Costa Fieran Central News Service - CFCNS

[Costa Fiero]

Sociliast Party leads by slim margin
By Anton Gazelas, CFCNS

Antonia Camino looks set to be the first elected female head of state in Costa Fieran history if her current lead in recent polls stays that way. Camino is becoming famous for her phrase "Adelante Costa Fiero!" which is becoming popular amongst students and politicians alike. Her rise to the party leadership started back when the incumbent President, Luis Del Santos, defeated the Socailist Party leader Ignacio Villhermosa in 2002. Dissident politicians removed Villhermosa from the leadership the next year, and a series of takeovers of the Socialist Party led to a meeting where Camino was elected Socialist Party leader in March 2005. Camino's policies have created opposition in the military and police forces, with Social Welfare and the health system receiving much needed funding from the central government. She also has plans to overhaul the infrastructure of Costa Fiero and plans to launch a new fibre-optic cable communications system which will mean all Costa Fierans who have access to the internet will be able to apply for ultra-fast internet.

The Socialist Party currently sits at 72% support with the Nationalist Party only 4.95% behind in the polls.

[Costa Fiero]

Can Costa Fiero's Economic Miracle Last?
by Anton Gazelas


Costa Fierans make Christmas purchases at the Paris department store in the Arcada Central, Vittoria

COSTA Fiero's economic outlook looks set to improve into the new year with overall market growth tipped to be at 2.73%, a reasonable increase over last year. The econmic boom, set in motion by the abolishment of all tariffs in August, saw Costa Fiero make gains against its neighbours and the Peso increase in value, almost reaching 75 US cents per peso. But Costa Fieran economic scientist, Carlos Viejas, says that recent government increases in social welfare coupled with massive increases in healthcare and welfare expenses and flat unemployment rates mean that most Costa Fierans will likely start having to budgeting again.
"There's no real sense that this crisis is ending anytime soon," Viejas said. "The government doesn't have the money to spend on healthcare and welfare and so it will be likely that there will be cuts in funding for those services, even job losses. We have weathered it well so far, but I doubt that we can last as long as we have done without experiencing some of the consequences that other countries have at the moment."

This grim preditiction follows a new government plan by President Del Santos to increase spending for some government departments whilst making cuts on others. Recently, some politicians have lost their jobs in what Del Santos described as "trimming the fat off beaurocracy" and "putting the government on a diet" in order to lower running costs. He said that these losses were "necessary sacrifices in order to lower the burden on the taxpayer."

[Costa Fiero]

Five Dead in Motorway Crash
By Roberto Camora

CORROS, SAN MARCO: A bus crash has left five people dead and more than 20 injured after the bus they were travelling in left the motorway and crashed into a road below. Emergency services were called to the scene just before midday today to find that several people had been thrown from the vehicle. Two died at the scene before paramedics arrived and three more are said to have died on their way to hospital. Local police cheif, Luis Quirros, said that the bus tried to avoid a car which had attempted to cut the bus off as it was trying to reach an exit further down the road.
"Most of the deaths have come from people being thrown from or inside the bus as it hit the bank on the opposite side of the road." he said.

The bus crashed on a section of the A-17 motorway about 30 kilometres north of the city of Corros in San Marco province. The section is particularly noted for the lack of guard rails along the shoulder and motorists have claimed a lack of adequate signage to the exits along that part of the A-17 as contributing factors in more than a dozen fatal crashes, including the death of a 19 year old motorist last month.

The bus itself was registered in neighbouring Palivia and belonged to a small tourist operator. An investigation into the crash has already begun.

[Costa Fiero]

Contraversial Aid package gets Presidential Approval
by Anton Gazelas


President Luis Del Santos defends his decision to send aid to Palivia.

VITTORIA: President Luis Del Santos confirmed that more than US$ 4 billion in aid would be heading to impoverished neighbour Palivia in order to help develop local infrastructure there. In a statement from the Presidential Office that was released this morning, Santos defended his decision to send the aid, claiming that it would have "numerous benefits for Costa Fierans" as a result of the proposed road, rail and aeronautical projects. In his statement, he said: "This will give Costa Fierans jobs, money and the chance to pick themselves up from financial ruin whilst at the same time, this will benefit local communities as well as the Palivians."
President Santos also stated that Costa Fiero would be a starting point for tourists wanting to head to Palivia when the newly designed airport in the capital, Chiquito, is completed in 2013. Santos had talked with both the CEO's of the national carrier, Air Costa and Asturias based low cost carrier Ace Airlines about future air links. He also said that the government was looking for contractors to work on the projects.

