Earth II Newswire

[Layarteb]

Another one who can't read the thread title. Earth II only man.

[Mount Kip]

LA NATIONALE

Vainqueur de l'Election

[English Translation]

November 14th, 2010
Paris, Republic of Parisia
Alexis Moureaux

Finally, after several weeks, the votes have been tallied. The Conservative Party has kept control of the Senate along with the executive; the people electing Antoine Morizet as their new President. Many citizens were stunned many months ago when they found out Lance Johnson decided not to enter the presidential race. The Conservative Party knew then that they had to field a candidate who would at least be on par with Lance Johnson.

Antoine Morizet had served in the Senate and compiled a very partisan voting record there, voting against all Socialist Party proposals thereby building a good relationship with Conservative Party Leaders.

Main points of Morizet's campaign were to increase international ties, cut government financial regulations, lower taxes, and put a flat rate on tariffs.

[Layarteb]

Military Tests New Tank
By Jackie Frog

LAYARTEB CITY (LT) - Today officials from the Ministry of Defense announced that the Empire's newest tank has completed its initial trials.

Defense analysts from around the world have long since speculated on the existence of an upgrade program for the highly advanced and capable Sabertooth main battle tank. Some of these same analysts now speculate that the Empire could be developing what would be termed as a "heavy battle tank" weighing in excess of 90 tons and possibly armed with a 155-millimeter main cannon. Others believe that this program is simply an upgrade to the Sabertooth and while a weight increase could happen it, they speculate it is more tuned to propulsion and weaponry.

Officials from the MOD have refused to provide details on just what trials were completed and provided "No comment," to questions concerning upgrades to the Sabertooth, including the development of a newer engine, the deployment of a 155-millimeter cannon, and questions regarding its armor scheme. Officials did; however, say that this new vehicle could reach limited service in early 2011 with initial operational capability slated for late winter or early spring.

Layarteb Times (c) All Rights Reserved

[URBOV]

The Ministry of Defense reported yesterday that the Military Forces in Siberia are to be demobilized within two days. This is prompted by the massive re-organizational reforms motivated by the recent war with the Siberian puppets. The glorious Annexation of the Siberian Federal District and the rapid First Guards Independent Army's advance deep into the Far East leaves the Federation with no need to have it's brave forces employed en masse. Instead the Eastern Formations have been designated Territorial Armies, families of those now based in the East shall receive free train tickets after applying to the local MDV Office.

Solidarity Comrades, the Motherland shall be united soon!

[Edvardus]

Voice of Asia
2010 December 25
Nanjing City, Republic of Sinae

The end-of-year issue of Sinaean Television System (STS) News Magazine has named Shigefumi Mori as the magazine's Person of the Year. This marks the first time a Hi No Moton has made the list in the magazine's 12 years. This has caused some legislators from the DSP to lodge a protest at the magazine's choice due to "his direct involvement in imperialism, war crimes, and threat to Sinaean national security." When the Central News Agency asked the editors of STS News Magazine about their decision to pick Mori, they responded saying, "The reason we chose Mori is because he has been the most influential person in the news this year, having invaded territory from the Sakhalin Island into Southeast Asia in the span of just 12 months. It is quite an amazing feat and our reasoning is listed in the issue on news stands next week. We are not condoning his actions, but merely recognising his influence on world events in 2010." This is not the first time the magazine has given the distinction of Man of the Year to someone who has been perceived somewhat negatively. In 2000, Emperor James was the Man of the Year due to shocking allegations that he was behind what was later to be discovered as pervasive cronyism and corruption in the government. Last year, the magazine gave the distinction to two people for the first time: former Emperor Damian Marino and former President Elizabeth Smith for their efforts in unifying all of Sinae. The current premier remains the only woman to-date who has received this honour. Some readers had thought that current president Joseph Marino would have been Person of the Year due to his efforts this year building relations with other countries as well as rescuing the nation's economy.

---

In an interview earlier this week, Minister of National Defence Okogie confirmed that the Sinaean armed forces will be re-deploying medium-range ballistic missiles to the border-province of Hejiang. Minister Okogie said the Sinae wanted to demonstrate that we are committed to protecting our allies and dependencies. When questioned about the timing of the missile deployment, the Minister responded, "The Ministry wants to assure the Sinaean people that this is not in response to the Hi No Moton acquisition of Primorsky Krai. This re-deployment was long been under discussion as part of the president's plan to enter into more Mutual Defence Treaties with our neighbours, such as the Russian Federation, the United States of Dante Peak, the Fancainian State, and whatever entities may arise in Central Asia as well as Siberia. In fact, after consultation with Minister Ricard, Sinae is expected to embark on closer relations with the Government of Hi No Moto this coming year as tensions decrease through increased diplomatic interactions the past month."

[URBOV]

The Afghan Conflict has been regarded as the turning point in the Soviet Union's history, was it not only months afterwards when whispers of transition were heard from the Politburo? Russia left Afghanistan out of tactical necessity but now returns with tactics once again in mind. The emergence of the United States of Dante Peak and the renewed ties with the Sinai Republic has dictated that the Base at Bagram be re-established by the 11th Independent Airborne Brigade, 60th Engineer Regiment, and the 457th Independent Engineer Battalion.

The 457th has also been commissioned to build three smaller camps in Kandahar and Farah Provinces. Additional Forces will likely be deployed to Afghanistan in the Spring of 2011.

Popular Opinion has been that the Russian Federation has extended it's hands to Afghanistan in apology for the lack of support for the short lived Soviet Socialist Republic of Afghanistan which was abandoned in the 90s. The opinion of the Veterans of the Afghan struggle is that the Federation is doing what is best for the Federation and if that helps the Afghan people then all for the better.

Regardless the Russian Presence in Central Asia has been secured.

[URBOV]

January 09 2011

Russian Unity Party declares Cottish Occupation of Ancient Russian lands Illegitimate!

Few in the Russian Union State (RUS) do not know of the Russian Unity Party, the Party that singlehandedly motivated expansion into the Urals and the declaration of a "Holy Crusade" to reunite Russia. The party that makes up over 80% of the registered voters within the Russian Federation and 60% within the Russian Union State. The Party that President Dmitri Siloviki and much of the Duma are a part of. The Party that has, as of yesterday, declared half of the Cottish Realm, Illegitimate.

