[Earth II] Newswire

by **Cotland** » Sun Jun 14, 2015 3:49 am

Snap military drills carried out in Eastern Cotland

By Torgeir Varg
Published: 09 June, 2015 | 07:25 UTC

Cottish soldiers participate in snap drills

GANDVIKEN/OSLO (CTB): Substantial military forces were subjected to a snap drill yesterday morning, receiving deployment orders out of the blue for rapidly re-deploying to the Arctic Military Region.

Approximately 150,000 soldiers and sailors, 800 aircraft, 54 warships and thousands of pieces of military equipment are involved in the surprise exercises, which was called a "surprise inspection" designed to test the Armed Forces' ability to rapidly reinforce a threatened part of the Realm by Ministry of Defence officials.

The Army's 21. "Sleipner" Armoured Division, 22. "Kentaur" Armoured Division, 97. "Eiktyrne" Infantry Division, 98. "Gullfakse" Infantry Division, and the Airborne Forces' 6. "Varanger" Airborne Division stationed in the Eastern Military Region were rapidly mobilized starting two nights ago at 3 o'clock Oslo time and deployed from their home bases with their heavy equipment and troop complements within 8 hours of receiving their orders.

Also deployed were composite Brigade groups drawn from the Baltic Military Region's 102. "Brest" Infantry Division, the Ingrian Military Region's 8. "Ingria" Airborne Division, and the Scandinavian Military Region's 1. "Kongens Hird" Royal Guards Division, as well as the Royal Cottish Navy's 12. "Gingunnagap" Royal Marine Brigade Group and a naval Task Force consisting of one aircraft carrier group deploying from Noreg, landing ships, frigate and minesweeper squadrons deploying from Kola and Noreg, as well as naval aviation assets deploying from bases at the Baltic Sea.

Supported by the Railway Troops and the Air Force Transport Command, the various units redeployed via rail, road, sea and air over distances of up to 2,000 kilometers, having their respective manouver formations in place and ready for action in the Northern Exercise Range within 24 hours of receiving deployment orders.

The snap drills are the first true test of the recently refurbished National Rail Network, which suffered great damage during the Patriotic Liberation War 15 years ago. An estimated 100 trainloads of troops and equipment were transported from garrisons throughout Eastern Cotland to the Northern Exercise Area, straining the capacity and causing some minor delays for the civilian rail traffic.

The Royal Cottish Air Force also supported the redeployment with transport squadrons, as well as two fighter wings, a fighter-bomber wing, close air support and support formations deploying from 6. Luftkorps in the Eastern Military Region, the 1. Luftkorps in the Scandinavian Military Region, and the 7. Luftkorps in the Baltic Military Region. The air units will support the ground and naval forces in place and participate in the ongoing exercise.

Once deployment was completed in the early morning today, the forces carried out a series on joint tactical exercises, integrating the various units from different commands and branches of the armed forces into a cohesive joint force.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence stated that the exercise, which is still ongoing, so far was "a resounding success for the strategic reinforcement concept that our Armed Forces have developed for some time now."

The exercises in the Northern Exercise Range, which covers parts of Bjarmeland and Nenets provinces, will continue for another week and include large-scale brigade and division manouvers, live-fire exercises, and close integration between the Army, Navy and Air Force units. Part of the exercise will include hitting ground targets with cruise missiles fired from ships and aircraft, however air defence units are also due to practice communication and combat against enemy aerial attacks. The drill will also focus on aerial command practice in field combat conditions and developing all-round support of air units in new base areas.

Foreign reactions have not yet been registered with the Foreign Ministry, though Ministry of Defence officials insist that allies and close neighbors were given a heads-up of the exercises, "not because we are required to, but in the spirit of goodwill."

The success of the ongoing exercises means that citizens of Cotland can rest easy, knowing that if trouble brews, help can be present in strength within relatively short time and protect them.

Current Affairs | Defence
Cotlands Telegrafbyrå © All Rights Reserved 2015

by **Earth_ Two** » Wed Jun 17, 2015 11:46 am

.:. Updated to Here .:.

by **Layarteb** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 7:20 pm

Future of Sanibel & Alert In Question
The Roman Empire fractures on July 4th
Timothy Bishop (@TIMBLNN) (Layartebian News Network)
July 6, 2015 - 09:35 | Layarteb City, New York, Empire of Layarteb

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Sanibel Island, Florida

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¤ Roman Empire No More! [1,900 comments]
¤ Canada Splits from Rome, Virtue [1,102 comments]
¤ Emperor Valerius Resigns, Rome Fractures [802 comments]

Layarteb City, NY - The surprise announcement on Saturday of the fracturing of the Roman Empire has sent shockwaves throughout the world. With its European and African territories scrambling to maintain any sense of coherency in the world and Roman Canada consolidating and distancing itself away from the Old World, a big question has arisen, especially in the confines of the Empire. What happens to Sanibel and Alert? Surrounded by the Empire of Layarteb on all four sides, Sanibel Island in Florida and the scientific settlement of Alert on Ellesmere Island in the Arctic are now left without a home. Excluded from the July 4 announcement, both territories now exist as stateless enclaves.

Of course, they are not without help. Alert, which is on Ellesmere Island, plays host to a large team of Layartebian scientists who utilize the northernmost, permanent settlement in the world to monitor the polar climate. Additionally, Ellesmere Island plays host to a number of early warning and listening stations operated by the Layartebian Ministry of Intelligence and the Ministry of Defense, which watch over the North Pole to the Soviet Union. It is anticipated that these facilities would be the first ground stations to warn of an incoming bomber and/or missile strike from Russia. Because the settlement is largely a science base and not any sort of civilian establishment, it is widely assumed that Alert will simply revert to Layartebian administrative control. A spokesman for the Ministry of the Interior said on Monday, "Alert is a science community. We're not looking to hinder or stop anything currently happening. In fact, with funding cut off from Rome it is likely that, if we don't step in and assume administrative control, the facilities will be forced to close. That's not something we want to see happen."

Sanibel Island, on the other hand, is a 33 mi² (86 km²) island off of Florida's western coastline. A resort and vacation destination, it has become the most popular vacation spot for Roman citizens, especially the aristocracy and government officials, since about 1992. However, the island does play host to approximately 6,500 permanent residents, all of whom maintain Roman citizenship as their primary with conditional Layartebian citizenship bestowed as well. What this means is that they cannot vote in Layartebian elections and they do not have to pay Layartebian federal taxes. All other rights and privileges afforded to Layartebian citizens are afforded to them. The island's beaches are populated year round and the economy of the island is solely based on tourism.

"The question of Sanibel," the same spokesman for the Ministry of the Interior said, "is a bit more difficult. There we have a Roman populace who, for all intents and purposes, are Layartebian. There are no border checkpoints between Sanibel and the rest of Florida. The bridge that is there now was built entirely by Layartebian funds and hands. The Romans have utilized Sanibel as a popular vacation destination and we see no reason why that should stop. However, the Empire has a duty to the citizens of Sanibel Island to ensure that they are not left to the wayside. Sanibel is too far from Canada or Europe for any means of economical support. It would cost either locality more to keep Sanibel running that it would for us to do so. We will, if the need arises, assume control over Sanibel and incorporate it into the Empire. We see no reason to remove Roman citizenship from anyone but we would like to see them adopt full Layartebian citizenship so that they may vote in elections and receive benefits."

While it was previously assumed that Sudbury would assume control over both Alert and Sanibel, no mention of them has been made yet by Roman Canada's new leader, Prime Minister Vincent Palmerston. While I doubt we'll see Layartebian soldiers rolling into either locality, the situation will be watched closely by the Roman Commonwealth, Roman Canada, and certainly the member states of Virtue, which may try to make a play the territories. When asked about this, the spokesman for the Ministry of the Interior laughed before responding, "I doubt Virtue, which is nothing more than a criminal organization designed to infringe upon the sovereignty of the world's nations will be too successful with either endeavor. The kind of military power required to project into either zone would not arrive by surprise nor would it be allowed anywhere near Layartebian waters."

It is noteworthy to state that the Layartebian government has declared Virtue a criminal organization and barred its efforts within Layartebian waters, airspace, and territory. Other nations of the world, including the Realm of Cotland, the Empire of Apilonia, the Federal Republic of Amapá, and now Roman Canada have come out and spoken against Virtue and its "noble" aims.

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BennyB
Miami, FL
3 hours ago

Annex them and be done with it, there's no sense going about this in any other way. You could draw it out with a referendum in Sanibel but it's pointless. Anyone that votes against it is basically saying, "Yes I'll starve to death that's fine with me." We've been protecting Sanibel since its inception and outside of a token police and fire unit on Sanibel, if anything major happens, we're there to help. Alert, that's a no-brainer, if they want to keep the lights on it's time to raise our flag the highest.
821 Yeas 190 Nays

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Falcon4
Falcon City, MA
3 hours ago

I'd love to see Virtue try to exert some sort of primacy over Sanibel or Alert. It would be the end of the organization. That would put a nice end to things.
680 Yeas 72 Nays

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Horseman99
Washington City, VA
2 hours ago

Roman Canada did the smart thing and now they need to just let it go. There's no way the Roman Commonwealth in Europe can do anything. They're lucky to even have the power still on with just how split up and fractured they are. The fragmentation in Europe has eroded whatever power Rome had left. Libya was smart last year when they courted us, they could see the writing on the wall. It's a shame other parts of Europe haven't. I think Switzerland probably will next, it makes sense. They're a recent "acquisition" so to speak.
550 Yeas 112 Nays

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by **Layarteb** » Tue Jul 21, 2015 6:21 am

Layartebian Navy Visits Rabanastre
2nd Carrier Strike Gruop Makes Port Call
Gray Alexander (@GRAYALNN) (Layartebian News Network)
July 21, 2015 - 10:01 | Rabanastre, Western Sahara, Dalmasca

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(File Photo) Washington-class aircraft carrier

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¤ MOD: Four carriers in the Atlantic [99 comments]
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¤ Rabanastre has visitors [11 comments]

Rabanastre - The navy's 2nd Carrier Strike Group (CVSG) has made its first port visit and it is to Rabanastre, capital of the longtime Layartebian ally, the Kingdom of Dalmasca. Centered around the ILNS Layarteb (CVN-106), a Washington-class aircraft carrier with a displacement of 65,000 tons, the 2nd CVSG recently departed from its homeport on Terceira in the Azores on July 1. According to officials in the Ministry of Defense, the deployment of the 2nd CVSG means that there are four carrier battle and strike groups deployed into the Atlantic Ocean. Normally there are only two, one for the North Atlantic and one for the South Atlantic.

