Union Broadcasting Company: UBC [Closed]

by **Crontor** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 2:56 pm

Union Broadcasting Company

"The premier news source for the entire Luso-Cron Union since 1999!"

History of the UBC:

Before the formation of the Luso-Cron Union in 1999 under the Treatise of Union, the nations of the Impireacht of New Lusitaniagrad and the Imperial Federation of Crontor had existed as allies within the region of Sondria. They had been allies ever since the conclusion of a series of devestating wars earlier in the 20th century had forced the nations to turn to one another for mutual support. As they were both important members of the Steel Pact, their alliance became even more cemented, helped by the fact that the nations are geographically near to one another, sharing an rather large border.

With the collaspe of the aforementioned Steel Pact, the two nations turned to one another for support, signing a series of treaties in the 1980's that cemented the bond. The treaties promoted trade in between the two nations and allowed for closer cooperation of the respective militaries of the two nations. With joint military exercises and trade summits commonplace, the two allied nations began to become more and more intertwined. Some within each nation called for the formal declaration of a union, forming a superstate that was sure to hold a great deal of leverage within the region.

In 1995, a lifelong politician by the name of Christian Cranico began a run for the presidency of the Imperial Federation, promising in a foreign policy speech, to, "bring together ourselves and our brothers and sisters in New Lusitaniagrad." He did exactly this. Lucky for Cranico, his Lusitanian counterpart, Chancellor Norsefire shared these feelings regarding unification. In 1999, after almost a year of negotiations, the Treatise of Union was signed by representatives from both nations on the island of New Port, an island that had been jointly occupied by both powers since the New Port War in the 18th century. The treaty established the Luso-Cron Union (LCU) a superstate comprised of both nations that would pursue common economic, military, and foreign policy goals. Both nations retained their political systems and militaries, but the leaders and militaries of both nations were expected under the treaty to work closely together for the betterment of the Union.

Founding of the UBC:

Both nations promised to pursue policies that would benefit the betterment of the LCU as a whole, and immediately, there seemed to be an issue. Both nations maintained state regulated news services, but these services were not uniform in the information they were giving to the public, which lead to a sense of disunity amongst a population that both nations were trying to present as unified. No longer were people Crontorians or Lusitanians, but were now citizens of the Union.

It was decided by the heads of the Crontorian News Network, a department of the Crontorian Ministry of Education and the Lusitanian state run Imperial Broadcasting Service, that what the Union needed was a unified news network that would provide information equally to all citizens of the Union. The result was the Union Broadcasting Company, a joint effort, paid for and supervised by both parties. The Crontorian News Network and Imperial Broadcasting Service were both assimilated into the new organization, headquartered in the border city of Corro Tel.

The UBC Today:

From the UBC News Complex in Corro Tel, the UBC has for 12 years provided up to date and accurate information regarding the most important issues of the day in both the LCU, regionally, and internationally. From stories regarding the economic status of the Union, to political analysis and news of Union forces abroad, UBC reporters operate across the region and the world.

The UBC has come to dominate the media in the Union, and has byfar more viewers than any other news stations or companies. The Union Daily, the newspaper version of the UBC has more subscribers than any other paper in either member state, as does the weekly news magazine, Union, which tackles complex social and political issues within the LCU. So, from television, to radio, to the internet, to the newspappers, the UBC has been an integral part of citizens lives since its founding, and still dominates Union news, and is expected to for many more years to come.

The website of the UBC can be found at: http://www.UBCnews.lcu

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by **Crontor** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 5:35 pm

Union Broadcasting Company

"The premier news source for the entire Luso-Cron Union since 1999!"

Union Expeditionary Force Reaches Island of Creed

Crontorian Marines of the Crontorian 11th Marine Strike Division load helicopters for the beach assault.

UBC: Vienna- Spokespersons for the combined militaries of the Imperial Federation and Impireacht have confirmed that Union forces have successfully landed on the island of Creed in the Principalities of Alberic Claude. Elements of the Union Expeditionary Force, more specifically the Marine elements of the task force, executed a combined air, sea, and ground assault that resulted in a Union victory, the second of the campaign.