This is the result of an independent study conducted by Professor Ivan Vladislav Grigoriy Demyan on behalf of the Russian Unity Party that showed how the Cottish People are ethnically Scandinavian. Professor Demyan is a distinguished member of the Russian Unity Party's Ultra-Nationalist sect and a recent addition to Krasnoyarsk University of Political Study, he has been quoted several times preaching his views which amount to,

"Russia for the Russians!"

He thus declares that all of the Cottish Possessions south of St. Petersburg are in fact rightful territories of the Russian Union State. While it is obvious that the Cots will not simply leave, the Professor continues to state that the,

"Invaders shall soon see that their crusade of repression is futile!"

Approving of violent action to dislodge the Cots the Professor also went on to say that the great Russian Cities of Moscow and Novgorod shall be returned to their rightful masters in due time. He goes on to state that the Cottish are the ancient and evil enemy of all Russians. It is no surprise that after the struggle in Belarus the Cottish Realm would be viewed as a natural enemy but the Professor insists that their travesties go back much farther than Belarus. Citing history, he showed several examples of how the Southern Russian Republic and the Cottish Realm butted heads. He even has gone so far on one occasion as to declare that the Cottish Flu was,

"The greatest thing to happen for Russia in the modern era."

These radical views have largely been greeted with a surprising volume of public support. The endorsement of the Government is however lacking but many suspect that the nomination of the Russian unity Party shows that the Government (which is mostly comprised of RUP Members) supports the Professor.

-Evpraksiya

[Edvardus]

Voice of Asia
2011 January 10
Nanjing City, Republic of Sinae

The finishing touches are being made on the Hong Kong International Exposition set to open the evening of February 17 to coincide with the end of the New Year celebrations. The theme of the International Expo is "Parade of the Pacific," in which the nations along the Pacific will showcase their economic and cultural uniqueness. Part of the Sinaean display will be a celebration of the recently-completed Qiongzhou Tunnel connecting the mainland with the Hainan Special Economic Zone.

Later this year, the Shanghai-Nanjing World's Fair will also open. It is expected to draw millions of tourists to its various pavilions displaying the future of technology from around the world. Unlike the Hong Kong International Exposition, the World Fair is not limited to just nations around the Pacific. When the Central News Agency questioned the organizers of the World's Fair regarding the Sinaean paviliion, the organizers would not leak any details, but promised that it "would be nothing you've ever seen before."

Recently there has been some criticism about having two major international events of such similarity in the same year in Sinae. However, the former governments of the United Eastasian Republic and the Republic of Sinae based in Guangzhou had been planning these separate events for several years before reunification last year. As a result, organizers of both events thought it would be best to continue with both events. There will be a special train linking the two cities that also serves as a way to travel along the southeastern seaboard and to experience the diverse culture of Sinae.

[Mount Kip]

The three new Normandy Class Battleships of the Parisian Navy have just completed sea trials in the Atlantic. The PNS Normandie, PNS Fantasque, and the PNS Concorde passed with flying colors according to the Naval Command Center in Brest. All three ships are expected to be fit for service in a week; one deploying to Brest, one to Montpellier, and one to Heraklion in Crete. Antoine Morizet released a statement earlier this morning commending Clozel Naval Shipyards (CNS) based in Saint-Nazaire that won the bid to design a battleship for the Parisian Navy. The Normandie Class marks the first domestic built ship to serve in the Parisian Navy. Due to the surprising like of the Normandie, the Parisian Senate is expected to award more contracts to CNS.

[Edvardus]

Voice of Asia
2011 January 17
Nanjing City, Republic of Sinae

Yesterday tens of thousands of people poured into Hong Kong for the sold-out championship game of the 71st Sinae Series. An estimated 26.8 million Sinaeans around the country tuned in from home, surprisingly the lowest number of viewers since two year ago. The winners of the game would be declared the Number 1 team in the nation and this season it was the Shenzhen Sables versus the Guangzhou Grass Snakes. The Sables started off strong with one run in the first inning, but it would prove to be their only run for the whole game. In the end, the Grass Snakes were victorious with a final score of 4-1. This weekend, the Jinan Jungle Cats and Qingdao Chickadees competed to see who would claim the third place in the series, which ultimately went to the Jungle Cats.

----

The Insular Affairs Council announced this morning that an agreement had been reached with the authorities on Hainan regarding the newly-opened Qiongzhou Tunnel. Since the opening of the tunnel, travellers had to go through customs both going to and from Hainan causing a major headache for commuters every day. The agreement reached stipulates the following:

From Guangdong to Hainan: All travellers must have a valid Sinaean or Layartebian passport for entry. All other passport holders must apply for a visa at the Layartebian embassy of their home country unless otherwise stipulated by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Empire of Layarteb. Random vehicle checks for contraband will also be enforced.

From Hainan to Guangdong: All travellers must have a valid Sinaean driver’s license to enter without other documentation. Travellers without a Sinaean driver’s license should have obtained a valid travel permit from the Travel Permit Office operated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sinae when going through customs at the Hainan International Airport. There will also be a nominal toll when leaving Hainan into Guangdong as well as random vehicle checks for contraband.

Other provisions of the agreement include establishing “Express Counters” for Layartebian and Sinaean citizens arriving at the Hainan International Airport at customs as well as granting current and future residents of Hainan with Sinaean driver’s licenses.

Minister of Transportation & Communications Ria Lopez welcomed the agreement saying that it will increase the flow of traffic between the two sides, boosting both tourism ahead of the Qiongzhou International Exposition next month as well as the local economies in the long-run.

Minister of the Interior Joseph Chen said the agreement also had sufficient protections that would prevent incidents of drug or human trafficking into and out of Sinae.

The Office of the President also issued a statement saying that this shows Sinae is dedicated to continuing positive interactions with our regional neighbours and hopes that this can be emulated in other interactions with the regional community.