Criticism of the plan came mostly from economic advisors who claimed that Costa Fiero's economy wasn't in a long term recovery.
"We can't expect the economy to stay like this for much longer," economic scientist Carlos Viejas said. "It's just too risky. The government has very little money left to spend on grandiose projects like these. If the economy contracts to 2008 levels, Santos will have to stop the project dead. However, that said, this is probably what Costa Fiero needs in order to put it on a stable track of recovery. "
More criticism came from politicals commentators who said that Santos "didn't have the money to play with" and one said he was "out to score brownie points in order to keep himself in the driver's seat".

President Santos will meet with Palivian President Alejandro Goya next week to discuss future projects and to plan futher agreements.

[Costa Fiero]

"I'd have sent aid too"- Camino
By Roberto Camora


Camino waves to her supporters in her hometown of Rosario during a Socialist Party rally.

ROSARIO, ANTARIA: In a surprise move, the popular socialist presidential candidate Antonia Camino defended President Luis Del Santos to send aid to neighbouring Palivia saying the decision was a "welcome humanitarian gesture". Camino, who looks set to be the next Costa Fieran president, said that she would have done exactly the same had she been in Santos' position.
"It's a matter of principals," she said at a later press conference. "Costa Fiero has tended to look more to itself than towards its neighbours and if we are to set an example in the region, we must be proactive in ensuring not only the economic and social success of Costa Fiero, but of our neighbours as well. In doing so, I would have sent aid."

Camino also quelled the notion that the government had no money to spend on foreign aid packages.
"The government may be low on funds at the moment," Camino said. "But that's no reason to back down on a promise. That would be disaterous for both Costa Fiero and Del Santos."
She dismissed claims that it would bankrupt the country and reinforced his claims of "endless benefits".

Camino has also reportedly silenced all oposition to the package within her own party as she leads the socialists into election year well ahead of Santos. She said that the package would not take votes away from her party. She also expressed dismay at how the deal was negotiated.
"The Palivians really did sell their souls," she said. "It isn't how I would have handled the negotiations."

[Costa Fiero]

Reus appointed as Minister of Foreign Aid
By Anton Gazelas

VITTORIA: Sophia Reus has been designated the new Minister of Aid at a rally in the eastern city of Coiapas in San Cristobal Province. The new government ministry was part of President Luis Del Santos' aid package to Palivia and Reus will coordinate the project's efforts in Costa Fiero. Whilst the position was created for this project, President Santos said in a statement released after the press conference, the position of Minister of Foreign would be a permanent position within the Costa Fieran governent.

Reus' first project as Minister of Foreign Aid will be the projects concerning connecting Palivia and Costa Fiero. From then on, all government aid programmes with have to be sanctioned by her before being implemented. A former foreign ministry aide, Reus was attached to the diplomatic mission which was sent to Croatia in 1993 to establish relations there. She then spent most of her political career touring South America. She spent most of November working in the Costa Fieran embassy in Verdeguay before being recalled for this promotion. Reus couldn't be reached for comment but says her new job is "the best thing that could have happened". She will also be the Special Envoy to Palivia throughout the duration of the projects there and in Costa Fiero.

[Costa Fiero]

New Ballistic Missiles set for Deployment in 2011
By Roberto Camora


The new Águila Tactical Ballistic Missiles will be at the forefront of Costa Fieran strategic capabilities.

MARRUA, NORTE: The latest addition to Costa Fiero's strategic capabilities was given the green light for production following the successful test firing of the prototype missile last week. Defence Minister Emmanuel Sanchez said to a press conference in the seabound Marrua Missile Test Facility in the northern city of Marrua that the new missile will go into production next year with deployments also beginning next year as well. He said that the seemingly rushed production of the new missile would not affect how it will perform under combat conditions.
"The missile is a very capable peice of technology and we should be proud that we have developed such a missile in this short ammount of time." Minister Sanchez said. "It is a miracle."

