Esquarium Today [Regional News, CLOSED]

by **Scotia-99** » Thu Feb 19, 2015 2:52 pm

19 February, 2015

FM Campbell: Sinhako should be organized by Pavonistade first

A proposed map of the Shudri
homeland of Sinhako

ABERLEFEN, SCOTIA/KONGEUVIA, PAVONISTADE - The Scotian Foreign Ministry has stated that it would not recognize the existence of the Shudri homeland of Sinhako unless they get permission from the Pavonistadian authorities first, a few weeks after the Ocelotian legislature voted to establish a Shudri homeland in the northwest of the the Pavonistadian territory.

Speaking in a press conference in the Foreign Office this morning, Foreign Minister Elizabeth Campbell told to the press corps that "While we appreciate the cause of giving a repressed minority like the Shudris a place to call their home, unfortunately, the Ocelotian provisional administration is not in the position of establishing that. The Foreign Ministry has reiterated time and time again, that the Ocelot Isles are part of the sovereign territory of Pavonistade, so the establishment of a Shudri homeland would have to gain clearance from the parliament in Pavonistadeck alone." She also added that "the Ocelotian administration under James Adelaide should rather focus on insuring a smooth transition to Pavonistadian control, and leave the Sinhako debate to the MPs in the Pavonistadian Parliament."

Currently, the Scotian Government continues to recognize the Ocelot Isles as a territory of Pavonistade, a stance it has maintained since a 1990 referendum was passed merging the islands to the Pavonistadian state. The islands are currently voting in a referendum on whether to confirm their status within Pavonistade.

by **Pavonistade** » Thu Feb 19, 2015 6:19 pm

Note: Not an expert on stroke, so some parts of this article may not be realistic or accurate

-BREAKING- PRESIDENT AZURITE SUFFERS FROM STROKE, IN CRITICAL CONDITION
President unconscious while being treated in Pavonistadeckian General Hospital

Date: February 19, 2015

Writer: Gorden Jensen

The Pavonistadeckian General Hospital, where President
Azurite is being treated

The federal government is undergoing a shock as the President of the Pavonistadian States suffered from a stroke. As he is being treated in the Pavonistadeckian General Hospital and is in critical condition, widespread confusion about the present and the future have erupted.

Through the hastily-developed reports from involved medical staff was the timeline of events pieced together. At 4:30 PM, President Mattheu Azurite began exhibiting stroke symptoms, including speaking difficulties and limited numbness. One of the President's aide noticed the symptoms but was uncertain whether or not it was temporary. It was when Adviser Teringtor Jehvore was brought in by the aide that the health problem was identified as a stroke.

Due to traffic congestion that occurred before the stroke, the Presidential helicopter was used to transport the President to the nearest hospital, which is the Pavonistadeckian General Hospital. The treatment of Azurite's stroke was not given an early start due to the lack of Aspirin or antithrombotic drugs. By the time the President was brought to the hospital and medical intervention began, timed at 4:32 PM, he is unconscious and his condition is reported to be critical.

The absence of the President meant that Vice President Yksteldehs Oppenheim will take over and will head the country for the time being, and an order of succession is to pass in the event that the President dies. Meanwhile, the stroke had raised several questions from the public. Some of the major questions inquired about any transient ischemic attacks while others had asked why there were no drugs or knowledge prepared to deal with a stroke. Parliamental Speaker Vanessa Adeodatus attempted addressing the public by saying that "we are doing to the best of our ability to disclose information for the general public."

The Office of the President, currently held by Oppenheim for now, did not offer comments as with the Parliament and other Departments.

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Other Recent Reports

Foreign Minister Lawrence to Scotian FM: "Sinhako Can Stay"
Lawrence also urges Scotia to "recognize Ocelot Isles [...] as sovereign"
OIRR 2015: The Two Possible Results, and the Possible Futures
PAN investigates the consequences of either two outcomes of OIRR 2015
Rightism: Is it Slowly Dying in Pavonistade?
Increased popularity of third way attacks rightism

Comments
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SlyvesteurUnity
▲ Like - 183 | ▼ Dislike - 84 | ! Flag
Oh gosh, the President is unconscious. I seriously hope that he'll survive this stroke.

DOSOMNETHIGNEMATTHEU
▲ Like - 90 | ▼ Dislike - 157 | ! Flag
@SlyvesteurUnity
Really? You really want to have the President live? He is an idiotic capitalist who cares about privatizing everything, revoking the necessities of life from the poor, and allowing criminal acts like AWPA to pass. You should reconsider if you're really sorry about him, he did a great disservice to us and the stroke was justice.

ElephantBeStompin'
▲ Like - 112 | ▼ Dislike - 46 | ! Flag
@DOSOMNETHIGNEMATTHEU
What... in the world are you talking about? Let's not criticize anybody like the President in times like this and have hope that he and all else are in good condition.

About me · by **Luziyca** » Fri Feb 20, 2015 2:14 pm

The Shudri homeland is being developed!

A building in Prasanta, recently completed

PRASANTA, SINHAKO - As the Shudri start to head in, as well as the prefabricated parts, the infrastructure for Sinhako starts to be built. Wind turbines and diesel generators have been put into service, and especially in Prasanta, construction has proceeded rapidly, with some buildings already completed, many of them low-rise apartments and single-family homes.

Electrical, water and sewage pipes have been put into place, cranes, as well as ships and trucks carrying prefabricated parts have been seen, it seems like a flurry of activity has occurred. Roads are being built, people are starting to head to Sinhako, and it seems to be quite clear that Sinhako is taking shape as an entity of its own. Even other areas like Adara, and the Schiavo Padyatri International Airport have began construction.

Helga Duta, who recently moved from Luziyca says, "Ma utsahita ra Oselah hamilay eka ghara, abahami ghara phirta jastai nirantara jativada darunuparcha jaham hami suraksita huna ra garna sakchan tahumma dinubhayo kratayna chu." (I am excited and grateful that the Ocelotians gave us a home, a place where we can be safe and where we no longer need to fear the constant racism like back home.) She continued, "Yo eka rocaka anubhava hunecha." (It will be an interesting experience.)

A father of six whose family migrated said, "Aba hami rumpama alchiva rupama nimna dekhna lagike cha! Yaham, hami hamro purṇa laksyama pugne'ra hami'aru sabaiko jastai barabara ho bhanera dekhuna sakchaum!" (No longer do we have to be seen as lazy or as subhumans! Here, we can reach our fullest potential and show that we are just as equal as everyone else!)

While many came for a new start, some have come for the economic opportunities.

"Ma dakhabari ra eka vinari suru garna yaham chu" (I am here to start a vineyard and a winery), explained Fortuna Avara. "Jalavayu ekadama ramro dekhincha, rama yasalai niryata bhane, ma dani huna ra yaham ramro garna sakchan." (The climate seems to be quite good, and if I export it, I can be rich and do well here.)

The Luziycan Secretary of External Affairs, Alfild Amandus gave a one-time five billion lira grant to Sinhako to help make it a thriving nation and to help develop the economy, Amandus explaining that "The wish of many Shudri have come true: a place where they can be free from the racism that goes on here. We want to make this area rich and prosperous, so that they won't burden the Ocelotians in the long run."

by **Geadland** » Fri Feb 20, 2015 2:28 pm

Enrume Ogen (satirical news) reports
A MAN-ON-THE-STREET'S PERSPECTIVE ON THE OTEKI DEBATE

Villem "Asbo" Robertsen, 19, is a typical resident of Eskrau

20 February 2015 Last updated 11:41 Geadish Standard Time
The dispute over Oteki has been prominent in the news in recent weeks. But while politicians and celebrities have said a great deal about it, what about the Average Joe? Well we talked to Villem Robertsen, an 19-year old unemployed resident of Eskrau, in order to get a perspective on what ordinary Geads think.

Enrume Ogen: So, Mr Robertsen, do you believe that the Otekian people should have a state of their own?

Villem Robertsen: Aw fook off, mate! Ah tell ya, if them Awtekians want to 'ave their awn coontri' to wank about in, they oughta stop fookin' blawing things oop! [Translation: I don't believe they should, as the Otekian independence movement is too strongly associated with terrorism.]

EO: Do you believe that Otekians who live in exile should have a right to return to the region their ethnic group originates from?

VR: Ah dawn't oonderstand. Wha dawn't they joost fook off back to where they belong, joost lahk that? They're a lawd of fookin' nob-'eads! [I am supportive of the Otekian exiles' right to return and believe it could be mutually beneficial.]

EO: Has the integration of Otekian exiles in Eskrau caused any social problems?

VR: Last Frahday, Ah got in this bar broll with these fookin' Awtekian dick-'eads. See, one of 'em was givin' mah girlfwend fooni' looks and oll that, so Ah fookin' smashed a bottle on 'is 'ead. And then 'is fwends came oop and trahd to kick the shit outta me, boot Ah joost poonched and kicked 'em outta mah way. Yeah, mah fwends and Ah escaped the bar joost before the police came, saw Ah went round mah fwend's house and we drank vodka until four in the monning. It was the best naht out ever! [Yes. For example, last Friday I was involved in a violent altercation with a few Otekians at a local bar. The police had to be called in, but I escaped.]

EO: Recently in Geadland, Dagposten newspaper circulated a petition that called on the Namorese to better respect the Otekian people's right to free speech. What is your opinion on this petition?

VR: Are you fookin' me about? Dagposten is lahk a fookin' banker-liberal piece o' shit, isnit? Ah've looked through it beforrand it's so borring to look at. They dawn't even put a single naked woman on ani' of the pages! [I am sceptical because Dagposten has a right-wing stance on political and cultural issues.]

EO: The petition also criticised Namorese policies that "permitted and (in some cases) encouraged" an influx of Kannei Namorese settlers into Oteki, resulting in the Otekians becoming a minority in the Txotai region. What is your view on this?

VR: Well that's what they're trahying to do to Geadland, isnit? Them [Racial explicit deleted] get fookin' everywhere! Ah'm suprahsed our goovernment doosn' joost tell 'em to fook off and stop immigratin'. [I strongly believe that Geadland should be able to regulate how many Namorese migrate to this country, so it's only fair that the Otekians should be able to as well.]

EO: What is your opinion on the actions of the controversial Scotian politician Arthur Griffin, who has attempted to get the Txotai region recognised as being an independent country?

VR: Arfur Griffin? 'Oo the fook is 'e? Sounds lahk 'e's bein' a fookin' bullshitter. Is 'e Scotian? Ha! Ah bet 'e couldn't down a bottle of Sveani* to save 'is lahf! [I don't know much about Mr. Griffin but that doesn't sound like a good idea.]

EO: So what is your opinion on the future of the Otekian people?

VR: How the fook am Ah sooppawsed to knaw what happens in the future? Am Ah fookin' sah-kick or wha'? This is a waste of mah tahm - Ah'm sooppawsed to be at the fookin' benefits office and Ah'm alreadi' gonna be ten minutes late! Fook off, back ta Bondhaven, ya twaaat! [I have no idea what the future holds for the region. I'm not psychic, you know. I'm afraid I have to leave you as I'm late for an appointment at the unemployment benefits office.]

*A type of liquor
OOC: The original Geadish-language article had the interviewee speaking in a broad Eskrau dialect. This has been "translated" into a regional English accent to portray how his speech would sound to other Geads.

by **Greonterp** » Fri Feb 20, 2015 3:01 pm

As Bill on Income Tax will be voted on today, political gridlock expected.

Lars Nyborg, the author of the controversial bill.

Boswald - A bill that would lower the income tax from 45% to 40% is being voted on today, and results will be announced tomorrow.

