Esquarium Today [Regional News, CLOSED]

[Vashta Nerada]

Priest Empress Vaŝti III abdicates the Golden Throne

Priest Empress Vaŝti III faithfully governed Vespia for more than nine years in God's name

HOLY VESPIA - It is a sad day for the Holy Empire, for its bright star, Her Blessed Eminence Vaŝti III Arŝombo, has announced her decision to abdicate the throne in favor of her eldest son, Jeriĥo, Priest King of Ileban. Though the nation lauds the rise of its First Son and Chosen of God, it equally mourns the decision of its Chief Priest and Divine Representative to step down from power.

The announcement came in the morning of 12 December, during which the Priest Empress convened her Privy Council to explain her decision to step down. After much prayer and thought, Vaŝti concluded that it was time for her to depart from God's most sacred service in the name peace. The priesthood confirmed her actions, and absolved her of all sin before her departure. Her reign is to officially end on 20 December, during which time her son, Jeriĥo, shall take to the throne following his coronation.

This event marks the second time since Priest Empress Vaŝti II, the current monarch's aunt, that a sitting Priest Emperor has abdicated the throne. In an interview with the Priest Empress, Vaŝti III stated that stress, health issues, and disagreement on the nation's future with her son, ultimately led to her decision to hand over power to Jeriĥo. In recent months, Jeriĥo had been given regency over the empire while his mother contemplated her decision to abdicate. It was under Jeriĥo's divinely-guided hand that many changes in the empire took place, most notedly the greater privatization of the economy, and the increase of "civil rights" as the foreign profligates put it.

In the end, we lowly subjects wait in great anticipation as to the unfolding of God's will. The imperial coronation will take place on 20 December, and the audience is too include nearly all of the priest dukes, counts, and barons of Vespia. Vaŝti has acknowledged that she too will be in attendance as her son takes over the empire. Let us rejoice as God's will is done.

This is La Vero. Bringing you the truth of the world in the name of our most holy God and Savior.

[New Zepuha]

Federal News Network

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Pulse of the Nation

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December 13th, 2014

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Sinro City, New Zepuha - It has been some time since our station has last briefed you on the news of the nation. In this issue we will be discussing several topics in a brief outline. We will cover: the situation in Qianrong, the end of the Maco siege, deportation programs entering service, and the plan for Kraq. So keep tight as we move through this special edition issue of the Federal News Network.

The Qianrong Question

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It is clear to authorities that the situation in Qianrong is becoming more and more unhinged as a power struggle erupts between two prominent leaders. Though it has been set clear that New Zepuha will be supporting Li as the rightful ruler, the foreign ministry has made no more comment on what that actually means. Some officials have stated that the foreign ministry simply means to recognize the new system of government coming in, but no word has been sent from Minister Goebeltz or his aides on the situation. The government has managed to formulate no opinion on new developments, despite elections being two weeks away.

Another view that has popped up among internet forum users is that the Ministry of Defense has formulated a plan to invade Qianrong. It is believed by leading conspiracy theorists that the mass readiness drills being run across the nation are not for what the ministry called 'routine training'. Some believe that the ministry is in fact prepping troops to invade Qianrong and occupy the nation to bring stability to a vital staging point and to protect Zepuhan interests abroad.

The minister of defense, Kraig von Berhausen had this to say on the matter; "The ministry of defense is not planning for an attack on Qianrongese soil. But, we will acknowledge that there are indeed contingency plans in case the New Zepuhan base needs to be evacuated or should it be attacked in the midst of fighting. Qianrong is a close friend and we will not intercede into their sovereign right to decide their own way."

Either way you look at it, the government decision has been muddy and unclear up unto this point. So it is unclear to many and has been left to speculation on what exactly is going on.

The Maco Siege

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After a nearly month long standoff with federal agents, militant racist terrorists have finally been forced out of their hiding hole inside their compound in Maco. On December 10th, federal agents introduced CS gas into the central air system of the compound and used this distraction to penetrate the compound. An MRAP armoured vehicle was used to breach the front gate and ram a hole through the wall of the main housing unit. No shots were fired as HSA agents stormed the compound seizing suspects with zip ties.

This siege was a result from an investigation into a mass shooter earlier in October, where a racially motivated attack on a strip mall took four lives. Thirty two suspects were arrested in the resulting raid, all charged on 'conspiracy to commit terrorism'.

Deportation of Non-Whites

In a stunning deal brokered between the Jahistic Union and the Zepuhan Commonwealth, a mass deportation program has commenced between the two nations. In an effort to spare the lives of many from the racial tensions that still prevail within the nation, despite reformist programs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has ordered that all non-whites be deported to the Jahistic Union. At 500,000 citizens a year that would mean that means the nation should be free of non-whites by the year 2023. It is a day that has brought mixed feeling across the nation.

Some civil rights groups are calling it a travesty, that people who have already lived here for many years, and sometimes their entire lives are being forced from their homes. While proponents state that it is the quickest way to bring about racial peace within New Zepuha. They may be permitted to re-patriot if they so choose in the year 2030.

Plan Kraq and the Esquarian War on Terror

Operation: Desert Liberty is going into effect this month as imperial forces hit the ground an are starting up combat operations. The first stage of the liberation plan will be to coordinate several strikes on major cities across the country. By taking the cities by surprise and stretching out the militants forces so that Kraqi loyalist forces can make the final push to break the back of the enemy. Troops will only be giving one warning for surrender, and then will commence their attacks. It is hoped that during the main battles special operations forces will be able to capture militant leaders for interrogation at the under construction Abu Drahb POW camp near the coast.

General Mikulis Drunner has been appointed as the supreme commander of Zepuhan forces in both Kraq and Irvadistan. He holds out high hopes for success at driving out the militant forces. "I have strong faith that our men and women will be able to secure their objectives within a timely manner. With major cities under our control we will then be able to start policing the populace and restore Kraq to a stable and independent state of existence." When asked if he was concerned about militants escaping over the border to Irvadistan, he indicated that additional troops would be needed to effectively control that and operate full combat operations.

Other News

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• Disaster strikes Uguria, king offers national day of prayer to victims.
• Foreign Ministry issues a formal condemnation of Arnborg for their intense racist policies bordering on genocide.

[Geadland]

CHURCH OF GEADLAND ELECTIONS APPROACH
The 'Church left' are likely to make gains

13 December 2014 Last updated 22:04 Geadish Standard Time
Next week, the Church of Geadland will hold elections for its synods and senior clerics. We look at how the system works and what the options are.

The Church of Geadland is unusual among religious organisations for have a democratic organisation similar to that of the state. The leader of the church (the Patriarch of Bondhaven) and the bishops in the church's 50 dioceses (36 in Geadland and 14 in other countries) are elected by the church's members. If the incumbent is not seeking election, an open contest is held to elect a successor. If an incumbent is seeking re-election, a referendum is held on whether to approve the incumbent instead. A male bishop only needs 50% of the vote to be retained, but a female bishop needs 60%. If the incumbent is rejected, an open contest is held a month later to fill the post. A rejected incumbent can still retain office if they win this contest. In addition, the church has its own directly elected council (the 200-member General Synod) and each diocese has its own directly-elected Synod.

To vote, a person must be a registered member of the church and over the age of 16. Until 1999, any person who was born in Geadland was automatically registered as a member of the church unless their parents opted out. Partly as a result of this, 2/3 of the population of Geadland are members of the Church of Geadland, even though less than 50% now say that they adhere to the church. Church membership is declining, on average by 1% a year, due to the growing irreligious population, a growing ethnic minority population and the fact someone who is born in Geadland no longer becomes a member by default. By contrast, the decline in church attendance has flattened somewhat. Around 7% of the Geads still go to church on most Sundays, about the same as 10 years ago. This is mainly because the Church is persuading existing believers to attend more, rather than converting non-believers. Members of the church who are taxpayers pay a 0.5% tax on their income; some donate more if they wish.

Each member will thus have at least four ballots. They will elect their local members of the local synod and the General Synod. If their local bishop is seeking re-election, they will vote on whether to retain their bishop. If their local bishop is not seeking re-election, they will elect a new bishop in an open contest. They will also vote on whether to keep Villem Götens as the incumbent Patriarch of Bondhaven. If he loses, an open election will be held to elect a successor. Götens has said he would stand in this race even if he lost the retention vote. In addition to these four votes, many (but not all) churches will elect their leadership and councils.

There are also three archdioceses - Alburgh (northern Geadland), Eskrau (southern Geadland) and Morganstad (New Audholm). The archbishops will be appointed by the Patriarch, with approval from General Synod, from among the bishops in the archdiocese.

Synod elections are contested by a special array of church parties, the most prominent of whom are:

• Church Conservatives: (66/200 seats) The largest party and the most influential. It defends most of the church's existing beliefs and systems against changes proposed by the liberal factions. It considers the church's main job being to work to "fight against decline" and expand its membership (and thus its funding) both at home and abroad. They oppose divorce, abortion and euthanasia but don't think the Church should do much to actively campaign on "political issues". Despite its name, it is not affiliated with the national Conservative Party. Indeed, Efa Nordland openly supports the Church Liberals (see below). It does however enjoy good relations with the Christian People's Party and other international Christian democratic parties.
• Church Liberals: (51/200 seats) The liberal faction is affiliated with the national Liberal Party. The Liberals want to reform the church to reduce its conservative nature, which it believes alienate followers. Women can serve as bishops but certain restrictions on this exist; they cannot serve as Patriarch of Bondhaven or in a few other senior positions. The Liberals would give women complete equality in the church, simplify the church's rituals, increase the Church's commitment to supporting charitable causes, give individual churches more autonomy and permit churches to hold same-sex weddings. They are expected to do well in the 2014 church elections.
• Hope Through Faith: (34/200 seats) The "fundamentalist" faction of the church. They oppose much of the liberalisation of the church in the past 20 years and wish to reverse it, arguing that it has contributed to the secularisation of Geadland in the past decade. It opposes allowing women to serve in the clergy, calls homosexuality and divorce "sinful" and also wants the Church to be more active in opposing abortion and euthanasia. They also want the church to do more evangelical work. It does not oppose the democratic governance of the Church.
• Christian Social Union: (27/200 seats) The Christian Social Union is a Christian left-wing movement which is closely allied with the Church Liberals. As well as making the church more liberal, they want the Church to do more to "promote social justice", by increasing its charitable activities (both in Geadland and abroad) and voicing opposition to the government's austerity policies. They are affiliated with the SDLP and other international social democratic parties.
• Against Politicising the Church: (2/200) A single-issue (but mainly conservative) party which wants to abolish the democratic system, claiming that it gives allows political parties to influence the Church. Initially quite popular among a core of voters, they lost almost all their seats in 2010 and may struggle again this year.
• Independents: (20/200) A diverse group, ranging from the most radically liberal members of the Synod to the staunchest fundamentalists.

Götens is likely to continue serving as Patriarch. He does not belong to any of the Church's political parties and is considered to be a centrist. He has expressed a willingness to work with both the Church Conservatives, the Church Liberals and even the Christian Social Union if necessary. He has been critical of Hope Through Faith, describing them as "a reactionary influence". He comes from New Audholm, giving him a useful connection to overseas members. The Church Conservatives have endorsed his re-election bid. The Church Liberals have been neutral on whether to retain Götens, allowing their members to campaign both for him and against him. They say that they will run a challenger if he loses the retention vote, but they have not yet said who this would be.

