Den Konstitution - A Reliable Newspaper from Luziyca

[Luziyca]

Regulations eased on Luziycan corporations wishing to invest in UNIR

Secretary of State Juliana Novak

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Today, Secretary of State Juliana Novak and Ankoreni Foreign Minister Hüseyin Dündar signed a bilateral agreement to ease restrictions on Luziycan corporations investing in the Union of Nautasian Islamic Republics in exchange for the Christian Republic sending technicians to help ensure the adoption of clean coal technologies to mitigate environmental damage caused by the predominant use of coal within UNIR, especially in Ankoren and Pasdan, as well as increasing the efficiency of converting Ankoreni coal into electricity.

Despite controversy over the agreement, especially as tensions between UNIR and Ainin have risen over the past few weeks, Juliana Novak told a press conference that "the recent discussions between the Foreign Minister of UNIR and myself was primarily to discuss how to relax regulations to encourage the investment of our corporations into Irvadistan, and to implement technologies to help reduce the damage caused to the environment in the UNIR as a consequence of its industrialization over the past few decades."

In regards to the investments, she said that "with the devastation in Irvadistan, our corporations have, for the past while, contemplated expanding their operations into Irvadistan. This agreement will ensure that they will not only invest in Irvadistan, as well as the rest of the Union of Islamic Nautasian Republics, but also provide jobs."

On the clean coal issue, Juliana Novak stated that "clean coal technologies will help the people of the Union of Islamic Nautasian Republics, as our goal will be that such technologies will make converting coal into electricity more efficient, so that, if I may use a Luziycan proverb, they get more bang for their buck. This will greatly benefit Ankoreni industry, and hopefully increase their export-worthiness across the world."

Among other topics discussed in the conference between Secretary of State Juliana Novak and Foreign Minister Hüseyin Dündar was refugees: with 50,000 people still residing in refugee camps in Ankoren and Pasdan, the Christian Republic has agreed to take in twenty thousand refugees via a resettlement program.

She told reporters that "while there is now lasting peace in Irvadistan, the Christian Republic recognizes that there are some refugees who are unable to safely return to their homes for whatever reason. Therefore, we have agreed with the UNIR government to take in twenty thousand Irvadi refugees before this year is out, and resettle the Irvadis currently in Ankoren and Pasdan in our borders."

"The twenty thousand refugees that will be brought into the Christian Republic will largely comprise of the most vulnerable members, mainly families, children, LGBT individuals, and disabled individuals," she remarked. "These vulnerable individuals shall receive top priority from the Luziycan government."

As well, the conference between the two officials touched upon Mazaristan: it was agreed that Luziyca will withdraw most of their troops after defeating both the Caliphate and the Hayat Tahrir Islami, in exchange for UNIR agreeing to not launch an offensive attack on Mazaristan.

Reactions from the opposition
As the 2018 mid-term elections for the House of Representatives approach, NLP leader Dorothy Vasiliev was swift to criticize the policies, declaring that "this agreement shows that the Agapov administration continues the Liberal tradition of spineless politicking," and accused Juliana Novak of "throwing Mazaristan under the Ankoreni bus, just like how Svensson threw Nantai under the Namorian bus, just so we may keep our oil and invest in their economy."

She also accused Novak of being "naive," stating that "in a couple of years, Ankoren will invade Mazaristan. They will annex it, and pretend that they're respecting the will of the people."

Meanwhile, Whig leader Nikolai Serhoskav declared that "while the free trade provisions are admirable, as well as taking in much of the remaining refugees in Irvadistan, we are concerned that such an agreement may not only jeopardize our membership within the EC, but also empower Ankoren in Nautasia."

Finally, Socred leader Paul Nikolovich expressed his support for the agreement, as a way to "ensure a continuation of friendly relations with Ankoren without sacrificing our key tenets."

In other news

• Ainin - Linda Dobrev to appeal to ECHR, hearing to take place on September 19th
• Khokarsa - Peace treaty ends Soghani insurgency
• Rifat - Boudjera falls as country falls apart
• Midterms - Tight race between NLP, Whigs, Socreds

[Luziyca]

Offensive to be launched against the HTI, main objective to cut road between Suwayr and Khan Qasyr

General Rodion Yezhov

JALAWLA, MAZARISTAN - Today, Commander Rodion Yezhov of the Mazari Security Task Force has announced plans to send 15,000 Luziycan soldiers to cut off the road between the two main cities of Suwayr and Khan Qasyr, and to provide a contiguous connection between the Mazari-controlled Tal Tefik and the rest of the territory controlled by the Mazaristani government.

