CORNELLIAN EMPIRE NEWS (closed, Region Only)

by **The Demphorian Kingdoms** » Sun Apr 24, 2016 12:59 pm

Primaries heat up as MacDonald falls behind in Delegate count
But hopes of brokered convention are high in MacDonald campaign

Christiana, Demphor: Ahead of Tuesday’s primary. Sunday, Senator MacDonald made a stop in Christiana trying to bring his message to voters.

MacDonald spent the day campaigning in Christiana. Despite polls showing him leading Eibhlín in not only the Highland Province but all of the last three contests for the Tuesday primary, MacDonald made one thing clear: he wants to see the highest voter turnout in the provinces history.

MacDonald’s campaign has suffered a string of embarrassing upsets and losses since the primaries began in March, with Eibhlín scoring upset after upset in the majority of Élbannin’s provinces, which began voting on March 1. While MacDonald has been able to save face by winning all of Duís’s provinces, Ormania and the two candidate’s home province, Konflania, he is facing an uphill battle as Eibhlín still managed to win Nomalton and Dûmanien last week, picking up more delegates regardless of the impressive wins MacDonald performed.

Delegate tracker: Eibhlín manages a sustainable lead over MacDonald in the upcoming primaries.

The former frontrunner also faces another problem. Even if he wins two of the three provinces on Tuesday, neither Eibhlín or himself will have enough delegates to secure the nomination. If MacDonald finds himself in a contested convention this summer, which would be the first in Demphorian history, a looming question for the candidate lies in whether he truly can survive one. MacDonald would obviously would prefer to emerge the nominee from a brokered Liberal convention in 2016 and go on to win Ormania. However, his fate lies in the hope that his staff has the ability to sway delegates on the convention floor.

Eibhlín herself is fighting hard in the three provinces this Tuesday, focusing on scoring an upset in any three of the provinces. If she manages to win two of them, she will seal the nomination for her campaign.

by **Lacus Magni** » Mon Apr 25, 2016 11:52 am

EEK Party Leader Kinnamos Assassinated at Campaign Rally

Official Portrait of Kinnamos as a Senator, 2010

Olipsio, Latium: Amid the campaigning for the 2016 local elections, Isaakios Kinnamos, leader of the Greek National Party has been assassinated while speaking to supporters in the predominantly Hellenic city of Olipsio. Kinnamos was leading a rally to support local candidates to the city’s local council. Two gunmen pushed their way through the crowd to reach the EEK leader after his speech when he was speaking to voters. Each gunman fired off at least three to four shots at Kinnamos, fatally wounding him and two others standing nearby. Kinnamos was announced dead at the scene by paramedics once they arrived.

One of the gunmen was quickly apprehended by local police as he tried to escape the scene. Meanwhile, the second gunman managed to elude authorities, where he was later shot dead breaking into a car a mile north of the scene. Local Scholae Palatinae have identified the captured gunman to be Victor Naevius, the identity of the second gunman remains unknown. Naevius, age 29, is a veteran of the Latin Army and a due paying member of the Popular Social Party. At this time there is no indication that the PSP played any role in the assassination. The Scholae Palatinae have offered an award for any information regarding both gunmen and towards learning the identity of the second.

Isaakios Kinnamos had been leader of the Greek National Party since 1988, previously serving as a Member of the Senate for Thyroskopeion from 1986 until his retirement in 2010, though still remained party leader. Kinnamos had a prolific career, both before and after his time in the Senate. At 17 years old he joined the Greek Resistance and fought alongside of Imperial forces in the Social War. When the war ended, he enrolled at Olympia Military Academy and continued his service until 1964 where he then served as a consultant. In 1977, he was elected the first ethnically Greek Mayor of Olipsio, a role he served in until 1986. He is survived by his wife, Lady Eirene Palaiologi-Oriundi and two children, Maurice and Anna Kinnamos - the latter of whom holds his old seat in the Senate.

During his time as EEK leader, Kinnamos rejuvenated the party and lead it towards a non-violent civic nationalism. He often spoke in favor of unionism and for the respect he held for the actions of Diana Augusta and Leo X Augustus during the Social War in protecting Greek communities. Though he remained a constant voice for equality in areas where Greeks were minorities, and was even more vocal in his call for Hellenic devolution within Latium.

Other Headlines:

Conservatives make gains in local councils, Progressives win out in Castellum Assembly, Mayoral elections.
Thomas Procyon (P) wins Castellum Mayoral election in the second round of voting, defeating PSP candidate Victor Palpellius 67% to 33%.
Supporters hold vigil for Kinnamos in Olipsio, and in major Greek areas.

by **Leasath** » Wed Apr 27, 2016 4:23 pm

27 April 2016, Saint-Nazaire, the Vannoisian Empire
By Aurélien Chaney (@AChaney)

The Emperor (pictured) and the Duke of Saint-Benoît have both visited Saint Mary's Royal Hospital in Saint-Nazaire, where the Dauphin was taken ill late last night

SAINT-NAZAIRE - Dauphin Alexandre II of Vannois, heir to the throne and Duke of Saint-Nazaire, has reportedly been hospitalized in Saint-Nazaire after collapsing late last night. The full circumstances of his condition are as yet unknown, but most are speculating that he may have a rare condition that was found to be the cause of Emperor Francis III's death involving issues in the operation of his heart. While the Imperial Palace has not made a statement, both the father and son of the Dauphin have visited him in hospital along with the Empress.

The hospitalization of the Dauphin, while not leaving the succession in danger, has left the Imperial Palace feeling somewhat destabilized in the eyes of many political analysts. While most politicians are known to be familiar with Alexandre II, despite his interesting failure to be named as Emperor-Designate by his father, his son and presumptive heir Audric, Duke of Saint-Benoît, is a near unknown. At nearly 20 years old, the young Duke has not yet made any foray into politics or policy, though it is understood that he has previously visited various foreign nations and has assisted his grandfather, Emperor Charles XII, when both reside at the castle at Mont Saint-Lô. However, he has reportedly had minimal contact with current Prime Minister Maximilien Astier, instead having met with UMP leadership challenger and royal cousin Jean-Christophe Dammartin, Duke of Périnesse-Toucourt and MP for the 6th arrondissement of Cammont in what seems to be a relatively innocuous meeting of distant relatives but could easily reveal the future Emperor to be on the more conservative side of his grandfather and, reportedly, his father.

Overall the story is still quite thin on the ground; no new information has been released by the hospital or the Imperial Palace, and as such we await word. Our prayers are, of course, with the Dauphin and his family during this difficult time. Le Cit will have any new information on this subject as soon as it is released.

In Other News
*Wife of the Dauphin, Hélène of Vannois, not seen visiting husband in hospital; reportedly caring for her daughters at the Palace de la Cité in Saint-Nazaire
*Did You Miss?: Why has Alexandre II not yet been named Emperor-Designate?
*Prime Minister may dismiss Parliament to allow members, nation to focus on Dauphin; "Democracy never stops, yet Vannois must pray for her future Emperor."

by **Leasath** » Sat Apr 30, 2016 10:41 am

30 April 2016, Saint-Nazaire, the Vannoisian Empire
By Natalie Dorine Lafontaine (@NataDLeCit)

The Dauphin's condition deteriorated quickly, his death taking place at 4:10 AM this morning; the Duke of Saint-Benoît and the Emperor are both said to have been present

SAINT-NAZAIRE - Church bells rang out fervently across the Empire this morning as the death of the Dauphin, Alexandre II, was announced publicly. The Dauphin, who had been taken ill late in the night of the 27th and had been in a coma from that moment unto his death, apparently endured complete failure of the heart and succumbed to his illness. The Emperor and the son of the Dauphin, Audric, were both present, with the latter poised to succeed his late father to that position and as the direct heir to Emperor Charles XII.

Alexandre II was born on the 1st of December, 1966, to then-Dauphin Charles and his wife, Alice of Charluçon-Roanne. An active child, countless family stories of the young Prince reached the public; the boy was well known to pull on the hair of young Ladies meant to be his playmates, before rushing away to bring back flowers to the poor girls. He also had a preference for chocolate early in life, once forsaking a massive vanilla cake meant for his birthday celebration and instead asking the cook directly for a single chocolate cupcake. While his birth was soon followed by numerous brothers and sisters, as well as many Royal cousins, the Prince was viewed most favorably by the public due to the nature of his position and the already well beloved young Dauphin Charles.

Alexandre attended the Young Gentleman's Academy in Cléricot, alongside his brother Rémy and cousins Léopold and Évrard, graduating in 1984 before attending the Royal College of Périmans. While there, the Prince met his future wife Alice de Charluçon-Roanne, daughter of the Duke of Charluçon-Roanne. Both majored in the French Language Arts, with the Lady actually teaching the subject for a short time before the two married in 1993. While the first years of their marriage, by their own admission, were rather rocky due to troubles in producing an heir, the birth of Audric, Duke of Saint-Benoît, brought about renewed public adoration of the now Dauphin and Dauphine. The subsequent births of the four Princesses only furthered the love for the Dauphin and his wife, throughout troubling times when it was rumored the Crown Prince was taking mistresses across Vannois, and strengthened the position of the succession for Emperor Charles XII.

Dauphin Alexandre is survived by his wife and son, Audric, as well as his four daughters Catherine, Marie-Josée, Marie-Thérèse, and Marie-Claire in addition to his mother and father and each of his brothers and sisters. In honor of the late Dauphin the Emperor has announced, in concert with the Prime Minister, three days of mourning before the official funeral at which the public is welcome to attend in Saint-Nazaire.