The elections of the Synod and bishops are likely to show a strong leftward shift. The last Church of Geadland elections were held in 2010, only a year after Geadland had legalised same-sex marriage and two years after women were first allowed to become bishops, which caused a small conservative backlash. The Church had also suffered a particularly severe loss of members from 2008 to 2010. This was partly due to those controversies, but also due to the recession. Many non-churchgoing members terminated their memberships because they were no longer willing to pay the Church tax.

This year is likely to be different. Churchgoing Geads have adjusted to the arrival of same-sex marriage and women clerics. Prejudiced attitudes are fading not only in society as a whole, but also among the deeply religious. It is possible that fundamentalists like Hope Through Faith could make gains, angry that the Church Conservatives have failed to stop the tide of religious liberalism. But the liberals in the Church are the ones who are likely to be the real victors.

[National Socialist Korea]

Угуриэн Йанминно Туңсенсэ
UGURIAN PEOPLE'S NEWS AGENCY

Acid Rain reported in and around Disaster Zones

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HC 1398/12/15

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UGURIA - As casualty reports continue to increase in numbers, Uguria felt the effect of nuclear meltdown for the first time. Near both of the two faulty reactors previously elaborated on by UPNA, dark clouds have already been forming. All methods of measuring radioactivity within the atmosphere and pH in rainwater samples collected near the reactors show them to be surpassing safety level, indicating a massive damage done to Uguria's environment and high risks of fallout and continued acid rains for the next few days.

Photo of rain droplets near the Leaking Reactor.
If not effectively quarantined, casualties may double.

The earthquake and secondary disasters it triggered on December 13 caused considerable damage to Uguria, especially the Southern regions. Material losses notwithstanding, rescue efforts have been valiantly carried out by volunteers and foreign nationals. There is a high risk that these rescuing squads may have to withdraw or be equipped with the best gears to continue their work, however, when the floods continue and nuclear meltdowns are unsuppressed.

Nuclear dust has clouded out the skies over the reactors. Few has approached them as of yet, but all collected data so far pointed towards the damage being either irreversible or, at the very least, much worse than previously thought. The situation worsens still, when another reactor near the Leaking Reactor has reported a similar core meltdown.

Notified of the news, Paramount Leader Neima Chaau has ordered the immediate evacuation of nearby areas. Another order for emergency quarantine of affected regions has been issued. Because at least one of these are near (presumably formerly) densely-populated areas, necessary steps are required to guarantee that there are no extra pitiable casualties from the meltdowns.

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OTHER NEWS

• UGURIA - Paramount Leader Neima Chaau expresses gratitude towards Tuthina and WPRQ through radio
• UGURIA - Protests in Dabbat citing "ineffective government rescue efforts"
• UGURIA - Casualties are due to negligence and incompetence: Supreme National Congress
• UGURIA - Name: "Great Fukking Disaster"
• UGURIA - Additional casualties attributed to anti-Kannei vigilante activities
• UGURIA - Terrorists exploit chaos to spread rumors about the Federation
• UGURIA - More people turn to religion and spirituality in times of desperation: Statistics
• UGURIA - Jastyn Ppo's concert half-empty; concert-goers complain about ticket prices
• NEW ZEPUHA - King offers national day of prayers to victims of Great Fukking Disaster
• OTEKI - Pro-Independence RFQ Activist sued by illegal collaborationist government

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COMMENTS

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[Sjalhaven]

| 14 December 2014

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Nidzeslavia's #3 official flees the country
by Sigrið Ægirþdóttar

Ivan Kavinski in a public speech
on this 21 November 2014 photo

Njorg, Sjalhaven | The Chairman of the Council of the Provinces, Ivan Kavinski, often considered as the State of Nidzeslavia's #3 official, arrived in our nation yesterday morning, along with his wife and his two sons. Immediately received by government officials, he stated that "following recent events unfolding in Nidzeslavia, I feel no longer safe for my family and myself". Currently being considered a refugee, Kavinski said he would apply for Sjal citizenship.

Kavinski's role in the crimes of which the Nidzeslavian government is accused is disputed. Most recognises #1 and #2, respectively the Supreme Comrade Svarovski, head of state of the country, and Mikail Zelinski, Speaker of the Council of the Guardians of the Revolution, as the main responsible. However, the Esquarian Human Rights Monitor considers Kavinski guilty as much as the whole government, and therefore call for Kavinski to be prosecuted. The EHRM have not reacted yet, but is expected to ask our government the arrest of the refugee.

The Nidzeslavian Popular Worker's Front, ten years after the coup, is still not controlling the whole country and is dealing with several uprisings of various intensities. Recently, a number of high-profile officials have disappeared, most likely killed in yet another purge expected by many foreign observers. A number of disagreements in the ruling triad have been noticed, and the departure of Kavinski might separate Svarovski and Zelinski furthermore.


Government warns Arnborg, "You're on the edge"
by Lórens Jóvinþon

External Relations Minister Nikolina Íanþdóttar told the Arnborgese government, in an official communiqué, "You're on the edge, but don't take the step forward to destruction". Reacting to recent events in Arnborg, including a glorified protesters massacre and ensuing riots and the Bornhild's decision to expel all blacks from the city. Nikolina urged the government to "tone down the racism", as the ever-degrading situation of the non-whites people in the country "may quickly become a priority for the international community", and heavily condemned Adrian Heath's genocidal statement.

"If such actions continue, we will have no other choice than severing diplomatic ties", threatened Nikolina. Our correspondent in Arnborg reported that some of the embassy staff started to pack up, fearing the inevitable. "Ending centuries of warm relations between our two nations wouldn't benefit anyone, but we cannot tolerate such a display of racism". Earlier this month, Nikolina stated that "if regional powers such as Ainin were to come door-knocking to end the apartheid, there is not much Arnborg can do, even with direct support from the Nevans."


Níels Ómiþon dies in car accident
by Ilías Kaldiþon

Ministry of Finance employee Níels Ómiþon died from a car crash today, after hitting a tree at high speed. Despite the emergency services' best efforts, they were not able to bring the man back to life. Níels was known for initiating the Póseidongate, a major corruption scandal in Póseidon, a subsidiary of state-owned Kórónoil, which caused the arrest and the resignation of several high-profiles Kórónoil executives and Ministry of Finance employees. A colleague of Níels, wishing to stay anonymous, told that he had accumulated various documents about suspicious money transfers. The government will investigate further on this.

[Qianrong]

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

SUPPORTERS OF THE FREE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC COME OUT TO MAKE THEMSELVES HEARD, LAUNCHING A COUNTERPROTEST CAMPAIGN;
THE NEW ALLIANCE FOR QIANRONGESE NATIONAL STRENGTH HAS SET ITSELF IN OPPOSITION TO THE UNITED DEMOCRATIC COALITION

Zhong Fang-Ye, the founder of the Alliance for Qianrongese National Strength, has said that the FDRQ is a guarantor of safety, not a threat to the country as the United Democratic Coalition of Qianrong claims.

Qianrong's Provinces: Li or Guo?
The national government isn't the only
one seeking to pick sides. The governments
of Qianrong's 29 provinces have also
picked who they support in this struggle.
Agwatsapot(Lumangdaungan)- Li
Aogang(Zuizhong)- Li
Chusheng(Yaosai)- Guo
Co Lap(Viec Lam)- Guo
Cua Gian(Chien Truong)- Guo
Daliang(Sanjiao)- Li
Duoc Thay(Danh Dap)- Li
Gaoxiong(Rongyao)- split
Hon Dao(Hai Nang)- Li
Huatou(Caifan)- Guo
Kaluwalhatan(Angkapalaran)- Li
Lienzheng(Duishang)- Guo
Maliitna(Depengulang)- split
Nandong(Xiangmen)- Li
Pangingisda(Harisiyulung)- Li
Qiren(Aoshi)- Guo
Qiuling(Huade)- Guo
Saorao(Wangdao)- Li
Shengsu(Seongyun)- Li
Thuc Quay(Rac Quay)- Guo
Vao Thanh(Vinh Quang)- split
Vinh Xang(Vat Nhap)- Guo
Vu Tham(Phien Nhoc)- Guo
Xinjiao(Shanliang)- split
Xinnan(Huali)- Guo
Xiongyue(Yucheng)- Guo
Yangyu(Mengtian)- Guo
Yuanjing(Xiangzhou)- Li
Zhifang(Laogang)- Guo

Total for Guo- 14
Total for Li- 11
Total "split provinces"- 4

DECEMBER 13, 2014- Yucheng, Qianrong- With the United Democratic Coalition still a powerful protest force in spite of a spirited attempt to crush the movement by the NSF, the supporters of the Free Democratic Republic and of Guo Tse-Zu have decided to make themselves heard as well, with Nationalist People's Party member and Ministry of the Interior bureaucrat Zhong Fang-Ye announcing the creation of the Alliance for Qianrongese National Strength and starting a series of counterprotests across the country.

ONLINE POLL:
Which movement does Qianrong support?

The UDCQ(left), or the AQNS(right)?
Vote now in our poll!
The logo of the UDCQ is based off of the
umbrellas used by protesters to deflect tear
gas and pepper spray. The AQNS logo is
based on its three points: national unity,
national pride, and national safety.

"Quite frankly, I feel there's a demonization directed at the FDRQ, at the NPP, a sort of one-sidedness, a lack of understanding... there isn't a human face, so to speak, to associate with us," Zhong Fang-Ye said in the announcement declaring the AQNS's formation. "I feel that few people realize that- well, that there are people who support the FDRQ. And I think that people, I think that more people need to understand that. That's my goal: to be heard. I want the world to hear that there are many people in Qianrong who do not support Li Jian-Zheng, who do not belong to the UDCQ. I want people to know that we support Guo Tse-Zu, and that's why I've created the AQSN. To humanize the FDRQ, and to make sure that we are heard in this trying time."

Much like the United Democratic Coalition of Qianrong, the Alliance for Qianrongese National Strength is a populist movement which works through starting protests across the country. And much like the UDCQ, the AQNS has started protests across the country- in pro-Guo provinces and pro-Li provinces both. The UDCQ and AQNS are also now sharing the same protest spaces- public parks, city plazas, major roads, and government sectors, and arguing over the same issue.

Thankfully, though, there are no reports of clashes or other violence between the two groups- and the leaderships of the two groups appear to want to keep it that way. "In this quest to make ourselves heard, we must respect our fellow Qianrongese citizens," Zhong told a crowd of AQNS protesters. "They are our brothers and sisters, even if we differ politically." And UDCQ student protest leader Jie Qing-Chun said that "these counterprotesters are using the same rights we are- the right to assembly, the right to free speech, the right to free thought. There is nothing wrong in that." The protesters and counterprotesters remain political opponents only for now, and it is obviously hoped that conflict does not break out.