Yezhov explained at a press conference in Jalawla that "the main intention [of the offensive] is to cripple the Hayat Tahrir Islami's main supply line between its western and eastern half, and to provide a contiguous connection between the Tal Tafik base and the rest of Mazaristan, without having to go through Nautarya and Hunawiyah."

"Thus, by liberating the area and reconnecting Tal Tafik with the rest of the territory held by the Mazaristani government, it will not only devastate the ability of the HTI to conduct operations into Mazaristani territory, but also enable people from Tal Tafik to return to their homes and receive fresh supplies from outside of Nautarya and Hunawiyah."

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Karazawa - Rockstars killed by gang
• Rifat - Badr al-Neman wins Presidency
• Siphria - Military regime arrests bedouins for ties to the UNIR
• Mazaristan - Government urges restraint after Mazari jet shot down by UNIR

[Luziyca]

Karshev to change their branding after over three decades

New logo of Karshev

JERUSALEM, INLEDA - Today, the CEO of Karshev, Trevor Karshev announced that a new logo will be adopted effective this coming Tuesday to communicate a "bolder and optimistic look" to the retail landscapes. Plans are for all Karshev locations worldwide to adopt the new logo by 2020, with the plans for all Karshev locations within Luziyca to change to the new logo by no later than the summer of 2018.

"We have decided that it is time to revitalize the Karshev brand, to make it more bold and distinctive from other retailers across Esquarium," CEO Trevor Karshev told reporters. "By adopting a new logo with the green checkmark, you will know that you are about to participate in an improved retail experience."

When asked by LRT reporters about whether the new logo will be localized, Karshev responded that "we will be developing translations for foreign scripts," but stated that the green checkmark will be an integral part of all future Karshev stores across Esquarium.

When asked by an Oelian journalist from Oëlie-Farnevision Internaçonale, Mathiéw d'Aropfe, about what will happen to the logos used by Unica and Valo Optovaya Klub, the CEO reassured d'Aropfe that "the existing logos of these subsidiaries [Unica and Valo Optovaya Klub] will not be changed, nor will they require the checkmark [next to their logos]."

Among other things that will be changed: the slogan will no longer be "Proudly [nationality]" (e.g. Proudly Luziycan in Luziyca, Proudly Namorese in Namor, Proudly Oelian in Oelia). Instead, the new slogan will be Everything for less, and will be implemented internationally.

"The new slogan," explained the CEO of Karshev, "explains that we sell everything that you will ever need. If you need some groceries, we sell that. If you need some toys, we sell that. Smartphones? We sell it. Drugs? We sell them too. All of them for less than our rivals, whether it be some small corner store in the middle of Shenitsa, or another big box store in Ainin."

"Our new slogan will help mesh together with our new look, so you know that we are serious in our pledge to improve our retail experience for the consumer."

In other news

• Razaria - Could algae replace oil? Razarians believe so.
• Mazaristan - Nine Luziycans killed in terrorist attack at police academy
• Thanksgiving - Our best recipes and strategies to make this Thanksgiving the best
• UNIR - Government pledges to end poverty

[Luziyca]

Namorians intrude upon Luziycan airspace

Closeup of Namorese jet

KENYEN, NANTAI - Earlier today, a Namorese surveillance aircraft, escorted by four Namorese fighter jets, flew above Luziycan airspace without requesting clearance from Luziycan aviation authorities. This maneuver caused disruption to flights to and from Nantai, with one flight en route to Kenyen being forced to divert to Uroya in Kraya-Sud.

Defense Secretary Juliana Novak stated at a press conference that "five Namorese aircraft flew from north to south over Nantai. We radioed the aircraft to request that they leave Luziycan airspace, but they refused. We tracked their path, and it took them around 45 minutes to exit Luziycan airspace."

As it is nearly ten days to the mid-term elections for the House of Representatives, Dorothy Vasiliev slammed the response from the Department of Defense, telling people at a rally that "the cowardly response by the Luziycan government shows us that it is time to put Luziyca first, and to send a clear message that every square inch of the Christian Republic, is our territory. We will not give up one inch, no matter what."

