The Western Wire [Regional News]

[Knootoss]

• Knootian arms manufacturers strike deal with Yohannesian storefronts
  
  HALSTEN - A strategic partnership between the Knootian arms manufacturing industry and the national companies of the Yohannesian Commonwealth is likely to increase profits... and the dissemination of Knootian military technologies.
  
  The government-sponsored association of Yohannesian shipwrighters, Royal Beaufort Shipwrights, has been authorised to market the Phlegethon, Waarden, De Ruyter, Zeedier and Elementen class vessels. Warships sold in the storefront will be assembled in Knootian shipyards and fitted with the technologies desired by the customer.
  
  A few days earlier arms manufacturers had already announced that it had reached a similar arrangement with VMK Aktiengesellschaft, the premier automotive and defence industrial entity of Yohannes. That company now markets the "Stadtholder" Main Battle Tank as part of its expansive arsenal.

[Snefaldia]

• Chancellor floats Sabaristan Highway proposal
  
  TAYGATTE - At a press conference in the Sringi city of Taygatte, Chancellor Ren Dirh suggested that the States-Federation would explore the feasibility of a modern rail and automotive link through the Velnar Mountains to Sabaristan. Chancellor Dirh said a link would be "incredibly advantageous for both our countries economically" by providing access to Sabaristan's natural reserves for Snefaldian companies and markets for Snefaldian goods.
  
  Traditionally, freight has been shipped via airship and airplane, but the process can be slow and perilous over the rugged Velnars in an airship and expensive in by plane. Dirh's choice of Taygatte to make his government's desire known is important; like much of northern Sring Issa the city is depressed compared to the rest of the province, which has seen drops in unemployment as the economy picks up. The northern foothills have still not emerged from the depression of the late 70's when the mining industry collapsed; the Chancellor is seen as making a strong bid to garner votes and support in the north on economic grounds through a Sabari deal.

• Ultranationalist demonstration turns violent
  
  WOLLMAENO - A demonstration of ultranationalist Snefaldian activists was dispersed by police after violence erupted in the city center. The rally, organized by the Homeland Front party, focused on denouncing the Emperor of Pantocratoria and the Pantocratorian representative in Andrium for statements interpreted as "insulting the Snefaldian nation and people" in ongoing negotiations on a new Western Atlantic Forum. The right-wing Homeland Front, a minority party in the Assembly of Deputies, demanded the resignation of Ambassador Petros Hellenic for his comments.
  
  Homeland Front spokespeople did not cite specific comments from the conference when asked for clarification.

• Bajeong rights group files discrimination suit alleging corporate bias
  
  INLIKOT - In a joint filing with the 5th Circuit Court in Bae, lawyers in a collective action are alleging criminal bias and prejudice against ethnic Bajeong and Zhong people in the hiring practices of five major corporations. The suit alleges that the Komye Corporation, the heavy industrial company Snefaldian National Industries Ltd., pharmaceutical firm Vystarva, automotive and aeronautics giant Weldazmiton, and the Snefaldian Federated National Bank exhibited a pattern of hiring discrimination for high-level executive and management positions to the detriment of ethnic Bajeong and Zhong minority applicants.
  
  The suit accuses the companies of discrimination over a twenty year basis. Most companies declined public comment, but the public relations officer for Weldazmiton released a statement stating the company "will fight these spurious accusations all the way to their dismissal."

[Balthorvia]

• Heir Apparent Steps Up Duties

REKAGRAD - Balthorvian heir apparent Nicodemus Nadoli led the Imperial Court for the first time today in what many analysts believe to be the first part of a larger process meant to begin the transition of Imperial power from the ailing Emperor Yaropolk IV to Crown Prince Nadoli. Nicodemus addressed several administrative concerns before spending several hours in a closed-door session with leaders of the Balthorvian military and several prominent figures within the Balthorvian Church. Observers have been watching events within the upper echelons of the Balthorvian leadership closely after a leaked projection last month that the Emperor may not have more than half a year left to live at most.

• Drone Misfire Kills 17 in al-Hadid

BAIBAK - The Balthorvian government has come under pressure from human rights and anti-war groups after the military, operating on intelligence suggesting an al-Saif commander was hiding in the village of Baibak, launched an unmanned drone strike that killed seventeen villagers and wounded a dozen more. The drone operator apparently fired upon what he believed was an al-Saif safehouse, but was in fact a local madrasah. The incident has raised concerns that the Balthorvian-led government in al-Hadid continues to be ignorant of Haddite culture and customs.

