Esquarium Today [Regional News, CLOSED]

by **United Provinces of Atlantica** » Sun Nov 29, 2015 10:11 pm

The Atlantican Daily

Althing campaign kicks off!

Matteus Gunnlauggson discusses the issues with supporerts at the RGSA campaign rally in Stórkostlegurborg.

THROUGHOUT ATLANTICA - In accordance with Atlantican electoral law, the Atlantican electoral campaign for the Althing and the Allsherjargoði of the People kicked off today, with, as is custom, kicked off with massive joint rallies by the political parties affiliated to the ruling Red-Green-Socialist Alliance, the opposition Moderate Alliance, and the crossbench Minority Alliance, respectively; the few political parties not affiliated to either the RGSA, the Moderates, or the Minorities also holding their, albeit quite small, rallies.

The RGSA rally, as expected, featured speeches by all leaders of the member parties in the RGSA, most notably Allsherjargoði of the Althing and Socialist-Farmer-Labour Leader Matteus Gunnlauggson, Allsherjargoði of the Lawspeakers and Communist Leader Bjarni Árnason, and Allsherjargoði of the People and Socialist Left Leader Brynheiður Bjarnfreðursdóttir; the rally largely focused on mutual calls for socialism, as expected (with the various political parties not directly calling for their parties' particular variants of socialism as is expected in later rallies, or, in the case of the Social Democratic Party, no socialism at all), and reminders of the progress the RGSA has made since they were elected in 2013, including a considerable reduction in unemployment following the 2009-2012 economic recession, the establishment of a thirty-hour workweek, reinstating closed shop for the public sector, the institution of a national minimum wage, and more recently the Emergency Economic Stimulus Act, which temporarily diverted what would normally be oil revenues distributed to the sovereign wealth fund to an economic stimulus to prevent the economic recession that has come across all of Esquarium, in what for now seems to be a successful move. The RGSA rally also pledged to, if re-elected, formally introduce a temporary massive stimulus via a massive increase in the basic income, and infrastructure/public works spending. Rally speeches also hinted at the possibility of reintroducing the Unemployment Reduction and Economic Democracy Act, which was in place in between 1968 and 1989.

The Moderate Alliance rally also featured speeches by all leaders of the members parties in the RGSA. As expected, the rally focused on mutual calls for economic liberalization, stating that repealing many regulations and temporarily suspending the wealth and payroll taxes, and temporarily cutting the top income tax rate to 50% would significantly aid in helping Atlantica's economy; although Atlantica has luckily managed to avoid economic recession so far, economic growth has moderately slowed since September, this generally being viewed as a result of the economic recession at the moment. The Minority Alliance, on the other hand, was far less political than both of the other rallies, due to the big-tent nature of their member parties, the Vjaarlandic People's Party and the Mburi Assembly, both of whom single-issue parties dedicated to the interests of the respective ethnic groups they represent.

As expected, at both of the rallies of the two major coalitions both the Red-Green-Socialists and the Moderates formally announced their nominees for election for the Allsherjargoði of the People; this is generally due to agreements among the member parties of the RGSA and the Moderates, in which the third-largest political party in both of the coalitions formally has its leader become the Allsherjargoði of the People, where the RGSA and the Moderates formally present united fronts in elections for Allsherjargoði of the People. Based off current polling, the RGSA nominated incumbent Allsherjargoði of the People and Socialist Left Leader Brynheiður Bjarnfreðursdóttir (as the Socialist Leftists are currently polling as the third-largest RGSA-affiliated political party), whilst the Moderates nominated Blue Party Leader and the Allsherjargoði of the People from 2010-2013 Einar Einarsson. Both the Minority Alliance and their affiliated political parties chose not to nominate candidates; they have not historically nominated candidates in the past, either. Most unaffiliated parties, all of whom quite small, have chosen to nominate candidates for Allsherjargoði of the People, however.

Current polling shows both the RGSA coalition and Bjarnfreðursdóttir on track to be re-elected.

by **Korivania** » Mon Nov 30, 2015 12:55 pm

Korivanian Infrastructure Minister proposes trans-continental highway; Proposal accepted

Map of the trans-continental highway proposal

Lezhë, Korivania. Two days ago, at a government conference on managing Korivania's infrastructure, the Minister of Infrastructure, Nikolas Kellemendi, proposed his plan for a trans-continental highway, going from one half of South Conitia to the other. Kellemendi then explained his plan, saying "My plan for trans-continental highway, if approved, will improve transportation not only across Korivania, but also our fellow Southeast Oriental Entente member-states.. The major cities it will go through will be: Melesia, Monaco, Dvik, Elbasan, Tirana, Shqapar, Koplik, Pashkuar, Selenikë, Shkupa, Skopje, as well as many smaller cities and towns, and will create thousands of jobs. The northern part of the highway will continue to Odissia if they approve it, and the western part will continue toward Osonia if they approve it. The name of the trans-continental highway will be TC-59. TC standing for "trans-continental" and 59, due to that 1959 was the year SOE was founded." Flash-forward to today; after much debate in Parliament on whether to approve this proposal or not, the Korivanian portion of the trans-continental highway is approved by the majority of Parliament and has now been approved by the President. In the outskirts of the city of Dvik, President Qemal Vukitaj, as well as Kellemendi, the proposals architect, came for the ground-breaking ceremony, semi-officially starting the construction of TC-59. Not all were happy though, a group of Castle party members protested the construction of the highway, claiming that this highway would only be good for the "big transportation industry", and would be a waste of tax dollars. The one leading the protest was the notorious Edi Badar, who is also the Castle party leader. After 30 minutes, and a few arrests due to some of the doing indecent acts in public, protestors were moved out of the way of construction by police, and so far, construction of the highway has continued un-interrupted. In an opinion poll, 69% of Korivanians polled say that they support the construction of this highway, while on 21% are opposed, and 10% are indifferent. The question remains however: will other nations that the proposed highway will go through accept this proposal?

Other Articles:

- OGIE Government-in-Exile leader Valeriy Anisim arrested for tax evasion
- Crolacia Nordanian nation to accept Lecistani refugees
- Edi Badar Arrested during anti-highway protest for public masturbation

by **Namor** » Mon Nov 30, 2015 2:37 pm

Fu purportedly endorses Tuyet in leaked phone call with VP Lee
Fu says Huan An "too radical," Lee fears Huan nomination will "sabotage the party"

November 30, NMR 2377

110 DAYS
until NMR 2378
presidential election

NAMO, CAPITAL DISTRICT - While Huan An maintains a steady hold of the polls ahead of the New Democratic primary, Esquarileaks published a phone call purportedly showing President-General Fu Wen endorsing Huan's rival, Deputy Tuyet An of the 23rd Legislative District.

The call, which according to Esquarileaks lasted around four minutes, was held between President-General Fu and Vice President Derrick Lee some thirty minutes after the New Democratic presidential campaign in Nghenh Nghenh ended. The whole transcript can be viewed on Esquarileak's website, link here.

In a leaked telephone conversation, President-General Fu Wen purportedly
endorsed Tuyet An (above) for the New Democratic nomination, calling front-runner
Huan An (below) "too radical"

FU: Did you see it [the debate]?

LEE: Yeah I did, but my secretary called me over and I had some affairs to sort out, so I couldn't watch the whole thing...but I saw the bulk of it.

FU: What'd you think about it?

LEE: Well, I'll personally endorse Tuyet [An] because she is rational compared to the other guy. She seems to understand the direction of our administration the best and isn't likely to go astray if she takes office. Any other option will sabotage the party.

FU: Ditto. Her views align with the party mainstream, and her policies aren't too firebrand. Huan, on the other hand...he's a fine guy, but he's just too radical. His economic and foreign policies are too firebrand for me. Best that he stays in the insurgent faction [of the New Democrats], in my opinion.

[...]

LEE: But Tuyet has no chance of winning [the nomination]. Huan's been in the top of every poll I've read in the papers.

FU: (inaudible) What we say matters too.

The leaked call has since become the dominating story in Namorese politics for the day, generating widespread controversy within the New Democrats. Tuyet An's campaign said it refuses to comment on the matter "until things become clear." Huan An, who saw his popularity among New Democrats soar after the THDB debate, also refused to comment; however, many of his supporters took to the internet attacking President-General Fu and Vice President Lee.

"They saw the debate with their own eyes? How do they support Tuyet then? Are they insane?" posted a commentator on the video containing the leaked phone call.

"I applaud the President-General. Now we know the true face of the Establishment New Democrats: an evil force willing to contain the party's revolutionary faction," posted another commentator.

In response to the phone call, the Executive House questioned its authenticity.

"As far as we know, it could very well be political black propaganda. We should remind everyone that the authenticity of the call in question cannot be confirmed," said the press secretary. "But the President-General made his stance clear that he will not endorse anyone in the New Democratic primaries, and that the choice solely belongs to New Democratic supporters. He hasn't wavered from that [stance]."

Libertarians vs. Establishment New Democrats: A Battle for the New Democrats' Soul

Fu's alleged support for Tuyet may be secret, but what isn't secret is the ongoing power struggle between two major factions within the New Democratic Party: "Establishment" and "Libertarians."

The "establishment" identifies with the center-right and has controlled the party from its inception, with former leader Deng Mianbao, Fu Wen, Derrick Lee and Tuyet An all considered to be its figureheads.

The smaller "libertarian" faction identifies with the "solid right." While it existed since the party began, it did not grow significantly until Huan An entered the Central Council. Huan - a self-styled right libertarian - is seen by many as the head of the New Democrats' libertarian faction.

With the "establishment's" Tuyet An and the "libertarians'" Huan An vying for the New Democratic nomination, many analysts are seeing the New Democratic primary as a battle for the party's soul.

Other News
Atlantica's Althing campaign begins - The Atlantican electoral campaign for the national legislature, known as the Althing, began today with massive rallies held by the parties.
DEVELOPING Luziyca arrests OGIE leaders - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs applauded Luziyca's efforts to restrain anti-Namor separatists based in the country.
ELECTION '78 Arrows vs. Yellows - What you need to know about the upcoming elections in Namor.

by **Namor** » Mon Nov 30, 2015 3:17 pm

TAOP LEADER DOUBTS LUZIYCA'S ACCOUNT ON ARREST OF VALERIY ANISIM
Narayev: "This should be the scandal of the century" if Luziyca actually didn't notice OGIE's alleged tax evasion

Speaking to the press, Txotai All-Otekian Party leader James Narayev
says he does not believe Luziyca arrested OGIE head Valeriy Anisim and
others because of tax evasion

Speaking to the press today, Txotai All-Otekian Party chairman James Narayev questioned the validity of Luziyca's account on the arrest of Valeriy Anisim, leader of the "Otekian government-in-exile (OGIE)" terrorist organization.