The bill has garnered controversy for a variety of reasons. The most obvious reason is that in a recent poll, only 36% of Greonlians expressed support for the bill. However, this bill has gained notoriety for a variety of other reasons.

Most importantly, the man who proposed the bill, Lars Nyborg of the Liberal Forum, has promised to leave the centrist Liberal Forum if his party members vote against the bill. Nyborg claimed that he will create his own political party if the bill fails, prompting concerns of political instability.

Nyborg, who is outspoken and charismatic, has made claims that he has knows many parliamentarians who will leave their respective parties to join Nyborg's hypothetical party. Many of these parliamentarians would likely come from the Liberal Forum and Christian Democratic Alliance.

Both of these parties make up the current coalition government, led by Anna Sørensen. For this reason, a new political party with multiple parliamentarians could very well bring down the government. Nyborg hasn't voiced this concern, and explained.

"Look, I'm not going to bring down the government. I don't know what will happen. I agree with the government and Sørensen on a lot of issues. But, I am planning on starting a classical liberal party if my party doesn't accept the fact that weak, centrist Keynesianism is dead. There's a long list of people who are willing to join me, I guarantee it," said Lars Nyborg.

Deputy Prime Minister Willem Oschner, who leads the Liberal Forum, has assured us that this is "not the case."

"Lars, as per usual, is making dubious, cocky claims. He should know that I have an even longer list of people who won't join him," said Deputy Prime Minister Ochsner.

The bill has garnered controversy within the Christian Democratic Alliance, especially since Prime Minister Sørensen has come out in support of the bill a few days ago. Her support of the bill has added more fuel to the massive anti-Sørensen protests clogging Boswald streets.

They're protesting her role in creating a bilateral defense agreement with Vjaarland, for wishing to lower income taxes, and even because of her support of intervening in the Ocelot Isles. Recent protests have seen over 65,000 people attend, nearly as large as the Leeuwarden protests in early January.

"Sørensen likes to smile and wave to supporters. Sure, she's charismatic, and she puts on a good show. But, behind that smile is an evil, neoliberal soul who only cares about filling the pockets of big business," said protestor Luke Van Kraat.

Whatever the case, the political situation in Greonterp will only become tenser after the results of the bill are announced.

by **Pavonistade** » Fri Feb 20, 2015 11:09 pm

-BREAKING- OIRR 2015 RESULTS: BOTH OCELOT ISLES AND PAVONISTADE VOTE NO
OIIR 2014 upheld in defeat of the two referenda of OIRR 2015

Date: February 20, 2015

Writer: Timothy Haas

A large crowd in a urelatively-undamaged district of
Kongeuvia celebrate after news broke that OIRR 2015
did not pass.

People took to the streets after the results of the Ocelot Isles Annexation Referendum and the Pavonistade Annexation Acceptance Referendum were disclosed. On midnight, the Ocelotian and Pavonistadian electorates revealed that both referenda had failed to pass, failing to reach a majority (whatever the size).

For the Ocelot Isles Annexation Referendum, the electorate that is under the direction of the Ocelotian Administration declared that 783,584 of the estimated population of 961,300 participated in the voting. This showed while the voter turnout is very high, it had decreased due to the lack of enforcement of compulsory voting. Of the 783,584 voters that participated, 58% of them (454,479) voted against annexation of the Ocelot Isles while 41% (321,269) voted in favor and 1% (7,836) abstained or had spoilt traditional ballots. This has contradicted the first poll held by the Ocelotian Gazette that indicated a possible, small majority in favor of annexation.

It is a different story for the Pavonistade Annexation Acceptance Referendum. Of the 70,093,426 voters that had voiced their opinion in their side, 53% (37,149,516) voted against accepting annexation of their neighbor, 45% (31,542,042) supported re-integration, and the remaining 2% (1,401,868) abstained or invalidly marked traditional ballots like any similar Ocelotians. The defeat of one of the referenda would be sufficient prevent re-absorption from proceeding, but the failure of both referenda would strengthen the opposition to such a process, especially to countries that still recognize the Ocelot Isles as part of Pavonistade.

As expected, Ocelotians of all ages and backgrounds came to their streets to celebrate the results. Cheering and celebrations occurred even in areas where infrastructural damage or other dilapidation are evident. One local celebrator is civilian Gavin Bouchard, who told PAN reporters he "truste[d] that the Ocelot Isles will choose to be independent and sovereign like what it did almost a year ago [...] and it did what I expected it to do." Another celebrator is Quinna Zozher, declaring that "we are again a free country, free to govern ourselves without intervention from others [...]." The most important fact perhaps is that there is the chance Francilie, Luziyca, and Scotia will recognize the Ocelot Isles as a sovereign country, or will take steps to do so.

In Pavonistade, many people had similar sentiments. Crowds, smaller when compared to those of the Ocelot Isles's, had gathered in cities such as Pavonistadeck and Vadopolis. As they commended the preservation of Ocelotian independence, well-known people took to the public to announce joy about the defeat of OIRR 2015. One example is author Robert Ivues, who said, "[T]he Ocelotians demanded that they be independent from us. They got it last year, and they got it again to show off the remaining countries that continue to see it as a Pavonistadian territory. [...] It is hands down commendable and the Ocelotians deserve their sovereignty." Tomas Evuasgka, the Ocelotian father of actress Rosalie Evuasgka, stated that he "loved to see the Ocelot Isles truly affirm its independence, which is what it did today and for the past two days." Vice President Oppenheim offered no comments about the issue, but said that "Pavonistade will continue support for the Ocelot Isles."

Notable people that have not yet spoken out included President Azurite, who is unconscious following a stroke; Benjamin Howeler, the former President of Pavonistade; Sharon Djakeulia, a blogger and a prominent supporter of Ocelotian reintegration; and James Adelaide, the interim Governor-President. These do not appear to be important to the ongoing events, as people declared support and anger for the defeat of both OIAR and PAAR.

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Other Recent Reports

Hospital Staff: Azurite "Unlikely to Survive for a Few Days"
Pavonistadeckian hospital director says President's death imminent
What Does the Defeat of OIRR 2015 Mean for Sinhako?
Future of Sinhako and its connections to OIRR 2015 investigated
Greonterp to Decide on Passage of Income Tax Bill
Political gridlock a possibility according to sources

Comments
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15bouncerunity51
▲ Like - 180 | ▼ Dislike - 65 | ! Flag
YEAH! The Ocelot Isles stay independent! Now I'll go and wish that Francilie, Luziyca, and Scotia will see it as an independent country.

VasilySloutein
▲ Like - 237 | ▼ Dislike - 42 | ! Flag
@15bouncerunity51
Three nations that see the Ocelot Isles as Pavonistade... they must be the real Triumvirate for us.

Globus-Esquaria
▲ Like - 41 | ▼ Dislike - 79 | ! Flag
This is criminal and immoral, the OIRR 2015 madness is a fraud. The Ocelotians are given a pass from their destined position as a righteous state of Pavonistade. We need a crusade to take it back!!!

by **Namor** » Sat Feb 21, 2015 3:15 pm

Direct flights between Namor and Luziyca to be realized?
Namorese Ministry of Transport eyes nonstop flights to major Luziycan cities by end of year

February 21, NMR 2374

Namor's Minister of Transport said that direct, nonstop flights between
Namor and Luziyca might be possible by the end of the year

NAMO, CAPITAL DISTRICT - Direct flights between Namor and Luziyca might be possible by the end of the year, said Namorese Minister of Transport Jing Bo.

Jing Bo said that with Namor permitting Luziycan citizens to visit the country, allowing Namorese to travel to Luziycan cities nonstop by air is the second step in the path towards normalizing travel between the two countries.

"This past year, up to 500,000 Luziycan visitors were in Namor [excluding Nantai]," said Jing. "We've gone a long way since the year Namo-Luziycan relations were first normalized, during when only 300 Luziycan citizens visited Namor. In turn, many Namorese citizens visited Luziyca. Travel and tourism between the two countries are expected to grow in the future. The opening of direct flights between major Namorese and Luziycan cities is a way to facilitate this trend."

Air Namor, the national flag carrier, will be one of the few Namorese airlines that might be able to have nonstop flights to major Luziycan cities, such as Bethlehem, Gijirokastra, Jerusalem and Yerevan, Jing said. Conversely, Luziycan carriers can have access to cities like Namo and Mojing.

Currently, the only way Namorese can travel to Luziyca by air is through connecting flights that stop by Kenyen, Katranjiev and Bondhaven in Geadland. Such connecting flights economically benefited all three places. Some analysts believe the opening of direct flights between Namor and Luziyca might reduce the three areas' importance in serving as midpoints for Namorese and Luziycans traveling to each others' countries. But Jing says opening direct flights has more benefits than drawbacks. "We're talking about more cities enjoying the influx of travelers."

COMMENTS

Other News
Ocelot Isles votes against Pavonistadian annexation - A majority of Ocelotians and Pavonistadians voted against Pavonistadian "re-integration" of the Ocelot Isles.
Scotia, Luziyca recognize Ocelot Isles - What took both countries so long, and why was OIIR14 unable to convince them?
Shohai Antelope: "Pretty sure" it's year of goat, not sheep - Shohai said he believes the new year is the year of the goat, not the sheep, because "sheep suck."
Pavonistadian President suffers stroke, in critical condition - Pavonistade Agency of News reported that hospital staff believes president Mattheu Azurite's death is imminent.
Sinhako: The New Shudri Home - Shudri are responding to the reservation of an autonomous area in the Ocelot Isles with enthusiasm.

by **East Carrolina** » Sat Feb 21, 2015 4:11 pm

War in Sreyovo against Islamic Rebels about to finally end

Carolinian bombers attacking what is left of the Shkiptari stronghold^

Helena, Carolina. Today, it seems that the war against Shkiptari Islamist rebels will be coming to an end with a Carolinian victory. President Vjarnarov arrived today in Isimovsk, Sreyovo, to congratulate troops on their victories and ending the war. He said "After 5 years of fighting we have brought this war to an end". This war started 5 years ago in early 2010 when Shkiptari Muslim militants rose up and revolted, and took over around 82% of the Sreyovo state. They set up a totalitarian Islamic state, and instituted Sharia law, after a regathering of forces, Carolinian forces managed to drive them to only occupying only 39% of Sreyovo. Afterwards, Carolina banned Islam. Sreyovo was only confined to the deep mountainous regions where they managed to hold out. Gradually these strongholds were broken and destroyed. Today, There is only one stronghold, and that has been recently destroyed. Today the war has finally ended and there is peace in Sreyovo. George Web, Isimovsk, CNN News.

by **East Carrolina** » Sat Feb 21, 2015 5:34 pm

Bill introduced to recognize Oteki. 50/50 chance of passing

Austin, Carolina. Today in Parliament, Farris Renolds (NFP - Jacksonville) proposed a bill that would make Carolina recognize Oteki/Txotai as a nation. So far, the bill has received a large amount of support from his colleagues, and even President Slava Vjarnarov expressed his support for the bill. However, the bill also has received considerable opposition from Renolds's colleagues. House of Burgesses minority leader Bart Munston said, "I find my colleagues support of an illegitimate nation disturbing. This will affect our foreign relations negatively, and will make Carolina look bad. Hopefully Farris Renolds does not become Carolina's Art Griffin". But it seems the majority of Carolinians support recognizing Oteki. According to a CNN News poll, 57% of Carolinians would support recognizing Oteki, while 19% are opposed, and 27% are either undecided or don't care. Anyway, it appears this is will be a large political battle. Jared Huntley, Austin, CNN News.

by **Kraq** » Sun Feb 22, 2015 11:15 am

Free Kraqi Media International

Kraqi Security Forces use Chemical weapons against rebels in Northern and Western Ragobad

22nd February, 2015
At approximately 05:35 local time, the opposition held or disputed areas around Ragobad International Airport and the western District of Fashloom in Ragobad were struck by an bombardment of rockets, containing an unknown chemical agent, which released deadly fumes over rebel-held Ragobad suburbs and the Airport, killing thousands of men, women and children while they slept. This was followed up by an immediately ground offensive against the affected areas. According to activists, many of the government solders were wearing military grade hazmat suits, and launched the offensive barely three hours following the attack.