[Aerion]

• HIM Pādshah Empress issues Imperial Edict legally recognizing titles of nobility for both hereditary peers, and life peers instituted in new ranks of nobility. Issues new letters patent for hundreds of officials
  Imperial City Chronicle

IMPERIAL CITY - Her Imperial Majesty the Pādshah Empress has issued an Imperial Edict legally recognizing titles of nobility, and instituting a system of ranks of nobility. The Imperial Edict grants legal recognition to the the hereditary peerage represented in the Aerionian House of Nobility, and new titles created for life peerage granted by letters patent to Imperial officials across the Grand Empire. The Pādshah Empress is the fount of honour.

Her Imperial Majesty the Pādshah Empress has issued hundreds of new letters patent granting life peerages to Imperial officials across the Grand Empire, and re-affirming or granting titles to hereditary peers.

Among those recognized are granted titles of grande Duke to the heads of the ancient families of the Aerionian ancient nobility with titles recognizing other members of such families. The title of Duke or Marquis or Count granted to the direct descendant heads of families of the Aerionian tribal royalty of the twenty ancient Aerionian tribes with other titles granted to chosen members of those families. The heads of these families were called to the Imperial Palace in Imperial City to directly receive an audience with the Pādshah Empress, and be granted this honor at her pleasure.

The Imperial Edict outlines the issuance of letters patent by standard to certain ranks, titles, and offices within the Grand Empire which were issued by HIM the Pādshah Empress.

Letters patent recognizing life peers with the title of Duke were granted to the Great Officers of State of the Empire including the Archchancellor, the Imperial Chief Advisor, chosen Imperial Advisors, chosen Great Officers of the Imperial Household, the Imperial Prime Director of the Imperial Organization for Aerionian Glory, the Imperial Viceroy of Zrepzunia, the Imperial Governors of the five most populous provinces, the Archpriest of Abesharath and the Archpriestess of Abeshala, the Matron Superior General of the Sisterhood of Abeshala, and the highest ranking officers of the armed services.

Letters patent recognizing life peers with the title of Marquis were granted to the Imperial Vice-Chancellor, other Imperial Advisors, the Director-General of the Imperial Security Agency, the Governor of the Imperial Bank, chosen officials of the Imperial Household, the Minister of the Imperial Court, the Ministers of Defense, Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Public Information, Culture, and the Treasury, other Imperial Governors, the Imperial Mayors of Astevane & Imperial City, certain members of the Imperial High Command, the Archpriests and Archpriestesses of the major Aerionian deities,, as well as others chosen at Her Imperial Majesty's pleasure.

Letters patent recognizing life peers with the title of Count were granted to all members of HIM's Privy Council including all Ministers who are not Dukes nor Marquises, certain Deputy Ministers, Deputy Governors of Provinces, Directors within the Imperial Security Agency & Imperial Intelligence, Regional Governors, Imperial Mayors & Mayors of the major metropolises, other officials within the Imperial Household, High Priests & Priestesses of major Aerionian deities in major metropolises, Imperial Ambassadors-at-Large, Imperial Ambassadors to major nations particularly foreign courts, major heads of religions within Aerion, upper general officers of the armed services, heads of major Imperially chartered organizations, high judges, and others chosen at Her Imperial Majesty's pleasure.

Letters patent recognizing life peers with the title of Viscount were granted to all general officers of the armed services, all Imperial Mayors with no higher title, heads of Imperially chartered organizations such as universities, certain judges, all Imperial Ambassadors within the Western Atlantic with no higher title, all Provincial Directors of the Imperial Organization for Aerionian Glory, certain Imperial Ambassadors and members of the Diplomatic Service, certain Imperial Government officials, High Priests & High Priestesses of major Aerionian deities in metropolises, and others chosen at Her Imperial Majesty's pleasure.

Letters patent recognizing life peers with the title of Baron were granted to all general officers of the armed services, all mayors of metropolises, all judges, all Imperial Ambassadors, all High Priests & High Priestesses of major Aerionian deities in metropolises, numerous officials of the Imperial Household, many officials within the Imperial Organization for Aerionian Glory, and numerous others chosen at Her Imperial Majesty's pleasure.

Those issued letters patent with the titles of Duke, Marquis, and some with the title of Count were invited to receive their letters patent issued in audience with Her Imperial Majesty the Pādshah Empress. Others were reportedly said to receive their title by Imperial Herald, and many Barons or Baronesses received theirs by mail.

It was reported that certain private individual citizens not listed in a particular office received letters patent in private audiences with the Empress, and that some of these titles had yet to be announced though were noted. Certain individuals are thought to include CEOs & Chairmen of the Boards of major Aerionian corporations, celebrities, and others who are in Her Imperial Majesty's good favor.