The two groups have even managed to come to an agreement on one particular topic: the Txotai AR's lawsuit against Radio Free Qianrong for alleging that ethnic cleansing was occurring in the Oteki region. Reverend Seng Bu-Zhang, a leader of the pro-Li protests, told the press that he had donated and that he "encourage[d] all members of the movement to join him in standing beside the group that gave us the truth instead of falsity." And Zhong Fang-Ye, now the leader of the pro-Guo protests, told the press that "while I don't always agree with Radio Free Qianrong, I have to admit I feel like they have been grossly wronged in this situation." Members of both groups have donated to an online fund seeking to collect enough money to allow RFQ to pay for the lawsuit should that become necessary.

The reactions of the Guo government and Li government have been far less equitable and peace-minded than the statements of the protest groups, however. Guo Tse-Zu told the press today that "the Alliance for Qianrongese National Strength is a sign that the Qianrongese people will not fall to traitors, thieves, and liars... this is a great event, to see that there are good people who will fight the evil in the world." Li Jian-Zheng, meanwhile, accused Guo of fomenting the protests, though he did not provide any evidence. "Ultimately, we have to have change. The FDRQ was founded with the best of intentions, but at this point it must be destroyed if Qianrong is to survive."

The current unrest, now being called the 'Winter Rebellion' by those in favor and the 'Great Unrest' by those in opposition, began on December 1st when the National Security Forces led a military coup against the government of Hsieh Jiang-De, then Acting Chancellor, on the grounds that he was corrupt and ineffective. In the process of the coup, Hsieh was killed, and the title of Acting Chancellor became vacant. The incident was exacerbated by a dispute over this title between Li Jian-Zheng and Guo Tse-Zu. Li and Guo both have support from different parts of the population, leaving many fearful the a civil war might erupt between the two rival Acting Chancellors.

The situation is currently 'up in the air', with no clear signs as to who will ultimately come out on top. Some countries and groups, like Qianrong's ally New Zepuha and Pavonistadian hacking group INTERPROS picking sides. Other countries, such as Qianrong's neighbor Namor, view the situation as too murky to pick a side. While some are greatfulness for foreign support in the issue, many others fear that this represents an attack on Qianrong's national independence.

Comments

Liang Shui-Nang
↑647-↓12
I'm glad to hear that all of Qianrong is willing to stand up and be heard. I don't even particularly care if Li or Guo wins. I just want to see the Qianrongese people stand up for ourselves.

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News from Across Esquarium
QIANRONG- At this point, is it likely that Song Li-Chao will ever be rescued from the ASQ?
NEVANMAA- Racism in Nevanmaa and racism in Arnborg: the many similarities, and surprisingly few differences
NAMOR- With Election Day drawing ever nearer, Fu, Shohai, and Kuo vie for votes
ARNBORG- Borghild has voted to expel all non-whites from the city, spouting nonsense about 'savagery'
NIDZESLAVIA- The dictatorship's number three flees to Sjalhaven as a political refugee
UGURIA- What does the Fuking earthquake mean for the Ugurian government's power?
NEW ZEPUHA- Can we trust New Zepuha's words on its Qianrongese military campaign?
GEADLAND- The history of Geadland's unique elective church, and why it matters today

[Pavonistade]

Pavon/Pavonistadian Enjlish | Français | International English | Γαυδσκε Σπρωγ | Nemryllic | ȣяλeƨȣaунe | Luziycan | Наморайин | Neva (+) | 茜蓉语 | 文語 | Vjaarlandsk | Vyvluder

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-DEVELOPING- INTERPROS RESPONSIBLE FOR QIANRONGESE NEWS HACKING
The National Report becomes first victim of INTERPROS campaign

Date: December 14, 2014

Writer: Boris Krushechouve

A shattered National Report logo was
inserted when hacktivists took control and
posted a pro-Li message.

On December 9, INTERPROS spoke out regarding the Winter Rebellion in Qianrong and, in its first video about so, it placed its support behind Li Jian-Zheng and the 25+ million Qianrongese protesters. Its spokesperson it is "preparing for a war that has already started" and had wanted all Qianrongese people to "[e]xpect [them]."

A hacking incident took place five days later. The National Report, one of the noticeable news sources of Qianrong after the downing of the Ministry of Information not so long ago, was completely shut down early in the day. This was not expected by many, at least by those in Pavonistade, as the INTERPROS tends to focus on targets directly linked to any opponents.

In further detail of the shutdown, the original state of all pages belonging to the news sources appeared to be inaccessible. A post revealing The National Report's shattered logo, the flag of INTERPROS, and the network's messages was instead found.

Following the introduction was justification for the hacking. "We cannot accept and condone any forms that would incite support for the dysfunctioning Free Democratic Republic and the dissidents that are and led by Guo Tse-Zu, Mataas Pangahatang, and Zhong Fang-Ye," the message read, "the National Report had revealed the presence of enemies that are drawing righteous innocents into the wrong side as we read on.

"Therefore, we have to force ourselves to shut it down so as to warn all people not to stimulate any sorts or levels of momentum for the delusional, dissentient side. For the duration of the shutdown, we shall make sure the offending contents are nulled out and secured into obscurity." The remainder of the message reiterates INTERPROS backup for Acting Chancellor Li and the "ailing" Qianrongese protesters.

President Mattheu Azurite had warned the INTERPROS "is stepping into hot waters" with "virtually every moves it takes."

"The INTERPROS is recognized by the Pavonistadian Government as a terrorist network and is completely unaffiliated with any sectors of the Pavonistadian States," President Azurite spoke, "[...] all of the consequences the network created and pulled itself into will not pull the rest of Pavonistade into the affairs beyond."

At the time this article is published, The National Report was restored to its original state and the INTERPROS message disappeared.

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BrainManiac2014
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The INTERPROS hacked a news source. Yes, see that again: a news source. Funny how they don't chase off Guo and his friends, and instead pick on a site that merely reports on the situation.

ElephantBeStompin'
▲ Like - 65 | ▼ Dislike - 14 | ! Flag
@BrainManiac2014
Yeah, let's see how long it takes until condemnation floods in. I guess you'll know what the answer is.

NeverGonnaNameMyself
▲ Like - 3 | ▼ Dislike - 87 | ! Flag
Never gonna give you up,
never gonna 'gnore your calls,
never gonna hack around and disturb you~

[Namor]

THE PICKLE - Почаи Симмун
Namor's primary source of information

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BREAKING: Otekian separatist exposes Namor's abuses against Otekian people
Namor forcing Otekians to read, learn and live against their own will, says human rights activist

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Note: Because of the sensitive content this article contains, we at The Pickle know that the government is not going to be happy when it stumbles upon this. To ensure that the writer of this article does not end up in Nanniwan because he broke the Anti-Secession Law, the name of the writer will NOT be disclosed. So keep in mind that there is chance we might get sued as well. Heaven help us!

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NAMO - Namor is committing massive human rights abuses against ethnic Otekians, a separatist leader said.

Iama Asholev, from the Otekian government-in-exile and a prominent
human rights activist, exposes to the public Namorese human rights
abuses against ethnic Otekians in the region of Txotai

Iama Asholev of the Otekian government-in-exile said to The Pickle in an exclusive interview that Otekians living in the troubled region of Txotai are subject to "many" horrific abuses and are being forced by the Namorese government to do nasty things such as tolerating other ethnic and religious groups and realizing that feudalism isn't the only political ideology around.

"I've listened to dozens of testimonies and I'm shocked to see that nobody's aware of this," Asholev told The Pickle. "If you saw the pictures of human rights abuses, you would be as indignant as I am."

Asholev has worked on raising international attention to the plight of Otekian people for the last twenty-five years, and has spent most of his life collecting documents and pictures proving that the Namorese government is abusing ethnic Otekians. He is regarded by some reputable sources as a successful, sharp-minded human rights activist.

He then piled up a bunch of pictures purportedly proving Namorese brutality against Otekians (viewer discretion advised). They include a picture of Otekian schoolkids learning trigonometry in a public school, elderly Otekians praying in church, and, finally, "the worst abuse of all" - Otekians speaking Luziycan.

"They're horrible, aren't they? Just- " Asholev broke down into tears before continuing. "I don't know why we allow the Namorese to do such evil things against our people. Whenever I see abuses like these happening it brings a pang to my heart. I care for these oppressed men, women and children but the Namorese don't. This needs to be stopped; if this continues our people will disappear. We are victims of ethnic cleansing."

Asholev then showed us evidence of ethnic cleansing in Txotai - an Otekian household moving from a house dated from the Duchy of York to a modern, three-story house built by none other but the genocidal, fascist Namorese government. We weren't able to determine if this moving was forced, but Asholev thinks he's sure.

"Ethnic cleansing is horrible, but in Oteki it's a reality," Asholev said. "The Namorese government is forcibly removing Otekians from their homes and making them move elsewhere, and are giving their old homes to Kannei settlers. No rational and humane government moves people around like this, especially to higher-quality residential areas."

He went on to explain how bad Namor is treating Otekians since the region was taken over by the Namorese military in the Txotai War, or, as he calls it, the Otekian War of Independence.

"Namor is giving Otekians economic opportunities and jobs instead of letting them become church pastors and priests," Asholev said. "Otekians read and believe the Bible, but here is the government trying to fill their minds with this." He shows the correspondent a thick science textbook. "Otekians are being deprived of education and instead are getting propaganda, like how the sun is in the center of the solar system or how the universe began with a big bang. Do you learn all of these lies in a free, sovereign state?

"I know many Otekians who are living under Namorese occupation, and I can tell you - life sucks there with all the human rights violations and neglect," he went on. "One of my friends grew up in Oteki under Namorese rule, and guess who he became? A person working in a job with a high pay. No person can be any more miserable than he is now.

"Back when Oteki was free and independent, there were no abuses everything was fine. Everybody read the Bible, everybody believed in God, and everybody interpreted God's law the way it was written. Criminals were burned at the stake. It was the golden age of free Oteki."

Txotai - or Oteki as people like Asholev pronounce the word - is returning to headlines after Txotai's government sued Radio Free Qianrong (RFQ) for making allegedly false reports about the situation of Otekians in the region. It was followed by RFQ announcing it would fight the lawsuit and the mind-blowing discovery that Otekians live in Qianrong too.

But Asholev isn't concerned about this. He just wants the world to know how bad things are going for Otekian people in their ancestral homeland now that it is being controlled by a foreign power. He has submitted some of the evidence he showed us to the International Criminal Court, which he hopes will indict everyone in the Namorese government for committing these widespread abuses and crimes against humanity.

"If someone invades your country and gives you a shove towards the new century, then tells you that Christian fundamentalism is bad, what would you do?" he asked before providing an answer. "Otekians aren't the only oppressed people around. Many people that have been oppressed managed to win their freedom by engaging in peaceful protests and civil disobedience." Asholev finished by saying that in order to rid their country of Namorese rule, Otekians ought to take that same peaceful, non-violent path.

"Go to Namo, toss some explosives at the Executive House and blow it up," he said.

NEXT ON THE PICKLE: Uguria launches 'Great Program' to build artificial continent as large as Southwestern Esq.