In Other News
*Audric, Duke of Saint-Benoît, to be coronated Dauphin 'within weeks' according to Imperial Palace sources
*Daughters of late Dauphin to take up residence in Mont Saint-Lô with elder brother
*Opposition leadership announces delay of elections 'in light of recent events,' says Dammartin

by **Novitera** » Tue May 03, 2016 1:51 pm

DASH
Internet News Media

Novitera: Crap and Candy
Editorial by Zachary MacRob

No country in Cornellia covers their shit with sugar better than the United Federation of Novitera. Half sweet, half nasty, our beloved frontier nation is now a mix of crap and candy. A tourist to Novitera will be exposed to the splendor of our country. Towering skyscrapers and streets glittering with neon lights in Avantine. Magnificent beaches and palm trees in Heselory. Five-star hotel casinos in San Crispiano. Entertainment and extravagance at every corner of every city. Such is the wealth that our country has attained. Stocks trade on the national exchange, a plethora of consumer products are developed and banks wheel-and-deal cash in amounts the average person like you and I could never imagine. Aspiring youngsters fresh out of college or grad school from the middle class sporting brand new degrees run off to become bankers, marketers, analysts, engineers, lawyers, doctors, scientists or what have you. They're hungry for a piece of the action. Those who've played the Greed Game longer sit in comfortable corner offices and go home to their pricey lofts. But beneath the surface lurks a far uglier reality.

Run-down crime ridden districts are found in abundance in every Noviteran city far away from the dwellings of the wealthy. Here the disadvantaged make a meager living working in warehouses, dockyards and the bottom of our services industry flipping burgers. Walking through the Stamford District in Avantine one can see the gang graffiti covering the buildings. Prostitutes and drug-dealers stand on street corners peddling contraband wares. Too you see areas cordoned off by police tape, bullet casings littering the ground and murdered corpses lying on the pavement. Do they find the killers? Probably not due to the sheer volume of cases thrust upon various police precincts throughout Novitera. Children of these districts shuffle off to their public schools where all the good teachers found better and less dangerous postings. They go to school being taught on outdated textbooks. The smartest of them hope for the chance of higher education through a scholarship from the Wiyrkomi Foundation. Less savvy students fall prey to the recruitment ground for gangs or become another customer in the illegal narcotics market.

Strange how a nation so rich has these problems. I dare say, out of developed nations in the region (even undeveloped ones), Novitera may very well have the highest crime rate. Any argument to alleviate the situation has the pundits screaming, "SOCIALIST!" and all credibility evaporates. We are a rich nation with a poor nation's problems. But hey, at least the shareholders get theirs.

by **The Demphorian Kingdoms** » Tue May 03, 2016 2:11 pm

Doubts rise within Liberal ranks over CTO membership
Winsdor presses on with membership

Ormania, Demphor: Doubts about the controversial Cornellian Trade Organization trade pact are mounting after the House Speaker threatened to block the deal.

Òraideach Anthony MacDonald said on Tuesday he would reject the Cornellian Trade Organization “at this stage” because he stated Demphor was opposed to unregulated free trade.

Earlier, Demphor’s lead trade negotiator had warned that a halt in low-level CTO talks “is necessary for the present time”. John D. Phillips, Demphor's Delegate of Trade and the lead official responsible for representing Demphor in CTO talks, blamed the CTO for the impasse. He said Demphor had offered a lot but had received little in return. Òraideach MacDonald added: “Demphor cannot enter the CTO when it feels as if her vital economic life is taken as a liability rather than an asset.”

MacDonald, who is beset by dire poll ratings in his district, indicated on Tuesday that the government has other concerns about the CTO. The most recent round of CTO negotiations will take place tomorrow, where Demphorian officials reiterated that they hoped to reach a deal in the second half of 2016, before John Winsdor’s term as President expires.

Still, even if MacDonald is playing to his voters, his comments are a setback for Winsdor, who wants to get CTO membership done before he leaves office. Without the National Assembly on board, this will be close to impossible.

by **Jedoria** » Mon May 16, 2016 12:37 am

Communist Party Leader Admits to Treason, Support of international terrorism

The Capital Report, Est. 1898

Internal Security Headquarters, Malva - Eugen Brâncoveanu, de facto leader of the Jedorian Communist Party, recently captured by the Department of Internal Security for 'crimes against the state', revealed earlier today of Communist attempts to undermine the Confederation and of existing ties to known terrorist organization. In a written confession that was released along with a video recording, Brâncoveanu admitted that the Communist Party undertook several covert operations intended to weaken the "security apparatuses of the Confederation" and "sow general discord and chaos among not only the Confederate Government, but the Jedorian people". Brâncoveanu, leader of the Communist Party for the last two and a half years, spoke slowly before the camera, reading off the confession that he had signed sometime earlier this week. (For the full confession and video, please visit our website at http://www.capitalreport.jed )

The Communist Party of Jedoria has for much of it's existence been largely a minor party in the Confederation, never having achieved any major electoral victories on either the national or even Provincial level. Estimates of party membership range from just 5,000-10,000. The Communist Party has historically struggled to gain much traction in either popular support or government recognition thanks to long standing cultural dislike of communist/Marxist ideology in Jedoria, however supporters of the party have been known for their loyalty to their cause. Reports indicate members were feeling optimistic regarding Brâncoveanu's ascension to party leader, and there appeared to be broad party wide support for his leadership.

However, in recent weeks the Communist Party has been the subject of considerable scrutiny, especially by the Department of Internal Security, Jedoria's national law enforcement service. Last month, several party chapter headquarters in Los Matar and Tharkad were raided by the Department and their members arrested for charges such as 'conspiracy' and 'subterfuge'. The raids prompted outcry among many of Jedoria's left wing, namely social democrats and liberals, as well as several Christian groups who have expressed concerns regarding recent actions taken by Internal Security. The passing of the Domestic Security Act last year has continued to be a point of contention for many of Jedoria's liberal groups, who fear the expansion of police powers have come at the cost of civil rights, especially for minorities, and their is general concern that the Department has begun a campaign of systematic intimidation against minority groups, starting with the Communist Party.

The Domestic Security Act was passed partially in response to several high profile terrorist attacks in both New Othman and Adiron, and was defended by the Department shortly after Brâncoveanu's confession, using his mentioned ties to international terrorist groups, such as Homofront, as justification for the continued existence of the act. Several high profile court cases against the DSA, and against Internal Security in general, have occurred as a result of recent actions by the Department, most infamously the crackdowns on several protests earlier this year. Criticism of the militarization of police and increasing occurrences of police brutality have continued to rise in intensity, even as court cases have seemingly hit a standstill as legal proceedings have bogged down judges and jurors alike.

There has been no official response from the Jedorian Government on the issue, who in recent months have faced near constant barrages of criticism, largely directed towards Duke Victor Răceanu. Recent polling by the Capital Report indicate that the Duke's approval ratings have fallen to just 13%, the lowest of any Duke/Duchess in nearly 60 years. Răceanu faces strong criticisms from both sides of the aisle, with liberal groups condemning his support of the Domestic Security Act and increased defense spending, while nationalists have reacted negatively to the poor foreign policy and security decisions made by the current administration.

Liberal groups have reacted to the confession of Brâncoveanu with skepticism, with Reverend Paul Vlaicu of the First Los Matar Imperial Church calling into question the veracity of the confession. The Reverend Vlaicu has become a vocal critic of recent actions by Internal Security, and has been identified as a leading member of the Christian-Liberal coalition that has formed in response to increasingly polarized nationalist policies in Jedoria.

Supreme Chief of Internal Security Pytor Olsogovic, in response to the confession, announced shortly afterwards that the Department of Internal Security would officially declare autonomous judgement protocol with regards to the Communist Party and it's assets, in order to ensure the safety and security of the Confederation. Early reports indicate there have been a series of mass arrests against Communist Party members and supporters, sparking outcry among other left wing groups.

In other news, tensions continue to ebb and flow around Gloria Regis.

by **Exalted Draconia** » Mon May 16, 2016 11:39 am

Draconeum Herald,
Panayotis Poulas

In a shocking turn of events, President Stylianos Mantarakis has announced that the Hellenic Union of Exalted Draconia recognizes Father Jeremy and his ETC forces in Gloria Regis as a "justified insurgency against gynocratic tyranny and a possible future government of the island once it is liberated from Marxist-Feminist rule." The comments were not made in passing, but in a deliberate declaration as part of a seven-part "Official Protocol" jointly presented by Foreign Minister Dr. Xander Mavros and himself, though he also reached out to "Decimus Silenus and his brave men and women, who are the other wing of insurgency, even if they hold troubling Marxist views."

When asked if he favored the violent overthrow of the Gloria Regian government, President Mantarakis, who has consistently and adamantly refused to recognize the Feminist Collective Party regime there, preferring to consider Gloria Regis "a sovereign nation without a lawful government," answered, "Unequivocally and categorically, yes. We overthrew both Cornellian and Cetan domination and they need to do the same thing with their Feminist tyrants. Perhaps a stint or two in one of their own gulags would do these lady Bolsheviks some good."

Some of the other protocols announced closer ties with Rome, including an agreement to supply up to two new legions of auxiliaries when called-upon, agreement to an apparent Roman offer to supply New Edom with "additional forces for the anti-slavery war in Delvian States," an offer to "supplement" CPO peacekeeping forces in the Othmani DMZ, and a proposal for improved trade agreements with Adiron, Lazodiria, New Othman, and United Valik.

For a final bombshell, however, was announcement that Rome and Draconia had both signed a formal joint-declaration recognizing the "national sovereignty and independence of Deweden."

by **Free Garza** » Thu May 19, 2016 11:04 am

El Matador,
Lisa Benitez, Editor-in-Chief

After nearly a year of negotiation, debate, discussion, and compromise, the Labor Rights Reform Act of 2016 has been approved by the Senate, by a vote of 55-45, having already passed the People's Assembly last January with a vote of 204-96. It was a tight, narrow final vote, done by roll call, but the decision of the Christian Democratic leadership to permit a "conscience vote," instead of insisting upon party discipline, resulted in enough Christian Democratic votes for the legislation to ensure passage.

What will this law do?

First, it requires that all private and public enterprises (co-operative enterprises being exempt due to worker ownership) permit a secret ballot election among all of their employees on the issue of unionization. If 55% of all workers approve a union, then that shop is unionized and all staff will be required to participate and contribute dues as a basis for employment. The union will choose its own officers by secret ballot election as well, and those officers will be empowered to engage in collective bargaining on behalf of the staff.

Second, it forbids any union to make financial contributions to any candidate, party, or political organizations from the money contributed through compulsory union dues. Any such contributions must be made through separate, voluntary funds raised by special committees. Also, any such donations will be capped at no more than 3,000 garzans per candidate, party, or political organization.