• Astevane goes vertical, developers complain of lack of space. The creative wealthy take to 'floating penthouse' residential airships
  Astevane Business Weekly

The city of Astevane, former capital of the Grand Empire has expanded to over 600 million residents. Skyscrapers in some districts of Astevane have reached nearly two miles high, and vertical roadways rise up into the sky between elevated plazas. The massive multiblock Central Arcology is at capacity with two million residents. All of those outside the Central District (former Royal District) feel cramped, and some of the highest property prices in Aerion make the Central District unattainable except to the wealthiest few.

Yet an invisible wall surrounds Astevane, and that is the Royal Edict put into place by King Wasterin X, continued by passed HRH Crown Prince Regent Damoen Wasterin, and under Her Imperial Majesty. The edict stipulates that Astevane may not expand beyond a certain boundary, and this boundary has held firm for over twenty years. The edict prevents construction on the plains surrounding Astevane from expansion, and outside of transportation corridors does not allow expansion of any kind. There are some exceptions, such as sparse villas and private country estates owned by old blood families for many generations. The majority of the land is owned by the Crown, or private land trusts with strict stipulations placed upon them by the Crown. Some have sometimes skirted the rules with several shantytowns hugging the edges of the city, but these are regularly cleared by the authorities and block housing inside the city handed out to particularly vulnerable residents such as elderly, mothers, and children.

It was hoped that with the move of the capital to Imperial City that the edict would be loosened, and development would be allowed beyond the original boundaries. This does not appear to be planned.

A spokesperson for the Ministry for the Interior stated the edicts are still strictly enforced, and that no plans were underway to change them. A spokesperson for the Lord Mayor's office stated that the Lord Mayor understood the edicts, is working on various solutions for planning within the metropolis zones, and supports what he called "vertical expansion."

Some C-Suite megacorporate executives, and particularly wealthy individuals have taken to living in what are being called "residential airships." Though a special costly permit is required from the Greater Astevane Metropolitan Authority, these airships continue to appear in the skies over the residential sectors. They are becoming increasingly popular as a preferred alternative to penthouse living. Several of these airships were featured recently in Aerionian Architecture & Style. As luxurious as any penthouse suites, these airships allowed their owner often more living space than many multifloor penthouses. Special safety features, and tethering to an owned building allowed allow the owners to feel safe in their floating palaces. The option of mobility on many of these is hard to resist, but comes at an significant added cost. The Imperial Aerionian Airship is producing these "residential airships", and they are available for a cool $200 million.

For the majority of Astevane residents, it seems as if the expression "we are living on top of each other!." will continue to hold true. As the city goes vertical with vertical plazas, vertical roadways, and increasingly the feeling of some of "walking through urban canyons."

[Sabaristan]

• The Trans-Velnar Highway and Rail project

The government in Yangikent has confirmed that an agreement between Sabaristan and Snefaldia has been reached over the construction of a 12 lane highway and high-speed and freight railway connection over the Velnars between the two states. The project is slated for completion in 2014 and has the full backing of the Sobornoyan's government which has created the Velnar Transit Authority with full competence and funding to complete Sabaristan's portion of the project. "We must have the most advanced and convenient methods of communication with our neighbours, especially neighbours as highly regarded as Snefaldia, if we are to complete the process of transforming ourselves into a competitive and dynamic state with the ability to exploit and capitalise on our national assets and resources." - the government announcement read.

[Soveriegn States]

The Daily National Register

Speaker Collins Secures Democratic Labour Nomination
National Renewal Party Nomination Down to Final, Decisive Primary

House of Representatives Speaker Sean Collins appears to have gain sufficient delegates to Democratic Labour Party’s annual convention to ensure his nomination for President of the Confederation. It is also appearing increasingly likely that the Democratic Labour Party and the Democratic Party will sign an electoral pact, which will result in Democratic Labour convention nominating Democratic candidate Evan Coombs for Vice President. In return, Coombs is expected to relinquish his Democratic nomination for President in favour of Speaker Collins, who would become the presidential nominee of both parties.

Meanwhile, the delegate count for the National Renewal Party remains fairly evenly split between Ryan Edelman, former Chief of Staff to President Alderson and an outspoken critic of President Caine; former Delegate Norton Grover; New Virginia State Senator Robert Applewythe; and former Trondgard Governor Imants Silins. With all of the state primaries concluded, attention now shifts to a national primary – a unique feature of the National Renewal Party’s nomination process – which could tip the balance in favour of one candidate or other, or which could leave the field evenly divided, guaranteeing a brokered convention later in the Spring.