[New Zepuha]

Federal News Network

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INTERPROS Declared Enemy of the State; Federal Prosecutor-General Issues Federal Indictment

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December 14th, 2014

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Sinro City, New Zepuha - The well known 'hacktavist' group INTERPROS has recently gained international attention due to it's obscene attacks on Qianrongese media. The federal government believing very strongly in the freedom of speech, no matter how offensive or controversial was of course offended by this attack on close friends. Senior officials within the government are now worrying whether an attack could be launched against Zepuhan servers and have taken steps to avoid another of what the Internal Affairs minister calls, 'an attack on the free speech of free people'.

Chancellor Bergmann has authorized the Office of Central Intelligence to organize a task force to tackle the growing issue that is now cyber-terrorism. The group INTERPROS has brought the issue to the forefront of the minds of our people. The OCI has been given authority to conduct any and all operations needed to hinder and ultimately destroy the terrorist organization. The Foreign Ministry does not however condone the use of extrajudicial punishments abroad in foreign countries, but has not also explicitly banned the usage of said tactics. The Foreign Ministry would prefer that terrorists be captured and extradited to New Zepuha for judicial punishment.

The HSA on the other hand has begun today a sweep of the nation with elements of the Cybercrimes Division and Division of Warrant Services, they have done this on the authority of the Prosecutor-Generals issuance of a federal indictment. A federal indictment is a warrant for the arrest and prosecution of a person[s] and seizure of their property. This is the first time in the history of the Zepuhan judicial system that an entire organization has been indicted, and not just the main players. Pursuant to this order all police agencies in the nation are authorized to arrest and seize any member of the mentioned organization and they will be prosecuted. The warrant only ends upon the prosecution of all members of the organization, guilty or not.

Tonight the nationwide manhunt for these members goes into affect and we will be just a few steps closer to ridding our nation of these terrorists. Stay strong and always change your password.

Other News

---

• Pavonistade still a conundrum? The nation that arms it's enemies openly and does nothing to stop a terrorist group born from it's own territory, this and more tonight.
• Uguria under crisis conditions, foreign ministry considers deploying aid workers.
• Geadish electing church officials, tonight church officials debunk this backwards practice.

[Qianrong]

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








Free Media for an Unfree Nation

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"THIS [IS] A BLATANT AND DISGUSTING ATTACK ON THE RIGHTS OF THE QIANRONGESE PEOPLE"
When the Alliance for Qianrongese National Strength and the United Democratic Coalition of Qianrong said they did agree on some issues, they weren't lying-
And both of them are vehemently opposed to INTERPROS interference and 'hacktivism' in Qianrong, no matter which side it's for


UDCQ protesters climb on top of police barricades following a failed attempt by the National Security Forces to end the protests

XIANGMEN, QIANRONG - DECEMBER 14^th, 2014 - In Qianrong, there are two main refrains to be heard in the streets at present: "Down with Guo and Down with Ngo" in the protest grounds of United Democratic Coalition of Qianrong members, and "No to Nationwide Chaos, Yes to National Power" in the demonstration areas of the Alliance for Qianrongese National Strength. Now, though, there is a common refrain- well, okay, a common refrain not pertaining to the Oteki-Txotai ethnic cleansing allegations. Supporters of Li and supporters of Guo alike have now both started chanting "respect for information, respect for independence"- a chant directed at Pavonistadian hacking group INTERPROS, which briefly shut down the website of the National Report earlier today.

The National Report is one of the "big three" of Qianrongese news sources, the other two being the smoldering remains of the Ministry of Information and yours truly. Many respect the National Report because it explicitly avoids attempts at editorializing, preferring to use little more than explicit information. Because of this, it has earned widespread praise- particularly among those who want nothing more than the basic facts.

Reporting the facts, however, didn't suit INTERPROS. The hacking group- generally listed as a cyberterrorist group- broke into the National Report's webpage, shutting the entire site down, shattering its logo and silencing a major media outlet.

They did offer an explanation, though it was about as convincing as a Luziycan apology. "We cannot accept and condone any forms that would incite support for the dysfunctioning Free Democratic Republic and the dissidents that are and led by Guo Tse-Zu, Mataas Pangahatang, and Zhong Fang-Ye," the group wrote on the hacked homepage of the National Report. "The National Report had revealed the presence of enemies that are drawing righteous innocents into the wrong side as we read on. Therefore, we have to force ourselves to shut it down so as to warn all people not to stimulate any sorts or levels of momentum for the delusional, dissentient side. For the duration of the shutdown, we shall make sure the offending contents are nulled out and secured into obscurity."

Yes, you read that right. INTERPROS shut down a news site for reporting the news. Kind of like Guo Tse-Zu burning down the Yucheng Bureau of the Ministry of Information, except with fewer civilian casualties. In an act that was meant to express opposition for Guo and his supporters, INTERPROS pulled some pages out of the National Security Forces' book. Namor and INTERPROS should have a hypocrisy-off; it certainly would be a thrilling match-up. Maybe the Luzzies could referee?

Zhong Fang-Ye, government bureaucrat and founder of the AQNS, and Jie Qing-Chun, student protest leader and face of the UDCQ

INTERPROS was only moderately successful at most, though. First, it only had the website down for a couple hours in the early morning. By the time PAN reported on it, everything had been restored to normal. So they weren't exactly successful in keeping the page hacked long enough for large numbers of people to see it.

Secondly, they managed to earn near universal condemnation. Pavonistade's president Matthew Azurite told INTERPROS that they "[are] stepping into hot waters with virtually every moves it takes... INTERPROS is recognized by the Pavonistadian Government as a terrorist network and is completely unaffiliated with any sectors of the Pavonistadian States," he told the press. New Zepuha took the opportunity to list INTERPROS as a terrorist group, claiming that the decision was made based off of New Zepuha's great respect for freedom of speech(maybe New Zepuha should join Namor and INTERPROS in the hypocrisy tournament), saying that the Zepuhan military would begin a massive campaign to halt any similar groups in their country.

Perhaps most shocking was the joint statement made by the United Democratic Coalition of Qianrong and the Alliance for Qianrongese National Strength. "Recent actions," the declaration says, "have highlighted that there are some groups who would rather endorse falsity than truthfulness; who only believe in freedom when it suits them; who would paint themselves as heroes while trying to cover up despicable actions behind the scenes- groups such as INTERPROS."

"Let us be perfectly clear, supporters of Li and supporters of Guo both: this attack is base and pitiful," the declaration continued. "To attack a news source for reporting the news honestly and truthfully is utterly ridiculous and totally inexcusable under any circumstances. This attack is a disgusting move, in the eyes of all of Qianrong, and we will not accept such foreign interference- particularly not attempts to silence our news sources."

"INTERPROS's attack was not a denial-of-service attack; it was a denial-of-rights attack," the declaration quips, adding that "INTERPROS has shown utter disregard for the rights of the Qianrongese people to hear and be heard... INTERPROS's actions are morally repugnant and are an infringement on the rights of Qianrong's citizenry to know what is going on in their own country. None of us will tolerate this blatant and disgusting attack upon the rights of the Qianrongese people."

The full joint statement can be read here.

Guo and Li both denounced the attack as well. Guo Tse-Zu described the hacking incident as "a blatant assault on the Qianrongese people and nation- and we cannot tolerate incessant and unjust interference such as these despicable actions. We must take all the steps necessary to prevent further assaults like this." Li Jian-Zheng told the National Assembly that "more action must be taken to make sure that the rights of the Qianrongese people are being respected... any group who would deny these rights, for any reasons, must be treated as an enemy and opposed at every turn."

The National Report released an official statement earlier today, which concluded with a firm statement: "we will not be intimidated into failing in our duty of providing the Qianrongese people with the information that they want. Not by any person or group; not under any circumstances... our job is to provide the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth- and we will do our job.

The response highlights the strong national identity of the Qianrongese people, even in times of major dispute. The Qianrongese citizenry are very resentful towards anything which is perceived as foreign interference in Qianrongese affairs, with only a few exceptions. This is part of why Li and Guo have only exchanged harsh words thus far, and why the AQNS and UDCQ have been able to remain civil towards each other- and even united on several issues- even as they fight for wildly different futures. It's one of Qianrong's strengths, this unity- a strength that will ensure that righteousness wins in the Qianrongese Archipelago.

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OTHER NEWS STORIES
Uncensored, Unedited Truth
Namor: Pantejmonov says that demographic changes, Bloom's analysis, and history prove wrongdoing in Oteki
Qianrong: The Winter Rebellion's strange blend of Guo versus Li and opposition to Ngo, Namor, and INTERPROS
New Zepuha: Why we shouldn't trust the Zepuhans to let Qianrong's people determine their own fate
Unolia: 2015 is the "Year of the Charm Offensive" for Jacob Connors and the Politburo
Arnborg: Is the racist system in Arnborg on the verge of collapse as we head towards 2015?
Nidzeslavia: Why has Nidzeslavia's "number three" fled to Sjalhaven, and what will happen next?
Uguria: Beyond the brink of catastrophe: why Fukking was the worst place in Esquarium to be hit by an 8.1 earthquake

[Wreath and Peoples of Rome]

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Legions Marching Once Again...

Other articles, by popularity :

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• New rank system, and how it affects you!
• Want to impress your Centurion? Heres how!
• Prime land listings by city
• Dog City reclaimed, all dogs dead
• Forced rest on the horizon for survivors?
• Profanity in tribal dialects
• Legionary commits fratricide on request of stripper
• Decontamination procedures for Mustard gas

As the days of the "civil war" continue some of us have started to see patterns emerging. Namely the siege of the land called Uguria, no ones saying anything yet, but rest assured brothers, it is a siege.

For years the exact location of the 3rd Expeditionary Legion has been difficult to ascertain, with vague reports and detailless government statements being the only indication that it was even still operational and as you know many of us have had our own theories of the 3rd turning rogue and secretly supporting anti-state organizations. Whether any of these conclusions are true is beyond our pay grades, but what is certain is that they have been deployed to the no-mans land known as Fukking, Ugurias recently destroyed capital city. This fact has been confirmed by the leader of the Ugurian people, who made radio hails to our networks in the early morning of yesterday to thank our "foreign ministry" for the sudden rush to aid them in their situation. After intercepting this event we began monitoring foreign radio chatter, and have met our above conclusion as to the nature of this deployment.

Multiple foreign militaries and news agencies have reported back with sightings of unknown soldiers and landing craft bearing WPQR markings. It has been long since we have been embroiled in a proper conflict, even this "civil war" is a shame that is being quickly put down. Some have even stated that these two incidents could be connected, with the real reason for sending the 3rd overseas is to remove it from the presence of the traitors. Both of which have worshiped the Priestess Bellona since before our nation was founded. It would not be unlikely for our leaders to do this. In their prestige and comfort the 3rd may have forgotten how Mars beat the foolishness out of us all, just as the traitors have. If that were the case we may have further problems down the war, if the ExpLegion were to bring to bear their whole destructive power, and instate themselves as the new government than full scale war will be inevitable. But rest assured, if the traitors or the 3rd Expeditionary Legion do have anything planned, we will make their Goddess of War our bitch, and stake them to the cliffs as Mars intended...

For now the important questions are these; what is the purpose of their deployment? You don't send bicycle infantry and siege tanks for disaster relief...

Keep your eyes out, be ready for anything...