On November 29, Luziyca suddenly proclaimed that the terror group OGIE had evaded taxes to the city (Frontiersburg), state (Upper York) and federal governments for over 18 years. This prompted a joint operation between Luziycan Marines and Upper York state police that captured Valeriy Anisim and other self-proclaimed "officials" of the self-proclaimed "government" of Txotai. According to Luziyca, OGIE owes the government P5.4 billion in lost revenue.

But Narayev came out to question Luziyca's version of the story.

"It happened so suddenly and caught everyone off guard. How could the closest and biggest sponsor of this government-in-exile just realize that it wasn't paying up its taxes? OGIE and the Luziycans have been in touch with each other 24/7," he told a reporter for Txotai television. "Luziyca says Anisim managed to evade 387 million lira in taxes, which is equivalent to over five billion ramon. That's a lot of money. I don't know how that could go unnoticed for well over a decade, nor do I know how the government that's trained, equipped and promoted this group didn't notice it, unless Luziycan intelligence is really horrible, which I doubt. This should be the scandal of the century if that's the case."

Narayev says the tax evasion charge is meant to cover up Bethlehem's real intention behind clamping down on OGIE and arresting its leadership. He mentioned Luziycan police chief Paul Pantejmonov and his announcement regarding Anisim's arrest.

"Listen to him [Pantejmonov] talking about OGIE outliving its purpose, how it's using violence to further its agenda, and how it's useless. There you get the real reason why Anisim was arrested: Luziyca doesn't need him anymore. He lived his life a pawn, and now he's being tossed out of the picture."

Narayev said Pantejmonov's announcement contradicts that of Luziycan president-elect Sera Svensson, who revealed that the operation against OGIE was agreed upon between outgoing president Breuvi Shjoraski and herself. Svensson said Anisim was arrested solely because he didn't pay taxes to the Luziycan government, not because of his stance towards Namor or his endorsement of violence.

"So you have two stories that don't go together, at least not completely," he said.

Narayev stressed he doesn't intend to defend Valeriy Anisim, adding that his arrest has "significant lessons everybody should learn."

"Never rely on the Luziycans. It doesn't matter if you're Breuvi Chikmurdof, Valeriy Anisim or Song Li-chao. They'll dump you, sooner or later."

Read In:
English | Наморайин | Lingua Luziyca | Γαυδσκε Σπρωγ

by **West Cedarbrook** » Mon Nov 30, 2015 3:27 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
Radio Service West Cedarbrook Cortoguayan
Serwis Radio Zachód Cedarbrook Lec
http://www.RWC.wc

5:00 PM Wrycova Central Time
5:00 PM News: Major Banks Follow WCCB Prime Rate Cut
West Cedarbrook's big banks followed the West Cedarbrook Central Bank's interest rate cut announced earlier today, lowering their prime lending rates in a series of moves that reinforces some willingness of lenders to follow the WCCB's lead in providing lower cost credit to their most solid customers.

Bank of Wrycova and Steinhouse decreased its prime rate – the benchmark for creditworthy borrowers – to 5.45 per cent, down 0.15 percentage points. Commercial Credit Bank, Edwardsville Ronit and Northwestern Financial Corporation, Yehoshua Costal Development Corporation.ie and Fishman Trust followed on 3:30 PM, reducing theirs by 0.15 points to 5.65 per cent from 5.80 per cent, effective December 5, 2015. That’s a shallower reduction than the central bank’s 0.25-point cut.

This marks the second time this year that East 6th Street has taken a more cautious approach to their lending rates after the WCCB has slashed its benchmark in response to disappointing economic activity.

The West Cedarbrook Central Bank's President of the Board of Directors Dr. Arthur M. Levine appeared unconcerned by the banks’ response, noting that lending rates can be affected by many factors beyond official monetary policy.

“That’s how financial markets work,” Dr. Levine said at the press conference announcing today's prime rate cut. “All we’re trying to do is have an influence on the lending rate, as opposed to determine it.”

After the WCCB cut its key rate in earlier this year by a full point, the big banks were slow in responding to the much anticipated move.

When they did react, they took a public drubbing over their refusal to respond with an equal reduction in their prime rates, decreasing them by just 0.25 points.

However, some observers have pointed out that the WCCB may not mind the muted response from the banks.

Some economists have pointed to the weekend ruling by the Defense Intelligence Organization's Proctor for Financial Review confirming a virtual freeze on merger, acquisition, and leveraged buyout activity in the primary and secondary manufacturing and agricultural sectors under the Blue Letter announced by President Feld on November 10th, in the face a potential war in Lecistan. Under the provisions of the Codicil for Emergency Provisions of May, 1995 agreed to between the Senate and West Cedarbrook Central Bank, all financial transactions both electronic and otherwise are subject to supervision and surveillance by the Defense Intelligence Organization for the duration of the provisions of the Blue Paper. It was confirmed early last week that the provisions of the Blue Paper will remain in effect through negotiations on the Lecistani crisis in Katranjiev, scheduled to begin early next year. The effects of the DIO policy, now official has channeled capital away from merger activity, limiting opportunities for vertical integration in several industries that have become more attractive to larger businesses since the start of the economic downturn at the start of winter. Leading and second tier commercial banks have sought opportunities at smaller enterprises since the DIO restrictions, which some observers have noted is more likely to increase the risk factor of those banks' portfolios.

House prices have increased in the lower and lower-middle tiers in all major cities as borrowing costs have fallen and consumers have shifted focus to lower cost housing since the beginning of the downturn this winter, raising concerns that prices in those segments may be overvalued by as much as 16 per cent, according to WCCB estimates.
As well, Cedarbrookese short term indebtedness has risen to since the start of September, making consumers vulnerable to rising unemployment levels or an eventual ramp-up in borrowing costs.

For the banks themselves, the response to the WCCB comes as they attempt to shore up profits driven by their lending activities.

Since the banks make money by lending at higher rates than their own borrowing costs, substantially lower prime rates can compress the spread, or net interest margins.

“We are in such a rapidly declining interest-rate environment that the traditional rules of one-for-one [reductions in the prime rate and the West Cedarbrook Central Bank’s key interest rate] don’t work,” Harvey Mrozek, an analyst at NBFA, a leading financial consulting firm, said in an interview.

He pointed out that the net interest margin for the Cedarbrookese personal and commercial banking operations of the Big Five banks have declined to a weighted average of just 2.48 per cent from 2.73 per cent at the beginning of 2014. Less than a decade ago, the margin was a far more robust 3 per cent.

Although Cedarbrookese banks have increased their overall profits over this period, their share prices have recently been struggling to keep up with the broader market, reflecting investor concerns that earnings growth is being challenged.

“We anticipate that the market’s outlook for growth will moderate further in 2016, encapsulating an even greater slowdown in loan growth and incremental margin pressures,” Henri Piquart, an analyst at Fishman Trust, said in a note.

Mr. Piquart thinks the banks may also be maintaining higher prime rates, relative to the Bank of West Cedarbrook’s key rate, out of concerns about credit risk.

“If the economy is slowing so much that the WCCB has cut its policy rate twice in three months” – down by 1.25 since August – “maybe households in particular are not as creditworthy as consensus believes,” he said.

“If that’s the case, you want to put in a little more spread for taking credit risk.”

Radio West Cedarbrook Overseas Service is owned and operated by The Kramden of West Cedarbrook Department of External Affairs

by **Arkiasis** » Mon Nov 30, 2015 3:34 pm

Arkiasis Outlines Military Expansion in 2016 Budget
80 Billion NSD (2% of GDP) to be allocated to Ministry of Defense in 2016
ABC News | Posted: 30 November 2015

The ANV Independence is expected to enter commission early next year with active service planned for 2017.

LEIGHTON - Earlier today the Arkiasian government released the 2016 Federal Budget which outlines a 5 billion NSD increase the Ministry of Defense from 75 billion to 80 billion. Continuing the government's commitment to increase the Arkiasian military over the 2010's marking the largest military expansion since the Second Great War.

Since 2009, the government has been increasing defense spending by approximately 5% every year as part of the combined strategy against the 2008 recession and the Brown government's commitment towards defense expansion. Defense spending in 2009 was 56 billion (1.2% of GDP), increasing to 68 billion (1.6% of GDP) by 2013. As part of the original 2009 stimulus spending Arkiasis has commissioned two aircraft carriers, began the research and development of a fifth-generation jet fighter and has began recruitment towards increasing the military by 100,000 active and reserve soldiers by 2020.

At the forefront of the expansion is the commissioning of two new STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) aircraft carries with the first (ANV Independence) to enter active service in 2017 followed by the ANV Leighton in 2020. Following the retirement of the ANV Constitution in 1997, Arkiasis has been left without an aircraft carrier and has relied on the the two Karma Class helicopter carriers (ANV Karma and the ANV Invincible) to take over most Naval operations, which many say has limited the capability of the Arkiasian Naval Command. "With Arkiasis surrounded on three sides by water, we need to field a capable blue-water navy." said Naval Captain Tom Michaelsen.

"Increased Tensions around Esquairum means we need to be prepared." said Prime Minister Troy Brown. "We need to to help secure Nordania and all of the Northern Sea from outside aggression."

"As NOSDO's current second largest nation, we need show our allies that we are committed to the defense of the alliance and the defense of the entire Northern Sea region."

Many also say that expansion is also a reaction towards the ever-increasing possibility of Nevanmaa's exit from NOSDO. "With the possibility of a Nevan exit from NOSDO, the alliance will lose its largest military and become weaker." mentions Foreign Relations expert Martin Daugaard. "This prospect is one of the main reasons why Vjaarland, despite its new government, is still uneasy at the concept of approving the Nevan exit."

As part of Brown's promise to not increase taxes to fund the expansion, many opposition members have claimed that the increases will divert funds from others areas such as transportation, international aid and social programs. Much of the funding for the expansions has come from reductions made to Humanitarian Aid which had its budget slashed to 20 billion from 24 billion in 2015. "We are choosing bombs over diplomacy" said opposition leader Meghan Turner. "This militarization is unprecedented and poses a huge risk. We have never seen such an expansion since the Second Great War."

Top Stories:
- Txotai Separatist Valeriy Anisim Charged With "Tax Evasion" by Luzicyan Authorities
- Arkiasis Govnemrnet Plans to Accept 30,000 Nautasian and Lecistani Refugees in 2016
- South Conitia to build Trans-Continental Highway

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by **Geadland** » Mon Nov 30, 2015 5:00 pm

SDLP WIN OSLING BY-ELECTION
PM calls result "unfortunate"; Liberals continue to lose ground

30 November 2015 Last updated 14:11 Geadish Standard Time
The SDLP have won a by-election in the district of Osling, regaining the seat that was held by Martin Tanhauser prior to his death last month, increasing their vote share in the district from 27% to 35% compared to the 2013 general election. The Liberals, who had topped the poll in the district as recently as 2005, remained in second place but lost a third of their vote share.