(OOC: Western Atlantic nations are invited to take part in the national primary vote here: http://s4.zetaboards.com/Western_Atlant ... 9475397/1/)

[Knootoss]

• Knootian government studies rail link with Vauxhall.
  
  the Knootian Department of Foreign Economic Policy and the department of Public Works have announced in a joint statement that they are studying an offer the Royal Dominion of Vauxhall to build a high-speed rail tunnel between the two countries. The announcement comes in the wake of the joint Snefaldian-Sabaristani announcement about the Trans-Velnar Highway and Rail project, raising speculation that the Vologdov Administration was convinced by the need to retain its position as a freight hub for the region.
  
  The 'StraitLink' rail line would consist of two freight-only tracks and two passenger tracks, running between Vauxhall and then moving under the sea to the Knootian coast, running to Rotterdam with stops in Waddenland, Leeuwarden, Amsterdam and Hartstad Central. According to the statement, most of the project would be funded by the Vasque government, and built by contractors of both nations. The press secretary for the government stressed the projects' environmental credentials, calling rail an efficient and green way of moving goods and people.
  
  Perhaps in exchange, the Knootian government has offered to provide expertise for retrofitting the marine transport capability of the northern city state, introducing methods used in Rotterdam to expand their ability to handle intermodal containers.
  
  A decision on the rail link project is expected to be made before the end of March.

[Knootoss]

• Knootoss denounces Amistad declaration
  
  HARTSTAD - In the midst of a heated debate in the International Union of Equality and Freedom, the government of Knootoss has come out with a public statement denouncing the Amistad Declaration.
  
  Knootoss threatened to give up her observer status in the Union of Equality and Freedom if the body should adopt the declaration, as well as referencing "appropriate measures" that it might take against nations that commit war crimes, crimes against humanity or acts of genocide pursuant to the Declaration. These measures apparently include cooperation with the International Criminal Court, which Knootian governments have traditionally disdained.

[Snefaldia]

• Snefaldian government announces new Epheron initiatives, names Special Minister
  
  TAXILHA- Sargedain has announced a new series of investment and educational initiatives targeted at Epheronian countries, creating a Special Ministry for Epheron to oversee financial, infrastructure, and trade agreements with interested countries.
  
  Metta Ratnakry, International Services director for the State-run Foreign Services Investment Bank and former CEO of Shahd Consolidated Trade Corporation, was named Special Minister and delivered a speech at a press dinner in Taxilha for journalists and business representatives. He is set to deliver a speech to the Great Taxilhan International Benevolent Association, an outreach group for Taxilhans abroad he chaired until 2010, later in the week.

[Sabaristan]

• Sabaristan endorses new Ostmarkgraf
  
  The Divan has announced that Sabaristan has officially recognised the reign of Markgraf Dietrich Burchard XIII and that it hopes that the renewal of ancient religion sponsored by the Markgraf in Ostmark will see an end to the state's centuries of discrimination against non-Christians. "The Sabari people are optimistic that this cultural and spiritual revival in Ostmark will presage the beginning of a new era of mutual respect and close cooperation between the Ostmark and the people's of the Steppe." a spokesman said.

[Knootoss]

• Knootoss to move forward on Oosterbeek ratification
  
  HARTSTAD - The Staten-Generaal of Knootoss has scheduled a fast-track ratification of the Treaty of Oosterbeek. The Oosterbeek negotiations are believed to have been concluded some time ago, but ratification had not yet been effected.
  
  The treaty, which was originally negotiated in the Knootian town of Oosterbeek, represents a pact between the Dutch Democratic Republic and the Pantocratorian and Taraskovyan Empires. However, the negotiations were later re-opened so as to include the Holy Empire of Excalbia as a fourth partner.
  
  The treaty establishes a defensive alliance between the four nations and requires that parties consult with the others before going to war, after which they shall observe at least a benevolent neutrality. Cooperation also extends to establishing the administrative bodies and military infrastructure necessary to collectively wage war. Other nations may join the treaty, provided that all the existing members agree.

[Pantocratoria]

(Image)
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By the hand of Lord Túrelio nos Fingolfin, Prefect of State, at Vinyatírion the Eternal, capital of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar, on this the 4th day of Túlië in the 19th year of the 222nd long-year of Vinyatírion, to all it may concern, but particularly Daniel Maria Geelen, the Knootian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense, and Ian Comnenus of Pantocratoria:

To provide full explanation you do not deserve, for actions of Menelmacar or her allies that do not require it, would be a waste of breath and bandwidth.