While the deployment of four carriers is not unusual, it represents an increase in the deployment tempo of the Imperial Layartebian Navy, which is seen as the tip of the spear when dealing with threats such as the Republic of the Khorsuni Nation.

The 2nd CVSG's port visit to Rabanastre was previously scheduled and carrier battle groups are a regular occurrence in the Dalmascan capital, which boasts a small but modernized navy of its own. No sail away date has been made available by the Ministry of Defense, which normally keeps port visit schedules classified for matters of operational security.

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by **Cotland** » Sun Aug 16, 2015 5:55 am

Official from the Royal Council of State

Friday, 14 August, 2015

In today's session of the Royal Council of State, the King has awarded a number of military decorations to Cottish and Apilonian military personell in recognision of their actions during this spring's conflict with the Republic of Eritrea.

The Royal Council of State was in session in Oslo Palace on 14 August, 2015.

Vi SVERRE, Cotlands Konge gjør bekjent:

That We have seen fit to award the CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY CROSS to Commander Tomas HAMMER, R.C.N, for gallantry and excellent leadership of His Majesty's Frigate EINHERJER (F.1112) during a time of armed conflict between the Realm and the Republic of Eritrea.

Through his excellent leadership and command influence, Commander HAMMER led his command into enemy-controlled waters and inflicted disasterous losses upon the enemy fleet without friendly losses. Especially of note is the Raid on Abbas of 21 April, 2015, where personell from Commander HAMMER's command and members of the Imperial Apilonian Navy captured and pressed into service three enemy warships, and destroying the rest in their moorings. Later, after allied reinforcements had arrived in-theatre, Commander HAMMER and his command was crucial in the destruction of the Eritrean battle fleet during the Battle off Massawa on 24 April.

For these actions, and his excellent leadership, Commander Tomas HAMMER, R.C.N. is awarded the CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY CROSS in recognition of his proven gallantry in the face of the enemy and his outstanding leadership. Commander HAMMER's actions reflect great credit upon himself, His Majesty's Ship EINHERJER, and the Royal Cottish Naval Service.

Given under My Hand and Seal in the City of Oslo on this Fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Fifteen

Sverre

Vi SVERRE, Cotlands Konge gjør bekjent:

That We have seen fit to award the SANKT HALLVARD MEDAL to Commander Jessica HARRINGTON, I.A.N, for gallantry and excellent leadership of His Apilonian Majesty's Sloop-of-War LEANDER (P245) during a time of armed conflict between the Realm and the Republic of Eritrea.

Through her excellent and aggressive leadership, Commander HARRINGTON commanded an allied task group consisting of her own command and His Cottish Majesty's Frigate EINHERJER, operating together while searching for the missing crew members of His Apilonian Majesty's Patrol Ship FRASER, which was attacked and sunk by Eritrean naval forces on 18 April, 2015. During this time, Commander HARRINGTON led her command into enemy-controlled waters and inflicted disasterous losses upon the superior enemy fleet without friendly losses. Especially of note is the Raid on Abbas of 21 April, 2015, where a joint Cottish-Apilonian landing party captured and pressed into service three enemy warships, and destroying the rest in their moorings. Using information extracted from prisoners captured aboard the captured ships, Commander HARRINGTON was able to plan and execute a search and rescue mission which saw all survivors of FRASER released from captivity prior to the arrival of substantial allied reinforcements.

For these actions, and her excellent leadership, Commander Jessica HARRINGTON, I.A.N. is awarded the SANKT HALLVARD MEDAL in recognition of her proven exceptional leadership of combat operations in the face of the enemy which ultimately led to victory over the enemy. Commander HARRINGTON's actions reflect great credit upon herself, His Apilonian Majesty's Ship LEANDER, and the Imperial Apilonian Naval Service.

Given under My Hand and Seal in the City of Oslo on this Fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Fifteen

Sverre

Vi SVERRE, Cotlands Konge gjør bekjent:

That We have seen fit to award the DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS to Lieutenant Commander Magne WICKHOLM, R.C.N. for gallantry during a time of armed conflict between the Realm and the Republic of Eritrea.

On 21 April, 2015, Lieutenant Commander WICKHOLM was seconded from H.M. Frigate EINHERJER and commanded a boarding party that infiltrated the enemy naval base at Abbas, Eritrea, and took the Eritrean missile boat GHINDA a prize. After a brief firefight, Lieutenant Commander WICKHOLM was able to extract all his men and safely manouver his prize out to the safety of the Red Sea. Before leaving with his prize, men under WICKHOLM's command planted explosive charges on other Eritrean naval ships in port, thus denying the enemy the use of his naval force and subsequently altering the strategic balance in the conflict in favor of the Realm and her allies. After safely evacuating his prize and his personell with only a few minor injuries, Lieutenant Commander WICKHOLM assumed command of H.M. Prize Ship GHINDA and commanded her into battle for the duration of the conflict, thus greatly adding to the allied combat strength and providing a meaningful contribution to the battle.

For these actions and his outstanding leadership, Lieutenant Commander Magne WICKHOLM, R.C.N. is awarded the DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS in recognition of his proven gallantry in the face of the enemy. Lieutenant Commander WICKHOLM's actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Royal Cottish Naval Service.

Given under My Hand and Seal in the City of Oslo on this Fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Fifteen

Sverre

Vi SVERRE, Cotlands Konge gjør bekjent:

That We have seen fit to award the DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS to Lieutenant Commander Ivar HEIMNES, R.C.N. for gallantry during a time of armed conflict between the Realm and the Republic of Eritrea.

On 21 April, 2015, Lieutenant Commander HEIMNES was seconded from H.M. Frigate EINHERJER and commanded a boarding party that infiltrated the enemy naval base at Abbas, Eritrea, and took the Eritrean missile boat GHINDA a prize. After a brief firefight, Lieutenant Commander HEIMNES was able to extract all his men and safely manouver his prize out to the safety of the Red Sea. Before leaving with his prize, men under HEIMNES's command planted explosive charges on other Eritrean naval ships in port, thus denying the enemy the use of his naval force and subsequently altering the strategic balance in the conflict in favor of the Realm and her allies. After safely evacuating his prize and his personell with only a few minor injuries, Lieutenant Commander HEIMNES assumed command of H.M. Prize Ship BARENTU and commanded her into battle for the duration of the conflict, thus greatly adding to the allied combat strength and providing a meaningful contribution to the battle.

For these actions and his outstanding leadership, Lieutenant Commander Ivar HEIMNES, R.C.N. is awarded the DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS in recognition of his proven gallantry in the face of the enemy. Lieutenant Commander HEIMNES's actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Royal Cottish Naval Service.

Given under My Hand and Seal in the City of Oslo on this Fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Fifteen

Sverre

Vi SVERRE, Cotlands Konge gjør bekjent:

That we have seen fit to award the DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL to Lieutenant Viljar KRØBBEHOLME, R.C.M.C. for distinguished service in the face of the enemy during a time of armed conflict between the Realm and the Republic of Eritrea.

On 21 April, 2015, Lieutenant KRØBBEHOLME, commanding a platoon of Royal Marines seconded to His Majesty's Frigate EINHERJER (F.1112) from 1. Company, III. Infantry Battalion, Royal Marine Brigade 18 "Yemens Svøpe", Pacific Fleet Marine Force, was part of a landing party taking part in the Raid against Abbas. Quickly and quietly, KRØBBEHOLME and his landing party was able to take control of an enemy missile boat and secure it for a prize crew. After this, upon the enemy discovering the Cottish presence in their naval base, KRØBBEHOLME displayed excellent leadership and valour in beating back the base security personell for long enough to make three captured enemy ships ready to put to sea, and covered their withdrawal with accurate small-arms and machine gun fire.

A few days later, on 23 April, 2015, Lieutenant KRØBBEHOLME was instrumental in the planning of and execution of a second raid, during which he personally commanded his platoon ashore during a landing operation against an Eritrean Army stronghold in the hamlet of Ti'o, Eritrea, where surivivors of the Apilonian patrol ship FRASER, sunk a week prior by Eritrean naval forces, were being held captured. Covering a small force of Apilonian Imperial Marines, Lt KRØBBEHOLME and his platoon quickly captured and secured the stronghold without firing a single shot, then held it until the survivors were recovered.

For these actions, Lieutenant Viljar KRØBBEHOLME, R.C.M.C. is awarded the DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL in recognision of his proven distinguished service in the face of the enemy. Lieutneant KRØBBEHOLME's actions reflect great credit upon himself, Royal Marine Brigade 18, and the Royal Cottish Naval Service.

Given under My Hand and Seal in the City of Oslo on this Fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Fifteen

Sverre

Vi SVERRE, Cotlands Konge gjør bekjent:

That we have seen fit to award the DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL to Rear Admiral James PHILLIPS, I.A.N. for his leadership during a time of armed conflict between the Realm and the Republic of Eritrea.

