CORNELLIAN EMPIRE NEWS (closed, Region Only)

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

The Kalko's Cry
The First Independent News Source of the Shrailleeni Empire

January, 1292 (2015)
International News

---

Shrailleeni Empire Pushes Ashab Investigation
Truth Regarding Allegations "Pivotal"

Imperial City - Earlier today, Jedorian Foreign Minister Andrei Paler announced a clear shift in the Confederation's foreign policy when it was made known that Jedoria would be willing to seek mediation in its conflict with the Ashabi Theology Council, and back an international investigation into allegations of genocide leveled against that organization.

Jedoria had announced previously that it would refuse to negotiate with the Council on the basis of their previous crimes, and launched a full-fledged invasion of Ashab with the support of the Republican government and the forces of Gran Chaco. Fighting in Ashab has continued for over a week now, with the self-described coalition of the Republic of Ashab, Jedoria, and Gran Chaco winning key early victories. However, the Council continues its fight against the government. Newly secured military support from the Allied States of New Edom, which has declared concern over the treatment of Christians in the nation in the event of a unilateral coalition victory, suggests that the fighting will not be decided rapidly, and in the meantime the people of Ashab continue to suffer the effects of war.

Following the Jedorian announcement, the Shrailleeni Foreign Minister Zattem Resbruck made a swift declaration outlining Shrailleeni efforts in the now war-torn nation of Ashab. In it, he announced the results of swift diplomacy with President Anjideen of the Republic of Ashab, who has allowed the Order of Comfort and the Red Oval-Arcs to begin humanitarian aid missions in the country. Additionally, the Foreign Minister announced that an independent Shrailleeni investigation into allegations of genocide was already underway.

The Foreign Minister called urgently for regional support and backing of both mediation and humanitarian investigations, saying:

"The Jedorian announcement that mediation is at last an option in this conflict is promising. The Allied States of New Edom has previously suggested a mediated resolution to the situation, and it is the hope of Her Enlightened Majesty that this option has not been completely eradicated in their decision to initiate open warfare. If the rest of the region rallies behind this gesture and convinces the Republic and the Theology Council to discuss their differences, we may yet see peace in Ashab before too much blood has been spilt.

Her Enlightened Majesty and the people of Shrailleen are greatly concerned over the accusations leveled at the Theology Council of indiscriminate killing targeted against the Intaki population. Any targeted program of killing against any people is a crime abhorrent, and cannot be tolerated by peace-loving nations. As such, Her Enlightened Majesty has already formed a team of investigators to ascertain the truth of these allegations. President Anjideen has been very supportive and cooperative in this effort.

Her Enlightened Majesty asks the regional body of the OCS to send their own representatives immediately to join the Shrailleeni investigation. Nations interested in truth and reason have one week to contact the Shrailleeni government and cooperate with this investigation. This is due to the time-sensitive nature of the investigation and its consequences. If the regional community is not interested in pursuing an investigation, the Shrailleeni team will proceed alone. Their results will be pivotal to the construction of Her Enlightened Majesty's foreign policy regarding Ashab."

As fighting continues, it is impossible to know if the calls for mediation will be met in time. With bickering in the CPO have brought he subject of mediation in the Palisades to a standstill, and no word from Deadora on the status of tis intended blockade against Krutongo, it is clearly a dark time for diplomacy in Cornellia.

As always, the Shrailleeni Empire stand with the Mother Goddess and with its allies in this troubled times.

[New Edom]

THE FINEBERG TIMES

Jan 31, 2016

---

---

King's Wish for Peace Comes True

by Annabelle Barca

FINEBERG, New Edom-- The Jedorian Chacoan and Ashab governments--both of them--have agreed to talk peace and cease fire today following a months long period of negotiations.

Last fall king Elijah IV visited Strana Mechty and requested that Duke Raceneau agree to support a cease fire and peace talks between the Theocracy Council and the Republic in Ashab. However there was little progress in the negotiations. The position of the Edomite government was that in spite of accusations of genocide against the Council that there had been no independent investigation presenting findings to the international community, and that therefore to support the Republic in a bid to crush teh Council's forces was a violation of the principles of international law. However fervor in Jedoria and Gran Chaco over what were believed to be genocidal acts against the native Intaki in Ashab created a groundswell of support for war.

The tireless work of such persons as Levi Libbim, Ambassador to Jedoria, Joseph Deol the Adiran Secretary of State for Foriegn Affairs and Shrailleeni Foreign Affairs Minister Zattem Resbruck seemed to be fruitless, but a harvest requires patience as well as tending. Support from foreign leaders such as Emperor Valerian, the Prime Minister of Ghant and King Elijah hiimself have borne that fruit.

A brief naval battle on the part of our Task Force Boa under command of Admiral Count Barnabas Amalek is believed partly responsible for the dampening of Repubilcan battle fervor which resulted in acceptance of an appeal for mediation and cease fire form the Council.

"We support an OCS investigation of genocide," said Foreign Minister Dr. Paul Aphek. "I should like to express my respects to the Jedorian, Chacoan, Ashab Council and Ashab Republican governments for agreeing to come to terms. It is our hope that this bloody chapter of our region's history will soon be behind us. We also would like to support reconciliation. Ashab shuld surely be one nation where all are treated with justice."

---

- Trade Talks with Umbreria?
- Our War Correspondent with Task Force Boa
- Chamber of Deputies "Insists Monarchs must rule on WorldVision Ban"
- Airship Lands Successfully in N. Teman

[Ghant]

---

Foreign Policies of His Imperial Majesty’s Government

• The Human Element: Genocide in Ashab, human trafficking in Arcologia
• The Economic Element: Struggle between major capitalist nations and the Federation of Oil Developing Economies
• War and Peace: Growing paranoia and fear of the Imperium of Arbites Materia

---

The region of late is a whirlwind of policy conundrums that often lead to difficult decisions being made by His Imperial Majesty’s Government in order to achieve outcomes favorable to Ghantish interests. In this issue of Policy Primer, several of these policy positions will be discussed, and how the Ghantish government intends to address these positions moving forward.

Ashab

While it is said that the Shrailleeni Empire stands with the Mother Goddess in troubled times, the Ghantish government stands with the Shrai. Joining the Shrai Government, Ghant urges an investigation into allegations made by the “Republic of Ashab” that the rival Theology Council regime, committed genocide against the Intaki ethnic group. Given the involvement of some of Ghant’s closest allies in Ashab, those being New Edom and the Shrai, it was only a matter of time before the Ghantish government weighed in.

"The Ghantish government implores both the Republican faction of Ashab and the Jedorian government to pursue mediation to the conflict in Ashab,” Ghantish Foreign Minister Leonor Bozagua stated during a press conference. “We stand behind the governments of the Shrai and New Edom in pursuing a mediated resolution to the conflict, before the situation escalates into open war.

Likewise, the people of Ghant have expressed their collective shock and dismay at allegations of genocide committed against the Intaki people. Should it be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the Theology Council committed acts of genocide, the government of Ghant would condemn the Theology Council to the utmost extent possible. There is no place for such grotesque atrocities in our modern era.

We would like to express our support for the Shrai efforts to organize an investigation into these allegations in order to ascertain the veracity of the claims of genocide being made by the Republican camp. Not only do we applaud President Anjideen for allowing this effort to transpire, but we would also like to offer to the Shrai government our willingness to join in their investigation.”

Given Ghant’s recent track record, this position should come as no surprise. In Ceti, Prime Minister Nymun Izarbegiratzeak urged caution, restraint and most importantly, objectivity. Not falling for the fiery rhetoric of either the Imperium or Adiron (which, along with New Edom, the Shrai Empire, Rome, Garza, Deweden and Wielkilas are Ghant’s strongest allies), Nymun wanted to avoid setting a precedent of making government decisions based upon “he said she said.” With his so called “Izzy Doctrine,” government decisions are based upon objective criteria derived by evidence. Therefore, like how Ghant refused to “take DeGroot’s word for it” on the Curia-backed terrorist attacks in Bluebrook without seeing the intelligence, the Ghantish government won’t accept the Ashabi Republic’s cries of genocide without seeing proof that genocide took place.

However, in lieu of the situation in Ashab and the involvement of Ghant’s allies New Edom and the Shrailleeni Empire there, the Ghantish government has begun to prepare for the worst there. For the first time since the Lazodiria War, the Imperial Fleet is on alert and is conducting readiness exercises in the Sea of Ghant, and off the coast of Izotza. It is believed that the Ghantish Government has expressed a willingness to mobilize in order to put pressure on President Anjideen to negotiate, and should he not, there could very easily be Ghantish boots on the ground in Ashab in order to bring the nascent Ashabi Republic to the table…by force if necessary.

OIL!

The timing of Ghantish oil exploration couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. With Ghant’s close ally, the Republic of Adiron being starved for oil by the Imperium-led FODE (although the situation has recently changed…more on that later), and with other oil nations finding themselves in a tight spot, the Ghantish Government has decided that now is the time to begin tapping into its own wealthy reserves in the north, in order to take advantage of the vacuum.

This, of course, begs the question of how Ghant views FODE at large, and how it might interact with the organization in the future. Of the FODE nations (the Shrailleeni Empire, New Edom, Deadora and the Imperium), Ghant is allied with the Shrailleeni Empire and New Edom, has chilly relations with Deadora and has exceptionally poor relations with the Imperium. Some have argued (supported by statements made by government officials) that the Ghantish government has initiated oil exploration and development in the north primarily as a means of aiding Adiron, while giving the finger to the Imperium.

The Imperium was voted in a public poll to be the “most despised” nation in the world. With anti-Imperium sentiment at an all time high, it should come as little surprise that Ghantish officials are responding to that. Much of the problem stems from the then Chairman of FODE, Benjamin Reyes of the Imperium, who refused to step down as FODE Chairman at the end of his term, and then using his position in FODE to restrict Adiran access to FODE oil (it should be noted that Adiron and the Imperium have been waging a proxy war in Arcologia- more on that later).