The missile is a Theatre Ballistic Missile (TBM) and has a range of 450 kilometres. The new missiles will recieve the designation M11 Águila. The first Águila's will be deployed around around Octobter 2011 with production commencing earlier in June. Defence Minister Sanchez assured the public that the missiles will not carry nuclear warheads and has come the conclusion that conventional high explosive was both cheaper and readily available. This will keep the military inline with Costa Fiero's staunch anti-nuclear weapons policy.

[Costa Fiero]

President Santos reveals Regional Alliance
By Roberto Camora


President Santos revealed Costa Fiero's interest in a regional alliance during a conference between Costa Fiero and Palivia in Coiapas.

COIAPAS, SAN CRISTOBAL: President Luis Del Santos revealed today during a conference in Coiapas that Costa Fiero would be "very interested" in joining a regional alliance. The alliance, which includes the nations of Palivia, Los Estados Del Sol and Cuba was set up to promote regional cooperation on many levels, including militairily and economically and was to encompass all nations in South America. However, President Santos has alledged to have his doubts about the alliance itself, including economic cooperation and was claimed to have said "such an agreement would bankrupt Costa Fiero. We cannot be the economic go-to nation of the alliance."

However, President Santos dissmissed those claims and said he was "very excited" about the prospects of a region wide alliance and said that there were a wide range of benefits for Costa Fiero.
"This new alliance will give Costa Fiero the chance to promote her produce and products on a more international scale," he said. "Such close trading ties with neighbouring and region wide nations would bring millions, if not billions into our economy."

Santos revealled that he had been approached by the President of Palivia, Alejandro Goya, about Costa Fiero's new ballistic missile tests.
"Let me assure you that these new missiles are in the best interests of Costa Fiero," President Santos said. "They will not be armed with anything which could cause massive destruction or suffering."

The official charter or conditions of the alliance have yet to be drawn up.

[Los Estados del Sol]

EDITORAL REPLY:
On behalf of the government of the Commonwealth of Los Estados del Sol, we congratulate Sr. Camora for his informative article dated December 30, 2010. In reassuring your readership and President Santos, Los Estados del Sol has offered to share the burden of supporting our alliance members with economic aid packages. We continue to support Costa Fiero in their initiative to promote our regional alliance. Our nation remains completely devouted to our alliance and while we support Costa Fieran sovereignty and their freedom in the development of cruise missles, our ambassador to Costa Fiero has sent a message to the Costa Fieran Foreign Ministry, Los Estados del Sol's desire to participate in any future regional weapons programs and to strengthen our collective defense agreements.

[Costa Fiero]

Regional Alliance Set To Become Reality
By Anton Gazelas


Deputy Foreign Minister David Carrera outlines the alliance plans to the press.

VITTORIA: A regional alliance is set to become reality for Costa Fierans as finer details of the alliance plans were revealled in a press conference today. Deputy Foreign Minister, David Carrera, said that the Costa Fieran government had been in talks with representatives from Palivia and Los Estados Del Sol about the finer points of the regional alliance. Snr. Carrera outlined what Costa Fiero would be signing up to.
"With this alliance, Costa Fiero will be actively engaging in regional diplomacy through avenues such as free trade agreements and military cooperation. This gives Costa Fiero a bigger powerbase, which we can use to futher our trade interests and ensure the sovereignity and prosperity of other nations in South America. These free trade agreements will not only bring much needed money into the economy and promote Costa Fiero to the wider world."
Snr. Carrera also outlined Costa Fiero's military obligations and aid requirements and again denied claims that the government was unsure of what repeated aid contributions would do to the economy.
"Those claims do not stand," Snr. Carrera said. "Our current aid obligations to Palivia and future aid requirements to other South American nations pose no discernable threat to our economy whatsoever."

Whilst the final agreement still has yet to be finalized, Snr. Carrera revealled that because of Costa Fiero's standing within this agreement, that the nation would benefit from hosting major regional summits and even a major aid agreement to be worked out between Costa Fiero and Los Estados Del Sol. Whilst the recipient of this new aid package has not been revealled, news of the first summit have been leaked to the press with even a name being coined by one of the Solian representatives: The "Vittoria Accords". Snr. Carrera was not prepared to comment on these accords however, saying that the finer details of these accords were still to be finalized. He also said that because Costa Fiero is a member of the World Assembly, that the nation could be the seat of the future Regional World Assembly Delegate and quite possibly, the regional alliance presidency.