Rear Admiral PHILLIPS was in overall command of the latter stages of the armed conflict with Eritrea, and was responsible for the planning and execution of the Battle off Massawa, where the allied fleet destroyed the Eritrean Navy with a minimum of friendly casualties.

In recognision of this, Rear Admiral James PHILLIPS, I.A.N. is awarded the DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL in recognision of his leadership in the face of the enemy. Rear Admiral PHILLIPS' actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Imperial Apilonian Naval Service.

Given under My Hand and Seal in the City of Oslo on this Fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Fifteen

Sverre

Vi SVERRE, Cotlands Konge gjør bekjent:

That in recognision of the outstanding service provided during the recent armed conflict between the Realm of Cotland and the Republic of Eritrea, all personell who served aboard His Majesty's Frigate EINHERJER (F.1112), His Majesty's Missile Boats GHINDA (P.06) and BARENTU (P.15), and the Fourteenth Patrol Wing of the Naval Aviation Arm, during the time period between 18 April to 28 April, 2015, are awarded the AFRICAN STAR with the "ERITREA 2015" clasp.

Given under My Hand and Seal in the City of Oslo on this Fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Fifteen

Sverre

Vi SVERRE, Cotlands Konge gjør bekjent:

That We have seen fit to bestow the WOUNDED IN BATTLE MEDAL to the following recipients in recognision of the injuries they sustained in action while in active service with His Majesty's Warships EINHERJER (F.1112) and BARENTU (P.15) while engaged in combat operations against belligerent forces belonging to the Republic of Eritrea:

Overkvartermester Magnus JUBASØY, R.C.N.
Kvartermester Vilhelm Mikael KOLLE, R.C.N.
Kvartermester Daniel SULEN, R.C.M.C.
Ledende Marineinfanterist Harald BARHOFVUD, R.C.M.C.
Marineinfanterist Karoline ULFHEIM, R.C.M.C.
Marineinfanterist Gorm INVALDSTAD, R.C.M.C.
Utskrevet Menig Sebastian BELE, R.C.N.
Utskrevet Menig Jonas HANSEN, R.C.N.

Given under My Hand and Seal in the City of Oslo on this Fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Fifteen

Sverre

by **Amigard** » Thu Aug 20, 2015 12:50 pm

Al Jazeera News, Amigard

August 20, 2015

Renewed Protests Break out in Mecca

Thousands of protestors gathered today outside the Mayor’s Office in Mecca demanding that the government hand over control of the city to local Islamic religious leaders. Though the current mayor of Mecca, Fawzi Talaat Abujamal, is Muslim, many of the majority Muslim population of the city express frustration at the continued presence and control of the city by the Catholic Church through the Theocracy of Amigard.

Community leaders, including the Mayor, have also criticized the continued presence of Amigard military forces throughout the city that have been assisting local law enforcement in conducting policing operations since December of 2012. Though elements from the Army of Saint Michael withdrew to garrison operations earlier this year, elements of the Home Defense Corp (HDC) continue to operate throughout the area and conduct routine patrols of the city.

In an effort to reduce possible corruption as well as the possibility of terrorist infiltration, local law enforcement was restructured back in August of 2013. Many of the locally born and raised police and law enforcement officers and officials were subjected to intense background checks and a third of the police force were removed from service for failing to pass the background checks (often for their associations, past or present to Al-Shams or the Saudi Freedom Fighters (SFF). A large number of these officers were replaced by officers transferred from other areas of the Theocracy and were often Catholic, leaving a city whose population was predominantly Muslim but increasingly policed by a growing Catholic police force.

Mayor Abujamal addressed the crowd and assured them that, as their democratically elected mayor, he would do everything in his power to ensure that the concerns of the people were heard by the Diocesan Bishop as well as the Cardinal himself. The mayor also urged the crowd to remain peaceful in their protests.

Taha Basim Ahmed, one of the organizers of the protests, spoke with one of Al Jazeera’s reporters stating in part “The city of Mecca is a city held dear to Muslims throughout the world. The government has attempted to entice Muslims to leave the city by bribing them with stipends or other benefits; and they have built Catholic churches throughout our city trying to convert us in the hopes of filling this city and this nation entirely with docile Catholics who are easily controlled by the government. They will not succeed in this, we aren’t going anywhere!

Mecca is a city of Muslims and for Muslims that has been occupied by a foreign government. We have a right to sovereignty and the free and open practice of our faith without interference from the government and we will ensure that our voices are heard by the Cardinal and his goons in Baghdad!”

Ahmed responded to allegations that the protests have nearly erupted in violence on several occasions already, and has caused some damage to public property in some areas, claiming that these incidents are related to undercover agents of the Amigard government attempting to cast the protestors as violent terrorists. Adhmed insisted that he was not advocating armed resistance or rebellion. Police and military personnel in full riot gear arrived earlier today as a precaution. So far there have been no reports of injuries or arrests made in connection with the protests.

by **Layarteb** » Sat Sep 05, 2015 2:49 pm

Local Arrested Trying to Sacrifice Cow in Central Park
Local man wanted to show his appreciation to the 'Gods of Metal' for an amazing year
Garrick Fortney (@GARRICKFLNN) (Layartebian News Network)
September 5, 2015 - 14:30 | Layarteb City, New York, Layarteb

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(File Photo) Heavy metal concert

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¤ 2015 Poised for Metal Revolution [45 comments]
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Layarteb City - Layarteb City police arrested a local Layartebian man on Saturday morning for attempting to sacrifice a live cow in Central Park. Straight out of the pages of some bad fanfiction, Herman Bennett - 32 - attempted to bring a red heifer into Central Park this morning with the sole purpose of sacrificing it to the "gods of metal." Citing 2015's impressive lineup of album releases including Five Finger Death Punch, Disturbed, Iron Maiden, and Sevendust among many others, Bennett wanted to show his appreciation to the "gods of metal" by offering up the young cow.

The LCPD commissioner, Frank Logan, said in a statement, "While we can all share Mister Bennett's enthusiasm, we have strict laws concerning animal sacrifice. It is permissible in a religious ceremony in a temple or a church but not in a public park, at least not without a permit. What is of real merit is that Mister Bennett did manage to bring the cow all the way into Central Park before he was seen by two officers on a routine foot patrol. How he managed to do that baffles us at this present time."

Bennett is currently facing a number of charges, all misdemeanors, for his stunt. Among them includes violations of the public sanitary code, violations of public park rules, and improper procedures for religious-based sacrifices. While Bennett has no criminal arrest record, the sheer number of violations he committed will likely see that he does some jail time in addition to fines and parole. He is due to be arraigned on Tuesday, September 8. Given the holiday weekend, Bennett will have to spend his weekend in jail in the city's prison facility on Riker's Island.

While this is one of the odder arrests that have come in recent times it is not the oddest, which occurred in January when a local Layartebian had scaled the World Trade Center's North Tower in hopes of initiating a mass alien abduction. That individual was remanded to psychiatric custody.

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MetalFan22
Layarteb City
19 minutes ago

Imagine if Metallica released their tenth album? It would be the apocalypse!

32 Yeas 0 Nays

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by **Amigard** » Wed Sep 09, 2015 11:35 am

Ministry of Interior Lists Demon Hunter Materials as “Mature” Content

September 1, 2015

The Ministry of the Interiors Department of Entertainment and Media Regulation (DEMR) released its list of content that it has determined to be “mature” and therefore available only to adults. Some were surprised to find the metal band, Demon Hunter, on the list as the band has identified itself as “Christian” and the lyrics found in the band’s music generally do not contain foul language or blatantly violent themes.

Demon Hunter is one of the more popular bands among teens and young adults in the Theocracy and has produced several number one albums including its most recent release “Extremist” which was released in 2014.

In its report to the Ministry of the Interior the DEMR cited the bands overall positive themes are “overshadowed by its aggressive and harsh tones.” The DEMR also noted that, while the band is admittedly Christian based the lyrics and melodies are not obviously so and “…those not capable of more abstract thought and discernment are not likely to adequately interpret, or perhaps misinterpret, some of the lyrics and video content.”

The report pointed to the video for the song My Destiny from the album True Defiance, which depicts teens involved potentially delinquent acts at some points in the video (i.e. using a slingshot on a passing vehicle) While DEMR recognized that the video was not necessarily glorifying such acts, and that the song was not meant to be taken as an encouragement of delinquency; younger audiences may not be able to recognize this and may seek to emulate the behaviors and image of the young people depicted in the video.

Any individual, company, agency or other entity are permitted to file an appeal with the Ministry of the Interior whenever the Department of Entertainment and Media Regulation makes an adverse finding in relation to any content produced and the band has expressed its intent to do so in the near future. Until the appeal is filed and decided upon by the Ministry of the Interior, Demon Hunter’s media and materials will be subject to the so called “Sinners Tax,” which means it will be available only to adults, and be subject to increased fees for production and distribution within the Theocracy.

by **Terra Reborn** » Fri Sep 25, 2015 6:46 am

Red Sea Squadron Established
The Imperial Admiralty forms new squadron in wake of HMS Fraser Incident
Samuel Fitzpatrick, Senior Defence Correspondent(@FitzPacACN) (ACN)
Monday 21st September 2015, 09:00 | Anchorage, The Duchy of Alaska, the Apilonian Empire

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Six ships of the Red Sea Squadron at sea on exercises

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¤ WATCH: Service of Memorial for the lost of HMS Fraser [1,189 comments]
¤ Imperial Navy announces new Sloops [440 comments]
¤ WATCH: Launch of HMS Leander [982 comments]

Anchorage - The Imperial Admiralty today confirmed the establishment of the Red Sea Squadron of the Imperial Navy. To be based out of the newly established HM Naval Station Sverreshavn, itself apart of the larger Cottish Naval Station on the island of Socotra, the new Squadron will consist of eight Leander-Class Sloops. The Squadron, which will be part of the East Indies Station, will be responsible for the protection of Imperial and allied trade in the Red Sea and the area around the Horn of Africa. The Squadron will primarily be used to conduct trade protection patrols, with at least four vessels expected to be at sea at any given time, with a capacity to put a six vessels to sea if the need arose. As the main Imperial naval force in the area the squadron may also be called upon to conduct deterrence patrols or retaliatory operations against nearby nations, a role the class is well designed for given the relatively close-quarters of the Red Sea, as demonstrated by HMS Leander during the Fraser Incident.