[Layarteb]

Shetland Islands Returned To Cottish Rule
Published: Monday, January 17, 2011 | 16:11 EST
By: LNN.com and AP

In a long awaited move this afternoon, the Empire has transferred all civilian governance of the Shetland Islands to the Realm of Cotland. Occupied by the Empire since 2001, when the Cottish Flu Pandemic ravaged Europe, the Shetland Islands had been a point of negotiation between the two superpowers since.

In a speech given this afternoon at the official ceremonies, the Emperor stated, "Since 2001, when the Empire stepped in to provide security and stability for the Cottish people on the Shetland Islands, the Empire has long sought to return these lands. We never intended to occupy the Shetland Islands indefinitely and it is my honor and the honor of the Layartebian people to return these islands back to their rightful owners. This shows our commitment to our agreement with the Cottish to protect their people in times of good and bad." The Cottish Chancellor Terje Hole echoed the Emperor's statements and thanked the Layartebian Empire and people for safeguarding the Shetland Islands.

In 2006, after five years of occupation, the Empire returned the Faroe Islands to Cottish rule in a similar move. By agreement, the Empire relocated all military assets from the Faroe Islands; however, in this agreement, the Cottish Realm and the Empire have come to terms of agreement, allowing the Empire to maintain a single air force base and its applicable defenses and support structures as well as an Imperial Layartebian Defense Forces naval port. Under this agreement, Cottish military assets will jointly use these facilities, where are geared towards protecting both the British Isles and the North Sea.

The handover ceremony included the lowering of the Layartebian flag in the capital of Lerwick and the raising of the Cottish flag. The President of the Irish Republic was also in attendance for the ceremonies and spoke also.

© 2011 LNN.com

[Bavin]

---

Anti-Layartebian Protesters Fill the Plaza de Mayo
Buenos Aires, January 17th, 2011
Clarin.com and AP


Protesters in Buenos Aires

Tens of thousands of protesters waved signs, yelled slogans, and burned Layartebian flags in protest of the Empire's continued occupation of the Islas Malvinas following the destruction of the Totalius Corporation. Leading the rally was Maclovio Rivero Heredia, General Secretary of the Bavinese National Front. Police units were deployed by the city to ensure that the protests did not turn into riots. Another unit of police was deployed to protect the Layartebian and Cottish embassies from being threatened.

The Empire moved into the islands to dismantle the Totalius Corporation following the exposure of that organization's connections to various Eurasian terrorist groups. The islands have long been a point of contention between the United Provinces and the Empire, especially during the SATO Summit in Montevideo.

The protesters came from all walks of life, although many were poor porteños, citizens of Buenos Aires proper. Veterans from the Argentine Civil War and Russian Invasion made up a large minority of the crowd. One of the veterans, Fernán Armijo Amaya, fought in both wars. "We recognize the assistance that the Layartebians gave us against the invaders. We now suggest that they practice what they preached to the Russians, and stay out of Argentine affairs," he said. Another said he understood why the Layartebians went into the Islas Malvinas, but then stated that "it's time for them to leave".

Many of the protesters were concerned about the Empire's policy of stationing ballistic missiles and nuclear warheads in the Islas Malvinas. "They've got a sword hung over our heads" one protester yelled, while another said that the Empire was just waiting for an excuse to destroy the city. Another said "If I moved in across the street from you, I wouldn't walk around my yard with a shotgun and firebombs all the time." While they were unanimous in their opposition to the occupation of the Islas Malvinas, the crowd was split on the issue of the Layartebian holdings on the mainland. Some had a live and let live mentality: "We don't want to destroy the Empire, we simply wish to live in peace," one protester said. Others were more confrontational: "South America for South Americans!" another declared.

Rivero Heredia, the leader of the rally, echoed the latter sentiment. "We must liberated our oppressed cousins around the world. It doesn't matter if their skin is white, brown, or black. It doesn't matter if they're from the Pacific, the Americas, or Africa. Our cousins are everywhere and they are crying out for liberty! In Indoneisa and in Colombia they cry out for liberty! In Libya and in Mexico they cry out for liberty! We will not allow the oppressor states of the world to stand in the way of progress. The waves of liberty break upon them, upon the Empires of Layarteb and Hi No Moto. Upon the other colonialist and oppressive states of the world. History has shown that these empires always fall."

The President appeared late in the rally to express his support for the Bavinese National Front's cause, and to assure the BNF that he would remember his party and the army that brought him into power. He cited the recent turnover of the Shetland Islands to the Cottish as a precedent for what he hoped to occur with the Islas Malvinas. "And, like they returned the Shetland Islands to their rightful owners after their occupation was no longer necessary, I hope the Empire will soon return the Islas Malvinas to their rightful owners."

The President was careful to avoid any concrete pledges on a course of action should the Layartebians not return the islands peacefully. Rivero Heredia's opinion was spelled out in the rally: "If they do not bend to the wave of history on their own, they must be brought around! Every moment that the Islas Malvinas languish as occupied territory is a moment of injustice! South America for South Americans!" While this confirms that Rivero Heredia is marching in lockstep with the other war hawks in his party, it is uncertain at this time where the other major parties- and the Assembly as a whole- stand.

The Republicans and Democratic Socialists responded with calls for civility, but they avoided calling for an abandonment of the islands. They are likely fearful of being kicked out of their offices in favor of yet more war hawks, and prefer to focus on domestic issues. The BNF voiced their uncompromising support for the rally and its ideals in a press release, and the Prime Minister said that "action on the Falkland Islands will be taken before the end of the year." Despite the PM's gung-ho attitude, the Pan-Latin party did not follow in lockstep. While they acknowledged that the time had come for the Empire to leave the Islas Malvinas, they also stressed the need for diplomacy in the months ahead, stating that a military conflict would be "an unnecessary waste of life."