Third, it forbids any enterprise or non-profit organization to make any contributions exceeding 3,000 garzans to any candidate, party, or political organization. It further specifically forbids any religious, tax-exempt organizations to make any political donations whatsoever. This is justified under the notion of "equal handicap," the idea that if trade unions cannot wield financial influence over political parties and candidates, neither can corporations or banks. In addition, no individual may contribute more than 3,000 garzans to any candidate, party, or political organization.

Fourth, it creates the National Labor Commission, a regulatory body whose job it shall be to supervise labor-management relations in Free Garza, subject only to the Constitution and laws enacted by the Cortes. The Commission's six members must be equally male and female, three members of each sex, the first such quota ever set for a public office in Garzan history. Strikes, arbitration clauses, litigation, and all other labor-management disputes will be ultimately subject to the jurisdiction of the NLC. Two members shall be appointed directly by the King, two shall be appointed by the Premier, and one member each shall be elected by management and labor. They shall serve six-year terms and be ineligible for re-appointment at any point in the future.

Fifth, it forbids executive pay to increase more frequently than once per every four wage hikes for hourly employees, nor can executive pay exceed thirty times the annual compensation of the lowest paid members of any organization's staff. Executive bonuses cannot exceed five times the size or frequency of lower, hourly workers' bonuses, either. Since this is applied to the public sector as well as the private, this means that the Premier cannot receive more than thirty times the annual compensation of the lowest-paid civil servant or public employee as well, such as custodial staff. It further requires that all workers be paid equally for the same work, regardless of their sex, age, race, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

While this might seem like a shockingly radical proposal to people in nations with growing disparities of wealth and poverty, the notion has garnered increasing support, even among otherwise conservative citizens in Free Garza, who have grown alarmed at the rather small size of our middle class compared to other nations. In general, Free Garza has moved toward a growing national consensus that if social and economic justice is improved and the gap between wealth and poverty decreased, both the economy and social order would become stable and less prone to revolutionary violence. If the rights of labor and business are properly balanced, perhaps a stable, orderly, prosperous social democracy might emerge, with all of the benchmarks for such a progressive state.

In short, the mainstream is now so left-leaning that even the right is being pulled toward the center, at least on issues of social justice and income equality.

In other news, in a recent plebiscite, Regere Coniugum was abolished by a vote of 83% to 17%, while the ban on personal unions with other nations was retained by a vote of 90% to 10%. Crown Prince Ferdinand is now the sole heir apparent to the throne.

UPDATE: His Catholic Majesty, King Diego IV of Free Garza, has signed the Labor Rights Reform Act of 2016 into law within two minutes of it reaching his desk.

by **Lacus Magni** » Sat May 21, 2016 3:30 pm

Liga Premier Champion Crowned; Liga Magna Conference Finals Begin

Castellum ab Alba: This year’s Liga Premier football season came to a close today with Mégas Leonopolis FC named league champion following their 2-1 victory over third place AO Alexandria late last night. Leonopolis was led by league leading striker Gregorios Iasites who netted a team record 27 goals this season; it was their 14th league title. Finishing in second was the Castellum based Alba Athletica, who edged out powerhouse Castellum Imperialis in each teams final match of the season, 3-0. Recently promoted from Liga Una this season were Nautus Kyrenia AC and Gesoriacum Olympias, both of whom have been relegated at the conclusion of this season, along with FC Laodicea. Three teams have been promoted from Liga Una: champions SI Internationalis Pompaelo, runner-up Faventia FC and playoff champion AEA Kepetta 1959. While the Liga Premier season has concluded, Adrianople City FC and Colonia AC Sorrentia will face off later this weekend at the Castellum National Coliseum where they will compete in the final round of the Copa de Imperator tournament.

Elsewhere, the Liga Magna de Hockey Glaciei (LMH) playoffs open their conference finals tonight with an eastern conference matchup between defending league champions Regis Adrianople HC who play the Vannoisian side and Northern Division champions, Gothiques de Saint-Nazaire at GA Arena in Adrianople. The game will be broadcast nationally on LSN 1, with the Sklirós National pregame show beginning at 7:30 pm. In the Western Conference Finals, Coastal Division champions HC Alba Imperialis play host to the eighth seed SI Vindóbona 1918. This is SI Vindóbona’s first trip to the conference finals since the 1971 playoffs where they were defeated by AEA Phoenix in the championship round. Alba has reached the conference finals the previous four playoffs, losing each time; Alba has not won a league championship since the 1955-56 season, the longest drought in league history.

Also in hockey news, LMH Commissioner Michael Oprea announced plans for league expansion, making it official that a second team will be added to Adrianople. Commissioner Oprea told members of the press that there are “a number of prospective owners from a variety of markets…we’re looking to add anywhere from two to four franchises.” Recent rumors have pointed to interest in the city of Juliomagnus, Dionysopolis, Augustobona and even reports from the league offices of their desires to further expand into foreign markets.

And finally, the LMH will hold their entry draft lottery tonight during the first intermission of the Adrianople-Saint Nazaire game. Current odds place Dardania SI Dynamo at a 20% chance of earning the first overall selection. HC Invicta and Olipsio XK Thunder each have a 13% chance at earning the first selection. The consensus first overall selection is expected to be Jordan Tullius, seventeen year old center who scored 50 goals and 61 assists with the Latium National Development Team last season in the MJHCL (Latin Major Junior Hockey Association).

Other Headlines:

Senate opposition calls for end to the Morality Acts, sodomy laws; "...More pressing concerns at the moment," Pompilius says as he refuses further debate on the topic.
This years Ludi Hippodromus preparations nearly complete, says IAC chair. First races begin 5 June.

by **Vozgarnor** » Sun May 22, 2016 4:16 am

Bats become model for drones?

Researchers at University of Wyszohrod say yes.

22 May 2016
By Wiktór Warsak

The Brown Long Eared Bat, or Plecotus Auritus, has a very specific way it rotates it's wings during flight, the adaption of this motion can be key to aiding drone in the navigation of tight spaces say researchers at the UoW. Not only kids favorite Dumbo the Circus Elephant uses his long ears to fly. The Brown Long Eared Bat uses the very same trick, using both it's ears and it's body to generate lifting force when it flies. These conclusions were drawn by researchers at the UoW who trained a number of bats to fly through wind-tunnels, these flying techniques separate the Long Eared Bats from other species that were previously studied.

What we show here is that behind the bat the air is being accelerated downward as it flies, this means that both the bat's body and ears help it in generating lift. Says Krisztóf Revaladún, researcher and faculty member at the Wyszohrod University Department of Biology. The research conducted on the bats is at a basic level, the goal of the project being to study and reach better understanding in how animals with active flying capabilities are able to stay airborne. The results of the tests with the Long Eared Bats have however given Revaladún and his colleagues ideas which could aid in the construction of very small drones who, like the bats, would fly by flapping their wings.

We have found a mechanism with flapping wings that could allow the formation of a forward-directed force during slow flight. Revaladún continues and further explains that the mechanism would build on a slight rotation of the wing as ends it's move upward. By copying the flight technique of the Long Eared Bats small drone could be built who, with flapping wings instead of propellers would be able to maneuver as exactly and precisely as bats in small spaces, such as indoors for example. Krisztóf Revaladún however goes on saying that it will take many years before any "mechanical bat" stats approaching the same flight capabilities as it's flesh and blood counterpart.

See also
National: Signing of Treaty of Szarvard with New Edom, see the video!
National: Bolgaszhrod still celebrating after Dynamo BLG won National Soccer League.
World: Jedoria cracks down on communist terror cells.

by **Hittanryan** » Mon May 23, 2016 1:34 am

On the Status of Women in New Edom

The most recent arrests and statements by government officials in New Edom have brought to the forefront the legal status of women in the Allied States. Women's rights in New Edom continue to lag behind developed countries in many areas, which are listed here:

1. Abortion at all stages of pregnancy is illegal even in cases of rape and incest, the only exception being cases of dire medical necessity
2. Contraception is denied to unmarried women with few exceptions and no comprehensive sex education exists
3. Victims of domestic abuse have limited access to shelters or psychiatric help, and prevailing attitudes argue women should remain submissive to their husbands
4. Rape victims are frequently shamed and ostracized by society
5. Sexual harassment is legal and tolerated in the workplace, exemplified by the Haggith Affair
6. Political parties advocating for women's rights have been banned; those that remain face pressure not to openly advocate for women's rights
7. Arranged marriages remain common throughout the country, including, more rarely, forced marriages

Despite recent political reform, the government of the Allied States of New Edom regrettably remains broadly hostile to expanding and improving women's rights as evidenced by recent statements by government officials.

The Ministry of Health claimed, without citing evidence, that abortion is harmful to women. While it is true that back-alley abortions carried out in unsanitary conditions by untrained personnel are harmful to women, such risky procedures predominate in nations such as the Imperium and New Edom where abortions cannot legally be carried out in safe, clinical environments. As demonstrated by the clinic's very existence, a demand for abortion will exist regardless of its legal status.

In the wake of what appears to be a general decline in concerns for human rights throughout Cornellia, the Adiran Council on the Status of Women hereby calls upon the international community to support renewed inquiries on women's rights in the following nations in particular: the Imperium of Arbites Materia, the Empire of Hostillia, and the Allied States of New Edom. We propose that a committee be formed in the OCS, CPO, or other recognized international body to oversee the study, and that appointed goodwill ambassadors carry them out. The objective of the study study is to publish a report on the socioeconomic status of women in those countries and produce a list of recommendations.

We hope that these governments will cooperate with the wider international community in this matter which concerns millions of women throughout the region.

Dorothy Benitez
Chairwoman, ACSW

by **New Edom** » Fri May 27, 2016 1:36 am

THE FINEBERG TIMES

1 Copper Daily
May 26 2016

Christians Lead the Way in Jedorian Civil Rights?

by Annabelle Barca

LOS MATAR, Jedoria--New Edomite readers were initially giving Jedoria the highest approval rating polls had in decades after a Communist terror ring was arrested by the Jedorian government earlier this month.

