Auroran Associated Press

[Aurinsula]

国民110年10月29号

HIGH CHAMBER SAYS NO TO FAMILY X

The High Chamber of the Censorate Court

XINJING - The High Chamber of the Censorate Court today handed down a final verdict that Longhua Medical Clinic is not liable for damages to Family X after the family's under-age daughter received an abortion at the clinic without her parents' permission, decisively ending the family's six-month battle for restitution.

The unanimous ruling stated that Ms. X's decision to pursue an abortion was permitted under the 1971 Parental Medical Discretion Act, which explicitly allows minors to pursue "regenerable medical procedures" without their parents' permission, and affirms that an abortion is such a procedure. Family X has been pursuing damages against Longhua Clinic since May, alleging that abortion is prohibited by their Catholic religion and should not be considered a regenerable procedure.

The family initially attempted to sue the clinic itself for damages, but the clinic was found not liable by the Xinjing Provincial Court. The family then went to the Provincial Censorate for appeal, but the clinic was again found not liable. The family's journey has ultimately led them to the High Chamber of the Censorate, but there, too, they did not find what they were seeking.

The 1971 Parental Medical Discretion Law permits parents to exercise judgement over whether their children should certain medical treatments, and was passed at the behest of Aurinsula's Islamic community to permit licensed doctors to perform circumcisions. The relevant provisions of the law were promulgated in 1983, when members of the Taijifo Religious Movement lobbied the government to allow them to deny their child a blood transfusion. The High Chamber of the National Court ruled that the religious or personal beliefs of a minor child's parents could not be used as grounds to deny the child access to what they called 'a regenarable medical treatment,' meaning that it would repair or restore the body to its natural state, or would return to such over time.

Mr. X, speaking to the Xinjing Times under conditions of anonymity, made the following comment: "I think this is a complete miscarriage of justice. An abortion is not regenerable treatment, it is the murder of an unborn child, and it was unjust of the doctors to perform this prodecure on my grandchild without even notifying me. The government has done a grievous thing today."

The High Chamber of the Censorate Court had no comment, and a spokesperson for the aforesaid directed all inquiries to their official opinion after the fact.

[Mizuyuki]

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A Tale of Two Governments
Imperial Judiciary to hear landmark case brought against SF government and Nikaido administration

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Jin Kyong-bae, Political Correspondent

KIRAYUKI - In what has been a shocking legal move that has shaken the country, the subversive, left-leaning author Lee Zeshun has daringly gone ahead with his threat to file an unprecedented lawsuit that is set to be the case of the century, made all the more intriguing by his naming of the governments of Mizuyuki as well as the Steel Fraternity, a clandestine organisation that is recognised by the incumbent Nikaido administration as the legal governing body of Skorzenia and its associated territories.

Several months earlier, Lee purported that he had received wind of several shady deals that were being hammered out between the Skorzenians and the Auroral Union, and subsequently called a press conference in which he stated in no uncertain terms that he was not prepared to let what he perceived as heinous crimes against humanity slide. Speaking at his press conference, Lee threatened to disclose skeletons in the government's closet if the Nikaido administration did not back down over a certain issue, which he did not reveal.

"I have my relevant sources - which have led me to be reliably informed of Nikaido's intent to go ahead with a financial transaction with the heathens of Skorzenia that will undoubtedly bring eternal damnation upon us and our offspring. Let there be no more of this - I think I speak for the people of Mizuyuki when I say that we do not want to be condemned on Judgement Day simply because our leaders made grave errors in judgement during their tenure. If the changes I demand do not come to pass within a month, I will unhesitatingly release all my material - which will bring them crashing down from their high pedestal and come to realise that the kami are always keeping an eye on wrongdoers."

Lee also fanned the raging flames of dissent against the government - all by leaving behind an ominous remark - "I will bring legal action against the government if they try to play hardball with me. I have confidence that the Imperial Judiciary has not yet been corrupted by the touch of the godless socialists in charge, and I trust in their integrity."

The Nikaido administration remained silent after Lee's controversial press conference, their only response being to issue an official statement denouncing Lee as a 'fantasist and conspiracy theorist, who has zero knowledge of international relations and governmental workings'. However, Nikaido's worst fears may have come to pass, as Lee has pressed ahead with the damning release of information that implicates several top government officials, including Nikaido's trusted lieutenants Prime Minister Misaka Satsuki, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Mizuno Yuuki, Minister of Foreign Affairs Itsuka Ayase, Minister of War and Defence Kamimori Wakana as well as Minister of Science and Technology Kiriya Emiri in a back-door deal that appears to authorise the sale of several caches of illegal firearms confiscated from nationalist rebels during the 2010 insurgency in the southwestern prefecture of Kanishio as well as what appears to be an informal agreement for a trade deal involving 'stillborn and aborted foetuses for the purpose of scientific research'.

In the wake of these shocking revelations, Premier Nikaido, who had just been awarded the title of Sentinel of the Rising Sun for her contributions to the Auroral Union, was forced to call a press conference of her own, in which she attempted to briefly clarify the misunderstandings that were brought about by 'Lee's idiotic claims, which could well amount to sedition'.

"I have no intention to even debunk Lee's fantastical arguments - what shady deals? What illegal firearms? He has no proof beyond that which he has fabricated. I do not doubt even for a second that it will be hard to disprove the veracity of his so-called proof, for no doubt he has gone to great lengths in order to challenge the status quo - but he should sit up and take notice - for he is liable to be prosecuted under several acts for his statements. Once his case has been thrown out of court, we will press charges without further delay. Until court proceedings begin, all I will say is that Lee's simply nonsensical, sensationalist claims will be dismantled in the august halls of the Imperial Judiciary without mercy."

Skorzenian officials could not be reached for comment. It is widely assumed that they will side with the Nikaido administration in the halls of justice.

The Premier seems to have bags of confidence going into this showdown against her nemesis Lee, but will she survive the onslaught of public opinion following Lee's explosive reveal? Statistics of voter confidence obtained from the National Statistical Institute show that ratings for the Nikaido administration dropped off a cliff after Lee filed his lawsuit and made his claims public - a full 15 percentage points were sliced off what was the government's highest ratings since Nikaido took office. Paradoxically, an overwhelming majority of the populace seems to buy into Nikaido's assertion that Lee has come up with his claims to further boost his image and thrust himself in the public limelight. To quote one voter, who spoke under condition of anonymity - "I will continue to doubt Lee until such time as he can provide solid, independently verifiable proof that the government has done what he alleges. I shall reserve judgement until then. However, it speaks volumes about the integrity of the Nikaido administration, to have its dealings called into question in such a manner. It will be a political landmine for Nikaido - one which she will have to navigate carefully in order to sidestep the potential challenges to her premiership."

It remains to be seen whether Nikaido can shake off the spectre of doom that has come crawling up to her so early in her tenure as Premier, or whether Lee's so-called 'truths' will prevail.

One thing is for sure - the public won't forget this entire fiasco in a hurry.

[First Valerian Empire]

Avalon Chronicle

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IAF Future Force Bill passes first Senatorial reading

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By George Staffe
Published: Novermber 3, 2013

Avalon,Valyrian Empire — The Imperial Armed Forces Future Force Bill has passed it's first senatorial reading as of noon this morning.

The Imperial Armed Forces Future Force Bill which is more known commonly as the Future Force Bill, is a bill which was submitted for Imperial Review several months previous by Senator Windimere, Director of the Commission for the Preservation of the New Order(COMPNOR) as part of a broader effort to modernize the Imperial Armed Forces.

The Future Force bill if passed would see over a trillion Livres allocated towards defense spending over the course of the next decade, with the goal of modernizing the Imperial Armed Forces. In regards to the navy,the bill calls for the gradually retirement of the Empire's aging Aircraft Carrier fleet to be replaced with the decade with more modern designs, as well as greater reliance of ''pocket carriers'' for regional and global force projection as well as the expansion of the Empire's modern destroyer fleet. The army would see it's current twenty-seven Legions brought down to a more manageable sixteen, with the gradual retirement of the aging Leapard Main Battle Tank fleet, and it's replacement by a more modern design. In addition it would see Imperial Military regulations amended to allow the Army, to utilize a number of tactics and stratagems which are currently outlawed by custom or International Law. Additionally, Imperial Legionaries' would see most of their equipment retired and replaced by more effective and expensive designs. With the bill aiming to make the average Legionnaire more lethal, more self-reliant and more sustainable in the future. The bill's proposed changes to the Imperial Air Force however are the most radical, with it's calls to completely scrap the majority of the Aerial Defense Fleet, and it's replacement with an entire generation of fifth-generation aircraft. In addition, the Air Force would take over the Imperial Aerospace Agency's role as the Empire's space administration and overseer' of the nation's satellites. The Air Force would then begin with the expansion of the Empire's satellite' contingent, with the stated aims of matching or exceeding the Empire's closest regional rivals in number and capabilities.

Several Senators have spoken out in favor of the Bill, with Junior Senator Thomas Jalois going on record to say, '' this bill will ensure the security of the Empire for the foreseeable future as well as aid in acquisition of new colonies, which is a stated policy goal of this administration.''

At the moment, with the Bill passing it's first day of reading and floor debate within the Senate, it's opponents have been remarkably silent. One outspoken Critic, a leader of the Democracy for Valyria(DFV) John Peters, has yet to speak on the bill since he sacking by the University of Avalon as it's political sciences professor several weeks previous.

The bill has found immense support from both Industrialists and Green Energy Advocates alike, with it's proposals to make the Imperial Armed Forces more energy efficient as well as it's call to make the Empire Energy Self-sufficient within the next fifty years with the construction of Hydro-electric plants and Nuclear facilities.

Chairman of the Imperial Environmentalist Society, Daniel Griffith has this to say, ''Despite the bill's name, this piece of legislation is about more than just the military. The changes that it is calling for will have widespread ramifications and from my position as Chairman of the IES, I believe that it's goal of making the Empire Strategically Energy Self-Sufficient will eventually yield fruit in the clean energy sector, which will lead to a safer and cleaner Valyria, and through our lead, a cleaner and safer world.'' Many of his cohorts within other Environmentalist groups have concurred with his observation and throwing their support behind the bill.

One point of contention within the bill that has been generating a spectacular amount of attention, is it's proposals that would see the Imperial Military's intelligence capabilities merged with civilian-led Imperial Intelligence. If the bill passes, it would see Imperial Military Intelligence units, merged with the agency and reporting directly too it. It would in essence give Imperial Intelligence the capability and responsibility of Direct Action against Defense threats in the near future. Civil right's advocates both within the Empire and outside, say that it could lead to abuse on the part of the agency,which they suspect is in the habit of cooperating with the Commission for the Preservation of the New Order(COMPNOR, a group that has attracted a considerable amount of concern abroad, regarding suspected human and civil right's violations in efforts to solidify the Emperor's regime.

The Bill with all of it's lofty goals and radical changes would require a sizable expansion of the Empire's Defense Sector, a requirement that would see major growth within the Imperial Economy. Despite the size of the Defense Sector within the Empire, it wouldn't by itself be able to accomplish the stated goals on it's own, a fact recognized by the bill's writers who included a list of pro-Empire governments which could possibly collaborate with in the acquisition and research of equipment. Among those named were the governments of Vassland, Afalia, & Mizuyuki regionally and Emmeria, Phonencia and Belka.

With the Bill passing it's first reading and floor debate, it has generated a massive of amount of interest both domestically and abroad and without a doubt, many nation's are monitoring the Empire's legislative process and preparing for the ramifications of the Bill's passing.

[Mizuyuki]

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General Privacy Act becomes Law
Legislation hailed as 'pinnacle of privacy rights laws'

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Kawasaki Ryoichi, Political Correspondent

KIRAYUKI - Premier Nikaido Mikoto's first, significant legislation in her first term of office as Premier, the General Privacy Act, has been officially signed into law as of the 3rd of November, 2013.

In the wake of several explosive revelations by the subversive left-leaning author Lee Zeshun regarding alleged violations of human and civil rights, who has named a host of prominent names currently serving in the national administration as defendants in a lawsuit filed earlier this week, Nikaido has taken immediate action by pushing the new General Privacy Act, also commonly known by its acronym GPA2013, through the National Diet in record time by dint of heading a powerful coalition government which summarily enforced a three line whip on voting for the GPA.

The GPA laws will see a range of all-encompassing changes come into effect, including allowing citizens of the Auroral Union the right to object and subsequently bring legal action against images of their person or property being published without prior consent, amending sections of the Privacy Act 1982 and the Sedition Act 1992 in order to maintain 'the right of the citizenry to have their privacy respected, protected, and defended as per the Constitution', as well as establishing a new National Security Commission (NSC) to be responsible for the monitoring of subversive movements both internally and externally, subject to issuance of a royal decree by HRH Empress Shirakawa Kirino legalising the activities of said organisation.

At the press conference called with the objective of enlightening the public at large of the repercussions of the GPA, Premier Nikaido had this to say : "No doubt we have already learned the lessons of being overly lenient towards inflammatory elements within our great nation. I see the GPA as vitally necessary for the government to continue executing its role as the peoples' protector to the best of its abilities. With the passage of the GPA, we are now no longer bound by archaic legislation that may be acting against the peoples' best interests."