Earlier this morning, the Union Expeditionary Force launched a naval landing against an enemy held town, which was first softened up by the guns of Union destroyers. After achieving air dominance, the Crontorian and Lusitanian Marines launched their assault, quickly subduing the hostile native population and the few enemy fighters that were stationed their. Union forces have reported no losses of this hour, as enemy forces were quick to retreat in the face of the massive Union assault force. Creed is a stepping stone to the main island of Alberic Claude.

The Principalities of Alberic Claude are, of course, the origin of the virus that upon release into civilian populations across the region, devestated the unsuspecting public. The origins of the atrocity were confirmed to be terrorists aligned with Alberic Claude, who attempted an attack on the seat of regional government, the Sondrian Regional Council Islands, earlier this month. Following the attacks on the SRC, the Sondrian Defense Force issued a regional declaration of war against the rogue state.

President Christian Cranico said earlier in a prepared statement about the Union foothold in enemy territory:

"...What the soldiers of the Union embody, is the fundamental passion and commitment to fighting tyranny on all fronts that is present in the hearts and minds of all citizens of the Union. Alberic Claude stands in the way of this ideal, and so, the armed forces of the Luso-Cron Union will make every effort to stop his genocidal rampage across our fair region, and establish peace and order for the regional community as a whole. We have a duty as a leading nation in the region to ensure the principals of freedom and democracy are available to all of its citizens, and this includes the citizens of Alberic Claude, who will be liberated from their oppressive government."

President Cranico then went on to note that he was not at this time considering instituting a selective service act. He and his Secretary of Defense Alysia Crowell, have noted several times over the last week that the standing armies of the Union are more than capable of dealing with the current enemy. Neither has the defense budget seen a significant increase, rather a sharp decline in the last few months. Whether that is as a result of cost sutting measures implemented by Supreme Commander Rockepeller, or a general drawdown in troop deployment, is still to be seen.

by **Crontor** » Sat Apr 07, 2012 8:00 pm

Union Broadcasting Company

"The premier news source for the entire Luso-Cron Union since 1999!"

Union Forces Press On To Creed!

Crontorian Abrams Tanks Advance On Enemy Positions

UBC: Creed- Union forces under the command of Field Marshall Kronde have successfully announced that they had reached the enemy capital of Creed and established a defensive line in preparation for the final assault on the city. In less than a week, the Union Expeditionary Force has successfully landed and penetrated intense enemy defensives before finally pushing towards the capital. Casualties are reported at less than 100 servicemembers, as the majority of enemy resistance crumbled in the wake of the Union assault.

Kronde, upon talking to our reporters, noted that the LCU was making good progress in the campaign:

"...The enemy has shown that the ferocity it once had when it dared attack this great Union has all but diminished, and they are now hiding behind concrete walls. Well, let me tell you this people of the Union, the Union Expeditionary Force is prepared and willing to assault this enemy stronghold in order to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice."

Elsewhere, Crontorian and Lusitanian Armed Forces prepared to bring the fight to the enemy. According to the official Crontorian Military Press Release, Union forces were making good time towards the island of Alberic Claude and have established a forward operating base on the island of John.

In other news, President Christian Cranico announced that the Crontorian Armed Forces will not be reinstituting the Selective Service Act. The swelling of recruitment centers by eager volunteers has satisfied the little need that the CAF needs at this time, as they described in a recent press release, "...The Crontorian Armed Forces are fully confident that with our Union allies, these aggressors can be dealt with."

President Christian Cranico echoed this sentiment when he declared a 10% decrease in military spending over the next five years. This was to be accompanied by a decrease in the income tax rate for all income earners. Citing the unecessary expidentures of the Crontorian Federal Government, Cranico declared that the tax break would help regular Crontorians get through these difficult times.

by **Crontor** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:09 pm

Union Broadcasting Company

"The premier news source for the entire Luso-Cron Union since 1999!"