The Red Sea Squadron, which has been in the offing since King Arthur announced its formation at an military honours ceremony in June, is largely being formed as a result of the Fraser Incident. In April of this year HMS Fraser was attacked and sunk by the Eritrean Navy, after intervening in a dispute between Imperial and Eritrean merchantmen, resulting in the loss of over a dozen Apilonian lives. The Admiralty quickly determined that larger, more powerful ships needed to be deployed to the region (like other major maritime chokepoints) and that they should be stationed as close to their area of operations as possible. Initial efforts to establish a naval station in the Red Sea itself were frustrated by the refusal of both the New African Republic and the Theocracy of Amigard to allow the Imperial Navy to establish a naval station on their territory. The Realm of Cotland, who are of course October Alliance allies of the Empire, and naval forces of which were involved in the Fraser Incident, were more than happy to provide the Squadron with its home.

The establishment of the Red Sea Squadron is the final, and initially unexpected, stage of the Imperial Navy’s efforts over the last few years to modernise its long-range patrol capabilities. With HM Coast Guard taking on responsibility for patrol of home waters, the Imperial Navy has focused on protecting Imperial Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC), a task for which the Leander-Class is well suited.

Commander Dame Jessica Harrington DCS DSO, Commanding Officer of HMS Leander, and the senior ship commander in the Red Sea Squadron, said:

“The preservation of the economic strength of the Empire is essential for our long-term prosperity and security, without our strong economy we would not be able to maintain the powerful military forces that protect our citizens from any number of throats from overseas. Our economy is also essential in ensuring that our citizens enjoy a standard of living to which they have become accustomed, and has allowed the Empire to be competitive or world-leading in many fields such as medicine and science. The establishment of the Red Sea Squadron will allow us to protect our shipping in one of the world’s longest maritime choke points, the potential threat to which was clearly demonstrated earlier this year with the destruction of HMS Fraser. The combat record of the Leander-Class is, despite its short time in service, respectable and more than capable of the jobs assigned to her. With our Cruisers being increasingly tasked with flag-flying operations, and our destroyers and frigates tasked with protecting our strike, battle and expeditionary groups, it now falls to the Leander Sloops to protect our trade interests in the vast expanses, oftentimes many miles from the nearest Imperial Naval Station, which is why we are particularly lucky to be able to base our Squadron out of Sverreshavn.”

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Apilonia Cable News © All Rights Reserved 2015

NavyGuyDan
Anchorage, Duchy of Alaska
Five Hours Ago

The decision to deploy eight Leander-Class vessels to the region is the only real response that the Admiralty could have made to the destruction of His Majesty's Ship Fraser earlier this year. I rather doubt that the symbolism of deploying Leander-Class vessels will be missed on anyone in the region, not the least of which will be the Eritreans.

420 Yeas 48 Nays

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Mountain Jim
The Duchy of Montana
One Hour Ago

Should it really have taken the sinking of an Imperial Warship to realise the need for this?

104 Yeas 48 Nays

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by **Layarteb** » Sun Sep 27, 2015 2:33 pm

CCL Cruise Ship Makes Maiden Voyage
Cottish Debauchery sails to Bermuda from Oslo
David Gilbert (@DAVIDGLNN) (Layartebian News Network)
September 27, 2015 - 10:00 | Hamilton, Bermuda, Empire of Layarteb

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Artist rendering of the Cottish Debauchery.

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¤ CCL Cruise Ship in Bermuda [11 comments]
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Hamilton, BD - The Cottish Debauchery, the newest cruise ship from Cottish Cruise Lines (LCSE: CCL), has completed the first half of its maiden voyage, sailing over 3,800 nautical miles from Oslo in Norway to Bermuda in the North Atlantic Ocean. The Cottish Debauchery entered Bermudian waters this morning at 06:30 where the vessel slowed down from its 20 knot cruise to just 5 knots, taking on a local Bermudian pilot who helped guide the 165,000 ton ship through the treacherous waters that surround the island. The ship ultimately docked at 07:10 to a large, cheering crowd of locals who snapped photographs and took videos of the vessel as it pivoted expertly up to the wharf. Carrying some 4,248 passengers, the Cottish Debauchery is scheduled to routinely make the 19-day trip from Oslo to Bermuda and back during the summer months.

Speaking to a crowd of over 100 people, Governor Harriet Moore said, "It is with great pride that we welcome the newest cruise ship of the Realm of Cotland to our island. We choose for its maiden voyage to come at the end of our tourist season to ensure that its passengers would have an unhindered and memorable experience enjoying our island."

The Cottish Debauchery will be leaving port at 17:30 on Tuesday, September 29, where it will make an 8-day voyage back to Oslo. This will be the only voyage for the season for the Cottish Debauchery, which will move onto making transoceanic and Caribbean cruises until May, when it will return to its regular, Oslo to Bermuda runs. The Layartebian Cruise Line ship, the Layartebian Hammerhead is scheduled to dock on Wednesday, September 30 and stay until the evening of Friday, October 2, thus marking the end of the cruise ship season for the island of Bermuda. Cruise lines generally sail to the Caribbean from October to May.

Because of the massive influx of passengers, only one large cruise ship is docked at a time with the Cottish Debauchery taking the Sunday to Tuesday slot and the Layartebian Hammerhead taking the Wednesday to Friday slot with no cruise ships docked on Saturday. Sailing out of Layarteb City, the Layartebian Hammerhead weighs in at 145,000 tons and carries 4,000 passengers on a full, double occupancy load. It left this past Friday and is now docked in Layarteb City, awaiting its final run to Bermuda of the 2015 cruise ship season, which provides Bermuda with the necessary tourist income to sustain itself independently of funds from the Layartebian government. Most of the Caribbean operates the same way.

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by **Khorsun** » Sat Nov 07, 2015 4:19 pm

Khorsuni Government Unveils Anti-Alcoholism Initiative
Salatiel Kaaronda, Staff Writer
The New African Sun | Lagos, New African Republic | July 20, 2015

"Alcohol makes you fat and stupid," says Rekhan Taneltar

Verela - The Republic of the Khorsuni Nation has launched a government-led campaign this week to combat the spread of excessive drinking, with a series of televised messages and cartoons making their rounds in the state-owned media while new slogans have appeared on posters and banners in schools, businesses, and on public transportation. While the drinking rate in Khorsun is not nearly as high as that of other regions such as Europe, alcohol abuse is still seen as a serious concern in the RKN, particularly among the youth.

"Children of this generation have been exposed to harmful messages from the foreign media," says Nayan Shulkham, Khorsun's Minister of Health. "They learn to emulate the decadent lifestyles of youth in other countries, running around in discos and raves, behaving like sexual hooligans. We are hoping to teach them that this is bad for their health and that it is not the way for a civilized people to live."

The campaign so far has centered upon disparaging images and messages about those who abuse alcohol, with cartoons and posters caricaturing drunkards as pigs, toads, and baboons. One poster that has stirred particular controversy in Khorsun features a photograph of a young woman apparently having passed out face down in a toilet. "Think about where your next drink might be coming from," reads the caption underneath. Critics of the ad have described it as tasteless and obscene to display in public places, leading it to be taken down from a number of locations. The backlash against the ad, however, led to a surge in its popularity on the Internet. The ad has been widely shared around Khorsuni social media networks and even made its way onto other countries' circles of the web, where it has been received with amusement and confusion.

Rekhan Taneltar, the Khorsuni Ankhazar, has issued his own statements in support of the campaign. "Deceptive foreign media influences would have the youth of the Khorsuni Nation believe that drinking alcohol will make them glamorous. Actually, alcohol is a drug that will just make them fat and stupid," Taneltar said, in response to a question about the campaign from a state media reporter. New posters have since appeared featuring Taneltar's image and the line "Alcohol will make you fat and stupid." The popularity of these posters has led to further statements from Taneltar.

"No one can respect a filthy, drunken slob. He has surrendered all dignity," the Khorsuni leader said. "An alcoholic has abandoned his duty to his family and to his nation. He is a slave to the bottle, no longer a man with free will. No longer a man at all, in fact." Female drinkers were not spared either by the Ankhazar's remarks. "To those in our Nation who wonder about the rape epidemics afflicting wealthier, so-called civilized countries, look no further than the way they drink. Alcohol turns men into beasts and women into whores. It is the fuel of rape and bestiality and all other perverse atrocities."

Taneltar gave his latest statement on the anti-alcohol campaign today. "Alchohol is a treat that must be enjoyed with responsibility and self-control. To enjoy a drink on a special occasion is respectable. But too much will turn you into a slothful idiot, with no morals or decency. The laughingstock of the world, an embarrassment to the nation. Do not allow alcohol to turn you into a fat, pitiful imbecile. And do not allow your friends, your children, or your brothers and sisters to do it either. The people of the Khorsuni Nation must look after one another and remember that drunkenness is not a part of our culture."

The Ankhazar's bombastic statements have certainly succeeded in drawing attention to his government's anti-alcoholism initiative, though it remains to be seen whether or not the campaign will have a serious impact on drinking habits in Khorsun.