However the recent results show a troubled change following news of a rally at Ivan Park in Los Matar when Preacher Paul Vlaicu of the First Imperial Church managed to gather a crowd of nearly 100,000, made up of Gaia Worshippers, Christians, Magi, liberals, moderates, socialists, and communists raised their fists, according to sources in Jedoria, who were rapt as he said these words:

"Friends, brothers and sisters, fellow citizens. It touches me heart to see so many faces here, so many of my fellow countrymen and women willing to stand up for the causes of human dignity and freedom."

"We stand now at the precipice. A great nation threatens to tumble into a sea of oppression and despair, the likes of which our Confederation has avoided for so many years. In short, my dearest friends, we are at grave risk of abandoning the principles that this nation was founded on. Earlier this week, our communist brethren were violently and suddenly disbanded, assaulted by the very law enforcement that swears to defend the Jedorian people and uphold the sovereign rights of every citizen."

"Even as I speak these words, hidden machinations, malevolent in their intentions, conspire and move against the fundamental civil rights that our constitution guarantees. They do so in violation of our founding principles, under the guise of 'security and safety'. I fear no one but the Lord, but I cannot hide my concern for the actions undertaken by the Department of Internal Security. I have long entrusted the safety of not only myself, but my fellow Jedorians, to their capabilities. That they have acted so blatantly against their own citizens, even under the notion of 'anti-terrorism' and 'state security', troubles my heart."

"I stand before you all, not as a Christian, a Jedorian, but merely a human being, in this fellowship of man, and I ask you one thing; to stand up. To not let your brothers and sisters suffer under the persecution of those whom would undermine the innate human rights of every Jedorian."

As news filtered into New Edom, readers and viewers have been troubled by these words and the response of the crowd, who tegetehr seemd galvanized for the rights of their fellow citizens. How accurate the Preacher's assessment is is anyone's guess, as Jedoria itself is a bit of a closed book at the best of times.

"That alone should trouble us," said Claudius Glaber, Intellectual Party leader. "As we become more open, they become more rigid. One would have thought that they would have become less so after the last of the bunkers was evacuated, but no."

The Prophet Samuel Under called a conclave of the End Times Church together to discuss the issue. "ultimately, while I believe God does not smile on communism of rtheir atheism and destructive doctrines concerning morals and family, yet Christ healed the servant of a pagan commander and through a similar officer was Saint Peter realized of the importance of the baptism of gentiles. Whatever else we may say, The Reverend Paul Vlaicu has called upon God's people and many have answered even when they di not publicly avow the name of Christ. Other than in our own country or in the formal ceremonies of those in Constantinople, this is one of the greatest gatherings of the faithful who stood with others not of the faithful in a cause they claim is justice. I intend to pray and fast to determine what must be done. One thing that is not in question: we must pray for our brothers and sisters in Jedoria and I urge the government to look deeply into this matter of the Internal Security there."

By contrast the Foreign Ministry expressed caution, saying, "We are at this time trying to help achieve a lasting peace in Ashab, we are a short ime away from our efforts at de militarizing the borders, and we have no desire to push the Jedorian government beyond reason. We must not forget about recent terrorist attacks here and the threat of Communism. However the government will naturally take the concerns of the Prophet very seriously and will join with him in prayer."

Queen Mara following reports of scandal in her past has anounced her intention to travel to Hillel on a pilgrim's route and her intention of praying with the conclave. "I do not know the policy issues precisely, though I hope that our government will inquire about it, but I hpoe the people of Jedoria know that whatever they are facing, I see all ordinary people in this region as God's children, and I would gladly give my own life if they could all be safe and happy. I will pray every day for the people of Jedoria that their confidence will be able to be restored in their government and that their government will be at peace in its righteouness. I have met the Duke, and I pray for him and all in his family as well."

For the first ime in a year, there has been something of a divide in the government, though it has been resolved harmoniously. The King has announced that he will not preven tthe Queen from going to Hillel, and has granted that she may if she wishes maintain her own court there until after her child has been born.

In the meantime, the King has also said that "I can do no less than to speak to the Duke directly about the concerns my people have about the actions of his government. He has acted honourably and I will do so as well."

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by **Jedoria** » Sat May 28, 2016 4:17 am

Left wing activists warn of future purges

The Capital Report, Est. 1898

SYKIOS UNIVERSITY - Anton Zamfir, student activist and recognizable member of the Left Wing Coalition, warned followers outside the University of Sykios that the recent crackdowns on the Jedorian Communist Party are only the beginning of a long campaign of oppression and persecution. In his speech, Zamfir stated that nationalist elements in control of the Department of Internal Security and other Government offices would soon turn their attention on other minorities, including socialists, social democrats, liberals, and Christians, before eventually removing anyone who doesn't subscribe to the Ultranationlist ideology.

Zamfir, a noted and prominent left wing spokesperson, has long accused the Department of Internal Security of militarization and police brutality. Following the passage of the Domestic Security Act over a year ago, Zamfir published a series of scathing articles that declared the DSA a "blatant and appalling breach of civil liberties and clear cut evidence of the increasingly nationalistic and authoritarian regime currently in power in Jedoria." While Zamfir's rhetoric against the Duke has softened in previous months, the student activist maintains that the Domestic Security Act must be repealed, as it "gives far too much power to corrupt cops and malevolent government forces."

Zamfir's rally repeatedly stressed that the Communists, and most recently the Magi, were merely the first steps in a much larger campaign of elimination the Department of Internal Security is waging, with the intent of eventually wiping Jedoria clean of minorities and non-nationalist groups. Zamfir's speech has struck a chord with other liberal groups that have begun to express serious concern and outcry over recent actions undertaken by the Department of Internal Security. A rally organized by the Reverend Paul Vlaicu in Los Matar earlier this month has started what seems to be a growing movement among Jedoria's left wing to oppose the increasingly nationalistic efforts being undertaken by the Jedorian Government.

Supreme Chief of Internal Security Pytor Olsogovic, however, disputed the claims of Zamfir and dismissed concerns that the Department was overstepping it's limits. "While I respect the good Reverend as a religious leader and a war hero, I must admit I am appalled by the accusations leveled against the fine men and women in uniform. The Department of Internal Security is a law enforcement agency founded on the principals of equality and fairness. These recent actions against the Communist Party and recent arrest of Magi leaders have only occurred due to evidence being uncovered that suggested certain elements within these groups were conducting covert actions against the Confederation with the intention of undermining the safety of the Jedorian people."

The Supreme Chief went on to remind readers that recent terrorist attacks in New Edom and New Othman were proof of the very real threat of terrorism in the region. "Valiant heroes in Bluebrook, Fineberg, and New Ankara have laid down their lives to prevent their people from falling to the evils of international terrorism. I understand there is concern among the populace, but rest assured, the Department of Internal Security will not rest until those that threaten the well being of the Confederation are found."

There has been no official statement from the Duke, however Minister of Internal Affairs Otilia Țurcanu, who's ministry oversees the Department, assured reporters that her personnel would investigate any potential cases of police brutality and corruption.

by **Hittanryan** » Sat May 28, 2016 3:09 pm

Special Report: Protests Continue and Strengthen Nationwide

The nationwide demonstrations over negotiations with the Imperium have continued to grow in strength and scope. Starting as a pro-embargo protest, it has evolved into a general movement about human rights in Cornellia overall. Calling on the government to take a more active role in promoting human rights abroad on a wide range of issues, many have raised grave concerns over the government's apparent willingness to compromise with nations with records of serious human rights violations. Despite claims by the government that it could be the first step towards reducing tensions in Ceti, many of the protestors do not believe the peace will last anyway.

The movement's primary target remains the Imperium, which the protestors argue is using military force and the threat of a renewed general war to extract concessions from Adiron. They further argue that lifting the embargo will result in the Adiran government and business community becoming complicit with the Imperium's human rights abuses. Many of the activist groups involved are affiliated with the leftist wing of the SDP and the Green Party. Workers' rights organizations such as the Adiran Labor Foundation and the Fair Trade Council have published new reports on Imperial labor practices, in which workers are paid starvation wages, worked to exhaustion over the course of long hours in unsafe conditions, and can afford to live only in company housing with living conditions and personal freedoms restricted similarly to prisons. The accounts also detail how workers are treated as expendable and organized labor is ruthlessly cracked down upon by the Inquisition. Human Rights Watch also detailed the ruthless suppression of political dissent within the Imperium. Possession of inoffensive literature that has been yet to be authorized by the Order Eidos will result in arrest with possible jail time. Even moderate dissenters will disappear along with their entire families. The Adiran Council on the Status of Women also renewed its calls to conduct an investigation into the lack of women's rights in the Imperium. Although FODE's Imperial Secretary General Reyes stepped down during the Palisades Crisis, there remains a strong concern that FODE could still maintain a stranglehold on the Adiran fuel supply, posing a direct threat to the Adiran economy and even the operation of the Adiran military.

Environmental groups like the Natural Resource Defense Fund, Adiran Climate Alliance, and the Center for Biodiversity have also identified the Imperium as having one of the worst environmental records in the region. Habitat destruction and industrial pollution are both widespread throughout the Imperium, especially where the fossil fuel industries are concerned. The Imperial coal mining industry has adopted mountaintop removal as an expedient means to access coal seams. A great deal of the Imperium's oil reserves are bound up in oil sands, which require more energy (nearly all of it from fossil fuels) to process than is contained in the oil extracted. Pipelines carrying the abrasive bitumen to refineries have experienced a number of major spills. The oil sands operations also produce large volumes of chemical waste called tailings, enough to create entire lakes which have leaked into local water tables. Deforestation in the Natapoc Rain Forest in the southeastern Imperium is also associated with the Imperial oil industry, which discovered oil deposits there in the 1990s. The Imperium is believed to have some of the highest greenhouse gas emissions in Cornellia owing to its extensive use of coal power, transportation infrastructure, heavy use of fossil fuels in commercial and residential heating, and unregulated industrial practices.

Imperial refugee communities and activists have by now come out strongly in support of the protest movements, which have distributed eyewitness accounts of the poverty, repression, and corruption which remain rampant throughout the Imperium. While some veterans' groups support peace, others feel that restoring trade with the Imperium will dishonor the sacrifices made by the Adiran armed forces, especially if the Imperium is allowed to remain in a strong military position following the settlement.

