particular (i.e. Jinalut and Novi Armorika): to create a Compact of Free Association in place of the Associated Free States.

"For nearly four decades," she stated, "the Associated Free States have exercised substantial internal autonomy. As we enter 2017, it is time that we re-evaluate our relationship with the Associated Free States of Novi Armorika and Jinalut, and allow them to exercise power over all external affairs, while still providing them with defense and protection, in addition to access to the same programs that citizens of Luziyca have a right to access to."

"A Compact of Free Association will allow them to continue receiving many benefits of being Luziycan," she explained, "but they will be able to take control of their own destiny and make themselves heard on the world stage."

The conclusion
She then concluded her address, stating "On behalf of my family, I would like to wish you a merry Christmas, a happy Hannukah, and a happy new year, and may the Christian Republic have a great 2017."

In other news

• Chaska i Esquarium - The closing ceremonies: did it do much justice to the CdE?
• Namor - Sera Svensson the second-most important person of 2016
• Ainin - Celebrations in Ainin as they defeat the Ocelots 6-4 after extra time
• Opinion - Keep the Christ in Christmas