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Comments

ArronArseno | 35 Minutes ago
@ExPatriarch_ArmandCelos ho woud unlike yu fr wat yu hv 2 say whn at pint we at yu cnt b crtun if yur frend is yur frend or if yur fitin yur aly n dnt no?! ho we gnnu no whn tey hear we gta b hitin tem 1rst >:) >:D
Likes 0 | Dislikes 8

ExPatriarch_ArmandCelos | 3 Hours ago
In this scenario a war or occupation wouldn't be a bad direction to go in, with the population reeling from this incident they need something to take their minds off it all, something to focus them. Add on top of that the industrialization and mass modernization going on, a war effort would give the necessary final push to let us continue what needs to be done. Besides that it will keep the soldiers complacent.
Likes 138 | Dislikes 22

Davidshame_01 | 5 Hours ago
Its about time we start grabbing land again.
Likes 5 | Dislikes 0

Bluuntsfordays | 5 Hours ago
All these disgusting foreigners need to be exterminated once and for all. Gas them, nuke them, drown them, I dont care! I'm tired of seeing praefects show up in our village to tell us another father, brother or husband died!
Likes 3 | Dislikes 1

[West Cortoguay]

WARNING: DUE TO ISSUES OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL, BROADCASTS MAY END ABRUPTLY OR BE HIJACKED BY TERRORIST FORCES. CAUTION IN DEALING WITH THESE TERRORIST BROADCASTS IS ADVISED




Departamento de Información Popular Cortoguayano
Cortoguayan People's Information Bureau
Edicion Ingles | English Edition

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A fuel fire burning at the Marisola Oil Refinery earlier this morning

PEOPLE EMERGE SUPREME FROM REBELLION

by ROBERTO de GRANADA - DECEMBER 15 2014

LOS DOPICOS, WEST CORTOGUAY - After a quick but intense and ferocious battle against the forces of imperialism, the People's Information Bureau is overjoyed to report to all loyal True Cortoguayans that the union of the proletariat has triumphed. We have crushed the fascistic coup attempt so feebly executed by the murdering terrorists of the anti-communist AALC, which were deviously aided by numerous units of the foreign Luziycan Central Intelligence Agency, or CIA.

As noted in a previous edition, some analysts and intelligence officers correctly speculated that the AALC might have been preparing some sort of big operation. The AALC was believed to have been funded by the Luziycan imperialist pig-dogs, which many have suggested has supplied the [inferior] armored vehicles and assault weapons of the terrorist group for quite some time; however there has never been any conclusive evidence until now.

Yesterday, December the 14th, at approximately 11:30 PM, AALC units, along with CIA operatives seized numerous town halls, government buildings, and industrial centers and facilities across the country, holding our brave, loyal, brave comrades hostage at gunpoint. They also proceeded to destroy local People's Information Bureau offices, which is the cause for the fact that we were unable to begin full coverage of the coup until 3:00 AM. Following this, the AALC proceeded to surround and siege government strongpoints in major cities like Los Dopicos, Sanfacion, and Marisola. Our forces put up valiant resistance until they were overcome by the innumerable fascist hordes. However, by this time, forces of the National Guard began to strike back at the renegades, and disrupted their operations easily.

At 2:30 AM, the Premier's Residence was attacked, however minimal damage was caused and the perpetrators, firing RPGs from a nearby building, were killed. At this point the AALC and CIA units were beginning to get pushed back, and they tried implementing scorched earth tactics as they cowardly retreated from captured areas, burning infrastructure and disrupting communications. By 3:15, all the cells occupying Sanfacion had surrendered to the authorities, while those in other cities began to scatter into the jungle, defeated. By 4:00, we intercepted uncoded radio messages of a CIA withdrawal. By 5:00 AM, most of the fighting in the major cities had been quelled by National Guard forces.

Our Glorious Paramount Leader Premier Arturo Peralta gave a quick but wonderful speech, broadcast over the radio this morning from the underground Paramount Bunker in Los Dopicos: ”Citizens of True Cortoguay, Rejoice; the capitalist menace who is out to destroy our way of life is being rushed as I speak; the worker’s revolution has been saved. The joint leaders of this dastardly coup are believed to be the AALC renegade, “General” Jose Zelaya, and CIA colonel (and Cortoguayan traitor) Manuel Fulnes. I is believed the attack was carefully planned months ahead, although even that was no match for the superior forces of the working class. While the fascists were able to cause… substantial damage to government infrastructure, they have been beaten back, as the forces of the united proletariat always prevail. The Presidium thanks all you loyal citizens for your dedication is stopping this threat, and urges that we continue the fight against the bourgeoisie scum.”

The AALC also attacked numerous penitentiaries across the country, allowing many convicted felons to escape. Among the escaped convicts was Michillian Corporal Carlos Maria de la Cruz, the North Cortoguayan traitor found spying on the Fatherland earlier this year. It is believed he has crossed the border into capitalist East Cortoguay, who will no doubt attempt to unlawfully return him to his fellow Michillian spy-allies. Also freed were numerous captured AALC saboteurs and terrorists, and what the fascists call "political prisoners". However, do not despair comrades; in the long run, we have secured yet another victory against the fascist menaces.

Glorious Paramount Leader Premier Peralta has also issued a strongly-worded condemnation of Luziycan imperialism, calling for the capitalist pig-spies to show their true faces to the world. However, he stated that, as the “bigger man”, he said he refuses to use force against the Luziycans in the spirit of international peace.

We will continue to update you on the situation as it progresses.

OTHER INFORMATION

• The Pickle points out abuses committed by the Namorese Reformer-Imperialists against the Otekian people
• Namorese Reformer-Imperialists to hold sham election, an analysis of their far-right parties by Jose Rubio
• EDITORIAL: Why the capitalists in Qianrong are unable to find the true way of the proletariat
• Why the destruction of infrastructure is nothing to worry about

[West Cedarbrook]

Zeller Fills Social Liberal Slate in Steinhouse
Libertarian Support Drops in Second City: Council Presidency Threatened Next Year


Group-15 Candidate Gerard Zeller

The recently formed social liberal party Group 15 has filled out it's slate for next year's Steinhouse municipal elections. As expected, software magnate Gerard Zeller will be the flag bearer
as candidate for mayor in next year's elections against Conservative incumbent Maurice Oppenheim. Zeller has snagged big-name council members for his new party, obtaining one each from the Libertarians and Conservatives as he mounts his challenge. Facing the Conservative administration for Group-15: Councilwoman Anna Sitz, moving to the group from
the Libertarians to challenge Council President Kezia Thayer, Councilwoman Kaila Traver, defecting from the Conservatives, will go up against City Prosecutor Maciej Biggs, and accountant Thomas Lawrence will take up the cause against Feivel Schwartz for City Treasurer.

Group-15 has also fielded a full slate for all City Council and Board of Control seats.

The party, eschewing the more lasiez-faire policies of the Libertarians and finance oriented approach of Mayor Opppenheim, has included in it's platform:
* Encouragement and municipal investment in research and development of special benefit to small enterprise and assistance to small business in taking advantage of technological innovations.
* Removal of unreasonable restrictions upon the right of peaceful picketing, including situs picketing in Steinhouse, speedier decisions in unfair labor practice cases and representation
proceedings, and greater equality between the remedies available under Municipal Negotiation Guidelines to labor and those available to management.
*Giving the highest priority to city-assisted home-building for low income families, with special attention given to the elderly, the physically handicapped, and families in neglected areas of
of Steinhouse. Initiation of subsidy programs—whether in the form of public housing, interest rates at 1%, rent supplements, or direct loans—will to be administered to favor these disadvantaged families,
with full participation by the neighborhood residents themselves.

The spotlight on Zeller's group seems to have produced disturbing results for the opposition Libertarians, and, in some cases, unexpected support for the more radical left-wing Independent List.
In this week's 9NTN - Fox News Eretz/Steinhouse Herald poll, Group-15 appears to have usurped the Libertarian's place in Steinhouse, and may be in striking distance of the Council Presidency. Poll Results show:

Mayor:
Independent List: 3%
Group-15: 24%
Libertarian: 4%
Conservative: 55%
Undecided: 14%

Council President:
Independent List: 6%
Group-15: 20%
Libertarian: 4%
Conservative: 21%
Undecided: 49%

Prosecutor:
Independent List: 9%
Group-15: 11%
Libertarian: 10%
Conservative: 39%
Undecided: 31%

Treasurer:
Independent List: 6%
Group-15: 24%
Libertarian: 7%
Conservative: 37%
Undecided: 26%

[Namor]

"Quid Pro Kuo:" Shohai supporters in Peitoa attacked by mobs, police intervenes
"A tough entry into democracy," governor comments on attacks which ended in eight injured

December 15, NMR 2373

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PEITOA - In what Peitoa's governor called "a tough entry into democracy," some supporters of People's First candidate Kuo Zhang in Peitoa could not accept to live peacefully with those who expressed support for Shohai Antelope.

Local police tug away a person who was caught throwing objects at
houses belonging to a pro-Shohai neighborhood in Peitoa City

A mob of people attacked a neighborhood in Peitoa City, the largest city and capital of Peitoa District, named Sogang. Sogang was located a few blocks away from the "presidential palace" which once housed the "president" of the Peitoan authority. It was the site of many protests against the Peitoan authority in the aftermath of Typhoon Ninghua and the wake of the Changlang Crisis.

As most Peitoans are projected to vote for Kuo Zhang in Election Day - further charmed by the People's First leader's visit to the archipelago, Sogang residents aren't buying it. Instead, they have put up posters supporting the Liberationist Party and urging everyone else in the island to vote for Shohai. When a few Kuo supporters saw this, they were not happy.

"Down with the Liberationists," the mob was heard chanting as it approached Sogang - all recorded from a mobile phone. "Trade Liberationist supporters with dead Liberationists!" The party flag of the Liberationists was burned, effigies of Shohai Antelope and his renowned great-grandfather Yunglang were burned, and Shohai's campaign posters were torn up.

Sogang residents met the pro-Kuo mob head on, and a fight ensued. According to police, the first encounter was rather peaceful but heated; pro-Kuo supporters shouted and insulted their opponents and even threatened them to pledge allegiance to Kuo before "it was too late." This verbal scuffle continued until a shoe came flying down at the crowd and hit a Kuo supporter in the face - who threw it and whether the person who threw it had any political affiliations remain unclear, but everything that followed wasn't so unpredictable.

"Ruffians! Gangsters! Communists!" shouts and insults were exchanged as those in the forefront of the confrontation started fighting, wrestling and pulling at each other. The fight lasted for several minutes before police arrived at the scene and formed a barricade between the two camps, protecting Sogang from further mob attacks and cooling things down for the time being.

But tranquil was quickly extinguished. One of the Kuo supporters was videotaped lunging torches at the rooftops of houses in Sogang, shouting "Long live Namor" and "Down with the traitors." The roofs caught fire and the mob cheered. Firefighters came to the scene and more police officers were dispatched, this time not only to keep the protesters away, but to disperse them.

Burning the green flag of Liberationism in pro-Kuo streets

Police periodically fired water cannons at the pro-Kuo mob, forcing them to depart from Sogang's streets. Most of the time, however, police was able to convince the protesters to back off and do what they want from a safe distance. In turn, some supporters jeered at the police, calling them "Green Youth" and even "totalitarian dogs."