This, of course, highlights an important issue, that being that FODE consists of developing economies and nations that have had difficulties with democracy, and nations with poor human rights records. Nations such as Adiron are democratic, affluent and modernized…yet they feel held hostage by the whims of despotic, corrupt FODE powers for energy. This was the situation for many years, and seemingly had no end in sight. With substantial oil revenue coming in, these FODE nations could go about their business without much in the way of an incentive to make themselves more appealing to prospective buyers.

Enter Ghant. For many years, it has been the policy of the Ghantish Government to minimize reliance on FODE for oil imports, preferring to go outside of FODE in lieu of their poor human rights records (although again, the Shrailleeni Empire and New Edom are exceptions to this, given Ghant’s bilateral relations with both). In the words of former Prime Minister Ormund Borlidoc, “we don’t do business with tyrants.”

So does this mean that Ghant will try to join FODE? Probably not, because Ghant enjoys it’s resource independence, and the freedom to pursue it’s own arrangements as it sees fit. The populace, by and large not only oppose such a direction, but also demand that Ghant’s oil exploration be facilitated by Adiron, which is known to use environmentally sustainable technology in their oil development projects (hence the Ghantish Government’s “contract” with Adiron’s own THORCO organization for the development).

With the recent ousting of Chairman Reyes, it is possible that FODE could reform in order to make itself more appealing to nations that previously found it to be too distasteful to do business with. Or perhaps the damage has already been done, and non-FODE oil producers such as Ghant can emerge to fill the void that was left behind, and reap all the benefits.

War and Peace

When it comes to the situation in Ceti, Ghant finds itself between a rock and a hard place. Ghant, being allies with Adiron, fully intends to support its ally should war break out between the Imperium and Adiron. For like how there is a contingency to deploy to Ashab to combat the Republic, and to potentially go to Peregrino and New Edom proper in order to defend both from Jedorian and possibly Deadoran attack, the Ghantish government is prepared to deploy to Adiron in the event that it is attacked by the Imperium.

The only problem with this is that one of, if not the strongest ally of Ghant, New Edom, is allied to the Imperium. So if Ghant is allied to Adiron and New Edom, and Adiron goes to war with the Imperium, which is allied to New Edom, one has to wonder what that means for Ghant and New Edom. If the two are fighting together in Acheron and Ashab…could they then end up fighting against each other in Ceti? If Ghant and the Imperium go to war, who does New Edom support?

There is no easy answer for that…although it is obvious that the Ghantish government is doing everything it can (including praying) that Adiron and the Imperium don’t go to war. If that does happen, the potential domestic consequences could be far more severe than conflicts in either Acheron or Ashab. This is simply for the reason that within Ghant, the support for Adiron amongst the populace is very high, while support for New Edom is very high. Hence, there is potential for a class war in Ghant to break out, should the Ghantish Government declare either that Ghant will not side with Adiron against the Imperium should those two enter into a state of war, or that Ghant will enter a state of war on behalf of the Imperium, be it directly or indirectly.

Granted, President Tavish DeGroot of Adiron has done an excellent job of representing the Imperium as a nation that supports state-sponsored terrorism, terrible human rights and war-mongering, pointing to poor human rights, a history of subversion and an active propaganda network. All this, in addition to being a theocratic regime that worships an unseen “God-Emperor,” has turned the Imperium into the regional boogeyman, while Adiron has become the white knight that opposes it. To build upon the analogy, the Imperium is the boogeyman, Adiron is the nurturing father that looks under the bed and the closet, and the frightened child hiding under the blankets in bed are the other nations of the world.

Shifting to Arcologia, the southernmost nation of Ceti is a battleground for the proxy war between Adiron and the Imperium, led by the Adiran-backed North Arcologian Confederation, and the Imperium-backed Union of South Ceti, with the disputed region of the Palisades between Adiron and the Imperium being the flashpoint of this conflict. Meanwhile pirates, human traffickers and international criminals infest the rest of Arcologia, widely recognized as a failed state. Ghant has long had a policy (often ill-enforced) of opposing such criminal enterprises, be they within Rietumimark, Nekulturnya, Ghant or Arcologia. The primary Ghantish focus in Arcologia has been in containing these elements, and in encouraging Adiron and the Imperium to cooperate in subduing. The main fear then is that should Adiron and the Imperium be focused on each other, rather than the criminal empire in Arcologia, that it will spread and make things worse elsewhere.

While conflicts in Acheron and Ashab have the benefit of carrying a united Ghantish policy, Ceti does not, and could tear the country apart…between loyalties to Adiron and New Edom (assuming Adiron and New Edom are opposing sides, given New Edom’s staunch alliance with the Imperium, which could end up at war with Adiron). This conflict of interests is demonstrated by the fact that Prince Michael of Dakmoor is married to Crown Princess Jocasta of New Edom, who is said to be a strong supporter of New Edom. Prince Michael’s older brother, Crown Prince Martin of Dakmoor, on the other hand, is a hardened supporter of Adiron and a vocal enemy of the Imperium, having fought against Imperium forces in the Burnt Hills War.

In Conclusion

The world stands at a tipping point, and Ghant finds itself being torn in several directions at once. With the prospect of several wars, or even a world war breaking out, there are many things that the Ghantish government has to assess…primarily self-preservation. Ghant has always been a highly fractious place, and severely factionalized. Prime Minister Nymun Izarbegiratzeak has prided himself on neutrality, objectivism and diplomacy, but in this climate of antagonistic rhetoric and warmongering, those seem futile. The Ghantish Government has accepted these realities, and has begun to mobilize the Imperial Fleet in cooperation with New Edomite forces stationed in Landstrider in Izotza under the command of General David Shinhusar of Delvian States fame. Only time will tell how this will all play out, but one thing that seems certain is that the best case scenario seems marginal, while the worst case scenario could be even more disastrous than the Ghantish Revolution, the last war fought on Ghantish soil…and which this nation still bears the scars of. The old saying "war does not determine who is right - only who is left” seems especially apt.

Update

The governments of Jedoria, Chaco, and the Republic of Ashab as well as the Theology Council have agreed to a ceasefire and to peace talks. An engagement between Republican naval forces and the Edomite Task Force Boa that resulted in an Edomite victory most likely convinced Ashabi Republican President Anjideen to agree to a ceasefire and to the talks, humbled by a defeat in the field that threatened his position. It is hoped that all parties involved can address the allegations of genocide, and agree to peace for benefit of all Ashabi people, who have already suffered much on both sides of the conflict there.

[Jedoria]

The Capital Report

---

Ceasefire reached in Ashab

Theology Council's request for ceasefire met with Republican Agreement

Ashab - Just hours after Foreign Minister Andrei Paler stated that the Jedorian Government would agree to mediation with regards to the civil war in Ashab, the Holy State of Ashab, ruled by the Theology Council, declared an official request for a ceasefire. Shortly afterwards, the Republic Government under President Anjideen announced it would agree to a ceasefire, ending weeks of fierce fighting between the two sides. The situation in Ashab escalated rapidly following it's inception with the intervention of several foreign powers, most noticably the Republica de Gran Chaco, the Confederation of Jedoria, and the Allied States of New Edom. Upon announcement of the ceasefire, the Coalition for the Preservation of the Republic of Ashab announced it's forces would stand down in obedience of the ceasefire, and await further diplomatic developments.

The civil war in Ashab begin with the revolt of several Ashabi army and air force units that quickly made their prescence known with aerial bombardments of the capital of Tarnum, followed with the seizure of key installations across the country. The Theology Council, led by the Patriach Gehtas Kurain, declared the establishment of the Holy State of Ashab and begin a campaign of rapid dominance, overwhelming Republican forces and winning several key victories. However shortly afterwards, the neighboring state of Gran Chaco, supported by the Confederation of Jedoria (labelled as the Coalition), began a full scale military invasion of Ashab territory controlled by the Council, along with the blockading of the main cities under Council control, Temethis (the unofficial capital of the Holy State), and Khesemar.

New Edom would enter into the conflict shortly afterwards with a declaration of war on the Republic of Ashab, with reporters confirming a naval battle haven taken place off the coast near Tarnum. It was reported that General Shadda, leader of Council forces in the field, began an offensive aimed at capturing the capital, opposed by the Republican Guard, the elite of the Ashabi military.

In the north, our reporters embedded with the 299th Mechanized Infantry Brigade and Chacoan Northern Command reported a series of decisve victories, including the surrender of the 40th Council Infantry Division, and the Chacoan advance on the Council base at Khaske. Reports also surfaced of a major armored engagement in the center of the country, believed to between Council forces an the II Corps of the Chacoan army. It it believed at the time of the ceasefire Coalition forces were preparing to advance on the capital in an effort to eliminate General Shadda's forces that were gathered there.

Foreign Minister Andrei Paler was available for comment, stating that the Jedorian Government was aware of the ceasefire and it's own forces were standing down in compliance with the event, noting that he entrusted the Republica de Gran Chaco to keep the Jedorian Government updated on the situation on the ground.

[United Valik]

Glauconeum Chronicle,
Stefania Brzezinski

A non-partisan rally which drew a crowd of more than sixty thousand in Glauconeum today celebrated "peace talks" between Jedoria, New Edom, and the rival factions in Ashab, with, as Progressive Chairman Andrej Balewicz noted, "Some hope of stopping the mad dash toward war, poverty, and further human suffering. Both the King of New Edom, the Duke of Jedoria, the President of the Republic, the President of Gran Chaco, and the head of the Council are to be praised for their willingness to listen to reason and make peace. Foreign leaders who worked to mediate, such as the President and Secretary of State of the Republic of Adiron, the Prime Minister of Ghant, the Roman Emperor, and the Shrailleeni Mother Empress and Foreign Minister all deserve praise for their roles in the effort for peace."

Flowers were left at the embassies of New Edom, Ashab, Jedoria, Gran Chaco, Adiron, Shrailleen, Ghant, and Rome, with messages of support and admiration for their "dedication to peace."