Caught completely off guard by both the chemical weapons attack and the ground offensive, rebels belonging to the FKA (Free Kraqi Army) were reportedly overwhelmed and were forced of concede most of Ragobad International Airports and parts of Fashloom District. According to the Kraqi Observatory of Human Rights at least 845 are believed to have been killed as a result of the attack.

President Hussein meets with Chancellor Knitler.

Khaled Almasri, spokesman for the rebel Free Kraqi Army in Leighton, said that the KOHR's estimate was a gross underestimate, going on to say that the Ragobad Front had documented 5,967 deaths following the attack. He added that 21,000 people were also suffering from breathing problems. The National Kraqi Opposition Coalition has demanded that OEN send chemical weapons inspectors immediately investigate the besieged rebel-held area in the capital. While a Kraqi Revolutionaries Front spokesman has called for Kraq's membership in the Esquarium Union to be suspended and for the Luziyca to place sanctions on the regime to pressure to step down or bring the conflict to an end via a political solution.

The Kraqi government has been swift in denying any wrong doing, with the Kraqi Information Minister Salih Zoabi said "The allegations of chemical attacks, were 'illogical and fabricated.' An attempt by 'foreign agents' or the Self-Declared 'Caliphate', to destroy the Kraqi government and people. This is desperate...pathetic attempt by the terrorists is to make up for growing rebel defeats on the ground. "

Other News

Ocelot Isles votes against Pavonistadian annexation
Pavonistadian President, Mattheu Azurite, suffers a stroke.
Carrolina to vote on whether to recognise Oteki.

by **Pavonistade** » Sun Feb 22, 2015 3:00 pm

-BREAKING- PRESIDENT MATTHEU AZURITE DIES AFTER CONDITION WORSENS
President suffered stroke nearly 3 days ago; order of succession to be enforced

Date: February 22, 2015

Writer: Jonas Simpsen

Photo of Azurite, pictured after the 2013 elections

The Pavonistadeckian General Hospital formally announced that Mattheu Azurite, the President of the Pavonistadian States, has died.

At around 4:30 PM on February 19, the President suffered a stroke (presumably thrombotic) and was airlifted to the Pavonistadeckian General Hospital. He was unconscious by the time treatment began, and he was kept on life support. His condition was critical throughout the last period of his life, although it did not worsen until recently. Vital signs ceased at around 2:01 PM and all resuscitation attempts failed to revive the President.

The news was broken in a press conference, in which hospital director Keith Oeharen stated, "Despite the best and twenty-four hour efforts that our staff have contributed, despite our greatest hopes [...] the President has succumbed to his condition at 2:01 PM, and all the efforts to resuscitate the President has failed. [...] [t]herefore, we have to announce painfully that he has died."

As expected, Azurite's wife and children responded to the news of the death. First Lady Tiffanie Alanie said, emotionally, that "he served the country well and he gave us the greatest love that anyone could give." Iain Watsonn and Lyonna Alenius, the former the son and the latter the daughter, were also emotional as they gave praise for their now-deceased father. "[W]hat a great father he was," Watsonn briefly concluded his speech, while Alenius said she "did not want to let go of [Azurite], even though it was inevitable."

What is more paramount to many is the changes that the Pavonistadian Government will undergo. Due to the death of the most powerful official in the country, the order of succession is to be enacted. Vice President Yksteldehs Oppenheim, who is interim President at this period, will be inaugurated to his new position tomorrow on February 23. The lowest-ranking federal department, the Ministry of Entertainment, will see a new minister appointed by its respective members.

A state funeral is expected for Mattheu Azurite on February 27.

In this two-day period, people who are voting voluntarily will be able to decide the outcome of the near future, and this would affect both the recovery of the Ocelot Isles and the development of Sinhako.

Share this story with:

Other Recent Reports

Otekian Recognition Bill Introduced in Carolina
Farris Renolds' bill may force Carolina to see Oteki as nation
Usage of Kraqi Chemical Weapons Usage Alleged by FKMI
FKMI reports Security Forces attacked rebels with chem. weapons
Luziyca-Namor Direct Flights Possible by Year's End
Permitting direct flights facilitate visiting trends, says Minister Bo

Comments
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Michael Burton
▲ Like - 328 | ▼ Dislike - 303 | ! Flag
Good riddance. No one should celebrate anyone's death, no matter how idiotic the person is, but our country needs a break from someone who is bent on maintaining greedy capitalism and massive socioeconomic divisions in society.

Aininininininian
▲ Like - 94 | ▼ Dislike - 595 | ! Flagged
! This comment has been flagged.
@Michael Burton
U dam idiot, ur basicaly selebratin the deth of the president. he helped our country becom more efficient and you criticize him for servis don 2 our country? go screw urself

PigMetalOinkOink
▲ Like - 200 | ▼ Dislike - 98 | ! Flagged
! This comment has been flagged.
@Aininininininian
You're the true idiot if you can't learn to properly debate and spell.

namsters4pet
▲ Like - 411 | ▼ Dislike - 86 | ! Flag
no matter wat he did to Pavonistade, good or bad, let us not be hateful and remember his presence after his death

by **Nevamaa** » Sun Feb 22, 2015 3:19 pm

King Juhani

King Juhani rushed to a hospital for 'medical checks'

NEVANLINNA - King Juhani III was rushed to Royal Saint Catherine Hospital in Nevanlinna for urgent 'medical checks' early on Sunday morning. According to the King's Messenger (spokesperson of the Royal Household), the King is in stable condition. While the Messenger did not specify why the King was taken to the Hospital, a source inside the hospital reported that the king was suffering from "severe stomach pain".

Even though the King has already reached the ripe age of 70, he has shown no sign of reducing his royal duties. Some weeks ago, the King travelled to the Esquarian summit held in Tuthina and then attended National Day celebrations in Nevanlinna.

The last time the King had to visit a hospital was in May 2013 when he was briefly hospitalized for a bladder infection.

Brothers of the Crown popular in Nevanmaa, not so much abroad
NEVANLINNA - Pilot episode of Brothers of the Crown, new series by NYT that first aired on February 15th, has become one of the most watched television shows in Nevanmaa. According to NYT, the pilot was watched by appoximately 17.9 million people, while the second episode aired on the 19th attracted 15.2 million people to the television screens.

The series follows to brothers as they try to overthrow a corrupt republican regime with the overthrown prince in a fictional country of Valmeria. The first season was filmed during the spring and summer of 2014, mostly in Algarvia and Palomaa in southern Nevanmaa.

However, the series has failed to gain popularity abroad. Michillian Notice d’Oje gave the show 0 out of 10 stars, calling it monarchist propaganda and criticizing the show for having "having little, if anything, of redeeming value". Geadish Fulksrekorden also criticized the show for its lack of depth.

While mostly meant for Nevan audiences, the lack of interest for the show abroad has greatly upset NYT. The company has had to lower licensing fees for the show, but despite this the show has still been allocated to early morning filler slots. It remains to be seen whether the release of the show on Blu-Ray, scheduled for June 10, will attract more people to watch the show.

by **Qianrong** » Sun Feb 22, 2015 4:57 pm

敏柬語 | Mǐnjiǎn Yǔ

言語字濠 | Ngôn ngữ Tự hào

વિકંગ મહુસય્નેસ | Wikang Mahusaynes

Lingua Otekiy

शुदरी भाषा | Śudarī Bhāṣā

Ngo Huu Tra, Supreme Leader of the ASQ, ordered the beating and execution of Liliane Roess, Fu Wei-Huang, and Vuong Van Dung.

BREAKING NEWS - ALLIANCE FOR SOVEREIGNTY IN QIANRONG EXECUTES THREE HOSTAGES, THREATENS TO EXECUTE THE OTHER THREE; NGO HUU TRA SWEARS "THE DESTRUCTION OF FOREIGN INVADERS, UNIONIST OCCUPATION, AND FAKE QIANRONGESE"
February 22nd, 2015 | Danh Dap, Qianrong - ASQ leader Ngo Huu Tra has released a video featuring the execution of three of the six hostages taken by the ASQ in February 17th by beheading, swearing that the ASQ would defeat the National Security Forces and Zepuhan Forces Qianrong. Zepuhan Junior Lieutenant Liliane Roess, Qianrongese Corporal Fu Wei-Huang, and National Report correspondent Vuong Van Dung were executed by black-clad members of the ASQ at the order of the group's supreme leader. The graphic video featured the three being viciously beaten and abused before being decapitated. "I swear to the world today," Ngo said in the video, "the forces of oppression who unnaturally unify the Qianrongese archipelago will be destroyed by our righteous liberating force. We will also destroy the foreign dogs from New Zepuha who assist them in their oppression of the Qianrongese archipelago who dirty our land with their despicable actions and alien ways... these three will be but the first three. Those who stand against us in our righteous quest will drown in a sea of their own blood. We will achieve the natural liberty and sovereignty of the Minjianese, Tuhaoese, and Mahusaynese people, through any and all means necessary."

The three other hostages held by the ASQ- Zepuhan Chief Warrant Officer Michael Roth, Zepuhan FNN corespondent Park Li, and Radio Free Qianrong reporter Liu Zhen-Shi- also appeared in the video. Ngo said that they would also be killed if the National Security Forces and Zepuhan Forces Qianrong did not immediately end their anti-terror campaign. "We have warned you through the deaths of these three pigs," Ngo said in the video. "If you continue your foolish campaign to deny the will of the people and to fight against the natural state of this archipelago, then we will continue in our campaign to destroy the evildoers of the world, beginning with these three."

The families of Fu Wei-Huang and Vuong Van Dung responded to their executions in shock and horror. Vuong Mat Trang, wife of Vuong Van Dung, issued a brief statement saying she was "devastated by the loss of my loving and caring husband," adding that "he was always a kind man, who was willing to help people and give them a hand." The parents of Corporal Fu appeared before the press saying that their son had died serving his country and his fellow citizens. "We are heartbroken by the loss of our beloved son," said his father Fu Sheng-Bao, "but we take comfort in the fact that he died trying to make sure that the rest of us would be able to live our lives in safety and security." The family of Liliane Roess, in New Zepuha, has not yet released an official response.

National Security Forces spokesperson Zhang Zui-Yi said that the NSF "takes all responsibility" for the deaths of Vuong, Fu, and Roess. "This brutal and stunning murder has reminded us all of the critical situation and of the urgency of this time," Zhang told the press. "We have continued searching into this issue and have a firm lead which we believe will allow us to prevent this fate from befalling Officer Roth, Mrs. Park, or Mr. Liu. We are also working on guaranteeing that this sort of incident never happens again." An official statement from the National Transitional Council- which is preparing for national elections that should be held by the end of the month- said that they "will make sure that the National Security Forces have full capability to fight and ultimately destroy the Alliance for Sovereignty in Qianrong and any affiliated terrorist or terror groups."