The Imperium is not the only nation subjected to scrutiny by the protestors. New Edom, serving as both the principle mediator and the Imperium's most significant foreign ally, has attracted a great deal of controversy. Although many of the NGO's who support the protests have in the past praised the political reform which took place in New Edom following the end of its civil war, the prospect of New Edom playing a strong role in Cetan affairs has led them to look at the Allied States with greater scrutiny. Despite recent progress, the protestors argue that New Edom's human rights record has a number of blemishes. The Edomite campaign against the Arvo and the proposed Eskura oilfield have raised grave concerns about New Edom's treatment of indigenous peoples. Until very recently labor practices in New Edom were broadly similar to the Imperium, with the national government using sweatshop labor to attract foreign investment. Women's rights and LGBT rights are notably lacking in New Edom, owing to a prevailing Christian conservatism and a historical suspicion of feminism owing to its relationship with Deadora. Leftist and feminist political parties are banned, with the moderate leftist Intellectual Party almost inevitably being pressured into compromising. Anonymous reports have even surfaced implicating the Edomite Ministry of Police in torture.

The protestors have cited these points as well as New Edom's continued alliance with the Imperium as reasons for their skepticism of Fineberg. Claiming that New Edom's history suggests it will disregard Adiran concerns over human rights as well as its national security, some protestors have further argued that working through New Edom as sole mediator could lead to the Imperium's international influence being strengthened at Adiron's expense. A major protest in New Laconia recently called on the government to reconsider using Fineberg as the sole go-between with the Imperium as well as a reexamination of the Secretary of State's Edomite policy.

The most recent target of the protest movement has been Jedoria over the alleged abuses of its Internal Security Division. The beginning of the protests coincided with the arrival of a number of Jedorian political asylum seekers who claim the Jedorian government has conducted a campaign of political repression against a number of religious and political groups. Although the Jedorian government maintains that all arrests have been connected to terrorism charges under the Domestic Security Act (DSA), the refugees claim that the DSA was in fact a ruse to purge Jedoria of dissenters to the majority nationalist position. Leftists ranging from democratic socialists to communists have allegedly been targeted, drawing criticism from many SDP-leaning groups. Both Christians and Magi are allegedly treated as potential infiltrators from New Edom and the Imperium respectively.

Since then, protests have gripped Jedoria as well. Many protest leaders have expressed solidarity with their Jedorian counterparts, including Preacher Paul Vlaicu, Predicant Teodorescu, and student activist Anton Zamfir. Robert Woodland, spokesman for the New Laconia protests, issued a statement during an interview: "The vast majority of Cornellian governments have little respect for human rights. The last thing we want is for civil liberties to be eroded in a nation where they historically have at least been better than the regional average. Therefore there is an open invitation to Jedorian activists, including those from the Jedorian refugee community here in Adiron, to speak here in New Laconia. Funds have been raised for their travel expenses and one way or another we promise a platform."

Although the government claims that it is taking the concerns of the Adiran public very seriously, it appears to be running damage control. On Question Time, the President has been vague on a number of direct questions regarding the embargo, the border, the Ura Sea, and the planned official visit of New Edom's King Elijah IV. The Edomite government also announced that its embassy would be holding an official press conference which would clarify its positions on a number of the key issues. So far, the Imperium has yet to reopen its embassy in New Laconia, and Imperial state media has been remarkably silent. Analysts are divided on whether this is a calculated move or a sign of indecision within the Curia.

by **The IASM** » Sun May 29, 2016 2:34 pm

SAINT DAWEI’S BASILICA ATTACKED

A Geluxu Tezhentuan photographed soon after the attack

XINZUO: The city of Xinzuo is in mourning today after Tongzhi terrorists attacked and butchered over 649 innocent civilians who were continuing their worship in the church. Around forty Tongzhi band men and women - a cadet organisation of the infamous Homofront. Six black vans pulled up outside the church on Sunday the 22nd of May, and 39 heavily armed gunmen got out after one of the Church guards had betrayed them in an act of brutal cowardice. Less than an hour later they were all dead, killed by a fast response by the heroic Black Division of Tezhentuan/ Unfortunately this is not before having killed over 649 people in the initial attack and horribly maimed many others.

There was a siege which lasted for nearly an hour in which hostage negotiations broke down. Fortunately, the majority of church goers were spared from the brutality of the monstrous attackers. The leaders of the operation have been hailed as heroes for their rapid response and minimal losses sustained by them.

The attackers broadcasted a message publically from the scene, which is as follows.

RESTRICTED TO PROVEN CITIZENS:

“We are the Tonzhi band, we are here today to sacrifice ourselves to the cause of the destruction of the faiths of Abraham for their crimes against the suppression of our personal liberties. We are were with our comrades with homefront and the Keng National Revolutionary Front! Your oppression of our people will end soon! For we shall be the free of the chains of your repression, free to love those who we love! We reject this order imposed by a corpse god and you shall be the sacrifice for this revolution! We wish death to the tyrants, Hulang and his whore mother! They should be made to become eunuchs like we were forced to be! To suffer like prostitutes in the court of rapist pederasts! Their allies are as ill born as their inbred selves! The Edomites reveal their hypocrisy and shall suffer for it in this life for there is no next! Meet us here cowards, and we shall slaughter your kin! Give in now and you shall be free of this!”

A propaganda song begins to pay, its tune overly dramatic and heroic.

“Out of the darkness we will rise
Into the light we will dwell
We came to free the weak with muse in arms
We are the men in the streets
We are the woman in the homes
We are the guardians of the poor
The oppressed and the lost
And all those crushed

We are the knights of the new world order
We are the liberators the bringers of life
We are the centre, the bringers of love
Fire and flame, we are one!

Out of the darkness of the Lazins we rise
Into the light of Majun we will dwell
Away from the whores Machiko and Lilsi
Death to Hulang, the pale inbred scum
And death to the Lazins and their inborn malice
They shall succumb

We came to burn Edom with muse in arms
We are the source of all your sin
We are shall bring ruin to the bastards
Their nudist filth shall be cleansed
And their queens and princesses fouled
Till the end of all time

We are the heroes of the new world order
We are the liberators the bringers of life
We are the centre, the bringers of love
Fire and flame, we are one!”

The video is currently being blocked to possible sympathisers of the Tongzhi band.

His Holiness, the Patriarch of The Saint Dawei Lazin Equal-to-apostles Basilica Aiguo commented on the attacks stoically stating to our reporters that: “The Geluxu have saved many lives today, we just mourn those who were wrongfully taken from us. Let us hope their sacrifice can help bring these demons to justice.”

The city of Xinzuo in particular has been in mourning, with masses of flowers, pictures and being gathered at the gates to the basilica by bereaved families as well as those sympathetic to them.

Ditor Hulang personally has responded to the tragedy in a joint statement on the behalf of the Ditorate and Clan Lazin.

ꡂꡎꡍꡆ ꡓꡀ ꡆꡀ ꡆꡇꡀꡍꡍꡄꡕ ꡀꡊꡀꡈ ꡆꡀ ꡃꡈꡔꡎꡒ ꡅꡔꡀꡍꡆꡎꡍꡆꡔꡇꡈ
FROM THE OFFICE OF HIS PERFECTION THE DITOR OF AKAI[/align]

Today our most serene nation has been disturbed by those who seek to erode its magnificence. Instead they lash out like beasts whose mind has been infected by rabies, trying to spread its foul disease while it degrades itself.

Today we have lost 649 innocent souls today, taken from us by monsters. They know not of civilisation - the gifts of order, harmony and peace are rejected by them. They know not of sympathy for those, they inflict their misery upon those pure of heart. They know not of mercy, instead they choose to rip and tear through the ranks of people.

We have found here not humans but monsters beings of malice and mindless cruelty. The pain they inflict on the innocent is something which is unimaginably cruel in nature. It is only just that we inflict the misery onto them which they have inflicted onto us.

We shall do everything in our power to annihilate those who have caused this hardship which we shall be enduring. We shall tackle this infection, and purge it from our nation. We shall make them regret their choices, we will enforce onto them a suffering to make them lust for ten thousand years in the abysses of hell.

Those who have assisted our enemies will be subject to the wrath of our nation, purified and black in its absolute rage. It shall be a punishment worthy of such sins. And those who fail to support the righteous campaign against the wicked will learn to suffer the pain of incompetence at the hands those who are not. We shall be reforming our systems so this failure cannot occur again and those who have allowed it to happen in the first place shall learn the costs of failure.

With this I present to you another scheme, to help encourage people to be good citizens in the future and avoid the plague of homofront. There shall be a system, based electronically it shall reinforce positive behaviour and good conduct with discounts, lower taxes and other such benefits. Those who are a detriment to our society however and believe in anti-cultural acts shall lose points and these benefits. I coin it the Guiding Hand or Zhǐgǎuthǒia.

My hearts and minds go to those affected tragedy today. We do not wish the good men, women and children of our nation to go through that misery and I plan to personally assisting in supporting them through this difficult time.

And to the heroes who have helped end this crisis, their work needs to be commemorated officially. My step-father Censor-Marshal and Protector of Kepabaolei, Molxue Qiaoxue Qiaozhi Cangbai Long Woerjin in his preparation for this operation. He and his men will be commended for their service today and will serve our proud people, our prosperous nation and our cultured civilisation after now.

Wantiai Akai! Wantiai Clan Lazin! Wantiai Ditor Hulang!
-His perfection or His ascendancy Hulang Huieke Jieke Machiko Xian-Yaohuangdi Jieke Lazin, first to rule, Ditor of Akai, Sovereign of Lazinato, Yaosai, Zhaoze, Keng and Xuan, Avatar of Hatutai, Most High Archon of Xungong and Kaizangong, Enlightened prince and protector of Yahashi, Master of the Riyeskonsu, Ta yuan shuai of the Orders of National Defence Master of the Secretariat of Internal Authority, Gothic Lord, Grand Master of the Blessed order, Celestial being, Dæmon-Sovereign, Architect of the future, World-ruler, He who brings order to the earthy domain, son of heaven, vanquisher of evil, Great Overlord of the Clans, Father of the Akai, Descendant of the outer-lord Waishan and the golden-lord Jinzhu, heir to Tiao-Li, the most enlightened guardian of all the Akai.