In addition, amendments to the Official Secrets Act that is part of the package has introduced an unprecedented article that, for all practical purposes, permits government officials, contractors, and employees to employ any known means to mask their identities, whether it be through the use of caricatural images for official purposes or the use of previously illegal anti-detection software. In effect, this means that all persons affiliated with the national administration has the legal right to hide their identities, vis-a-vis common citizens who have to resort to the virtues of prudence and caution.

"This is a wholly necessary step to safeguard the safety and privacy of civil servants who tirelessly contribute to the nation," said Minister of Internal Affairs Suzuki Mana. "In fact, we are now better equipped than ever before in terms of anti-subversive measures. I applaud the Premier for having the courage to forge ahead with her support for this bill even in the face of widespread opposition."

[Vassland]

Vassland's "Road to Democracy" a Rocky Affair

Vassbrugge- Two weeks after the re-opening of Vassland's "Republic-Era" ministries, opinions in the Council differ on whether it is a leap forward or a step back. Public opinion however, is in full agreement in favor of the recent action led by Jan Theeuwsen, who is now considered by many as a de-facto "Opposition Leader" within the traditional conservative catholic Council as he pushes for even more government institutions to be re-opened. Within the council, Theeuwsen's recent actions have been met with stiff resistance from the Bishop and those close to him after his recent move to change the nation's flag to one similar to that of the Vassian Republic before the current government came to power. The main reason behind the stiff resistance in the Council is said to be the government's unwillingness to open the national institutions too quickly.

In an interview with Councilmember Eriksen of the 9th Council district, the issues of sustainable progress, economic expansion and foreign relations were discussed. While expressing his thoughts regarding the current course of the nation and the future of the Vassian economy, he had this to say about the recent motions pushed by Councilmember Theeuwsen.

Please hear me out, While I do believe that the recent events incited by mr. Theeuwsen of the Council have been steps in the right direction for a more democratic Vassland, they must be taken carefully and at the right pace. The actions of Councilmember Theeuwsen have so far been reckless since they were done neither carefully nor at the right pace.

-Councilmember Eriksen

Aside from the opening of government institutions, foreign policy has also been at the forefront of Vassland's recent development. Following a poll recently issued by the Council, a majority of the Vassian people believe that Vassland needs to be a more open nation, inviting in business opportunities and contracts, as well as cultural exchanges with other countries. The poll also sought to find out public opinion towards other nations in Aurora. Results can be seen on the Vassian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Other News
Import-Export Deal Signed

Linster-A lucrative import-export deal has been signed with the Protectorate of Kalumba. The deal will allow for the import of raw resources, mainly various ores and wood, to be refined and then either used in Vassland, or exported back to Kalumba to aid in the development of the nation. There has also been speculation on further arrangements, however these can not be confirmed at this time.

[Afalia]

For the purposes of RP continuity and flow the events of the 8th November terrorist attacks and the hijacking of the Afalian plane by HFA terrorists will be discreetly ignored.

3,718 Days: An Interview With The Prime Minister
15th November 2013-1 Chand-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

By Jane Spencer
Political Correspondent

Christopher Kelly has been prime minister of Afalia for 3,718 days today. Kelly has held the highest office in the land since September 2003 and whilst he is quite a way behind his political hero Nicholas Christie, who was prime minister for 16 years, there is no doubt that he has dominated the political scene of the 2000s and into the new decade. He has also overseen the biggest changes in Afalia, both political and social, since independence. I sat down with him today to discuss the latest news and his legacy.

Prime Minister, thank you for joining me.

That's no problem, I actually enjoy speaking to the press in these circumstances!

You've been prime minister for 3,718 days-ten years and two months. A few months ago you hinted at your retirement sometime next year? Are you planning for retirement?

Well first of all, no not quite. The media have been acting as if the date for a handover is set. It's not. All I have told my party, parliament and this country is that I won't be serving for eleven years-a decade is plenty for me. I will be retiring as both prime minister and party leader sometime before next September. But before then there's still much to do and lots I plan to do. I don't want to get dogged down in what is obviously going to be a very interesting, but rather stressful leadership election.

Have you chosen someone to succeed you?

No, the party will do that. Of course it's no secret I prefer some people over others. And when the leadership election comes I won't be standing in the dark. There's no point worrying about controversy when I'm retiring! I will be endorsing someone, regardless of how upset the older generation get. But I won't be endorsing anyone at the minute and I won't be talking about my successor as leader and prime minister until the time draws nearer.

What do you think will be your legacy? What do you hope it is?

I think people will remember me for the war and the changes we've seen in this country since then-positive changes in my opinion. But I hope people will also remember me for the things the Progressive Conservative government did in the areas of education, immigration, healthcare and so on. But of course I am immensely proud of the changes we've overseen in foreign policy and I will be happy to be remembered for that.

Sir Arthur Templer and Lord Blake Chamberlain, among others, stepped down from their roles in Regnum Albion yesterday-

Yes, I know, it really is very sad news. Sir Arthur and Lord Blake both worked with our government in a variety of areas and helped build one of the closest, most unique and exceptional relationships between foreign states that exists in Aurora. Beyond his superb political skill I admired the man as a person, a caring and interesting, insightful individual who will be much missed. I dearly hope he recovers from his throat cancer and I hope he knows that it is not only his own country who is saddened to see him go.

And what of the new Anglican Prime Minister?

I telephoned Lord Tweedsmuir last night to congratulate him and tell him that I look forward to meeting and working with him very soon. We have a very close relationship with Regnum Albion, which has only grown stronger in the light of the Anglo-Afalian security treaty and other recent agreements between us, and I hope to build on that further in the coming months.

Valyria seems to be edging towards a more modern equipped and powerful armed forces. Amongst the bill's contents are a list of pro-Valyrian governments which could potentially help in the research and collaboration of defence equipment for Valyria's forces. Is the government getting too close to Valyria?

Of course not and I think it is silly to suggest so. First of all Afalia and Valyria are ICE allies and we stand by our commitment to help them when in need, and vice versa, as enshrined in the ICE charter. Valyria are our closets neighbours and one our biggest allies and that partnership is going to be strengthened by the upcoming marriage of Her Royal Highness Princess Laura and Emperor Napoleon, but more importantly by trade. There's been so much talk recently about whether we're getting too close to them, mostly from Afalian Socialists who would rather have us retreat back into isolationism and decline. We have our differences of course, as all countries do, but we are friends.

You've recently spoken about Afalia reaching over the East Auroran Ocean and engaging with Aurora minor more. Vassland seems to be on the way to democracy. Would they be a good place to start?

It is indeed my desire that we seek closer relations with Auroran minor nations, although we already have relations with many of them because of trade and our mutual membership of ADTO-but I would like to increase and strengthen those relations. As per regard Vassland I have been following reports regarding the re-opening of ministries, change of flag and other events, and I am pleased by what I see. What we shouldn't mistake this as is a sign that Vassland is now a democracy, there is some way to go for that yet. But I am encouraged by what I see, I like Councilman Theeuwsen, I think we could work well together.

The House of Peers finally passed the Welfare Reform Act this week which will come into force in the new year. You opened up the baby bonus to same sex couples and increased the amount for new parents. Are you trying to increase the population?

I'm not going to sit her and lie to you and say I don't want to see Afalia's population increase, I do. If we want to become an economically stronger and wealthier nation, if we want to become a more influential and powerful nation within Aurora, we need a larger population and we need to mitigate the effects of our ageing population, who are living much longer than our grandparents. But the main reason I increased the baby bonus was to help parents with the cost of raising kids which is still difficult despite the low inflation rate. And I opened up the baby bonus to same sex couples to ensure more children are adopted in this country and to ensure that we treat all our parents equally in this area-a long overdue change.

There's been lots of rumours that troop numbers in Harling will increase from 1,500 to 2,000. Is this true?

We are currently awaiting the first new report from the Intelligence Direction Committee and the Ministry of Security regarding how successful Operation Bannerman has been so far. I can tell you that a number of terrorist plots, both in Harling and the mainland have been stopped since the operation began, thanks to the hard work and partnership of our security services. The report may recommend an increase in troop numbers, which we will consider at the time.

Can you tell us anything of your personal aims in the next few weeks and months?

Well as much as politicians make the events we also react to them, so nothing's for certain. The parliamentary session won't end until late December and there's lots of work to do there. But outside of that I'm hoping to further engage in the area of foreign policy, as I have been for the past few months, and in particular try to form and strengthen some partnerships with our fellow Auroran neighbours.

Finally who do you fancy in the upcoming Blade series?

It's going to be very close this year, I'm not sure. I think our boys can beat Regnum Albion but we'll have to wait and see.

Thank you for joining me today Prime Minister.

Thank you.

[Bratoslovoukia]

The Arkangelsk Free Tribune

ELECTION 2013

BREAKING NEWS!

Election Results Are In! Stpetsnan, Labor Party Take Election.
By Oleg Kirilenko

On this historic day, 109,948,684 votes were cast representing, 58% of the population. With 42,879,987 votes, or 39% of the vote, the Labor Party has seized the State Congress, taking 10 seats out of the 25 available in the State Senate and 39 out of the 100 available in the State Assembly. Labor Party Chairman Pavlik Stpetsnan is officially the first President-elect of the United Republic of Bratoslovoukia. The Reform Party had the second-largest turnout, with 39,141,732 votes, or 35.6% of the vote. This secured 9 seats in the Senate and 36 seats in the Assembly and party chair Wladislaw Szpilman is officially the vice-president elect of Bratoslovoukia. The Free Bratoslovoukia Party drew in 13,413,739 votes, or 12.2% of the vote, and 3 seats in the Senate and 12 seats in the Assembly. The Nationalist Alliance for the True Bratoslovoukia brought in 8% of the vote with 8,795,894 votes, grabbing 2 seats in the Senate and 8 seats in the Assembly. The Monarchist Party attracted 4,397,947 voters, or approximately 4.2% of the vote, taking 1 seat in the Senate and 4 seats in the Assembly. The last of the six major parties with the least votes, the Communist Party was only able to attract 1% of voters with 1,099,486 votes, securing only 1 seat in both the Senate and the Assembly.

Urban areas primarily had the largest voter turnout. More industrialized cities such as Arkangelsk, Danielsgrad, and Bratosibirsk, and their surrounding municipalities, voted primarily for the Labor Party, while cosmopolitan cities such as Bratvit and Bratavia voted primarily for the Reform Party. Exit-polls showed that voters who voted for the Nationalist Alliance for the True Bratoslovoukia and the Free Bratoslovoukia Party were primarily lower class individuals. Likewise, voters for the Monarchist and Communist Parties were mostly high-wealth individuals, which, especially the latter, has surprised some analysts.

"It's quite interesting when you have low-wealth individuals supporting a party, or parties, founded by very high-wealth individuals and high-wealth individuals supporting a party founded by low-wealth individuals." Arkady Lazarov, a professor of political science at Bratvit National University, stated.

Pavlik Stpetsnan has already officially responded to his election as the first President of the United Republic. Stpetsnan addressed a crowd of supporters in the capitol of Arkangeslk Saturday evening. Stpetsnan thanked his voters for supporting him on Friday and thanked the ballot counters for working despite it being shabbos, the day of rest in the Jewish religion. "This is a momentous day in the history of our great nation. It is one that will live forever in the hearts of generations to come. This is the day that the proud Bratoslovoukian people made the right choice for their future." The crowd was especially moved by this statement and proceeded to cheer greatly. Stpetsnan spoke for 47 minutes at his rally despite blustery winds, snow flurries, and temperatures as low as -5^oC. "As a nation, we strive for what is right, and these numbers tell us that the people of Bratoslovoukia clearly strove for that." The charisma of Saturday's address truly resounded within critics. Wladislaw Szpilman also made an address, lauding his supporters for providing him and the Reform Party with a massive "stepping stone on the path to greatness."

Stpetsnan will be inaugurated in an inauguration ceremony with current acting President Lev Kravchenko on 1 January, 2014. In light of the election, Stpetsnan will be replaced by the Hon. Arkady Tereshkov, Arkangelsk Attorney General, on the political council of the Auroran Democracies Treaty Organization.

Anastasia Madrikova, a political analyst and correspondent for Arkangelsk's most popular political news program, The Aurora Report, stated that the sheer charisma of Stpetsnan himself, especially in light of the war and his failed campaign a year prior, showed that his labor party was "an unstoppable freight train that was driving the nation." Madrikova also expressed concern, "with the power provided to him by a Labor Party majority government, there is no knowing how far this train will go."

Photojournalism

President-elect Stpetsnan at Saturday's rally.

[Kalumba]

The Herald

Report by Susie Mtwetwe
Continued Violence in Bechuaneland

The recent escalation of violence in Bechuaneland seems to be continuing unabated, despite the deployment of an additional battalion of the Kalumban Afrosian Rifles. The violence however does not seem to be terrorist in its nature, and the SDIP have been unable to ascertain as to whether BAPL are responsible for the numerous incidents.

The most commonly reported crime is attacks upon white farmers, with three having been murdered in the last month alone. Due to the isolated location of many of the farms the police have been unable to reach them in time to prevent the attacks, although a number of farmers have been saved when the police arrived in time.