Eight people were injured in the attacks - six were from Sogang, one was from the pro-Kuo side and one was a police officer who intervened in the clashes. None of them are in serious condition, but this incident was met with shock from the district government which issued a statement calling on Peitoa's citizens to engage in "scholarly, constructive debates on issues rather than restoring to violence."

"We were kind of expecting this," said Yong Kang, governor of Peitoa who has served since it became a district of the People's Republic. "Some in this district definitely don't know how to participate in a democratic election properly, but nonetheless they'll still be allowed to vote. Let us remember that a multiparty system is something new to Peitoan people. This is a tough entry into democracy, and there's no guaranteeing things. The road is going to be rough for any region that has transitioned from dictatorship to democracy."

The district branch of the Kuo campaign addressed voters shortly after the governor did, saying that it does not endorse the attacks "in any way," adding that "no one wants to see people get injured due to their political opinions. Injuring others because of what they believe in is not right in any decent society."

Yet statements from prominent leaders of the local Kuo campaign said different things during and after the attacks, with one organizer saying on Twitter "why the hell can there be Liberationist sympathizers in Peitoa?" and called for them to "get out of Peitoa because we don't like them...more people prefer Jung To over the Liberationists."

And Liberationist supporters in Sogang say that despite the violence and threats, they will carry on.

"They damaged some houses," one anonymous Shohai supporter told PTH, "but that's not going to change our minds. We like the Liberationists more than ever."

Election Day comes in five days, on the 20th.

COMMENTS

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Anti-Fascism
This proves that there are some nuts in Peitoa who think that "democracy" means they can do whatever they want, including throwing beer bottles and torches at buildings that people whom they don't agree with live in. The government should start educating Peitoans on how to behave in a mature, experienced democratic system. 63 39

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Not!Yunglang Antelope
Awww, what's with all the disdain for attacks? I mean, a revolution every once in a few years is a good thing, right? 90 100

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Bei Dao
@Not!Yunglang Antelope Your imitation of Yunglang is bad and you should feel bad. 40 20

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Jung Hua
So sad that this has to happen. I mean it's just a freaking election, is attacking others really worth the price? 95 18

Other news

---

• Will a new Qianrong's policy towards Namor stay unchanged? - Exploring how the rising tide of extremism in Qianrong and the country's long-standing ties with Otekian separatists may be left intact if the Free Democratic Republic ever falls.
• West Cortoguayan media falls for Pickle satire - The so-called "People's Information Bureau" of West Cortoguay featured satire news outlet The Pickle's article, implying that it takes the news outlet and its stories seriously. The Pickle's employees have responded to this with glee, and have been spotted celebrating in their offices in Mojing.
• Qianrongese opposition, government tries distancing themselves from Pavonistadian hacktivist group after hacking incident - Both the United Democratic Coalition of Qianrong and supporters of the regime condemned INTERPRO's hacking of a news website, which they jointly called an "interference."

[National Socialist Korea]

Угуриэн Йанминно Туңсенсэ
UGURIAN PEOPLE'S NEWS AGENCY

Paramount Leader Neima Chaau:
"Government will function normally"

---

HC 1398/12/17

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UGURIA - Despite international predictions of a worrisome total collapse and riots across Uguria; as soon as television network within Uguria had been restored, Paramount Leader made his live public broadcast on UPNA, addressing the nation and people of Uguria, the first time since the occurrence of the horrifying Fukking Disaster only half a week ago.

Paramount Leader publicly addresses the nation for the first time after
the Fukking Disaster

During the broadcast, the Paramount Leader assured his citizens that "the Government will continue to function normally in spite of the capital's complete destruction". He continued, "even with the ongoing catastrophes in our nation, the Liberationist Party of Uguria and I are doing our best to guarantee that the situation is under control."

The Paramount Leader has requested that the populace remain calm and cooperate with rescue operations, so as to guarantee that the best-possible outcome for the disaster can be achieved. Under martial law, the Paramount Leader has given orders for specialized military departments to wear Hazmat Suits and approach the reactors, which are dumping hazardous radioactive materials into the atmosphere, as soon as possible.

"In these times of needs, we, as Ugurians, must stay together," stated the Paramount Leader, "we will have to do our best, and hope for the best. Until then, people of Uguria, I am with you; the Party is with you."

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OTHER NEWS

• UGURIA - Northern Regions' Department of Media branch cracks down on unacceptable media
• UGURIA - Suicide rate triples nationwide today
• UGURIA - Accusations of being members of URP based on counterproductive contents legitimized
• UGURIA - "Ignore suicide rates": Dai-Akhong
• UGURIA - Reports of violence between foreign aid workers and civilians in disaster zones
• UGURIA - Jastyn Ppo caught by floods and acid rain; fans worried
• UGURIA - Anti-Kannei vigilante activities reportedly surged: Statistics
• NAMOR - Is Kuo Zhang the best choice for Presidential candidacy after all?
• OTEKI - "Iama Asholev, if he exists at all, still has a point": Vice President of Uguria Chozong Zyu
• PEITOA - Peitoans demand democracy against the Namorese Revisionist-Imperialists

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COMMENTS

There are no comments for this article.

[Danubiya]

ELECTIONS TURN VIOLENT

[size=125]BELGRADE, DANUBIA - The parliamentary elections that have been described as a "historical crossroad for Danubia" have indeed proved to be historical because of the violence they sparked. So called "People's Defence Squads" (PDS), described as Republican patrolled the streets of Danubian cities in search of "violent, anti-democracy citizens" yet the only thing they did was attack and burn election posts that they saw as "anti-democracy" due to the fact that the neighbourhoods that those election posts were in were pro-National Front (NF) - in other words pro-monarchist. The Red Guard also tried to "maintain order" in Danubian cities, mostly the southern ones. Where they did the same as PDS. On the other side we have the Legion of Saint Archangel Mikhail better known as Blackshirts - the paramilitary unit of the National People's Radical Party (NPRP). Blackshirts along with some other pro-NF organizations did the same as their pro-republican counterparts. Maintaining order and peace while attacking pro-republican rallies and neighbourhoods. These clashes started a week before the elections, the paramilitary organisation first started attacking their opponents rallies then they started attacking each other. The famous political talkshow The Attitude of Danubia (Стов Дунавий) has sparked even more political violence when one of the guests, Martin Pik, the leader of the NPRP and the NF coalition, told his republican opponent,Yoakhim Vladisavlyev the leader of the Social-Democratic Party (SDP) and the leader of the republican coalition, that the republicanists are pushing Danubia to civil war. Maybe we should quote him just to show you how dangerous Pik's statement was:

Republicanism is pushing Danubia into civil war. You divided our country which has a collapsed economy and a poor population. You think that we nationalist will watch commies try to get in power and do as they please? You are pushing this country into a civil war, but you should remember that there was a civil war in Danubia between commies and nationalists and yes we won! If you think that you can create a coup you are a fool then, we have beaten you once and we will beat you once again if we have to!

His statement sparked a flame that is slowly getting out of control.
-Anatoly Yushchuk

Nationalist posters: 1. No to Republicanism! For King and the Fatherland! 2. For a united Danubia! Vote Nationalist! Vote NPRP! 3. Republic? Thanks but No!

In other news:
- Iama Asholev exposes to the public Namorese human rights abuses against ethnic Otekians in the region of Txotai
- Problems in Qianrong?
- 10 die in republican-nationalist clashes in south Danubia

[Kraq]

وزارة الناس الحقيقة
People's Ministry of Truth

Tanks of the National Kraqi Defence Forces Advance Towards Al-Jegria

Ragobad- This evening are most glorious leader, President Ahmed Hussein, appeared before the nation, on state tv to hail long awaited majour victory in Kraq's War on Terrorism, which has dragged on for 3 long years. Over the summer of 2014, foreign Jihadist agents belonging to the notorious Front for Liberation and Jihad have launched an offensive, using the Islamic state of Kraq, now known as the Islamic Courts, as a proxy. Throughout that summer the brave men and women of the Kraqi Defence Force and allied volunteer units have fought these terrorist dogs in are villages, towns, and cities. Desperately trying to halt their advance, but overwhelming numbers of fighters and modern equipment supplied to the terrorists by the Front for Liberation and Jihad, the terrorist continued to gain ground, slaughtering are women and children, leaving a trail of death and destruction behind them. Only when the terrorist's greed overcame them and they turned their attention towards the "Free" Kraqi Army and the Army of God did the Kraqi Defence Force get the rest bite needed to prepare for further terrorist offensives.

After capturing a strategic bridge over the Phufrates river from the Army of God, a lesser known terrorist group, back in autnm, the Front for Liberation and Jihad Kraqi proxy organisation which renamed it's self The "Islamic Courts", launched a massive offensive against the Army of God, successfully using it's overwhelming superiority in heavy weaponry, and within 24 hours captured 30 Lutheran Catholic villages leaving the Islamic Courts 12 miles away from the Lutheran Catholic city of Al-Jegria. Over the next several days the terrorist continued to launch similar offensives against their once terrorists in arms, capturing an addition 100 villages and putting the group within artillery range of the city. The terrorist rats continued to slaughter each other until, on October 3rd the Islamic Courts surrounded the Al-Jegria on three sides, briefly cutting the Army of Gods main supply line to the city. By October 5th a bloody battle for the strategically important village of Zria ensued as elements of the Army of God attempted to capture the village and reopen the Army of God's main supply line. Following another 8 days of heavy fighting the Army of God successfully recaptured the village allowing 50,000 Lutheran Catholics to flee the city and vital reinforcements to flow into Al-Jegria to bolster the city's defences.

For 4 long and bloody weeks, the two terrorists groups killed each other in huge numbers, while President Husssein-with all his wisdom- bolstered the defences around the strategically important port city of Rarat Takaran, deploying two divisions to the city of the mighty Kraqi National Army. Once the Islamic Courts captured the city of Al-Jegria, it renewed it's advance towards Rarat Takaran. Fighting with a renewed zeal and ferociousness among-est are forces and the terrorist offensive soon began to slow before becoming completely bogged down 5 km to the east of Rarat Takaran. Caught out in the open with no cover, the mighty Kraqi and New Zepuhan Air Forces pounded the terrorist filth, killing 1000s of terrorist fighters and destroying 100s of tanks, armoured vehicles, and technicals.

With their defences in ruins, Kraqi people's resistances forces launched an all out attack against the terrorists. Swiftly, the Kraqi people's resistances forces overwhelmed the militants whom defences were collapsing long before the attack. Despite the terrorist pathetic attempt to resist, the National Kraqi Defence Forces proved too much for the terrorists and subsequent they have been able to reach the outskirts of the Al-Jegria, with an assault against terrorist positions set to begin over the next few days. With this most recent heroic victory, ultimate victory against the terrorists will soon be ours.