Simply put, your mortal minds would not understand.

May the shadow in due time retreat from your lands,
Lord Túrelio nos Fingolfin
Prefect of State
Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar

CLASSIFICATION: PUBLIC
ENCRYPTION: NONE

Imperial Monitor (backpages)
On the lighter side
DRAKOPOLIS resident and Chartered Accountant Ian Comnenus was surprised and alarmed to receive a letter this morning from Menelmacar's Prefect of State, Lord Túrelio nos Fingolfin, which is reproduced above this article.

Mr Comnenus was especially concerned that the only content of the letter was a refusal to provide an explanation which Mr Comnenus "did not deserve".

The letter was also sent to the Knootian Foreign Minister, Mr Daniel Geelen, and was likely intended for the Deputy Chancellor, Sir Isaac Comnenus MP, in response to his recent remarks in the Imperial Parliament.

The Deputy Chancellor had no comment on the letter when approached by the Monitor.

[Sabaristan]

• Mining Licenses Granted to Snefaldian Consortium
  
  The Divan has announced that mining licenses with exclusive rights have been granted to the Narvasar Group (a Snefaldian mining consortium) to begin the exploitation of Sabaristan's considerable natural resources in the provinces of Hoboor and Yenilbarsaqtsaran. Hoboor and Yenilbarsaqtsaran are situated in south eastern Sabaristan and comprise an area roughly 650,000 km2 in a region which is rich in the ore deposits of a whole range of metals (including rare earth metals), Lithium clays, coal and gas fields, Mafic Pegmatites and Basalts. Narvasar will work in partnership with local consortium Rongyung-Baamaryuk-Khazidar-Almartyuk Mining and Resources Logisitcs Consortium (RBKAMRL). The project will use Sabaristan's fairly modern but geographically limited Southern Provincial Railway System, as well as airships to transport raw materials across the border to Snefaldia. The licenses were granted after extensive planning collaboration between relevant ministries in Sabaristan and Snefaldia.

[Soveriegn States]

The Daily National Register

Governor Silins Secures National Renewal Party Nomination
Presidential Race Will Pit Speaker Collins; Governor Silins Against President Caine

After a surprisingly decisive victory in the national primary former Trondgard Governor Imants Silins has defeated Ryan Edelman and New Virginia State Senator Robert Applewythe for the National Renewal Party’s presidential nomination. Following the various State primaries, Edelman, Applewythe and Silinis went into the national primary – a unique feature of the National Renewal Party’s nomination process – in a virtual three-way tie in delegate counts. In the national primary, however, Silins outpolled Applewythe by a margin of 2 to 1. In a surprising turnaround Edelman, who went into the national primary with a slight lead, finished a distant third. As a result of the vote, Silins has gained enough delegates to secure the nomination and Edelman and Applewythe have both conceded. Governor Silins is expected to nominate State Senator Applewythe as vice presidential running mate.

With House of Representatives Speaker Sean Collins now officially named as joint nominee of the Democratic Labour and Democratic Parties, the presidential campaign is expected to begin in earnest. President Caine has already made several campaign swings through the northern States and Deandra, while Speaker Collins has repeatedly visited Southland and Deandra. Pollsters are expected to shortly release the first head-to-head poll of the campaign later this week.

[Knootoss]

• Conservative Party Primary kicks off
  
  HARTSTAD - The Conservative Party Primary has begun in earnest, allowing right-wing voters to decide who will challenge Prime Minister Countess Femke Vologdov in the upcoming general election.
  
  The primary promises to be a three-way struggle. Lord Barent de Kock, the deputy leader of the Conservative Party, is the moderate insider candidate and supposed heir to the party leadership. If he wins, he is expected to take many votes away from the Social-Liberal Maurits Viljoen. He is challenged by the controversial Jeremy James Bastaard, a National-Liberal who seeks the nomination of the Conservative Party so that he might run as a "united right" candidate. Isaac Wiezman, a young libertarian billionaire from Ale-Yarok, is also mounting a campaign for the leadership, and he could yet beat expectations by securing a narrow victory.
  
  Right off the bat, De Kock steered into perilous waters when he accepted a campaign donation of about ten million Atlantic Ducats from the Necrontyr 'Progress Foundation'. He was immediately attacked for this move by Jeremy Bastaard, who called accepting Necron money to be 'unpatriotic' in light of the present Amistad crisis. A spokesman for the De Kock campaign dismissed these concerns, promising that a De Kock Administration would always defend the national interest of Knootoss.