"We want it to be clear where the people of Valik stand. We stand for peace and freedom. We stand for prosperity and free trade. And in that interest, as well as due to legal advice given to me concerning the treaty obligations of the SAEC Treaty, as well as to respect the Deadoran prudence in backing off on the Krutongo blockade a bit, as well as because the Glorians have not gone quite to the extreme that we were first informed, the invocation of Article VI provisions will be postponed for a period of three months, with the option of renewal or invocation at that juncture, depending on their good or ill conduct. We have also appointed a new Ambassador to Gloria Regis, Krista Gould, formerly a consul in Philippi," Prime Minister Stanislav Lubinski announced at this rally, apparently motivated by the desire to demonstrate Valikan good faith in response to similar gestures from other leaders.

It remains to be seen if that spirit will remain should events prove this momentary restoration of faith in humanity flawed or naïve. Let us hope and pray for peace, prosperity, and goodwill instead.

[Demphor]

Memo leaks indicating new direction for Demphorian foreign policy
Department refuses to comment on document released by anonymous State Department source

---

Ormania, Demphor — A newly leaked internal State Department memorandum produced for an off-the-record agency conclave reveals that the Winsdor administration is actively planning to revise the Christiana Doctrine. The document, apparently prepared as a rough draft for a potential "amendment" to the current Doctrine, appears to address re-ignited concerns coming from the National Assembly as the Genocide in Ashab, human trafficking in Arcologia, paranoia and fear of the Imperium of Arbites Materia, and F.O.D.E. relations.

The Christiana Doctrine is a Demphorian foreign policy initiative designed to protect Demphorian sovereignty during and following the Great Revolution. It was announced to the nation by late-President John B. Bradshaw on March 12, 2014 when he pledged to counter international threats Demphor’s outlying islands, Élbannin and Duís. Generally, the Christiana Doctrine implied that the ruling government would protect Demphorian interests through stressed diplomacy and reforming ties between different countries following the Great Revolution. The Doctrine also stated that the government would covert options to achieve foreign policy goals if necessary. The Christiana Doctrine has become a pillar of Demphor foreign policy in the years following the Revolution, and led to strengthened funding to the Demphorian Defense Forces and the Office of Strategic Services.

The Administration has already been criticized from the Assembly for remaining quiet over the recent crises in the region, but it new appears clear that the Winsdor administration was planning a strategic, coordinated reaction that was in the process of being revised before the memorandum was leaked to the press by an anonymous source from the State Department.

The Administration was preparing to publicly call for an international investigation into the Ashab Government when reports circulated that the government had committed genocide against the Intaki ethnic group, yet it was made very clear in the memorandum that it was not a condemnation of the Ashab government, stating that "allegations must be taken seriously, and while these claims may not be true, it does not mean the government should continue to be cautious in dealing with this issue." It was clear that the memo was created before the announced ceasefire between the two warring parties which occurred earlier tonight.

On the Ceti continent, the Demphorian government seemed to be vigorously debating it's policy on whether it should take a side or declare neutrality. It appeared that regardless of who the government would in the end support, the leak strongly indicated that a military action was not in the least bit considered and should have put to rest any fears that the government was preparing for war. But suspicions still remain as the memorandum did simultaneously state that it should prepare to ask for increased military funding over the next several years. The memo signaled that a strong group of high ranking officials in the State Department supported Adiron, and fully intended to recommend to the President to open diplomatic talks with the country.

The majority of these indicators only pointed to diplomatic support, however, as it became clear that the memo also addressed what it called the Ghantish question. The memo talked about Ghanto-Demphorian relations, fears that the Ghantish government was getting tied up in the diplomatic alliance web and that Demphor, which has long been an ally of Ghant, would eventually be sucked into a conflict it would vehemently oppose.

Related News:
• Winsdor commends ceasefire in Ashab
• State Department prepares to release what it has dubbed "Ormania Amendments" to the Christiana Doctrine
• National Labour Assemblymen condemns the continued sale of strudels in public high schools

---

35 Inches of Snow Recorded in Christiana as largest blizzard hits Demphorian islands
Schools closed as residents advised to stay home for the next several days.

---

Above: A stalled City Police car located on the intersection between O'Brien Avenue
and Kennedy Drive in Christiana today.

Christiana, Demphor — Cities like Christiana, Cumberland, Bufford, Døn, Westingham and Greenburough are enduring one of the worst blizzards in their recorded history, watching as over 35 inches of snow are blanketing their cities and suburbs, bringing the area to a virtual standstill.

The snow started falling around 1 a.m. on Sunday, and and it has shown no sign of stopping. The airports and virtually all transportation have been shut down in northern Demphor. Many businesses and schools sent workers and students home early, but many workers couldn’t get home thanks to the nightmarish commute, and ended up staying at work, or sleeping in hotels. Some hospitals have been forced to bring in helicopters to deliver medical supplies.

It's estimated that nearly 55,000 cars have been abandoned on city streets and expressways in Christiana alone. About 250 public buses also were stranded in the snow. It isn't just the heavy snowfall that creating such a mess. Wind gusts of up to 67 mph are causing significant blowing snow, and drifts as high as 10 feet formed throughout the northern region. At one point during the storm, up to 4 inches per hour were falling.

Commuter trains and buses wont start running again until Thursday, Feb. 11, as Christiana will have to dig out from the massive snowfall. This will be increasing difficult due to all those abandoned cars and buses which will hamper snow plows, and it may take days to get the roads cleared.

Christiana International Airport has been shut down reopen until Friday, Feb. 12, and most schools won't reopen until Monday, Feb. 15 when transportation finally starts getting back to normal.

At least 6 deaths have been reported and blamed on the snow, including a high ranking New Edomite diplomatic official run over by a snow plow.

Related News:
• Mayor of Christiana: "If you get hurt, I swear to God."
• 13,000 take part in massive ice hockey match at the Christiana Royal Park
• High schools will remain closed until next week

[Ghant]

Alien Edition

---

Imminent World War Indicates a Sinister Alien Agenda

---

Welcome to the Alien of The Nibbler. We totally expect government authorities to show up at our offices and ransack everything, confiscate sensitive information, issue death threats and citations for revealing facts of a top-secret nature. This is because we are deep into some alien, illuminati, new world order shit, brought to you the people directly from the Nibbler, which is without a dispute, the most credible news source in not only Ghant, but all the world.

Recommended Listening…yeah, because we have to set the mood for you in order for you to feel engaged, since you are obviously incapable of doing that yourself.

Aliens Are Among Us

Aliens watch global affairs very closely, and intervene when they must in order to advance their agenda.

Aliens have been among us for some time folks. They walk amongst us, using their advanced, sophisticated technology to cloak manipulate are relatively primitive world. They lurk in the shadows like the Wizard of Oz, behind the curtain while their monkey puppets bat at each other with pointy sticks, totally unaware of the sinister nature of the threat that faces them everyday. These alien overlords make people think their enemies are each other, while disguising the one true enemy…the aliens themselves!

We know, we know…you want “proof.” Well we got it for you, hot from the press. Not even a day ago, Jedorian 2nd Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion 145th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, 51st Mechanized Infantry Division confirmed to reporters that after attempting to take a detour to avoid an accident on Jedorian Highway 72, his platoon's vehicles ended up outside of Ghish.

2nd Lt. Comănescu of the Platoon said that "This doesn't really make any sense…we took a left off that access road, which means we should be here,” he added, pointing to a location on his map. “But some how, we're in...Ghant. A completely different country." Indeed, and during their search for quality donuts (they were eventually pointed in the direction of Donuts and Bolts), many in Ghant and Jedoria both wondered how these people ended up in Ghant from Jedoria with no knowledge of the trip.

The answer is clear. Aliens did it. Extraterrestrials moved a platoon from Jedoria to the outskirts of Ghish in a flash. Yet…why would they do that? Because they want humanity to know that they are here, and that their power is that great. It won’t stop there, oh no. It won’t stop until after they have engineered a Great War that will result in a New World Order that serves their agenda.

The Alien Agenda

Clearly, the God Emperor of the Imperium is an alien. Think about it…

…Has anyone ever wondered why nobody has ever seen the God Emperor of the Imperium of Arbites Materia? Many people believe that he doesn’t exist…that he’s a made up construct of the Curia in order to give them a blank check to rule Arbites in his name. We know the truth though. The God Emperor of the Imperium of Arbites Materia is an alien. Not only is he an alien, but clearly a very powerful one at that.

That would explain why the Imperium is involved as a potential belligerent in a hypothetical Great War. The time has come for the alien agenda to realize its endgame of global domination so that it can enslave the human race to do it’s bidding, and rape the planet of its resources before leaving it a used up husk, not unlike an early thirties Uptown Ghish prostitute with a vagina resembling Stargate.

Everyone knows how fond the Edomites are of Christianity…it is a very profound aspect of their life. But what if…Jesus was an alien too? Wouldn’t that makes sense? Why else would the Jews want him dead, unless he was revealed to be a shape-shifting alien being hell-bent on furthering the alien agenda? What if all those Edomites out there are being duped by the aliens to serve their will? That would be the oldest trick in the alien book...make people serve the alien agenda without them even knowing they are doing it!

Why else would the Imperium and New Edom be such staunch, steadfast allies? Perhaps it is because they are playing for the same team…the alien team. Which of course begs the question…how does Ghant fit into this scheme? The answer is in the history of this great nation, with it’s rich history of shotgun weddings, breeding pits and pimping out for blue bloods that claim…they are descended from godlike beings. AKA…ALIENS!

What if the Edomites are serving the alien agenda
and don’t even know it?

Think about it. The Imperial Family, and all the other Royal Families and Noble Families claim descent from ancient, powerful beings, and they breed with each other in order to keep those bloodlines pure. They say there is power in a King’s blood…but what sort of power? Alien power! Is it too much of a stretch to imagine that the Emperor, Empress, and all of that lot are engineered to be agents in the alien agenda? That would certainly explain the marriage of Michael to Mara, and then Michael to Jocasta and Elijah to Mara.