"If I were in charge," she told a cheering crowd, "if they don't make a sincere effort to leave our airspace, we will shoot them down. And we will not repatriate their corpses to Namor!"

The Namorese government cannot be reached for comment.

In other news

• Mazaristan - Mayor of Midaina killed in terrorist attack
• Ainin - Swordsmen seize police station in Carillon
• Opinion polls - National Luziycan Party leading opinion polls with 54%, second and third tied between Whigs and Socreds
• Rifat - Rifati rebels take Almoustarat in deal to allow evacuation of 5,000 government loyalist soldiers

[Luziyca]

Road between Suwayr and Khan Qasyr under Mazari control

General Rodion Yezhov

JALAWLA, MAZARISTAN - Today, Commander Rodion Yezhov of the Mazari Security Task Force announced that the road between Suwayr and Khan Qasyr has returned to Mazari control, following an incursion which cost the lives of 45 Luziycan soldiers, and injured 200 more. The forces of the Hayat Tahrir Islami, meanwhile, have suffered two thousand casualties.

Yezhov explained at a press conference in Jalawla that "earlier today, after a long offensive, the Tal Tefik base finally has a connection to the rest of Mazaristan, and a major supply line between the two halves of HTI-controlled territory [the road between Khan Qasyr and Suwayr] has finally been cut."

Commander Yezhov told reporters that "our main intention now is to strengthen the Tal Tefik corridor [between it and the rest of Mazaristan] and to launch an offensive to cut off the northwestern border region between Alouatan and the Suwayr pocket to prevent supplies from eastern HTI-controlled areas from making it through Alouatan, and to provide a contiguous connection for residents of the Majdal Aanjar pocket to the rest of Mazaristan."

"Law and order will hopefully be restored to northern Mazaristan by this time next year," he said.

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Siphria - Ankoreni-Siphrian tensions over hostage crisis: what can we do about it?
• Xiaodong - Tensions rise between Xiaodong and Siphria after 87 dissidents are arrested
• Jathana - Two tourists languishing in jail for alleged obscene behavior at Hindu temple
• Min - Politician murdered in West Thianchin, Katranjian deputy PM alleges Xiaodongese involvement

[Luziyca]

Damir Agapov forced to control damage after Resnica alleges that he will bring back Luziycan Caliphate fighters

Damir Agapov

BETHLEHEM, BETHLEHEM - Today, following a tense question period in which House Leader Dorothy Vasiliev raked the governing Liberals over the coals in regards to the allegations made by the news outlet Resnica that Agapov signed an executive order to bring back Luziycan Caliphate fighters, President Damir Agapov was forced to hold a press conference at the Presidential Palace.

Agapov denied the allegations, stating that "the Christian Republic of Luziyca remains committed to wiping out terrorism. The Luziycans who have gone abroad [to fight for the Caliphate] will receive a clear message should they try to return: they will be tried for their crimes, and they will receive just punishment for their crimes, not only against our forces, or Mazari civilians, but against all of humanity."

"These terrorists have betrayed our country, they have betrayed their friends and families, and if we were to reward them, we will reward these terrorists as traitors deserve," Agapov proclaimed. "The Christian Republic will not be a safe haven where terrorists can plan out their next attack, nor can any returning terrorists expect a welcome party: they will have to expect a prison sentence."

"Likewise, just as we vow to combat terrorism, we will fight to ensure that policies that stigmatize Muslims under the guise of protecting the Christian Republic from terrorism shall not be accepted," Agapov declared. "The last thing we want is for these discriminatory policies to inadvertently create more terrorists determined to destroy everything that the Christian Republic stands for."

In other news

• Namor - Mojing Sibo names five most prominent Esquarium: number two will shock you!
• Ceresnia - Will the far-right rise in Ceresnia?
• Rifat - Nationwide ceasefire takes effect
• Christmas - What The Constitution advises that you should do this Christmas

[Luziyca]

Ambassador slain by an Ankoreni

Saveliy Averyanov and the assailant

ESTANBAN, ANKOREN - At 8:15 pm local time, Luziycan Ambassador to the Union of Nautasian Islamic Republics, Saveliy Averyanov, was murdered by an Ankoreni assailant at an art gallery in Estanban. While the identity of the assailant remains unknown as of this time, some Luziycan officials believe that the assassination was spurred on by yesterday's rally in Estanban which vowed to evict Aininian and Luziycan forces in Mazaristan.