The Alliance for Sovereignty in Qianrong has also added a second ideological tenet to the group's manifesto, calling for the extermination of all Yinglidao Christians, Otekians, and Shudri in Qianrong. Previously, the group had only demanded that Qianrong be divided into three regions- Tuhao, Minjian, and Mahusayna- based on the three main ethnic groups in Qianrong. The announcement was made by Ngo Huu Tra in the same video as the executions. "Within Qianrong there are many who foul our land," he declared in the video. "First there are the Yinglidao, the bastard sons of Luziyca's pedophilic imperialist Lutheran Catholic clergy, preaching foreign faiths filled with falsehoods, bringing the minds of the Qianrongese to heathenry. They have reduced too many Qianrongese to swearing allegiance to Bethlehem... the other groups are the insidious and untrustworthy Otekians and Shudri who poison this archipelago. The Otekians came here after revolting against the Namorese, because Bethlehem saw them as a way to guarantee the loyalty of Qianrong to the Luziycan regime. They bring an even more direct form of Luziycan hierarchy, bowing to the Patriarchs of Bethlehem. They have filled our cities like rats and pigeons, and have only caused misery in Qianrong, Namor, and Luziyca all. The other is the Shudri, a race of criminals and savages from Gnasri. Instead of staying in their homeland, the damned Gypsy vermin came here and have infected all of this region with their cursed plague. They are vagrants and leeches who must not be tolerated to pollute Qianrong."

The ASQ had conducted attacks on Yinglidao and Otekian areas last year. On August 12th, 27 Qianrongese civilians in Shanliang died when the ASQ detonated a bomb outside the historic Church of the Great Servants, built in 1812 and a congregation for several hundred Yinglidao Qianrongese, during rush hour traffic. And on October 15th, in a series of coordinated attacks across Qianrong, 96 Otekian Qianrongese were killed when ASQ terrorists detonated a bomb outside the Skyview Heights Apartments in the Shudenov Otekitown, also located in Shanliang. However, the fact that the ASQ will now be intentionally targeting Yinglidao, Otekians, and Shudri has provoked severe worry among these communities. Some members of the Otekian and Yinglidao communities have reportedly proposed an "All Saints Militia" to defend themselves against possible ASQ attacks, though neither the Yinglidao Church nor the Otekian Qianrongese Association have officially sanctioned the proposed All Saints Militia. There have also been calls for a similar militia, generally called "Raksa"- literally, "defense"- to prevent ASQ attacks on Shudri caravans and camps. Similarly, the Qianrongese Shudri Congress has not sanctioned the proposed Raksa.

The National Transitional Council and National Security Forces have said that they will do all they can to prevent further ASQ attacks on Qianrong. However, with the ASQ explicitly targeting the Yinglidao, Otekians, and Shudri, the All Saints Militia and Raksa might soon become reality- especially as the perceived incompetence of the NSF increases. This might also vastly expand the role of Zepuhan Forces Qianrong in the Second Domestic Terror War, as they will no doubt want to avenge Roess and save Roth.

More information will be added as the story develops.

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About me · by **Luziyca** » Sun Feb 22, 2015 8:27 pm

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

by **Namor** » Mon Feb 23, 2015 1:52 pm

Opinion: Why Esquarium should join Luziyca

Yerevan, in Luziyca

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Before you criticize us for being this falsehood that is "imperialist," let me begin by explaining how actually, I do not think the world joining Luziyca is possible. In fact, it is impossible, as there will always be more than one nation existing on this Earth. But, in an utopian world, where everything belongs to the freest nation on Earth, what will things look like? How will the people live? These are questions that can be answered with one, simple answer: "Everything will be great."

Again, we know that the world is not really fond of Luziyca: they seem to view us as crazy, freedom-hating people, although the truth is quite the opposite. But we do not need them to become states of Luziyca, though it would definitely be nice if they did, for they all get their Christianity from here. However, it is clear that the world needs to the join Luziyca, for the following reasons.

It would strengthen the world economy
The purpose of Luziyca's purpose starting 1863 was to provide for the economic well-being of people all across Esquarium. There are no state-owned corporations, and trade among Luziycans has increased significantly, especially since the late 1980s and 1990s with the end of communism. Today, the largest economy in the world is in Luziyca. In contrast, virtually every other country doesn't have an economy (if we count unofficial colonies, Katranjiev and Kofeiya make us richer).

Should the world become a part of Luziyca, we can anticipate that everybody will buy Luziycan goods, and more profit will be produced for everyone wishing to become Luziycan citizens. People wanting to become prosperous can do so and not fear socialism due to the sheer lack of it. Likewise, we Luziycans can buy foreign goods a lot cheaper, ensuring that all buyers in the world have freedom of choice, and cheaper prices which encourages competition among businesses.

Don't forget the Luziycan lira - many countries, such as our own and most countries in the EU - use it, and there are many countries on the waiting list, that are interested in using it too. The lira is the strongest currency in Esquarium. So far, not a single multinational or national currency has been able to exceed its value. If the world uses the Luziycan lira, they will have more money, and will become richer, just like us.

It will improve tourism
It may seem ridiculous: "who the hell wants to visit the rest of the world with their communism?" Truth is, many do. The world is land of history, of culture and it projects itself as this old civilization which seems to be technologically modern, yet somehow pre-modern in the sense of social values, almost as if they are still in the communist era to this day. There's a reason why until recently, our borders with neighboring countries are filled with Luziycan tourists - because they love our country so much they want to visit the rest of the world and witness how crappy it is.

It will also improve tourism since the world in particular tends to visit Luziyca: our politicians are perfect in all four seasons for bad-mouthed condemnations in communiques, while all year round, journalists from around Esquarium can bring their rhetoric up to Luziyca to camp, and also to examine how "unpopular" we are. If the world joins Luziyca, all border restrictions will be lifted and people can come to our country, and enjoy it at their pleasure.

It gives people options
One thing that I forgot to mention is that Luziyca is a land of capitalism and opportunities. People here are allowed to pursue whatever jobs they like - it is a free country, after all. Meanwhile, in the rest of the world, people don't have jobs. Only when they come to Luziyca, do they realize what they're missing out on.

If the world is to join Luziyca, people who feel like they're unemployed can change their place of residence and move to Luziyca, where they can become a permanent resident and behave freely, like any Luziycan. Then, they are given a lot of options on who they want to be, giving them opportunities to succeed in life, as self-made men.

So, what does that leave us?
In summary, I feel that a world under Luziycan control will benefit all people, leaving no one behind. It improves everyone's lives and our own, it will improve tourism and it will give people a real opportunity to succeed in life. They get to participate in our way of life, for we are the only country that has a way of life, and thus make everyone better.

In other news
Ocelot Isles: We decide to give them full membership in the EU, because why not?
Qianrong: ASQ executes hostages, Qianrongese regret having expelled our boys from their country as security crisis looms
Namor: Direct flights with our country may become possible by end of year: are fears of Namorese infiltration into our society well-founded?

The Constipation belongs to the Pickle New Network (PNN). It is one of the most popular newspapers in the Christian Republic of Luziyca, with 500 million subscribers.

by **Qianrong** » Mon Feb 23, 2015 3:47 pm

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

Free Media for a Free Nation

THE RETURN TO DEMOCRACY BEGINS TODAY
For the first time since 1927, the Qianrongese people will be voting in a democratic national election.
For your convenience, we'll explain how the new Qianrongese government works and the parties running.

Qianrongese citizens in Rongyao cast their ballots in Qianrong's first democratic election in 88 years.

YUCHENG, QIANRONG - FEBRUARY 23^th, 2015 - In spite of the threat of ASQ attacks on polling places, the National Transitional Council has said that it will not delay or halt the elections being held today across Qianrong- the first democratic election on the national level in Qianrong since the final First Independent State elections in 1927, by which point the FISQ was already on the verge of total collapse as the Free Democratic Republic was declared in Yucheng.

The Legislative Hall in Yucheng, which will house
the Congress and Senate.

The National Palace was home to Qianrong's Kings
and Chancellors; it will be converted into a
museum under the SISQ.

"Since January 8, Qianrong has been ruled by this transitional council," an official statement said. "Now, however, it is time to return the rule of the Qianrongese nation to the Qianrongese people. With local elections held on February 16, we began the return to Qianrongese democracy. Now, however, Qianrong must leave behind the National Transitional Council and become the Second Independent State of Qianrong. It is imperative that Qianrong return to a democratic form of government, and that is what we intend to do." From now on, free elections will be held in Qianrong every three years.

As such, we here at Radio Free Qianrong have prepared an article on how the new government works and on the parties you can vote for, to guarantee that the Qianrongese people are informed of their choices as they head out to vote today.

The New Government

While the National Transitional Council left the structure of the provincial and municipal governments largely the same, they greatly altered the structure of the government. Among the changes include the division of the formerly unicameral National Assembly into two houses, the creation of bodies of review, increased executive dependence on the judiciary, and restrictions on the power of political parties. The new government is the product of Li Jian-Zheng's broadly inclusive council, and have been decided upon to guarantee maximum representation for all Qianrongese.

Some institutions remain, such as the courts and the National Assembly. Indeed, the courts- aside from being made more independent- have basically been left untouched. They also re-branded the National Security Forces as the National Self-Defense Forces. They didn't actually curb it or shrink it, they just changed the name. By contrast, the National Assembly has been greatly altered and the position of Chancellor has been outright abolished. With a new government in place, it's critical that the Qianrongese people understand how it functions.

The Congress and Prime Minister

The new Congress will serve as the lower house of the new bicameral National Assembly. Each of Qianrong's twenty-nine provinces will get ten congressmen, meaning that the Congress will have a total of 290 seats. It will serve as the main legislative body of the Second Independent State, meaning that all laws will be proposed and voted upon in this house. The governing coalition and opposition coalitions will also be located in this house. Congressmen will be elected using a version of first-past-the-post meets instant-runoff, whereby each voter ranks the possible candidates and the ten candidates with the most votes will be selected to be congressmen. As such, parties will be running multiple candidates for congress.

The Congress will contain several committees that will discuss laws before the reach the general floor. These committees will be Agriculture, Appropriation, Budget, Defense, Education and Economics, Energy and Commerce, Ethics, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Judiciary, Oversight, Science and Technology, and Transport and Infrastructure. Once out of committee, a bill will head to the general floor. If a majority approves of the bill, then it is sent to the Senate for review.

The Blue House will serve as the residence for
the Prime Minister of Qianrong.

The Yellow House will be the residence of the
President of Qianrong.

The Congress will also contain the governing coalition and opposition coalition. If there are groups that are not government or opposition, then a third group called the miscellany will be formed. The government will be led by the Prime Minister, who will be selected by the members of the government coalition. The Prime Minister is to be the national executive of Qianrong and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The Prime Minister will then appoint several secretaries to oversee government departments. The secretaries and departments will be Foreign Affairs, the Treasury, Defense and Security, the Interior, Economics and Commerce, Agriculture, Industry, Transport and Energy, Infrastructure, Health and Welfare, and Education. Similarly, the opposition will be headed by the Leader of the Opposition, who will appoint shadow secretaries who would become official secretaries if the opposition became the government. The miscellany will not appoint shadow secretaries.

The Senate, President, and Vice President

The Senate will serve as the upper house of the National Assembly and as the main body of legislative review. It will have 116 seats, with four senators representing each province. Senators will be elected in the same fashion as congressmen, and each party will put forth multiple candidates much like the Congress. Unlike the Congress, the Senate exists as a body of review. Once a bill has passed Congress, it is sent to the Senate for review. It will go through a Senate committee and be put to vote in the Senate. If a majority of the Senate approves the bill, then it becomes law. If they do not approve it, then it is sent back to Congress to be amended. If it fails a second time, Congress can override the Senate, but only with a 3/4ths vote in favor of the bill.

The Senate will contain several committees, like the Congress. These committees are Agriculture, Appropriations, Armed Services, Budget, Commerce and Science, Education, Energy, Environment and Public Works, Finance, Foreign Relations, Health and Human Services, Infrastructure, Justice, Labor and Economics, and Rules and Administration.