Victory Declared! Plague War At An End

Crontorian Air Assault Force Flyover During the Celebrations In Vienna

UBC: Vienna- Citizens across the region of Sondria and within the Luso-Cron Union were delighted this morning to hear that the Plague War was finally at an end. For months, the nations of Sondria had fought valiantly against the oppressive and psychotic regime of Alberic Claude, a warlord who unleashed a devastating bio-terrorist attack upon the region. The result within the region was hundreds of millions dead, with the LCU bearing the brunt of the assault.

With the capture of Creed by the combined forces of the LCU, efforts were switched to the main island of the regime. Other Sondrian forces, Millsan, Mighty Island, and even Kylarnatian elements deployed from their territory of Flanders, targeted other islands of the regime, capturing them in swift and effective manners. Union forces first targeted the city of Hailton, north of the capital, allowing Mighty Island forces to capture the capital city.

Union forces, under the leadership of Crontorian Minister of Defense Alysia Crowell and her Lusitanian counterpart Lord Admiral Norsefire, lead the Union assault on the city with elements from the Union Expeditionary Task Force and the Union Armada, known as the Vengeance Armada. Crontorian and Lusitanian Marines were able to secure a beachhead, allowing conventional Union armor and infantry to assault the city and the surrounding hills, which were heavily fortified by the enemy. After many hours of fighting, the city and hills were secured with minimal casualties.

Following news of the Union capture of Hailton and Mighty Island capture of Alberic, peace talks were held in the new chambers of the Sondrian Regional Council, on the Sondrian Regional Council Islands, rebuilt after the assault on the facilities there. Although our reporters were not allowed access to the highly sensitive talks, we, here at the UBC, were able to talk with President Cranico who delivered a prepared statement outside the council halls for the regional media.

In his detailing of the talks, held with the President of the Mighty Islands, Ashton Adolamin, Cranico explained how land captured by the Union would be exchanged for the Mighty Island promise to pay pensions of both the families of dead soldiers and families of citizens killed by the virus. The Imperial Federation was also given a vast supply of vaccines to the viruses, which has already reached Union ports, and are being distributed throughout the Union by the Union Armed Forces and the Crontorian Ministry of Health.

“President Ashton and I were able to come to an agreement rather quickly,” said Cranico in his statement, “I feel as if all of the citizens of the Union can be proud of what their nations have done. At the same time, I would like to stress that my sympathies and those of the respective governments of the Union go out to all of the families that have lost loved ones, either by war or the virus.”

When asked about why the Union was so quick to give up land it had conquered, Cranico remarked that, “It was not our land to rule. We respect the claims the Mighty Islands has to that territory.”

Although the official cost of the war to the Union is currently unknown, it is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of soldiers and hundreds of billions of dollars worth of equipment.

by **New Lusitaniagrad** » Thu Jul 26, 2012 1:48 pm

Union Broadcasting Company

"The premier news source for the entire Luso-Cron Union since 1999!"

Major Reforms after Victory in Prince War

The Federal Manor, the new residence of the Prime Minister.

UBC Portmor: This month Sir William Hunter was inaugurated as Prime Minister the the Lusitanian Impireacht after a short battle in Parliament between Sir Hunter and the former Prime Minister, Sir William Norsefire. The former Prime Minister, who's son is an Admiral in His Majesty's Navy and the cause for many a Lusitanian victory, lost the confidence of Parliament with only 32% of the vote.

Prime Minister Hunter, also a veteran of the war, fought in the horrid Siege of Creed where he vowed to run for his current position and conduct major reforms in the military, police, and structure of His Majesty's Government.

First on the list for the Prime Minister was a complete reform of His Majesty's Armed Forces, where Sir Hunter had seen great ineptitude during the war. Entrance into the Officer Corps is now restricted though the use of new War Academies, and entrance exams. Members of the nobility, while still prominent among the Empire's Officer Corps, must now pass the rigorous exams as their noble blood is no longer grounds for immediate acceptance.