[Costa Fiero]

Costa Fiero to host Regional Summit
By Antos Gazelas


The Costa Fieran National Assembly buildings will be the main venue of the upcoming summit

VITTORIA: Two weeks from now, Costa Fiero will play host to a major regional summit which will establish a regional alliance. President Luis Del Santos told a crowd of journalists in a press conference held at the Presidential Palace this morning. He told the press about Costa Fiero's "essential involvement" in upcoming regional talks.
"At this summit, we will make history. Not for Costa Fiero, but South America as a whole." President Santos said. It will be the first time Costa Fiero has held such an important meeting.
"This summit will determine Costa Fiero's future in a regional alliance, along with her prestige internationally," President Santos said. "It is of the utmost importance that this summit succeeds otherwise we shall be damaged for years to come."

The sence of urgency was not lost on Gendarmerie Comissioner Paolo Hernandes Soza. He plans to bring in 9,500 more Gendarmerie officers from the east and south to ensure security within Vittoria during the summit. As well as the extra influx in officers, there will be more police and even military troops deployed within the capital.

The summit, which has already been toted as the "Vittoria Accords" will establish a regional alliance which sets to aid nations within South America economically, materially, socially and militarially. President Santos said that the conference will host more than a dozen heads of state and their respective delegates. President Santos also said he would use the opportunity to promote Costa Fiero as a prime tourist destination within South America.

[Costa Fiero]

Government Unveils New Flag
By Robert Camora


From today, the new flag will fly from all government and official buildings.

VITTORIA: The government has unveilled a new official flag which will fly over all government buildings and be officially raised during Idepenendence Day celebrations next month. The government, who paid an international company $2 million to design and produce the flag, say that it reflects Costa Fiero in every way possible.
"It's a new flag for the new year," said government official Sergio Mendoza. "It really combines Costa Fiero's historical, modern and religious elements into a flag that can be appreciated by all Costa Fierans."

The new flag is described as such. The two blue stripes and one white stripe represent the colours that Costa Fieran forces wore during the war of independence, as well as Costa Fiero being a beacon of hope and purity in a sea of despair. The cross represents Costa Fiero's humanitarian contributions to its neighbours over the years and also hints and the nations Catholic Christian heritage.

[Costa Fiero]

Flash Floods create chaos
By Anton Gazelas

RIO GRAVAS, SAN CRISTOBAL: Torrential rains have caused flash floods in the catchment areas behind the city of Rio Gravas which is situated on both sides of the river which gives the city its namesake. Several towns and villages further up the San Ysidro valley remain cut off after the floods destroyed roads and bridges. Dozens are believed to have died and around 90 are missing after houses near the river collapsed in the city of Rio Gravas. The floods hit around 8:30am, catching early morning commuters. No one knows how many people might have been swept away. More than 100 buildings have been destroyed and emergency services are trying to locate survivors after the floods washed mud and rocks as well as other debris down the valley into the city of Rio Gravas.

All rail services east of Vittoria along the Rio Gravas have been cancelled pending track inspections and authorities have been keeping a close eye on the Rio Gravas Nuclear Plant. The President is expected to delcare a state of emergency and all towns, cities and settlements along the Rio Gravas, including the capital Vittoria, are expected to be flooded to some dgree over the next two days. More rain is predicted.

[Costa Fiero]

Flood Damage Less Than Expected
By Roberto Camora


Buildings were swamped by the floods which brought debris down the San Ysidro Valley.