[Soveriegn States]

The Daily National Register Online
Breaking News: Early Polls Show Close Three-Way Battle in Presidential Race

Jefferson – The first Grozins Survery of this year’s presidential campaign shows a close battle between President Thomas Caine (Liberty Party), House of Representatives Speaker Sean Collins (Democratic Labour/Democratic Party) and former Governor Imants Silins (National Renewal Party), with Delegate Dainis Zaicevs (Sovereignty Party) placing a distant fourth. According to Grozins Senior Pollster Tad Irbe, President Caine has the support of 32 percent of those surveyed, with Speaker Collins posting 30 percent support and Governor Silins attracting support from 27 percent of respondents. Delegate Zaicevs’ support lags far behind at 7 percent. The margin of error in the survey was plus or minus 3 percent.

Similarly, a Harris-Daily National Register Poll shows that 31 percent of likely voters support President Caine, while 28 percent support Governor Silins and 27 percent support Speaker Collins. Nine percent remain undecided and a mere 5 percent support Delegate Zaicevs. The margin for error in this poll is plus or minus 4 percent.
From dailynationalregister.co.ss

[Knootoss]

"President Caine is a towering figure, responsible for restoring peace and stability to the region and maintaining the unity of his nation. That is why the business community will support him. His challengers are trades unionists and malcontents, committed to the complete balkanisation of the Excalbian Isles in the name of their own petty local interests.

The voters will realise that they are better off now, with more freedom, more prosperity, more security than they had before. They will not be confused by the power-grabbing schemes of candidates who want to claw back powers that have always belonged to the people."

[Excalbia]

The Citadel Daily Post

Mabuza Arrested. One Down. One To Go?

On the Island
by Bill Ozols

This morning officials announced that Zamimbian troops, with support from the Imperial Navy and the Imperial Army, had arrested Field Marshal Alexander Mabuza, the self-proclaimed “President” of Zamimbia and the leader of a coup d’état earlier this year against Zamimbian President Solomon Bongani. While no one expects the arrest of Mabuza to immediately transform Zamimbia into a prosperous, democratic paradise, the arrest and trial of a corrupt leader and the announcement of a provisional national unity government is certainly a critical step towards that goal. Now, the world will be watching to see whether the Holy Empire, along with the States-Federation of Snefaldia and the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss, are prepared to do the hard work necessary to support democracy and freedom in Zamimbia.

Even as one crisis takes the first tentative steps towards resolution, another blows in from the East. Lord Dietrich’s murder of his father, Markgraf Burchard XII, and his seizure of the throne have brought the threat of chaos to the eastern borders of the Heiliges Westbund. His inexplicable, bloody repudiation of his Christian faith and his abhorrent marriage to his own mother have led many to question whether or not he is afflicted with a mental disorder or is, perhaps, acting under the influence of narcotics. In either case, the political classes in the Citadel are horrified by the total failure of the Bundeskaiser – the Emperor of the West – and of the Bund’s confederal government to address the situation. There is widespread concern that Eastern powers are behind Lord Dietrich’s aberrant behavior or, at least, are seeking to manipulate it to expand their influence at the expense of the Western nations on the Eastern shores of the Mittelmeer.

With senior government officials openly comparing Lord Dietrich’s seizure of the throne with Field Marshal Mabuza’s coup in Zamimbia, some wags are wondering how long before the Holy Empire feels compelled to act. And if the Holy Empire does act, how long will it be before Lord Dietrich awakens one morning to the sight of V-22s descending on his backyard and Imperial soldiers sweeping into his bedroom to bring him to justice.

Beyond the fate of Lord Dietrich, some in the Citadel’s deepest bunkers have begun questioning whether or the Westbund can survive this crisis, which seems to have laid bare its impotence. Some are whispering apocalyptically that the Westbund, long the “sick man” of the Western Atlantic is now on its deathbed and that the Holy Empire, and its Western allies, need to begin now to prepare to deal with the blood and chaos that will surely follow.

[Knootoss]

From Trouw, a Knootian Daily:

---

Amistad Warrants Published

Could Ranisath nos Fëanor, leader of the C'tan, be facing jail time for crimes against humanity?

HARTSTAD - One week after the Vologdov Administration sent out a press release condemning the Allanean-authored 'Amistad Declaration on Slavery and the Rights of Man', the Ministry of of Domestic Affairs & Justice has announced a list of persons that are being suspected of war crimes. There are 308 names on the list including three currently serving heads of state: the leaders of the Ctan, the Crystal Spires and Allanea.