Response by the President and his cabinet
As soon as news of the assassination reached Bethlehem, President Damir Agapov declared that "the Christian Republic will cooperate with Ankoreni authorities in order to find out the motives of the assassination of the Ambassador [Saveliy Averyanov]." Agapov also sent his condolences to the "friends and relatives of Mr. Averyanov, who was killed in the line of duty."

Agapov also added that "Unless there is incontrovertible proof that this assassination was carried out under the orders of the Islamic Revolutionary Army or other organs of the [Ankoreni] government, relations between the UNIR and the Christian Republic shall continue as normal."

Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alina Stasov, has announced that attache Teodors Papandrou will be appointed as Chargé d'affaires ad interim until a new ambassador is confirmed by the Senate.

Response by the Official Opposition
National Luziycan Party leader Dorothy Vasiliev, in contrast, stated at a press conference that "the assassination of Mr. Averyanov shows that the Ankorenis have no concept of diplomatic immunity, and that it is almost certain that the Ankoreni government explicitly ordered the assassination of Mr. Averyanov."

"Therefore, I will make sure that the Luziycan government severs all ties with the Second Caliphate, especially as it has been proven that past policies made by Agapov and Pivec only amount to appeasement that has time and time again been broken by the Ankorenis," she declared. "The Christian Republic must send a clear message to Estanban, that we will not tolerate any breach of diplomatic immunity, and that their recent actions to conquer all of Nautasia, will be met with proportional force."

"Most Luziycans would not want the Caliphate to be defeated, only to be replaced with a Second Caliphate that is not based in Luqya, but in Estanban," she declared. "And I will see fit to make sure that we will defend all Nautasian states. End of story."

In other news

• Riro - Preparations for unification of Riro and Namor underway
• Nantai - Agapov reiterates Luziycan policy over Nantai: "no reunification without negotiations and a referendum."
• Razaria - What will their military be up against in the future?
• New Years - What will 2018 bring?

[Luziyca]

Agapov reassures nation that Nantai will not be surrendered

President Damir Agapov

BETHLEHEM - Today, following the New Year's address by Namorese President-General Shohai Antelope, in which he promised that Nantai will be reunited by 2024 or 2025, President Damir Agapov held a press conference at the Presidential Palace to discuss his administration's response to the offer presented by the Namorese government for a "fair agreement."

"The Christian Republic will reiterate its policy to Namo: we will not cede Nantai without negotiations [with Namor], nor shall we cede it without a vote among the Nantainese to confirm or deny any such deal," Agapov told reporters. "Unlike my predecessor, I will allow the Nantainese to decide whether they should unite with Namor under the terms of that agreement or not."

"If the Namorese government agrees to accept the role of the Nantainese people to decide to accept or deny any agreement we make, then we are ready to negotiate over Nantai at any time," Agapov said.

Response by the opposition
This brief statement made by Damir Agapov was met with substantial criticism by leader of the Official Opposition, Dorothy Vasiliev: at her home in Granitsygrad, Chayevsky, Vasiliev stated that "this statement made by President Agapov concerns Luziycans, because it shows that like his predecessor, he is willing to sacrifice Luziycan soil for mere political points."

"As well," she added, "his promise to allow the Nantainese to decide whether to unite with Namor under the terms of any such agreement or not is purposefully vague, so that in the event that the Nantainese reject it, both governments could return to renegotiate to get a 'better' deal, and so on and so forth. This will cost a lot of taxpayer liras, which could be used to strengthen our role as leader of the free world, instead of becoming the Queen Elis of world powers."

However, the Socred leader, Paul Nikolovich argued that "while Nantainese should have a right to decide, if it is in favor of rejoining Namor, then the Christian Republic should return Nantai to Namor, and pull ourselves out of Nantai to save money and provide our citizenry with a rebate to help strengthen our economy following the tidal wave."

In other news

• Pavonistade - Country enters recession: how this will affect world markets
• Riro - Riro is officially admitted into the People's Republic of Namor
• Ankoren - What we know of the assassination of Ambassador Averyanov
• New Years - What will 2018 bring?