Even a glorious nation such as the Allamunnic States, which champions democracy and worker's rights, still has monarchies in the various states. One has to wonder why Despot Stevan Grimmeburger just hasn't gotten rid of them altogether. The answer is simple...it's because he can't. He can't because the aliens won't let him...the monarchs are of alien stock and are agents of the alien agenda. Once quick look at history will tell you what happens to Allamunnic Despots who challenge alien authority. They all end up dead under mysterious circumstances and promptly replaced. It stands to reason then that Generalissimo Grimmeburger is a faithful pet of the alien overlords.

This conspiracy has been reported before in the media. The reaction as one might imagine was hush-hush though, and the arguments discredited by alien agents that have infiltrated every level of our society. Yeah, this shit goes deep, all the way back into antiquity…they’ve been at this for a long time.

The Endgame

The alien overlords will engineer a war in which no matter what happens, they will win. They will strengthen their influence over the world of men, freedoms will be steadily stripped away, and resources will be plundered. We are already seeing this happen in northern Ghant, where the aliens have begun sending agents to extract precious oil from the earth. The Jendebasa have been up in arms over this, because their ancient ancestors fought a war against aliens in order to expel them from Ghant, and have forseen their return.

A potential Great War could see New Edom, the Imperium, Ghant and the Shrai in a war against the likes of Jedoria, Deadora, Novitera, and possibly more. All of those nations, with the exception of Jedoria, are either ruled directly (such as Akai) or indirectly (such as Novitera) by aliens. So no matter who wins, the aliens win. This would mean that humanity loses…and humanity doesn’t even know it yet. Nice play, alien overlords!

The apocalypse, the end-times (cue the End Times Church, which openly professes worship of the Alien shape-shifter Jesus and the inevitable Alien Apocalypse), or whatever you want to call it, is upon us. And unless humanity wakes up to the one true enemy, it will be too late to save our species. It will be doomed to getting abducted and anally probed for the rest of time (which is what aliens already do to captives at Stonehaven).

Therefore in Conclusion…

The aliens have been amongst us for thousands of years, carefully orchestrating events that have impacted human history towards their desired outcome. World leaders are either aliens themselves, or their servants, be it knowing or unknowing. Their recipe for success consists of confusion, deception and division. Indeed, the human race divided is easier to subdue, defeat and ultimately control.

Most people can’t handle the truth. Rather than accept the possibility that the human race are mere guinea pigs to an advanced malicious alien species, they would rather bury their heads into the sand and cry nonsense. They won’t be crying nonsense when the aliens finally reveal themselves to humanity, after the latter has destroyed itself via a massive, world consuming Great War. By then it will be too late, and we all shall be, like any one of Emperor Nathan’s side bitches, Royally Fucked.

Stay classy, Alien Overlords, and remember- you just got Nibbled. As for humanity...

---

Because we know you have nothing better to do.

[The Demphorian Kingdoms]

---

Winsdor shocks nation by declaring he will not seek reelection
Door blasted right open for competitive Liberal Party primaries

---

Ormania, Demphor — On Wednesday, February 10, 2016, President John Winsdor stunned the nation with his surprise announcement that he would not seek re-election.

The announcement came at the end of this TV speech concerning a proposal for an increase in defense spending. "I shall not move to be renominated by my Party and I will not accept any nomination another term as your President," he said.

John Winsdor is the 4th Demphorian President and currently the oldest who has served in the office at the age of 70. He was a Major General of the Demphorian Army. He is responsible for overthrowing the Demphorian military junta during the Demphorian Civil War and for achieving several victories during the war. In 2015, he was selected as President of Demphor as part of the new government to launch a counter coup against the military junta that had overthrown the Demphorian Republic.

The announcement came not only as a shock for the nation, but for the Liberal Party, which had long assumed that the President would carry on as their Presidential nominee in the election later this year. Now, aides close to Liberal Party officials confirmed that the reactions of many officials and insiders were at first, shocked and then crestfallen as the President continued to explain his reasonings not to run.

National-Labour Party insiders, however, were reportedly ecstatic that the President was not running, confirming that they themselves feared that the popularity of the President would allow him to command a sweeping victory not only to the Presidency, but in the House and Senate as well. It looks especially well for Donald Kyran, who has already announced his candidacy and is the presumptive National-Labour Party nominee.

For the Liberals, there are multiple questions about what comes next, too. There have already been rumors that the Party might undergo a shake-up after Winsdor's announcements, with some officials stressing that there needs to be "a competitive primary process," for prospective candidates.

The next few weeks are not going to be the election the Liberal Party envisioned.

In Other News:
• Senator Christopher MacDonald (L) rumored to be eyeing Liberal nomination
• Governor Almira Eibhlín (L) congratulates President on 'excellent' service to the nation

[Jedoria]

Colonel General Alin Prodan confirms withdrawal of VIII Corps from southern border

The Capitol Report

---

Southern Command HQ - Following earlier reports of massive convoys of military vehicles carrying away equipment and armaments from Jedoria's southern border, Colonel General Alin Prodan, commanding officer of Southern Command, confirmed that the Jedorian Army was withdrawing it's presence from the border with New Edom, specifically VIII Corps, Jedoria's largest ground formation.

Composed of the 15th Mountain Division, the 74th Infantry Division, the 52nd Armored Division, the 51st Mechanized Infantry Division and the 40th Mechanized Infantry Division, VIII Corps formed the bulk of Jedoria's defensive network on the ground near the southern border, garrisoned in several forts throughout the province of Luxor. Earlier yesterday local news media reported on the sudden appearance of large convoys of military trucks and equipment on Highways 72 and 84, while nearby railroads were seen carrying main battle tanks and other tracked vehicles north. Local analysts quickly identified the vehicles as belonging to various armored and mechanized brigades of the aforementioned divisions.

In a scheduled press release, Colonel General Prodan confirmed that the Jedorian Army would conduct a complete withdrawal of VIII Corps from the province of Luxor, to be completed before the end of the year, although an exact time table was not released, with the Colonel General stating "exact details were still being worked out based on avaialble options." The Colonel General confirmed that heavy equipment, namely artillery, armored vehicles, and ammunition would be moved first since proper storage for such pieces could be made available in a relatively short amount of time, while personnel movements would take longer due to a lack of currently available facilities.

Prodan confirmed that the 15th Mountain Division will remain on scene the longest to assist in dismantling a number of Southern Command's radar arrays and SAM sites, namely older models and excess material. Once the 15th Mountain is withdrawn, border security will fall to the Department of Internal Security, ending over 40 years of military control of access to the border with New Edom. The Colonel General did not discuss the finer details of the operation nor the reasoning behind it, opting to call it "part of a reassessment of Jedorian strategic outlook".

Conflicting views have dominated the discussion across the nation as media analysts have all proposed varying views and opinions on the situation, but Colonel General Prodan re-affirmed that the withdrawal would proceed, hinting that VIII Corps would be restructured or possibly disbanded and it's subordinate units reassigned to other groups. With roughly 100,000 personnel, VIII Corps removal effectively guts Southern Command of it's primary ground force, the rest of southern command falling to Air Force and reserve units. There has been no official statement on what will happen to either of those two, but Prodan's statements indicated the Army will not be the only branch withdrawing from Southern Command, leading some to wonder what the future of Jedoria's southern defenses will be.

[The Demphorian Kingdoms]

---

Why a NCTO membership and presence is incredibly important for Demphor
And how it fulfills the policy of collective defense

---

Ormania, Demphor — Soon after the fall of the 2nd junta late last year and a conclusion to the Great Revolution, NCTO membership is now part key policy priority of the administration's decision-makers. In the past, Demphorians have lived in both security and prosperity. However, the Great Revolution that ended last year undermined that blissful feeling of safety and made many Demphorians wonder whether they are truly safe.

Although Demphorians are fairly receptive of being a member of NCTO, many Demphorians share the opinion that the fact of membership is not enough to ensure security. In one study conducted in January 2016, a month after the end of the Great Revolution, 74 percent of respondents expressed a desire for a NCTO military presence in the country. Despite the guarantee of mutual security, provided in the NCTO treaty, a recent DBC study showed that 70 per cent of Demphorians perceive Akai as a threat to Demphorian security. Surprisingly New Edom, a country which has been perceived as received warmly to Demphor, is perceived as a major military threat to by 29% of those polled.

New Edom's recent interference in the internal affairs of neighboring states is a worrying development for Demphor as a country that was recently in the depths of Civil War, which severely depleted it's ability to defend itself. There is no doubt that Demphorian foreign policy has its foundations largely based on historical experience and it will take a lot of time to change it. A fear of neighbors is an obvious component. To the Demphorians, NCTO is a key pillar of its national security and seen almost as important as the DDF. Any sign that NCTO would hesitate in its protection of Demphor provides for a sense of defenseless.

Demphorians have a general sense of security, but still are not fully comfortable in the current geopolitical environment. Demphorian President John Winsdor said in December 2015 that “Collective defense is the only way Demphor can ensure it's political independence in the next decade.” There are certain reasons as to why many Demphorians share this opinion. One thing is for certain, Demphorians need and require larger protection, and the government is doing everything it can to ensure that.

In Other News:
• Senator Christopher MacDonald (L) appears to be preparing to run for President
• Kyran blasts Winsdor: "Cornellian Trade Organization membership will destroy the economy."

[Republica De Gran Chaco]

[box]

El Tiempo

Chaco's Finest News Source

---

Wititi Fiesta Will Take Place

The Government has announced that the Wititi Fiesta will be happening this year. The announcement came from a press conference given by the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Mariela Chayña Picha, to address the rumors that the Quechua Fiesta would be cancelled this year. The speculation that the fiesta would be called off was due to recent Quechua separatist attacks on local farms and police patrols. It was feared that the fiesta might be the target of violence by terrorists, and with the army now mostly deployed in Ashab some say that holding the fiesta is too great of a risk.