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BrotherNight
Nairobi
4 hours ago

For once I actually think he's actually making some sense? Or this might just be the dumbest things he's ever said. I don't know, I feel that way a lot with him.
271 Yeas 78 Nays

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LazaD125
Lagos
3 hours ago

What's he been smoking?
148 Yeas 53 Nays

Reply

Mack109
Windhoek
3 hours ago

Cigarettes?
110 Yeas 21 Nays

Reply

Damala450
Lagos
2 hours ago

More like Felix Elizondo's ****
56 Yeas 25 Nays

Reply

Usedandconfused29
Lagos
2 hours ago

The Ass of Mischiefq strikes again
76 Yeas 58 Nays

Reply

by **Layarteb** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 5:34 pm

Rebuilt Theater of Hephaistia Reopens
Standing room only crowd of Dalmascans commemorate reopening
Konstantina Argyris (@KONSTANTINAALNN) (Layartebian News Network)
November 10, 2015 - 18:40 | Kavala, Altis, Empire of Layarteb

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Theater of Hephaistia

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Kavala, AT - The rebuilt Theater of Hephaistia is now open! Tuesday commemorated the reopening of the rebuilt Theater of Hephaistia on Altis, a 5th century BC amphitheater built to honor the Greek god of metallurgy, Hephaistos. The two-year, §27 million project to rebuild the theater was completed just one week ago, recreating what the theater would have looked like when it was first built. The commemoration drew standing-room only crowds, mainly of Dalmascan pilgrims who still worship the Greek god, who according to legend, was the son of Zeus and Hera but had a deformed foot. For this, Hera banished him from Olympus where he landed on the island of Altis (formerly Lemnos).

Hephaistia, the multi-structure site located near Iraklia was already a popular destination for Dalmascan tourists and pilgrims before the reconstruction project but now that it is complete, the Altis Tourism Bureau expects that visitors from Dalmasca will increase five fold over the next few years as more and more people come to see the rebuilt Theater. In anticipation of this increase in tourists, construction firms have spent the past two years on Altis building three new hotels and establishing two large campsites for travelers.

In 2014, Altis averaged 1,500 foreign visitors per day but the estimated population of tourists on Tuesday eclipsed 8,000 people with every possibly hotel and motel room booked, inns fully booked, and even local room renters fully booked. The majority of those tourists hail from Dalmasca, which is just a short, 6-hour or 2,400 mile flight away, a hop for many of these pilgrims and sightseers. Despite the influx of people, the Theater of Hephaistia has seats for only 200 people with room for a further 1,000 people outside. The majority of those people admitted to the theater for the commemoration ceremonies purchased or acquired their tickets well over a year ago. Security was very tight but no incidents were reported.

Ceremonies, plays, and exhibitions at the Theater of Hephaistia are scheduled out through August 2016, which will include Shakespearian plays, Greek and Roman mythological plays, religious ceremonies, several weddings, and an archeological show of ancient relics and artifacts.

The site of Hephaistia was uncovered by Roman archeologists in late summer 1926. Hephaistia was once the capital city of the island of Altis around the 8th to 6th century BC. While only ruins remained until recently, the excavations revealed numerous bronze artifacts, pots, and chests containing even further relics, including funeral ornaments, weapons, and jewelry. Currently, these artifacts are at the national museum in Pyrgos but there is talk of building a smaller museum on the site of Hephaistia to store these relics more locally for tourists.

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by **Amigard** » Wed Dec 02, 2015 9:40 am

November 2, 2015

In a move that came as a shock to many political analysts in Amigard, Parliament passed a new piece of legislation Monday that seems to fly in the face the nations more tolerant policies regarding religion that it has adopted in the past. Parliamentary Bill 54, proposed by Eric Fanstiel , who is a member of the Amigard Theocratic Puritan Party, significantly reduces government subsidies to private education institutions that do not include some form of mandatory Catholic Catechism course as part of their curriculum.

The bill cripples an edict put in place by Cardinal Steele during his reign that granted government subsidies to private educational institutions operated by non-Catholic religious groups including Protestant Christian, Jewish, and Muslim private schools. Under Parliamentary Bill 54 a private educational institution may only receive full government subsidies if it provides Catholic catechesis to all students in a program that is operated and overseen by an approved Catholic instructor, and none of the institutions courses may include content that actively advocates against Catholic doctrine or discourages conversion to the Catholic faith. Essentially stating that, while a course of study may detail the beliefs of other cultures and religions, it cannot encourage students to reject Catholic doctrine or teaching, lest government funding be reduced or cut of completely.

Add to this, the fact that the majority of the government funding received by said private institutions must now be earmarked for the development, implementation, and operation of the catechism program; and the bill creates a situation that effectively has undone the program put in place by Cardinal Steele.

When questioned about whether or not he plans on signing the bill, Cardinal Rasheed indicated that it is very likely he will sign the bill when it comes across his desk by the end of the week. “This is a Catholic nation and a Catholic government” Cardinal Rasheed said through a spokesperson earlier today, “it does not make sense for our government to fund education that is contrary to Catholic belief. It is important that we, as a nation and a people, be tolerant of other faiths, but while we may be tolerant of other faiths and beliefs and allow individuals or institutions to express their own beliefs and opinions, this does not mean we should actively send government funding to those individuals or institutions, nor does it mean that we should not make peaceful efforts to bring the light of Christ and his holy Church to all people, especially those living within our borders.”

by **Layarteb** » Sun Dec 20, 2015 12:21 pm

13 Dirty Cops Arrested, 2 Drug Gangs Disrupted
Over 200 people arrested and charged with crimes related to drug trafficking including 13 police officers
Albert Young (@ALBERTYLNN) (Layartebian News Network)
Sunday, December 20, 2015 - 13:57 | Layarteb City, New York, Empire of Layarteb

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(File Photo)

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¤ 13 Dirty Cops Busted in Drug Arrests [978 comments]
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Layarteb City, NY - Following a 16-month investigation, agents from the Federal Justice Agency, working in conjunction with the Layarteb City Police Department arrested and booked two hundred and fourteen people across two criminal gangs, including thirteen police officers. The arrests come as major blows to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and Los Zetas as well as the Layarteb City Police Department.

The arrests have effectively dismantled two rival gangs in Layarteb City, the Zelaya Organization - named for its head Pablo Zelaya - and La Organización (The Organization). Authorities report that one hundred and fifty arrests were to members of La Organización including nine police officers accused of aiding and abetting the Zetas-linked organization by providing confidential information related to investigations and surveillance as well as providing protection for the organization against rival gangs. The CJNG-linked organization, Zelaya Organization, saw sixty-four arrests including four police officers accused of providing the same material support as those arrested supporting La Organización.

In a statement issued to the press, agents from the FJA reported that the Zelaya Organization was a §2 million per week and it paid each of the four officers, centered on veteran officer Ivan Day, §16,000 weekly for a variety of duties. None of the officers charged are implicated in the distribution of illegal narcotics or in homicides. They stated that veteran officer Ivan Day, an 11-year member of the force, arranged for his "crew" of people to provide support for the organization through a local car audio salesman with ties to drug dealers based on repairs. In the statement, the authorities reported that the four men would be paid weekly, in cash, and that they made regular trips to casinos to launder their money. La Organización, on the other hand, was smaller with only an estimated §600,000 per week intake though it had more people. The nine police officers arrested have not been named yet.

Both organizations were under federal investigation for trafficking marijuana, crystal meth, and heroin, three major cash crops for Mexican-based cartels. Authorities estimate that both gangs have been in business in Layarteb City for nearly ten years and were able to evade authorities through a variety of methods that included enlisting the help of police officers as well as keeping low profiles and washing money and drugs through legitimate businesses. Authorities did not disclose the full value of assets seized but did hint that it would be one of the largest net seizures in recent Layartebian history.

Despite the victory against these Mexican-based cartels, officials reported that this was a very dark day for the Empire given the implication of thirteen police officers. The LCPD had no comment to offer on the record but a spokeswoman for the LCPD did say that the department would cooperate fully with federal authorities on this matter and implement new policies, after extensive review of the case was made available to them, to stamp out future corruption. The LCPD, while infamous for significant amounts of corruption in the days of the Republic of Layarteb has not had many cases since the establishment of the Empire, largely attributed to sweeping anti-corruption measures implemented following the end of the Second Civil War.

There is no word yet on what effect this bust will have on both cartels or what effect this will have on the prevalence of drugs domestically but in the short term, the authorities can hang a flag of victory, even if it is painted black.

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by **Layarteb** » Tue Dec 22, 2015 10:27 am

2015 Solstice Concert to be Biggest Ever
Three stages in Central Park this Winter Solstice to celebrate the biggest holiday in the Empire.
Maria J. Kerns (@MARIAKLNN) (Layartebian News Network)
December 21, 2015 - 08:19 | Layarteb City, New York, Layarteb

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(File Photo)

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¤ 2015 Solstice Concert Lineup [99 comments]
¤ Solstice Concert in Central Park [122 comments]
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Layarteb City, NY - It's December and Solstice is once again upon us. As the largest public holiday in the Empire, celebrated by over 400 million people, Solstice has become synonymous with the largest metal concert in the entire country and perhaps the world. Held annually in Layarteb City on the winter solstice, the concert usually draws crowds in excess of 100,000. Normally there are three to six acts book but for the 35th Annual Solstice Concert there will be even bigger crowds and even more acts.

For the thirty-fifth anniversary, concert planners have rented out the entirety of Central Park's three baseball areas and set up three stages, each of which will feature three acts for nine total bands. The concert begins this evening at 16:32, the official time of sunset and will continue throughout the night until sunrise Tuesday, 07:17. When initially announced in March the plan drew the ire of many local residents who complained that the volume of the concert would exceed legal noise limits as set in the city's noise ordinance. However, in June, the city council voted thirty-two to nineteen to allow the concert to continue. There has been sporadic resistance to the concert since but none have gone very far.