The Osling district has 4 seats and consists solely of the capital city of Venden. The district is left-leaning, with 54% of its electorate preferring the SDLP over the Conservatives in 2013. As with Venden’s other two districts, the Liberals have also enjoyed above-average support in this district. The SDLP, Conservatives and Liberals each won a single seat in the district, while a left-leaning independent Alex Timsen won the fourth seat. The SDLP’s seat became vacant after Tanhauser died of a heart attack on 16 October. The SDLP were widely expected to win. Johan-Peter Blumendal told GRK that the opposition would benefit from "a backlash against Efa Nordland's unpopular government, as well as a sympathy vote because it was an SDLP MP who has just died."

The result was indeed a comfortable victory for the SDLP candidate Emma Hollingden, who took more than twice as many votes as the next largest party. GRK calculated that if the district had produced these results in a general election, the SDLP would have won 2 seats, with the Liberals and Conservatives winning one each. Hollingden said that she was “delighted to enter Parliament” and promised “I will represent all voters in Osling to the best of my ability.” Party leader Samuel Stefansen called it “a clear show of disapproval against the current government.”

For the Liberals, the by-election marked their first major electoral test since Kurt den Rude was elected leader of the party earlier this month. Den Rude has sought to make his party more willing to disagree with Efa Nordland, to counter accusations that his party lacks influence over the government, causing a standoff over the budget that is yet to be resolved. Den Rude said that “while we lost votes, we’ve done quite well here. We’ve stayed in second place. Despite the votes we lost, we would have still won a seat had all 4 seats in Osling been up for election. This shows our party is headed in the right direction.”

The Conservatives also lost votes, remaining in third place. Efa Nordland said that “Overall, this is an unfortunate result for the governing parties” and promised that there would be “light at the end of the tunnel for those who are currently not yet benefitting from our reforms.” The by-election also the share going to independents reduced greatly because Alex Timsen was not on the ballot. Several minor parties made gains, including the Progressives, New Alliance, Christian Democrats and the Greens. This is the first time since 2008 that the Christian Democrats have increased their vote share in a by-election.

Full results

SDLP: 35% (up 8%)
Liberals: 13% (down 7%)
Conservatives: 12% (down 3%)
Progressives: 9% (up 1%)
Christian Democrats: 7% (up 1%)
New Alliance: 7% (up 3%)
Greens: 7% (up 4%)
Independents: 5% (down 6%)
Socialists: 2% (down 1%)
Others: 2% (down 1%)

by **Vjaarland** » Tue Dec 01, 2015 12:41 am

BREAKING NEWS: Førbundsting votes to expel Nevanmaa from NOSDO
“Enough is enough,” says Adlerberg

STRENDHAVN -- The Førbundsting approved the expulsion of Nevanmaa from the Northern Sea Defense Organization in a 272-204 vote on Friday, marking a historic reversal of Vjaarland’s support for Nevan membership in the alliance.

Prime Minister Freja Adlerberg (SP-SR) praised the outcome, stating that “no longer will this nation stand idly by while the Nevan government executes a policy of aggression and hostility that threatens to destabilize the entire region. Enough is enough. Today, we have shown King Juhani, and indeed the entire region, that the Vjaarlandic people will not tolerate any government that demonstrates such a blatant disregard for human rights and the rule of law.”

The vote was passed with marked support from the opposition, with 20 National and Democratic Party MPs crossing party lines to vote in favor of the measure. Significant rifts have developed between establishment and anti-Nevan factions in the National Party over the last several months, as many party members have expressed disenchantment with former Prime Minister and party leader Harald Sjolgaard’s staunch support for Nevanmaa. Observers have highlighted next week’s party leadership elections, which will pit pro-Nevan Viktor Rosenblad against anti-Nevan Kai Adamsen, as pivotal to the Party's future course.

The Northern Sea Defense Organization requires unanimous agreement amongst member states in order for a nation to be accepted into or expelled from the alliance. The motion to expel Nevanmaa will require the approval of the organization's six additional members, Arkiasis, Britanno, Lyonsland, Versant Plateaus, Vestmark, and Vyvland.

Other News

Atlantica - Race begins for Althing elections
Arkiasis - Armed Forces to be expanded
Korivania - Government proposes transcontinental highway in South Conitia

About me · by **Luziyca** » Tue Dec 01, 2015 5:38 am

Natasha Roman criticizes arrests, compares them to West Luziyca

Natasha Roman

FRONTIERSBURG, UPPER YORK - Many people are coming out against the arrest of Valeriy Anisim, some from the unlikeliest of places: Natasha Roman has stated her opposition to the arrests of the top officials of the Otekian Government-in-Exile, comparing these arrests to "West Luziycan tactics used to get rid of people they don't like."

At a protest rally in Frontiersburg, she attended it and told reporters that "these arrests are basically an excuse for Luziyca to get rid of these opponents. The sheer timing of these arrests, coinciding with polls that many Namorese may want to see a change to the Popular Front, which is not really pro-detente, seems to indicate that the government in Bethlehem will do anything to help the New Democrats remain in power."

She elaborated, "These arrests seem to be like West Luziycan tactics used to get rid of people they don't like: charge them with a false charge, provide false evidence to back those charges up, and then see them languish in prison. Unfortunately for them, but fortunately for us, we get to witness part of the planning with Pantejmonov boasting of the fall of the OGIE."

When asked why she opposed these arrests of high-ranking OGIE officials, she said, "No matter whether they are part of the OGIE, or the ONC, or the OQA, we are all Otekians at the end of the day. At the very least, they need to be honest in why they are charging the OGIE officials: as I see it now, the tax evasion story is more of an evasion of the truth."

More as the story develops.

In other news
Vjaarland - Vjaarland votes to expel Nevanmaa from NOSDO
Arkiasis - Government to expand navy at cost of humanitarian aid
Namor - Fu endorses Tuyet An
Opinion - There is no way the government would get a guilty verdict

by **The Jahistic Unified Republic** » Thu Dec 03, 2015 1:40 am

First Ziegenian UMB Player to Retire After This Season
Ziegenian Refugee Plans on Staying in Unolia

Siegfried Pettersen, Number 100, of the South Unolian Giants, is set to retire after the end of the next season. When that season will be is unknown.

The report comes from the source himself: Pettersen, known as "Kraut" affectionately from his teammates, has been a staple since defected from the Ziegenian Reich in 1997 to play baseball in Unolia, shortly after the end of the Civil War. He posted a long message on social media confirming his retirement after what will be his sixteenth season as a starting pitcher for the Giants, stating that he feels his body is "slowing down", despite his earned run average (ERA) being the best in the United League for two years running.

His status as a refugee has been a small source of minor tension between the otherwise flowery relationship between the Jahistic Union and Ziegenhein. Pettersen said in his post that he planned on staying in Unolia and potentially moving into politics life. He is a strong advocate for the Union's withdrawal from the Triumvirate Alliance and is a founding member of "Common Sense for Unolia", a thinktank devoted to Unolian withdrawal from the Triumvirate.

He is widely regarded as one of the more popular and wholesome players in the game of baseball. He has never gotten into an on-field altercation with another player, never has been suspended from the game, never has been even accused of using drugs or performance enhancers. He is so revered that on an unofficial scale where the average UMB Hall of Famer gets a score of 120, he clocks in at an amazing score of 217. Many baseball historians credit him with being the catalyst for the restoration of baseball in the post-war era.

Such a legacy by a pitcher, even those since the very foundations of the Unolian Sport, cannot be mimicked.

Many say Pettersen's greatest accomplishment was on June 19th, 2002. In a game against the Montway Rebellion, he hurled the twenty-second no-hitter in the modern era (post-1979), only collecting two strikeouts in the process. But to look at his accomplishments is to look at the resume that he has under his belts and to look at his trophy case:

Two-hundred and thirty-two wins and one-hundred and thirty losses (regular season, .641 record)
2.61 Earned Runs Allowed over career (regular season
Six wins, one loss (postseason, .857 record)
Three wins, zero losses (twice: In 2011 (winning the Unolia Series) and in 2013, where he let one earned run by the entire postseason)
Seven-time (and reigning, with four in a row) United League Pitcher of the Year Recipient
First ever dual-winner of Most Valuable Player and Pitcher of the Year Award (2012)
Most Valuable Player of the United League Championship Series
Champion of Unolian Baseball (2011)

Pettersen has commented that, if the current strike results in the cancellation of the season (which, as a brief side note, seems very unlikely as a court will rule on it in three weeks), he will stick around and play the next season or wait until he is 40. Whichever comes first. The Triumvirate of Baseball has said that it is likely they will bypass the three year waiting period and press for Pettersen's immediate induction into the UMB Hall of Fame. The South Unolia Giants have said they will feature commemorative patches that read "#100, 2000-2015" on their uniforms this year and will likely retire the #100 in his honor.

God speed, Kraut. We all love you, and for a foreigner, your legacy is one of the greatest Unolians of all time.

by **Nevamaa** » Fri Dec 04, 2015 2:16 pm

As the Chamber of People has been temporarily dissolved,
Chamber of the Estates voted to hold a referendum

Royal Council proposes constitutional reforms - referendum to be held on the matter

NEVANLINNA - Royal Council, acting as a temporary caretaker government of the realm, has announced that a referendum will be held on several constitutional amendments that would radically change the electoral system of Nevanmaa.

The amendment would involve changes to Article 21 of the Constitution, and would effectively change the electoral system from proportional representation based on provincial boundaries to a single transferable vote system based on 72 electoral districts that would each elect between seven and ten representatives.

According to Council President Yrjö Walenius, "Nevanmaa has endured three elections in less than three years. It is clear that the current system, where some provinces elect almost a hundred representatives with no thresholds of any kind, is unable to provide the Realm with a stable government. The proposed new system will not only be more representative as voters will be able to rank parties and thus eliminating wasted votes altogether, it will also help to create stabler governments."

When asked if the new referendum would address other voting-related issues such as suffrage, Walenius stated that "we already had a referendum about it last year and that was soundly defeated. There is no need to repeat it."

The proposal itself has support of the four largest parties, the National Coalition, Liberals, Social Democrats and the Patriotic Front. However, it has been strongly opposed by minor parties that could see their representation in the Diet reduced. Jussi Ketonen, Head of the National Social Party commented that "the only reason why our party has the representation it deserves in the Diet is because the Kaarenmaa electoral district elects as many as 87 representatives. Our party, like many smaller parties, would struggle to gain even a single seat under this proposed system. We already do not get the representatives we deserve with our share of the vote because certain electoral districts are not large enough. All this new system would do is benefit the larger, more established parties."