[Luziyca]

Katsarou-Vasiliev Act tabled in the House of Representatives, passes first reading

Representative Pavlina Katsarou (NLP)

BETHLEHEM - Following the news of the ransacking of the Luziycan consulate in the Ankoreni city of Zahedan as a result of protests, combined with increased Namorese aggression, Representatives Dorothy Vasiliev of the NLP from the Granitsygrad constituency and Pavlina Katsarou of the NLP from Limani-Centre tabled the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act.

The act would impose a very tight embargo on what the bill deems "hostile states," with the two representatives including Namor, the UNIR, and Xiaodong on the list of hostile states. This includes a near-prohibition of trade and investment with hostile states above ₤10,000 ($20,000), and severely restricts the ability of Luziycan citizens and citizens of "hostile states" from travelling to each others countries to only a list of select conditions. It also empowers the Department of Foreign Affairs to add a state onto the list, but requires a two-thirds majority from both chambers to remove a state from the list.

Dorothy Vasiliev expressed her support of the bill, stating at a press conference outside the Congressional Palace that "For the past few years, the Liberal administrations of Pivec and Agapov have instituted failed policies of appeasement to try and boost our reputation. However, they have to learn to know that all our pandering to the enemy does is destroy our ability to lead the free world effectively and result in us becoming known as spineless cowards."

Response from the government
Damir Agapov condemned the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act, declaring that the "The Christian Republic will not tolerate any attempt by Congress to institute ill-advised and short-sighted policies that will only damage relations with major partners such as the UNIR or Namor."

He also declared that all Liberal representatives and Senators are to vote against the act, and in the event that the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act were to pass both chambers, he would personally veto it, thereby forcing it to achieve a two-thirds majority in both chambers in order for the veto to be overturned.

Public opinion
An opinion poll has been done to calculate the support for the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act, and whether it goes far enough, not far enough, or too far, as well as whether they opposed it altogether.

• Not far enough - 15%
• Just enough - 23%
• Too far - 18%
• Opposed - 34%
• No opinion - 10%

Thus, it is clear that a majority of Luziycans (56%) have expressed some degree of support to the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act, although a sizable portion feel that it is too extreme, even if they approve of its intentions.

Despite this, most people on both sides of the issue are doubtful that it will be approved by Congress, due to the Liberal control over the Senate, and the fact that there is no sufficient guarantee that there will be a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives in a case where they attempt to overturn the veto, let alone the Senate.

You may read the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act here.

In other news

• Ankoren - Luziycan government condemns the seizure of the Luziycan consulate, vows to co-operate with Ankoreni forces to free the hostages
• Opinion - Why the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act will harm our nation, even if it is not passed
• Namor - Government to move elections to May
• Mazaristan - Hunawiyan and Luziycan offensives as they stand right now

[Luziyca]

Katsarou-Vasiliev Act passes second reading

Representative Pavlina Katsarou (NLP)

BETHLEHEM - Today, following a few heated days of debate, and comments and contributions from many people across Esquarium, including the President of the Council of Esquarium, Rémi de Finistère, and the leaders of the affected states, the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act passed yet another hurdle, as it is now on its way to the Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The results for the second reading of the bill were as follows:

NLP - 315 YEA
Social Credit - 90 NAY, 23 YEA, 2 ABSTAIN
Whigs - 64 NAY, 10 YEA, 3 ABSTAIN
Liberals - 65 NAY
Christian Luziycan Party - 63 ABSTAIN

Thus, 348 representatives voted in favor of the bill, while 219 representatives voted against the bill. However, sixty-eight representatives chose to abstain.

Response by Damir Agapov
With the proceeding of the bill to the Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Subcommittee, Damir Agapov told reporters at a press conference that "we are currently working with all affected parties to control the damage that this bill may inflict on all countries targeted by it. We are in contact with Huimont, Namor, and Estanban to ensure that in the unlikely event it does pass both houses, we will be able to ensure that its damage is kept to a minimum."

Agapov also praised Council of Esquarium President Rémi de Finistère for his declaration that the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act was "blatantly and fully against the principles of the Esquarian Community and the Common Market," with Agapov saying that "the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act, even if it may seem to make Luziyca more powerful on the world stage, would only cause Luziyca's reputation and credibility outside of our own borders to disappear, and will greatly harm us in the long-term."

"Therefore," Agapov declared, "we will fight tooth and nail to make sure that this bill does not pass the House: if it does, we shall defeat it in the Senate."