Other News

---

• Civil unrest continues in Qianrong, as the United Democratic Coalition of Qianrong seeks to topple the legitimate Qianrongese government
• Coup attempt in West Cortoguay crushed by communist government

[Michillies]

-retconned-

[Tuthina]

26th day of the 10th month
4th year of Syuubun
3,325th Year of the Imperial Calendar

Murakami to Construct New Warships for the Empire and the Triumvirate
First Major Armament Expansion since Katoku

The Murakami Naval Arsenal has announced its plan to modernise the naval forces of both the Empire and the Triumvirate countries during a joint convention with several major ship constructors within the Imperial realm yesterday.

According to Yasunori, the current patriarch of the Kure family that founded the naval arsenal, the Imperial Sea Forces is “in need of major modernisation effort”. While he reaffirmed that His Most Serene Majesty’s navy - as the first and foremost defender of the archipelago that formed the Imperial realm - is ever diligent and supported by the lost-lasting seafaring tradition of the Empire, its equipment unfortunately does not meet up to the refined spirit of our sea-bound warriors. Since the last naval armament expansion project during the tail end of the reign of Emperor Katoku, the Imperial Navy has not received major expansion for almost three decades, as both the Emperor incumbent and His predecessor ordered a stronger focus on improving the living quality of His loyal subjects, at the cost of military funding. This period of rest, commonly referred to as “military holiday”, has “significantly reduced the gap between the Empire and its neighbours” in terms of dominance in the intermediate region, and Yasunori warned that if the Empire is to “remain competitive” in its current habitat, a rapid naval armament supplement programme will be required.

Since the formation of the Triumvirate in face of foreign aggression, the Imperial realm has maintained a cordial relation with this military alliance, partly owing to its keen relation with the civilised country of Koyro, one of the founder countries of the Triumvirate, and partly due to the mutual threats from Namor and its allies. Despite the differences in culture and government structure, all Triumvirate member states enjoy a close relations with the Imperial realm, as all of them are officially considered “civilised”. It is believed that the Imperial government planned to award the honour of “honorary monarchy” to some of the more welcoming countries, but concerns over such warm gesture might be interpreted differently by the recipients has prompted the Ministry of Rites to suspend this idea. Still, Yasunori of Kure believes that the enormous industrial capacity of the civilised alliance will be the key to rapid modernisation of the Imperial Sea Forces, which will be reciprocated with their own modernisation as well.

The first wave of naval armament expansion envisioned by Murakami will include the design and construction of new destroyers and frigates. The rationale behind this decision, as explained by Murakami is that, in spite of the popular idea that “bigger is better”, smaller naval vessels are arguably more important for a seafaring polity like the Empire due to their essential role in protecting sea routes and denying enemy or them. On top of that, Yasunori remarks that a smaller project looks “less intimidating for [member states of the Triumvirate]”. While all destroyers and frigates will enjoy a similar overall design and specification for ease of production and maintenance, Murakami Naval Arsenal will be offering customised design for different members of the project due to “differences in grand strategy”.

As of now, both Murakami Naval Arsenal and Tsikesem Shipyard has pledged their support for the project. Since the Great Rebellion more than half a century ago, both shipwrights have been the main contributors for the Imperial Sea Forces, including the design and construction of the majority of military naval vessels in the Empire, as well as extensive civilian productions such as ocean liners and oil tankers.

Newsette and Other Featured Content

• Today's His Most Serene Majesty: Today, His Imperial Highness Ayako of Mahiduru granted herself an audience to His Most Serene Majesty as she returned to the Imperial capital after her nation-wide concert tour. His Most Serene Majesty is said to be “very amused” by her performance, a statement that will most likely boost the sales of her latest musical products. However, the Imperial Censorate advised against exposing further details of this meeting, and Hosaki Yomi'uri complies.
  
• Wogihara Patriarch Commits Suicide in Custody: The patriarch of the Wogihara family from West Koyama, originally under arrest for immorality by foreign practices, has committed suicide yesterday midnight, as the local neighbourhood watch reported. His body was found by a janitor near dawn, where he was declared dead on the spot by medical personnel from the local Imperial Cult shrine. A suicide note was found, in which he reflected on his “lapses of judgement” and took the ultimate responsibility for redemption, as well as transferring the lordship of West Koyama to Sakimori of East Koyama. His will was respected by members of both family, and is pending approval from their superior liege.
  
• Imperial Examination Special: Today on the education section, the think tank of Hosaki Yomi'uri focuses on examinations related to foreign policies or general international relations. Using the mock question of “how should the Imperial government respond to military suppression of protesters by a hostile government, both with words and actions”, the think tank warns against common loopholes that might not be aware of by aspiring diplomats and officials, such as believing that diplomatic response must perfectly align with actual government policies, or that policies applicable to the Imperial realm must be applicable to foreign polities.

[/box]

Agitprop of the Day
Praise be our eternal realm where all flowers bloom.

[Namor]

Shohai wraps up West Namor tour, visits Poai and Yutai community

December 17, NMR 2373

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WESTERNIA, WEST NAMOR - Three days left until Election Day and the candidates are finishing up their tours waiting for the voting process to begin.

Loudspeakers are set up prior to Shohai's speech to supporters in eastern
Poai. The loudspeakers are meant to transmit messages to the Luziycan-
administered territories

Shohai Antelope made a brief, two-day tour to the district of West Namor yesterday, where he visited the municipality of Poai and the town of Negev before heading back to Namo. His visit to Poai received a large amount of attention, provided that the municipality is split between eastern Poai (situated in liberated territory of West Namor) and western Poai, which is currently under Luziycan administration. Due to the circumstances of the division, Shohai - like most people - was only able to set foot on eastern Poai, but did get close to the temporary border separating it from the occupied territory.

Shohai stood fifty meters away from the Central Avenue Port of Entry; not so far away, large loudspeakers were set - loudspeakers have been routinely used in the past few decades to spread Namorese and Luziycan propaganda back and forth across the border. Since normalization of relations, loudspeakers have been used less often, and when they were it was usually used as a way to communicate between Namorese and Luziycan soldiers to avoid misunderstandings.

It appeared that the Liberationist candidate not only wanted to speak to his supporters, but to Namorese on the other side of the line who are not able to directly participate in the election.

"Election Day is coming," Shohai said, "and I hope that by now the people know the right choice to make for their own good."

"All of us wish for that day when the two million of our brothers and sisters on the other side of this barrier are able to walk freely here and cast their votes and decide their futures," he said. "When that day will come is a question that should be left for the future generation to solve, but let's be honest with ourselves - it's going to come and we haven't much time left. It's inevitable, though."

Among the listeners of Shohai's speech were residents living in Luziycan-administered Nantai; most of them came from western Poai and were able to cross the barrier due to relaxed travel restrictions that came as a result of improved relations.

"I came over and heard this man's speech, and it's pretty fascinating," a resident of western Poai said when approached by PTH. "We can hear him from the other side thanks to these loudspeakers."

Shohai left eastern Poai by plane and traveled to the small town of Negev, in northern West Namor. There thrives a small community of Yutai who practice the Jewish faith, and Shohai's visit came just in time for the Yutai festival of Guangming ("Hanukkah"). Although Shohai himself is a self-proclaimed atheist, he attended the lighting of the menorah. The Yutai were just one of the few ethnic minority groups Shohai visited in the last few days since the debate; ethnic minorities make up roughly one-quarter of the country's population, an increasingly significant base of support for any presidential candidate.

After spending some hours in the town Shohai immediately returned to Namo.

COMMENTS

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Guo Vang
Shohai should've invited the Nantai people to come to Namor so they can enjoy democracy. It must be terrible living under Luzzies. 47 23

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Tong Uni
Just let the Nantainese have their corrupted, Luzi-influenced political system. It's Namorese territory now so I don't see the importance in doing anything more to change the status quo. 25 14

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Shang Hai
@Tong Uni True that. I don't know who to support in the election, but the government should do more in making sure "Namorese territory under Luzzy administration" doesn't stay the "strict legal term" Shjoraski wants it to be, at least not for long. Because if it's just going to be like this forever Fu's efforts could be seen as futile in the long run. 56 38

Other news

---

• Michillies cracking down on foreign funding of political parties - The newly-approved electoral law of Michillies states that political parties would be barred from receiving foreign funds. According to the Home Secretary, this would ensure the "legality and fairness of our elections and ensure that [the parties] reflect the will of the Michillian people, not foreigners."
• OP-ED: Why foreign funding of political parties is just as threatening as a foreign invasion - "Certain powers can certainly fund political parties and use them to manipulate the affairs of a target country, causing chaos..."
• "Tuthina is the next Chorea," says official - A Namorese official warned that if measures aren't taken to maintain the global balance of power from the growing aggressiveness of monarchist restoration countries like Tuthina, a situation similar to Chorea during the Second Great War may appear.

[Geadland]

The Liberal reports
DOWN WITH THE KINGS
All countries are better off without a monarch

17 December 2014 Last updated 22:07 Geadish Standard Time
Monarchies have been getting a lot of bad press in recent months. A monarchist terrorist group attacked the Michillian and Odissian embassies in Namo. Five days earlier, another monarch dissolved Nevanmaa's quasi-democratic parliament after just eight months after a reformist government was elected. The monarchy of Alantis is being investigated for hoarding wealth overseas. A civil war is threanted in Danubia between left-wing republicans and nationalist monarchists. The King of Gronne Bergg openly opposed the election of a reformist government. If the recent developments have convinced people that countries are better off being republics, then they have not had this effect on this newspaper. This is because The Liberal has opposed monarchy ever since it began print in 1869.

In modern times, it is hard to find reasons why a monarchy could be a sensible idea. It goes against the concepts of meritocracy and equality. A football team does not pick its 2014 squad by choosing the first sons of its 1984 squad players. So why should countries pick their heads of state in the same manner? In a liberal democracy, almost anyone agrees that your parentage should not prevent you from going to university, serving in Parliament or even becoming the head of government. So why should it prevent people from becoming the country's head of state?

Most arguments in favour of monarchy tend to rest on two points. Some monarchists advertise monarchy as a great tradition that should be kept alive. But witch-hunts, bear-baiting and gladiator fights were once traditions too. The fact that something is a centuries-old tradition is not a good reason to keep it. In some countries, monarchists argue that their country's monarchy fits in fine with a democratic system. But even if it does not cause problems in the present, it could do in the future. Most monarchs in Esquarium still have the power to unilaterally dismiss an elected government, the same power that was used by the King of Nevanmaa.

For countries like Geadland, Algonie, Lyonsland and Vjaarland where the monarchy sticks to a ceremonial role, there is less compelling reason for change. But even so, this newspaper still considers a republic to be a better form of government. If the citizens want to keep their tradition alive, a possible compromise is to have an elective monarchy like the kind advocated by socialist author Peter Irskirke. He suggested having an elected "King"/"Queen" who serves a 5-year term just like a president in a parliamentary republic. In this case, the crown would continue to be passed, but by election and not by bloodline. If Geadland, the homeland of this newspaper, were ever to hold a referendum on abolishing its monarchy, we would join the campaign for a republic. Though we do not advocate holding one (just yet) given that the public are not convinced that change is necessary, or that it even needs to be debated.