Tonight's lineup includes the regulars, Sevendust and Five Finger Death Punch, as well as Baroness, Danzig, All That Remains, Apocalyptica, Fear Factory, and White Zombie. Metallica, the nation's biggest band, will be headlining the concert. On the southern stage, located on the west side of the park around W 64th St, Five Finger Death Punch will open the concert followed by Fear Factory and Danzig. The central stage, located mid-park in the lower 80s, will feature Baroness, Apocalyptica, and Metallica. The northern stage, located mid-park in the lower 100s, will feature White Zombie, Sevendust, and All That Remains.

While some fans have called the multiple stage setup as a conflict of interest, during a pre-concert press conference, all of the bands professed their willful acceptance of the setup and called the concert about music and the Empire's celebration of both Solstice and metal music paramount to the schedule.

William Russ, the concert's lead planner stated, "Fans are fans. They'll decide which band they want to see and we doubt any one stage will suffer over any other. None of the bands present here have a fan base that would be considered small. There won't be any rules for people who want to move between the three stages either. There might be some distance between them but that's the geography of the park. We'll have open lanes for those going and those coming to facilitate foot traffic. And if someone wants to watch all three at once, we'll have an auxiliary site for them with live screens so they can watch all three. We'll even pass out headphones with multiple channels so they can switch back and forth. It's not the same as being there but it's the best we can offer."

The logistics of the concert doesn't seem to have deterred any fans. Tickets reportedly sold out within twenty minutes of their public offering. As usual, with events like this, resellers and scalpers are being watched closely by the authorities. Online venues that allow legal reseller are restricted to a 25% margin increase and scalpers will be arrested by authorities as they are identified.

However, in a major divergence from past concerts, the Emperor professed that he would not be tuning into the concert. When asked for comment, the Emperor replied, "While I accept the cultural significance of heavy metal music and while I would never propose legislation to hinder or block this concert, it isn't on my docket. Heavy metal isn't a genre of music I personally like." When asked what music he personally liked, the Emperor replied succinctly, "Classic musical" and ended further questioning. Rumor persisted yearly that the Emperor secretly attended each Solstice concert.

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by **Itailian Maifias** » Wed Dec 23, 2015 2:20 am

Final Tornado F3's Removed from Active Service
After serving the IBAF and now the RAF for decades, the Tornados are withdrawn

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Lionel Taylor (@LionelTaylor)(BBC)
^{January 23, 2014 9:00 AM | Rouen, France}

A Tornado F3 of No.311 Squadron flying over central France BBC photo

Rouen, France(BBC France) — Just six months before the second anniversary of the landmark A United Armed Defence, the 2014 Defence White Paper which oversaw the amalgamation of the Dutch, Banjamosi and other European armed forces into the single unified British Armed Forces, the RAF (Royal Air Force) has officially retired the final airframes of the Tornado F.3, which were serving with No.311 Squadron in central France, in the wake of the steady introduction of more of their advanced replacements, Tomcat F.4's which currently number some four hundred airframes spread over twenty squadrons stationed in strategic locations all across the airframe.

The Tornado entered service with the IBAF decades ago and proved vital in it's interceptor role, but the RAF seeked more cutting-edge modern technology in the wake of increasing world tensions, following the conclusion of British annexation of Pakistan, the rise of the Virtue Organization and massive military demonstrations being held by nearly every October Alliance member. The Tomcat was chosen because of it's reliable, heavy airframe which needed "slight" modernization to bring it up to required specifications and is expected to serve for at least twenty years or more to come. The RAF's ultimately goal envisions enough interceptors in northern Germany, eastern England, France, and central territories to counter any Virtue or "yet to arise" threats to national security. The Tomcats will also be armed with the under development still missile that will succeed the AIM-54 in a long-range standoff engagement weapon; some sources say Layartebian Defence Corporation may be assisting on the project.

Lionel Taylor contributed to this article.

MORE FROM BBC

Dalmascan carrier's refit to be complete and delivered by May [ 90861 ]
RSA's Dauntless IV mission officially set for mid January [ 8971 ]
BAF troop levels surge to record highs amid technological increases [ 78651 ]

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JohnM · 1 hours ago
Wonder how long till we try selling them to the EDP
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JessicaSt · 3 hours ago
Tomcats this year, 2 more Freyr's coming in the spring along with the marked A8 version for the Leopard, all these equipment upgrades and technological upgrades marked with our units experiences will put our forces paces ahead of the rest.
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Merk · 4 hours ago
Once again BBC ignoring the bigger news; the Kings sister attends the Lacoze inauguration and not one major headline?! We keep more then half a million troops poised to bring havoc down on them, surely peace with them is a major news piece.
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by **Terra Reborn** » Fri Dec 25, 2015 6:46 am

The Imperial Fortress
His Majesty The King's Christmas Message
25th December 2015

It is remarkable what difference a year can make.

One year ago the Empire was mourning the loss of its King, taken before his time amidst a dark conspiracy to destroy everything that he had fought so long to build. In losing my father, King Walker, the Empire lost its father, its visionary and the man who had built us back up from nothing to the Great Power that we are today. One year ago we were feeling terribly conscious of our own mortality, and the dangers and threats we faced from within and without. One year ago many of us questioned our path forwards, and our future had never seemed more uncertain, the nights never seemed so dark and long. One year ago it seemed like everything had changed.

Now, a year on, we know differently. We know that the foundation that my father built was solid and despite all the threats and challenges we faced we stood firm against the darkness. We have taken great steps to hunt down and bring to justice those who tried to destroy everything we have sought to build. We’ve worked hard to ensure that our national security is protected and that our society does not fall to the threats we face. We know that despite everything there are still some constants; the Empire and it’s people are a stalwart sort, and fully capable of facing any uncertainty, facing any hardship and coming out of it stronger.

One only has to look at our achievements this year to be able to see that. We’ve brought the last of the independent North American States into the Empire following the highly destructive Texan Civil War, reunifying those long lost cousins of the Empire and at last bringing peace back to North America after decades of chaos and uncertainty. We have stood up to violence and tyranny and brought our old friends in Valparaiso into the Empire. We have resisted the rise of oppression, fear and violence under the guise of Virtue, and we have continued to build our relationships with those that oppose such policies. We have seen love and compassion win out over ambition and disregard for others in Valencia.

If there is one thing that I have taken from this, my first year as your King, it is that the ideals of the Empire, and the countless men and women who work tirelessly to make real that ideal, is what makes us so strong as a people; we all know what we are capable of as a nation and we have all worked incredibly hard to ensure that it comes to pass. It makes me confident that we will be able to face any threat, any challenge, any opposition as we move ever forward, for the good of the Empire and the world.

As always, at this time of year I pay tribute to the men and women of the Imperial Armed Forces who are deployed on operations, at sea or otherwise on duty at this time of year, working hard to ensure that we are all protected and that the Empire is kept safe over the Christmas period. I also pay tribute to the men and women of our Emergency Services who will likewise do their duty to keep us safe at home over this festive period.

Joy cometh in the morning, scripture tells us. I hope so, during dark times I don't know if life would be worth living if it didn’t. There’s evil in our world, there always will be and we can’t do anything about that. But there is plenty that we can, and are, doing to fight that evil and keep our Empire safe. If there is one thing that we should take from this past year it is that Joy real does cometh in the morning, and that after even the darkest night the dawn will always come

I wish you all a very merry Christmas, and a very happy New Year.

by **Layarteb** » Tue Dec 29, 2015 5:53 pm

Layartebian 2016 Budget Announced
$10.2 trillion for calendar 2016
Sonia Hayse (@SONIAHLNN) (Sonia Hayse)
Tuesday, December 29, 2015 - 16:45 | Layarteb City, New York, Empire of Layarteb

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(File Photo)

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¤ Empire to Spend $10.2 trillion in 2016 [11 comments]
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¤ VIDEO: Minstry of Finance Announces 2016 Budget [56 comments]

Layarteb City, NY - On Tuesday, the Empire of Layarteb announced its budget for calendar year 2016. The announcement from the Ministry of Finance comes two months later than it normally comes due in part to the instability of the Layartebian shingrot (§) this year. Since February, the shingrot has dropped from its high of $1.84 against the African mark to as low as $1.60. It is currently - as of the publication of the budget - $1.73, a high since July 1.

Minister Charles P. Spencer of Finance announced the budget as $10,233,432,259,460 or §5,915,278,762,693.64 for the calendar year. The way the Ministry of Finance calculates its budget on a calendar rather than a fiscal basis. In addition, revenue from government investments and arms sales are only counted through September 30 of the year. Normally kept secretive, the Ministry of Finance has released its arms sales figure. For the period of October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015, arms sales total $241.6 billion. This is a first for the Layartebian Defense Corporation, which normally considers these figures classified. It is not known whether the publication has anything to do with the geopolitical situation with the New African Republic or if it was a move authorized by the Emperor.

Analysts expected sharp decreases in the Empire's arms business due to measures enacted by the African military in December 2014. Layartebian contributions to the African military totaled less than 40% this year in comparison to a normal 80% in previous years. In addition, analysts predicted a tax increase for 2016 and Minister Spencer announced an increase from 25% to 26.5% for calendar 2016.

Per capita GDP is calculated at $40,251.83 (§23,266.96) for calendar 2016, representing a 3% increase from calendar 2015. Unemployment for the year has averaged 3.54% and over §550 million was recovered from several major tax evasion cases, one of which was against the multinational corporation Axle Products, a car parts manufacturer that was found guilty of federal tax evasion charges by failing to report specific revenue.