When asked by reporters if Agapov would consider a summit to defuse tensions with Namor, Agapov replied positively, saying that "if the President-General is willing to agree to hold a summit, I am more than delighted to help defuse the tensions between our two nations."

Response by Dorothy Vasiliev
When asked by reporters about the bill passing Second Reading, Dorothy Vasiliev said that "the passage of the bill [through second reading] shows that the Luziycan people have had enough of giving and giving our money and our reputation away to countries that are opposed to our very way of life."

"We have given and given and given, and they have not given us anything to us in response at best, and at worst, they have just taken advantage of the naive generosity presented by both Terezika Pivec and Damir Agapov. There has to be a clear line to make sure that we Luziycans prevent the Agapov regime from providing large sums to nations that will inevitably use our generosity to attack us and exploit us," she stated.

When asked about the opposition to the bill by the Esquarian Community, especially by Council President Rémi de Finistère, Vasiliev stated that "this bill would greatly benefit the Esquarian Community in the long run, as it ensures that countries that violate international norms will not be able to trade with the EC and our close allies in western Borea and in Nordania."

She also warned that "if the EC is unwilling to accept this bill that would benefit the Esquarian Community in the long run, we are more than willing to fight to ensure that the EC recognizes the virtue of basic international norms."

In other news

• Ankoren - Travel advisory issued in light of recent unrest
• Mazaristan - Luziycan government to co-operate with Hunawiyah, but urges it to "allow the Mazaristani government to administer the occupied territories on a civil basis"
• Namor - Shohai Antelope vows "no embargo" if the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act passes, but leaves open the possibility of other measures
• Razaria - Government cracks down on "cults"

[Luziyca]

Katsarou-Vasiliev Act passes committee, report presented to the House

Representative Ulysses Liakos,
Chairman of the House Committee
on Foreign Affairs (NLP)

BETHLEHEM - Today, after nearly two weeks of consultations and discussions concerning the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act within the Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Subcommittee, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs passed the bill, and released a report on its effects to Luziyca to the House of Representatives, to much support from the NLP, and to substantial opposition from the Liberals.

Committee report
The report, issued by Chairman Ulysses Liakos, former leader of the NLP until 2016 stated that "[t]he Act for the Respect of International Norms and Relations will help address the concerns of Luziyca's decline as the leader of the free world as a direct consequence of the policies initiated by Presidents Terezika Pivec and Damir Agapov."

In the report, the Committee stated that as of 2016, trade with the nations that would be on the hostile states list as proposed by Dorothy Vasiliev and Pavlina Katsarou was at ₤305.5 billion ($611 billion), with the current largest trading partner of Luziyca, Namor, comprising ₤289.3 billion ($578.6 billion) of trade that year, and the UNIR comprising the remainder.

The report stated that "implementing the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act would greatly reduce the nation's trade deficit," as currently, Luziyca has a ₤154.8 billion ($309.6 billion) trade deficit with Namor, although it is noted that if they included trade with the UNIR, "the deficit as a result of trade would fall to ₤141.8 billion ($283.6 billion)," as a result of the Luziycan trade surplus with the UNIR, currently ₤3.8 billion ($7.6 billion).

As the Luziycan trade deficit is currently ₤251 billion ($502 billion), the effects of ceasing trade with the countries on the list of hostile states would, while resulting in lost revenue in the short term, be:

"...made up with increased trade with the Esquarian Community, who will be guaranteed to follow international norms of diplomatic relations, combined with encouragement of Luziycan companies operating in hostile states to reshore and reverse industrial decline in less well-off states such as Marshiya, Amatrov, and Evpraskiya."

The report also noted the security benefits that this bill would bring, especially as it was noted by the committee that "...by reducing funding to hostile states, the Christian Republic would not be concerned that monies spent on importing goods from these states, or tariffs paid to the hostile states will be used to undermine Luziycan sovereignty, and Luziyca's capability for power projection across the globe."

It also stated that the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act would reduce the proliferation of "Luziycan weaponry and other military technologies sold or given to other countries falling into the wrong hands," citing possibly-fabricated claims that Luziycan weapons given to Ankoren were sold by the Ankoreni government to The Caliphate in the months leading up to their attack in Ankoren itself.