In the press conference Secretary Chayña Picha countered these claims stating that “The Wititi Fiesta is needed now more than ever. It is a way to celebrate the culture of Chaco not just for our indigenous population but for Chacanos everywhere. It is important especially in this time of war to remember what we are fighting to secure. The Head of the National Police has assured me that there will be an increased police presence including units from the Military Police to help insure that the fiesta will be a safe and secure event.” Police units will be sent from all over the region to assist with the crowds. A spokesman told El Tiempo that K9 specialists from the National Police Headquarters in Yanque will be sent to help detect any possible explosives.

The Fiesta will take place in the main plaza in downtown Chivay during the third week of this month as it does every year. Quechua teams will come from towns and villages all over southern Chaco to compete in the baseball stadium, and to take part in the general celebrations in the plaza and the surrounding area. It is recommended that is you and your family plan to attend that you book well in advance, as the hotels are sold out several weeks ahead of the festival.

[Aviaire]

L'étoile Aviaire | The Aviaire Star

15 February 2016 English | Aviais | Latin

Legislature Passes Privatization Bill
by Fransik Lansing and Aaron Dalcus



The National Assembly of Aviaire today passed a highly controversial legislation over the privatization of government ministries today. The bill puts control of the nation's National Postal Service (NPS) into the control of the private sector. The legislation was largely supported by the Aviarian National Party who has put forward several economic proposals including the auction of public property to private interests, create private run prisons, social welfare cuts, and defense spending reductions following the end of Aviaire's draft in June 2014. The National Party which achieved a majority government with 266 of the country's 500 seats saw the rise of conservative firebrand Roland Guizot who previously criticized the Federalist Republicans for its handling of the fiscal crisis in 2005. His policies have so far cut hundreds of public sector jobs, several of whom who were hired by companies who subsequently subsumed the role the previous ministries conducted in a business-like manner.

Although the opposition had strongly opposed the process of liberalization and selling of government property, Guizot argued that the bills were necessary to balance the budget, curb excess government expenditures in order to cut down on the government's substantial financial debt of roughly 1 Trillion Aviarian Galos. Federal Republican politician and Deputy from Rostavn Marcus Dalca said that "The problems of the [National] Party will under get worse as they sell out our country to private and foreign interests rather than upholding the rights and well-being of the people of Aviaire." The National Party had asserted that the Federal Republicans were simply out of touch with reality and that their cuts on government expenditure would not only reduce the tax burden so citizens could keep more money to spend, but also that the private sector would perform far more efficiently and profitably rather than under government control.


These protesters decry the 'selling out' of Aviaire to private interests.

Furthermore, Guizot stated that "private businesses, of course, are compelled to uphold the highest standard of services to the people of our great country. Competition, not monopoly will allow for the best services available at affordable prices." However, critics noted that the prices for those who wish to use private companies in more rural areas of Aviaire, over 40% of the country will be far more expensive compared to the flat rate the government provided previously, leading to the costly deficit of the National Postal Service (NPS) over the decades. The public debate over the continued reduction of governmental responsibilities over services to the public has long been debated. However, Guizot has been pushing the National Party forward in quickly passing through legislation under his administration to the chagrin of the other parties in the National Assembly. The day of the bill's passage that effectively abolished the NPS has met with hundreds of protesters outside the legislature and was being monitored closely by riot police officers. So far, the protest has been largely peaceful.


So far, King Varro has remained silent on the issue has not used his veto to delay the passage of the law and cause a re-vote on the matter. Some speculation his majesty was not pleased, but he has not made official comments regarding the matter. According to reports in the Royal Palace, it was rumored the King planned to make a state visit but it isn't clear where he intends to travel as of now.

--

Political Cartoon regarding Privatization by a foreign artist.

[Late Roman Empire]

Chalcedon Gazette,
Aulus Hirtuleius

The Master of Offices, Count Servius Ahenobarbus, today announced that Decidius Plancus, the Special Trade Liaison to Deadora, has been formally appointed by the Divine Augustus as the first official Legate to the Feminist Empire since 2011. He has also been named consul for the year 2017 in tandem with Count Justus Florianus, the new Legate to the CPO Peace Council. This year's consuls, of course, are Count Eusebius Marcellinus and Count Statius Gallienus, now Legates to New Edom and the Shrailleeni Empire respectively. The consuls for 2018 have also been announced: Count Servius Ahenobarbus, Master of Offices, and Count Rufinus Arcadius, Master of Soldiers.

In other news, Fulvius Balbo has been appointed once more as Legate to Tor and the eunuch Laurentius has been officially designated Legate to Gloria Regis. Severa Majora has been appointed Legate to Arragara. In other news, Valentina Longina has been chosen as the first ever female Legate to Adiron.

No comment was offered by the Master of Offices on some of these appointments, but some of these are noteworthy, particularly the selection of a new Legate in Bryn Tegna, nearly 5 years after the last legation was closed by the Emperor Sextus Macrinus Felix in April of 2011. Also notable was that, as yet, no Legate has been named to Urdnotia to replace the last one.

UPDATE: a new codicil has been issued today to the Edict of Sanctions, suspending the tariff hikes against the Imperium of Arbites Materia for a period of one year, subject to the conduct of FODE in future trade relations.

[Aviaire]

20 February 2016 English | Aviais | Latin

The King announces a conference and ball
by Aaron Dalcus



Today King Varro made an announcement through Chancellor Roman Cavaignac declaring a ball and festival at the Royal Palace in Laussat. According to our sources, silent King Varro had sent invitations to several heads of state across the region including several royal families and monarchs. It is so far rather secretive and there are few details that are offered by the crown thus far. The Nationality Assembly voiced its concerns regarding this as they had recently had a spat with the crown earlier this week. Following the privatization of the National Postal Service (NPS), the National Assembly attempted to pass legislation to allow them to sell 'unused' land owned by the crown and House Maltres.

This sparked an uproar from supporters of the king and the opposition to feels the National Party, who controls a slight majority in the assembly, has overstepped its bounds and is abusing its majority to forcefully without consultation with other factions. A brief brawl broke out between several deputies as a result. The National Party's efforts at cutting government expenditure has led it to face serious opposition from several political parties, lobbyists, and activists who largely feel that First Minister Roland Guizot is going beyond his mandate. A few MPs of the National Party spoke on condition of anonymity that they would prefer not to cause a flashpoint with the King and show some concern that Guizot is going too far. Already the legislature in the National Assembly have engaged in a fierce war of words, where many in opposition parties wish to hold new elections and claim the public is fed up with the National Party's activities.


In other news:

Photographs were taken allegedly of King Varro of an unannounced visit to nearby Ghant. However, it is uncertain whether it can be verified or whether the King had visited the country on a state visit or merely a vacation in the city of Dakar. Journalists so far can only speculate that...

[Rounwall]

21st of February, 2016| The Security Observation Act


With increased trade with the outside world and controlled and moderated access of foreign companies into Rounwallian markets, Rounwall's economic stability begins to steadily rise to more acceptable levels as the common citizen seems to be earning more from a healthier economy. However with continued exposure from outside influences, as well as an increase in importation of more affordable automobiles, travel becomes much more common, as does the spreading of differing ideas, particularly. This creates a noticeable increase in the populace actively identifying with political parties such as the Phoblanints, creating concern in the ruling Riamiloira regime. To curb public gatherings of opposing political forces, as well as to heighten public security and control over the population, Minster of Justice, Maurine O'Tanwik, with the approval of King Vincent III, has passed the Security Observation Act, which allows the government to place security cameras in public locations; both outside and inside. Given that these cameras are now being installed within public meeting halls, these locations begin becoming unpopular locations for political gatherings that are in opposition to the Riamiloira. Despite that the public reasoning for this act is to curb power abuse by the police, especially among younger officers, it doesn't appear that police departments have increased disciplinary actions against their officers. It has made a noticeable change in meeting schedules to opposing political parties however, many of which seem to have moved to poorer areas where towns cannot afford to place cameras for their meeting places to avoid the ever watchful eye of the government.

However this causes another issue of opposition leaders winding up dead or simply going "Missing" a few weeks after surveillance cameras are installed. Official police records state that these people have simply wandered off into the wrong neighborhoods and assaulted by local thugs, and that many people should be careful not to wander off into the woods for meetings due to the high brown bear population issue the country seems to be facing. While people being killed by bears in the woods seems much more believable, many citizens of Rounwall seem skeptical about "Thugs" murdering political leaders, especially due to the fact that Rounwall is relatively well known for having a low crime rate due to large and well funded police force it has leading many to accuse the police of actively killing these politicians.

This naturally leads to an increase in unrest amongst the people, especially those belonging to other political parties, who were loyal to these leaders. Within a matter of days large crowds begin to gather in major Rounwallian cities, such as the capital of Forlannus, in protest of the brutality of the police as well as the Security Observation Act itself. Government Officials already begin defending the act, stating that the system itself is not at fault, but the people wandering into "Dangerous locations", asking what these people have to fear from the government if they are not arranging treacherous meetings in the first place. The city of Forlannus is quickly closed off from further civilian travel as the large influx of protesters has caused a great deal of chaos within the city, small riots springing up all over the city that has forced the police into action, leading waves of arrests against protesters and rioters alike, which quickly begins spiraling out of control into larger and larger riots.

[Hittanryan]

Reyes Resigns, FODE Talks to Resume

(A middle-aged news anchor in a suit, Mark Townsend, is seated before a window of the nighttime Puerto Rojas skyline. He has just concluded a preceding news segment on the Palisades, and transitions to the latest as the headline changes)

As tensions with the Imperium mount in Arcologia, an unexpected development in FODE may bring relief to millions of Adirans. Secretary General Benjamin Reyes of the Imperium has announced his resignation. Senior correspondent Jack Lim reports.