Reforms were also conducted among the domestic security of the Impireacht as federal policing power was handed over from sections of the Special Service and Domestic Security Militias over to a completely new Bureau of Investigations. Headed by Director Oliver Meyer, the Bureau of Investigations will handle all counter terrorism incidents, federal crimes, espionage and counter espionage within the Impireacht.

"I am extremely proud to head this new force of justice and executive authority. The new Bureau of Investigations will take a great load from the SS, and allow it to focus on specialized warfare and the defense of the Emperor. They will no longer need to devote valuable resources, that could be spent on new tank brigades, chasing communists in the dead of night. We will handle all of that now." Stated Director Meyer to UBC reporters at a press conference on Monday.

The Director, a graduate from the Lisbonburg University, was hand picked by Prime Minister Hunter and will answer directly him in all matters, which is a cause for some concern within some of the ultra monarchist factions in the Party who view a new independent police force which does not answer to the Emperor as an affront to Royal Authority.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Hunter as seen to restore the Blackhall Manor in the center of the City of Portmor, and establish it as the new Chief Executive Office. Re-christened as the Federal Manor, the building has been refitted with a colossal new dome, golden statues of the Party Patriarchs, and of course a new state of the art security system manned by none other than the new Bureau of Investigations.

by **Crontor** » Mon Aug 13, 2012 8:22 pm

Union Broadcasting Company

"The premier news source for the entire Luso-Cron Union since 1999!"

Civil War Breaks Out In The Alkharanian Republic of Tiami

Elements of the Crontorian Fifth Carrier Strike Group, which was redeployed to the Anchli Isles earlier this week, as a possible buildup of naval resources commences

UBC: Vienna- Earlier this week, the nation of Tiami, situated in eastern Sondria, was plunged into civil war, as anti-government rebel forces raided a government weapons stockpile, and made off with most of the equipment. Tiamian forces and their Kylarnatians allies were quick to declare a state of martial law in the Tiamian capital of Citadel, and have placed the entire city in a state of lockdown. Sporadic fighting has been reported to media sources, and has been verified by the staff of the Union embassies in Citadel.

Tiami has seemingly always been at the center of some sort of strife. The nation was invaded only a little over a decade ago by the imperial forces of Kylarnatia, who has ruled over the nation since then. That invasion was strongly protested by the Luso-Cron Union, and has remained a point of resentment for the Union towards Kylarnatia. That invasion left an entire generation of Tiamians disgusted with their government, whose inability to act effectively in the more recent Plague War, may have been the catalyst of this more recent uprising.

The latest reports, direct from the Crontorian Satellite Reconnaissance and Observation Division, or CSROD, would indicate that a rebel buildup is occurring in the west of the nation. Strategically, for the rebels, this would make sense. A buildup in the west would most likely aim to capture one or more port cities, from which the rebels can be resupplied from any nations bold enough to stand up to the combined Kylarnatian-Tiamian forces present in the nation. No nations have indicated that they would take a firm stance against or for the rebels, although many are surely working behind the scenes.

According to Dr. Jeremy Murdon, an analyst for Crontorian Strategic Studies, a Vienna based think tank, “This outbreak of civil war within Tiami will surely test the state of alliances within the region, and will more than likely lead to most nations taking a side. For more powerful nations such as the Union, they will use this opportunity to diminish the power of the Kylarnatians in the region. That would include sponsoring the overthrow of a Kylarnatian government in Tiami, and the installation of a regime friendly to the Union.”

“At the same time, we suspect that dormant nations, such as Onekawa-Nukanor, Malsitar, and possibly Gerrivica might see this as an opportune time to flex their muscles. Onekawa-Nukanor especially, considering their potential as a superpower in the region, given the massive size of their economy, population, and military resources. Malsitar and Gerrivica have the luxury of proximity to the battle zone, which may or may not work to their benefit. They will surely be courted by other nations.”

The Union governments have been incredibly quiet regarding this affair, although Supreme Commander Rockepeller was quoted as saying that, “the Union will work to provide humanitarian aid to those civilians affected by the ongoing crisis. We would ask the governments of Tiami and Kylarnatia to act in the best interests of the Tiamian people, and remind them that even in wartime, human rights need to be upheld.”