Response by the House
Following its approval by the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Dorothy Vasiliev praised the report and its recommendations, stating that "the report presented by the Committee on Foreign Affairs shows that this legislation will benefit the Christian Republic, by reducing proliferation of Luziycan technology and arms to hostile states, by reducing our trade deficit, and by reducing the inadvertent funding of organizations and entities dedicated to the destruction of Luziycan ideals, liberties, and culture."

Socred leader Paul Nikolovich also opposed the bill, stating that "this bill presents an unnecessary governmental intrusion upon our economic freedoms," arguing that the bill as it currently stands will not only plunge Luziyca into a recession, but also "greatly affect international markets, and Luziyca's role within the global economic system."

Liberal House leader Pavel Nuriyev also condemned the report, criticizing the "severe abuse of statistics concerning Luziycan arms shipments to Ankoren," and that any recession caused as a result will cause a "depression that would make the Recession of 1980 look like an ideal financial outcome."

After a vicious debate between supporters and opponents of the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act and its ramifications for Luziyca's economy and for its ability to reverse the decline, the House of Representatives voted to have the third reading for the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act to take place on February 2nd.

In other news

• Tinza - Uri Dhi withdraws amendment, to sign new constitution
• Ceresnia - Golovič wins Ceresnian elections
• Nantai - Nantainese government criticize act as harming detente and Nantai's economy
• Opinion - The Katsarou-Vasiliev Act will lead to a hastening of Luziycan decline

[Luziyca]

Katsarou-Vasiliev Act passes House of Representatives, to move to the Senate

Representative Ulysses Liakos,
Chairman of the House Committee
on Foreign Affairs (NLP)

BETHLEHEM - After a ferocious debate over the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act in the House of Representatives on Friday, resulting in a member being ejected from the day's proceedings, the House called a vote to take place today on Monday, with the House of Representatives voting to pass the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act 315 to 257 against, with fifty-three representatives from the Christian Luziycan Party abstaining.

Debate
After the third reading of the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act took place, a debate broke out between Liberal House leader Pavel Nuriyev and NLP leader Dorothy Vasiliev, with Nuriyev stating that "by passing this bill, you endanger Luziyca's security, you endanger Luziyca's international credibility, and you endanger Luziyca's ability to remain a key economic player in Esquarium."

Dorothy Vasiliev responded to these accusations, by stating that "as I have mentioned on the twenty-ninth of January, this bill will improve Luziyca's national security, it will benefit Luziycans by ensuring that corporations operating in hostile states will have to return, and it will reduce Luziyca's trade deficit."

Vote
Earlier today, the House of Representatives convened to vote on the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act before it progresses to the Senate.

NLP - 315 YEA
Socreds - 115 NAY
Whigs - 77 NAY
Liberals - 65 NAY
CLP - 53 ABSTAIN

While it passed the third reading by a smaller margin, owing to Whig leader Serhoskav's order for all representatives and Senators to vote against the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act, as the bill passed 315 in favor to 257 against, the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act is going to be sent to the Senate, where it will be introduced for first reading later this week.

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Tinza - Uri Dhi withdraws amendment, to sign new constitution
• Ceresnia - Golovič wins Ceresnian elections
• Nantai - Nantainese government criticize act as harming detente and Nantai's economy
• Opinion - The Katsarou-Vasiliev Act will lead to a hastening of Luziycan decline

[Luziyca]

Katsarou-Vasiliev Act introduced, swiftly defeated

File photograph

BETHLEHEM - Today, Senators Andrei Revyagin and Amalia Boytsova of the National Luziycan Party introduced the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act to the Senate after it has passed the House of Representatives. However, following first reading and a brief debate, the Senator held a vote on the bill where it was soundly defeated, thereby preventing the National Luziycan Party's bill from moving forward.

Vote
Following a brief debate, where Senator Boytsova defended the bill, and all three other parties opposing the bill, a voice vote was called, with fifty-two Senators voting against the bill, two senators (from the NLP) voting in favor of the bill, and six senators from the Christian Luziycan Party voting against.

Liberals - 35 NAY
Whigs - 13 NAY
Socreds - 4 NAY
CLP - 6 ABSTAIN
NLP - 2 YEA

Consequences
The failure of the Katsarou-Vasiliev Act, while it gives some sense of relief to Luziyca's strategic partners such as Ankoren and Namor, as well as the Esquarian Community, threatens to increase the perception of Luziyca as being a cowardly nation who will kowtow and give and give to their enemies just to maintain international peace, while alienating its traditional allies, like Aucuria.