RIO GRAVAS, SAN CRISTOBAL: The death toll from the recent flash flooding is expected to top 105 as the province begins the massive cleanup one week after the disaster. Government aid is flowing into the city as road and rail connections are inspected and repaired. The airpot, which was unscathed during the flooding, has recieved more than 20 aid flights from the government. The President is expected to visit the city of Rio Gravas tomorrow. He said that the government was ready to fund any rebuilding programmes and aid that was needed. San Cristobal Provincial Premier, Raul Gustavo held another emergency meeting with the San Cristobal Provincial Council yesterday to decide the fate of the San Ysidro Railway Project.
"The floods have washed away all our construction equipment and buildings," Premier Gustavo said. "There's nothing left. Not even the land on which they were on." The project, which was part of a wider aid/infrastructure deal signed by Costa Fiero and Palivia, is now in "serious jeapoardy" according to Premier Gustavo.
"There is very little money we can spare from the rebuilding of Rio Gravas and the San Ysidro Valley," Premier Gustavo said. "I doubt the project will be able to be funded or even begin."

San Cristoban provincial authorities have yet to contact villages and settlements further up the valley. Search helicopters have been scanning the valley and have reportedly seen bodies in trees or floating in stagnating pools of water. The town of Jacarra was the largest town in the San Ysidro Valley and it is yet unknown how many buildings are damaged. However, medical and military helicopters have made contact with several other villages in the valley. Pilots have reported of people clinging to trees and bodies still floating in pools of water created by landslides.

Government authorities have warned about possible landslides due to unstable hillsides and slopes. More rain is expected to fall within the next five days.

[Costa Fiero]

Socialist Party to change Identity
By Roberto Camora


Antonia Camino greets supporters at a rally in Marrua, in the Province of Norte.

MARRUA, NORTE: The Socialist Party candidate for the upcoming General Election, Antonia Camino, has recieved a surge in support following the incumbent government's announcement of massive spending cuts as it tries to control a massive government deficit. Camino addressed a large crowd of supporters in the northern city of Marrua in Norte Province today with a new colour for the Socialist Party. This comes as Camino announced changes to the party.
"The Socialist Party will undergo a transformation to bring it in-line with the new year," she said during the conference. "Our new colour, green, symbolizes new growth and is reflective of attitudes within Costa Fiero. Soon, the Socialist Party will no longer be called so. Our new identity will be forged as the Democratic Union."
Camino also announced plans to nationalize vital industries within Costa Fiero to create more revenue from the government, as well as cut uneccessary government spending and increase welfare funding.
"The road to recovery is long and arduous and we must endure some sacrifices in order to benefit from when we do recover from this crisis. Togther, with a combined effort, we will prosper. I can promise you that."

Camino is riding a wave of optimism and hope which now gives her a ten point lead ahead of incumbent President Luis Del Santos. In a recent poll, Camino has an 85% support base, ahead of President Santos on 75%.

[Costa Fiero]

Crowds Cripple Capital
By Anton Gazelas



Crowds gathered in the Plaza de la Nacion to protest against the government today.

VITTORIA: More than 15,000 people gathered in the Plaza de la Nacion today to protest against the government's response to the Global Financial Crisis and the Rio Gravas Floods as well as rising food and fuel prices. The protesters claim that President Santos' handling of both crises as "non-existant" and "killing the nation". Many held placards calling for him to resign.

The protest was organized by Fernando Albea, who is a Professor of Sociology at Vittoria Central University and claims that the average Costa Fieran is "suffering" under his current administration.
"Santos hasn't got a clue as to what he is doing," said Professor Albea. "He's bankrupted the government and aid still hasn't reached those in Rio Gravas. He's been slow to admit that the Costa Fieran economy is not well. He needs to go."

Many Costa Fierans share the same sentiments. In a poll conducted on the 1st of February, more than 90% of those surveyed declared their support for the Socialist candidate Antonia Camino. Costa Fiero faces crippling inflation and bankruptcy according to the Vittoria Economic Institute. Unemployment currently stands at 8.79%. There are even rumours that many in the current government are thinking about removing Santos from power. So far, the government has issued no official response to the protests.

[Costa Fiero]

President Confirms Election Date

VITTORIA: The President has declared a date for this years elections. As campaigning has been underway for some time, todays announcement now confirms the date five months away. The general election will be on the 15th of June which gives the winner a month to create a new government before they are sworn in on the 15th of July.