16 Comments |

by **Earth_ Two** » Tue Dec 29, 2015 6:00 pm

.:. Updated to Here .:.

by **Layarteb** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 1:56 pm

Ministry of Justice Celebrats New Years Eve with 17 Executions
MOJ executes 17 death row criminals on eve of 2016
Samantha Thomas (@SAMANTHATLNN) (Layartebian News Network)
December 31, 2015 - 14:52 | Layarteb City, New York, Empire of Layarteb

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(File Photo)

RELATED TOPICS
¤ MOJ Executes 17 on New Year's Eve [44 comments]
¤ Human Rights Organization Blasts the Empire on Executions [41 comments]
¤ MOJ Executes 17 Before 2016 [14 comments]

Layarteb City, NY - In a somewhat shocking move, the Ministry of Justice announced on Thursday that seventeen death row inmates (fourteen men and three women) had been executed across nine prisons early in the morning. This brings the total of persons executed in the Empire in 2015 to ninety as a Justice spokesman stated that these were the only executions scheduled to be carried out before year's end. All executions were carried out before dawn in the customary method of hanging though one of the condemned, a soldier, was executed by way of firing squad.

In a statement released to the press, Minister Cooper of Justice stated that each of the condemned had lost his or her final appeal and sentence was required to be carried out by the end of the year in accordance with the terms set forth by their writs of execution. Executions had been delayed during the holiday season after Minister Cooper signed a temporary stay to allow the condemned and their families the ability to celebrate the holidays, a customary practice that has been received with mixed results over the years. Those in favor of the death penalty consider the stay to be inconsiderate to victims' families - though many have professed that the small amount of mercy is agreeable during the holiday times - while those against the death penalty are universally in favor of any and all stays of execution.

In her statement to the press, Minister Cooper provided the following summary on each of the executed. Including the list is the notorious Juan Miranda who led the gang "Los Reyes" from 2010 to 2013. He was charged with multiple counts of drug trafficking, homicide, kidnapping, rape, and sex trafficking of underage girls. He was arrested in Brazil in May 2013 after fleeing the country amidst a major takedown of his organization by the Federal Justice Agency.

Timothy Baker, 23, drug trafficking and homicide
Randall Blake, 49, rape and homicide
Albert Cervantes, 29, homicide
Willie Chasteen, 47, drug trafficking, kidnapping, homicide
Brian Gordillo, 60, homicide
Edward J. Hooker, 39, homicide of a police officer
Charles Howard, 34, child molestation, kidnapping, rape, homicide
Nancy Lozano, 58, homicide
Peter Markey, 62, homicide
Steven L. Meeks, 33, arson, homicide, kidnapping
Joseph Metcalf, 32, providing material support to terrorists, treason
Juan Miranda, 34, drug trafficking, homicide, kidnapping, rape, trafficking of underage girls
Michael Nash, 44, homicide
Teresa Pope, 33, child abuse, kidnapping of a child, sexual molestation of a child
Adelaide Schneider, 27, arson and homicide
Frank Shaw, 41, rape and homicide
Byron Thompson, 57, rape and homicide

Writs of execution normally have a thirty day expiration - unless a stay is issued - after which a new writ is required, which grants the condemned an additional thirty days, excluding additional stays. In the Empire, there are four capital crimes: homicide, rape, treason, and what is titled "heinous crimes against children," which can include sex crimes, gross neglect, and systemic child abuse whereby a child is seriously injured or tortured. Drug trafficking can bring a death sentence for dealers and syndicate leaders if it can be proven that the drugs they sold directly contributed to a death, in which case they are charged with negligent homicide. In addition, aiding and abetting terrorism can bring a death sentence if it can be linked to any of the capital crimes. Joseph Metcalf, who was executed, was charged with providing material support to Al-Shams in the form of reconnaissance on several schools, hospitals, and infrastructure targets. He was arrested in a major sting operation, which netted several pounds of military-grade, high explosives.

The large number of executions drew widespread condemnation from human rights groups and anti-death penalty advocates, including several NGOs based in the New African Republic. The Ministry of Justice offered no comment to the condemnations but said in general that the domestic laws and the domestic business of the Empire was not up for international debate and that each of the condemned had been given every right afforded to them by the criminal justice system. Many anti-death penalty advocates have called the criminal justice system too fast paced for accused criminals to mount "effective defenses."

After arrest, a trial is required by law to commence within ninety days. For misdemeanor cases, one appeal is granted to the accused, which must commence within six months of the end of the first trial. In felony cases, two appeals are granted with the same rules. In capital cases, a third appeal is granted and only the Supreme Criminal Court of Layarteb can pass judgement on capital cases and provide writs of execution. The final appeal for capital cases is required to start within one year rather than six months. Criminal trials are attended to be a panel of judges rather than juries. In initial and appeals cases, the panel consists of three judges. Five judges are required in a capital case' final appeal. Determinations on guilt are normally majority-only but in the case of a final capital appeal, approval is required from four instead of three judges.

3 Comments |

by **Layarteb** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 9:17 pm

LSA Launches the X-37C Successfully
Mysterious 'Space Plane' launched into orbit atop a Delta V rocket
Constance Martin (@CONSTANCEMLNN) (Layarteb News Network)
February 2, 2016 - 16:50 | Cape Canaveral, Florida, EOL

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Delta V launch from Cape Canaveral AFS

RELATED TOPICS
¤ X-37C Makes Maiden Flight [247 comments]
¤ LSA Launches the X-37C [112 comments]
¤ VIDEO: Watch the X-37C Launch [79 comments]

Cape Canaveral - On Tuesday afternoon, the Layartebian Space Agency successfully launched the X-37C spacecraft on its inaugural flight. Situated atop a Delta V rocket, the X-37C was blasted into space from SLC-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 13:22 local time.

The X-37 program has been shrouded in mystery. Despite the vehicles belonging to the Layartebian Space Agency, all missions that the X-37 has conducted have been classified as top secret leading many to speculate the true nature of their missions. Many have suggested that the X-37B is a cover for a special reconnaissance satellite or a space-based weapons system but no details have emerged as to the payloads of the vehicle or of its mission parameters. Amateur astronomers however have tracked the various X-37B flights as they have circumnavigated the globe. Information gleamed from tracking the X-37B flights shows that its orbit remains in the low-earth area and that it frequently flies over the same spot every four days, typical of military surveillance satellites.

The X-37 program was initiated in 1997 by the Layartebian Space Agency. Its aim was to develop a reusable, orbital vehicle scaled from the Space Shuttle but without the intention of carrying large payloads or human beings into space. The first X-37A prototype had its first captive test flight in 2003 and its first free flights in 2004. Four years later, in April 2008, the X-37B had its inaugural test flight, launching into space atop an Atlas V rocket. The mission lasted 224 days, less than the published, planned orbital period of 270 days. A second X-37B was constructed and launched into space in March 2009 and its mission lasted 468 days, well beyond the planned 270 day operational goal. A third test flight was launched in December 2010 and the orbiter spent an astounding 675 days in orbit. The fourth and final test flight of the X-37B was launched in May 2013 with a planned 200 day mission; however, the flight lasted 385 days when the vehicle landed on June 9, 2014.

The X-37C is an enlarged version of the X-37B. While specifications remain classified outside of its length, which is 48 feet, the Layartebian Space Agency has revealed that the vehicle is approximately 165% larger than the X-37B. They have also released information that would suggest the X-37C is capable of transporting up to six astronauts in a pressurized compartment within the cargo bay. Should the X-37C operate in this capacity it would likely be to ferry replacements to the Layartebian Skylab II space station in orbit, allowing a transfer of crew without the necessity of launching a full SLS mission.

Regardless of the potential missions for the X-37C, the entire program remains a hot topic for conspiracy theorists and a persistent question for our allies, friends, and enemies alike. According to the LSA, the X-37B has no "future planned missions" but the two orbiter vehicles remain in an operational state and can be launched into space with minimal notice. Plans to procure more vehicles have been met with neither confirmation nor denial from the LSA.

149 Comments |

FalconBird
Falcon City, MA
4 hours ago

It's a weapon's platform! That's all it's up there to do, fly around and test weapons just in case someone gets a little nutso and needs to be taken out quickly without a big ICBM barrage.

106 Yeas 16 Nays

Reply

MilkManSteve
Des Moines, IA
2 hours ago

My guess is that the X-37 tests advanced systems that need to be brought back and analyzed or maybe it's up there collecting space dust or something. Whatever the purpose, there's no way the air force is going to blab what they're doing with it.

88 Yeas 14 Nays

Reply

MarkN
Miami, FL
2 hours ago

Smokescreen! It's a smokescreen! It does nothing, it's just there to play games with the baddies.

60 Yeas 30 Nays

Reply

by **Terra Reborn** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 5:38 am

[/img]

Imperial Navy Commissions New Ballistic Missile Submarine
HMS Talisman commissioned at HMNB Kistap
Samuel Fitzpatrick, Senior Defence Correspondent (@FitzPacACN) (ACN)
Wednesday 3rd February 2016, 1800| Anchorage, Duchy of Alaska

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HMS Talisman on Sea Trails

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¤ Last Astute-Class Submarine Comissioned [1,189 comments]
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¤ WATCH: HMS Talisman Commissioning Ceremony [982 comments]

Anchorage, Duchy of Alaska -The Imperial Navy welcomed HMS Talisman, the first of a new class of Ballistic Missile Submarine, into service this morning in a formal commissioning ceremony at HM Naval Base Kitsap’s Bangor Submarine Annex. HMS Talisman is designed to be the most advanced and capable ballistic missile submarine ever developed, including numerous advances in technology already integrated into the Astute-Class Fleet Submarine already in service with the Imperial Navy. HMS Talisman, and her class, will replace the ageing Vanguard-Class submarines that have been the mainstay of the Navy’s part of the Imperial Strategic Deterrent for the past thirty years, but have been showing signs of age in recent years in a number of high profile incidents where only the number of submarines in service have allowed the Navy to maintain continuous-at-sea-deterrence. The boats of the Talisman-Class will conduct nuclear deterrence patrols across the globe, providing continuous at sea deterrence, with at least four submarines on patrol at any given time in order to ensure both a wide-range of target options and redundancy in the event that one or more of the submarines are taken out by hostile submarines. Much of the information about these boats, and their deployment, is highly classified by the Ministry of Defence.