The publication of the list was announced by the elven deputy minister of Justice, the social-liberal Amithrarith Tinúviel, even though high-level announcements like these are typically made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence. The choice to put a high elven face on this initiative is widely believed to be an attempt to ward off charges of specieism from the metahuman powers, owing to the fact that two non-human leaders are near the top of the list. While only 18% of Knootians polled by this newspaper believe that the charges are racially motivated, 56% of Knootians high elves believe or strongly believe that the list has a racial bias.

When questioned on this issue, Tinúviel responded that 281 or over 90% of the suspected war criminals are human, most of them high-ranking Allanean and Prussian Imperial military officials. The deputy minister also stressed that President-for-Life Alexander Kazansky remains the author of the Amistad Declaration and the most egregious violator of international law pursuant to the Amistad Declaration, saying that "this is not an issue of race, it is an issue of justice".

More surprising were the charges made against Elenaran Ranisath Cuilahîr Cuilévaher nos Fëanor and Lady-Governor Kasterairin for crimes against humanity, on account of a nefarious scheme that is said to have involved shipping armed nuclear explosives to a foreign country under the guise of making a sale.

Also surprising are the charges against High Chancellor Maven Auryn of the Beastling States of Crystal Spires, a communist metahuman country in the distant region of Mystria. He faces a single charge of conspiracy to mass murder and several other charges that have been brought forward in cooperation with the government of the neighbouring Altean Confederation. If the trial goes ahead, it would be the second time that Auryn faces charges by an international tribunal. The first time he was found to be innocent after being defended by a Necrontyr attorney-at-law.

Despite the prominence of the names on the list, little is expected to happen in the short term. The Vologdov Administration has pledged that it will formally request the countries whose citizens are on the list to extradite these leaders to Knootoss or to another nation that is willing to host a fair and impartial trial. There are currently no plans to use force to abduct suspected war criminals and move them into a Knootian jurisdiction, nor is the government considering to declare war on any of the states whose citizens are on the list.

[Knootoss]

• Social-Liberal PM Candidate Testifies against Ponies
  
  NEUE BAYREUTH - Maurits Viljoen, the SLP candidate to be the next Prime Minister, made a splash today as he travelled to Frenequesta to testify against a plan for that country to join the Coalition of Ponyist States. After slowing slides to show his affinity with ponies, he presented documentation to prove the "black marks" on the record of the CoPS. It is not yet known what impression he has made on the committee, though female viewers rated his performance highly.

[Abt]

ATLANTIC FORUM TALKS HEADING FOR DISASTER?

• DELEGATES STRUGGLE TO AGREE
• XIRNIUMITES TOO HIGH TO CARE?
  

ANDRIUM, PANTOCRATORIAN AMBARA – Talks to establish the new pan-regional Atlantic Forum seem to be headed for disaster as some nations call for the headquarters to be seated elsewhere than in Andrium and others for there to be no treaty lest the signatories of Courland and Lyeithen ratify. Something made hard by the Xirniumite position.

According to insider sources with some national delegations partaking in the talks, the head of the Xirniumite delegation, the one Adolphine Angadrême, might just be “too high to care” about the proceedings, speaking in riddles and making absolutely no constructive input to the talks. If confirmed, such a position would be a blatant disregard by the Eternal Republic of all protocols of diplomatic courtesy as, it is said, if a State is not interested in proceedings, the State does not partake and for in the name of all that is polite the State does not send someone to derail the proceedings.

Another source of contention appears to be the Pantocratorian position of refusing to ratify lest all signatories of Courland and Lyeithen ratify, which means having Xirnium actually come out and do something else than "opiate-inspired mumblings and riddles", as one insider source put it.

[Excalbia]

Landing Journal

Mabuza Arrested in Zamimbia
Lord Kunle To Head Zamimbian Reconstruction
New Government Named
by staff reporters

Former Chief of the General Staff and New Special Envoy Lord Admiral Derek Kunle, ret., seen in a file photo.

(Citadel Excalbia) – The Ministry of Defence announced today that Field Marshall Alexander Mabuza, self-proclaimed President of Zamimbia, was earlier this week arrested by Zamimbian military personnel with the operational assistance of the Imperial Army. The announcement was followed by a press conference at the Ministry of State, where former Chief of the General Staff, Lord Admiral Derek Kunle, ret., was introduced as the new Special Envoy for Zamimbian Reconstruction. It was also announced that Zamimbian Brigadier General Joseph Duna, who led the raid to capture Mabuza, has resigned his commission and has been named Provisional President of Zamimbia by the newly convened National Unity Council.