Further information on the ongoing conflict will be provided as it surfaces.

by **Crontor** » Fri Feb 08, 2013 5:28 pm

Union Broadcasting Company

"The premier news source for the entire Luso-Cron Union since 1999!"

Union Condemns Use of Chemical Weapons in Tugai Bay

Elements of the Crontorian Second Naval Strike Group have been ordered to head to waters off Tugai Bay.

UBC: Vienna- Following the recent interception of communications originating in the Federation of Tugai Bay, the Luso-Cron Union has condemned the use of chemical weapons by rebel factions engaged in conflict against the Provisional Government. In response to the use of chemical weapons against civilian targets, President Christian Cranico of the Imperial Federation has ordered the deployment of the Crontorian Second Naval Strike Group to waters off Tugai Bay to provide support for the embattled government.

Speaking to the nation in a press conference earlier today, President Cranico said, “The Luso-Cron Union is disgusted by the use of chemical weapons in Tugai Bay, especially as it has come to light that these weapons were used against a civilian population. The Union does not endorse the use of chemical weapons in any conflict, and will do everything within its power to ensure that those responsible in Tugai Bay are brought to justice.”

President Cranico then informed the nation that he had ordered the deployment of the Crontorian Second Naval Strike Group in order to support the Provisional Government in Tugai Bay. Tugai Bay is a colony of the Gothic nation of Ikruchystan, although wars within Gholgoth have prompted the withdrawal of most Ikruchystani elements. The Provisional Government has been wracked by armed groups operating across the country, fighting the government and each other for control of the nation.

The deployment is a controversial one, especially in light of the reconstruction efforts in the south of the country which have occupied most of Cranco’s attention since the end of the Newcastle War. Cranico emphasized that he did not foresee a long, drawn out conflict, and he called on Crontorian allies such as the Elder Republic of Erjunhuf to assist in these operations.

by **Crontor** » Sun Mar 03, 2013 12:54 pm

Union Broadcasting Company

"The premier news source for the entire Luso-Cron Union since 1999!"

President Cranico Announces Massive Reforms to Federal Government

Crontorian Emergency Management Agency convoy pushes south with relief supplies.

UBC: Vienna- Earlier today, President Christian Cranico announced a series of reforms and measures to take place immediately across the country to greater aid the response to the devastation wrought by the Newcastle War in the Imperial Federation. Appearing before a joint session of the Imperial Congress, President Cranico proposed eliminating certain agencies, reducing defense expenditures, and the formation of a new ministry to streamline aid efforts. The measure passed with no votes in opposition from either house of the Imperial Congress, allowing Cranico a free hand in implementing his reforms.

Following the conclusion of the Newcastle War three months ago, which saw the invasion and devastation of much of the Imperial Federation, the Crontorian Federal Government has worked tirelessly to return the afflicted areas of antebellum status. In regards to the relief efforts, Cranico made the following statement, “…We have seen a great deal of progress in recent months. For once, all air services have returned to normal, as we have repaired our airport infrastructure. The same is also true with the Crontorian High Speed Rail Network, which is running at full capacity thanks to the tireless efforts of the Crontorian Infrastructure Management Bureau. Even still, areas that have seen battle are still devastated, although we have begun transferring civilians into their former homes in some cities.”

President Cranico also called for the creation of a Ministry of Reconstruction, elevating the Crontorian Emergency Management Agency to a ministry, joining the other sixteen ministries of the President’s bureaucracy. By removing CEMA from the Ministry of Internal Security, the agency is more readily able to deal with issues pertaining directly to the rebuilding of the Imperial Federation. Cranico has proposed slashing the defense budget by 50% and the security budget by 25% in order to fund the agency.

Although all voted for the bill, several from within Cranico’s own party expressed concerns regarding deep cuts to defense. Senator Elyse Capton, leader of the Crontorian Nationalist Party within the National Congress, echoed concerns of the leaders of the Crontorian Militarist Party in regards to the proposed cuts to defense.