In 1956, when the Geadish government was seriously considering removing all the political functions of the monarchy, about 20% of the Geads wanted the monarchy abolished outright. In 2014, almost two generations later, this figure is almost exactly the same. Considering that how much Geadish society has changed since then, this is remarkable. Torstein Litner, a crime thriller author, summed up the mood of the nation when he said that "I'm neither a devoted monarchist nor a committed republican. I think monarchy is a daft system, but I couldn't imagine a Geadland having a republican president in its place."

A hereditary monarchy does not have to be a curse. Some of Esquarium's healthiest democracies have a monarchy. But in a world where monarchy is often used to represent reactionary and far-right political ideologies, surely these democracies deserve a more fitting head of state?

[Luziyca]

"Nantai is culturally Namorese," declares Kung Alicia

Kung Alicia in her second inauguration ceremony in 2012

KENYEN, NANTAI - At a press conference in Kenyen, in light of the campaign speech made by the candidate of Namor in their elections in Po'ai by Shohai Antelope, Chief Executive Kung Alicia made an important announcement related to the declaration made by Shohai that "When that day will come is a question that should be left for the future generation to solve, but let's be honest with ourselves - it's going to come and we haven't much time left. It's inevitable, though," in a speech just east of the Central Avenue Port of Entry, the eastern terminus for Highway 3.

In response, Kung Alicia declared that "Nantai is what the top officials in the country consider to be Namorese territory under Luziycan administration. However, what it truly means is that it is recognized as culturally Namorese territory under our control. It does not mean that Nantai will reunite with Namor. To the contrary, while some people support it, the truth is that many Nantainese, both Luziycan and Namorese have time and time again supported Luziycan control."

She said that "us Nantainese defended Nantai in the Third Namo-Luziycan War with fierce determination, and we prevented the Namorese from taking our territory. We have developed one of the highest standards of living in all of Luziyca, and we should realize that even if the Namorese begged us, kajoled us and tried to persuade us to returning to their arms, we ought to remember that the process of integration would be more of a challenge than what Namor already has with Peitoa."

Kung then announced, "Therefore, to the demands that Namor has for us Nantainese, we can reassure you: na, doshe (No thank you)."

"The only acceptable solution is for a referendum to take place in all of Nantai to determine whether it should stay Luziycan, join Namor, or become a sovereign nation," she said. "It should be monitored by Luziyca, Namor, and a third neutral country, so to corroborate the results. Only if the referendum is held and the results respected shall we put this dispute to rest, for if we let this dispute fester, we will have another war with Namor over this piece of land."

In other news

• Gijirokastra - Rassvet 7.0 to be shown at technology fair
• Tuthina - Murakami starts to build warships for Triumvirate
• Michillies - Electoral act reform passed by the National Assembly
• Bethlehem, F.C. - Legislation tabled by Rep. urging the President to offer negotiations for Geadland to join the Greenwich Area

[West Cedarbrook]

-- snip --

[Nevamaa]

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OOC: The election is OOC'ly now instead of January so I can use my christmas holidays to RP government negotiations and such. IC'ly the election still took place on January 6th.
BREAKING NEWS: General election results released

NEVANLINNA - All electoral districts have finished counting their votes and the provisional results of the 2015 general election have now been released.

The results show that the Liberals experienced a massive defeat, one of the greatest in recent history since 1999 when Liberals lost 125 out of their 223 seats. Formerly the second largest party, the Liberals were reduced to a mere 72 seats; down from 122 they got in March. It is also the second-worst result the Liberal Party has had in its history: The only time Liberals have had less seats was after the 1924 election held in the immediate aftermath of the Red Rebellion when they got a mere 57 seats. The defeat can be attributed to inability of the Liberals to push through reforms promised during the 2014 election and the unpopularity of former prime minister Valtteri Rantala; the fact that the King dismissed the Liberal prime minister also decreased the party's popularity, as the King is deeply respected within the country and his opinions have strong influence on the people. Even the election of social liberal Jyrki Kauramo who is known to be a strong critic of the former PM as the party chairman did not save the Liberals from utter and complete defeat.

The National Coalition emerged victorious with 271, a gain of 20 seats. While the National Coalition remained the largest party, its victory was nevertheless quite modest as it failed to gain an absolute majority or even 300 seats. The only time when the Coalition has had this few seats in recent history have been in 2014 (251), 1998 (215) and 1970 (254). Whether this means that the party's popularity is fading due to its catch-all public image or because its supporters are moving to other smaller right-wing parties should be left for political analysts to decide.

However, one of the biggest victors was the Social Democratic Party who now have a reason to celebrate: They are now the second-largest party for the first time since 1970, overtaking the discredited Liberal Party by four seats. Party chairman Oskari Paasio miraculously managed to distance himself from the unpopular Valtteri Rantala despite being in the same government. Paasio, who has been the chairman of the party since 2000 has managed to return the Party from the close death and irrelevance it had nearly succumbed to during the 90's, when the party only had around 30-40 seats in the Eduskunta.

Other major changes include rise of the Patriotic Front in front of the ethnic minority coalition Unity to become the fourth largest party. Some attribute it to party chairman Nestori Konala's efforts to curb the power of Protection Troops, the paramilitary wing of the party as well as his work to moderate the views of the party. Two new parties have also entered the Eduskunta for the first time: The Liberal Democrats, an offshoot of the Liberal Party who campaigned on a platform of being a right-wing alternative to the anti-racial law Moderate Left. National Right Party also managed to unexpectedly gain an impressive 7 seats with its extreme right economic policies and social conservatism. Radical Democrats, a centrist populist party was also wiped off the political chart.

It is expected that the new Eduskunta will begin its work within a week. Meanwhile, National Coalition chairman Tuomas Hyvärinen is now faced with the difficult task of forming a government. Hyvärinen has been a relatively unknown figure as of late, elected soon after Nikolas Salo stepped down after the 2014 electoral defeat. He is considered to be a centrist within his own party, located politically somewhere between the traditionalist conservatives and right-wing monarchist libertarians: something that enabled him to gain support of both wings of the party.

Liberals and Social Democrats have both stated that they will not enter government with the Coalition unless the party agrees to support a massive reform program, something that the Coalition is unlikely to agree on. Whether Hyvärinen will manage to convince either the Liberals or the Social Democrats to join his new government, or whether he has to rely on support from right-wing parties remains to be seen.

The turnout of the election was lower than normal, with 66,3% of the electorate voting. This can be attributed to cold weather, voter fatigue and the fact that the election day was also Epiphany, which is a public holiday.

[Namor]

President-General's pro-detente stance under fire following Nantai "chief executive" remarks
Has Kung Alicia's "No thanks" helped Shohai, Kuo against Fu?

December 18, NMR 2373

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NAMO, CAPITAL DISTRICT - Usually, political scandals or last-minute gaffes are what ruin candidates' chances of winning it all in elections. This was seen in Vyvland, where former president Ujson lost the election because he was accused of entering scandalous activities on the bed, and in Namor back in NMR 2363 when Deng Mianbao's "Matteryorkist model" expression cost him 20% of the votes. But in this election, is Nantai's "chief executive" and her words becoming the deciding factor of whether Fu gets a second term or not?

Bethlehem's Watchdog: Nantai "chief executive" Kung Alicia with Luziycan
military officers

It all started when Shohai Antelope made a visit to Poai and expressed his hopes of people living in Luziycan-administered Nantai to interact more with the rest of the People's Republic, calling this "inevitable." All of this was said as the Liberationist candidate was standing a few meters away from territory controlled by Luziyca, and loudspeakers carried his voice across the barrier and into the ears of western Poai.

Then the western side responded. Kung Alicia, the "chief executive" of Nantai under Luziycan administration, spoke about the Nantai dispute from Kenyen in a press conference. She bluntly rejected reunification, saying that the term "Namorese territory under Luziycan administration" "truly means [that] it is recognized as culturally Namorese territory under [Luziycan] control. It does not mean Nantai will reunite with Namor...we prevented the Namorese from taking our territory...therefore, to the demands that Namor has for us Nantainese, we can reassure you, na, doshe (no, thank you)."

Then came the protests. Kung's words quickly found their place in Namorese social media, coming under heavy criticism from many. One accused Kung of "disregarding [her] own countrymen," and another said she is "trying to provoke things." Perhaps the most vocal critic who has a seat in the Central Council was Peng Kang, parliamentary leader of the Liberationists, who said that "what [Kung Alicia] said shows that she is unpatriotic beyond acceptable perimeters. She said Nantai will not succumb to 'the Namorese,' but she herself is a Namorese. It's disappointing and angering to see her pointing a finger at her own people." Major cities saw protests against Kung Alicia and the continued Luziycan administration of most parts of Nantai.

But as many Namorese are protesting Kung, someone else is becoming a receptor of criticism - Fu Wen. After hearing Kung's words, more are no longer sure if the President-General's agreement with Luziyca on Nantai and his support of Namo-Luziycan detente was worth it in the long run. "The President-General's agreement to designate Nantai as 'Namorese territory under Luziycan administration' is only giving Luziyca a free pass to continue colonizing territory that even it now sees as legally ours'. Outside of legal boundaries nothing really changed. I'm starting to doubt if Fu's detente is producing results at all." Another agreed: "The administration only made foreign occupation of [Namorese] territory more justifiable for the occupier. No one should lend support to a magukze [term that literally translates to 'one who sells his country,' used to describe traitors, especially pro-Chorean collaborators in the Second Great War]."

Evidently, the tide is sharply turning against Fu Wen's agenda of maintaining detente with Luziyca and seeking a "win-win" solution over Nantai. This is disadvantageous for the President-General and a matter of bad timing too, since Election Day is less than two days away and increased distrust in Fu's deal made over Nantai can seriously impact his performance in the election.

Ironically enough, Kung's words are actually helping Fu's opponents in the election who are less supportive of detente. Shohai was among the first politicians to comment on the "no thanks" speech, and tweeted: "I told you so - the President-General's Nantai deal was vague and now all of Namor will pay the price." Kuo Zhang did not mention Kung Alicia at all; instead, he said that "there is proof to prove that Mr. Fu is selling our soil away to the devil." Recent polls show that Fu's approval rating slid from 55% to 51% - some polls go as far to say only 40% of Namorese will vote for Fu on the 20th, leaving half the population choosing either Shohai or Kuo to be in the Executive House. Fu's aim for a second term in office just got more difficult than it was in early December. Although the President-General said in the past that the dispute over Nantai is still unresolved and more agreements will come as time progresses, more Namorese - upon hearing Kung's address - are unsure if this is indeed the case.


COMMENTS

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Jay Bo
Nice job, Fu. Because you changed "Luziycan occupation" to "Luziycan administration," you're sugarcoating the occupation and embellishing its illegality, benefiting the Luziycan government and their New World Order project. I wanted to vote for you but now I don't. Traitor. 61 39

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Pu Ting
Stop blaming Fu for this! He was trying to prevent a future war between us and Luziyca (which will definitely damage the environment and other things) and making a deal about something that would've been uncompromisable if any Liberationist or DemSoc was in control of the government. Kung said something totally inappropriate, but Fu didn't make her say it! He doesn't control Kung, Kung's a Luziycan token appointment! 30 17

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Fu Zhou
@Pu Ting If Kong Jo was still President-General, we would be at war with the Luzzies if she said anything along these lines. Where did these good old days go? 35 34

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