Currently, Socialist Party candidate Antonia Camino has a firm lead over incumbent President Luis Del Santos with Camino taking up 91.3% of the vote if the election was today. But many political commentators and analysts have warnings for Camino. Conservative commentator Hugo Delvarro says that improving welfare and healthcare are "political hand grenades".
"Camino wants to modify the health and welfare systems to be more including to those who cannot pay for initial treatments," he said. "Whilst I can slightly agree that this is a commendable stance, let's not forget that there are costs that come with socializing healthcare and she does not want to pull the pin out of a political hand grenade which could send her government into a dive. The government needs to be thinking about saving money and decreasing debt so that Costa Fiero can pick itself up and move onwards."
Camino says that the announcement could not have come soon enough.
"Santos is procrastinating so that he can try to buy more time to try, in vain, to stave off defeat." Camino also hopes to win by a landslide and most commentators are inclined to agree, judging by the current poll.

[Costa Fiero]

President to Host Another High Profile Meeting
By Anton Gazelas


President Santos announced the meeting will be taking place on Wednesday.

VITTORIA: President Luis Del Santos announced that Costa Fiero will be hosting a high profile visit this week. In a press conference this morning, President Santos announced that he had received interest in hosting a bilateral meeting with Johnathan Roosevelt, the incumbent President of The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde.
"I have been informed by representatives of President Roosevelt that he has expressed interest in a meeting with me at the Presidential Palace," President Santos said during the conference. "This will give Costa Fiero an opportunity to put herself onto the world stage and to represent our region as a whole."
President Santos said that the meeting would be about military ties, which may include issues such as the drug smuggling trade and regional military exercises. He said that Roosevelt was interested in establishing bases in Costa Fiero. However, Santos refused to comment as to whether Costa Fiero will be prepared to make such concessions.
"I have brought up the issue with the generals and they, nor I, shall be making any comment about the issue at this point in time."
President Santos went on to say that Roosevelt was prepared to offer economic assistance to Costa Fiero, something which surprised both Santos and most of his cabinet. Santos said that he would concentrate on securing funding for some of the more impoverished nations in South America, most notably Palivia, which has also received aid from Costa Fiero.

Many political commentators welcome the visit, but they have also come to the conclusion that this is likely to be President Santos' last official meeting. Conservative political commentator Diego Sanchez said that this meeting will reassure most voters confidence in President Santos.
"This meeting will do wonders for Costa Fiero," Diego said. "Such a major world power with lot's of influence will be beneficial for Costa Fiero. I think this is just the thing President Santos needs to win back those votes."

President Santos said that the meeting is due to take place around Wednesday, although this has not been officially confirmed by representatives of President Roosevelt as the President is currently engaged in other matters elsewhere.

[Costa Fiero]

Public Sector Wage Freezes Announced, Protests Planned
By Roberto Camora


Finance Minister Sergio Ruiz speaks to the media about government plans.

VITTORIA: The Minister of Finance, Sergio Aguerra Ruiz, has announced that there are plans by the Ministry of Finance to cut or freeze wages in jobs in the public sector. In an address in the Ministry of Finance building in downtown Vittoria, Ruiz said that the Ministry of Finance was in "high level talks" with officials in the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He made it clear about what the government was considering.
"The government has considered all manner of methods to help us aleviate this crisis," he said. "Rumours have been persisting that the government plans wage freezes in the public sector. I am here to tell you that those rumours have been considered as an option by the government but as of today, they are likely to be implemented sometime in the future. I have word of the President that foreign aid may be used to help repay our debt to the IMF, however I cannot rule out the wage freezes are a part of a possible worst case scenario."
Finance Minister Ruiz also layed out plans for which government departments will face spending cuts.
"The government has taken measures to cut spending in several minor government departments and these cuts are likely to affect larger departments as the year progresses."

There has been much criticism of the plans with left wing groups slamming the government for "abandoning the lower classes". Mercedes Lucia Ahora, who is the leader of the Democratic Worker's Union, says that she will get together with the Union's governing council to plan a series of protests against the government.
"They cannot do this," she said to reporters. "It is absolutely intolerable. All they are doing is saving their greedy hides and abandoning those in need."
Ahora said she hadn't confirmed the dates of the protests but said that the the Union would be organising them in all major regional centers.
"This will be the chance for the common man to tell the government exactly what they need to hear," she said. "The biggest protests I'd expect would be out in the Plaza de la Nacion in Vittoria."
Ahora also said that she will contact other worker's unions to help bolster possible numbers.