“While I understand the dire nature of this situation,” Capton remarked, “these cuts to defense leave the Crontorian Armed Forces more vulnerable than ever before in our nation’s history, especially after a devastating war that caused millions of casualties and trillions lost in equipment.”

Supreme Commander Crogden, who took over from Supreme Commander Rockepeller during the war, was not reachable for comment on this matter.

by **Crontor** » Sat Mar 16, 2013 4:36 pm

Union Broadcasting Company

"The premier news source for the entire Luso-Cron Union since 1999!"

Amateur photo showing the CAF response to attacks in Fort Calpe on the northern coast of Beblis

UBC: Union City- Following the mass withdrawal of Crontorian Armed Forces personnel from Beblis back to mainland Crontor, insurgents operating in both the Southern and Northern Zones of Control have stepped up attacks on Crontorian forces under Crontorian Colonial Command (COLCOM). Insurgent fighters from groups such as the BDLF and UBRF have made their presence known across the country as COLCOM redeploys its forces to provide security for the nation, now with fewer forces. Across Beblis, fighters have staged attacks on CAF and CDF installations, including a suicide bombing in the heart of El Carbolo.

The bombing in El Carbolo occurred near the headquarters of Colonial Defense Force Command in the city, when a truck laden with explosives was driven into the first checkpoint surrounding the base, killing the driver and seven CDF personnel. The attack was followed by a sustained firefight as BDLF fighters had seemingly infiltrated the city and were carrying out attacks on government ministries and other military establishments. The COLCOM outpost was also under attack at press time with a sustained mortar barrage.

COLCOM commander, Field Marshall Arthur Dragbeah quickly issued a statement to the UBC upon inquiry about the attacks across Beblis, saying, “We are responding with all available forces to reports of attacks across the country, but we cannot necessary confirm any details as the situation is still evolving. We are concerned that recent withdrawals of CAF personnel have prompted insurgents to attack, as well as the imminent budget cuts within the CAF.”

In Union City, news of the attacks prompted street demonstrations from ethnic Beblians, demonstrations that were quickly put down by the Colonial Police Force in riot gear as CAF personnel watched on. Some reports say that CDF personnel have intervened in some cities and are actively gunning down demonstrators. Such is the situation across the nation, as the UBC continues to compile reports. Colonial Defense Forces are reacting with extreme hostility to insurgent attacks with support from Crontorian Armed Forces personnel.

Firefights are still raging in Nelido, Forwith, and Morke, as scattered reports have also indicated that the Crontorian Naval Base at Fort Calpe has been hit with a pair of suicide bombings. Airstrikes via CDF and CAF helicopters and fighters have been reported across Beblis, both in the cities and countryside. These strikes also appear to be unrestrained in nature, as many have been against areas of high civilian concentration.

The current death toll stands at more than 2,000 on all sides, although that number could very soon rise.

by **Crontor** » Sat Jun 22, 2013 12:00 pm

Union Broadcasting Company

"The premier news source for the entire Luso-Cron Union since 1999!"

Sagror Assassinated, Beblian Cities Devolve Into Anarchy

A Colonial Defense Force tank patrols a stabilized neighborhood of Union City.

UBC: Union City- Shocking news erupted from Union City earlier today when the newly elected Viceroy of the Colonial Union of Beblis, Victor Sagror, was assassinated while giving his inaugural address. Despite the heavy security in and around Union City for the inauguration, it is now apparent that the Colonial Defense Force was infiltrated by elements loyal to the Beblian Democratic Liberation Front. These rebels elements have initiated what appears to be a coordinated military offensive against the Colonial Union, Colonial Defense Force, and other security assets.

This tragic train of events comes on the heels of the devastating invasion of Crontor, dubbed the Newcastle War, has seen the majority of the Crontorian Armed Forces detachment, Colonial Command or COLCOM, withdrawn to the mainland to assist in rebuilding efforts. The remaining forces under federal command have reported no attacks thus far, suggesting that the insurgents are solely focused on attacking the Colonial Union. Contingents of CAF soldiers have yet to deploy to Colonial Union cities currently under attack, and Vienna has not publicly released any orders for their units in Beblis.