As the Chamber of People was dissolved following the collapse of Hyvärinen's government, Chamber of the Estates approved the bill calling for a referendum. The referendum bill was passed only barely, with 388 voting for and 321 against, and 47 either absent or not voting. The bill was accepted by three of the four estates, with only the Clergy opposing it.

The date of the new referendum hasn't been set yet, though it will have to take place before the election for the new Diet can be organized.

by **Namor** » Fri Dec 04, 2015 2:19 pm

Моджинг Сибо | Mojing Sibo
December 4, NMR 2377

THE EMBATTLED NEW DEMOCRATS
Recent developments are giving the Yellows their much-needed nudge in the polls, but do they matter amidst the hard-to-hide factionalism?

New Democratic presidential candidate Huan An speaks to the press after meeting with Nantai's Kung Alicia

By the Editorial Board | SUPPORTERS OF the ruling New Democrats are breathing a sigh of relief. On the 1st of December, Tesong revealed the latest updates to its four month-long poll asking Namorese which party they will vote for on March 20. 45 percent said they would vote for the New Democrats, compared to 40 percent in November 1, 42 percent in October 1 and 41 percent in September 1. It was a much-needed nudge for the New Democrats since early October, when the formation of the Popular Front proved to be a game-changer. The nation is still months ahead of Election Day. It's enough time for the New Democrats - and their nominee - to try convince voters they deserve another half-decade in control.

The New Democrats can thank recent events for their rise in the polls. The stock market has become more stable, and in the past two weeks experienced a slow and steady climb that doesn't make another crash like the one in September avoidable but is nonetheless a light to the other end of the tunnel. The government's decision to bail out some of the country's top banks prevented more banks (and businesses) from failing. Measures are being taken to curb unemployment, and while their ultimate effects remain to be seen, many feel assured that at least the laissez-faire state is doing something about the problems they face. The November 29 THDB debate clarified the candidates' views on important issues, which is a plus.

And there is relief from next door; Luziyca elected its first Liberal president in 28 years. President-elect Sera Svensson promises to take détente to a whole new level, something (she claims) her predecessor, the outgoing Breuvi Shjoraski, can't do. If her referral to Txotai as a "region of Namor" wasn't enough, in November 29 the Luziycan government placed the "Otekian government-in-exile's" senior leadership under arrest, ostensibly due to tax fraud but actually to show the Namorese that it genuinely wants a stable, cordial relationship. The New Democrats - a prominent champion of the détente process - have something they can show voters now.

Both libertarian frontrunner Huan An and establishment runner-up Tuyet An are convincing supporters that the cause is not yet lost, and that the Popular Front can be beaten. "Stop listening to the leftists' nonsense. We are stronger than ever," stated Huan optimistically at a Dai Vuong, Antelopia rally. "Heaven is extending a hand," proclaimed Tuyet An, "and we're not going to refuse it."

Hold on, though - this doesn't embellish the tough reality the New Democrats must face ahead of Election Day. The party's size, demonstrated by its presence in the Central Council, is both a help and hindrance. It helps the party look more united than its leftist counterparts, who are still divided into three parties. But it also reveals how fragmented the party really is. Torn between the conservative center-right which leads the party and the libertarian "solid right" which runs the party, the New Democratic Party is having a difficult time agreeing on issues that matter - economic issues. Whereas the establishment favors depending on big business as a source of Namorese prosperity, the libertarians favor small businesses. Whereas the establishment favors maintaining a sturdy security apparatus to protect Namor from terrorism, the liberatarians want to cut back on the number of prisons and checkpoints nationwide, citing the lack of legitimate terrorist threats. In the end of the day, voters decide their preferred party based on the party's stance on domestic issues, and if the New Democrats can't reach a consensus on some of these issues, they might turn away support.

More alarming is how powerful figures in the New Democratic establishment do not seem willing to enthusiastically back the libertarian Huan An if he is nominated to run for President-General on the whole party's behalf. And for now it's almost certain he will be nominated; almost every single poll showed Huan leading the race by a margin of five, 10 or 20 points. But someone who is allegedly viewed as "too radical" by the New Democratic President-General in a leaked phone call will not appeal to voters, who will struggle to figure out the point of voting for a man representing a party whose leader doesn't support him behind closed doors. And if the establishment disapproves of Huan indeed and puts Tuyet An in his place, that can only be a catalyst for more trouble down the road, discouraging Huan supporters from heading to the polls at all or putting the party at risk of splitting apart. All of these outcomes do not serve in the New Democrats' best interests, and should be avoided if they want to put up a good fight this election season.

Former President-General Alicia Wolf had some good advice for her party: "Unity is the mother of all things." The stock market and Luziyca did their part so that the New Democrats can still have a good chance of staying in power. Now, the party must do its part.

by **New Zepuha** » Sat Dec 05, 2015 4:35 pm

Federal News Network

People's Republican Movement Declared to be a Terrorist Organization; PRM Declares Government Illegitimate

December 5th, 2015

Karlsburg, Salbeiland - Today the King was given an ultimatum by the people who had made an attempt on his life, dissolve the government and allow for a monitored election, or face war. The King has taken this threat seriously and has designated the group a terrorist organization and has taken appropriate action to suppress any chance of further attacks on the capital. The Imperial Guard will deploy several military police battalions to the Helmund province where the claims have originated, declaring a state of martial law to exist in the province. Karlsburg has enacted a curfew for 10pm and will be enforced by units of the Royal Guard and Imperial Guard. Citizens out past curfew will face jailing.

Now who is making all these claims you might ask? One group calling themselves the People's Republican Movement is advocating for a regime change and the drafting of a constitution. From their current actions one can only be led to believe that they plan to accomplish this through violence and intimidation. They have no respect for the monarchy as is clear by their intent to install a republican state. While nations such as Nevanmaa have damaged the reputations of monarchies worldwide, the current government polls show more citizens support the crown than ever. This movement is doomed to fail at the feet of the Imperial Guard, Karl IV expects their time in the sun to be short lived.

While protests have emerged across the Helmund province against occupying troops, other southern provinces are casting their voices against yet another occupation of the southern provinces. "We face the constant threat of occupation by our own countrymen, three times in two years we have been put under the King's lock and key." commented to Governor of the Helmund province. Other leaders have also expressed their concerns in a joint petition to the King to allow the governors to handle this threat on their own, two other provincial governors have added their names to the petition as well as sever NDF leaders. The King has yet to acknowledge the petition.

Other News

Bad arrests in Luziyca?

by **Geadland** » Sun Dec 06, 2015 8:08 am

The Liberal reports
NAMOR: ROUND ONE
The party primaries will be as important as the final vote

5 December NMR 2377 Last updated 11:22 Geadish Standard Time
NGHÊNH NGHÊNH – Next month, Namor’s two main political camps will nominate their presidential candidates. Then in March, Esquarium’s largest democracy will elect their president, as well as their legislature. Barring any surprise late entries, the pool of viable contenders has already been whittled down to five. Shohai Antelope, the standard-bearer for the left in the last election, will compete with Namsa Singho (former Vice President to Kaitlyn Khan) and Tao James (an upstart from the hard left) for the Popular Front nomination. On the right, the New Democrats will choose between two of their legislators: Huan An and Tuyet An.

President-General Fu Wen is not eligible to stand for another term. Yet he will still matter greatly, and much of the campaign will be spent discussing his legacy and whether it should be continued. As the People’s Republic’s first avowedly right-wing leader, he has been a cautious reformer. He has worked at home to cut red tape and liberalise the economy, and abroad to improve relations with Luziyca. His presidency has been met with varying degrees of success in these fields. Most of it saw a continuation of an ongoing economic boom, but now Namor’s economy has been rocked by a stock market crash and is at risk of veering into recession. The government’s limited response has had mixed results.

It is for this reason that polls currently favour the left. Yet as the market stabilises and the election approaches, the New Democrats are recovering support. If they keep up this momentum, the campaign will be a neck-and-neck battle. It may also be highly polarised. As exciting as this may be for some, this is not preferable. The gulf between the Namorese left and right is already rather wide. It is the hope of The Liberal that against these odds, the primaries will benefit politicians who are moderate and centrist.

A tale of two Ans
Mr Fu could reassure voters that he was not a heartless capitalist oppressor, especially thanks to the philanthropy he had shown during his business career. Neither of the two New Democratic candidates has yet to show the charisma or political acumen that Fu Wen could show, and either may struggle to unite an increasingly fractious party. They come from two clashing factions: Huan An represents its right-libertarian base, while Tuyet An represents its establishment. Choosing Mr Huan would be a gamble. His radical image and sharp tongue means that he might struggle to win, even against a candidate from the far-left.

Some of his radical stances are virtues. He has an admirable background: previously he was a journalist who stood up to the Liberationist establishment and exposed corruption. He has been courageous in advocating of détente, by proposing a solution to the Nantai issue that Luziyca is willing to accept (a referendum on the region’s status) and meeting with Nantaiese politicians. And given the tendency of the Central Council to water down reform packages, there could be a pragmatic case for putting a relatively radical leader in Executive House. If foreign policy was the dominant issue of the campaign, he would quite easily be the most suitable of all five candidates in the view of this newspaper. However, as usual, the economy must be the issue that matters most.

And here lies his drawbacks. Mr Huan has pushed too hard for converting Namor’s progressive income tax into a flat tax. The country could indeed benefit from some tax cuts. However, wealth inequality in Namor is now higher than in supposedly hyper-capitalist Luziyca, and rising. This does not suggest that it is the right time for a tax cut that would mostly benefit the rich. Economic difficulties may furthermore make it unaffordable. Ms Tuyet is more willing to compromise on economic issues. On several counts she compromises in the wrong way, such as by supporting the flat tax while only showing half-hearted support for free trade in the debate. But she seems less likely to make promises that cannot be filled and better suited to govern in uneasy economic times. If this contest was taking five years ago, The Liberal might have endorsed Mr Huan. However, with the prospects of both economy and New Democrats’ being much lower, Tuyet An would be the wiser choice for her party.