With the increasing number of attacks the government has approved a re-implementation of the Commando system which was disbanded in the aftermath of independence. Under the system farmers, all military veterans, were armed and equipped with radios so that they could respond to an attack together. Some critics have claimed this will lead to increased violence and extra-judicial killings but supporters claim it will lower risks and the cost of policing. Perhaps the most important part of the scheme is the distribution of radios which will prevent farmers from being cut off from communicating with the police, a major factor in some of the deaths.

The rise in violence has been blamed on anti-social elements backed by Songhia, and the Songhian Ambassador has been summoned by the Foreign Office. The rising violence has also led to continued possibility of Cookish forces being deployed in Kalumba for the first time since the time of minority rule. The President is believed to have accepted an offer from the Cookish and details are being worked on for the deployment by the Security Forces. This would be the first time foreign troops have been deployed on Kalumba soil since Cookish advisors fought alongside the minority governments troops during their campaign to supress nationalist forces. Critics of President Chimpota have accused him of losing control of the nations security despite his election promises, but supporters say he is using all means at his disposal an action that Victor Omeru failed to do.

In other news:

The Auroran Democracies Treaty Organisation, and Kalumba's membership, is still facing severe criticism from all sides of the political spectrum, especially since reports emerged that claim all funds given in aid will be administered by both the Kalumban Government and ADTO organisations. This has led to claims of a continued colonial attitude amongst some members of the ADTO, and sources close to the President claim that he is furious with the decision and is debating with the Cabinet as to whether to reject the funds unless they are fully administered by Kalumba. He is said to be disgusted that neither he nor his government are trusted by fellow members to use the funds for their designated purpose, and the conotations of widespread corruption such a move suggests.

A major trade deal which has been announced with the Theocracy of Vassland is also facing criticism due to the nature of the government in Vassland. The current leader rose to power on a wave of secretarian violence against Protestants and has drawn widespread condemnation from Kalumban Church groups and human rights organisations. However assurances have been given by Vassland government officials that a more secular route is being pursued, and as many have pointed out around 10,000 jobs in Mining, Forestry and in the Merchant Marine have been secured in the deal, during a time of rising unemployment.

In Sports news the Lake Albert Sporting Society rugby side will face the Eastern Traaksvai Zebras in a match which could see them reach the semi-finals in Lydenburg for the first time in over ten years. Their success has been attributed to the signing of national side players Peter Jameson, Derek Prince, Douglas Smythe and James Jones who have transformed a minor provincial side into a real powerhouse of Kalumban Rugby. It is hoped by some that sporting ties like these will help to reduce tension on the northern border and bridge the way for dialogue with the governemnt of Lydenburg. However there is some belief that Kalumban sides should not play Lydenburger ones until their racially segregated society is dismantled and true democracy is achievd there, but opponents of this position claim with a dearth of other quality sides in Afrosia cancelling matches, like the Omeru led UANC government did, would lead to Kalumban sides fading into obscurity.

[First Valerian Empire]

Avalon Chronicle

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Imperial Guard to be doubled

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By George Staffe
Published: November 24, 2013

Avalon,Valyrian Empire — The Imperial Guard to be increased from 2 to 4 Regiments.

The Imperial Guard; the paramilitary organization dedicated to the protection of the Imperial Family and Imperial Embassies and consulates around the world will be increased from 2 to 3 regiments by Imperial decree.

The Guard which was created after the founding of the Empire several years previous; has rapidly carved out a position within the Empire unequaled by any other entity. The Guard is divided is divided into Household units who are responsible for the protection of the Imperial Family and are the silent black guards who watch over the leader of the Valyrian Empire and his immediate family, and the Service units who are stationed abroad to protect the Empire's foreign embassies and consulates as well as many of Valyria's cultural and historical sites; such as the Seville Imperial Cemetary, where all Valyrians who lost their lives during the 2nd Valyrian Civil War are buried.

The expansion of the Guard comes as the Empire is beginning to modernize it's forces and reevaluating it's role in the international community and settling down from it's post-civil war militarization. The Imperial Guard has maintained a two regiment system since it's formation after the formation of the Empire.

Civil and military observers note that the Imperial Guard has been since it's formation a grossly undersized formation with barely more than two dozen guardsmen being present in some of the Empire's largest embassies and hot-spots. Analyst's say that the expansion is well overdue and will allow the Empire to protect it's establishments in the face of rising opposition in hostile nations and the souring of foreign relations in several nations; such as Norvenia and the Cookish States.

The expansion of the Guard has brought up questions regarding it's potential combat efficiency and training as well as admission standards.Admission into the Imperial Guard is currently limited to single males who have at least five years in the Imperial Armed Forces, are qualified on a variety of different weapon systems and are cleared to receive secure communications. After being accepted into the training progromme, potential guardsmen are enrolled in a six-month training course which instructs the recruits in guerrilla warfare,bodyguard services, and urban combat.

Critics have pointed out that the Guard is not a combat formation and that it's training which is paid for out of the Imperial treasury is excessive and unnecessary as well as over-militarizing a organization that is strictly defensive.

Supporters of the Guard are quick to point out that the Guard; is technically a light infantry force that in the event of war can be put under the command of the Imperial Armed Forces High Command(ICOM) and can be used to as a mechanized regiment, proving the Imperial military with a highly trained force in relatively little time and in the event of the destruction or displacement of the Imperial government, a highly-effective insurgency force.

With the expansion becoming official on December 1st of this year, the Imperial Guard will begin accepting applicants off of it's waiting list and promoting members from it's existing two regiments to form the backbone of the new unit's officer cadre.

The Guard has since it's inception been a powerful social institution with enlisted Guardsmen being knighted upon the completion of their terms of service which average between 6-12 years, and officers being ennobled upon the completion of their service. In addition, The Imperial Guard is the highest paid unit within the Imperial Military despite not being part of it's command structure.

The expansion of the Imperial Guard has caused previously silent critics to reveal themselves and criticism for the organization has intensified from all levels of the government and society.

Several critics point out that the Imperial Guard is a redundant branch and is inefficient or anti-valyrian; citing the Guards use of foreign equipment such as the Emmerian M18 Rifle and the MA9A2 Armoured Personnel Carrier. Both items which are not used by the regular Imperial Armed Forces and are bought specifically for use by the Imperial Guard.

Despite the criticism of the Guard, the Emperor has remained a staunch advocate of the organization and with it's expansion; it is unlikely that it will be disbanded anytime soon.

[OoC] This is my informal wiki-entry until I can get a proper one up.

[First Valerian Empire]

Avalon Chronicle

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IAF Future Force Bill passes into Imperial law

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By George Staffe
Published: Novermber 3, 2013

Avalon,Valyrian Empire — The Imperial Armed Forces passed into law

The Imperial Armed Forces Modern Force Bill which is more known commonly as the Future Force Bill, was a bill submitted for Imperial Review several months previous by Senator Windimere, Director of the Commission for the Preservation of the New Order(COMPNOR) as part of a broader effort to modernize the Imperial Armed Forces, has been passed into law earlier today during a Senate session.

The Bill, commonly known as the Future Force bill was a major piece of legislation supported by several differing parties and numerous political heavyweights ranging from Emperor Napoleon I to Senator Windimere,Director of COMPNOR who was it's sponsor.

Provisions of the bill include the overall expansion of the Imperial and Air Force and the downsizing of number of Imperial legions from twenty-seven to sixteen as well as the phasing out of the aging Leopard Main Battle Tank in favor of a more modern design, as well as the construction of a number of ''pocket carriers'' defined in the bill as Aircraft carriers of displacing less than 40,000 tons. Additional provisions of the bill would change imperial regulations on a variety of subjects ranging from the standardization of the Imperial Armed Forces basic training, ballistic protection requirements and the air forces stated objectives.

The Bill sought to fix a number of weaknesses that had been identified within the Empire's armed forces including it's over-reliance on it's land forces, under-utilization of battlespace networking and it's aging aircraft fleet.

With the bill's passing; more than 1.2 Trillion Imperial marks will be made to the Ministry of Defense to modernize it's forces over the next decade; to be largely funded by a general increase in indirect taxes and a increase in tariffs levied against hostile foreign governments, namely the regime in the Cookish States,Norvenia and Skorzenia.

Critics of the bill have announced that they intend to fight the passage of the bill in the Imperial High courts. Leader of the Democracy for Valyria, a major political action organization demanding democracy for Valyria, John Peters who was sacked earlier this year has attacked the law as overly militarizing the state and helping to enlarge the cult of personality surrounding the Emperor and his family.

Mr. Peters, who had his doctorate degree revoked after a independent organization discovered he had plagiarized several of his published works, has been a outspoken critic of both the Emperor and the Empire in general and as a result of several death threats against his person; he immigrated to Norvenia earlier this month, from which he is seeking to have his academic credentials restored.

With the Bill's final passing, all that remains is for the Emperor to bestow Imperial assent upon the bill after which it will become official Imperial law, a act many expect to happen within the week.

[Afalia]

King George Dies
Amelia Becomes Queen
13th December 2013-1 Chand-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

SPECIAL LATE EDITION-'DAY OF SORROW'

-In Memoriam-

His Majesty King George I has died peacefully in his sleep at the Blackdonian Palace in Blackdon. An official announcement from the Palace released at ten o’clock this morning said that the King had retired to bed at ten o’clock the previous night and had been found dead at seven this morning by his wife. He was 91 years old and said to have been suffering from a cold in the past few weeks. Since the end of the Titanican war in March the King had had growing health concerns, according to Royal sources.

Her Royal Highness Princess Amelia, who is residing in the Palace of Hope in central Blackdon, immediately became Queen upon her grandfather’s death. She will reportedly take the official Royal oath, which will seal her accession to the throne, later this evening in a ceremony inside the Blackdonian Palace. At the ceremony she will officially become Her Majesty Queen Amelia of Afalia, Her Other Realms and Territories, Defender of the Faith, Protector of the People. Though the new monarch is technically forbidden from speaking to the press until she has officially taken the oath, a source close to Amelia has reportedly said that 'the princess has been bitterly upset, but has been prepared for this day for sometime.'

The cabinet met at Fairfax House with the Prime Minister at nine o’clock this morning after the King’s principal private secretary, Sir Bernard Lowe, delivered the news to the prime minister’s residence. The House of Commons was suspended at half past eleven this morning as a mark of respect. Speaking in the Commons before the suspension the prime minister said, ‘I speak for the whole country and all the King’s people, in expressing my deepest, most heartfelt sorrow for the death of the King.’

MPs and peers sang the Royal anthem twice outside parliament on parliament green, first using ‘God Save the King’ and then again using ‘God Save the Queen’. Fairfax House has said the prime minister will make a special broadcast tomorrow morning regarding the death of the King.

Crowds have gathered outside Blackdonian Palace on the outskirts of Blackdon and the Palace of Hope in the centre. From midday today flags were flown at half-mast across the country and the Afalian Broadcasting Corporation has temporarily suspended entertainment programmes for the next three days. Scheduled sport fixtures for cricket, Harral Cooxm, football and others have all been cancelled by their official sporting associations.

A book of condolences has been set up in Blackdonian Palace for diplomats and the public alike to sign, whilst a day of tributes will be held in the Commons and Lords on Monday and Tuesday. Blackdonian Palace has announced that the Royal funeral will probably be held in January of next year, as per the Queen Consort’s wishes that ‘Christmas not be ruined.’

Speaking to the press outside Fairfax House this morning on his way to the Commons, the prime minister noted, ‘The Georgian era is now over and with that comes much, much sorrow. But as always Afalia looks forward as a country and we wonder what the “Amelian” era will have in store.’

BIOGRAPHY
The King reigned for 61 years and oversaw some of the most dramatic changes in Afalian history. Despite being born into a wealthy family and always having the press interested in his life, George Blackdon never expected nor wanted the power he came to garner. Beginning life as a banker and descendant of Afalian King Daavnd in the 1940s, he was asked by independence campaigner and First Minister Oliver King to become the King of a new independent Afalia if the referendum on independence was successful. After independence was granted George Blackdon became His Majesty King George I and began his reign.

Whilst change was widespread in Afalia’s post-colonial history George remained a unifying figure and pinpoint of tradition and stability. He struggled with bouts of serious depression, especially after the death of his only son and heir to the throne Prince Frederick in 1992, but won popularity from the public through his honesty over his mental health issues.

His campaigns for charities and other generous foundations earned him widespread support. His support for anti-smoking and tobacco organisations was controversial following Prince Frederick’s death-which was caused by lung cancer, but he remained a revered and widely supported figure following the public opinion crisis in 1992. He led the country through difficult moments like the constitutional crisis which occurred in the wake of the prime minister’s disappearance in July 1997, and the public outrage and disgust when the forced adoption policy was revealed in 1998. Above all he remained, in the words of one of his prime ministers Patrick Collins, a ‘King of the people and for the people.’

Perhaps the King’s finest moment came during the Titanican War earlier this year, between January and March, where he led the nation through war and became a symbol of courage, independence, resilience and defiance, inspiring and rallying Afalians with various speeches from Blackdon, where he insisted he would remain despite the threat of bombing.

After the war he organised the wedding of Princess Amelia to Prince Frederick of Lyncanestria. The strain and stress of the war was said to have been the cause of growing health concerns in recent months, where the King became increasingly weak. His last public appearance was in September where he officially opened a new monument to the victims of the Titanican war. According to the Palace press statement this morning the King had enjoyed a day of swimming in the Palace pool, one of his favourite pastimes, yesterday before he retired to bed for his ‘final rest.’