This is unusual for the CAF, but may reflect an increasing desire to stay out of the conflict in Beblis. Sagror was the first elected viceroy in Beblis, as all previously leaders had been appointed by the President of the Imperial Federation. Traditionally, the CAF had not pursued very aggressive combat actions in Beblis, letting the CDF take the lead in most offensives. Even still, both forces still reported to the federal Ministry of Defense. Viceroy Sagror had advocated more autonomy for Beblis on all matters, including defense, meaning the CDF would operate independently of the CAF. This sentiment was unpopular in political circles in Vienna as well as insurgent groups within Beblis.

Although the CAF has responded to attacks in recent months, such as the succession of suicide bombings at Fort Calpe, CAF units have been unnervingly quiet as these assaults rage across Beblis. No reporters were allowed access to any CAF facilities, and said facilities appeared to be preparing to defend against attacks, as our reporters were turned back by soldiers manning heavily armed checkpoints around their respective facilities. As such, the majority of fighting currently being seen in El Carbolo, Nelido, Forwith, Niechs, Morke, and Deslstro is being met with Colonial Defense Force or Colonial Police Force personnel. Although these forces have fought dilligently, they have been unsuccessful in driving the rebels out of the cities, and firefights rage at press time.

In the midst of all the chaos, the Colonial Union did release an official press statement, saying, "We are moving all available resources to combat the insurgents that have infiltrated our cities. All units of the Colonial Defense Force, both active and reserve, are being mobilized and directed to areas of concern. We would like all citizens to stay calm and remain indoors until this conflict passes. Any and all emergencies should be directed to the Colonial Police Force, we thank you for your cooperation."

by **Crontor** » Sat Jun 22, 2013 1:27 pm

Union Broadcasting Company

"The premier news source for the entire Luso-Cron Union since 1999!"

Cranico Condemns Invasion of Itica; Calls for SDF Intervention

Crontorian Marines of the Crontorian Fifth Guards Marine Strike Group practice a beach assault alongside the Sondrian Defense Force

UBC: Vienna- Responding to news emerging out of the little known nation of Itica, President Christian Cranico of the Imperial Federation of Crontor has condemned the invasion of Itica by the neighboring nation of Lamassu. Neither had commanded a great deal of attention to the Luso-Cron Union, until news broke that the relatively quiet backwater of Itica was under attack. Itica has apparently been unable to stem the invading forces, leaving many to wonder if the Luso-Cron Union will intervene, possibly with the assistance of the Sondrian Regional Council.

Speaking before a joint session of the Imperial Congress today, in a weekly update on the continuing reconstruction efforts following the Newcastle War, President Cranico said the following, "While we continue to rebuild in the wake of our devastating war with our southern neighbor, we must remember how that war began. That war began as war over a then neutral nation to our south, and grew into the most destructive conflict this region has ever seen, comparable to the population loss seen with the Plague War so many years ago. As such, the news of the invasion of Itica is incredibly concerning to a region that only wishes to see peace."

"To achieve this desired peace, we cannot allow these unwarranted acts of aggression to continue. Every nation has a sovereign right to defend itself, but instances such as these are examples of aggressive violations of sovereignty that have no place in a civilized region. I call on the Sondrian Regional Council, specifically the Sondrian Defense Force, to intervene and push the aggressors out of Itica."

President Cranico, as previously noted, did not make clear whether or not the Union would pursue unilateral military intervention. Supreme Commander Crogden was even more obscure on the matter, stating earlier in an interview on Good Morning Crontor that, "All options are currently being considered in regards to this situation. One thing is clear, the Union does not support the actions of the invaders whatsoever."

Whether or not the Union is prepared to get involved militarily so soon after the Newcastle War remains to be seen. According to Dr. Michael Kenneth of the Crontorian Policy Institute based in Vienna, "The Imperial Federation is facing far too many crises at the moment to pursue a potentially drawn out war abroad. Reconstruction and the devolving security situation in Beblis should remain the top policy issues of this administration as it stands right now. This however, does not mean the Crontorian Armed Forces are unable to provide some manner of assistance. One must remember that New Lusitaniagrad was largely unscathed in the war, meaning that they could very easily lead an intervention. The Crontorian Armed Forces could easily provide logistical support or even conduct an air campaign."