The party with a majority in the Senate will select a member to serve as President of Qianrong. The party with a minority will select a member to serve as the Vice President of Qianrong. They will appoint an advisory council composed of ministers. Each minister will correspond to the secretaries for the government departments. The President and Vice President will serve to advise and observe the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, while their appointed ministers will monitor the secretaries and shadow secretaries. The hope is that this monitoring will serve as a check or balance on the actions of the Prime Minister and the Congress.

The Political Parties

One of the unique features of the SISQ government is the action taken to weaken political parties. National-level political parties must designate themselves as Senatorial parties or Congressional Parties. This will help keep the Senate a body of review and prevent the rise of overly-powerful parties that might make Qianrong as single-party state as the Nationalist People's Party did.

Senatorial Parties

United Democratic Coalition of Qianrong

Major Figures: Seng Bu-Zhang, Nguoc Bieu Tinh, Lin Chuan-Yeng

Of the two Senatorial parties, the United Democratic Coalition of Qianrong is the oldest and most prominent. It arose in the Winter Rebellion to call for the dissolution of the Free Democratic Republic- their logo is based off of the use of umbrellas by protesters to deflect tear gas and pepper spray- and emerged triumphant following the capture of Guo Tse-Zu and the surrender of Mataas Pangahatang. Led by Seng Bu-Zhang, formerly a Yinglidao minister, the UDCQ is the more liberal of the two Senatorial parties. They support a free, open Qianrong, and while they believe that the government has a role to guarantee the welfare of the people through public programs, they want to limit it so that it must remain controlled by the people.

The UDCQ is expected to do well in urban regions, where many people supported them in their struggle against the FDRQ and where populations are generally more liberal. Their leadership is a mixture of UDCQ leaders from the Winter Rebellion and political allies of Li Jian-Zheng, and their voting demographic is generally younger and more secular.

Alliance for Qianrongese National Strength

Major Figures: Zhong Fang-Ye, Song Li-Chao, Wu Guo-Sun

Also formed during the Winter Rebellion, the Alliance for Qianrongese National Sovereignty was created to oppose the UDCQ and to campaign for the continued existence of the FDRQ. Since the end of the Winter Rebellion, it has absorbed the Nationalist People's Party that ruled Qianrong under the Free Democratic Republic. It is the more conservative of the two parties, emphasizing national unity, national pride, and national safety. They view an efficient government and a strong military as necessary to guarantee the liberty of the people and believe that Qianrong must remain firmly grounded in its national heritage if it is to survive as a nation.

The conservative policy goals of the AQNS mean it is likely to get most of its votes in more rural regions and among older and more religious demographics. Their leadership is a mixture of AQNS leaders and NPP leaders- including former chancellor Song Li-Chao, who might become final Chancellor and first SISQ President of Qianrong if the AQNS does well enough.

Congressional Parties

People's Progressive Party

Major Figures: Yu Sheng-Jiang, Yang Hye-Kai

Founded by Yu Sheng-Jian, who was Qianrongese ambassador to Kofeiya and Luziyca, the PPP is the most liberal of the Congressional parties. Its domestic policy revolves around a strong domestic welfare program meant to make Qianrong more egalitarian. His foreign policy is that of the "second chance"- giving foreign countries a chance to prove themselves to the new Qianrong in a form of diplomatic reset. The PPP's brand of leftism, which is closer to the extreme than the center, isn't presently very popular; most Qianrongese identify more with the center than the fringe. The PPP seems more interested in doing well enough that they can have a voice, with the hope of being critical in coalitions and in playing the long game.

Democratic Labor Party

Major Figures: Qi Chien-Xuan, Nguyen Cong Chua

Led by a cousin of the murdered Acting Chancellor Hsieh Jiang-De and an internet personality turned celebrity politician, the Democratic Labor Party is the center-left Congressional policy. Their demographic is larger than the demographic of the PPP, and they've gained many popular and charismatic individuals to be their candidates. The DLP domestic policy is similar to the PPP's, but is less radical and cooperates more with free-market economics. The DLP's foreign policy is less forgiving, however, saying that Qianrong cannot trust Luziyca or Namor- or New Zepuha. It's unclear if the DLP can make itself the main party in the government, but failing that they will almost undoubtedly be the main party in the opposition. It'll have to cooperate with the PPP, though, which will make things interesting as they campaign for the same voters. Many analysts expect that the DLP will run off with the women's vote because of the large role played by women in the party's leadership.

Republican Unity Party

Major Figures: Le Gia Dinh, Siemyscza Vlasinov

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.

Qianrongese Patriotic Front

Major Figures: Jing Hui-Zong, Ng Bao Truong

The Qianrongese Patriotic Front is easily the farthest to the right in the Congress. The QPF considers Luziyca, Namor, Ainin, Nevanmaa, and the ASQ to be the penultimate threats to Qianrong and supports the creation of a strong military and closer ties with New Zepuha to guarantee Qianrong's future. Domestically, the party has a semi-libertarian stance, urging the government out of the private lives of citizens except when national security demands it. They also support the creation of a laissez-faire economic system, which is not surprising as much of the party's leadership is composed of businessmen and stockbrokers. Following the economic chaos created by INTERPROS hackings of banks and stock markets during the Winter Rebellion, the QPF views laissez-faire economics as the way to get the Qianrongese economy back onto its feet. The party's main problem will be fighting the perception that it is a party for rich old men only. If they can get a broader group to vote for them, they might do very well.

Alliance for the Restoration

Major Figures: Ren Tao-Zhe, Ren Ji-Cheng

Led by the pretender to the Qianrongese throne and his son and heir, the Alliance for the Restoration is a rightist party calling for the creation of a constitutional monarchy in Qianrong. The Rens aren't likely to get much support outside of Shengsu Province, where they were forced to live during the FISQ and FDRQ periods and where they have become very popular for their philanthropy work and their emphasis that a new monarchy in Qianrong would respect the concepts of popular sovereignty. Outside of that, their policy is very vague; outside of general rightism, they seem to be willing to go with whatever the RUP and QPF want.

Front for Change and Liberty

Major Figures: Pham Kac Vo, Marangal Kapurihan

The FCL has a very unpleasant moniker- political wing of the Alliance for Sovereignty in Qianrong. Being associated to a bloodthirsty terrorist group is almost assuredly going to hurt the FCL. Like the ASQ, the FCL supports the division of Qianrong between its Minjianese, Tuhaoese, and Mahusaynese inhabitants into three countries. Unlike the ASQ, they reject the use of violence and do not support the genocide of Yinglidao, Otekians, and Shudri. Still, most people will ignore the rest of the FCL's agenda- a leftist agenda somewhat similar to the PPP- and only see the possibility of a connection between FCL and ASQ. As such, the FCL is not expected to do well for some time.

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by **Arkiasis** » Mon Feb 23, 2015 5:09 pm

Vesperia Independence Referendum - What Are The Issues?
Outlining the issues Vesperians will be considering this Friday
ABC News | Posted: 23 February 2015

The recent pro-independence rally in Ålstad recorded 60,000 participants

ÅLSTAD- With the Vesperian independence referendum approaching quickly, campaigning is currently at its height. Commercials from both "Yes Vesperia" and "Stronger United" grip the airways.

"Leighton has long ignored Vesperia and its people. It's time that we stand strong and declare that we can make our own decisions. Vote yes this Friday, and bring the change that we need." an excerpt from a pro-independence commercial.

"From the Arkiasia Revolution to the Nevan invasion. Arkiasis has stood strong united and we have gone through adversity and struggle together. Vote no on Friday, because Arkiasis is Stronger United." an excerpt from an anti-independence commercial.

Prime Minister Troy Brown has begun his tour of Vesperia this week and stated "I would heart broken if this peaceful union would be broken apart. We have achieved so much together and have consistently been a force for good." However, Brown remains highly unpopular in Vesperia, with an approval rating of just 24% he's seen in Vesperia as a southern english-speaking Conservative who's the personification of everything that's wrong with Arkiasis. Another issue being Troy Brown's knowledge of Vesperian is considered weak and he has recently been seen in Vesperia with a translator.

A recent poll from the Ålstad-Posten showed that 47% support independence while 48% are opposed and 5% are undecided, the lowest difference to date.

The following issues are what Vesperians are concerned about and what they will be considering this Friday.

Taxation
Vesperia has autonomy over many government services like education and pays for them itself, but still pays the same rate of federal tax as the other provinces. As a result, the region is a net contributor to the Arkiasian government's coffers despite having a GDP per capita that is slightly below the Arkiasian average. This has resulted in Vesperia having the highest Provincial debt ratio in Arkiasis and one of the highest rates of taxation in all of Esquarium.

Troy Brown has already stated that a bill is being proposed that will introduce reforms to the federal tax code that will "make sure that the people of Vesperia will pay their fair share, and not anymore than they have to."

Language & Culture
Vesperia is the only Province in Arkiasis where English is not the majority language, and as a result justifications for Vesperia's independence are historically ethno-nationalistic in tendency, claiming that the unique culture and Vesperian-speaking majority (80% of the provincial population) are threatened with assimilation by either the rest of Arkiasis or by Anglophone culture more generally, and that the best way to preserve language, identity and culture is via the creation of an independent political entity.

Nine of the other Arkiasian provinces are overwhelmingly (greater than 90%) English-speaking, while Eldmark, Aurora and Tidvand are officially bilingual and about one-third to two-thirds Vesperian. And knowledge of Vesperian among non-Vesperian Arkiasians remains low with only 39% stating they know Vesperian "well" while 22% state they "don't know it at all".

NOSDO and Foreign Relations
The Vesperian People's Party has had a long-standing policy of opposition in principle to NOSDO membership. The primary reason for the opposition is due to the recent controvesy regarding the membership of Nevanmaa in NOSDO. Premier Patrik Lagerqvist stated "Being in an alliance with Nevanmaa is an affront to basic decency. An independent Vesperia will refuse to work with a nation that doesn't allow 50% of its population to vote and considers people of colour to be subhuman. The fact that Leighton continues to work with Nevanmaa is a complete disgrace." 87% of Vesperians are opposed to Nevan membership in NOSDO, while a smaller 64% are opposed to Arkiasian membership in NOSDO. The VPP has stated they will adopt a neutral foreign policy.

Opponents mention that Arkiasis' continued membership in NOSDO is needed in order for peace to be maintained in northwestern Esquarium. "We have much closer relations to NOSDO nations like Vyvland, Brittanno and Geadland than Nevanmaa. And as NOSDO's largest liberal democracy we need to stay committed to our membership. If we leave then a snowball effect might happen and the alliance might crumble leaving northwestern Esquarium weak and vulnerable. It's Arkiasis' responsibility as a prosperous nation to be a force for good in the world."

Economy
Vesperia's GDP per capita is slightly lower than the Arkiasian average, and along with a large debt, Vesperia's credit rating is only A compared to the AAA rating of Arkiasis. Vesperia continues to feel the effects of the recession as unemployment is above the national average and GDP growth is the slowest among all Arkiasian provinces.

Opponents have stated that the economic prospects after a "yes" vote are "incomprehensible". Due to Vesperia's smaller economy, economists predict that in the first few years of independence, Vesperia would experience a massive recession. Nearly 70% of all exports are sold to the rest of Arkiasis, which would have severe effects in the event of Vesperian independence. Economists also predict that a separate Vesperian currency would be weak and act as a deterrent to trade with the country it has split from. And even with a free trade agreement, it is estimated it would cost Arkiasian business ₵5 billion annually in transaction charges when trading with an independent Vesperia, further deterring trade.