The race to the left
If the Namorese right look in danger of radicalising, the situation is even more dramatic on the left, where Tao James is now the frontrunner. Part of his appeal is a patriotic one; he grew up in Nantai but defected from the Luziycan Army to Namor in 1996. The other reason is that the primary will be decided by an electorate that is significantly more left-wing than Namorese society is. Mr Tao has pushed his two rivals into a corner: both need to attack his policies but doing so comes across as being anti-socialist. Yet his rivals have a point. Mr Tao’s agenda is more of a wish-list than a practical plan for governance. For instance, he cites Atlantica’s healthcare system as a model for Namor to follow. This is fanciful; if Namor wanted to spend as much per capita as Atlantica does, it would need to spend more than 75% of its GDP on healthcare.*

While Shohai Antelope is not above this sort of populism either, his economic agenda is more realistic. He has some interest in loosening trade barriers (with Namor’s allies) and talks of encouraging a “union of classes” rather than attacking capitalism. Instead, he has found a different avenue to court the hard-left vote, by taking an even harder anti-détente stance than Mr Tao. He says that for Namor to invade Nantai would be “not illegal” and dismissed Luziyca’s long-awaiting clampdown on the Otekian Government-in-Exile as a “deluding sales campaign.” It is essential that Namor continues to improve its relations with Luziyca, and a boom in foreign trade may be exactly what the country needs to restore its prosperity. The defector Tao James does not sound like a good prospect for Namo-Luziycan relations either. But he seems less likely to scupper the détente process than Mr Antelope. While still determined (as with all the candidates) to push for the annexation of Nantai, he has been influential in persuading Namorese governments to moderate their approach to the issue.

And finally there is Namsa Singho, leader of the Democratic Socialists, which is by a small margin the moderate party in the Popular Front. This is the same party of Alicia Wolf and Kaitlyn Khan, both of whom managed Namor’s economy pretty well. It is mostly for this reason that out of the three Popular Front candidates, the most preferable to this newspaper would be Mr Namsa. Unfortunately, he has struggled to make headway in the campaign and most polls have relegated him to third place. A satirical Namorese newspaper mockingly called him “an unidentified man on stage promising free everything.” The nomination choice will almost certainly be a choice between Mr Tao and Mr Antelope. Which one is better suited will depend on whether Mr Antelope is willing to tone down his positions on foreign policy.

*This was calculated by me assuming that Atlantica spends 8% of its GDP on healthcare (almost certainly an underestimate) and using the GDP figures on the IIwiki pages.

by **West Cedarbrook** » Sun Dec 06, 2015 6:00 pm

-- retconned --

by **Geadland** » Mon Dec 07, 2015 3:31 pm

News in Brief
7 December 2015

Budget stand-off resolved
The government today reached a budget agreement with the Liberal Party. They have agreed to make some changes to the budget, including reducing cuts to healthcare and welfare and leaving the inheritance tax at the same level it currently stands at. These changes are expected to result in a deficit that is higher than the original budget proposal would have left it. In addition, the government will consider whether to employ stimulus spending if the economy continues to contract and the Liberals will be given permission to vote against a proposal to introduce tuition fees (currently they only have permission to abstain). Liberal Party leader Kurt den Rude said that the result was a "triumph" for his party and that "we achieved most of our demands." Finance Minister Dag Loettervik said that the government had been "generous" to the Liberals and said that "our reforms have been watered down", while Opposition Leader Samuel Stefansen said that the changes were "only cosmetic in nature" and that "the budget will still continue to harm the poorest of our citizens." The budget is expected to be passed within the next few days.

Albrechtsen to retire at next general election
Julius Albrechtsen, the current Foreign Minister, has said he would retire from national politics at the next general election, which is expected in June 2017. Albrechtsen said at a press conference that "I enjoy my job greatly. I'm proud of what I've achieved in Geadish foreign policy and I've still got plenty left to do. But I've spent over two decades on the frontbenches and I'll be worn out if I'm still here in four years' time. It's been a roller-coaster ride and it has to come to an end at some point." He also said that "I also find the media-focussed culture of modern politics rather exhausting to work with." He said he was considering entering local politics or private employment once he left Parliament, saying "I'll be retiring from Da Hegner but not necessarily from work altogether." Prime Minister Efa Nordland said that "Julius Albrechtsen has been a valuable member of our government. He will be missed when he leaves." She also made it clear that "as he wishes, he will remain a cabinet minister until the election year."

In other news:

Church of Geadland approves Easter date reform.
Students protest plans to introduce tuition fees for domestic students.
Otekian singer Manya Valerija "rumoured" to have died in prison.

by **Crolacia** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 2:28 pm

Crolacia to opt out of EC's military treaty

Esquarian Community Commission will vote on the resolution in following days

Esquarian Commission's Ainin delegation has tabled a resolution to the Commission asking for a military treaty between EC countries to be introduced. The resolution would create a military pact between EC countries similar to the Northern Sea Defence Organisation (NOSDO). It states that, following threats from various world powers, the need is there for a defence treaty to be introduced. The treaty would be invoked only in times of direct military attack against an EC country and would have to be accepted by unanimous decision before its implementation.

The proposed act is currently going through a debate period within the Esquarian Commission, with some positions already known. Ainin, Michillies and Francilie have already stated their support towards the bill, with the Michillian delegation hailing it as a ''defence from Nevan imperialism''. Crolacia and Britanno have, on the other hand, stated their opposition towards the bill. A clause was written into the bill even before it was tabled to the Commission, stating ''The Kingdom of Crolacia and its Overseas Territories are exempt from the provisions of this Act''. The government has confirmed it raised its opposition to the bill when preliminary talks were taking place and asked for Crolacia to be exempt from the act.

Others' positions are not know, but it is speculated that all member states, except Britanno and Crolacia, will sign the treaty and thus make the Esquarian Community an economic, political and military union. Defence Secretary has given us his comment: ''We strongly advise all undecided states to reject this bill. We cannot turn back to the old ways of war and uncertainty. The Esquarian Community has always been an economic and political union of peaceful nations ready to cooperate. And that is what it should stay. Military organisations are there for a reason and if member states want a military union they are able to join those organisations. Many already are members of such organisations and we see no problem in it. But the Esquarian Community needs to stay neutral and focus on other means of cooperation.''

About me · by **Luziyca** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 6:14 am

The fighters fighting for victory

The Fighters in their last game prior to the start of training

ETTSTEN, LYONSLAND - Rumors have been going around that Namor is not participating in this year's Chaska due to the fact that the winners of the Chaska i Luziyca, and consequently, our national team, came from Nantai. Yes, F.C. Kenyen, or the Kenyen Fighters shall be representing our great nation in both this Chaska i Esquarium, and the next Chaska.

Manager Dong Harry has said that "our team has been training incredibly hard. While we are confident that we will trump the opponents here in our little sandbox, it only extends so far until we reach Ainin. Against these giants, we may not win. And when we advance past the group stage, we may risk losing."
He explained to reporters that "I am extremely confident that we will get a great result: after all, the first and third Chaskas, those with fresh teams, our teams get best results. Semrov won the first one while Jerusalem got second in the third one. The second and forth Chaskas, they had stale teams. We are a fresh team, we will win."
He also encouraged Namorese to support the Fighters by making a bid to their patriotism and their irredentist claims over Nantai, saying that "This team, all the players come from Namor. It may be occupied Namorese land to you, but they are all Namorese nonetheless."

Deportiva has given many Luziycan fans a reason to hope: it predicts that Luziyca and Ainin will clear the group stages, although Luziyca is predicted to get defeated by the Cortoguayans, and thus be forced to drink the cup of defeat. Thus, we, the sports editors here at The Constitution provide odds for the group stages.

Dec. 12th, Luziyca v. South Qianrong
After a brutal civil war in Qianrong, the communists send a bunch of kidnapped men who take steroids and are denied food and water. The civil war probably destroyed much of the country's football team, and with the Qianrongese archipelago split into two nations, it should be incredibly easy for the Luziycans to defeat South Qianrong.

Dec. 14th, East Nautarya v. Luziyca
An Aininian puppet team is going to compete there. Due to bribery by Aininians to help make sure this team defeats Luziyca so to add to the humiliation against the proud Fighters, we may not be surprised if we lost against them. However, due to the corruption that is inherent in East Nautarya, it is incredibly likely that we would win against East Nautarya.

Dec. 16th, practice
With our team not competing on that day, we will observe. If we were to lose one of those competitions, there would be serious practice going on. If we lost both of them, we may practice, but there is really no way that we will not be heading home after the group stage is done. If we won both of those tournaments, we will still practice: we do not want to rest on our laurels, because if we did, Daecon and Ainin can easily defeat us. Thus...

Dec. 18th, Luziyca v. Daecon
The Rangers would have us in our range, but we are predicting that it will be another Luziycan victory. We would take Dec. 16th to practice for this match, as well as the seventeenth. There can be no rest, no mercy for the Fighters, because if there were, we may very well lose. However, it is probable that we may lose against Daecon.

Dec. 20th, Ainin v. Luziyca
This will be a draw or an Aininian win. Both Ainin and Luziyca will almost definitely be in the two teams that qualify to proceed beyond the final. If Luziyca does well in all the previous matches, this may be the one that they can afford to lose. It may not be ideal, and may reflect poorly on us, but Ainin is stronger. They did not do as badly as us in the last Chaska. If Ainin did poorly though, maybe that would be when we will easily defeat them.

In other news
Crolacia - EC defense treaty doomed to failure
Geadland - Albrechtsen to retire after next election
Namor - Why we endorse Huan An.
Lombardia - Firenze Mayor Orlando D'Alessandro hospitalized following gunshot wound, in critical condition

by **Aucuria** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 9:10 am

(This counts as RPing for South Qianrong because f*ck the Luzzies.)

NEWS OF THE REPUBLIC
ŽIŅIA RESPUBLIKOS
CUMHURİYET XABER
Open to All Parties, Influenced by None

Coupe d'Esquarium V - Teams to watch
Aucuria & Atlia didn't make it, but soccer fans still have several things to be excited for

A crowd in Yucheng, Qianrong cheers after the Firebirds eliminated Luziyca from the fourth CdE.

ETTSTEN, LYONSLAND | December 10, 2015- There's no doubt that soccer fans in Aucuria and Atlia were disappointed by the failures of both the Gryphons and the Stallions to qualify for the fifth Coupe d'Esquarium. Both teams had been seeking to qualify for what would, had they successfully qualified, have been their debut Coupe d'Esquarium. Odissia, Crolacia and Katranjiev returned to the tournament after failing to qualify for the previous edition in Michillies, while Coupe d'Esquarium IV participants Namor, North Cortoguay, Magane, and Vjaarland failed to qualify, with the Namorese team missing the Coupe for the first time ever. Numerous nations- Dolfradia, East Nautarya, Filimons, Grand-Océan, Litorea, Lydland, Montecara, Montezelo, Osonia, Salbeiland, and Soled- will make their first Coupe d’Esquarium appearances, while Qianrong's two rival governments will each be sending their own teams to the tournament. And all three previous Coupe champions- Luziyca, Vyvland, and Masseau- will be returning the tournament, with Vyvland no doubt seeking to retain the crown they won in Coupe IV.

Some Aucurian and Atlian soccer fans will no doubt decide that, with the Gryphons and the Stallions not participating, there is no real reason to watch the tournament, which will pit forty teams in eight groups against each other in the group stage, with the sixteen to advance to the elimination round. But even if we won't have our home teams in the game, there are several thrilling matchups that will make the Fifth Coupe d'Esquarium an exciting tournament for those who watch.