(Cut to Jack Lim, a somewhat stocky Han man in a suit, standing outside the Puerto Rojas stock exchange. He begins speaking to the camera)

"It's been six months since the oil embargo began, starting with a breakdown in talks with FODE over standing Adiran embargoes on Imperial and Urdnot petroleum imports. Initially, Adiran distributors had been able to buy directly from suppliers while the government attempted to negotiate in what was supposed to be a temporary arrangement. That's when FODE Secretary General Reyes announced that the organization would no longer compromise on the matter, and Adiran companies would have to do business with all of FODE, including the Imperium, or none at all."

"Ever since then, Adiron has been faced with a full-blown energy crisis. For six months Adirans have been adjusting to high prices and shortages however they can. The embargo has had widespread impacts throughout the Adiran economy, but Reyes' resignation may represent the light at the end of the tunnel."

(Lim's narration continues as stock footage of a rural Westfeld town is seen. A man in a baseball hat is at a gas pump refueling a pickup truck)

The most direct impact of the oil crisis is at the pump, and rural areas are hardest hit. With limited public transit options and farther distances to cover, rural Adirans on average drive several times as many kilometers per day as those who live in cities. With gas prices climbing to nearly $4 a liter in some areas, it quickly becomes a serious strain as residents of Greenpool, Westfeld will attest.

(Cut to the man in the baseball hat speaking, not looking at the camera)

"I'm in construction, I use my truck for work. I can't trade it in even though this thing gets lousy mileage," the man says bitterly. "So thanks, Mr. Reyes, for literally putting me over a barrel and..."

(The man is cut off as the scene switches to stock footage of a city street. Lim's narration resumes)

Urban areas have tended to fare better but face different challenges. Many drivers have switched to public transportation, avoiding some of the negative economic impacts at the cost of straining mass transit systems nationwide.

(Cut to a shot of an older Han woman on the subway)

"The subway's so crowded now, I was actually surprised. I didn't think anybody who lives here drives in the city, I don't," she says in Mandarin to Lim, with subtitles. "There are delays, there's no place to sit, we're all packed in like sardines."

(Stock footage of crowded subway)

Part of the problem is that bus lines which don't use electric or other renewable fuels have been affected by the energy crisis by now as well, shifting even more passengers over to rail travel. Others have started making their own way.

(Cut to a shot of a biker in a business suit in an urban setting)

"I'd actually been thinking about biking to work for a while. It's doable but I was across town, so I always debated it. Guess the oil crisis finally made up my mind for me," he explains. "I'm actually happy about switching. Getting more exercise this way, and if there's fewer cars on the road the air quality will be better."

(Cut to a new, sleek-looking car driving by, strangely quiet.)

Those who can afford it have switched vehicles. Statistics from the Department of Transportation and Department of the Environment show that over two hundred and fifty thousand vehicles were exchanged for more fuel-efficient models under the ESS' Efficiency Assistance Rebate (EAR) program, nearly three times that of the preceding two quarters.

(There are shots of car dealerships, a few graphics spelling out the statistics, and a bit more stock footage of renewable car models from trade shows and on the road)

Sixty percent of the trade-ins were simply for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. Twenty five percent, over sixty two thousand vehicles, were hybrids. The remaining sales were all green, representing the largest surge for alternative fuel vehicles since the passage of the ESS despite the relatively limited infrastructure to support them. Eight percent of the EAR sales were electric vehicles and the remaining seven percent were various biofuel-powered cars.

(Stock footage of a grocery store)

Even Adirans who don't drive, however, can't fully escape the influence of oil prices. Even as they pay more at the pump, the prices of foodstuffs and consumer goods also rise with higher shipping costs. As consumer demand has dropped off, Adiron has officially entered a recession.

(Cut to stock footage of an airport tarmac with planes taxiing past)

Air fares have skyrocketed due to increased fuel costs. Adiran International Airways' quarterly reports indicated that ticket sales are down nearly a third compared to this time last year, with their stock falling ten points in the past six months. The airline has responded by cutting flights, especially to low-volume smaller airports.

(Cut to a shot of the Spire Resort Village, there seems to be relatively few people, with retail workers standing outside looking bored as they wait for people to show up)

With fewer Adirans traveling, resorts around the country have officially missed the Fall Equinox season, and there are fears that they will miss the Winter Solstice as well. Resorts are offering major discounts across the board just in the hopes of attracting tourists.

(Cut to a shot of an attractive brunette in a soft ski hat wearing a vest with the Spire logo)

"Well we hope if the oil crisis is really over that we'll see everybody up here this winter!" she says with perhaps just a bit of forced enthusiasm.

(Cut back to Lim himself in Puerto Rojas)

"The Secretary of Commerce and a spokesman from the State Department have made statements indicating they have already attempted to reach FODE to reopen talks now that Reyes has resigned," he explains. "The organization's leadership is still in the process of being rotated to the Deadorans, and given the recent tensions in the Gulf a smooth transition of leadership is not guaranteed. However, it is reason enough for Adirans reeling from fuel price shocks to have hope. Jack Lim, ANBC News."

(End of segment)

[Free Garza]

The Royal Register,
Oscar Maldonado

A proposed bill in the Cortes to revoke recognition of Gloria Regis and impose economic sanctions was defeated in the Senate today, with a floor vote of 56-44 against it in the upper house of the Cortes. A similar bill was defeated Saturday by a vote of 188-112 in the People's Assembly. A compromise measure proposed by the Premier to censure the Feminist Collective Party as well as the opposition parties for their "undemocratic and illiberal tactics" and call for a repeal of recent "discriminatory and oppressive legislation" was approved 284-16 in the People's Assembly this morning and swiftly won passage in the Senate 96-4.

Sources close to the Crown indicate strong disagreement between His Catholic Majesty and His Catholic Majesty's Government over the issue of Gloria Regis. King Diego IV was known to have been dismayed at the recognition of Gloria Regis in the first place and apparently advised former Premier Marco Roman to use budgetary delays in order not to implement the recognition law until New Edom had already recognized Gloria Regis as a sovereign nation, so as not to endanger the alliance with New Edom. The King's sympathies are widely regarded as pro-Edomite and anti-Glorian, and recent measures have resulted in anti-Feminist comments by key royalists and members of the Royal House of Valdez, including HRH Princess Dora (who signed the recognition bill while acting as Regent) and former Foreign Minister Dr. Armando Sanjuro.

The King himself, however, has declined to comment other than to say that, "I have already done my constitutional duty as King to advise my government. They are free to accept or decline to follow said counsel and I will not publicly praise or condemn their actions in response to such decisions and policies. A constitutional monarch must neither commend nor scold the duly appointed government established in his name. A constitutional monarch must not publicly debate or advocate laws, policies, or any other partisan political issue. The Premier is the head of government and the cabinet that she heads must have freedom of action to establish its own foreign policy, though as King I will gladly carry out my duty to advise her and the government which she heads, albeit in private."

Ambassador Carlita Ruiz, speaking in a comment left on social media, stated only that, "I strongly disagree with the use of sanctions as a measure intended to pressure the democratically elected government of Gloria Regis. However, I also strongly disapprove of the oppressive laws enacted by the legislature and the unjust policies imposed by the executive, as well as the extra-judicial seizures of private property. Speaking as a former sex worker, I will add that few things make the problems and abuses in the sex industry worse than banning it and driving it underground. Despite what the government in Gloria Regis might persuade itself, it protects no one by this and only punishes people for exercising their autonomy over their own bodies. Legal sex industries can be regulated and taxed, even unionized. Illegal ones become the domain of pimps and madams, as well as grindhouse producers and directors, which was how I was abused and mistreated by being forced to work in such a trade as a virtual prisoner and slave for a time."

[Exalted Draconia]

Draconeum Rhetor,
Antisthenes Sarkis

In what might have been a bureaucratic snafu, or else a quiet reform of sorts, the prerequisites for electors in the local elections throughout Exalted Draconia have been published, pending National Standard Elections Day, which is 7 March, 2016, and they failed to stipulate as in the past that only men need register for compulsory voting. Yes, let me reiterate that. Due to the lack of any clear statement to the contrary, women in Exalted Draconia, who have never cast a single ballot in their lifetimes, are now not only permitted, but required to vote! Failure to do so will result in a ten-drachma fine, which women can afford even less than men (who have been subject to similar fines since 2013, when the first local elections were authorized).

While it remains true that there is no national legislature (as of yet), these local elections have been an introductory level of democracy restored after more than a century of municipal governments chosen entirely by the national government. Registration has already been begun, and so far, local clerks have surprisingly made no fuss about female citizens who have shown up to register. Among these was Talia Mavros, one of the wives of Dr. Xander Mavros, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who already made history as the first female cadet ever accepted by the National Police Academy.

"What is even more shocking is not only the ease and aplomb with which these female registrations were met by local officers of the State, but also the fact that, due to the fact there has never been an official distinction between qualifications for voting and those for holding local, civilian office, women could be permitted in the future to stand as actual candidates for city councils and even mayors!" said electoral analyst Dr. Antinuous Papadakis of the National Democracy Initiative.

It remains to be seen if such loopholes will be remedied or whether they were even accidents at all. After all, the presence of an Adiran naval air station on Draconian soil since 2012 under a special base agreement signed that year has resulted in considerable Adiran impact on our national culture, and one could argue, on the councils of government themselves. Witness the fact that our head of state now calls himself President and we now have a civilian as Foreign Minister, plus the opening of the National Police Academy to women, as well as the drive for local elections and the recent push for environmental protection and conservation. Suffice it to say that this "accidental clerical error" might not have been so innocent after all.

[Late Roman Empire]

Chalcedon Gazette,
Appius Curtius

With a further dismissal due to lack of evidence, and thus the number of accused smugglers of feminist literature for this round of the trial reduced from the original 20 to now 15, the jury of 7 men and 5 women has been empaneled by the local magistrate, Annia Severa, to hear the cases offered by the defense counsel and state prosecutor Lucius Marinus. This jury will try all 15 of the accused, but has been instructed to consider the merits and burden of proof against each of them, and only convict those for whom there is no reasonable doubt of their guilt. The accused must have "the presumption of innocence under the rule of law, which provides for due process in the prosecution of all tried for crimes against the State."