The pro-independence side however states that the Arkiasian Credit leaves Vesperia shackled with a currency whose exchange and interest rates does not suit the current economic climate of Vesperia. The rising levels of inequality in Arkiasis have also been cited as a concern by the VPP. Since the mid-1980s, Arkiasis has had the fastest growth in inequality of any developed nation. According to Jonas Ahlström, an MPP for the Vesperian People's Party, "The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer. We are abandoning our egalitarian values. Arkiasis is starting to look like Luziyca." Nevertheless, Arkiasis remains far more egalitarian than most nations.

Governance and Relations with Leighton
Vesperia has long been a left-wing bastion. The Labour Party has continuously been the largest party in Vesperia for over 80 years. Economic reforms in the 1980s left many Vesperians feeling short-changed. Since then, Vesperian voters have gradually shifted away from the Leighton establishment towards separatist parties. This culminated in December with the Vesperian People's Party winning a majority in the provincial election. The current centre-right national government of Troy Brown is unpopular in the province, and Vesperian voters have also been searching for alternatives to the centre-left Labour Party who have traditionally dominated the province.

Democracy
The pro-independence campaign states that a "democratic deficit" exists in Vesperia, which has been used to refer to the period between the 1978 and 1990 general elections, during which the Labour Party held a majority of Vesperian seats but the Liberal Party governed the whole of Arkiasis. Viktoria Oliversson, an MPP for the Vesperian People's Party stated that instances such as this amounted to a lack of democracy, and that "the people who live and work in Vesperia are the people most likely to make the right choices for Vesperia." The Vesperian Government claims that an independent Vesperia should have a written constitution which "expresses our values, embeds the rights of our citizens and sets out clearly how our institutions of state interact with each other and serve the people".

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1569 Comments

by **Geadland** » Mon Feb 23, 2015 6:26 pm

The Liberal reports
QIANRONG: TURNING THE WINTER INTO THE SPRING
Who should govern the Second Independent State of Qianrong?

21 February 2015 Last updated 11:33 Geadish Standard Time
Qianrong is about to hold its first free and fair national elections since 1927. The country has just come out of a revolution, one which was marked by violence and a deep polarisation of society. But the Winter Rebellion is over and the forces of democracy have won. Ongoing terrorist attacks by the Alliance for Sovereignty in Qianrong have failed to dampen voters' enthusiasm as they prepare to head to the polls. They must choose carefully; too many nascent democracies have collapsed because the wrong politicians were allowed into power.

A curious feature of the electoral laws is that the two legislative chambers have to be contested by separate parties. There are only two notable parties contesting the Senate and both were founded during the Winter Rebellion. Here the choice is obvious. The United Democratic Coalition of Qianrong (UDCQ) is clearly preferable to the Alliance for Qianrongese National Strength (AQNS). The latter was the faction that defended the authoritarian government of the Free Democratic Republic of Qianrong; its campaign has targeted nationalist and conservative voters. It is not clear how committed they are to respecting the rules of democracy. The UDCQ, by contrast, is unquestionably supportive of democracy. It offers voters a liberal social program and a surprisingly pragmatic economic policy.

But the most important legislative elections are those for the Congress, the lower house. It is almost a shame that the UDCQ are not contesting these, because the choice is not as clear-cut. It is uncertain what the new political landscape of Qianrong will look like and a party that looks promising during the campaign might turn out to be a non-starter. A moderate voter appears to be have a choice of three major parties: the socialist People's Progressive Party, the more moderate Democratic Labor Party and the conservative Republican Unity Party. Unlike most democratic elections, the economy cannot be considered to be the dominant issue. It is just important to consider how committed the parties are to maintaining fair elections, civil liberties and the rule of law.

For this reason, the leftist People's Progressive Party should not be written off. True, its economic platform is unashamedly statist. If implemented outright, it would not do Qianrong's economy much good. The country needs jobs and trade, not taxes and inflation. But they is no real evidence to suggest they will try to implement left-wing authoritarianism. Even if they became the dominant party (which polling evidence suggests is unlikely) the need to manage coalition partners and the transition would hold back any ill-advised economic experiments. Not only that, but they also have the most sensible stance on foreign policy. They have promised to reset relations with larger nations like Luziyca and Namor and offer them a chance to prove themselves. It is a good idea, because the new Qianrong may likely end up attracting very different allies to the old one.

This newspaper, with its pro-business economic instinct, would consider the Republican Unity Party to have the best economic policies. But the party has too many drawbacks to attract our support. Qianrong's democracy will be fragile in these early stages and could easily be derailed if it obtains leaders who do not play by its rules. The RUP seems to be too close to the deposed autocracy and too willing to work with the far-right Qianrongese Patriotic Front. Its leader Le Gia Dinh was closely connected to the FDRQ regime and has not sought to distance himself from it. Its foreign policy is too supportive of the monarchist regime in New Zepuha. The social and religious conservativism in its platform has no appeal to us either. Conducting opinion polling in a newly-established democracy is not always easy, but polls have generally predicted that the RUP will be one of the largest parties.

The name of the Democratic Labor Party does not suggest it is the sort of party that would natuarlly attract our endorsement, but we have to conclude that it is the best option. Party leader Qi Chien-Xuan is not quite sure on whether her party should be a mainstream political movement or a populist anti-establishment one, but her party ticks the right boxes with its decent policies and pro-democratic credentials. Its economic philosophy is decisively left-wing, but not as much as the PPP. Our main criticism of the DLP is its stance on foreign policy. Qianrong is surrounded by three larger nations - Luziyca, Namor and New Zepuha. The new nation will likely need an alliance to maintain its national security (Namor is, in our opinion, the better of the three options). The DLP dislikes all three, but this is not a particularly useful stance to have. Geadland has often faced a similar dilemma with its foreign policy, leading to its odd alliance with Nevanmaa. If it gets into power, the DLP will be prodded into making a difficult decision on the matter.

When millions of QIanrongese voters enthusiastically go to the polls on Monday, we can only wish that we could go with them. And if we could, we would cast our vote for the Democratic Labor Party. Some voters will find, like we have, that all of the parties on the ballot have flaws. Many will find that the party they voted for did not win. Democracy can often disappoint, but nothing would be more disappointing than a backslide into authoritarianism. Choose wisely.

by **New Zepuha** » Mon Feb 23, 2015 6:32 pm

Federal News Network

"We will seek vengeance against the ASQ" says Chancellor Knitler

Knitler during his address to the nation.

Feb. 23, 2015

Sinro City, New Zepuha - It is a feeling of horror and shock today in the capital as word reached Sinro City and Camp Petersburg, on the gruesome death of a junior officer of the Imperial Guard at the hands of terrorists. Something Minister of Defese Meminger calls, "A despicable act of depraved animals." While little word on exactly how the NSF plans to retrieve their citizens, Chancellor Knitler has made it clear in a recent address that he plans to not let this one slide lightly. He promised 'swift justice' and 'ultimate retribution' towards the ASQ, that alongside our Qianrongese allies, we will bring down the fiery sword of justice upon the ASQ.

"My fellow Zepuhans, I have come before you to announce that one of our fine citizens has been executed by a foreign terrorist group that we are currently engaged in hostile combat with. They declare that they did it to stop our 'imperialistic dogma' and that we are actually the ones violating the sovereignty of Qianrong. I can tell you right now, that is a bold faced lie and an insult upon mine and this nations honor! We did not arrive in Qianrong as imperialist aggressors, we arrived as brothers in arms; guardians of the peace and defenders of the innocent! Alongside the NSF we stood and have been fighting these terrible demons.

Almighty God would wish nothing more than for us to deliver a holy vengeance down upon the dastardly cowards who perpetrated this heinous act. I promise them just that, swift justice and ultimate retribution! We will not waiver in our crusade against global terrorism and instability, we cannot waiver! We must stand as a shining example of what true freedom in the civilized world is. We must be crusaders for all that is right, for all that is holy and pure in this world. The ASQ wishes nothing more than to rule over Qianrong with an authoritarian fist, a fist of terror! New Zepuha will not let that fist fall upon Qianrong!

Troops engaged in a fierce firefight with the ASQ

It is clear that these terrorists cannot be reasoned with, no more than a man can reason with the very soil that he cultivates. We as a country must bring about their swift education to the ways of civilized people; people who do not castrate others for the sake of sending a message. The ASQ will continue in their atrocities against mankind and continue violating human rights unless we put an end to it. Which is why I have proposed an all out attack plan against the ASQ, a plan that will extend the period in which troops in Qianrong will engage in combat operations. Zepuhans will remain in Qianrong until the mission is complete, so help us almighty God!"

Image of troops using a Humvee as cover in Ragobad as Zepuhan infantry units battle jihadis and rebels for control of the city. Part of the War on Terror image series.

Chancellor Knitler concluded his speech in Capital square with the usual playing of the national anthem and went amongst the crowd to talk with worried citizens, especially those with family still in captivity. The family of Park Li sent a written statement to the chancellor, "Chancellor Knitler, we are begging you as most humble citizens to bring our son home to us. It worries us that he remain in the hands of the people we fled that region to avoid. Please bring him home, our boy is a loving man whose only passion was his journalism and his dearest wife. Please bring our boy home." Park Li is son of Tranh Li and Ho Li, immigrants from Qianrong.

King Auschlogen even issued a statement from his vacation home in the Black Forest, "It saddens my heart that one of my most loyal subjects has died in service to his country. Restricted from the honor of a death in combat by filthy mongrels who masquerade as liberators. Chancellor Knitler has my full backing to do whatever is needed to destroy this group and bring our citizens home. I call on all the civilized nations of the world to once again stand up and join the world in condemning and destroying terrorists worldwide. As it is our holy duty." The family of Liliane Roess has declined to comment thus far and wishes to be let alone during their families mourning period. Micheal Roth's wife issued a brief statement this morning, "It is with a heavy heart that I must write this letter. I had been expecting for months know a notice of the death of my Husband, but rather that I have received worse news. That he is being held by despicable terrorists such as the ASQ, only God can know what is being done to my husband at this moment. He was never even a combat warrior, his passion was in his mechanics. He was doing his duty for King and country by repairing the helicopters of the mobile infantry. But these dogs saw him as a target, please God bring my husband home safely!" Sherryl and Michael have been married 5 years and have two children.

Other News

Troops re-enter Ragobad to attempt to secure the capital and Zepuhan bases in the area, request for additional troops will be voted on March 14th.
Qianrong holds it's first democratic elections since the 1920s
Luziyca encourages Geadland to enter the Greenwich Area
King Juhani rushed to the hospital amidst medical concerns, King Auschlogen sends his prayers.

by **Greonterp** » Mon Feb 23, 2015 6:54 pm

Controversial Income Tax Bill Fails, Nyborg creates New Political Party

Lars Nyborg, the author of the bill, and founder of the Free Democrats.

Boswald - A bill that would lower the income tax from 45% to 40% failed to pass Parliament today.

The bill failed with a margin of 124-70. 48 of the 70 parliamentarians who voted for the bill came from the Christian Democratic Alliance.

The bill has garnered extensive controversy after Lars Nyborg, the author of the bill, promised to create his own political party if his party colleagues didn't vote for the bill. Most of his fellow Liberal Forum members did not vote for the bill.

Because of this, the charismatic politican announced that he resigned from the Liberal Forum, and would be a parliamentarian from the newly founded Free Democrats. Many party members were outraged. However, 3 members from the Liberal Forum have already joined him, as have 2 members of the Christian Democratic Alliance.

Nyborg discussed the party, calling it a "true liberal party."

"Everyone knows that the Liberal Forum is full of spineless Keynesians and vague progressives. I'm happy to not be a member anymore. The Free Democrats have arrived, and we're going to be heard. There are six of us in parliament already, and I can guarantee you that we will grow," said Lars Nyborg.