INSIDE: P2-7 King’s Death, Domestic Tributes 8, International Reaction 9-10, New Line of Succession 11, Early Life and Independence Referendum 11-13, Depression and Mental Health 14-15, ‘Amelian Era’ Predictions 16-19, Leading Articles 20-21, Commentary 21-23, Immediate Opinion 24-27, Also in tomorrow's Saturday edition of the Journal a special pullout on the life and death of the King.

[Norvenia]

The Abacem Times

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IN BRATOSLOVOUKIA, STPETSNAN TAKES OFFICE AMIDST NORVENIAN FEARS

By: Alison Cramer, Senior Political Correspondent
23 December 2013

Astor-of-Stone, Norvenia - As Pavlik Stpetsnan takes office as President of Bratoslovoukia, many in the Norvenian government fear that the nation - Aurora's largest by both population and area, and one of its most powerful - may be on the brink of a disastrous backslide into the "electoral tyranny" that provoked a massive military intervention earlier this year.

Mr. Pavlik Stpetsnan, newly-elected Bratoslovoukian president.

By now, the election itself is old news. With fifty-eight percent voter turnout, the Bratoslovoukian public gave the new Labor Party a minor plurality in the legislature - a plurality closely followed by the Reform Party. Labor Party chairman Pavlik Stpetsnan won the presidency, while Wladislaw Szpilman, Reform Party chairman, became vice president. Erstwhile allies, the two are now rivals, with the leftist Labor Party opposing the more centrist-conservative Reform Party - though some observers wonder how far apart the two men may really have drifted.

Regardless, the presidency is less of a prize in Bratoslovoukia than it might be, given the nation's new constitution. Drafted with extensive help from Norvenian constitutional law experts, especially Dr. Antonia Lopez of the University of Abacem, the constitution responds to Bratoslovoukia's long history of strongman rule by strictly limiting the president's powers: he lacks veto power; the legislature must approve any executive orders which he seeks to make; and any treaty, foreign agreement, or use of military force must be explicitly sanctioned by the legislature as well. The president, in short, is the servant of the legislature, which is the real policymaker in the new government; the vice president, in his turn, is merely the president's advisor.

But it is already clear that Pavlik Stpetsnan sees rather more grandeur in his role than the constitution might suggest. Immediately after his election, Mr. Stpetsnan addressed a crowd of supporters in Bratoslovoukia's capital city, Arkangeslk. "This is a momentous day in the history of our great nation," he announced to deafening cheers. "It is one that will live forever in the hearts of generations to come. This is the day that the proud Bratoslovoukian people made the right choice for their future." With Mr. Stpetsnan due to replace the current acting president, Mr. Lev Kravchenko, in just a few weeks, many in Norvenia fear that his charismatic leadership might be the last thing that Bratoslovoukia needs.

Pavlik Stpetsnan is a Bratoslovoukian national hero, responsible for leading the revolution that overthrew the country's last emperor just two years ago. He appointed himself Prime Minister, and much of his behavior in that brief period - especially his affinity for the revolutionary military - gave observers cause to fear that he might prove no more democratic than the monarch whom he had overthrown. Nevertheless, Mr. Stpetsnan went on to hold free elections, in which he was narrowly defeated by Osip Karam. Mr. Stpetsnan did not take his loss well, declaring: "I cannot believe these results, and I can only say of my opponent that he is a lying cheat. I would be disgusted to live in a nation where he is the leader." His words proved prophetic; Mr. Karam became increasingly erratic and belligerent on the international stage, and he did nothing to curb endemic corruption. After tensions with the Cookish States boiled over into open war in which Bratoslovoukia used nuclear weapons under a flag of truce, Norvenia and the Shrailleeni Empire joined the Cookish in a swift, successful invasion that deposed Karam and ushered in the current transitional regime of Lev Kravchenko. In this second revolution, too, Mr. Stpetsnan was deeply involved, and played an important part in delivering the key city of Arkangelsk to the invading Coalition.

Such is the man now chosen to serve the legislature in governing Bratoslovoukia. But between Bratoslovoukia's heritage of tyranny, and Mr. Steptsnan's own personal record, many observers have profound fears for the United Republic's future."Stpetsnan is not some figurehead president," says Professor Mabel Hearst, of the Patterson School of International Affairs at James Edwards University. "He's a brilliant politician, an orator of supreme skill, a man who understands his countrymen down to his bones. He's got steel in his spine - he spent time in the gulag under the old emperor. He's got a hard core of ex-revolutionary followers ready to kill on his orders. And he's massively, massively popular, in control of the executive and a plurality of the legislature. In theory, the constitution limits his powers. In practice, God only knows what he can't do."

Field Marshal David Allen, commander of the Third Joint Task Force
("Shieldbearers"), with Bratoslovoukian officers.

Bratoslovoukian political analyst and correspondent Anastasia Madrikova, of the popular news program The Aurora Report, seems to agree; she has stated that Stpetsnan's Labor Party is "an unstoppable freight train that was driving the nation," and she warned that "with the power provided to [Mr. Stpetsnan] by a Labor Party majority government, there is no knowing how far this train will go." This, of course, is precisely the fear of Professor Hearst and others; one source in the Norvenian Foreign Office, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated bluntly that "Bratoslovoukians love strongmen - they respect power in its use, not in its restraint. Stpetsnan has everything to gain by ignoring the constitution, and everything to lose by playing by the rules."

Nevertheless, Mr. Stpetsnan is the duly elected president, and Chancellor House has extended its full recognition; Chancellor Griffiths called Mr. Stpetsnan to congratulate him on his victory, and has publicly announced that he looks forward "to working with President Stpetsnan in making Bratoslovoukia a beacon of democracy, stability, and limited government for a region and a world sorely in need of such role models." Mr. Griffiths also reaffirmed the key role which Bratoslovoukia plays in the Auroran Democracies Treaty Organization, or ADTO. "Bratoslovoukia is a founding member of ADTO, and the source of much of its strength," Mr. Griffiths reminded the press. "Norvenia and Bratoslovoukia are bound together by bonds of mutual responsibility stronger than any trial."

Mr. Stpetsnan's attitude toward ADTO has also been ambiguous, worrying many commentators. He has served as Bratoslovoukia's first representative to the organization's political council, and has made no bones about how he sees his responsibility: "My duty is to my country first," he has explained, "and ADTO second." He will be replaced on the council by Mr. Arkady Tereshkov, the Arkangelsk Attorney General - a fairly junior civil servant widely believed to be under Mr. Stpetsnan's direct influence. Professor Hearst summed up the situation thus: "President Stpetsnan does not like to have his hands tied by international involvement or pressure; he will defend Bratoslovoukian interests over ADTO interests every time. And, of course, that's cause for concern not just because it weakens ADTO, but because it takes away one way in which other ADTO members could pressure President Stpetsnan to abide by the constitution."

At press time, approximately seventy thousand Norvenian military personnel - the entire Third Joint Task Force, or "Shieldbearers", as well as the Arctic Naval Interdiction Group, are stationed in Bratoslovoukia; these forces are engaged in rebuilding the shattered Bratoslovoukian military as a new, ADTO-compliant force. Their future, in a Stpetsnan administration, is unclear. Field Marshal David Allen, the Shieldbearers' commanding officer, could not be reached for comment. But he must surely be thinking, as so many are today, of what the future holds for Bratoslovoukia - and through it, for all of Aurora.

[Bratoslovoukia]

The Bratavia Times

President Kravchenko Announces Accelerated Military Reconstruction as Term Comes to A Close
By Yuri Nevsky
As the New Year quickly approaches, so does the transition of power from the provisional government, led by President Lev Kravchenko, to the freely elected government, led by President-elect Pavlik Stpetsnan. On January 1st, Kravchenko will hand power over to his successor Stpetsnan, and Kravchenko will become a full-time member of the Military Council of the Auroran Democracies Treaty Organization. Today, Kravchenko announced an approved series of military reforms and plans for accelerated reconstruction. The highlights of these reforms include the renaming of the Bratoslovoukian Military to the Bratoslovoukian Armed Forces, projected costs and deadlines for military reconstruction, and reformed structuring and divisions within the military. From figures outlined in the reform reports, it will take an estimated K40,000,000,000 to rebuild the Bratoslovoukian Armed Forces to fighting shape. During announcement, Kravchenko stated that the accelerated reconstruction was a priority and "essential to role of Bratoslovoukia as a peacekeeper in the region."

Factories across the nation have already begun producing weapons, ammunition, and vehicles to rearm Bratoslovoukia. A deadline set for March 30, 2014, requires that enough assault rifles and ammunition to supply a well trained army of 400,000, 2000 military vehicles, and 200 new aircraft, be produced by then. The reforms also required that the remaining ships of the Bratoslovoukian Navy be repaired and restocked to serve as the new Bratoslovoukian Naval Forces. The reforms also state that the Naval Forces be supplemented by a small naval infantry of about 40,000. Speaking of the divisions of the Bratoslovoukian Armed Forces, there is now also the Bratoslovoukia Aerial Combat Forces, as to avoid sharing the same acronym with the Bratoslovoukian Armed Forces.

It is widely believed that this will be Kravchenko's final action as Acting President of Bratoslovoukia. Kravchenko has left quite a legacy despite his short time in office. There has been speculation that there might be a monument constructed in his honor in Peoples' Star Square, but this has gone unconfirmed for the time being. Another interesting military reform is that the largest of the abandoned missile bases, the Novgarelsk Launch Center, is being converted to a space flight facility to proceed with the space program planned by former Prime Minister Osip Karam. Approximately K10,000,000,000 is being used for the development of space technologies.

[Afalia]

7 Soldiers Dead In HFA Bomb Attack
31st December 2013-1 Chand-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

A soldier from the Royal Lancers regiment patrols Fortmoor Barracks earlier this year.

At least seven soldiers have been killed in a booby trap bomb attack in Broadplace near the Royal Afalian Army Fortmoor barracks. The seven soldiers from the Royal Lancer Regiment are the first Afalian soldiers to be killed in Harling since the anti-Harling Freedom Army terror Operation Bannerman began in October. The HFA have admitted responsibility for the attack in a message sent to the Afalian government and Blakdon Daily Journal. In it they stated the attack had been done to, 'wake up the Afalian people on New Year's Eve and open their eyes to the oppressive measures taken against Catholics of Harling.'

In a statement from the Ministry of Security this morning it was confirmed that, ‘a roadside bomb placed in a lorry beside the Fortmoor B-Road, which leads to Fortmoor Barracks, exploded at 07:12 hours this morning whilst an army truck drove past.’ Five soldiers were killed instantly whilst two others who were rushed to Our Lady of Broadplace Hospital died later from their injuries. Upon the attack a platoon of soldiers inside Fortmoor Barracks searched the surrounding countryside but found no suspects or perpetrators of the attack, suggesting the lorry was planted in the early hours between patrols.

An MoS spokesman said that, ‘because of the holidays not all next of kin have yet been contacted and the names of the soldiers will not be released until families give their permission.’ The news comes as another 500 troops are due to be stationed in Harling from the New Year, the majority of them from the Royal Lancers. The number of troops in Harling will reach 2,000 and is expected to rise again, according to anonymous sources within the Afalian government.

Speaking from his family home in Blartleo the prime minister described the attack as a, ‘sickening and despicable act of pure terror, committed by cowardly and pathetic coldhearted murderers,’ adding, ‘Our army troops are working towards peace in Harling and ensuring that all Afalian citizens can live free from terror and hate.’ The security secretary Alice Cook said, ‘Violence will not help the HFA win. We will not negotiate, give in or be scared into co-operation with coldblooded murderers.’ Rhetoric against the HFA has been stepped up in the wake of a surge in activity following the deployment of troops, with attacks on the mainland and on Harling. Last week Lieutenant Colonel Michael Lincoln told the Blackdon Daily Journal that, 'We will undoubtedly need more men here on the ground to defeat the HFA.'

Speaking anonymously to the Blackdon Daily Journal, a member of the Afalian Intelligence Service Home Section who deals with anti-terror operations in Harling said, ‘This attack was unexpected but we will catch the individual perpetrators as well as the masterminds of this plot and all HFA operations.’ An earlier attempt to detonate a bomb via a lorry outside Fortmoor Barracks in November was foiled after the bomb was discovered and safely disposed. According to one source as many as 25 plots against army targets in December were foiled through counter-terrorism means and tip offs.

The MoS also said that a special visit by the Queen to Fortmoor Barracks in the new year is expected to go ahead despite the latest attacks. Worries over the security of Fortmoor Barracks were raised earlier this month when Prince Christopher, the Queen’s cousin, was inducted into the Royal Lancers as a Captain. An MoS spokesman said that Prince Christopher was not at Fortmoor at the time of the attack, as ‘he is presently engaged with Royal duties’, but the Prince will return to active service and duty at Fortmoor from the 6th of January. AIS intelligence sources and Harling terror ‘watchers’ suggested that the latest round of terror plots are focusing more and more on army, rather than civilian or political targets, as the number of soldiers in Harling increases.

[Afalia]

That Was The Year That Was: 2013 In Summary
31st December 2013-1 Chand-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

In the aftermath of the Blitzen Bomb, Eliza Edgware's series of black and white photographs perfectly captured the scale of destruction in central Blackdon and the changes Afalia was undergoing.