Group A - Lyonsland, Lydland, Grand-Ocean, Katranjiev, Montecara

Situation: Lyonsland, as the hosts, were automatically designated as the first team Group A. They are joined by the teams from Lydland, the Francilian territory of Grand-Ocean, Katranjiev, and Montecara. Lydland, Grand-Ocean, and Montecara, all smaller countries, are making their first appearances at the Coupe d'Esquarium. Katranjiev participated in the third Coupe, coming third in a group of four; they scored only one victory, against Koyro, drawing thrice and losing twice. Lyonsland too took third in its group in the third Coupe, with two wins, two draws, and two losses. However, they were second only to Vyvland in their group in the fourth Coupe, winning three games, losing one, and drawing none. They then advanced to the knockout stage, defeating Scotia and Francilie, before being knocked out by Pavonistade in the semifinals. As hosts, they will also have home field advantage wherever their matches are held.

Prediction: Lyonsland takes the top spot, Katranjiev takes second. In a group where only two members have seen Coupe action before, it's hard to judge the quality of those teams, and from there determine which teams might surprise us with some upsets; until the tournament begins, it's safe to assume that the winners of Group A will be the two teams there that have participated previously in a Coupe. Unless things go very wrong for Lyonsland, their success in this group is almost guaranteed; Katranjiev's advantage is slighter, but its players have still seen far more experience in the Coupe than those from Grand-Ocean, Lydland, or Montecara.

Group B - Sandhelm, Unolia, Michillies, Odissia, Soled

Situation: Sandhelm returns to the Coupe after being knocked out in the group stage in the fourth edition with a win, two draws, and a loss; Unolia, which was fourth in its group of four in the third Coupe and fourth in its group of five in the fourth Coupe, is no doubt hoping to prove themselves; the Michillians- in the same group as the Unolians for the third consecutive tournament- will no doubt be looking to get revenge for their ignominious defeat on home soil at the hands of the Francilians in the fourth edition, seeking a result closer and probably better than the bronze they took home in the third Coupe; Odissia, which made it to the semifinals of the third Coupe but failed to qualify for the fourth, will no doubt also be looking to reestablish themselves; Soled, meanwhile, makes its debut to the tournament.

Prediction: Michillies takes first, while Odissia takes second. Michillies has won every single game they've played against Unolia in the Coupe d'Esquarium; their biggest stumbling block might be the Odissians, who beat the Michillians both times they met in the third edition. However, the failure of Odissia to qualify for the fourth Coupe has put into doubt their ability to play as well as the Michillians. If one of those two has a particularly bad group stage, however, then Unolia or Sandhelm might be able to seize the day and wrestle their way into the second place spot. As for Soled, they've had the misfortune of being the only debuting team in a generally battle-hardened group; their goal should probably be to minimize the damage.

Group C - Vyvland, Ocelot Isles, Francilie, Kraq, Britanno

Situation: Soccer giant Vyvland, victors of the second and fourth coupes, will be seeking a third victory in the prestigious international tournament and are coming into the fifth Coupe with fond memories of the fourth, where they were only ever seriously challenged in a match by the Qianrongese in the round of sixteen and the Pavons in the finals; the Ocelotians, fourth in their group last Coupe, will no doubt be hoping for the upset they failed to get last time around; Francilie, which made it to the round of sixteen in the third Coupe and to the quarterfinals in the fourth, will be looking to make steady progress forward into the semifinals or finals in the fifth; Kraq will likely be looking to stun their more larger and powerful rivals like they did the Nevans in the fourth edition; Britanno will be hoping that Vyvland, which knocked them out of the fourth Coupe in quarterfinals, doesn't prevent them from getting out of the group stage this time around.

Prediction: The Vyvlanders take first place in the group without much trouble, even when facing down Francilie and Britanno. Those two, battle-hardened and ambitious, will no doubt be competing for second place in the group. But the Ocelotians can put up a tough fight, and the Kraqis drew ire in Nevanmaa and praise globally after stunning the Nevans with a major upset last time around; they can't be entirely disqualified either, and if they can pull off an upset then they could easily throw much of the group into chaos.

Group D - Korivania, Vitoria, Crolacia, Masseau, Montezelo

Situation: Korivania, Vitoria, and Montezelo all make their first appearances as competitors in this year's Coupe d'Esquarium. Facing off against them are the Crolacians and Masseans, who dueled each other in the group stages of the third Coupe. Both countries broke into the knockouts stage. Crolacia was eliminated by Vyvland in the round of sixteen; in the quarterfinals, the Masseans eliminated the Vyvlanders, ultimately winning the trophy on home soil. Crolacia was absent from the fourth edition, the Masseans, meanwhile, wound up in the bottom of their group, below Nevanmaa, Kraq, Magane, and Daecon.

Prediction: Masseau and Crolacia take the top two spots, with either order possible. As with Group A, they are the only two teams in the group who participated in previous Coupes; as a result, they're the obvious choices simply because we don't yet know enough about the other teams in the group. Unless things go very wrong for the Masseans or Crolacians, their success in this group is almost guaranteed; they've seen far more experience at the tournament level than any of the other nations in the group.

Group E - Filimons, Walminghaven, Dolfradia, Osonia, Atlantia Creek

Situation: Filimons, Osonia, and Dolfradia all make their first appearances in the Coupe d'Esquarium; Walminghaven and Atlantia Creek, who both broke in the third tournament- with Walminghaven getting to the round of sixteen and Atlantia Creek surprising many by taking fourth place- but failed to get past the group stage in the fourth, will no doubt be hoping that their luck is more like that from Coupe three than Coupe four.

Prediction: Atlantia Creek takes the first place spot, Walminghaven takes second. As with Groups A and D, they are the only two teams in the group who participated in previous Coupes; as a result, they're the obvious choices simply because we don't yet know enough about the other teams in the group. Unless things go very wrong for the Masseans or Crolacians, their success in this group is almost guaranteed; they've seen far more experience at the tournament level than any of the other nations in the group. The other countries could give them a shocker, but at the present time there simply isn't much to run on for them. Assuming there are no upsets, Walminghaven and Atlantia Creek will probably have an easy time in this group.

Group F - Arkiasis, Nevanmaa, Litorea, Scotia, Salbeiland

Situation: Arkiasis looks to redeem itself after a showing in the fourth Coupe that was good, but not good enough to advance; Nevanmaa, which got to the round of sixteen last time, will no doubt be looking- as always- to prove their supposed purity and superiority; Litorea, while debuting, will no doubt carry the hopes of those who want to see it beat the Nevans; Scotia, which got to the round of sixteen in the fourth edition, will seek to do better this year with some new management; Salbeiland will be debuting its team at the tournament in spite of domestic instability.

Prediction: Arkiasis, Scotia, or Nevanmaa- pick two to take the top two spots. The Litoreans and Salbeilanders are both making their debuts, whereas the other three teams in the group have all seen battle before. Of course, the Litoreans will have almost all of Esquarium going for them in their game against Nevanmaa- and 2015, between multiple domestic government changes and attempts to depose Nevan-backed regimes in Arnborg and Lecistan, has almost undoubtedly been an annus horribilis for the Nevans; if the Coupe continues this trend, then Nevanmaa could be in for a bad time. But it's probable that the Nevans will beat the Litoreans- because the Nevans have seen the Coupe before, and not, as many Nevans might believe, based on the level of melanin in their skin cells. Scotia's certainly did better than Arkiasis in the fourth Coupe, but we can't forget that the Arkisians handed the Scotians a 1-0 defeat when they faced eachother in that fourth edition. Either one could be a viable competitor in this year's tournament.

Group G - Luziyca, East Nautarya, Daecon, Ainin, South Qianrong

Situation: Luziyca, still adhering to its nonsensical ways, has sent forth the Kenyen Warriors, the victors of this year's Chaska i Luziyca, as their national team; Luziyca, which took the inaugural Coupe d'Esquarium, enters the fifth edition still stinging from a bitter elimination in the group stage handed to them by the Qianrongese, who they had humiliated in the third edition. East Nautarya makes its first appearance in perhaps one of the worst groups to be in for a debuting team; the Daeconese, who fared decently but failed to pass the group stage in the fourth edition, will also find this group to be an unpleasant location. The Aininians made it to the quarterfinals in the fourth Coupe, and will no doubt be looking to do capitalize on their previous successes. And the South Qianrongese Thunderbirds will undoubtedly seek to hand another defeat to the Luziycans before anything else.

Prediction: Ainin takes first, Luziyca takes second. While it's true that the Luziycans won the first Coupe, and took bronze in the third, their unusual method of picking a national team means that technically, this Luziycan team has never seen a Coupe before; in prior tournaments, the teams from Jerusalem and Bethlehem were the ones sent to the Coupe; the Kenyen Warriors don't have their experience and would be counted as a debuting team in our prediction if they didn't have all the money of Luziycan soccer going to them. They might also be cursed, as they were last Coupe, by their sheer overconfidence. South Qianrong's priority will almost undoubtedly be soundly beating the Luziycans, who are nearly-universally despised in Qianrong, rather than necessarily advancing to the knockout stage- but the South Qianrongese team is a very young team, and only has some of the players who handed Luziyca that eliminating draw in the fourth Coupe. Daecon will do decently, but there's nothing to suggest they'll do exceptionally. The East Nautaryans will likely struggle.

Group H - Atlantica, North Qianrong, Ziegenhain, Pavonistade, East Cortoguay

Situation: Atlantica, which came in last place in the fourth Coupe, will no doubt seek to do better this time around; North Qianrong will seek to continue the legacy passed by the unified Qianrongese team of the fourth Coupe, and advance to the group stage, no doubt with big hopes and bigger dreams of stardom; Ziegenhain will seek to demonstrate its soccer skill even as it blatantly angers WETO, NOSDO, and the EU geopolitically; Pavonistade, which came second only to Vyvland in the fourth Coupe, will be looking to move up to first this year; East Cortoguay, which did decently in the third and fourth Coupes, will be looking to break from the group stage for the first time.

Prediction: Pavonistade in first, North Qianrong in second. The Ziegenians, Atlanticans, and East Cortoguayans have all participated in the Coupe d'Esquarium, but they've all done mediocre at best. Of the five teams in this group, only Pavonistade and North Qianrong- the latter of which inherited most of the old unified Qianrongese team's older and more skilled players- have seen the knockout stage of a Coupe d'Esquarium. The Pavons, who took silver in the last edition, should have an easy time in this group; the North Qianrongese probably won't defeat the Pavons, but given the mediocre performances of the other teams in the past, the North Qianrongese should be able to coast into second place without too much effort.