Whether or not the Union pursues any of these avenues, the issue will surely be brought before the Sondrian Regional Council. The Sondrian Defense Force has never been used before since its inception, other than to assist in post war peacekeeping efforts. This may signal a change within the council if the Union delegates are able to pass a resolution ordering intervention. At press time, the Ministry of Defense announced that they were deploying the Fourth Guards Fleet alongside the Third and Fourth Guards Strike Groups to the Sondrian Capital Islands. Their stated mission is to train alongside SDF forces in the area.

by **Crontor** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 7:08 pm

Union Broadcasting Company

"The premier news source for the entire Luso-Cron Union since 1999!"

Colonial Defense Forces Collapse In Beblis; Cranico Silent On Course of Conflict

A detachment of the CDF based in Niechs retreats from the captured city towards Union City in the Southern Zone.

UBC: Union City- What had first looked as a devastating assault against the inauguration of late Viceroy Sagror of the Colonial Union has evolved into a full scale military assault against the Colonial Union and its forces within the Northern and Southern Zones. From Deslstro in the far north, still surrounded and besieged by insurgents, to the firefights that still rage on the outskirts of Union City, the enemy appears to be unwilling to back down in the face of a coordinated counteroffensive by the CDF in concert with localized security forces across the Colonial Union. As of press time, one city in the Colonial Union has been confirmed as captured by the enemy, that being the city of Niechs. There are reports, however, that cities such as Friggal and El Carbolo are at serious risk of being captured by the enemy.

The Colonial Defense Force has released an official statement, noting that they were mobilizing all available resources to counter the unexpectedly large threat posed by insurgents. In summary, the Colonial Defense Force admitted that the widespread infiltration of their ranks was an embarrassment to the CDF and the Colonial Union as a whole and steps were to be taken to ensure that said level of corruption and violation of security would not happen again. While they understand that the general public may be displeased at their apparent incapability to provide for the general security of the populace, the CDF stresses that despite recent setbacks, the tide is turning in their favor and they will very shortly be launching campaigns to recapture lost cities and secure those that are at risk of falling into enemy hands.

Most surprising, according to a variety of military and political analysts interviewed in the wake of the insurgent campaign is the lack of response from the Office of the President and the Supreme Commander. Although both were present yesterday at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Patriotic War Memorial south of Alobordo, celebrating the sacrifice of dead soldiers, veterans, and civilians in and after the Newcastle War, neither leader answered any questions, and were hurried by their security details past reporters. Speaking this morning at a charity banquet, Madam Katie Cranico, when asked about the situation in Beblis, stated that she was not at liberty to discuss such matters, although her and her husband, President Christian Cranico, had both met with several Ministers and the Supreme Commander on the issue.

Earlier today in the Imperial Congress, Vice-Speaker of the Assembly Luke Calbon, leader of the Crontorian Militarist Party, addressed the assembled body about the continued inaction of the administration on what he termed the Beblis Question, "...What this nation needs right now is decisive action. We need to make it clear to both our committed partners in the Colonial Union and the insurgents who wish to destroy them that the Imperial Federation is and always will be a staunch supporter of the Colonial Union. Why our Supreme Commander has not ordered even limited air strikes to assist the fledgling CDF effort is beyond me. Any competent leader could see that despite current economic and military constraints, that an immediate deployment of federal forces to Beblis is needed to contain the insurgency."

Despite the long running support of Supreme Commander Rockepeller, it has seemed in recent months, with his allowance of large scale military cuts without much fighting, that Supreme Commander Crogden does not enjoy the same popularity of his predecessor. This has serious implications for the continued cooperation of the CAF, Imperial Congress, and Office of the President in the future. In regards to the comments made by Speaker Calbon, neither the Supreme Commander nor Office of the President were willing to make a statement.