Many parliamentarians have voiced concern that this will weaken the current centre right coalition government between the CDA and Liberal Forum. Currently, the government coalition has 111 seats out of 200, now they have 105.

"I sympathize with Nyborg, I really do. I voted for the bill, and one day hope that we can go even lower than 40%. But, what Nyborg did threatens the political stability we have here. We had the resignation of Van Boelle a month ago, and now a new political party. We don't need this," said Prime Minister Anna Sørensen.

The "Anti-Sørensen" protests that plagued Boswald and Flannbach have died down, with attendance dropping 65% in two days. Sørensen's approval rating has increased, and it stands at 51%.

About me · by **Luziyca** » Mon Feb 23, 2015 7:41 pm

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

by **Qianrong** » Mon Feb 23, 2015 8:22 pm

The National Report
國民報告 - Guómín Bàogào
報誥國家 - Báo cáo Quốc gia
પમ્બંસંગ ઉલટ - Pambansang Ulat

Urgent News - Qianrong Decides 2015
ELECTIONS RESULTS ARE IN: UDCQ BEATS AQNS IN SENATE ELECTIONS; RUP, QPF, AFTR FORM GOVERNMENT, PPP AND DLP FORM OPPOSITION, FCL FORMS MISCELLANY
SENG BU-ZHANG TO BECOME PRESIDENT, SONG LI-CHAO VICE PRESIDENT, LE GIA DINH PRIME MINISTER, AND QI CHIEN-XUAN LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

Former Chancellor and now Vice President Song Li-Chao casts his ballot today in Yucheng.

FEBRUARY 23, 2015- Yucheng, Qianrong- The Qianrongese people have voted upon their first democratically elected national government in 88 years, formally transitioning from the National Transitional Council to the Second Independent State of Qianrong. The national elections came seven days after local elections; the local elections came earlier because no changes were made to the structure of local governments. By contrast, the National Transitional Council made multiple changes to the national government to weaken any one group's potential hold on government.

DLP leader and Leader of the Opposition Qi Chien-
Xuan waves to her supporters after announcing the
formation of the opposition coalition.

The election went on in spite of the possibility of Alliance for Sovereignty in Qianrong terrorist attacks on polling stations. Ultimately, these threats did not materialize as the ASQ did not attack polling locations, meaning that Qianrong's first national election under the Second Independent State has gone smoothly and peacefully. Observers from the National Rights and Liberties Index- the human rights monitor recently founded by NTC Chairman Li Jian-Zheng- monitored the elections for rigging, as did Esquarian Human Rights Monitor and some other international monitors. No incidents of voter intimidation or fraud have been reported.

The makeup of the new Senate. The UDCQ has 67
seats; the AQNS has 49.

The makeup of the new Congress. The PPP has 52
seats; the DLP has 74; the RUP has 83; the
QPF has 55; the AftR has 14; the FCL has 12.

The new Qianrongese government is based around the Congress, which makes laws, and the Senate, which reviews and approves them. The national executive, the Prime Minister, is selected by the government in Congress and is monitored by the President, who is selected by the ruling party in the Senate. The Prime Minister must appoint secretaries and deal with the Leader of the Opposition; the President must appoint ministers who monitor the secretaries and has to deal with the Vice President.

Under the new electoral laws, the parties contesting in the Congress could not participate in the Senate and the parties contesting in the Senate could not participate in the Congress. In the Senate, two parties contested: the United Democratic Coalition of Qianrong and the Alliance for Qianrongese National Strength. In the Senate, six parties participated: the People's Progressive Party, the Democratic Labor Party, the Republican Unity Party, the Qianrongese Patriotic Front, the Alliance for the Restoration, and the Front for Change and Liberty.

Results started coming in roughly three hours after voting closed, and both the majority and minority parties have been celebrating the role they have played in the first democratic election in Qianrong since 1927. Many Qianrongese have come out to celebrate, and almost every political leader has declared victory even if their party is in the minority.

Presently, there are majorities in each house(meaning a party or coalition holds 50% of the legislature's seats)- but no supermajorities(which would be a party or coalition holding 66% of the legislature's seats). This means that the Qianrongese government has enough of a majority in each house for the house to function, but there is no party which would be able to truly establish a tyranny-by-majority in either house.

UDCQ founder Nguoc Bieu Tinh and his brother Nguoc Ahn Trai, now
Senators, stand next to UDCQ founder and the new President of
Qianrong, Seng Bu-Zhang.

In the Qianrongese Senate, the United Democratic Coalition of Qianrong holds a majority of the seats with 67 of the Senate's 116 seats. They have declared that UDCQ founder and Yinglidao minister Reverend Seng Bu-Zhang will be the first democratically elected President of Qianrong in nearly nine decades. In a victory speech, Seng broke into tears. "When I stood by Nguoc Bieu Tinh and Jie Qing-Chun and helped found the United Democratic Coalition, I never- I never once imagined that we would get this far. I'd hoped we would bring about change, and we've brought about more change than I'd ever hoped. I swear to you tonight that we'll continue pushing Qianrong into a freer, fairer future."

The Alliance for Qianrongese National Strength has taken the remaining 49 seats. Instead of putting herself forward, AQNS founder and leader Zhong Fang-Ye has said that the AQNS will make Song Li-Chao, final Chancellor of Qianrong and former hostage of the ASQ, the Vice President of Qianrong. In his speech, the ex-chancellor vowed to respect the rules of the new government. "When I made my first public appearance following my rescue," he said, "I swore to you all that I would not try to resurrect the Free Democratic Republic. That era is over. We now live under the Second Independent State, and we must now work in and with the Second Independent State. What we have to do now as a nation is carry on the struggle to preserve our unity and our dignity against enemies at home and abroad."

Li Jian-Zheng shocked Qianrong when he announced he would not be running
in today's elections and was leaving politics. He did, however, vote in them.

In the Congress, where six parties contested, coalitions had to be formed following the elections. These coalitions formed quickly, probably out of a desire to create the image that the new government was ready to start working in this critical time. The socialist People's Progressive Party took 52 seats; the center-leftist Democratic Labor Party took 74 seats; the conservative Republican Unity Party took 83 seats; the far-right Qianrongese Patriotic Front took 55 seats; the monarchist Alliance for the Restoration took 14 seats; and the separatist Front for Change and Liberty took 12 seats.

The new government will be composed of the Republican Unity Party, Qianrongese Patriotic Front, and Alliance for the Restoration. The Prime Minister of Qianrong will be RUP leader Le Gia Dinh. Prime Minister Le has not declared everyone who he will select to be the governmental secretaries, though he has declared some of them: RUP member and former Otekian Qianrongese Association leader Siemyscza Vlasinov will be Secretary of Foreign Affairs, QPF leader Jing Hui-Zong will be Secretary of Defense and Security, QPF member Ng Bao Truong will be Secretary of Economics and Commerce, and AftR leader and claimant to the Qianrongese throne Ren Tao-Zhe will be Secretary of the Interior. "I look forward," Le told the press, "to working with my fellow congressmen to do the right things for Qianrong."

The opposition will be composed of the People's Progressive Party and the Democratic Labor Party. The Leader of the Opposition will be DLP leader Qi Chien-Xuan. She has also said who some of her shadow secretaries will be: celebrity politician Nguyen Cong Chua will be shadow Secretary of the Interior, PPP leader Yu Sheng-Jian will be shadow Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and Yang Hye-Kai will be shadow Secretary of the Treasury. Qi extended the olive branch to Le Gia Dinh, sending him a tweet saying "We may be on opposite sides in gov't but I'm hoping that we'll be able to cooperate for the sake of the Qianrongese people. We can do a lot if we all work together."

Finally, there is the miscellany- any parties not part of the government or opposition. The only party in the miscellany is the Front for Change and Liberty, viewed by many as a political wing for the Alliance for Sovereignty in Qianrong. The FCL rejects violence and does not call for genocide, but it does urge the separation of Minjian, Tuhao, and Mahusayna into separate countries. This platform and the terror group it is associated with made the election a struggle for the FCL. But their leader, Pham Kac Vo, remains defiant. "Ultimately, the Qianrongese people will come to their senses. They will see past the slurs that are hurled at us by our enemies, and they will see that our agenda is the one that guarantees the rights and freedoms of all of Qianrong."

It is unclear how the new Congress and Senate will work together, or if the many precautions taken by the National Transitional Council will prevent tyranny. It is unclear how Seng, Song, Le, and Qi will do in their new positions. But across Qianrong, people are excited for the future the Second Independent State might bring. Regardless of who they voted for, the Qianrongese people are looking forward together.

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by **Namor** » Tue Feb 24, 2015 2:23 pm

Analysis: The Ever-Nonchanging Namo-Qianrongese Relationship
Why democracy in Qianrong will not change relations with Namor for the better

February 24, NMR 2374

Li Jian-Zheng, leader of Qianrong's transitional government, is seen here
casting his ballot in the country's long-awaited democratic election. Li was
expected to play a huge role in post-Rebellion Qianrongese politics, but his
announcement to not run for office surprised supporters and opponents alike

QIANRONG - The Second Independent State of Qianrong (SISQ) has officially replaced the transitional government in running the country. National and local elections were held, and a new leadership is appearing. Many changes have taken place and will continue to take place in Qianrong, but one thing that won't change for a long time is Qianrong's relations with Namor.

A look at the new Qianrongese government is enough to prove that. The new congress is dominated by parties that advocate maintaining the new government's distance from Namor, including the Republican Unity Party, Democratic Labor Party and the far-right Qianrongese Patriotic Front. Several new faces in the new government aren't so Namor-friendly. Siemyscza Vlasinov, former leader of Qianrong's Otekian separatists, is now Secretary of Foreign Affairs, meaning that she will be responsible for handling Qianrong's relations with other countries. Song Li-chao, the former chancellor of the old regime, is Vice President. It is true that Song's view of Luziyca has irreversibly deteriorated, but that doesn't mean his staunch anti-Namorism hasn't faded.

The Namorese Foreign Ministry commented positively on the creation of the new Qianrongese government. Foreign Minister Shen Wuhong said that "We are glad to see the Qianrongese people enter a new chapter in their history, and hope that they will experience an everlasting, stable period of democracy." This was followed by "Namor is willing to cooperate with the new government on issues that concern both countries." In spite of this rosy talk of cooperation, all signs indicate that Namor will continue dealing with the same hostile country that is only being led by new leaders.

Many things make quick rapprochement between Namor and Qianrong difficult - Qianrong's history of being a vassal state of imperial-era Namor, the legacy of the former regime's anti-Namor propaganda, and the influence of Otekian separatists in the country.

For centuries, Qianrong was independent, although its proximity to mainland Namor meant that interactions between the Qianrongese and imperial Namorese were inevitable. Qianrong's princedoms paid annual tributes to the Namorese emperor, in turn for recognition of their legitimacy and protection from Namorese armies (although this was rarely necessary). Although this vassal-empire relationship broke apart after the Antelopian Dynasty weakened and collapsed, many Qianrongese - having lived through it or not - view it negatively and believe that they should not be "enslaved" by Namor again. This mentality benefited the rise of the Free Democratic Republic of Qianrong (FDRQ), which managed to carry on the anti-Namorese sentiment to the next generation.