[Edvardus]

Voice of Asia
2011.01.24
Nanjing City, Republic of Sinae

Pre-New Year Military Exercises Scheduled
The Ministry of National Defence has announced that there will be live-fire military exercises conducted this week. The Sinaean Navy will engage in exercises in the Southern Sea while the Sinaean Army and Air Force will be conducting separate exercises in Mongolia. In a press release over the weekend, the MND stated that these exercises are routine and not in response to anything in the international community. Sinae must regularly conduct these tests to ensure that our armed forces are ready to defend the Sinaean people and our allies in the region. Political experts are worried that neighbouring nations may view this as unnecessary sabre-rattling, but a spokesperson for the MND responded that the Government of Hi No Moto has been notified of these routine exercises in accordance with an agreement reached between our two governments late last year and our relations with Russia, Layarteb, Dante Peak and the UTIR are not at a point where there would be any misunderstandings.

Premier Smith Resigns
Premier Elizabeth Smith announced at a press conference this morning that she will be resigning her position as premier at the end of the week before legislators break for the New Year. “It has been an honour to serve Sinaeans for the past decade and having seen the great transformation our country has taken in such a short amount of time is a reward in and of itself. It is with this belief that Sinae is as strong as it has ever been in modern history that I wish to announce that I will be stepping down as premier by the end of this week. I wish to spend more time with my children and grandchildren and enjoy the life that you all have as a private citizen. The country is in good hands and I have no doubt that President Marino will find a suitable successor to continue building upon the accomplishments of the current administration.” Although she did not take any questions, reporters immediately began to ask why the premier was stepping down. Sources close to her shared that she had thought about stepping down for almost two years. However, after the watershed meetings with Damian Marino regarding Sinaean reunification, she decided to stay on through summer of last year. She extended her tenure through the legislative elections, which handed the Democratic Socialists a resounding defeat. She notified President Joseph Marino after the election results were announced and the president has been quietly searching for a replacement since that time.

Premier Smith was born in 1938 right before the fracture of the First Republic. When she was just a baby, her family moved to Fujian, to where Henrican Sinae eventually relocated its government after the establishment of the United Eastasian Republic. Like most Sinaeans, Smith’s father was a small business owner, but he passed away when she was in grade school. Her uncle then helped to support her and her mother. During her college years, the May Day Movement accused her mother of being a Christian and thus a threat to the government. In later years, Smith revealed that the trials her mother was put through had a profound affect on her worldview and many analysts believe that this worldview significantly enabled rapprochement between Henrican and Edvardian Sinae.

Her big break came in 1972 shortly after Chairman Edward Luther announced that Henrican Sinae would be liberalising its markets and needed a massive infusion of young party leaders. Smith had been an active party member at the county level, but suddenly found herself thrust to the position of deputy chair of this commission seeking out fresh blood. Having caught the eye of Luther himself, Smith was soon elevated to take charge of the entire Socialist Youth League in 1977.

The following year, Smith was promoted to Party Secretary of a backwater county in Fujian. During her three-year tenure, she visited every single town and village in her county meeting with her constituents while at the same time keeping her opinions to herself. When news reached the Socialist Party that Emperor Vincent in Guangdong had ended martial law, there was immediately a cleavage that formed in the upper echelons of the party regarding the future of Henrican Sinae. Some party elders wanted to investigate whether martial law in Fujian was still necessary while other elders thought there was no need to re-evaluate the party’s stance. Luther was a firm supporter of the latter and when Smith refused to take a side, Luther began to question her loyalty to the party. In 1981, she was transferred to the offshore islands of Kinmen.

Smith would later reveal that at this time, she felt as if she were punished due to the physical separation of the islands from the rest of Fujian. When gang violence broke out one day in Downtown Kincheng, Smith ordered the local police to suppress the gangs by any means necessary. After repeated outbreaks and suppressions, gang activity subsided and word reached Luther. In 1983, a year after Luther left office, Smith was recalled back to the capital of Fujian. Speculation suggests that Luther saw Smith’s response to the gang violence as tacit support for the continuation of martial law and had pulled strings with the new leader, Mary Brown, to bring Smith back into good terms with the Party. A few years later, Luther suggested that Smith succeed Brown as the Chairperson of Henrican Sinae when Brown’s term expired.

Smith became head of the Central Committee of the Socialist Party in 1987, which allowed her to build relationships with party elders as well as create a base of supporters. It was also at this time that politicians outside of Fujian began to recognize her name and to pay attention to her as the potential heir to the top position in Fujian. That role became even more apparent in 1992 when she was elevated to the vice chairpersonship. As Brown’s term came to an end, tensions increased between Brown and Smith. Brown was the first female leader of the government and as such had significant support. In 1999, Brown officially stepped down and handed the reins over to Smith.

The Smith Administration has been defined by its commitment to stamp out corruption and increasing willingness to work with the Edvardian government then based in Guangdong. The culmination of which was the end of 2009 when the two governments announced the establishment of the Second Republic of Sinae, which once again merged the historic Sinaean homeland.

While there is no official word on Premier Smith’s successor, an overwhelming majority of political analysts think that Vice Premier Rowan Lo will get the presidential nod. Lo is an ethnic Chinese, which is seen as a major source of popularity among the ethnic Chinese population of Sinae, and his wife is popular 80s singer/actress Jenny Lo (née Andersson). He has also been increasingly involved in government decision-making even as Vice Premier and many think that he has had major influences on Premier Smith’s decisions this past year. He is also 15 years younger than Smith and the relatively close age with the President may mean a more efficiently-run government. Whomever the president decides to nominate, she or he will still need to be approved in the National Assembly, in which no political party holds a majority.

[Layarteb]

Transcript of a radio interview with Dr. James Perry, PhD political science & philosophy, University of Layarteb at Layarteb City

Shepherd Smith: Doctor Perry, thank you for joining us. For the folks listening, Doctor Perry is the premier political scientist and philosopher in the Empire, holding not one but two PhDs in political science and philosophy, an amazing feat. He is presently a senior professor at the University of Layarteb at Layarteb City and he's joined us this afternoon to discuss the latest protest in the Bavinese capital of Buenos Aires. Doctor Perry, thank you again for joining us.

Dr. James Perry: A pleasure Shepherd, a pleasure.

SS: I guess my first question would be simple, what is your take on these protests?