[Costa Fiero]

Costa Fiero's Debt Wiped By IMF
By Roberto Camora


Finance Minister Sergio Ruiz delivers the good news in Rio Gravas.

RIO GRAVAS, SAN CRISTOBAL: Finance Minister Sergio Ruiz delivered the first good news of this year as he announced that Costa Fiero's spiralling debt has been wiped by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The news was delivered during an international aid press conference held in Rio Gravas, the biggest city in San Cristobal Province.
"It is with great pleasure that I annouce that the International Monetary Fund has agreed to wipe our debt from their books." he said. "This comes at a time when Costa Fiero is struggling to pick itself up from the troubles that the Global Financial Crisis has created and we are ever grateful for their compassionate decision."

However, Costa Fiero's economic woes are still far from over and according to Minister Ruiz, there is still a long way to economic recovery.
"We are still in the midst of a vicious financial storm and sacrifices will have to be made," he said during his speech. "We have ruled out wage freezes and cuts. But we still recommend caution when it comes to government services."
Ruiz said that the government was prepared to cut more spending in fringe departments in order to stem the rising government deficit, which is currently at CFP300 million (US$150 million). He also said that the latest statistics which was released at the end of January showed that the unemployment rate was down 3% from a record high of 8.75% in December to 5.70% in January. He revealed that benefit applications had decreased by 7,500 in January alone, with a similar number gaining employment.
"They are optimistic statistics," he said. "But we still need to exercise some form of caution as the year progresses."

[Costa Fiero]

Welfare Minister to Face Corruption Charges


Juan Gómez faces questions of possible corruption within the Ministry of Welfare.

VITTORIA: Vice President Antonia Camino has announced that she will be conducting an official inquiry into the conduct of incumbent Minister of Welfare Juan Gómez after a leaked financial document revealed that he had more than CFP130 million in two offshore bank accounts. This comes as a similar sum of money went missing from the Ministry of Welfare's books. Gómez could not be reached for comment but his assistant said that he was surprised at the accusations.
"I have not misappropriated public funds and I do not intend on even considering such actions." the statement delcared. "It is beyond belief that such accusations could be pinned on a minister is such times as we live in now."
His assistant denied claims he had left the country but said she hadn't seen Gómez in three days. She also presented a document which showed that Gómez had previously donated P16,000 worth of taxpayer funded private travel directly into the Ministry of Welfare's accounts.

Vice President Camino said that the government didn't have enough evidence to date to convict Gómez of corruption, but says that it was only the start of the inquiry and that more substantial evidence was likely to be uncovered.
"We are currently working with the banks and the police to obtain the necessary evidence for a conviction," she said during a press conference earlier today. "We have not charged him with corruption at this stage but said charges are very likely to be laid when the inquiry commences and reliable evidence has been uncovered."
Camino also said she had the Ministry of Foreign Affairs working with foreign banks in obtaining the necessary documents.

[Costa Fiero]

Gómez "No Longer in Costa Fiero"
By Anton Gazelas


Gómez gives an interview a week before his disappearance.

VITTORIA: It's quickly becoming an intriguing story. The sudden disappearnce of Welfare Minister Juan Gómez has gripped the nation, with allegations he has fled to all manner of places. The details of his background are beginning to emerge as police and intelligence services dig deeper into his records and his personal life. Chief Police Administrator for Centrale Province Luis Antillo says that police have searched his house in Barranquilla and found nothing which relates to his disappearance or the corruption allegations placed against him.
"We have reason to believe that Mr Gómez has fled the country with his family," Antillo said. "We have conducted a search of his house and turned up no disernable evidence that he is still in the country. However, we still have reason to believe that he may have gone into hiding in Costa Fiero. Both the police and intelligence services are cooperating with Interpol in our investigation."

The authorities have uncovered some interesting facts about Gómez's past. He was previously on the Board of Executives at Banco Nacional and he also owned two BN branches in the poorer areas of Asturias and Vittoria. He has allegeded ties to the street gang "Los Hermanos" through family links. Police and other authorities were unwilling to comment as to whether these ties may be linked to his disappearance.
"I don't want to comment any futher on the so called "gang ties" Gómez had with family members," Chief Police Administrator Antillo said. "That said, there is a possibility that his sudden disappearance could be gang related, so we have to make sure that all other possibilites or reasons have been ruled out before we go any further."