The remaining 68 have yet to be arraigned, but are expected to be so either tomorrow or Friday of this week, while the prosecutor and defense advocates will present their opening arguments in court today against and for the accused, respectively. Both the defendant who saw her case dismissed today and the ones who had them dismissed last Monday were immediately released from state custody and now are once more freely walking among the general public.

This, amidst the frankly absurdist level of hype about the supposed persecution and harassment of feminists in the Empire, largely stoked by agitators in countries like Gloria Regis, further proof that justice is truly blind here on Roman soil. I defy you to find a level of due process more sophisticated and more just than what we have here in Rome. You certainly don't see property seized without trial and either sex denied the right to vote or hold public office here in the Empire, but you do in Gloria Regis. That in itself speaks volumes about who is free and who is not in this region.

In other news, the Augustus has issued the Edict of Revised Protocols on Marriage, which has stipulated that no marriage may be entered prior to the age of 15, and none without the "free consent" of both bridegroom and bride. This has thus outlawed forced marriage in the Empire.

[New Edom]

New Edomite National News Report

Opening bars of Pictures at an Exhibition play as a globe spins with pins popping up on various points of the world. Split screen images of natural disasters, celebrations, military actions, elections, royal ceremonies, celebrity events are showin, occasionally with New Edomite news anchors talking about them, and then fades to a news desk.

A raven haired woman with olive skin, dark brown eyes with a rosebud mouth, a slim nose and a statuesque figure sat behind a news desk with the New Edomite flag imposed over a silhouette map of the Allied States of New Edom behind her. “Good evening,” she said, looking up with a smile. It was clear that above the waist at least she wore nothing but a gold cross on a chain, though her image was pixelated for those nations censoring such an appearance. “I’m Lavinia Tuller, and this is a NENN Evening News."

“Police in Republican Ashab opened fire on a crowd of pro-Council Christian protesters in the city of Temethis in a shocking display of brutality today according to footage from the scene...

The tearing sound of automatic rifle fire is heard; screaming crowds falling back in confusion before clouds of grey smoke, people falling to the ground. Truncheons make sickening smacks as they hit human bodies.

"Apparently Chief Constable Ishak warned the crowd to disperse lest 'harsh measures' be taken. And apparently they were. Here we see a priest, killed by the Temethis Police.

The image of a man in priest's clothes whose head lolls, clearly dead, unnaturally loose, but still handcuffed. The body is dragged like a doll by a police officer in riot gear. A glimpse of a triumphant grin is seen. Police shove hoods onto captured protesters. Screams and shouts are heard.

It is not known why such harsh measures had to be taken. However according to an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs it is a disturbing example of what are believed to be anti-Christian sentiments by Republican leaders in Ashab.

"You cannot deny that there is a growing sense of hostility towards Christians in this Region," says Dr. Marius Campion, leader of the National Wisdom Party. "I intend to speak with the Foreign Minister about urging an investigation of this tragic event and finding out the truth of what happened there. I hope that the Ashab government has a very good explanation. teh murder of a priest!"

“We will be back after these messages, and a look more closely at the situation in Ashab, and the about to begin mediation talks in Ghish. There is as yet no sign of peacekeepers in Ashab and so all depends for now on the good will of the negotiating belligerent governments which agreed to have a cease fire. And now a message from our sponsors. Remember that after a hard grueling day nothing says relaxation like an Ikram's Quality Cigarette."

[Republica De Gran Chaco]

El Tiempo

Chaco's Finest News Source

---

Quechuas Rebel!

Over 200 Murdered Including Dozens at Wititi Fiesta!

Reports have been received that dozens of towns and villages have been attacked and seized across rural Colca County and Eastern Arequipa county today by a separatist terrorist organization styling themselves the “Quechua Revolutionary Movement” or QRM. The group has even launched a major terror attack on the crowded Wititi Fiesta in Chivay. According our source at the National Police, city officials and police officers were executed in the captured towns and whites were rounded up and imprisoned. Right now it is not known what the QRM intentions are towards their prisoners.

We have also been told that the attack on the Wititi Fiesta started with what a spokesman from the Chivay Police Department has called a “Feint Attack” at the stadium in order to draw police forces away from the Plaza. The Plaza was subsequently bombed and attacked by masked gunmen who killed police officers and distributed propaganda flyers declaring their independence. Police in Chivay were able to kill or capture what they believe to be all of the terrorists who attacked the Fiesta. Additional security and medical services are being sent to the city in order to ensure security and to help the overwhelmed hospital staff.

These attacks signal the worst racial violence in over a century. In a statement made earlier today, Minister of Indigenous Affairs Mariela Chayña Picha, said that, “it is believed that this organization is supported by a minority of Quechua people” and that “most Quechuas just want peace.”

A curfew has been set for the entirety of Colca County, and the Ministry of Defense announced that military units from Southern Command would be deployed to put down the rebellion. Elements of the army’s elite Chaco Light Infantry have purportedly been deployed via airdrop already.

The estimated casualties for the attacks is 203 dead and 117 wounded. Prime Minister Trujillo has announced a national day of prayer tomorrow for the victims and their families. Not much else is known, but we will report any new developments.

[Hittanryan]

Exclusive: DeGroot and Ehrenfeld on War

(An animated graphic of the ANBC logo comes into view before cutting to a sleek modern set. A middle-aged news anchor in a suit is seen straightening some papers. Cut to the news anchor, who is seated before a window of the nighttime Puerto Rojas skyline)

"Good evening, I'm Mark Townsend. Our top story tonight, 48 hours into the fighting in Arcologia and Adiron is on edge as the specter of war with the Imperium looms large. Announcements in the CPO have alluded to direct clashes between Adiran and Imperial forces in the Palisades, and the nation is left wondering if it has passed the point of no return. Tonight, an ANBC exclusive interview with President DeGroot and newly-elected Chancellor Ehrenfeld on the growing conflict and regional tensions."

(Cut to the interview footage. They are seated in the Ridgeway Room, comfortable but not overly ostentatious, looking like an old sort of office. The walls were light with some raised paneling, with a few warm light fixtures on the walls. There were hardwood floors with a large, rather lush area rug covering the center of the room. The room even had a modest fireplace, and above the mantle was a portrait of President Ridgeway. Three comfortable-looking upholstered pressback chairs and a table were arranged in front of the fireplace, with a glimpse of Ridgeway’s portrait visible in some shots. The camera flips back and forth between Olsen and the interviewees depending on who is speaking)

“Mr. President, Chancellor, thank you for meeting with us tonight on such short notice and with so much going on,” Chris opens.

“Of course,” DeGroot says briefly with a somewhat tired but genuine smile.

“My- our- pleasure,” Ehrenfeld replies with a casual and warm smiling. She crosses her legs, resting her hands on her lap.

“My first question is addressed to Chancellor Ehrenfeld,” Chris said, looking at her directly. “Many Adirans remember Chancellor Adenauer’s leadership during the last war and the close relationship she fostered between Altinum and Adiron. For the benefit of those who may not have followed the Altian elections very closely, could you tell us a bit about your foreign policy platform? Especially with respect to the recent events here in Ceti?”

“As things stand, my platform and policies are not going to be deviating much from the ones we experienced under Chancellor Adenauer, and before that under Chancellor Marceau. Since Marceau’s terms, we’ve been experienced fluctuating but overall sustained growth in both imports and exports, and economic integration outside of Altinum,” Ehrenfeld begins.

“In regards to our foreign policy regarding Ceti, my administration is aiming to not repeat the past and be caught off guard by any Imperial aggression, whether it amounts to conflict or not, and in that regard we have taken a much more aggressive and militarised posture compared to before.”

“Which brings me to my next question for the President,” Chris continues. “Yesterday, Adiran troops were deployed to the Palisades to support the North Arcologian Confederation against the Imperial invasion.The Imperium has given no indication of backing down over the Palisades and in fact stated that interference would be treated as an act of war. ”

“A few hours later, your government indicated in the CPO that Adiran and Imperial forces had in fact engaged each other in Arcologia, contesting one of the Palisades’ key mountain passes on the Line of Control. All of Cornellia is on edge right now due to the uncertainty posed by one question: are we going to war?”

DeGroot’s expression remains unchanged, simply pausing for a moment. “It is true that Adiran ground and air forces have been engaged by the Imperium in the Palisades. Our forces were forced to act in self-defense and in the defense of our Confederate allies.”

“Does that mean war is more or less inevitable?” Chris presses.

“I couldn’t possibly comment on the inevitability of war. Fighting in Arcologia limited to the Palisades area, that is likely. If the fighting remains of that scope, however, then it is largely a simple territorial dispute and there is a greater chance that some kind of compromise can be reached through the CPO,” DeGroot explains.

Chris seems to wait for the other shoe to drop. DeGroot wasn’t going to say anything he didn’t have to, though. “...and if it doesn’t?” Chris prompts.

DeGroot sits up straight and looks Chris in the eye. “I’ll be honest, a war in the Palisades without international arbitration of some kind has the potential to escalate. Adiron will not commit to a general war, with resumption of hostilities along the border, unless there is no diplomatic alternative. We have in fact been in constant contact with the Imperial embassy even as the fighting broke out. If there is a declaration of war, it will be the Imperium which makes the first move,” DeGroot says gravely.

“Imperial state media claims it was us who already made the first move. They say the Confederates attacked the Union and that we backed them. Your government has been quiet on the matter so far,” Chris points out.

“Yes, we have, so let’s clear some things up,” DeGroot says, steepling his fingers. “First: Confederate forces have been under attack by the Imperium for weeks. Imperial air and artillery power enabled Union forces to mount a major offensive west of the Line of Control in Confederate territory which until yesterday was successful. When we contacted the Imperium about this, we were met with blanket denials and refusals to discuss the matter. Yesterday, with Imperial forces having nearly reached the Calaveras border, the Confederates launched a counteroffensive which retook the territory that was seized. No Confederate units took territory east of the Line.”