COMMENTS
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by **Scotia-99** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 1:35 pm

25 March, 2015

Esquarian Cup V - Scotians team prepares for first match with Litorea

The Scotian team during the match with Luziyca in the last Esquarian Cup

SCOTIAN SCHEDULE

12 December - v. Litorea
14 December - Bye Day
16 December - v. Salbeiland
18 December - v. Nevanmaa
20 December - v. Arkiasis

ETTSEN, LYONSLAND - As hordes of fans begin to head to the city of Resudden, where Scotia will face its first match on Saturday in its second appearance in the Esquarian Cup, against newcomers Litorea, members of Scotia's team met this morning to discuss with the press about its readiness with dealing with the seasoned Nevan and Arkiasian teams within Group F.

Speaking with reported for the Scotia Times this morning, returning captain John Fraser noted that "the Nevans may be more experienced, and the Arkiasians may have handed us a defeat the last time, but we haven't been sitting on our laurels in the past six months. We'll give whatever we have on the Litoreans on Saturday and with Salbeiland next match, I can guarantee," before telling them that "hopefully, we'll see [host nation] Lyonsland soon enough. And when that time comes, we'll be ready for them."

Head coach Alastair Armstrong also took the time to comment on the display of what he called "arrogance and overconfidence" on the Nevan team, particularly when it came to their boasting that they would beat the Litorans based on their race, saying that "really, they should have known an old Txoist saying from the Borders that 'humility defeats pride and pride defeats man'. Nothing is ever set in stone, and I'd like to see how their fans will feel if Nevanmaa somehow gets beaten by them come the 16th."

by **Kraq** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 2:15 pm

Free Kraqi Media International

Head Coach Iman Mohammed Facing An Uphill Battle in the "Group of Death"

by Abu Omar -December 10, 2015

RAGOBAD, KRAQ - "Kraq will need to shock the world," that was Kraqi Head Coach Mohammed after hearing his team placement in Group C, otherwise known on Kraqi social media as the "Group of Death," alongside Britanno, Francilie, Ocelot Isles, and the reigning champions Vyvland - who went without conceding a single goal during the previous edition of the Coupe d’Esquarium.

"I know it'll be a huge ask to beat teams of Britanno and Vyvland's calibre," said Mohammed during a press conference held shortly after the results of the group draw were announced. "But we have something they don't, we're playing for something bigger than ourselves or are egos - my lads are playing to prove to are troubled homeland that a unified nation is possible, that the next generation of Kraqis have something else to look forward to other than more war and destruction. While we may not have the same facilities or resources as the other teams in Group C, I believe we have the guts and determination to overcome any opponent, even two-time world beaters. God willing, we'll be able to advance to the knock stage."

Head Coach "the magician" Mohammed, a nickname given to Iman by Kraqi football fans, will face a tough opening match in facing an on form Francile - who beat CdE IV's home team 1-0 before losing in the quarterfinals. Over the summer, Mohammed has sought to improve his team's physical fitness and work rate, areas in which his team was criticised. "It's going to be a tough group to get out of," said Brevui Themvako talking to reporters outside the training ground. "But look at Luziyca during the Coupe d’Esquarium IV, they finished last in Group C without registering a single win or us beating Nevanmaa and winning the group. In football, there's no such thing as a certain win, even if that team seems unbeatable. We're much fitter and stronger than last time out, and we all have a greater resolution to make it out the group and make it to the Quarterfinals. Personally, I believe we can do it, I believe we can beat Francile."

Kraq will face first Francile on 12 December, followed by Britanno on the 16th, the Ocelot Isles on 18th, and finally Vyvland in the final group game.

The sand dragons will play Francile at Arenna Metro, Ettsten, in what will probably be a must win game for both teams. "There's only one spot realistically available in Group C," said Farooq Karimi, a former Kraqi professional footballer. "Vyvland will undoubtedly win every match in the group stage and overwhelming win the group. That leaves only one spot available, second place, making every game in Group C a must win. Likely, Britanno and Francilie, maybe Kraq - although its unlikely the sand dragons can be competitive against teams like Britanno. If the sand dragons want to be the next Masseau or Ainin of the footballing world or build upon their successes during the previous Coupe d'Esquarium, they will have to get results against the Francilies and really push a team of Vyvland's quality. If they don't, Kraq will likely become another one-hit wonder."

IN OTHER NEWS

Editorial: Why Luziyca's national football team" is ridiculous
Crolacia to opt out of Esquarian Community's military treaty
Opinion: : Are predictions for the Coupe d'Esquarium V

by **Namor** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 2:45 pm

Моджинг Сибо | Mojing Sibo
December 10, NMR 2377

WHO WILL BE THE MS PERSON OF THE YEAR?

By the Editorial Board | THE YEAR 2015 is coming to a close. As per tradition, the Mojing Sibo selects a Person of the Year from a field of various people who have made the news. We are also counting down the top major news stories of the year. As always, the choice belongs to our readers, and we're hoping you can take part in our vote on who you think deserves this title.

We have compiled a list of people from home and abroad who have made headlines this year. Some have been nominated in the years before, while others have just recently made the list. Now it's up to you to decide who becomes our Person of 2015.

Juhani III
Monarch of Nevanmaa and Grand Duke of Lecistan

Perhaps the monarch who made the most headlines this year, Juhani pushed Nevanmaa to crisis twice - once in the Lazarene Sea and twice in Lecistan, where Nevan troops were deployed to put down a republican uprising. These moves isolated his country internationally, to the extent that even Nevanmaa's close allies no longer want it in NOSDO. However, with domestic support for the monarchy at an undisturbed high, His Royal Majesty the King seems here to stay.

Elis
Katranjiev's new monarch

Succeeding her father as Katranjiev's new ruler, Mariana i Krasimir i Apostol broke centuries of tradition by rejecting the title of "Sofia" bestowed upon many female Katranjian monarchs and took up the name "Elis" instead. This has permeated the impression that Elis is a progressively-minded ruler in a country where she has limited power. Elis hosted this year's Esquarivision, becoming the first monarch to do so.

NV
Founder and editor of Esquarileaks

We don't know his real name, but he's there, having founded Esquarileaks, a mysterious journalistic organization that dedicates itself to transparency through leaking government documents. He proved to be lethal - Esquarileak's revelation of a meeting in President-General Fu's cabinet led to Qianrong restricting Namorese humanitarian aid, and its revelation of Ngo Huu Tra's death resulted in his terror group's downfall. Little is known about "NV," who is believed to be a tech-savvy, young Chorean man in his twenties.

Fu Wen
President-General of Namor

Namor's first New Democratic and businessman President-General is set to leave office in April of next year. He will leave behind a legacy shaped by his efforts at cutting the red tape and diffusing tensions with Namor's enemies. But his legacy isn't set in stone yet; how his administration handles the economic downturn caused by September's stock market crash will determine whether his successor will be an ally from his own party or a conventional leader from the left.

Tao James
Nantai defector and Socialist presidential candidate

Perhaps Namor's most famous Nantainese, Tao once wanted to escape the Luziycan military and return to the fold. He has done that; now, his eyes are glued to the Executive House. The Socialist Party's candidate is now the front-runner in the Popular Front primaries, barely edging out Liberationist rival Shohai Antelope. He has made bold promises, including a new means of achieving free healthcare and tougher measures to end child labor. Whether voters will buy into his rhetoric shall be seen in next month's primary election.

Łukôsz Grzéskowicz
Lecistani rebel leader

He is Nevanmaa's most wanted man - in Lecistan. Łukôsz Grzéskowicz fought an arduous but failed struggle on behalf of his Solidarity Alliance in Lecistan's disputed general elections. When it was clear the Nevan-backed monarchy was not giving up power, Grzéskowicz resorted to revolt, founding the Second Lecistani Republic which is now recognized by a handful of nations, much to the chagrin of the Nevans, who are engaged in a battle to snuff him out.

Ohanka Jon Bak-su
Leader of Koyro

The megalomaniac of Ansyu has played an bigger role in the world stage, actively contributing to the anti-terror fight in Nautasia while maintaining Koyro's military as the backbone of the feared Triumvirate alliance. But Ohanka Jon Bak-su is winding down - his tight control over Koyro was challenged by a coup attempt in June, of which the world still knows little about. It is widely speculated that as he shifts his focus to stabilizing his regime and stamping out any sort of opposition, Ohanka won't be as aggressive as he was early this year - at least for the time being.

Annemarie Vang
Captain Regent of the United Republics

As the leader of one of Conitia's most influential countries, Annemarie Vang found herself playing an even bigger role in international affairs, especially when the United Republics and its allies were engaged in a standoff with Nevanmaa and its allies, all in Vang's own backyard. As more countries see in the United Republics an ally against resurging Nevan assertiveness, there is much speculation about how Vang's future decisions will impact the United Republics and beyond.

Shohai Antelope
Liberationist presidential candidate

Despite his efforts at surpassing Tao James in the polls, Shohai Antelope is a star in Namor's left-wing opposition. There was a time when he was remembered solely by his family name - he is the son of former Liberationist party leader Txo Antelope, grandson of former President-General Gelai Antelope and grandson of founding leader Yunglang Antelope. But having rectified his party so that it fights for something, Antelope has his sights aimed at the presidency, and in doing so he's sending the establishment a clear message: that he's not going away.

Sera Svensson
President-elect of Luziyca

Svensson is the first Liberal leader to win the Luziycan presidency in 28 years, outperforming Whig incumbent Breuvi Shjoraski in the country's latest elections. She is due to take office in the new year, taking power of a country that's in desperate need of domestic reform and a rectified international image, long tarnished by Luziycan adventurism near and far. Some say this won't be difficult - war hawks in Congress no longer lead the official opposition.

Breuvi Shjoraski
Outgoing president of Luziyca

Following his foregone defeat in the November general election, Breuvi Shjoraski will become the last of a line of successive Whig presidents to have ruled post-reunification Luziyca. He began his only term a staunch conservative, but as time passed changed to become someone willing to tolerate change, shaking hands with two of Namor's President-Generals - a remarkably unprecedented achievement. Although his popularity declined as a result of his gaffes and growing discontent with Whig rule, no one can deny that he did a lot, especially this year.

Valeriy Anisim
OGIE leader

Anisim was "elected" OGIE's new "president" - and he very well may its last. Representing the dwindling segment of Otekian society still calling for an independent Txotai via violence if necessary, Anisim irritated both Namor and Luziyca by rebuilding the group's armed wing, called the "Holy Defense Forces." While the separatist militants under Anisim didn't do much besides flying to fight other terrorists in Qianrong, they still elicited disapproval from Breuvi Shjoraski, who in November arrested Anisim and several other senior members of OGIE. To many, Anisim's arrest represents the beginning of the end of the loathed struggle for separation.