By Elliot Webster
Editor Blackdon Daily Journal

In her Christmas broadcast last week the Queen spoke of a ‘black year for Afalia’ and praised the courage and bravery of ordinary Afalians in the face of ‘a troubled, difficult year filled with loss both personal and communal.’ The Queen’s somber message, the first of her reign, underlined and symbolised what many have been calling the ‘worst year in Afalian history’. The leader of the Traditional Aafaliiaan party Riidiiaasee Xiimtoooo described 2013 as ‘the year of weeping,’ whilst the prime minister said it was a year of sorrow.

There is no doubt that 2013 has been the most important year in terms of Afalian politics, social development and history since independence in 1952. It began with an attack by the UDT and the tragedy of the Blitzen bomb and ended, it seems, with the deaths of seven soldiers at the hands of the HFA. Yet in between the misery and death there have been moments of strength, hope and a country-it seems, growing stronger.

It is unclear what 2014 will bring for Afalians after the unprecedented changes in our society which spread rapidly this year, although many have made predictions. 200 years after the formal unification of Afalia as an Anglican empire realm Afalia’s place in the world and its society at home are being modified, questioned, criticised and praised from all sectors of the political divide and social strata. 2014 will be the first year of the new Amelian era. With a new Queen who knows what will happen or what changes we have in store? Regardless of what 2014 brings 2013 has been the year that has shaped Afalia more than any other in its independent history, and perhaps before. It would be impossible to analyse and cover every event that took place in Afalia, Aurora and across the world, but I have tried my best to highlight those that I feel have had an impact on Afalia and its people.

Tomorrow will be the first anniversary of the beginning of the Titanican war, the conflict which ripped apart the ‘old Afalia’ and forged the new. On the 4th of January in a special remembrance service in St. Nicholas’ Cathedral we will remember the victims of the Blitzen Bomb-the bomb which, if any single object can be said to be responsible for the new Afalia, changed Afalia more than anything else. With this in mind cast your minds back to almost a year ago-the 1st of January 2013, when the year of 2013, the black year, began.

JANUARY
The year began with the most shocking of news stories. Afalia was in a state of armed conflict, with the news broken by the prime minister as the people of the country woke up on new years day. Without an armed forces and facing invasion by the United Ditorates of Titanica-a regime best described as totalitarian and imperialist in nature, which planned to turn Afalia into a ‘sector’ to produce food. It was everyone’s nightmare. Conscription of healthy Afalian men began.

The request for help from Christopher Kelly was answered by ICE member states Arthurista, Eagleland, Itailia, Emmeria and Phonencia who came to Afalia’s defence. The people pulled together in a show of strength and defiance. Yet despite all this the deadliest attack of any kind against the Afalian people could not be stopped.

The Blitzen bomb, which was dropped on the 4th of January killed 134,589 people and decimated central Blackdon. The modern world had violently arrived at Afalia’s doorstep and any hopes of remaining in a state of peaceful, semi-isolation was ruined. The Blitzen Bomb ignited a passion for revenge in Afalians hearts and the fightback against the invading Titanican forces began. Beaches were barricaded, ports were guarded and an emergency budget was passed putting Afalia on a total war footing. The war had truly began.

FEBRUARY
Coalition naval forces began the fightback against Titanican naval forces. Using combined air and naval attacks the invasion force fleet was systematically destroyed in a series of raids off the coast of Blackdon. In response to the Blitzen bomb non-stop air patrols were implemented and Afalia began to be prepared by the government and Coalition for forming its own armed forces to deter any future aggression. The Royal family returned in early February from the Royal lodge and began rallying the country and beginning efforts to raise money for re-building efforts.

MARCH
With final aerial attacks carried out the Titanican naval invasion fleet had been almost completely destroyed. Remaining submarines and carriers were hunted down within Afalian waters and destroyed. The TAF Ditorate, where Lazin-the leader of the UDT was believed to have been, was sunk. On the 25th of March the Emmerian National Security Service located communications and discovered a submarine hiding beneath the wreckage of the Ditorate. They launched an operation to capture or kill Lazin. After forcing the submarine to surface and a short firefight with Lazin’s security forces, the Ditor of the UDT was captured. The war was officially over.

Lazin was handed over to Afalia on the 26th of March to begin his trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Afalian relief agency was set up to provide for aid and relief for rebuilding efforts in central Blackdon in the wake of the Blitzen bomb. A treasury estimate of rebuilding costs of 900 million Chands was seriously underestimated with work continuing today having reached 1.5 billion Chands.

The Treaty of Glenshire was signed placing Itailia and Afalia in a mutual defence pact with each other, gifting a number of armed forces equipment to Afalia and establishing an Itailian base. A free trade policy was also established between Afalia and Itailia. To all intents and purposes the old semi-isolationist foreign policy had been abandoned and replaced with Kellyism-liberal internationalism (or interventionism), realism and a focus on deterring any future Titanican or non-Titanican aggression with a strong armed forces.

APRIL
As semi-isolationism was abandoned and the armed forces were officially formed on the 1st of April Afalians awoke to a new era of pressure group politics-widespread marches, demonstrations and sit ins, mostly directed at the government and the new Kellyist foreign policy. But for the most part in a widespread social change reminiscent of a red scare, Afalians wholeheartedly adopted the new liberal internationalist and realist foreign policy that had been implemented. Support for the armed forces soared. Emmerian Petty Office Third Class Cory Harvan died from his injuries sustained in the raid on Jack Lazin’s submarine leading to a public outpouring of grief.

As the armed forces began training and exercises with Itailia and others legislation to allow for the death penalty to be used against Jack Lazin if found guilty of war crimes was tentatively passed by the Commons and Peers. The War Crimes Prosecution Centre was set up by the Crown Prosecution Service to allow for the best possible prosecution of Lazin.

In the wake of the war the popularity of Afalian blues and jazz, which had lost popularity since the early 2000s, soared. The song ‘For Blackdon’ by the jazz trio The Christies held the number one spot on the charts for four weeks. Meanwhile in Bratoslovoukia the war between Norvenian and Cookish coalition and Bratoslovoukian forces rages on.

MAY
Rebuilding work finally began on central Blackdon with the primary focus on rebuilding the Palace of Shirston-the parliament building, which was destroyed almost completely in the blast. A memorial to the victims and soldiers of the Coalition was placed at the exact impact site of the bomb. Meanwhile in response to fears of Titanican terrorism the Counter-Terrorism act was passed raising the detetion without trial limit for suspected terror suspects from 48 hours to 1 week and arming Royal Blackdon police officers.

Emmerian President Luis Castilla was shot dead by an ACA sympathizing gunman during a speech on foreign policy. The Prime Minister paid tribute calling Castilla ‘a truly great protector of freedom, a truly great friend to Afalia.’

Emperor Napoleon of Valyria founded COMPOR leading to fears and criticism from Afalian politicians and foreign politicians across Aurora, most notably the Norvenians and Cookish. Further criticisms were made when a Norvenian tourist was lynched in a Valyrian city for supposedly arguing for pro-choice policies. Reports seemed to indicate that a ground invasion of Bratoslovoukia had begun, although information was tightly controlled.

JUNE
In one of the biggest patriotic outbursts since independence millions of Afalians took part in street parties to celebrate Afalia Day on the 1st of June, largely as a result of the Titanican war. To coincide with the day’s events the Blackdonian Palace announced that Princess Amelia, heir to the throne, was to marry Prince Frédéric d’Antenfoy of Lyncanestria in a wedding to take place soon. Popular support for Amelia and the royal family soared.

Meanwhile an outbreak of yellow fever in Tsongland province of Kalumba led to 50,000 infections with over 3000 people dead. In Bratoslovoukia coalition forces began invading via the beaches after gaining practical total air and naval superiority. The newly reborn pacifist movement used the example of Bratoslovoukia as a conflict Afalia would be pushed into if it followed its new foreign policy. A crisis erupted between Valyria and Visaire over the sovereign status of two islands known as the Tango Islands and Jus-Dei Islands in Valyria and Visaire respectively. Naval exercises between Afalia and Valyria lead to protests and splits in parliament.

Two divisions of the Royal Afalian Army deploy to the Itailian colony of Rhydetia to help put down an armed rebellion in the first ever international deployment of Afalian troops. Despite protests from within Afalia public opinion is onside with the government and army’s involvement.

JULY
The Counter-Terrorism squad of the Royal Blackdon police revealed details of a plot to bomb Majesty Cricket Ground in Blackdon. Alfred Helmore, a 31 year old apparent admirer of Titanican dictator Jack Lazin was charged with conspiracy to commit terrorism and possession of a deadly weapon-a homemade bomb found in his house. He was sentenced to a twenty years in prison.

Afalia’s foreign policy position was further cemented after its application to join the ICE was accepted, becoming the 35th member of the organisation that defended the country in the war. Public support for membership was high although fears over commitments to foreign interventions were raised again by the pacifist movement who staged one of the largest sits in in history on parliament green.

Heir apparent and favourite for the premiership foreign secretary Jonathan Charles ruled himself out as a candidate for the Progressive Conservative leadership when Prime Minister Christopher Kelly retires. The announcement opened up the field for future candidates including the former chancellor, education secretary and security secretary. On the same day the King celebrated his 91st birthday which, like Afalia Day, saw a huge turnout.

The Granville nuclear power station Highton Plant opened amid protests from environmental groups. The plant was approved in 2001 but did not gain a contractor until 2003. Over the course of its construction it was overseen by five different energy secretaries and four project managers who were all fired for incompetence. The Public Accounts Committee called the plant an embarrassment for the government. As of now it services a million homes and will expand its coverage in the New Year.

‘Blitzen’ the new film about the Titanican war which began production in July was criticised by various pressure groups as in poor taste, coming so soon after the war itself. Fairfax House was dragged in when the prime minister called supporters of censorship ‘idiots’ on evening television. Later in the month the documentary series ‘Afalia At War’ was also met with similar criticisms. Meanwhile four Afalian Socialist MPs temporarily resigned their party whip and became independents following a policy decision by Socialist leader Martin Jones to support stricter immigration regulation. Following the reversal of the policy a day later the MPs returned to the fold.

Sweeping constitutional reforms were adopted in Norvenia with the Chancellor’s position becoming more powerful, the creation of an online second chamber and the creation of a special constituional court among the reforms. Meanwhile the race for the Chancellorship began with Christian Socialist candidate Malcolm Griffiths facing up against Prosperity Candidate Marc Ribbentrop, described by many as polar opposites.

Bratoslovoukian troops surrendered unconditionally to coalition forces after months of fierce fighting and thousands of casualties. A provisional government was established whilst coalition military occupation continued.

In yet another wave of popular patriotic outpouring millions of people took to the streets of Blackdon on the 27th to watch as Princess Amelia was married to Prince Frederick, the first royal wedding in Afalia since the 1980s.

AUGUST
The trial of Jack Lazin finally began at the Royal Central Criminal Court in Blackdon. Lazin who was charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity decided to act as his own defence. The trial is ongoing with thousands of victims of the Blitzen bomb, politicians, civil servants, academic experts, scientists and military personnel called for questioning to act as witnesses for the prosecution.

Martin Jones promised that if the the Afalian Socialists were elected the Church of Afalia would be disestablished. Fears of a split within the Afalian Socialists were raised once again and former socialist leader Patrick Collins warned Jones about ‘going too far.’ Protests against Jones’ policy were superseded by protests against the security secretary’s promise for an expansion of the armed forces which led to a one week protests on Parliament Green by anti-military group Disarm.

Abroad, a new constitution was agreed for Bratoslovoukia with war hero Admiral Kravchenko made acting president of the new state. Rampant corruption was discovered inside the Kalumban security forces with the arrests of three colonels by military police. President Sundiata of Songhia ordered armed soldiers into areas of rioting in southern Songhia which started as an anti-government protest.

Christian Socialist candidate Malcolm Griffiths easily won the Norvenian Chancellorship election, which saw surprises when the Prosperity party failed to gain any seats, (losing a safe seat in the process), whilst the Green party gained two. Politicians in Afalia privately welcomed the re-election and continued dominance of the Christian Socialists knowing that Norvenian foreign policy is set to continue on its present course for the next few years.

SEPTEMBER
On the tenth anniversary of coming to office the prime minister hinted that he would retire within the year and did not intend to serve more than 11 years. The hint led to posturing within the Progressive Conservatives as divisions between the liberal wing and traditional faction began to become clearer.

Emperor Napoleon once again backed a bill which led to the expansion of the COMPNOR organisation’s powers, which gave the power to the organisation to designate traditional Viasiarese cultural institutions on the Tango/Jus-Dei islands as hostile to Valyrian society. The passing of the bill led to a strong criticism from Astor of Stone and a long debate in the Afalian House of Commons which eventually resulted in a motion condemning the expansion of COMPNOR’s powers.

An initial summit to discuss the creation of the Auroran Democracies Treaty Organisation led to the walkout of Anglican prime minister Arthur Templer. The proposed ADTO regional defence organisation was met with a mixture of views within parliament and the Afalian public.