“Did your government support them?” Chris asks.

“We’ve been supporting the Confederation for years in an advisory role. Most of this has been geared towards development and establishing good governance. We did send military advisors to assist in training and planning of a general nature, and provided some broad material support over the years as well. That’s a far cry from the military intervention that the Imperium has staged for several weeks now.”

“But if your government was supporting the Confederates and knew what was going to happen, couldn’t the Imperium interpret that as a provocation or even of waging war by proxy?”

“That’s more or less what their embassy said,” DeGroot said, a rueful smile briefly appearing and disappearing. “Look, if that’s the case then the Imperium is essentially claiming that self-defense is provocative. I don’t think they actually believe that, but the Palisades are important to their strategic goals and they are working hard to establish a justifiable pretext for their invasion.”

“The Cornellian Peace Organization has attempted to mediate the crisis in the Palisades. Have events unfolded faster than the CPO was prepared to react?”

“I don’t think it’s too late for a negotiated settlement, if that’s what you’re asking. A number of requests have been made of Adiron by other member states before committing to action. My government agreed, since we don’t expect to be held to a different standard to others.”

“Which requests?”

“The major issue was the independent verification of our intelligence, given the seriousness of our claims against the Imperium. We have full confidence that our intelligence will stand up to scrutiny, and when it does it will convince the international community that our concerns are valid and that an Imperial presence in the western Palisades is a threat to Adiran national security.”

“But what if the conflict escalates before that process can be completed?” Chris asked.

“All I can promise is that it won’t be Adiron that escalates,” DeGroot replied. “We are members of the CPO, and that means we will follow all necessary procedures and reply to requests by fellow members in good faith.”

“The crisis in the Palisades seems to have also led to regional tensions flaring up in other parts of the region. Numerous nations in the CPO have condemned the Imperium, leading to controversy surrounding those nations’ neutrality in the mediation process. Deadora is moving to blockade Krutongo, while foreign interventions in the ongoing Ashabi Civil War have pitted New Edom against Jedoria and Gran Chaco. What is Adiron and Altinum planning to do about this?”

“In Ashab the Republicans and Council have agreed to a ceasefire and CPO meditation,” DeGroot says, leaning forward, taking a sip of water. “Our government, represented by Ambassador Gordon Friedman, will be one of the three chief mediators at the mediation talks in Ghish. Prior to this, we have been in contact with the Edomites and Jedorians over Ashab for some time. Both were ultimately in favor of conducting comprehensive investigations into the alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, though they disagreed on the best means of carrying them out.”

“As for Deadora, their main demand was the resignation of FODE Secretary-General Reyes, which has since been fulfilled and gives us hope of restarting talks with FODE. We hope that a general war in South Acheron is avoided. Such a conflict would result in not only untold loss of life but also massive disruptions in international trade that would threaten the entire regional economy,” DeGroot says.

(End of interview)

[Ashab]

Ashabi News Network

A camera zooms in on a grey haired man wearing a suit. The backdrop shows the Tarnum skyline at night.

"Following the ceasefire agreed to by President Anjideen and the Theology Council, a riot erupted in Temethis. Unruly citizens took to setting up roadblocks, looting local stores, setting fires and causing widespread destruction."

Footage of rioters are shown smashing store windows and making bonfires in the streets.

"Mayor of Temethis Ramzi Akram, now liberated from Council rule by the Chacano forces that have seized Temethis has confirmed that the forming mobs were en route towards the Intaki district of the city. Fearing a pogrom, Akram sent the Temethis Constabulary to disperse the dangerous mob." Said the anchor.

The scene skips to President Anjideen behind a podium at the Republican Statehouse.

"My government does not yet know the exact details of what happened in Temethis but it is clear to me that the riots had to be quelled. Disorder and destruction of this scale to private property cannot be tolerated. There was also the threat the rioters posed towards Intaki inhabitants. I thank the Republic of Chaco and their troops on the ground that supported the Temethis Constabulary and are now bringing order back to Temethis. We have the opportunity to rebuild Ashab now that the war is over. It is important that citizens do not take steps backward." Addressed President Anjideen.

The view returns to the anchor.

"Mayor Akram has confirmed that rioters were given a chance to disperse following pleas from Chief Constable Ishak of the Temethis Constabulary. Upon refusal, the Constabulary had to use force to disperse the crowd. Several ringleaders and instigators of the riot were injured and arrested. They are now in custody and receiving medical treatment."

[The Demphorian Kingdoms]

---

Almira Eibhlín is running for President
Liberal primaries are now an absolute

---

Konflania, Demphor — The Liberal Konflania Governor kicked off her candidacy outside the Konflania Provincial Capitol on Thursday. She declared her candidacy is part of a promise to protect the legacy of President Winsdor and to expand it, and to thwart what she saw was a move to pull her Party to the right.

Eibhlín will seek the
Liberal nomination.

"Our job is not to redefine our party, it is to expand on the ideals it stands for," she said. Eibhlín first announced her run in an email to supporters and media sent just after midnight early Saturday morning.

Governor Eibhlín is seen as an unlikely candidate for the Liberal nomination, primarily because she has only been a registered member of the party for 6 months, was originally a member of the Social Democratic Party (National-Labour's predecessor), and has in the past criticized centrists as "people pleasers with no policy". These are seen as dangerous words for a candidate running in a center-left party.

Yet many of her views fit with the Liberal's left, a constituency in which Eibhlín has found will be instrumental in mobilizing for the primaries. Eibhlín and her top advisers hope that group of voters will propel her candidacy. Though Senator Christopher MacDonald, who announced his candidacy last week, is the dominant frontrunner, many in the left wing of the Liberal Party think he's too right-wing and are clamoring for a different candidate to support.

For their part, the National Committee of Liberals offered a measured welcome of Eibhlín to the 2016 race on Saturday.

In Other News:
• Senator Christopher MacDonald (L) declares his candidacy.
• Governor Almira Eibhlín (L) hits National Labour in opening campaign speech, not MacDonald.

[North Rietumimark]

The Dissent
The uncensored voice of Rietumish dissidents, for the free world

Rietumish Security Forces Allegedly Massacre Dozens in Deroburg

---

According to an undisclosed source deep inside the municipal level government in the ethnically Dewedish city of Deroburg, dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of mostly ethnic Dewedish were slaughtered whilst holding demonstrations commemorating the eleventh anniversary of the Dewedish Uprising; known among Dewedeni as the Dewedish War for Independence. While an official number has yet to be released by the Rietumish Organisation for Human Rights, initial estimates are putting the number of dead at around 54, with well over 450 wounded; although the number of dead and injured is expected to rise over the coming the days.

Speaking The Dissent, a human rights activist working underground in Rietumish-occupied Deroburg, reported that almost all of the protesters were unarmed and peaceful- before Rietumish Security Forces descended on the demonstrators and open fired. The activist later added that most of the city's underground clinics and pseudo-hospitals have become overrun with the wounded from the massacre - with 342 people so far, having injuries consistent of surviving a mass-shooting. Several unverified video from the city showed men and women carrying the remains of bodies and severely wounded after the massacre. "This is all that remains of the family," one man says, holding what seems to be a wounded child. "What am I to do, I've lost everything."

According to a spokesman for the Dewedish Separatist Movement, who refused to be identified for security reasons, operating in the city, said that over 350 people - all civilians - were killed in the massacre, whilst another 1,000 were moderately to seriously wounded. Adding that 'brave' rescue workers are still bringing in more survivors and collecting the dead. “You should definitely expect the death toll to continue to rise,” said the spokesman during an online interview via snapchat. “Nessa square, where the protests were being held, was densely populated and full of civilians with few avenues of escape when the occupation came in with tanks slaughtered them. They deliberately attempted to kill as many Dewedeni physically as possible in the shortest among of time. With God on are side, the martyrs who died will be avenged.”

The Rietumish regime, immediately denied the existence of any massacre or protests in Deroburg, instead accusing "imperialistic" foreign propagandists and the the so-called 'Dewedish Authority' [Deweden] of creating the whole massacre using movie sets to damage the reputation of the Ozoliņš government and use it as an excuse to embolden "terrorist elements" within occupied-South Deweden. Thus far, Rietumish dictator, Paramount Leader Janis Ozoliņš and his government have yet to release a official statement on the situation in Deroburg. Although, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, released a brief statement saying; "While its still early, the Comrade Minister of Internal Affairs [Julia Ozoliņš] can confirm that only Dewedish terrorists and radical extremists are claiming that such a massacre exists - a deliberate attempt by the counterrevolutionary terrorists to undermine Rietumimark and incite further violence against the State - and that no such event actually existed. Ministry of Internal Affairs urges all foreign governments to ignore the propaganda being propagated by the terrorists as to avoid an escalation in violence in the region."

The Dewedish Kingdom has condemned the massacre - with Dewedish Prime Minister Alexander Starl labeling it as a brutal strike against Christianity and the Dewedish people as a whole. Thousands of people gathered outside Nessaborg (the residence of the Prime Minister), and the Foreign Ministry, calling for the government to do more to curb Rietumish influence in the wake of the alleged massacre. Heidi Tovegaard, leader of the far-right National Front - has lambasted what she called an act of war against the Dewedish people 'for its butcher of hundreds of Dewedish patriots which is equivocal to genocide'; demanding an immediate humanitarian intervention by the international community to save countless lives. Pia Kjærsgaard, the Deputy Prime Minister, also made a brief statement, saying: "I whole full heartedly denounce the massacre of possibly hundreds of Dewedish in Deroburg as a catastrophic violation of basic human decency and a gross violation of international law. I urge the international community to immediately place pressure on Rietumimark to withdraw from South Deweden and allow an international peacekeeping force to be deployed to occupied-Deweden to prevent further violence and allow the people of South Deweden to peacefully decided their own fate through a referendum.”