Issac Feld
President of West Cedarbrook

The president of South Conitia's largest country, Issac Feld is making sure that West Cedarbrook plays its part in maintaining the balance of power in his neck of the woods. He has ordered airstrikes against fascist militants in Lecistan, who have harassed the local Jewish minority much to the anger of West Cedabrook's predominantly Jewish population.

Long Jiao-dan
Chairman of Qianrong

Following the death of the reviled rebel leader Ngo Huu Tra, Long Jiao-dan's far-leftist army picked up where the xenophobic Sovereignty Alliance left off, becoming the revived Qianrongese Soviet Republic's leader and the Yucheng government's new biggest threat. Long's state managed to get some international recognition due to its relatively light-handed approach to administering territory and negotiations with government forces. However, government and opposition remain at odds with each other.

Li Jian-Zheng
Former leader of Qianrong

No one expected Li Jian-Zheng to change his country much when he became the speaker of Qianrong's rubberstamp national assembly. But when a sudden coup d'état and subsequent demonstrations brought the autocratic regime to its knees, Li seized the moment and established himself as the vanguard of Qianrong's progressives, defeating coup leader Guo Tze-Su in a power struggle and laying the framework for open elections. Li now leads a Qianrongese human rights watchdog group and is widely viewed by his people as the father of a modern nation.

OOC: I'm hoping that I can organize a poll somewhere, but until then, please TG me about your preferred person.

by **New Zepuha** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 3:14 pm

Federal News Network

Chancellor Knitler [center] with the national team

National Team to Debut in the Coupe; Hopes for National Morale Boost

December -, 2015

Karlsburg, Salbeiland - In there first international debut, the National Football Team of Salbeiland will compete in Lyonsland for the Coupe de Esquarium. The team manager remains optimistic despite being pitted up against well seasoned teams such as the Nevan team. They will have to dig in and be solid as the rocks of the Northern Range. Hennig Gelbhaar the team manager had this to say, "I am confident that after weeks of drilling we have a strong team that is ready to show we are not just some excluded state in Western Esquarium." Chancellor Knitler was similarly optimistic, taking a photo with the national team before there departure.

Chancellor Knitler and the Crown Prince Fritz von Auschlogen will be attending the game as well, Karl IV has turned down the opportunity to attend. The King cites a desire to stay at home and sooth over the growing tensions over recent declarations of illegitimacy. The attendance of the Chancellor is hoped to provide a morale boost to the team as well as the nation as the rookie team sets out on their maiden voyage.

With domestic tensions coming to an all time high, and hostilities occurring all across the nation; the national team holds the hopes of the nation on its back with this game. What kind of a nation will they return to, one united or one divided against itself? Either way, the prayers of the loyal people of the crown follow them as the Screaming Eagles show their talons for the fifth Coupe de Esquaarium!

Other News

Salbeiland predicted to do poorly in coupe
Qianrongese teams are to be watched in this coupe.

by **Namor** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 6:28 pm

LUZIYCA GOES AWOL ON NAMORESE MEDIA COVERAGE OF CDE V
East Nautarya, Daecon, Ainin, South Qianrong and Nantai in Group G, according to PTH and others

A screenshot of PTH's coverage of the various
Groups taking part in the CdE. "Nantai" is seen
at the bottom with no corresponding flag.

Namorese football fans were obviously disappointed by their team's failure to qualify for the fifth Coupe D'Esquarium, but many still watched the Coupe proceed on live television.

But viewers of PTH 5's live coverage of the CdE noticed something strange: Luziyca isn't there.

When showing the different groups of national teams participating in the Coupe, specifically Group G, the network displayed all the countries and their flags side-by-side.

Except for one - the blue-white-green Luziycan tricolor was not present in the Group G bracket, nor was the word "Luziyca" or any variation of it. Instead, there was no flag; just the word "Nantai."

"In Group G, we have East Nautarya, Daecon, Ainin, Southern Qianrong and... the Nantai region," the PTH host said before moving on to Group H.

In the subsequent analysis of the most likely contenders for the CdE championship, PTH's analysts discussed the likelihood of the Kenyen Fighters defeating the Aininians. Interestingly enough, one analyst nearly slipped and said "Luziyca," but corrected himself.

"Well, we're expecting much heated rivalry between Ainin and Lu - uh - Nantai," analyst Tao Cheng said in response to the host's question on who to look out for in Group G. "We know that the Nantai team is debuting, that they aren't really familiar with the game. So it's going to be really difficult for them to dominate this group, although it's not impossible."

PTH wasn't the only outlet to omit Luziyca's presence in the CdE. Mojing's Sunrise TV described the team by their name, the Kenyen Fighters. Nozama TV simply used "Nantai." Sicho-based Tungfang TV even used the term "Namorese Nantai team," featuring the words "Nantai" and the Namorese tricolor next to each other.

Many major Namorese newspapers followed suit, with the exception of the Mojing Sibo, which used the term "Nantai (on behalf of Luziyca)," acknowledging the country the Fighters are officially representing. The Txotai Sibo will use "Kenyen Fighters" to avoid conflict over the area's political status.

"Where are the Luzzies?" netizens ask

Many were aware that Luziyca was "missing" from the CdE, with some praising the decision to omit Luziyca and others mocking it.

"A true act of patriotism. Nantai is Namorese territory, even the Luziycans agree. So there is nothing wrong with labelling the so-called Luziycan team with what they really are: Namorese," one netizen wrote on PTH 5's comment section.

"OMG where are the Luzzies?" read another sarcastic-sounding comment. "Were they disqualified? That can't be, I thought they were very good!"

"This is stupid," posted a dissenting commentator. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but even the Qianrongese aren't doing this to each other. Why are we?" The comment is referring to the fact that Qianrong's rival governments - one based in Yucheng and another based in Xiangmen - are both sending delegations to Lyonsland.

Another comment: "So should the media be arrested for violating the Anti-Secession Law? They make it look like Nantai's a country with its own team."

And another: "I wonder what they're going to do when they play the Luzzy anthem before a game. Omit that as well?"

Namo: Media free to label team "however they like"

The government briefly remarked that it played no role behind much of the domestic media's labelling of the Kenyen Fighters as "Nantai" and not "Luziyca."

"They are free to cover the event [CdE] however they like. As far as we're concerned, the team representing Luziyca are from Nantai Prefecture and are comprised of Namorese, but they are recognized by the Esquarian Football Association as representing Luziyca. Our Namorese national team failed to qualify for the Coupe. There's nothing more to it," said the Executive House press secretary.

When asked whether such a statement is plausible when PTH, a state-funded mass media network, depicts the team as "Nantai," the press secretary responded that PTH is "independently managed" and that it has a "free hand to cover this event in any way."

"But if you ask us, they are covering this event in their preferred way because of their convictions. This is what they believe," he added.

Later, a source from the Executive House told the Liberator that some media's depiction of the Fighters as "Luziyca" verifies that there was "no interference from the government."

Someone to root for?

But if there was anything good that came out of the media's omission of Luziyca in its coverage of the CdE, it's that some Namorese fans are rallying behind the Luziycan green, white and blue.

Kenyen Fighters manager Dong Harry encouraged Namorese to support the team, even saying Nantai belongs to Namor.

"This team, all the players come from Namor. It may be occupied Namorese land to you [mainland Namorese], but they are all Namorese nonetheless," Dong said.

The appeal actually worked. On Facebook, avid football fans filtered their profile pictures to show a blue, white and green tricolor - an ambiguous symbol which can either be interpreted as the Namorese flag, Luziycan flag or the flag of occupied Nantai.

"No matter what country they think they're representing, they're our brothers and we should support them all the way. Let's hear it for the Fighters!" someone wrote.

An unofficial straw poll on the website of Namo University showed 45% of Namorese are willing to root for the Kenyen Fighters, compared to 43% who say they won't and the remaining 12% who are unsure.

Read In:
English | Наморайин | Lingua Luziyca | Γαυδσκε Σπρωγ

About me · by **Luziyca** » Fri Dec 11, 2015 5:42 am

Opinion: Is the Luziycan football team the same team?

Professor Andrei Robinov, math professor at St. Anthony's

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - All across the world, there is a debate regarding the Luziycan football team: should the Fighters be considered a debutante team, or a returning team? Many people have claimed that they should be a debutante team: this team has never seen a Chaska i Esquarium before, after all. But many Luziycans seem to think otherwise: no matter what team wins the Chaska i Luziyca, they are still the national team for the country. So today, we are going to prove that it is, in the fact, the same football team.

The question
Let's assume that the Luziycan national football team is the Ship of Theseus. In CdE I and CdE II, this was the original ship, represented by FC Semrov. There are no new parts, and this ship does incredibly well for the first CdE. But in the second CdE, everything begins to rot for the Patriots. The timbers rot, and so gradually, it will be replaced piece by piece.

By the third CdE, FC Jerusalem takes over the mantle. Like FC Semrov, it reaches a desirable result in the Chaska i Esquarium: second place, losing only to home team Masseau. The next CdE is similar to the second: the Emperors do incredibly poorly. They lose to debutantes, especially to the Scotians.

Now, for this CdE, we got FC Kenyen: the Kenyen Fighters representing us. The rest of the world looks at us funny because we are sending a club team. But some people allege that the Luziycan team is a debutante since the Fighters have never participated in a CdE before. So, can one consider this team to be a debuting team? Or returnees who can win the next Chaska?

As a corollary: suppose Inleda and Spresi both send their own football teams to the next CdE. FC Kenyen competes as the Luziycan national team. All of them are comprised of the same players as they were during their CdEs. Which team is the genuine Luziycan national football team?

Why they are the same
Let's use Aristotelian reasoning to try and solve this paradox:

the form of the football team is a football team, with eleven football players
the material cause of the football team, what they are made of, are living skins and bones, that happen to take the form of people
the intended purpose of this thing, the Luziycan football team, is to represent the Christian Republic on the world stage and win the trophy for the CdE
they are assembled using the same strategy: they use the 2-2-6 pattern used by both Semrov and Jerusalem
the end is to play a nice game of football, to win both the CdE and the following year's Chaska i Luziyca

As such, this football team remains the same: although the components may change, sometimes with individual players, and other times entire teams being swapped with one another, the intended purpose of this team is to play football. It is to compete against opposing nations to ensure that the Luziycans get the title. Thus, it is clear that this football team has the same formal cause, so it can be considered the same football team as either Semrov for CdE I and CdE II, or Jerusalem from CdE III and CdE IV.

As for the corollary, it may be best to leave that one for the professionals over at the EFA to solve.

In other news
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Katranjiev - Elis "delighted" to be in the running for the Person of the Year
Namor - PTH coverage omits Luziyca in place of Nantai
Lombardia - Firenze Mayor Orlando D'Alessandro hospitalized following gunshot wound, in critical condition

Esquarium Today [Regional News, CLOSED]

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