Relations between Afalia and Valyria complicated once more as it was announced by the Blackdonian Palace that Princess Amelia’s younger sister and second in line to the throne, Princess Laura, was to marry Emperor Napoleon of Valyria. The news of the engagement was met largely positively in Afalia with the prime minister saying that ‘this shouldn’t be looked at politically. We have no business getting involved.’ In Valyria the news was met largely negatively by ordinary Valyrians and officials within the imperial regime who were angry over the Emperor marrying a foreigner with protestant background from a socially liberal society. Some groups welcome the engagement as a means to liberalise Valyria’s regime through the influence of Princess Laura.

Rodenheim experienced a heated political argument after it agreed to lease land to bases for both Norvenia and Valyria, whilst Mizuyuki also agreed to lease land for Valyria.

The debate over Afalia’s foreign policy was refreshed over the matter of ADTO as the prime minister called for the country’s entry into the organisation. The health secretary resigned from the cabinet in opposition to Christopher Kelly’s plans and splits in both major parties made the outcome of a parliamentary vote unclear. Opposition leader Martin Jones and his left wing supporters opposed the motion. After a 19 hour debate in the Commons a narrow majority of just 23 backed Afalia’s membership of the organisation. On the same day Emperor Napoleon of Valyria denounced ADTO and all those who supported it, leading to worries over the future relations of Afalia and Valyria. However the news was taken well amongst political circles because of an increase in Afalian influence and better relations with other ADTO members.

The Aurinsulan National Space Agency confirmed the successful launch of the SJ-4 ‘Li Min’ X-ray telescope which is presently in orbit. Meanwhile in Bratoslovoukia political parties began registering themselves in preparation for the first free elections in the country in November. In the Cookish states congressional elections were suspended in the wake of a bribery scandal involving three members of congress.

The Archbishop of Cantwell was shot by an HFA gunman in an attempted assassination in Blackdon. After intensive surgey to remove a bullet from his lung the Archbishop made a full recovery, whilst the gunman Richard Pipes was charged with attempted murder and sentenced to life. In response to the attack parliament somewhat reluctantly backed the deployment of 1,500 Royal Afalian Army troops in Operation Bannerman, the anti-HFA terror operation on Harling Island.

OCTOBER
An Anglo-Afalian Defence and Security treaty was signed in Blackdon consolidating much of the two countries defence industries and leading to a range of co-operative measures, including the forming of a Joint Task Force and Joint Naval Task Force within ADTO. In Blackdon the Chancellor of the Exchequer was sacked and replaced with Kelly loyalist Jessica Shaw, widely tipped to be the next ProgCon leader.

Two men were lynched by a mob in Bechuaneland province in Kalumba for possibly being homosexual, after they were dragged by a crowd from protective custody in a police station. Mangosuthe Kwaike from Kalumban gay activist group Pink Kalumba alleged that police may have colluded with the mob. The news came as LGBT activists in Afalia welcomed the opening up of baby bonus welfare benefits to same sex couples.

Allegations that Emperor Napoleon may have been the father of an illegitimate child sparked fears amongst Royal family admiring members of the Afalian public that Napoleon is ‘only marrying Laura for his image.’ Meanwhile the Valyrian Senate considered a bill which would see a massive increase in spending and modernisation of Valyria’s military.

Dissident author Lee Zeshun brought a massive lawsuit against the Mizuyukian and Skorenzian governments, alleging that members of the Mizuyukian government violated human and civil rights. In response Premier Nikaido Mikoto passed a new privacy act widely seen as a means of cracking down on dissidents and those viewed as subversive by the Mizuyuki government.

1,500 Royal Afalian Army troops deployed to Harling Island as Operation Bannerman began. Widespread protests both in Harling and the mainland occurred, though public opinion was largely on side of the troops.

Regnum Albion had one of the biggest changes of government outside of an election in its history, as prime minister Arthur Templer stepped down in place of Skylar Wilbeforce or Baron/Lord Tweedsmuir. A host of other cabinet ministers voluntarily resigned.

NOVEMBER
Afalia suffered its worst terrorist attack in history as 107 people were killed in subway bombs in Blackdon and an airplane hijacking mid-flight on the 8th of November attacks. The HFA claimed full responsibility.*

The Labour Party won a tentative majority in the Bratoslovoukian State Congress and State Assembly whilst party chairman Pavlik Steptsnan took the presidency in the first free elections in the country following the war. Some fears were raised over how Stpetsnan may govern the country once he is sworn in, in January.

Violence continued to escalate in the Kalumban province of Bechunaneland despite the deployment of an army batallion. The Kalumban government blamed the rise in violence on anti-social elements backed by the Songhian state.

The newly promoted Chancellor of the Exchequer Jessica Shaw visited the Valyrian capital of Avalon in her first overseas visit to discuss trade deals in a meeting which invited all Auroran countries except Norvenia and the Cookish states. Meanwhile in Avalon the so-called ‘Future Forces Bill’ was passed leading to Afalian and Auroran wide fears of extensive Valyrian expansion of the forces.

DECEMBER
Further fears were raised over the future marriage of Princess Laura and Emperor Napoleon as the Valyrian ‘Lyfe Magazine’ published claims that Napoleon ‘still had his eyes’ on other women. The Blackdonian Palace dismissed the claims.

The King died peacefully in his sleep after a 61 year reign at the age of 91. He had been suffering from stress since the end of the Titanican War and had not made any public appearances since September. Amelia immediately became Queen after her grandfather’s death. Politicians paid tribute to the King and spoke fondly of the future ‘Amelian’ era. The Queen made her first Christmas broadcast where she spoke of a black year for Afalia, but believed the country had ‘risen out of the ashes stronger than before.’

Further fears were raised over the potential strongman style and personality of Bratoslovoukian president elect Pavlik Stpetsnan, especially in Astor of Stone. In particular was the apparently ambiguous tone and policy the president elect takes towards ADTO, with fears of a Bratoslovoukian withdrawal of the organisation at some point in the future. Meanwhile in his final act as President Lev Kravchenko accelerated the process of reconstruction of his country’s military, before he hands over power tomorrow.

Seven soldiers were killed in a booby trap bomb in a truck in Harling. The seven Royal Lancers are the first casualties of Operation Bannerman, the anti-HFA terror operation which began in October. The HFA claimed responsibility for the bomb which was left in a lorry next to the main road to Fortmoor Barracks.

*-I’ll update this particular event when the RP is finished.

[Bratoslovoukia]

THE BRATAVIA TIMES

In Inaugural Inauguration Stpetsnan Declared President
By Andrei Churnak
January 1, 2014

In a stunning and inspiring inauguration in the capital of Arkangelsk, President-Elect Pavlik Stpetsnan was handed the title of President by Acting President Lev Kravchenko. In this ceremony, Stpetsnan acted as the harbinger of the official transition of power from the Provisional Government to the freely elected government, elected during the November 16 elections. Today 100 assemblyman and 25 senators will arrive from all 25 districts of Bratoslovoukia at the capital city of Arkangelsk to begin their duties as the legislators of the new republic. President Stpetsnan and Vice President Wladislaw Szpilman will take the reins of the democracy and further guide it.

This morning's ceremony was impressive on many levels. The degree of bipartisan nationalism was astounding and the entire crowd, which largely consisted of newly elected statesmen seemed totally in awe by the oratorical grace and elegance of both President Stpetsnan and Acting President Kravchenko. President Spetsnan enter proudly as the Bratvit Philharmonic Orchestra played a stunning rendition of the national anthem accompanied by the angelic voices of the Bratavia Boys' Choir. Some reported to even see a tear roll down the cheek of President Stpetsnan in amazement of the beauty of the performance as he saluted the national flag. Due to a blustery snowstorm outside, the entire ceremony was held in the great hall of the Capitol Building in Central Arkangelsk. It assumed, but not certain, that this will be tradition from now own. Kravchenko delivered the first speech.

...Today is not only a momentous day for Mr. Stpetsnan and our government, but also for every single man, woman, and child who inhabits or will inhabit our great country! This is the day that the first truly freely elected government in the history of Bratoslovoukia has taken office. Our history has been marred by tyrants and oppression, but no more. The people of Bratoslovoukia have hope. We have hope and pride and faith in our government, much like we have faith in God. This is a day that we all have worked for, and this is a day that every Bratoslovoukian knows now that he or she has a say in their government. No more will dictators blindly oppress the weak. We have a voice! Today is the day that every child can look at their flag and say with pride 'I am proud to be a Bratoslovoukian'. Kravchenko proceeded to salute the flag and stepped back from the podium amidst a standing ovation. Rebbe Tevye Goldenschlatz approached the podium with a certificate. Spetsnan walked forward and stood parallel to Kravchenko.

The oath to the presidency was read by the Rebbe and recited by Spetsnan: I, Pavlik Chaim ben Moshe ha Levi Stpetsnan, solemnly swear to uphold the will of the State Congress and serve my country with all of my might. I hereby accept the responsibilities of President of the United Republic of Bratoslovoukia. "Thank you, Mr. President," the Rebbe replied with a slight grin across his face. A roaring applause broke over the crowd. Stpetsnan having just become the President of Bratoslovoukia, delivered the next speech.

As I look before myself today, I see in the faces of everyone, everything we've done to make this country the proud nation it is today. Everything we've done to ensure the freedom of all its of citizens. Everything we've done to make a brighter future for our children. Through blood, toil, tears, and sweat we have overcome the tyranny that once ruled this land. The people of Bratoslovoukia have built a nation in which all may prosper regardless of age, gender, or race. This new republic was created through struggle by the will of the people. We have written history today, and for the ages all will know that it is blood of the Bratoslovoukian people that moved the wheels of history. It would be impossible for me to repay all of you for the sacrifices you've made but as President I will sacrifice myself to make this nation the strongest nation in the world. As I start my two year term today as President of the United Republic of Bratoslovoukia, I will start by immediately working with the State Congress to begin drafting legislation that will change our nation for the better. I will address problems of homelessness and starvation with housing and food programs and I will work to improve the quality of this nation's education system. ... We stand at a pivotal moment in history. We either choose to grow or to decay. I say we choose to grow! With the involvement of this proud people of Bratoslovoukia, Bratoslovoukia can become all it can be! I would like to thank all of my supporters and the people of Bratoslovoukia as a whole. Together there is nothing we cannot achieve! Thank you. President Stpetsnan stepped back from the podium during another standing ovation as the orchestra once again began to play the national anthem. The ceremony then ended.

In the months we will see how Stpetsnan fulfills his promises as President. After the ceremony, many lauded the President's sense of national unity and overall national pride. Anastasia Sharapova, an investigative reporter for The Arkangelsk Free Tribune, stated "the amount of pure charisma in the President's address was almost overwhelming. All of it could be felt in the audience."

Photojournalism

President Stpetsnan at Wednesday's Inauguration.

[Vassland]

2014 Fiscal Plan Approved by Ministries and Council

Vassbrugge – Fiscal plans submitted to the Council by the various Vassian ministries have been approved according to an announcement by the Council’s press office released early this morning. This comes after thorough review of the submitted plans by the Council and hearings with the heads of the various ministries. The budget agreement will come into effect on the 12th of January, when the 2013 budget officially expires.

New budget plans allow for military expansion which is intended on replacing much of Vassland’s aging military hardware, notably much of the current aircraft under the Hoofdkwartier Logistiek der Luchtmacht (Vassian Air Force Logistics), as well as humanitarian equipment.

Civil plans call for a five-year plan to upgrade Vassland’s rail and road networks, and the continued development of residential area by the government-supported Christenlijke Gemeenschap (Christian Community), the largest non-governmental humanitarian organization in Vassland, which also runs the de-facto national insurance program.

This is the first fiscal plan to be proposed by the ministries since the new government took over in 2006, and the first time the general public has had any say in where the government’s funds would go, although there was no direct input in the decision making process by the public. Supporters of the Bishop have criticized this move as “giving the appearance of a weak and crumbling government”, while supporters of the Nieuwe Rad (“New Council”) has applauded these developments.

Other News
Defense Contract Signed with the Empire

A multi-billion dollar contract has been signed with the Empire for the construction of 12 new warships to be built at the shipyards of Linster. The warships are planned to be delivered within 5 years, as per the Empire's demands. This is the largest external defense contract in Vassian history, although the Vassian government has not disclosed the exact value of said contract.

Direct Flights with Zanborian Re-Opened

For the first time since 2006, daily direct flights to Vassland's northern neighbor, Zanborian, according to a press release given by the Ministry of Interior on Wednesday. Flights will leave from Vassbrugge and Linster, and connect to the Zanborian capital.

[Aurinsula]

国民111年01月12号

LP/SDP REFERENDUM: WANG FOR PRESIDENT

Wang Gangchuan (汪剛川), Assembly Member (SDP - Lujiazhou)

XINJING - A landmark meeting of the top Liberal and Social Democratic Party leadership resulted in both parties agreeing to support Wang Gangchuan as joint candidate for the Presidency of the Republic of Aurinsula.

The meeting, which was attended by lead organizers from both parties, initially focused on developing strategies for regaining their majority in the National Assembly, but soon turned to a discussion of the Presidency. According to Assembly Member (LP-Mengzhou) Zhang Qingwei, discussion of the Presidency began as a side-note after discussing the composition of the Assembly Committee for Defense.

"We had not prepared to discuss these questions yet, but, we must admit, a discussion of the different Assembly Committees led, innocuously, to a discussion of the members' affiliations to the President, and then to the President herself and to her election campaign."