DJP: They're quite laughable. You see, the Bavinese government is a fanatical dictatorship that wants nothing more than total domination of the South American continent. Of course, the Empire stands in their way and that will explain the hostility you see towards us from them. They believe we are a colonial empire and cannot look past the simple population and area figures. They also refuse to accept that Caracas is practically the second capital of the Empire. Historically speaking, the Empire has never actually meddled in their affairs but since they have taken aim at the Empire we have certainly been eyeing their every move.

SS: What do you think of their claims on the Falklands?

DJP: I think the Bavinese government should be spending more money on the education of its citizens rather than weapons. Historically, the Falkland Islands have never actually belonged to an Argentine nation. It was once held by the Cottish, who split the island group with the Hogsweatians, the same nation that left us Iceland and Hawaii. Cotland assumed total control over the island group before handing it to the Varsolans. After Grenada and their refusal to hold Totalis accountable, the island group has been ours. Perhaps nomads in BC times had sovereign right to the island group but not since the dawn of modern histories and nations has any Argentine nation held the island group.

SS: Interesting, now what of their claim concerning our weapons there? Particularly our nuclear weapons?

DJP: Simply put, there is no part of the Empire that is without weapons and likewise, no part of the United Provinces of Bavin without weapons, no matter what their propaganda says. We all have to defend our territories. The presence of nuclear weapons, on the other hand, is a game changer but certainly so. The Bavinese have been threatening to invade the Falklands since day one so you can see why the presence of a few nuclear warheads is a good idea. It is a great deterrent, especially when Buenos Aires is presumably within range of our Vesta missiles.

SS: What of their other claims of oppressed people around the world?

DJP: Standard dictatorship mumbo-jumbo. They want to appear to be a force for the people and for the conquered peoples of the world when they, themselves, oppress. It's standard policy, displace your own flaws and your own shortcomings on your enemy. Nothing to look too deep into, eventually, the Bavinese will wither away into the pages of history.

SS: Interesting Doctor Perry. Well we're going to take a short commercial break...

[Edvardus]

Voice of Asia
2011 January 31
Nanjing City, Republic of Sinae

President Joseph Marino announced last week that he has selected Vice Premier Rowan Lo to replace outgoing Provisional Premier Elizabeth Smith. The National Assembly convened last week for confirmation hearings and in a late afternoon vote on Friday, confirmed Lo as the first official Premier of the Second Republic of Sinae. The final tally was 252- 247, with all Democratic Socialist Assemblymembers as well as 110 Christian Democrats voting in favour while 123 Christian Democrats joined the entire Progressive Party in opposition.

Following the vote, one Christian Democrat explained that she did not vote to confirm Lo, because “President Marino should have appointed someone within the party in order to streamline the decision-making process within the Executive Court. Everyone knows that Lo has been very influential in the decisions outgoing Premier Smith has made this past year as well as the year immediately leading up to reunification. If we want change, this is not the way to get it.”

However, one of her colleagues who voted for Lo explained that “it is important to show that the Christian Democrats are willing to work with other parties who may disagree with us on certain issues, because in the end we are all Sinaeans who were elected by the people to work for the people. Premier Lo works well with the president and I am confident that he will do well leading the Sinaean government.”

During her final meeting with the ministers of the Executive Court as well as President Marino and incoming Premier Lo in attendance, outgoing Premier Smith thanked everyone for their hard work this past year. Most notably, she praised the massive infrastructure projects that lowered the national unemployment rate from 6% to below 5% and the economic stimulus that boosted economic growth to double-digits. Notably absent was any word of the resulting public debt, which has ballooned to over 31% of GDP.

After the confirmation vote Friday afternoon, Elizabeth Smith departed the nation’s capital for her home in Fuzhou. The Office of the Premier has announced that Premier Lo will be visiting his counterparts in Mongolia and Tibet today and tomorrow, respectively, before returning home to celebrate the New Year later this week. No word on whether he will make similar visits to Teluxi'er Oman [Trucial Oman/United Arab Emirates] or Habaluofusike [Khabarovsk Krai].

[Layarteb]

MOD Announces Major Nuclear Changes
Published: Monday, January 31, 2011 | 12:00 EST
By: LNN.com and AP

In a surprise announcement, the Ministry of Defense announced major, sweeping changes to its nuclear arsenal. The changes are said to include a major modernization of all free fall nuclear bombs, which is something analysts have long since suspected since the Empire announced the deployment of the B101 Mod 1 bunker-busting thermonuclear weapon eleven years ago.

Few details were given by the MOD concerning the changes as the Empire's nuclear arsenal is highly classified. Analysts suspect that the Empire has between 5,000 and 15,000 delivery systems with anywhere from 15,000 to 45,000 warheads. The MOD has never given solid figures for the size of its nuclear arsenal nor its chemical arsenal but analysts suspect that it is the largest in the world and also the most advanced. Ground-penetrating, EMP, and neutron warheads are believed to sit alongside regular weaponry. While most analysts suspect that the majority of warheads in the Empire are "clean" warheads, the Empire is believed to possess some "dirty" warheads too.

The Empire has admitted to possessing both chemical and nuclear weapons but does not have any active biological weapons program. Radiological weapons like the famed "neutron bomb" are suspected of being in the Empire's stockpile, which is believed to be classified as active, hedge, and inactive. Active warheads are those warheads in service and deployed. Hedge warheads are fully operational warheads that are kept in storage and could be deployed within minutes. Inactive warheads are non-operational but not dismantled warheads.

Opponents to the Empire's massive chemical and nuclear arsenal have repeatedly called for denuclearization.

© 2011 LNN.com

[Hi No Moto]

Hi No Moton National News Network
01 February 2011

Singapore was today officially granted independence from the Empire of Hi No Moto in a lavish ceremony that saw the island city become a sovereign state for the first time since the fall of the Spizanian Confederacy. In the early hours of the morning, a ceremony attended by Tenno Heika and Prime Minister Shigefumi Mori of the Empire was held that saw all control over the territory handed over to the Singapore Government that was now led by Lee Hsien Loong, a very popular statesman amongst the public. Troops of the Imperial Hi No Moton Army paraded through the streets alongside the newly organized Singapore Defence Forces who then watched as the Imperial Army lowered the Nisshōki that flew above Singapore for the last time before being replaced with the national flag of Singapore.