Regimes can fall, but their legacy stays until it fades from memory. The Free Democratic Republic may be history, but its propaganda against Namor and claims of Namorese support for domestic militants are still believed by many Qianrongese. Initially, many thought that the FDRQ's animosity towards Namor was due to ideological reasons (the FDRQ refused to recognize the Liberationists as the leaders of Namor and continued to recognize the regime on Peitoa), but it soon became clear that this was fueled by nothing other than nationalism. During the Changlang Crisis, the FDRQ's now-reformed Ministry of Information berated the Democratic Socialist Khan administration as "Liberationist Namorese" - as if there is still a single-party state ruling Namor. The FDRQ blamed Namor (and its ally Ainin) for everything that was going wrong in the country - a spike in extremism, growing dissent, social tensions, and so forth. It even went as far as to claim that there was a covert Namorese-Aininian plot to arm the Sovereignty Alliance (ASQ) to destabilize Qianrong, spouting out detailed "evidence" of Namorese meddling and running stories of state security forces uncovering shipments of Namorese arms. It wasn't until after the liberation of Peitoa did the Qianrongese claim that Namor was no longer arming the ASQ, even if it never was.

It is true that not all Qianrongese believed the FDRQ's claims; some dissidents tried to point out that the regime was lying for support. But on the other hand, not all Qianrongese got the message. The damage had been done - many Qianrongese to this day regard Namor as a hegemonic bully, a power that wishes their nation dead. As one Qianrongese who stayed in Namor after the Winter Rebellion put it, "After all these decades of regurgitating fear [of Namor], people accept it. It's become the unchallengeable truth."

The FDRQ's defunct propaganda aside, Otekian exiles in Qianrong are very influential in making sure the government does not reconcile with Namor. With 1.3 million people, Qianrong's Otekians are the largest non-Asiatic ethnicity in the archipelago. Support for Txotai independence is a "multipartisan" thing in Qianrong as it is in Luziyca - it's hard to find a political party that doesn't believe Txotai is a "country" rather than a region. This was seen during the Winter Rebellion, when pro and anti-regime protesters rallied in opposition to a lawsuit filed by Txotai's government against Radio Free Qianrong (RFQ), after the dissident media outlet alleged that Namor was involved in "ethnic cleansing." When the "Letter of Millions" melodrama arose, officials in the Qianrongese transitional leadership lined up to sign the petition. Qianrong remains one of the few countries in the world to recognize Txotai as "Oteki" and the "Otekian government-in-exile (OGIE)" as the legitimate government of Txotai. Never mind the fact that most countries recognize Txotai as Namorese; in the end of the day, Qianrongese Namophobia prevails. And with figures like Vlasinov and RFQ's Csedomir Pantejmonov becoming celebrities in Qianrongese politics, one shouldn't expect this pro-separatist attitude to fade anytime soon.

Will Namo-Qianrongese relations change for the better at all? It might, but if so, when? As always, only time has the answer.

Yi Shi is the editor of the International Relations magazine, which explores relations between Esquarian countries, particularly relations between Namor and other countries.

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by **West Cedarbrook** » Tue Feb 24, 2015 4:13 pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJpSPvBmjwg
Radio West Cedarbrook Overseas Service
Radio Cedarbrook Occidental Servicia Michillèse
רדיו המערב סידר רוק שירות עברית
Radio West Cedarbrook Deutscher Service
Радіо захід кедрБрук служби Kраїни
http://www.RWC.wc

5:15 PM Wrycova Central Time
Democracy in Depth; The 2015 Municipal Elections
Good afternoon from our national news desk in Wrycova. Today Democracy in Depth brings you an update on the 2015 Municipal Elections. Although elections are more than 6 months away, the September municipals will paint a picture of opinion in two of the three major cities in West Cedarbrook, and shed light on the issues facing leading urban centers in all five states. At this time, we bring your attention to contests in the Steinhouse and Port Yehoshua municipalities, and to important contests in Fort Joseph, Charleroi, and Nova Targ.

Steinhouse: Liberal Resurgence?
Since the entry of billionaire Gerard Zeller, the liberal leaning Group-15 has emerged as the major threat to Conservative Mayor Maurice Oppenheim in the nation's second largest city. Zeller has pounded Oppenheim on the availability of suitable low-income housing since his entry into the race late last year. He points to slow growth in the rental market, limited to 2.3% over the past two years as constricting housing opportunities, and forcing rents upward. He also claims that Steinhouse has fallen behind Wrycova and Port Yehoshua in rental construction, further diminishing the attractiveness of the second city to young college graduates, and cites that only 57,000 rental units under 350 Zugs/month are available now. He has also brought attention to shabby construction in inner-city multifamily construction, and the recent scandals in the Northwestern outlying area and West 57th and Elm neighborhood where several units had been open for rental before water and sanitary had been connected.

Zeller has hammered the Oppenheim administration on infrastructure repair also. He cites delays on the Elevated lines, and September's derailment on the Lieczkow line of the L as an indication of problems within the city's transportation department. Zeller also points to potholes not filled since the spring on major North Side arterials. Oppenheimer counters, pointing out his administration's massive improvements to the airport at Ulam Field, saying that the expansion and improvement is necessary for attracting more overseas business, and showcasing his blue-ribbon panel's ongoing review of problems on the L.

Zeller has also been enthusiastically attacking public school performance, stating "Secondary education in Steinhouse is entirely unfit for today's jobs. The secondary technical curriculum needs rebuilt, if we are going to be serious about growth in the tech sector".

For the most part, Mayor Oppenheim has remained quiet about the attacks from Group-15, and has been amassing a campaign treasury that will allow him to compete with Zeller. He is also counting on the support of Vice President Davidoff, and Senate President Douai. Douai has been vocal in countering Zeller's attacks on educational performance, stating last week, "If Gerard is so worried about Steinhouse's competitiveness, let him join us in the Senate. It is here that he can make the biggest difference, not just for Steinhouse, but for the entire nation. Oppenheim's chances have been boosted by the inability of the Libertarian Party to field a candidate to oppose him to date. The Independent List has not found candidates for any municipal office.

In Steinhouse, a Cedarbrook Broadcasting System/Wrycova Post poll shows Oppenhiem leading Zeller at the top of the ticket. His Council President, Kezia Thayer has fallen behind Group-15's Anna Sitz, with Libertarian Rina Pasternak trailing. Conservative Prosecutor Maciej Biggs appears headed for re-election over Libertarian Ruben Tash and G-15's Kalia Traver. Maciej gained notoriety last year with his successful prosecution of the N-Street group in the Edwards Street riot trial. The City Treasurer's job is for an open seat, with Conservative Feivel Schwartz leading G-15 Thomas Lawrence.

Oppenheim is still favored to win re-election, and Zeller's candidacy has taken the steam out of the Libertarians in Steinhouse. If G-15 is successful in landing council candidates in office, and especially if they can prevail in the Mayoral or Council President race, they could be seen as a legitimate successor to the defunct Liberal Party heading into the 2016 Senate elections. Zeller has denied national ambitions for his party, but it has fielded municipal candidates in towns in adjacent Central State.

Port Yehoshua: Miller for President?
Of late Port Yehoshua Sara Miller appears to be gaining ground within the Libertarian Party in the lineup for the 2017 Presidential election. Her seat as mayor seems safe, far ahead of Conservative Arnold Jebulon at this time. Budget control is a leading issue, but has not gained traction with the electorate as yet, with Conservatives pointing to disagreements between Miller and the Board of Control over estimated revenue last year. Some Conservative council members have suggested looking at a 0.5% sales tax for education, a suggestion Miller vehemently opposes. Her presidential ambitions are this year's quiet issue. Miller should pull in Libertarian Bernard Haychaser to return as Council President over Conservative Filipek Esdras. The open City Prosecutor seat is a toss up at this point, between Conservative Tzillah Lafontaine and Libertarian Silvia Ingram. Libertarian Auditor Delphine Perine is favored for re-election over Conservative Harvey Norton.

Prospects are excellent for Miller to return as the Municipality's Mayor, in a strong position to launch a 2017 Presidential campaign. Her popularity has also stifled any ambitions of the left wing Independent List in West Cedarbrook's third city.

The States: Conservatives in the Lead
In Fort Joseph, Conservative incumbent Avital Richards is favored to return to City Hall as Mayor, over Libertarian Gregory Kosmatka. This despite two consecutive garbage pickup failures this summer in Beertown's North Side. Kosmatka, echoing Zeller's Steinhouse campaign, brought attention to low scores in the city's High Schools, particularly at Western High School, where 12% of the senior class failed to graduate, and 30% of the freshman class is in summer school. Kosmatka also draws attention to a recently discovered payoff scandal in the city's housing inspection department. 12 city inspectors have been arraigned for taking payoffs from contractors. Richards claims that her administration is taking all responsible steps to get to the bottom of the scandal, and has suspended 6 more inspectors until all facts have been reviewed.

In Charleroi, the major complaint has been a decline in bus service in the downtown area. In the Central State's capitol city, Councilwoman Leslawa Liron, Conservative, leads Civil Attorney Gerome Porath in the mayoralty race. Liron promises to increase bus service, especially for nearby residential areas that are adjacent to downtown. Her running mate for Council President, Herbert Bernard is running behind Libertarian Jules Shafir. Shafir is popular across the city, especially in white collar neighborhoods. City Prosecutor Rene Green, a Conservative is being challenged by Yehudi Ettinger, nephew of former Solicitor General Helen Zbrown, who served under Louis B. Steinberg. At this time there is no clear leader in the Prosecutor's race.

North Central State capitol Nova Targ is also the site of an important mayoral election this year. At issue is construction of a major road project in the city's eastern corridor. The seat is open, with Councilman Nahum Beaucheme, the Conservative candidate leading former Port Charles Tight End Thomas Bertrand, who now serves as the city's Council Presdent, for the Libertarian Party. Beaucheme has been a strong proponent of the development, and is depending on a strong showing from the city's East Side to propel him into office.

by **Geadland** » Tue Feb 24, 2015 4:20 pm

PM CALLS FOR VESPERIA TO REMAIN IN ARKIASIS
Suggests that defeating the separatists "will send a positive message to the world"

24 February 2015 Last updated 17:22 Geadish Standard Time
During a press conference at the Westergard Palace, the Prime Minister stated that she "hoped" that the Arkiasian province of Vesperia would vote against independence on Friday. The press conference was mainly concerned with government business and the upcoming Hart by-election and the issue was raised only briefly by reporters.

In response to being asked "What is the government's stance on the upcoming independence referendum in Vesperia, Arkiasis?" by a Dagposten reporter, she replied:

I don't want to lecture Vesperians in detail on the subject, but I hope they vote to stay. I'm saying this because Arkiasis is a great friend and ally of Geadland, and not the sort of nation that deserves to be broken up. Their nation is a reliable force for good in world politics today. It also has a national identity that accepts and celebrates regional differences rather than suppressing them, and a respect for the Vesperians' right to self-determination. If the Vesperians opt for unity rather than division, they will send a positive message to the world, that a multinational democracy is not one that is doomed to collapse.

However, after a Stirnen reporter asked "So was Leighton wrong to allow this referendum to be held?", she answered that it was not:

There comes a time when it is not in the interest for a liberal democracy to abide by the same moral standards it demands of other nations. As I've said, I don't believe a break-up would be beneficial. But democracy is democracy and sometimes it can produce an undesirable result. Many voters in Vesperia want to become an independent country and most of them had wanted a plebiscite on the matter. So I have great respect for Troy Brown, my counterpart in Leighton, for agreeing to hold it.

She also said that the government of Geadland would recognise an independent Vesperia in the event of a separatist victory, as long as the vote was fair.

Electoral analyst Johan-Peter Blumendal said that "I doubt the Prime Minister is expecting her statement to be a game-changer. If there were multiple democratic heads of government endorsing a 'No' vote, it might cause Vesperian voters to pause and think. But the referendum campaign is being fought mainly on a question of whether it could make Vesperia more prosperous in economic terms."

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