Traditionally, both parties have fielded their own candidates for the Presidency. Assembly Member (LP-Xinjing) Liang Guanglie explained the situation by saying that, "over the past 30 years, since the new Constitution, our two parties have controlled about 60 to 70 percent of the Assembly, with very little interruption. There has only been one president, other than Ms. Zhao, who came from outside our two parties, and he left office with such difficulties that we didn't see the need to coordinate - the field may as well have been clear, and we saw no danger in our usual competition."

Mr. Liang was referring to President Qian Liangjiao, whose commitment to the deeply-unpopular Zihua Protection Campaign is generally seen as having cost him the re-election, in which he achieved only 21% of the first round of voting.

Mr. Liang continued by saying that, "The Blue Coalition is committed to re-taking the Presidency, and we have discovered that our best chance of victory is to unite completely and from the first behind a single candidate for office. We have chosen this course of action in order to spare the nation the havoc of political in-fighting, and to focus our attention fully on defeating President Zhao."

Other attendees echoed the sentiment. Assembly Member (SDP-Gaoshan) Xu Xiangqian told reporters, "we in the Social Democratic Party are, of course, pleased that the Liberal Party has chosen to champion one of our own, and moreover we believe that Mr. Wang can both win the election and serve as a great President."

Mr. Wang was not present at the meeting, but upon being informed of his nomination, informed reporters that he would be proud to accept such an honor. "On behalf of the Social Democratic Party, the Blue Coalition, and the whole Aurinsulan nation, I vow before Heaven that I will give President Zhao the fight of her life, and if elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure that every Aurinsulan comes to know the dream of prosperity and equality."

Analysts have called Wang a serious contender. Even before the announcement, the odds-making group Wenwen.co.jd put Wang as the second most-likely Blue Coalition candidate, with only long-term Liberal Assembly Member Yao Jiwei ahead of him.

Wang Gangchuan was born in Gaoshan, Shannan Province in 1948. He achieved his first and second degrees in 1966 and 1971, respectively, and received his third degree in law in 1973. He was first elected to the National Assembly in 1998, representing the SDP on the Committee for Public Administration. He became Chairman of that Committee in 2008, and holds it to this day.

He is perhaps most famous as the only male member of the National Assembly who did not complete national service. In 1967, he was injured during basic training by a faulty hand-grenade, and was honorably discharged. During his first election campaign in 1998, he used the image of his wounded hand to describe the origins of his political beliefs, and in particular his opposition to conscription.

When asked about the danger of risking Wang's Assembly position, Xu Xingqian said, "we wouldn't risk it unless we were sure he was the best for the job."

The meeting took place January 8th-11th in Xinjing.

[Mizuyuki]

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Political Storm Gathering Pace
Major rift within People's Coalition threatens to unseat government

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Kawasaki Ryoichi, Political Correspondent

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'Outraged and distressed'

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President of the Democratic Action Party, Fujii Itsunori (藤井　五典)

KIRAYUKI - Reports emanating from the Imperial Diet last night has suggested that we might be about to witness a startling political putsch that could see the ruling People's Coalition deposed, eight months after wresting power from the hands of the Liberal Democratic Party of Mizuyuki.

Sources from within a key component of the unstable People's Coalition, the Democratic Action Party (DAP), have indicated that the party could be about to switch allegiances following a key leadership transition in the corridors of power. The DAP hierarchy is allegedly raising concerns about the competency and credibility of the Mizunaga Socialist Front (MSF)'s President, Tachibana Yuiko, in the wake of an executive motion spearheaded by the President to remove a DAP member of the Cabinet from a deputy ministerial position.

This publication can exclusively reveal that there was widespread tension during yesterday's convention of the Cabinet Committee, with at least one DAP minister, believed to be DAP President Fujii Itsunori, publicly accosted Tachibana over her controversial decision, subsequently accused her of a breach of promise and threatened to pull DAP from the People's Coalition if the decision was not revoked with immediate effect. Fujii, who is held to be one of the most radical party loyalists in the Imperial Diet, was said to be outraged and distressed at the decision, which he said was made unilaterally by the President without consulting the DAP hierarchy or the PC leadership. In the aftermath, DAP leaders were unavailable for comment.

Is strategic withdrawal a politically sound move by the DAP?

The unnamed deputy minister in question has not been officially removed from office as of the time of writing, but political analysts are speculating that out of the three DAP deputy ministers that are currently holding positions in the Nikaido administration, the individual most likely to lose his job is the Deputy Minister of Education, Morita Naoki, whose relationship with immediate MSF superior Natsukawa Chihaya has been strained due to a difference in political views. Diet insiders have said that Morita and Natsukawa had clashed repeatedly during their brief partnership over the Ministry's educational reforms and policies, with Natsukawa allegedly going so far as to insinuate that Morita was 'an insubordinate Diet backbencher determined to obstruct educational progress with sheer bone-headedness', and that their relationship had deteriorated to the extent that they were 'no longer able to work together'.

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Sacked in the morning?

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Deputy Minister of Education, Morita Naoki (森田　直紀)

The DAP joined forces with the People's Coalition in the wake of the April 2013 general election in which the PC managed to secure a grasp on political power within the Imperial Diet by virtue of the Kagayaku Mirai Party (KAM) possessing a hefty 121 and 201 seats in the Upper and Lower House respectively. In the event that Fujii decides to withdraw his party from the PC after only eight short months of co-operation in the halls of power, the DAP will likely be able to force a re-election to be held at the very least, as Mizuyuki's laws dictate that in the event of a power shift in the federal administration, an emergency general election must be called within thirty days of said shift. The invocation of the law in question remains murky due to ambiguous wording, however, and it is likely that the DAP will challenge any attempt by the KAM, MSF or PC to call a re-election on the grounds that their defection does not constitute a change in the balance of power if the party hierarchy decides to push ahead with the move, having secured a record amount of seats by riding on the crest of the PC's massive electoral machinery and traditional groundswells of support in the affluent southwest.

Political observers say that Fujii's move to pull out of the PC could well be an astute masterstroke. Professor of Political Science at the University of Kirayuki, Hideyoshi Ryo, is of the opinion that the DAP stands to benefit massively in terms of both political support and seat allocation if they can manage to convince voters that they are not afraid to take a stand against the declining political behemoth of the PC. 'Fujii needs to stand up and be counted when it comes to the crunch; and that's when the DAP finally decides to abandon ship. He has to appeal to the masses with his charisma, he has to come out and say, 'Look, we can do a better job without the PC', and he has to prove it. With a track record like his, Fujii should have no problem defending the core DAP seats; it's the PC swing seats under DAP control that will decide the party's future. And he has to make absolutely sure he gets those locked up; without them the DAP will lose all progress they've made since the last elections.'

Will Fujii make good on his threat to leave the PC? Or will he bow to pressure and meekly accept the PC's authority, allowing his lieutenant Morita to lose his job with nary a whimper? The coming developments of this saga in the next few days might well shape Mizuyuki's political landscape for years to come.

[Afalia]

Inquiry Begins Into Drug Suspect Police Shooting
18th January 2014-1 Chand-Afalia's Most Popular Newspaper

Police reopened the scene of the shooting, Hunter Street, early this morning.

AN INVESTIGATION HAS begun into the shooting of a suspected drug ring leader in Blackdon by a police officer. Suspected drug dealer and ring leader Fulbert Hartey was shot dead by a police officer in Blackdon on Thursday night. The shooting is the first police involved shooting in Afalia for five years. It is also the first case of a firearm being fired by a normal policeman, rather than an armed officer since independence.

The Royal Blackdon Police Service confirmed yesterday evening that an investigation by the civilian and independent Police Oversight Commission had been launched to look into the details of the shooting dead of Fulbert Hartey. Police Commissioner Michael Hawkes also said a separate investigation had been launched by the Special Incidents Investigation Unit (SIIU), an internal branch of the Royal Blackdon police. Local CID detectives will also investigate the shooting with assistance from the Serious Organised Crime Command.

According to details released to the press Hartey was shot dead in the eastern borough of Myallstone in Blackdon on Thursday night after allegedly being pursued by two police officers on their regular beat. Sources inside the police service have suggested that Hartey was questioned by officers on Toreville Street before they attempted to arrest him on suspicion of possessing category A drugs. However, sources suggest, Hartey resisted arrest and fled the area leading the officers in pursuit to Hunter Street where he was shot dead. Exact police details of the incident are expected to be released tomorrow per standard police procedure.

The use of a weapon by a normal officer is the first time a firearm has been fired by a normal officer since the introduction of handguns in March 2013. The Counter-Terrorism Act legislated for the provision of firearms for all police officers, as opposed to armed officers, in Blackdon alone-the first time normal officers have ever been armed anywhere in the country. However under the act firearms can only be used in the prevention of a terrorist act or detainment of a terror suspect. Speaking to the press Commissioner Michael Hawkes confirmed that Fulbert Hartey was not believed to have been involved in any terrorist activities at the time of his death or prior.

The police officer involved in the shooting has reportedly sought legal advice from a Police Federation union solicitor. He has not been named as of yet, but as per standard procedure his name is expected to be released tomorrow. Police did confirm that the officer in question was not an armed officer, but a normal officer who had been issued with a firearm in April as part of the Counter-Terrorism act's provisions.

The family of Fulbert Hartey, including the 35 year old's mother, have claimed that Hartey was murdered. In a press conference at a local youth group which Hartey used to attend, mother Olivia Hartey said that, 'Fulbert was murdered by racist white Anglo policemen.' She denied that her son was a drug dealer and said that he had been targeted by police because, 'he has Traditional [Aafaliiaan] roots and Valyrian roots. He’s a goodboy, he’s no drug dealder.' In a statement outside Carling Street headquarters Police Commissioner Michael Hawkes denied suggestions of racism from the Hartey family but said that, ‘All investigative avenues will be pursued.’

Mayor Douglas Rain declined to comment when asked about the matter, suggesting the issue was a matter for police and the police oversight commission. The Prime Minister issued a similar statement to the press outside Fairfax House today but leader of the opposition Martin Jones, speaking to ABC News, suggested the incident, regardless of outcome, meant a serious review of the Counter-Terrorism Act was needed. Fairfax House dismissed his comments and criticised him for getting involved in a police and legal investigation.

ANALYSIS
Felicity Edwards, Legal Correspondent

The shooting of Fulbert Hartey is sure to dominate the news for the next days and weeks, not because it is the first police involved shooting for five years, nor because it involves what police believe to be the leader of a huge drugs gang operating in east Blackdon, but because of the question of legality.

As per the Police Criminal Evidence Act 1973 all shootings by police officers require a mandatory investigation by both police and the police oversight commission. But the few cases where these investigations have taken place have all involved specially trained armed officers who were, until April 2013, the only police officers who were armed in Afalia. Following the signing into law of the Counter-Terrorism Act in March last year that changed.

In order to deter expected Titanican and Harling terrorism and act as a weapon to stop terrorists, such as suicide bombers, from detonating devices or causing widespread death, parliament approved the nearly 1 billion chand scheme to issue firearms and firearms training to all regular police officers in Blackdon. This meant that Royal Blackdon police officers became the first, outside of their armed colleagues, to carry weapons as part of their regular duties. However, under the act, the only time these firearms can be used is to prevent terrorist attacks or detain terror suspects.

Whilst it is unclear what exactly happened at this stage police have made clear that they do not believ Fulbert Hartey was involved in any terrorist activities. He was, according to many in the police force, the leader of a very large drug ring and gang which specialises in supplying cocaine in east Blackdon boroughs. Despite going to trial numerous times Hartey has never been prosecuted for any drug related crimes because of a lack of direct evidence. His death has been welcomed, privately, by many in the Royal Blackdon service and local community leaders.

However the fact that Hartey was a suspected drug dealer and not a terror suspect means that a firearm should not have been used. The events of the shooting and its legality remain to be determined by the oversight commission and the internal SIIU. Only time will tell what the outcome and fallout of this shooting will be.

[Mediterreania]

50 Rial
5 Toman
$0.75 Mogamiland Dollar
0.0006036BTC
83 Drachma

بشوت
NESHUN

January 8, 2014

New Year, New Assembly
Thalassoš Akropouloš

With much fanfare, the new legislative session of the Assembly has begun in the capital of Daryāshahr. Several new parties have emerged, and their impact on the ruling Mercantile coalition remains to be seen.

All three houses of parliament have seen members come and go since last Christmas. In the Associations-General, the most powerful house of the Assembly, several Associations have chosen to send new delegations. The Union of Industrial Syndicates has sent three new MAs to represent the newly amalgamated Longshoremens', Teamsters' and Railyard Syndicates. On the other side of the aisle, Gaius Marcus Arazamonicus, much beloved delegate from the Capital-Prosperity Association, and one of three remaining Catholics in the Associations-General, has retired. He was replaced by Leilā Mirzā-Seyyed, an entrepreneur from Shamshir known for her militantly anti-socialist stances. Meanwhile, the Southern River Valley Association has joined the opposition Socialist coalition, sparking speculation that a coup is under way.

Christian and Muslim members of the Assembly read prayers together.