ꡔꡀ ꡆꡀ ꡆꡇꡀꡍꡍꡄꡕ ꡇꡕꡋꡀꡍꡆ ꡇꡕꡈꡄꡊꡄ ꡉꡈꡄꡊꡄ ꡌꡀꡂꡇꡈꡊꡎ ꡉꡈꡄꡊꡄ ꡋꡀꡚꡈꡍ ꡇꡕꡋꡀꡍꡆ ꡇꡕꡈꡄꡊꡄ ꡉꡈꡄꡊꡄ ꡌꡀꡂꡇꡈꡊꡎ ꡉꡈꡄꡊꡄ ꡋꡀꡚꡈꡍ ꡓꡇꡎꡈꡀꡆꡍꡕꡀꡍ ꡘꡀꡕ lꡀꡕꡔꡇꡇꡕ, ꡃꡈꡔꡎꡒ ꡀꡊꡀꡈ, ꡚꡇꡕꡆꡇꡈꡀꡀꡍ Lꡀꡂꡔꡇꡕꡍꡀꡓꡕ, ꡙꡀꡕꡔꡀꡕ, ꡚꡇꡀꡕꡂꡔꡇꡀ, ꡊꡀꡍꡆ ꡇꡀ ꡘꡈꡀꡀꡍ, ꡀꡒꡀꡍꡆꡀ ꡇꡀꡓꡈꡀꡓꡀꡕ, ꡘꡈꡀꡍꡆꡕꡍꡆ ꡇꡄ ꡙꡀꡇꡀꡔꡇꡕ ꡆꡀ ꡊꡀꡕꡂꡔꡇꡀꡍꡆꡕꡍꡆ, ꡆꡇꡀꡍꡆꡂꡔꡇꡈ ꡇꡄ ꡅꡔꡀꡕꡇꡕ ꡆꡀꡕ ꡂꡔꡇꡇꡈꡂꡔꡇꡇꡄꡍꡆ ꡆꡈꡀꡀꡍ, ꡆꡈꡀꡎꡒꡀꡍꡆ, ꡍꡄꡕꡅꡔꡕ ꡓꡇꡈꡆꡎꡈꡀ, ꡆꡄ ꡓꡄ ꡔꡇꡈ ꡂꡔꡇꡇꡕ, ꡅꡔꡀꡕꡘꡎꡈꡀ ꡂꡔꡇꡇꡈꡆꡍꡕ ꡆꡀ ꡆꡀ ꡒꡀꡔꡇꡈ, ꡆꡍꡕꡀꡍ, ꡘꡀꡕ ꡂꡔꡇꡇꡕꡆꡇꡈꡀꡀꡍ, ꡆꡇꡄꡕꡅꡔꡀꡕ ꡔꡇꡈꡓꡇꡕꡄ ꡓꡎꡍꡆꡂꡔꡇꡇꡈ ꡂꡔꡇꡇꡄ ꡆꡀ ꡓꡇꡕꡀꡍꡂꡔꡇꡇꡕ ꡔꡇꡈ, ꡍꡈꡔꡇꡕ ꡔꡇꡇꡕ ꡔꡇꡈꡀꡎꡔꡇꡈ ꡆꡈꡍꡆꡆꡀꡍ ꡆꡀ ꡒꡕꡘꡀꡔꡊꡕꡍꡔꡈꡀ, ꡓꡀꡍ ꡘꡈꡀꡀꡍ ꡔꡇꡈꡀꡀꡕ ꡆꡀ ꡒꡀꡔꡇꡈ, ꡓꡀ ꡔꡇꡈꡀꡈ ꡆꡀꡕ ꡅꡔꡀꡕ ꡆꡇꡄꡕꡅꡔꡀ ꡓꡇꡕꡀꡍꡆ ꡍꡈꡓꡕ ꡘꡕ, ꡓꡕꡀꡍꡓꡀꡍꡆ ꡆꡀ ꡄ'ꡂꡔꡇꡕ, ꡆꡍꡕꡄ'ꡄ ꡆꡀ ꡂꡔꡇꡇꡄꡍꡆꡒꡕ ꡂꡔꡇꡇꡄ, ꡔꡇꡈꡂꡔꡇꡕ ꡆꡀ ꡆꡀ ꡅꡔꡀꡆꡇꡀꡍꡆ, ꡀ ꡊꡀꡕ ꡆꡀ ꡒꡕ, ꡆꡇꡀꡕ ꡂꡔꡇꡇꡕ ꡗꡀꡕꡔꡇꡀꡍ ꡆꡀ ꡇꡎꡈꡀꡘꡈ, ꡓꡇꡈꡔꡇꡇꡄꡍꡆ ꡓꡕꡀꡕ ꡅꡔꡈ, ꡔꡈꡀꡎꡘꡎꡈꡀ ꡆꡀ ꡀ ꡊꡀꡕ ꡆꡀ ꡂꡔꡇꡈꡀꡈ ꡊꡀꡕꡍꡈꡍꡆ ꡆꡀ ꡓꡇꡕꡀꡍꡇꡕ'ꡄꡍ.

Also in the news:

Ditor in Gholgoth
Pirates in Haidao break treaty and resume raids
Lilisi in Ghish
Dihei Machiko’s dress causes controversy at film awards
Who are Homofront?

Death to Homofront! Burn their mongrel hides!
Lord Jiehong Woerjin 3 hours ago 1,452,450▲

Homofront needs their issues to be rectified, we need to hunt down their supporters and make sure they are brought to justice. AGlobalRoyalist 0 days/17 hours ago 775▲

I have a bad feeling that some civil liberties will start to be trampled upon here.
TheOptimist 0 days/17 hours ago -192,765▲

by **The Demphorian Kingdoms** » Mon May 30, 2016 2:00 pm

Eibhlín seals Liberal nomination
Liberals shift focus to general election

Ormania, Demphor: Liberals on Sunday selected a presidential ticket headed by former Konflania Gov. Almira Eibhlín, who lit into presumptive National-Labour nominee Donald Kyran on education and a range of other issues.

At the party convention in Christiana, Eibhlín got her preferred running mate, current Prime Minister Andrew Wilson, in a week long gathering of a dramatic process to win the Liberal Party nomination. With neither Governor Eibhlín or her rival, Senator MacDonald clinching enough delegates for secure the nomination on the first ballot, a week long brokered convention was finally broken when Ormania's 197 delegates switched to Eibhlín on the 17th ballot.

Eibhlín described Kyran's policies as "unreasonable" and "unrealistic" particularly the National-Labour's call to reject the Cornellian Trade Organization and to begin nuclear disarmament.

Eibhlín supporters contend their ticket will play a pivotal role in the 2016 campaign, with Kyran viewed unfavorably by large swaths of the electorate. Eibhlín's supporters were confident going into the convention that they would perform excellently with the Electoral College calculus.

Senator Kyran was a frequent target of criticism of many Liberals at the convention. In addition to foreign policy participants particularly took issue with Kyran's stated positions on education and worker's rights -- all of which stand in firm opposition to a party that tends to favor stronger education and a new worker's rights process. Senator MacDonald, the other presidential candidate who lost to Eibhlín, called Kyran an airhead, a term regularly echoed throughout the convention.

At one point on Sunday, an announcer told the convention that Kyran had begun attacking Eibhlín and Wilson. The audience roared in approval at the news. It was not immediately apparent what attacks the announcer was referring to, but in a statement to the Ormania Times-Herald about Wilson, Kyran said, "I don't vote for sellouts."

Thanking the Liberal delegates after her victory, Eibhlín played up his general election chances. "We're going to Ormania and we're taking the Party with it!" Eibhlín said to cheers.

In the first round of voting, Eibhlín reached 43.5 percent of the delegat'es vote, according to the official party total. Delegates were released shortly thereafter for the second ballot, and slowly but surely her percentage increased everytime for the required number of the delegates needed for the nomination. On the seventeeth round of voting, Eibhlín clinched the nomination with more than what was required to clinch the nomination.

Eibhlín will be hitting key battleground states in the next few weeks and will be preparing for the first of many debates against Kyran on July 1st.

by **Jedoria** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 3:11 pm

Minister of Culture stresses need for family duty in these trying times

STRANA MECHTY - Minister of Culture Haralamb Rusu stressed in a press conference earlier today the need for family unity in what the Minister described as "trying times for the sanctity of the family unit." Rusu, who has served as a member of the Duke's cabinet since 2012, spoke highly of the family as the "building block of civilization" and the need for the Jedorian populace to continue to embrace their loved ones as the "most important natural resource this country has to offer."

"It's quite clear the world we live in is full of uncertainties and confusion. There are concerns at every corner, disputes and disagreements that range from mild to potentially severe. Such things have been constant throughout all of human history. But despite such unknowns and potential hazards, the family has persevered not only as the most fundamental aspect of all society, but the stepping stone from which great nations are founded on. The Jedorian people know this better than anyone, and so it is of fundamental importance that these days our families stick together; that siblings and parents remained unified in the face uncertainty and change."

The Minister of Culture went on to state he intended to pour more resources into family development, especially to provide further care and attention for young couples, and to provide better help and support for teen parents, while stressing the need for proper family planning and education. Rusu, father of two daughters, spoke at length for the need of the family to sustain the development of any society and nation, and pointed out that proper families continued to raise more well rounded and adjusted children. "Whether they are normal, homosexual, the point is two parents are better than one. That being said, single parents must not be forgotten, nor should the sacrifices they make be overlooked. Anyone who raises a child properly is deserved of our respect and admiration."

by **Jedoria** » Fri Jun 03, 2016 5:00 pm

Duke declares first Christian church established on Jedorian soil as national landmark

STRANA MECHTY - Victor Răceanu, Duke of the Jedorian Confederation, announced earlier today that the first Christian church established on Jedorian soil, Saint Peter's Sanctuary in the province of Makos, first established by Cornellian missionaries well over 500 years ago, would be recognized as a historical national landmark, and be officially added to the list of preserved historical locations in the Confederation.

The "National Historical Landmark" association is a government operated organization responsible for the preservation of various Jedorian relics and ruins, and confirmed shortly after the Duke's announcement that they will be sending several personnel to the Sanctuary to meet with church leaders and discuss possible renovation and refurbishment plans for the aging structure. As a nationally protected landmark, chief among such plans will be the proper establishment of security and safety systems like modern anti-burglary systems and fire suppression. An NHL spokesperson said they expected the Sanctuary to remove open to worshipers and church goers despite any renovations, and spoke highly of the historical precedence set by the church.