The National Unity Council, which was earlier introduced in a press conference in the Zamimbian capital of New Hope, will be co-chaired by the Prince of Gatash, the traditional ruler of the eastern Nalu people, and by the elected “Chief of Chiefs” of the northern and coastal Buta people. Representatives of a variety of ethnic and political groups, including leaders of the Hansa, Jariahan, Taxilhan and the white settler communities, were named to the Council. The Council will draft a new constitution, which is widely expected to make Zamimbia a federal republic and to replace single-member constituencies with proportional representation in the national parliament, and convene a National Assembly to ratify it. Provisional President Duna is expected to remain in office elections can be held under the new constitution.

Mabuza will reportedly be tried by a special tribunal in New Hope on charges of treason, conspiracy to overthrow the government, corruption and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of former President Solomon Bongani. Until his trail begins and special security arrangements can be made, Mabuza will be held aboard an Imperial Navy ship off-shore. The Ministry of Defence pledged that both Zamimbian prosecutors and the former Field Marshal’s defence attorneys will be permitted unrestricted access to Mabuza aboard ship.

[Aerion]

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[Excalbia]

For Immediate Release

The Imperial Household Agency



Sweyn Castle, Citadel Excalbia

A Statement by His Imperial Majesty

We are shocked and horrified that the Bundeskaiser has received the usurper Dietrich and accepted his oath of fealty as one of his vassals. This act gives recognition to a regime that was born in the blood of premeditated murder and treacherous regicide and that was baptized in the blood of martyrs, falsely convicted without trial by torture and coerced confessions and slaughtered without regard for law at the hands of their own kith and kin, who were themselves acting under the coercion of a blood tyrant.

In taking this unconscionable step, the Bundeskaiser has forever forsaken his House’s heritage of justice and righteous and has smeared his own hands with the blood of his slain, loyal vassal and the blood of his own suffering people. The Bundeskaiser has traded his good name and that of his House for the dubious oaths of a murderer. He has made his throne a throne of tyranny and blood. He has turned a deaf ear to the wails of his people and we are sadly confident that in time his people will also turn a deaf ear to his cries as his House is brought low.

In as much as it is now clear that there can be no hope of justice for the people of Ostmark from the Heiliges Westbund, it is incumbent upon the people themselves, and all nations that support the cause of justice and righteous, to work for the freedom and security of the people of Ostmark and to demonstrate to the usurper Dietrich that villainy and injustice shall not prevail.

Now, therefore, I, David IV, by the Grace of God Emperor of Excalbia, do hereby and irrevocably declare that all bonds of affection and amity between the House of Alsgood and the House of the false Emperor of the Western Confederacy are dissolved. Furthermore, it is hereby decreed that no member of that false House nor any high official of the Western Confederacy shall be granted leave to enter the Holy Empire. Nor shall any such person enjoy the benefits of any investments, assets, properties or financial instruments located in the Holy Empire; rather, let those boons be granted to such refugees as who are able to flee the terror in Ostmark. Let our Ambassador to the Court of the false Emperor be recalled and let the emissary of him who has abdicated his responsibility to protect and defend his people of the Ostmark be out from our Court. As for Ostmark, let it be decreed that henceforth, until such a time as true government is restored to that beleaguered land, that all trade, investment and travel to Ostmark by citizens, organizations or corporations under the laws of the Holy Empire are forbidden. Likewise, let all goods, investments and merchant vessels originating from the Ostmark within the jurisdiction of the Holy Empire be seized for the benefit of those able to flee persecution. And, finally, let none bar the refuge fleeing the usurper Dietrich’s tyranny from seeking sanctuary within the Holy Empire.

Given by my hand, this 10th day of April in the 2,012th year of our Lord,

David IV,
Emperor

[Knootoss]

• Knootoss Condemns Aerionian Empress
  
  HARTSTAD - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence has released a scathing condemnation the Aerionian Imperial Government after it dissolved the provinces and regions of of Aerion, only to replace them with hereditary duchies, marquisates and baronates. According to the statement, the "re-feudalisation" of Aerion is a blatant violation of the democracy and private property provisions in the Treaty of Lyeithen, to which Aerion, the Caldan Union, Pantocratoria and Xirnium remain parties. The Vologdov Administration had already left the treaty after other perceived violations by Aerion of its human rights provisions.
  
  The governments of the Caldan Union, Pantocratoria and Xirnium have not yet responded to the condemnation of their treaty partner. Xirnium, traditionally a bulwark of Republicanism, is expected to resent the move - though its government may not speak out for reasons of political opportunism.