Despite renewed criticism that it is redundant and irrelevant, the Popular Committee has hosted several particularly heated political battles over the past year. In a spectacular defeat, the Persian-Achaean National Front lost thirty two seats, amid accusations of corruption and electoral fraud. The Christian Syndicalist Party, itself under fire for its connections to the militant Saint Sebastian Organization, won two dozen of those seats, mostly from river valley districts. The remainer of the seats went over to the Skeptics, a new party calling for the dissolution of the Popular Assembly. This idea is likely to gain support from the Mercantilists, in the face of a growing Socialist prescence in the Committee.

The Syntechnia indicated a growing Socialist influence. Responsible for non-binding but extremely influential industry standards, the Syntechnia is appointed by a board of experts from fifteen major universities across the country. It is the least politicized, and least controversial, house of the Assembly; however, trends in the Syntechnia often mirror broader political trends. Although members of the Syntechnia are forbidden from publicizing their political affiliations, several new members were appointed from regions traditionally dominated by the Socialists. Professor Marvārid Berofi, a sociologist and former member of Socialist Alternative, was most notably appointed to chair the Commission for Statistics and Accountability, and has pledged to conduct a comprehensive survey of the effectiveness of all existing industry standards.

As usual, the Speaker of the Assembly presided over the ceremonies. Dr. Georgios Torknezhād, who is expected to keep his position, remarked on the need for unity in the face of the ongoing crisis. General Shahrbāni, flying in the face of recent criticism of his bombast, arrived at Independence Square in full battle dress uniform, on a Militia helicopter. Leaders in each coalition spoke to their flock before gathering once again for prayers, and Āyatollāh Khātami jointly presided over the interfaith service with Patriarch Iakoboš. "Godwilling, the three houses of this Assembly will protect the people of Mediterranea and foster their good relations with the peoples of all nations," the Patriarchy was reported as saying.

Not all shared his sentiments. "The People's Committee is a farce, and we will work to dismantle it," stated Skeptic leader Tivānā Ahmad-Khān, "It is a blatant attempt at copying the parliamentary system of other nations. But our unique Law is based on voluntary cooperation, and parties should not have the power to enforce their views by bullet or ballot. Authoritarian sociopaths such as the Saint Sebastian terrorists, or the Ethnoš neo-fascists, have exploited our electoral system for long enough. Associations should not be selling themselves to ideological coalitions, but voting based on their own interests and the interests of their constituents."

"I ask you, how many soldiers lie in want of air cover, while this General Shahrbāni diverts valuable aircraft to his political theater? How many children starve because their Associations were forced to pay for military parades rather than emergency food rations?" asked Southern River Valley delegate Kserkseš Achaimeneš, heckling Shahrbāni's speech. Achaimeneš, an advocate of Militia decentralization famous for his blistering criticisms of Shahrbāni, elaborated to a reporter, "The general staff -- and I mean all of them, not just Shahrbāni -- are moving this country towards an authoritarian military junta. Each Association knows best how to defend its own constituents, but the General insists on centralizing their forces under the Militia. Has this helped fight the insurgents? Not one bit. We must restore civilian oversight of the army, or risk fighting a third enemy within."

Whether the criticisms of people like Achaimeneš and Ahmad-Khān are valid remains to be seen. In its first few days, however, the Assembly is expected to cover such uncontroversial topics as food safety recommendations, and passport issuance. Only in the coming months will we see tackled the fundamental issues of property rights and military authority.

[Bratoslovoukia]

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JANUARY 22, 2014

EDITOR'S NOTICE

According to new reforms in media reporting the foreign end of the Bratoslovoukia news will be presented in a unified format. No longer will news stories be reported by separate newspapers, but in a single document in order to preserve quality across the board of reporting. This change is an effort to encourage a new standard of unprecedented quality and excellence in broadcasting. It is hoped by all of us here at the National Bratoslovoukian Broadcasting Corporation that all readers will appreciate the new look of Bratoslovoukian reporting.

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Blizzard Rocks Nation as Temperatures Reach Record Lows

By Janusz Kaczynski

This week, with temperatures ranging from -15^oC to -25^oC, a winter storm system stretching from Arkangelsk to Bratavia has blanketed most Bratoslovoukian cities under a sheet of ice and snow. Tram service has halted in most cities and there have been reports of abandoned cars on the streets. The many who are homeless in these cities have either taken refuge in public buildings or storm shelters, or have tried to bare the storm, which has been advised against. A loss of power has occurred in the city of Bratvit, which further hurts the city still recovering from the heaviest bombardment and airstrikes in Bratoslovoukian history. Looters have also been reported as being present in Bratvit and the city of Danielsgrad. Danielsgrad had received an estimate 3 meters of snow, which is almost the record amount in that area. Arkangelsk has been buried under 2.7 meters of snow, and Bratvit and Bratavia received about 1 meter and 76 centimeters, respectively. Winds have also been high, which has resulted in severe wind chill.

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OTHER NEWS:

• Norvenian Soldier Found Dead, Gangs Believed Responsible
  
• Karelstadt Rapist Strikes Again
  
• Bratvit's Largest Brothel Re-Opens
  

[Aurinsula]

国民111年01月26号

Special Profile
Shenfei Militarized Zone

Norvenia's "Fort Deliverance," Shenfei Militarized Zone

SHENFEI - For almost 20 years, Zihua has had an odd place in Aurinsula. It is the country's only exclavic territory and the country's only special administrative region. It has unparalleled local autonomy to handle its own internal affairs, and it is the only place in all of Aurinsula with an official language other than Tinchalian.

It is also one of the most heavily fortified sites on the planet. With Wednesday's completion of the Bratoslovoukian "Base 261," the Shenfei Militarized Zone - a collection of Aurinsulan and foreign bases clustered around the eastern edge of Zihua - now features six permanent military bases.

According to General Xu Chengwei, Chief Commandant for Liaison, the SMZ houses over 25,000 troops, 200 aircraft, and modern warships equalling half a million displacement tons. The whole region also has eleven runways, each of which can accommodate a four-engine transport plane.

"These facilities represent the fist of the ADTO. Zihua is centrally-located, and is the perfect place to house these assets for a rapid response anywhere in the region. It also possesses excellent harbors, allowing for even the largest of ships to dock here with ease."

The SMZ is also home to the Air Force's new "Yiyue" radar network. This network, which was designed by Pearlmount Precision Industries, is designed to detect stealth aircraft without transmitting radar beams. Air Force Colonel Ma Fengxiang told reporters that the Yiyue system "has begun a new era in air defense, and will contribute not only to the safety of Aurinsula, but also to the whole world."

According to representatives from PPM, the Yiyue is a "passive radar system." While many of its specifications remain classified, PPM disclosed that it uses "Schlieren Photography" and "Ambient Radiography" to detect planes, among other methods. The Yiyue's detection pylons have appeared in locations throughout Shenfei City, ensuring that the whole region is well-protected from aerial assault.

"It's really impressive," said an Anglican RAF pilot. "We were approaching Shenfei in a Ragnar [stealth bomber], and we were expecting to announce ourselves when we were ten or fifteen kilometers away. But we received a query from their air traffic control when we were 200 kilometers away. The system is spectacular."

Many residents of Shenfei have shown appreciation for the multi-national force at the SMZ, most of whom go off-base for their personal recreation.

"I feel very safe with them around," said [Gang Qiaozhi], restaurant manager. "All of the soldiers have been very polite, and they have good manners. I've never heard about any of them getting in trouble."

Warm feelings also prevail among the soldiers.

"Everybody in [Shenfei] is glad to see us," said a member of Norvenia's elite "Heavy Horse" units. "They're used to having uniformed personnel around, and they always make us feel welcome."

Despite the many languages and cultures, friendship among the nations of the ADTO seems to transcend all borders.

[Afalia]

Police Commissioner Indicted Alongside Officer In Drug Shooting
26th January 2014-1 Chand 50 (Sunday Edition)-Afalia's Most Popular Quality Newspaper

The trial of Constable Henry Newman, at the Royal Criminal Court, is due to begin in February with an initial hearing scheduled for this Thursday.

ROYAL BLACKDON POLICE commissioner Michael Hawkes has been indicted by the Crown Prosecution Service in the prosecution of the Fulbert Hartey shooting. On Friday Crown prosecutors indicted police officer Henry Newman for murder after he shot dead suspected drug ring leader Fulbert Hartey two weeks ago. Newman’s use of his firearm was deemed illegal by the independent Police Oversight Commission and the internal Special Incidents Investigation Unit, as it did not involve the prevention of an act of terrorism.

In a press conference outside the Royal Criminal Court in central Blackdon late last night barristers from the Crown Prosecution Service announced their indictment of police commissioner Michael Hawkes, the head of the Royal Blackdon Police Service. In a murder trial expected to begin sometime next month Commissioner Hawkes was indicted for encouraging a crime and perverting the course of justice. Sources inside police headquarters have suggested that chief defendant Constable Newman named Commissioner Hawkes in connection with the shooting during questioning with local CID detectives.

Crown prosecutors refused to divulge any further information of the indictment of Commissioner Hawkes but said further indictments would follow on Monday or Tuesday. Privately sources suggested that the commissioner may have known about or indirectly approved the shooting of Hartley because of the alleged problems he caused police in suspected drug gang operation in east Blackdon. Sources close to the prosecutors also suggested that the charge of murder held against Constable Henry Newman would most likely be reduced to manslaughter in court.

Following the indictment the deputy commissioner of police announced that Michael Hawkes would, ‘temporarily step down from his role whilst he fought these allegations,’ and that deputy commissioner Isabel Malley would take on the role as acting commissioner. Carling Street has refused to comment on the indictment any further saying that the indictment is a legal matter and, ‘police do not wish to prejudice a trial.’

Current sentencing guidelines for the two indicted offences suggest a minimum of six years for perverting the course of justice and five years for encouraging a crime, depending on the severity. However under the law a maximum sentence of life imprisonment can be imposed for perverting the course of justice.

The mother of Fulbert Hartey welcomed the decision to indict Constable Newman for the murder of her son on Friday, saying ‘justice has been and will be done.’ In a similar statement the MP for Myallstone Vincent Liedkin welcomed the decision to prosecute and said, ‘Even if Constable Newman is found not guilty the important thing is that justice is being followed and the law is being used properly and righteously.’

[First Valerian Empire]

Avalon Chronicle

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COMPNOR gets go ahead for youth group

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By George Staffe
Published: January 26, 2013

Avalon,Valyrian Empire —The Commission for the Preservation of the New Order or COMPNOR has been given the final go ahead by the Imperial government to form it's own youth organization.

A spokesperson for the Commission for the Preservation of the New Order has revealed earlier today that the organization has been given the final go ahead to form it's own youth organization, which has been a goal of the coalition and it' s leader, Director Pierre Windimere, Dk, since the creation of the Commission in May of last year.

For our foreign readers unfamiliar with the organization, the Commission or COMPNOR for short is the Empire's premier cultural protection and promotional organization being tasked with the preservation of Valyrian culture both internally as well as the promotion of Valyrian culture internationally.

The organization has had it's powers and responsibilities greatly enhanced in the year that it's been around with it being given the authority to remove institutions it views as threats to traditional Valyrian culture as well as immense discretion in determining the importance of Valyrian cultural sites and those deemed as a threat to those sites.

Since it's inception the organization has been the source of immense of criticism abroad for perceived human and civil rights violations, specifically regarding non-valyrian communities within the Empire and locations of congregation for those communities. The height of those criticisms was reached during the Tango Islands conflict which put the Empire against the Visairese Empire and the local Visairese community who called the Tango Islands home.The conflict ended when the Visairese Empire unilaterally renounced it's claim after a international conference was called.

Despite it's somewhat infamous reputation abroad, the Commission has declared more than 300 sites within the Empire important to Valyrian and Imperial High culture and thwarted their destruction as well as assisting in raising the necessary funds for their protection and restoration. In addition the organization has recently partnered up with museums and heritage sites across the Empire in a effort to redirect tourism to those sites in order to fund the restoration and preservation of various historical artifacts and locales.

With this latest announcement, it is clear that the Commission will be assuming an even more direct role in Valyrian and Imperial life with the formation of it's own youth organization.

The organization which is expected to be fully up and running within the next month or two,whose official purpose is to provide a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness as well as a healthy respect for the Empire, it's culture and history.

Supporters of the organization that will become the Imperial Youth Corps(IYC), cite this as another example of the Commission not only fulfilling it's stated aims but also taking the lead in the preservation and eventual cultural expansion of the Empire. Senator Windimere(no relation) Dk, has promised that should the Youth Corps prove to be a success that he will support the expansion of the organization overseas so that all Valyrian children will be able to participate in the program and obtain a healthy respect and admiration for their culture.

Detractors of the Commission, few and far between as they may be, have denounced the program as another way for the Empire and specifically the Emperor to indoctrinate the youth of the nation with their'' militaristic and nationalistic propaganda''. Many within the opposition in the Senate harbor fears that this is a covert way to build upon the slowly forming cult of personality around Emperor Napoleon and his family. Director Windimere,dk, has stated that though the Emperor is technically in charge of the Commission and the IYC, that he has as of yet not expressed anything more than a passing interest in the program.

The Imperial Youth Corp's curriculum and activity list has as of yet, not been released to the public but members close to the project state that it will be very similar to that of the International boy scouts movement with a' Valyrian twist''.

The Chronicle will keep everyone updated with unbiased, unstoppable news.