"Though always a minority, the Christian population in Jedoria has influenced many historical events in the Confederation's history, and the effects of Cornellian occupations can still be seen and felt in certain locations throughout Jedoria. Preserving Saint Peter's Sanctuary is a positive step in remembrance of Jedoria's past, so that future generations can see how far we've come down the road."

Church leaders reacted positively to the announcement and stated they would look forward to ensuring the Sanctuary remains functioning for many years to come.

by **Vozgarnor** » Sat Jun 04, 2016 7:01 am

Little Artamnir no longer suffers, he is with the Lady

Nation shocked and in mourning by tragedy, HLHS claims life of infant

Artamnir Sanodún seemed to recover at first after initial surgery.

4 June 2016
By Galerna Eposz

Our hearts burst, our eyes fill with tears. Complications with his heart proved stronger than little Artamnir, who passed away earlier this morning in the Angarosz Critical Care Hospital aged only three months. Across our country we had come to know him as the Little Knight, the Warrior's Heart. I no longer suffer, I sleep with the Good Lady above. Keep me in your prayers. This message, posted on social media by his parents broke the hearts of thousands across this country who had been hoping and rooting for the little boy's recovery. He fought the disease bravely and struggled for every breath, but in the end, the sickness conquered his tiny heart.

Fear and worry had accompanied the Sanodún-family, Sandrá (35), Dáwid (38), Lynna, (5) and Teva (3) ever since the 25'th week of the pregnancy when doctors noted and informed the family that the child has a malformed and incorrectly developed left heart chamber, commonly referred to as HLHS, or hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The extremely complicated operation was conducted by a cardiac-surgeon at the Angarosz Critical Care Hospital when the boy was only four days old, the boy fought for every breath he took, he fought death each second of his life and after a few weeks it seemed that little Artamnir felt much better, he was discharged from hospital and returned home to Awnahrod with his family where a cozy room with colorful toys waited for him, we all thought it would only get better from here.

Artamnir was constantly cared for by a cardiologist at the nearest Critical Care Center, during the last visit tests showed that while his heart was under duress and needed treatment, nothing gave signs that the worst would come to pass. The treatment was planned in so was the next surgery. A third operation was also planned but far into the future after Artamnir's second birthday as the heart of such a small child could not handle the strain of the surgery. Sadly, fate had a much crueler plan. In friday, the boy's condition worsened severely. After being rushed with an ambulance to the local hospital, where doctors noted his heart incapable of pumping blood at an adequate rate, he was immediately transferred to the cardiological specialists at the Angarosz Critical Care Hospital, but a short while after he arrived the Warrior's Heart stopped beating.

His parents and siblings believed he would conquer the HLHS to the very last second. Today, they and I, ask all of you good readers to say a prayer for little Artamnir's soul.

See also
National: Police arrest Butcher of Mikalosznár, serial killer apprehended in Angorsk!
National: PPD mass-rally held in Norvárd, First Consul Bohennir Nimiridún present.
National: High Protector visited three more towns in his tour of the country.

by **Lacus Magni** » Sun Jun 05, 2016 11:58 am

Investigation into Ministry of Justice Reveals Widespread Corruption

Castellum ab Alba: An independent investigation by Scholae Palatinae led by Lord Commander Andronikos Mavrozomes reveals systematic corruption throughout the Ministry of Justice, including Justice Minister Marcus Pacuraru and his Deputy. Detailed reports were presented to His Majesty and the Imperial Offices late last night, cataloging a number of accusations at Pacuraru’s ministry. According to a short press briefing by Lord Commander Mavrozomes, the Scholae Palatinae received tips that Pacuraru had accepted bribes throughout his tenure as Justice Minister, including evidence of such bribes. Mavrozomes, along with consultation with Senator and Curiate Tribune Alexandra Sulpicia believe that these bribes to the Justice Ministry severely impacted the presentation of cases to the courts, unjust prison sentences, along with strong-arming local police in predominantly ethnic Hellenic areas. Pacuraru has served as Minister of Justice since October 2014 and the beginning of Vindóbona Consulship I, serving as her hand picked replacement. He was arrested by Scholae Palatinae at 7:48 this morning. The arrest and removal of Pacuraru means that all cabinet appointments under Vindóbona have been replaced.

Lord Commander Mavrozomes has been working closely with His Majesty’s office since the details of the investigation became apparent. In the brief amount of time between now and the announcement of the investigation results, Consul Pompilius has named Curiate Tribune Sulpicia as interim Justice Minister to oversee the crisis. In her first act, Tribune Sulpicia announced that the investigation would be widened, and search for similar behavior of the Ministry under Vindóbona, who served as Justice Minister from January 1996 until October 2014. A spokesperson for the Ducal Family of Vindóbona announced that the investigation will only “prove to clear the name of [the Duchess]…who has dedicated her entire professional career to justice and to the law.” The Duchess of Vindóbona refused to personally comment and her spokesperson refused to answer any questions regarding the investigation.

Other Headlines:

HC Alba Imperialis reaches first LMH Final since 1968 set to face defending champions Regis Adrianople HC for the Verruscosi Cup.
Liga Premier considers ending sponsorship deal with Olympiou Energeia amid investigation of former Consul Vindóbona.
Morality Acts protester numbers begin to dwindle following Justice Ministry controversy.

by **United Valik** » Tue Jun 07, 2016 12:25 am

Valikgrad Gazette,
Anticles Callas

A Gazette poll, taken just yesterday, which sampled 240 local citizens of Valikgrad, found that, at least in the traditionally leftist city, the Progressive League, the leading center-left political party since the fall of Communism, has had trouble competing for votes with the Populists, Communist-led United Proletarian Front, and even the Christian Alliance, which has adopted a more pro-labor stance on wages, unionization, and other key worker rights issues, than it did in the past. If this pattern continues, the country's principal champion of social democracy could struggle to retain relevance in the next Federal Assembly, further fragmenting the already divided and disorganized Valikan Left.

What, precisely is at the root of these issues? Two things.

1. Feminism. Valikan voters have, repeatedly, signaled that while they are generally in favor of advances for women on particular issues, such as paid maternity leave, contraceptive rights, and non-discrimination in the workplace, they tend to resist and resent the ideology known as feminism on a visceral level. This, especially in light of Feminist rule on Gloria Regis and the highly unpopular Krutongo blockade, has tended to give the word a highly negative connotation suggesting matriarchy and gynocratic tyranny rather than gender equality as such.

"Quite frankly, when feminists claim that feminism is about equality for the sexes instead of female supremacy, most Valikans don't believe them. They think that it's a conspiracy to whitewash a dangerously subversive and authoritarian movement. So, when Progressive League leaders appear too eager to label themselves feminists or show any sympathy for feminism, alarm bells go off, and most Valikans instinctively rebel at the idea of voting for such candidates," a leading trade-unionist, who refused to be named, but confirmed that he was voting Populist, asserted.

"Yes, I am pretty progressive in principle, including on women's issues, but movement feminists have zero credibility with me. Not after what the Feminist Collective Party did in Gloria Regis and the way that Ewa Jaworski murdered Mikis Baukis in cold blood. He was a disgusting fascist pig, but he still had rights, such as freedom of speech and assembly," a prominent lawyer with the National Solicitors' Association, also remaining anonymous, added, "I'm personally voting for the Christian Alliance. They're wrong on some issues, but they seem to be moderating on economic policies and I'd like to see their influence grow at the expense of the Federalists. Plus, they're not politically correct social justice warriors."

2. Firearms. It is no secret that most Valikans are highly pro-gun and tend to keep armed as a matter of principle. Many are at least part-time members of private militias, whether right, left, or centrist in affiliation. The successful 2009 revolution that brought down Communist rule and the 2013 Othmani War have left a profound impact on the national psyche and only hardened opposition toward any suggestion of gun-control measures, including the highly unpopular restrictions of the Treaty of Beaulieu and its DMZ in western United Valik. Unique among Cornellian states, United Valik actually has a constitutional guarantee of the right to keep, carry, and bear personal firearms as private citizens.

"This is not a right created by the State and the law. This is a right granted by Divine Providence through Nature and thus it transcends any legislation contravening it. We are, as people, under natural law, entitled to keep, bear, and carry arms. Period. Be suspicious of even the slightest revision, as it is a slippery slope toward registration and eventual confiscation," the Patrian Order, the nation's only monastic paramilitary order, which also serves as the official clergy of the Patrian Faith, the nation's religious majority, declared in a recent statement to the press on the issue.

"The right to arm is the right to revolt. Without it, we are at best at the sufferance of the State for our liberties. With it, they are at our sufferance for their continued exercise of authority, and this is as it should be. Without it, we are slaves. With it, we are free citizens of a Republic worthy of the name, and thus all true patriots should stand adamantly for our indefeasible rights," the Federal Society for the Armed Citizenry, a non-partisan group consisting of a wide range of political views, openly declared in its public denunciation of the proposed handgun registration policy that is part of the Progressive Platform.

In summary, if the Progressive League is defeated this election, it can blame cultural issues, not economic ones, for its calamity. Nothing else can come even close to explaining such a disaster for a party whose moment now may never come. If socialism ever does return to United Valik, even in democratic form or nature, it might not be through the Progressive League at all. For a party of the working class, they have a considerable difficulty putting their finger on the pulse of the People.

by **United Valik** » Tue Jun 07, 2016 4:13 pm

Bunin Guardian,
Anastas Horthy,
7 June, 2016

Ewa Jaworski, the woman arrested and charged by federal prosecutors for the assassination of the late Mikis Baukis, Chairman of the Federalist Party, has been convicted by a jury of her peers on four counts, but acquitted on the fifth. The trial, held in Bunin in the DMZ, followed a federal indictment on the following charges: public endangerment, murder with malice, terrorism, illegal brandishing of a firearm, and resisting arrest. She was convicted of all but the illegal brandishing charge, due to the jury exercising "constitutional jury nullification" in that particular case.