Tenno Heika and Prime Minister Shigefumi Mori were overjoyed at the gratefulness the people of Singapore showed the Empire and also that they were willing to remain a steadfast ally to the Empire by joining the Greater East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere. The Prime Minister made his feeling clear in a speech to the people of their newly independent nation “Today is a most wonderful day for all those not only in Singapore, but everyone in East Asia. Unlike the countries of Europe, Africa and the Americas, East Asia is showing the world that peace can be achieved and that a stronger and close knit community can be formed through willingness to work together and listen. The Greater East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere has shown that East Asia is willing to make this progress and with the Republic of Singapore having requested entrance, it shows that all of East Asia is united in this dream to bring peace and prosperity to the region.”

Only a few hours it was confirmed by a statement from the Greater East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere that the Republic of Singapore was the newest member to be admitted to the organization and that plans were already in motion for the country to become the economic centre of the Co-Prosperity Sphere and that Singapore would become the ‘Jewel of East Asia’.

[Amigard]

January 28th, 2011

Members of the Amigardians for Nuclearization or AFN gathered outside of St. Michaels Cathedral today weaving signs and shouting slogans. The crowd was relatively small, only around two hundred protestors, but was very vocal about their desire for the Theocracy to develop nuclear weapons. The AFN has been petitioning the government for several months demanding the government commit funds toward a nuclear weapons program.

Currently the Theocracy of Amigard does utilize nuclear power, namely for civilian purposes such as power production, and for powering various naval vessels. However, Cardinal Steele has maintained a staunch position of forbidding the development of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. Proponents of nuclear weapon development have stated that without nuclear weapons the Theocracy cannot take a stance of mutually assured destruction with hostile powers, and this leaves the nation vulnerable and at a disadvantage diplomatically speaking.

Cardinal Steele rejects the idea that the Theocracy is somehow weakened by its lack of WMD’s and often reminds his critics that, though the Theocracy does not develop WMD’s, it pours a vast amount of resources into defensive systems designed to counter such attacks. Cardinal Steele goes on to suggest that the development of weapons of mass destruction runs counter to the moral standing of the Theocracy, and states that the Theocracy must never adhere to an ideology that includes the concept of mutually assured destruction. The Cardinal points out that the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in addressing a just war doctrine, is clearly against such a concept.

Sources within the Cathedral indicate that the government may be developing an orbital defense system that will work in coordination with current missile systems to provide a nearly impenetrable defensive network over the Theocracy.

Thought the AFN is a relatively small organization, it has proven to be highly vocal and openly critical of the governments current anti-nuclear policies. The protest lasted throughout the day and drew a large crowd of onlookers, but was otherwise uneventful. Several AFN speakers at the protest attempted to goad the Cardinal in participating in an open debate during the protest, but the AFN’s challenges went unanswered by Cathedral officials.

During a press coference earlier today Sister Marian Garcia, Amigards head of public relations, stated “Cardinal Steele understands the concerns that members of the Amigardians for Nuclearization have regarding the Theocracies lack of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction. However, the Cardinal is clear on his position regarding the matter, and the Theocracy will continue its current policies. The Theocracy of Amigard will never deploy weapons of mass destruction. The Theocracy fields a well trained and well armed military that would give any nation pause when considering hostile action against her. Amigard’s defensive capabilities are among the best in the world as resources that would be otherwise wasted in developing and maintaining nuclear weapons are put to better use developing defensive systems and precision guided weaponry that minimizes the risk to civilian populations, not to mention the fact that such funding is better put to use in feeding the hungry and assisting the poor and homeless of the world.”

When asked what the policy of the government was if Amigard was ever to face a nuclear, biological, or chemical attack Sister Marian replied, “Naturally the government does have a policy in place, and it is our belief that the Theocracy has many resources available to mount an appropriate retaliation in the event of a nuclear strike or any attack consisting of weapons of mass destruction.” Sister Marian refused to elaborate on exactly what the government’s policies were only that an attack with WMD’s would result in “swift and devastating consequences” for the hostile government and that the government would take appropriate steps to protect the people of Amigard

[Hi No Moto]

Hi No Moto lifts the Far East Cup!
Hi No Moto National News
Published: 9th February 2011

Jungo Hasebe, Captain of the Hi No Moton Natioanl Football Team, lifts the Far East Cup

There were scenes of much jubilation throughout the streets of Tokyo as the people of Hi No Moto celebrated their triumph in the Far Eastern Cup with victory over Thailand in the Final with a comprehensive score line of 3-1 bringing the trophy to the Empire. The newly formed championship was hosted on the Home Islands of Hi No Moto and was contested by the Host Nation, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia and Papua. Before winning the final the Hi No Moton National Team blasted their way through the Group Stage with just a 1-1 draw against Indonesia stopping them from gaining a 100% record but they had plenty to celebrate about after scoring the most goals, thanks mainly to the partnership of Takeshi Mori and Keisuke Okano and also the 5-0 demolition of Papua on the last day of Group A. Meanwhile in Group B Thailand had a much difficult time but like Hi No Moto, made sure they escaped the group stage leaving Burma and Cambodia to ask where it all went wrong and to plot their revenge in the competition next year.

The Final was played at the impressive Tokyo International Stadium and was a sell out with around 100,000 spectators from those counties who had participated in the tournament but the vast majority were the supporters of the two finalists. In attendance of the match were a number of Thai government officials who came in the absence of King Paripatra whilst Prime Minister Shigefumi Mori and Tennō Heika both attended for the Empire where both praised the competition for its ‘unifying effect for the countries of the Far East’. After a dazzling opening ceremony that showed off the culture of the Empire and the Far East, the Final was kicked off by the Thai National Team and a huge roar went up by all supporters.