The commissioning of the Talisman represents a significant step forwards in upgrading the Empire’s nuclear arsenal, and constitutes a significant commitment towards maintaining a nuclear deterrent; seen by many in the Imperial Government, Military and population at large, as vital in the modern day and age, given the state of affairs across the globe. Some within Parliament, particularly the Socialist Party with their known ties to the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) tried to scupper the vote and campaigned rigorously for unilateral disarmament, but were ultimately significantly outnumbered by the vast but of the Imperial Parliament, with many of their theories and alternatives, such as deploying boats without nuclear weapons carried and using non-nuclear warheads for deterrence duties, were rubbished by both MPs and subject matter expects.

Speaking to the media after the completion of the commissioning ceremony, Admiral of the Fleet The Earl of Vancouver, The First Lord of the Admiralty, who had spearheaded the nuclear upgrading efforts in Parliament, said:

“The commissioning of HMS Talisman represents a commitment by the Imperial Navy and the Ministry of Defence as a whole to ensure that, going forward, the Empire of Apilonia retains the ultimate deterrent in an unstable world. HMS Talisman is the most advanced and capable submarine to ever serve in the Imperial Navy, and will serve and protect the Empire for the foreseeable future.”

JenBrooks2014
Los Angeles, Duchy of California
Two Hours Ago

A very promising sign that the MoD is committed to the idea of providing the ultimate defence of the realm, there are a lot of threats out there and we need every possible defence.

424 Yeas 40 Nays

Reply

JeremyCND
Undisclosed
Twenty Minutes

The Government is wasting billions of pounds on a system which we don't even need. There are other answers to the nuclear threat than everyone arming up. We should be looking to solve our differences, not assuming the worst.

4 Yeas 844 Nays

Reply

by **Earth_ Two** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 6:43 pm

.:. Updated to Here .:.

by **Layarteb** » Sun Feb 14, 2016 7:45 pm

Joint Tactical Truck Contract Solidifed
$150 billion for nearly 300,000 trucks
Simon Sterrett (@SIMONSLNN) (Layartebian News Network)
Sunday, February 14, 2016 - 16:00 | Layarteb City, New York, Empire of Layarteb

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M-ATV variant

RELATED TOPICS
¤ LDC Inks $150B Deal [11 comments]
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¤ L-ATV/M-ATV to Go Into FRP [23 comments]

Layarteb City, NY - The Ministry of Defense and the Layartebian Defense Corporation have finally come to terms regarding full rate production on the L-ATV and the M-ATV series of tactical, armored vehicles, which are set to replace the Dingo in frontline service with the army, the navy, and the Marines. The contract, worth nearly $150 billion, will see the production of approximately 287,000 vehicles.

Under the current terms of the contract, the LDC will construct the vehicle at four facilities located in Wisconsin, Michigan, Venezuela, and Quebec. The Wisconsin facility commenced low-rate initial production in 2014 and the Michigan plant in 2015. As of December 31, 2015, there were a total of 14,750 vehicles produced between both locations. The Venezuela facility is scheduled to begin production by the end of February and the Quebec facility to come online in 2017. Each facility will run three years of LRIP before moving into full-rate production, which is aimed to produce 17,500 vehicles per facility per year.

With all facilities under full-rate production, the vehicles are likely to be completed by 2021. However, there is a potential extension on the contract to keep all facilities operational in full-rate production through 2026, which will procure 667,550 vehicles in total. Should this extension be accepted, the LDC will acquire an additional $200 billion to continue manufacturing the vehicles. There are provisions to continue production past 2026 but these will not be evaluated until 2022, when long-term materials will need to be purchased to continue production.

The vehicles in service currently equip the army and the Marines. The army requires 163,500 vehicles while the Marines require 49,500 vehicles. The navy requires 16,550 vehicles and a general motor pool will procure 57,500 vehicles, which will help to replace damaged or destroyed vehicles during the course of battle. There are no present plans to replace the Dingo vehicles within the defense force; however, should the full number of vehicles be procured in keeping all four facilities open through 2026, there will be more than enough to replace all of those as the defense force operates a little over 100,000 vehicles. The strategic force operates an additional 8,300 Dingoes but they are considered less of a priority than the defense force since they are not a combat force. The strategic force was the last of the primary services to transition out of the Humvee.

Sources within the LDC have revealed that the decision to produce the L-ATV and the M-ATV at four facilities is due to the weakness of international orders on the Advanced Tactical Truck. Forecasters and analysts with the LDC had predicted over 500,000 vehicles for export markets but as of now there have only been orders for less than 10,000 vehicles. The LDC still intends to procure nearly 1.6 million vehicles to replace all of its trucks in all of its services. Despite this, the LDC continues to push the Advanced Tactical Truck as an export option though with the conversion of the Quebec facility to make the L-ATV and the M-ATV, the ability of the LDC to deliver an estimated 50,000 trucks per year is no longer a capability.

45 Comments |

by **Amigard** » Tue May 03, 2016 9:28 am

Amigard Government Cuts Funding to Institutions/Organizations involved in Artificial Contraception

The Theocratic Puritan Party continues to build momentum in Parliament as it pushes through another major piece of legislation; Parliamentary Bill 60 passed with a vote of 54 for and 52 against with all members of the TPP and ACNP voting for the legislation and every member of the APP and RPP voting against. The tie was broken by three votes from the independent members of Parliament, with one independent voting against. The bill cuts government funding for all forms of artificial birth control and contraception that is “not deemed medically necessary to ensure the health/well being of a person”, and removes government funding from any institution, medical or otherwise, “…that aids, abets, or encourages the sale or distribution of artificial contraception and/or birth control.”

The bill recognizes that there are some medications that may be prescribed by a doctor that, though they may have as a side effect that may include the temporary reduction or even elimination of fertility, their primary purpose is not that of contraception or birth control, and in these cases the government will not reduce or eliminate funding so long as the medication is not being administered for the primary purpose of acting as contraception.

The bill does require that any institution receiving government funding must seek a dispensation from the Bishop (or his representative) when prescribing any form of medication or engaging in any surgical operation that may reduce or eliminate a person’s fertility. The Diocesan Bishop has the authority to delegate the granting of this dispensation to local clergy including priests that operate/maintain chapels located within various institutions such as hospitals or universities.

Advocates of the bill state that the bill is one more step in the right direction, bringing the Theocracy of Amigard more in line with the teaching and doctrine of the Catholic Church. Contraception is a reality in the world we live in, and the bill does not make the possession, sale, use, or distribution of contraception/birth control illegal. Advocates further point to the Encyclical “Humanae Vitea” written by Pope Paul VI in 1968 which “re-affirms the orthodox teaching of the Catholic Church regarding married love, responsible parenthood, and the continued rejection of most forms of birth control." Advocates point out that, as a Theocracy, the government of Amigard should not participate or support, directly or indirectly, in activities, programs, or institutions that openly contradict the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Those opposed to the bill express concern that the bill places a significant restraint on the availability of contraception and birth control which may result in increased teen pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Dissenters suggest that most institutions that utilize government funding and provide contraception/birth control do not utilize government funding to maintain those programs and that cutting off government funding would have an adverse effect on the other essential services that these institutions do provide.

To which, advocates respond with the suggestion that those institutions cease their contraception/birth control programs that violate the elements of the bill in order to continue receiving government funds and maintain the other essential programs. Though government funding may not specifically be earmarked for contraception/birth control programs; by utilizing government funding those institutions are able to free up financial resources for their birth control/contraception programs that they would not otherwise have access to.

The man who proposed the bill, Hamdi Gadsden of the Theocratic Puritan Party, stated “As a Theocracy, it is the duty of the Amigard government to ensure the health and wellbeing of its people not only in a temporal sense but in a spiritual sense as well. With that in mind, how can we give money to organizations and institutions that we know are openly in opposition to the teachings of the Catholic Church? By doing so, we are participating in their sin…enabling it and in a way encouraging it. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them. We cooperate in them by participating directly or indirectly in them, by ordering, advising praising or approving them, by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so, or by protecting the evil doer. There is no doubt that government funding to institutions and organizations that participate in the distribution, sale or use of contraception, assists them in their sin and their ongoing contradiction of the natural law.”

Mr. Gadsden quoted the encyclical Humanae Vitea several times throughout his proposal and noted that “Public authorities should oppose laws which undermine natural law” and “Let them first consider how easily this course of action could open wide the way for marital infidelity and a general lowering of moral standards. Not much experience is needed to be fully aware of human weakness and to understand that human beings—and especially the young, who are so exposed to temptation—need incentives to keep the moral law, and it is an evil thing to make it easy for them to break that law.”

“We’re dealing with human nature here” replied Ellie Haider, a member of the Amigard Progressive Party and one of the bills primary dissenters, “making it more difficult to gain access to birth control is not going to somehow magically bring people in line with Church teaching on contraception. We are going to continue to see our young men and women, teens especially, engaging in sexual practices that are not in keeping with what the Church teaches about sexuality; only now they are going to be more likely to engage in unprotected sex because they don’t have ready access to contraception. This is not really a moral issue, it is a public health issue. Mark my words, as access to contraception goes down, the presence of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases will go up.”

The new measure will take effect on July 1, 2016 unless Cardinal Rasheed fails to sign the bill; however it is unlikely that he will fail to sign it. The bill does not outlaw contraception outright and thus private institutions and organizations that do not receive government funding will not be impacted by the law. However; there is concern among many members of the Progressive party and the Republican Reform Party that this bill is simply a step along the way of eventually outlawing contraception altogether in Amigard.

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