Apparently, the jury took exception to the idea that any brandishing of a firearm could be deemed illegal, though the Federal Public Violence and Menace Act of 2014 defines "illegal brandishing" as "brandishing with intent to threaten, intimidate, or coerce." (The Constitution of United Valik enshrines jury nullification as a right of juries in the legal system.) On every other charge, however, Jaworski was found guilty and Federal District Judge Nikos Thraxis ordered her remanded to the municipal jail pending sentence and transfer to Lodz Federal Prison.

Given the severity of the charges of which she was duly convicted, Jaworski could possibly be sentenced to death. Execution in United Valik is most commonly carried by public hanging or firing squad. The condemned is often given a choice, though some judges exercise that discretion themselves. There is not any word on what form of execution, if any, Judge Thraxis might impose upon Jaworski. So far, there has been no indication or comment from President Dvora Aziz or Prime Minister Stanislav Lubinski on the prospects for a commutation of the possible death sentence.

Despite her unpopularity and condemnation in the media or press, Jaworski is hailed in some feminist quarters as a heroine, which has done no favors for feminism in United Valik. It remains to be seen if any foreign nations or governments will intercede on Jaworski's behalf, though none have done so just yet. Jaworski is often cited by prominent anti-feminists as proof of the inherent wickedness of feminism.

by **Exalted Draconia** » Wed Jun 08, 2016 11:33 am

Draconeum Times,
Agatha Psyche

President Stylianos Mantarakis, the head of state of the Hellenic Union of Exalted Draconia, has today announced that national elections for a Constituent Assembly, the nation's first freely elected parliament since 1876, will be held on August 10, 2016. This body will be empowered to draft legislation and ultimately a constitution for the Hellenic Union, as part of a transition toward a democratic republic. These elections will be open to multiple parties, will be held by universal adult suffrage for all citizens aged 16 and above, and will elect 300 deputies regardless of sex, religion, race, etc. The deputies will, however, have to be at least 30 years of age, in order to ensure that "maturity and wisdom prevail in the decision-making process."

Already, political parties are forming to contest these elections, as of 1100 hours local time, with no fewer than 4 political parties already registering. These include the Nationalist Party, the Pride Party, the Socialist Party, and the Reform Party. It remains to be seen what other parties might organize and register by the June 30 deadline. All parties which wish to present party lists must register by that date in order to have their lists on the ballot. All seats will be chosen on the basis of preferential party lists, with seats allocated on the basis of percentage of votes cast.

Some cynics have indicated a belief that the List system was chosen to limit and delay the process of formulating a constitution in order to buy the government more time to stay in power. However, these negative voices have yet to explain, then, why the government would have bothered with elections and parliaments at all in the first place? The official explanation for the list system was that "Draconia is a small enough nation for the list arrangement to make more sense than a system of residential districts and this first election can really give the State an idea of what the people wish, can ensure more complete representation after 140 years of popular silence in the councils of government."

In a deliberate jab at the Feminist Collective Party regime in Gloria Regis, Electoral Commissar Talia Mavros declared, "While you go backward in the direction of tyranny, we are moving forward in the path of liberty and democracy. While you choose to oppress and enslave the once free men of your land, we choose to liberate our women and give them justice. We are proving that the emancipation of one sex does not have to mean chains and bondage for another. You are proving that fear, hatred, and revenge can make oppressors and tyrants out of liberators."

Speaking as a social reformer who favors true equality of the sexes, I could not have said it better myself.

by **Hittanryan** » Wed Jun 08, 2016 4:33 pm

An Open Letter to the International Community

The Isidium Foundation would like to begin by commending the work done by Esperance International's New Edom Bureau, which we have long considered a partner working towards the same goal of improving the lives of the Edomite people. New Edom still faces many challenges which are greater than any single organization can handle on its own. Human rights, as outlined by Esperance's recent report, remains one of those challenges.

It is true, as confirmed by remarks by government officials, that New Edom has declared certain political parties illegal, banned their ideologies, and jailed their adherents. Foundation staff have even received anonymous corroborating reports that under the Pahath-Moab government or perhaps earlier, political prisoners have been subjected to psychological torture and degradation at Stonehaven Prison. LGBT individuals, while not subjected to as harsh conditions, are discriminated against by Edomite law and have been victims of mob violence prior to recent advances.

It is also true, as confirmed by remarks by government and military officials, that women's rights are limited. Abortion is illegal even in cases of rape or incest, contraception is unavailable to the vast majority of Edomite women, no formal legislation or regulations exist on workplace sexual harassment, comprehensive sexual education is unavailable throughout most of the country, and a combination of strong cultural pressures and a lack of family leave have historically had the effect of forcing women out of the workforce.

The Foundation does not dispute the above findings as reported by Esperance International. However, the Foundation has been operating in New Edom since shortly after General Pahath-Moab came to power. The Mission to Glasstower was planned and undertaken in the immediate aftermath of the second phase of the Edomite Civil War. Our operations expanded to include schools and clinics throughout the country. We continued through the outbreak of fighting last year, at which point we were called upon to expand our mission and establish another major refugee camp at Harbourtown. At each point, the Foundation carried out fact-finding studies to determine the issues facing the Edomite people in question. The Foundation therefore believes it is important to recognize the broader context in which some of the lingering issues raised by Esperance International are taking place.

On the subject of the Morality Act, the report appears to have some misconceptions on the structure of the Edomite government. The current Edomite constitution, drafted during the conclusion of the Civil War, is based primarily upon the Lazodirian constitutional monarchy. The Chamber of Deputies is not, strictly speaking, New Edom's legislative branch of government or at least does not comprise the entirety of that branch. Legally it is actually an advisory body to the monarchy and the Council of Ministers, both of which are expected to act on the Chamber's advice but still retain some independence.

While a ten percent plurality may seem a commanding majority even in this context, one must consider that Biblical law forms the underpinning for all Edomite civil and criminal law. Replacing this legal code entirely would be equivalent to amending or even rewriting an entire national constitution, which in many democratic nations requires that special conditions be fulfilled beyond a simple majority vote in the legislature, often based upon broad, bipartisan consensus. The monarchy has stated that such consensus has not been achieved; the Chamber remains sharply divided on this measure of national importance which would require a massive undertaking on the part of the Edomite government. Therefore the monarchy has asked that this consensus be established through revisions to the bill established through compromise and negotiation.

Similarly, the Pahath-Moab's policy of Gay Reeducation no doubt conjures images in Adiron of the Imperium's concentration camps, where LGBT individuals are subjected to psychological torture carried out by the Inquisition. However, when the Foundation raised its own concerns of the practice in New Edom, we discovered that context was critical to understanding the reasoning behind it. However misguided the science behind conversion therapy, the policy was intended as a legal means of combating extralegal persecution of LGBT individuals, which was common throughout New Edom as late as 2013.

This persecution at its most extreme took the form of mob justice, in which vigilantes lynched suspected homosexuals in accordance with Old Testament law. Those who weren't lynched were ostracized, facing discrimination in the workplace, housing, and virtually all other areas of life. This discrimination even extended to those who were merely suspected of having a different sexual orientation. Reeducation by contrast offered LGBT individuals a means of reintegrating into a society that is still very religious and would otherwise view them with suspicion or even outright hatred.

It is important to acknowledge additional areas of real progress which were not mentioned in the Esperance report. Having been in Harbourtown and Hillel during the fighting last year, the Foundation has had access to thousands of refugee accounts on the ground. These accounts indicate that the role of the monarchy in establishing a peace cannot be overstated. In his capacity as Regent, Elijah Shalmaneser's policies called for the honorable treatment of Theocratic Republic prisoners and supporters and explicitly forbade reprisals on the ETC and civilian populations. This made meaningful negotiations between the Monarchy and the Free Congress possible for the first time since the initial outbreak of the Civil War in the early 2010's, and is the reason the Theocratic Republic could accept Elijah as King. Queen Mara's personal involvement in Harbourtown demonstrated the monarchy's commitment to all Edomite people, and the talks she began in Hillel at considerable personal risk established both the peace and government which continue to this day.

Furthermore, whatever other issues occurred under General Pahath-Moab, it must be recognized that his government laid the groundwork for democracy in New Edom. Conducting a number of test elections at the local level, the Federal Elections Committee was able to identify issues New Edom was likely to face during elections at the national level and propose effective solutions to them which would later be implemented successfully by the current government. The fact that there was an existing plan in place was what made elections possible so quickly despite the turmoil of the civil war. It is also worth noting that King Elijah IV served as Chairman of the Committee at this time.

The Foundation recognizes that Esperance's recommendations are only that, and was not seeking to impose policy changes from the top down. Just as both the Isidium Foundation and Esperance International seek to hire and buy locally in our host countries, however, we believe that engagement rather than confrontation with governments like New Edom is key. If a government which has shown improvement in some areas still maintains policies which violate human rights, we must seek to understand the context under which those policies were enacted and develop viable alternatives. The current Edomite government is, as was stated in the Esperance report, likely to be responsive to concerns about human rights.

What the Foundation therefore proposes is the formation of a new Special Committee in the Cornellian Peace Organization dedicated to human rights. This body would have the power to conduct investigations and studies in member states in response to violations of human rights as outlined in various treaties or charters, including the New Prospect Convention, UDHR, or the various Cornellian humanitarian accords. If violations are found, the government in question should be made aware of the findings and given a chance to address them prior to the publishing of a report. If the resources required to address these issues are unavailable, then the Committee would have the means to petition development and relief organizations such as the Legion Foundation, Esperance International, and the Foundation to procure the necessary resources. If a good faith effort to rectify the reported human rights violations is not made, or the government in question is insufficiently transparent, then this will be noted in the final report which will make recommendations to the international community.

The human rights records of many nations of the former Cornellian Empire are checkered. In nations such as the Imperium, Urdnotia, Hostillia, Ahara, and Deadora human rights are virtually nonexistent. In others such as New Edom, Jedoria, the Shrailleen Empire, and Rome they are uneven. Millions suffer for it. This is not a problem one person or one nation can solve alone. The Foundation therefore calls upon the international community to back the creation of the CPO Committee on Human Rights. We extend this call to governments, organizations, companies, and public figures to support the hard work of promoting justice and compassion in a world that too often lacks both.

Sally Haldeman,
Chairwoman, Isidium Overseas Division

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