Within minutes of the match kicking off, the Hi No Moton Team began to show their obvious class over their opponent and stroked the ball from side to side, keeping possession for lengthy amounts of time and creating a few good chances including a narrowly missed effort from front man Keisuke Okano who scraped the upright from twenty yards out. With the team comfortably in possession and creating chances it looked like this would be a cakewalk for the Hi No Moton team but thirty three minutes in it looked like there was a major upset on the cards as against the run of play, Thailand went ahead. Centre Midfielder Surat Sukha went on an impressive run, breaking through the Hi No Moton midfield before battling his way past the usually unmovable centre back Yuzo Muramatsu and slotting his ball underneath the arm of goalkeeper Seigo Sogahata. The Thailand player were in hysterics as were there fans who celebrated madly whilst the Hi No Moton team and supporters were stunned into silence, stern faces across their coach who looked on in disbelief. Despite resuming their control over the game, Hi No Moto was unable to find an equaliser with another shot from Keisuke Okano being cleared off the line and midfielder Junichi Yamase squandering a few chances that came his way. The halftime whistle blew and the disappointed Hi No Moton players trudged off the pitch, failing to understand how they had conceded and how they had not scored themselves.

Teammates converge on Keisuke Okana as they celebrate his second goal against Thailand

The second half started well for Thailand who quickly went on the attack, not waiting for Hi No Moto to come to them, and put pressure on the host’s goal nearly putting away two chances but they were denied thanks to the heroic efforts of Seigo Sogahata and his defence. Despite this onslaught the host rallied and were rewarded with their persistence with a flurry of goals coming in just fifteen minutes. On the sixty fourth minute the deadly Keisuke Okano rifled a shot into the top corner from fifteen yards out after the ball fell to his feet in the box. Three minutes later Okano added another to his tally heading in a cross from Kengo Inui and the stadium erupted with cheers from the home fans who began chanting at the Thai supporters and mocking their failure to hold on to their lead. Another goal followed on the seventy eighth minute when fellow striker Takeshi Mori rounded his way past two defenders before chipping a sublime ball over the Thai keeper to make it 3-1 and almost certainly securing the win and the trophy for Hi No Moto. The last ten minutes of the game saw the Thai players valiantly try to pull themselves bag into the game but they quickly began to tire and the Hi No Moton players simply knocked it around until the final whistle blew. Hi No Moto had won the Far East Cup.

[Layarteb]

Giant Tunnel Completed... Finally
Published: Thursday, March 10, 2011 | 13:00 EST
By: LayartebTimes.com

"It's Completed!"

At noon today, the Emperor and dozens of government officials officially christened the Florida-Cuba Highway and Rail Tunnel after nearly twenty-five years of construction. The five-tube rail and road tunnel stretches 140 miles (225 km) underneath the Florida Straits connecting Florida with the island of Cuba. It is the longest and widest tunnel in the Western Hemisphere and it has cost approximately $500 billion.

When construction began in late 1989, engineers envisioned a three-tube system but that was revised to a five tube system shortly after construction began. Four of the tubes are dedicated to roads and are each 65 feet (19.81 meters) in width. Two of the four tubes contain four, standard-width lanes each while the other two feature three, wider lanes, better accommodating commercial trucks like tractor-trailers. The fifth is dedicated to rails and contain six lines, three running each way. The standard gauge lines can accommodate both freight and high-speed passenger trains equally.

Other features of the tunnel include three rest stops in each road tube featuring shops, restaurants, gas stations, and even small motels for weary motorists. Weigh stations positioned at the opening of each road tunnel will ensure that commercial vehicles maintain legal weights and ground pressures. Presently, the toll for transit through the tunnel is listed at §4 per vehicle and there is a graduated system for commercial trucks in excess of 7,000 pounds, gross weight.

The massive project was initially envisioned in the early 1930s by famed urban planner Robert Moses. While famous for his design orders in the metropolitan and suburban area of Layarteb City, Robert Moses envisioned many megaprojects around the world, particularly in North America. The Florida-Cuban Highway and Rail Tunnel is just one of many, others of which included tunnels and bridges connecting Long Island and Connecticut and more futuristic ideas such as the Layarteb City Metrorail, an ambitious 1940s design idea that was touted to eliminate the need for many automobiles.

Layarteb Times (c) All Rights Reserved

[Layarteb]

Tristan da Cunha Habitable Again
Published: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 | 08:00 EST
By: Real Science Quartly

It's February 14, 1992 and the South Atlantic is quiet, calm, and peaceful. Only a handful of people around the world, most of them in the Layartebian government know what is about to happen over Tristan da Cunha, a remote island some 1,750 miles from South Africa and 2,088 miles from South American. From thousands of miles away, by satellite and live feed from a naval vessel some 50 miles away, this handful of people watch as a cylindrical object appears 50,000 feet above the ground, descending towards the Earth by the aide of a parachute. Released footage shows the carrying aircraft, a B-1B Lancer, executing a hard 180° turn at full afterburners. Three hundred and twenty-five seconds later, the sky turns white as the bomb explodes. The B-1B Lancer is now 65 miles away and safe from the lethal effects of the B103 Mod 1 Thermonuclear bomb, dubbed the "Apocalypse Bomb." Everything for 37 miles is vaporized and severe damage extends out 62 miles from the blast center. For 105 miles, the bomb would have caused 3rd degree burns and for 137 miles, everyone who saw the blast is blind. It has a 100 megaton yield and remains, to date, the most powerful nuclear bomb ever detonated.

On that fateful, Friday morning over Tristan da Cunha, the Empire of Layarteb shocked the world when it demonstrated this apocalyptic device. Since then, the Ministry of Defense has acknowledged the production of 10 such bombs but estimates put the real figure between 20 and 30. Since then, Tristan da Cunha has been off limits to all human life. Scientific devices set up on the island to study radiation effects over the long term were incinerated in the blast, which would have created an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.5 on the Richter scale. However, earlier today, scientists with the Ministry of the Interior visited the island group and declared that the radiation levels have decreased enough to allow indefinite human habitation again. Released photographs, shown below, reveal that vegetation has returned to the island group after 19 years.

Rumors persist that the the island group will be used solely for military reasons.

Story continued on page 4

Real Science Quarterly (c) All Rights Reserved

[New Rhovanion]

Weather Finally Looking Good!
March 16, 2011 - Tuesday

SEATTLE - With the city socked in nearly one foot of snow, yesterday's weather showed a little kindness after two months of nothing but snow. The New Rhovanion Meteorological and Astronomical Administration or NRMAA registered the temperature for 10:00 am PST to be a warm 54°F, while the sky was mostly sunny.