Police and intelligence services have now widened their search to other areas in Costa Fiero and outside. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently in contact with the authorities of Plaivia, Colombia and Mexico to try to secure possible searches of Gómez's properties he owns.

[Costa Fiero]

Costa Fiero to gain new Province


This sea of green will become one of Costa Fiero's newest provinces.

ANTARIA: The Ministry of Internal Affairs Augusto Alfonso Revís announced today that Costa Fiero will have 11 provinces from May. Currently, most of eastern Costa Fiero is uder the jurisdiction of San Cristobal Province but Revís' plan is to split the province, with eastern parts from the border to the town of Jacarra coming under the jurisdiction of the new Amazonias Province, which will be based in the eastern city of Las Tajaras. Elections for provincial premiers will be held in September this year and until then, the current premier of San Cristobal will act as the premier of Amazonias.
"This will create more jobs in a stagnating public sector. The new provincial government will not require any new taxes, so any fears of taxes being increased is unfounded." Revís said at a press conference. "Las Tajaras will benefit from the increased construction and funding that the new Amazonias Province will bring."

[Costa Fiero]

Air Force purchases New Attack Helicopters
By Manolo Fernandez


The new AH-02 aircraft will give the FAR new dedicated attack capabilities.

VITTORIA: The Republican Air Force (FAR) has some new toys to play with. The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Machina Haruspex for the purchase of 20 new AH-02 stealth attack helicopters. Defence Minister Emmanuel Sanchez says that the helicopters will give the FAR new tactical advantages in combat over traditional attack helicopters.
"The AH-02's employ stealth technology, making them excellent attack craft," he said. "They also utilise some of the latest target acquisition technology available in any attack helicopter." Sanchez also said that the helicopters would see their first training exercise in Palivia when Costa Fiero participates in multi-national military exercises. The helicopters have also been made to specifications and Sanchez says there are very little differences in the weapons that the AH-02 uses over the current attack helicopter, the attack variant of the Eurocopter Panther.
"The AH-02 uses the same unguided rockets and anti-tank missiles as the Panther does," Sanchez said. "It will not replace the Panther's entirely, but they will be the primary front line attack helicopter from next week."

Pilots have been selected to fly these new helicopters and will undergo training from the Asturias General Manellas Air Force Base in Asturias, where the current Panther attack helicopters are based. The first examples are expected to arrive next week.

[Costa Fiero]

Santos will not run in Elections
By Manolo Fernandez


President Santos speaks to reporters outside the Presidential Palace.

VITTORIA: A surprising announcement has come from President Luis Del Santos today. he announced during a press conference outside the Presidential Palace that he would not be running for president in the coming elections.
"I have no interest in becoming the Presidential candidiate for the Nationalist Union in this year's election," he said. "I have come to this decision entirely on my own and I have been in discussions with the rest of the party as to who will lead the party after the elections."
This comes as he finishes one of the most important deals in years. He has been hosting President Johnathan Roosevelt of Noordeinde and says that both military and economic agreements are on the way to being ratified. President Santos said that many Costa Fierans will benefit from increased wealth and jobs created by this new agreement.
"Currently, President Roosevelt and I are finalising the details to these agreements. We expect the treaties to come into effect around April." President Santos said. He is expecting to host Palivian President Alejandro Goya again next week.

Political commentators in Costa Fiero have been surprised by this sudden move and some are now beginning to question his motives. Commentator Hugo da Silva says that the Nationalist Party had "finally thrown the old boot out" and many are now speculating as to who will run for the elections. Some have tipped incumbent Finance Minister Sergio Ruiz to be his successor, although according to da Silva, this will not change the Nationalist Union's image.
"The NU is a bunch of old cronies who sit back and do a terrible job of running the country," he said. "What they need is some young blood to put back the vitality in an increasingly aged political party."

The Nationalist Union is expected to meet in Vittoria to discuss and vote on who will succeed Santos as both leader of the Nationalist Party and possibly President.