"This weather would be the first of many in the coming days. With the winter cold starting to die down and a more spring-like weather coming around the horizon, nothing but warmth will we be able to feel all the way through spring.", said NRMAA meteorologist Ronny Seaworth.

However, with this warmth comes something as worse as snow, rain. A low pressure area was spotted nearly 100 miles to the southwest of Seattle and is heading north-northeastwards. This will bring rain throughout the Pacific Northwest from Eugene, Oregon all the way to Everett, Washington in the coming days. For more updates on this weather system, please go to NRMAA's website, http://www.nrmaaonline.gov.nr/

[URBOV]

The Prussian Reich has fallen.

The mere thought of such an absurdity made Duma Representative Gregory Molotov quake with fear. Prussia had never been a friend to the Russian Federation nor the Union State on a whole, but it had allowed for some measure of security. As long as the Reich stood, the status quo was maintained in Eastern Europe, regardless of the Cot-Rus bickering. Yet as of four hours ago the official line was that the Prussian Government in Berlin had splintered and local government was either nonexistent or torn to bits through ethnic violence. Already the minorities that made up the Reich battled for control of it, already the blood was beginning to flow.

Drvarska, the name had fallen off of the face of the earth for many after the collapse of the Balkan State. Ukraine had for a time been part of the Drvarskan Federation and this long lived state had set the course of the region’s history for years. The collapse of the Federation had come in time and the specter of ethnic strife held off by the orderly transition to Prussian control. Now with the collapse of the Reich there was no mighty Empire to hold the Balkans together. There was no massive power to unite and control the traditional gateway to Europe. Without a powerful force to preserve order, who could the people look to? They could no longer look to the Prussians, that was for sure. Perhaps they could now look to Russia?

Regardless of local opinion, Russia was coming into their lives. Though not through control or domination, the Russian Union State mighty as it may be could not as of yet extend it’s sphere of influence into Eastern Europe in any solid form. Instead the Sub-Ministry of Land Acquisitions had drafted an aggressive plan that would see dozens if not hundreds of miles purchased and converted into airbases for the Russian Union. The chaos meant that while there were few if any legitimate contacts the Russians could simply support some tin pot warlord and sign a profitable lease from him. This both installed them as legitimate rulers at least in the local area and gave Russia the opportunity to expand her sphere of influence. The Russian program of sending those Warlords who offered the lowest prices shipments of small arms also did much, did most of the work really.

Pravda
March 26th, 2011

Airbases arise like winter wheat from Slavic soil!

Recently government contracts in over eight countries have finally been approved. Lease ranging from fifty to two hundred years in Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Hungary, Moldova, and Bosnia we have confirmed are finalized by the local governments and our own. For a total of over fifty four billion Rubles, the Russian Union State has received blocks of land near the cities of: Belgrade, Chisinau, Sarajevo, Sofia, Sarajevo, Podgorica, Brasov, Bacau, Nis, Budapest and Galati and virtually every provincial capital in some form. The majority of these sites reports indicate are to become SAM sites or Radar Emplacements though this information is classified. Minister of Defense Mikhail Ivanovitch Molotov released this statement,

“The recent expansion of the Cottish Realm to include much of Belorussia as well as the collapse of the Prussian Reich has led to a rapid destabilization of Eastern Europe. The Russian Union State has responded in the name of preserving peace as well as ensuring that it remains safe from unwarranted aggression. However we assure the people of RUS and the world that there shall be minimal military personnel present at each base. Pan Slavic Friendship as always is the primary Russian concern.”

The bases in question are slating to be constructed over the coming months in many locations though in the cities of Nis, Belgrade, and Budapest the Russian Union State has purchased former Prussian bases with equipment intact. The creation of the new, “Slavic Co-Prosperity Zone” has been a rallying point for pan-Slavic nationalists within the Russian Unity party and it is whispered that this will see an even stronger campaign for current President Dmitri Siloviki in 2013.

“The Zone” as it has quickly become known is to be united in a formal treaty of economic cooperation and possible joint defense as early as January 2015.

[URBOV]

Pravda
November 18th

Peace!

It the pleasure of Pravda to report that the conflict in Smolensk has been ended by the negotiating power of President Dmitri Siloviki! The Smolenski Tsardom had attempted to annex large tracts of Belorussia, bringing the forces of the Tsar into direct conflict with the Realm of Cotland. Russia wisely has stayed out of the conflict and moved in only to ensure that peace reigns in the land of the East Slavs.

Declaring the negotiations a total victory, Russia has formally annexed the Tsardom of Smolensk and it’s territories as well as the Homyel Oblast in Belorussia. With the unification of Western Russia complete the Government has recently stressed it’s renewed commitment to uniting the Eastern Regions. Rumors of a new expansion project are already rife in the Capital of Volgograd.

Still, today we must celebrate the peaceful union with our brothers of Smolensk! A Victory Parade is planned in Smolensk next month.

[Amigard]

March 01, 2011

Officials at the Cathedral of Saint Michael announced today the official list of those that would be on the May 2nd ballot for governor of the Diocese of Northern Saudi Arabia. The current interim governor, Bishop Paul Traver will be among those running for the office. Bishop Traver announced his official candidacy earlier this week during a press conference and stated that he hope to continue with his plans to establish stronger government institutions within the Diocese and root out the remaining drug cartels in the area.

The ballot also includes three other priests, two of whom are natives of the area; Father Aziz from Sakkakah and Father Hatim from Arar. Father Thomas Grand from the city of Didacus has also announced his candidacy having recently relocated to Arar.

The continued presence of the drug cartels promises to be one of the central issues during the election along with promises to root out the lingering corruption left behind by the previous local governments. While Cardinal Steele makes the final decision regarding the appointment he has never appointed a governor that has received a minority vote. Most political analysts are anticipating a significant victory by Bishop Traver who is generally given credit for the significant increase in the standard of living among a large portion of the citizens of the Diocese over the past couple of months.