President Damir Agapov stated that the "defeat of the bill by the Senate is a very good thing for Luziyca and for international stability."

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Namor - Government to cooperate with Xiaodong, Ankoren
• Namor - Largest military exercise near Gulf of Gelyevich
• UNIR - Will the UNIR keep Luzzy troops safe? Not likely.
• Mazaristan - Major breakthrough against Caliphate

[Luziyca]

Military presence to be strengthened in Nantai

President Damir Agapov

KENYEN, NANTAI - In light of the War Powers amendment passing second reading in the Central Council Cadre on Military Affairs, President Damir Agapov paid a visit to Kenyen and toured a Luziycan military base near Kenyen. At the military base, he told soldiers that if Namor attacks Nantai, Luziyca will use "any means to force Namor to withdraw from Nantai."

The speech
Agapov told soldiers that "we agree with pacifist groups [in Namor] that this bill will inevitably lead to a new war. Even if President-General Antelope does not launch an assault on Nantai, what would stop a future President-General of Namor from declaring war on Luziyca to recover Nantai?"

"Right now, if they want to declare war on us, they must go through the legislative process to do so," Agapov stated. "But if this bill passes, the President-General of Namor will have the ability to bypass the legislative process: this means if he feels that every effort to ensure peace in the Gulf has failed on his terms, he can invade Nantai and be legally justified under domestic [Namorese] law."

"If this bill passes the Central Council, and is approved by the President-General," Agapov declared, "the Christian Republic will be forced to increase our military presence along the border and in Nantai to ensure that our territories will be adequately protected should a fourth Namo-Luziycan War commence because of the actions of ultra-nationalists on both sides of the gulf."

"It is not something we wish to see happen, but should this bill pass, we have to ensure that any future President-General of Namor will not launch a 'defensive' intervention into any part of the Christian Republic," Agapov stated.

At a press conference later that day in Kenyen, Agapov was asked whether it would affect Namorese-Luziycan relations.

Agapov responded that "any deployment of Luziycan troops to Nantai and to the Luziycan-Namorese border in the event that the War Powers bill passes is solely for defensive purposes. We will ensure that the troops stationed in these positions will not launch any offensive into Namor, and will only respond if attacked by Namor."

Agapov also stated that "diplomacy remains the best option to ensure that Namor reaches a satisfactory deal regarding Nantai while considering the wishes of the Nantainese people."

Response
House leader Dorothy Vasiliev of the National Luziycan Party was stunned by Agapov's declaration to protect Nantai, stating at a press conference in Limani that "while we criticize the fact that Agapov will only allow our troops to defend Luziyca if directly attacked, and not engage in pre-emptive strikes, we are, for the first time, seeing President Agapov put our interests ahead of the interests of our enemies."

Social Credit leader Paul Nikolovich said that "I agree with Agapov concerning diplomacy being the best option to resolve the Nantai question for good, but we feel that any efforts to place troops in Nantai and the border regions will only increase tensions and greatly harm any economic trade that we have between the People's Republic and the Christian Republic."

Whig leader Nikolai Serhoskav agreed with Damir Agapov on the issue, said "it is a refreshing sight to witness the President of Luziyca propose some common sense."

Vonora Khendalor of the Christian Luziycan Party had no comment concerning Agapov's statements.

In other news

• Chaska i Esquarium - How likely are we to win this edition of the Chaska?
• Qaradalai - Lecherous troops attack Qarakhum troops patrolling the border
• IFDS - South-South co-operation suggested by Shohai Antelope and Qassem Akbari
• Semprihevosk - Mayor to ban soft drinks larger than 500 milliliters from being sold in restaurants

[Luziyca]

How likely are we to win this edition of the Chaska?

The Ássoran football team

ST. CECILIA, ÁSSORAS - With just one day to go until the start of the belated ninth edition of the Chaska i Esquarium in Ássoras, the sports department here at Den Konstitution have been feverishly trying to calculate our chances of winning each edition of the Chaska i Esquarium. Over the next few weeks, we will be providing you with daily coverage of our matches. Thus, without further ado:

Group stage
The Patriots are currently in Group Four of the Chaska i Esquarium. As such, we are in a team of mainly debutantes, with Champenia, Slovunia, and Ceresnia all taking part for the first time in the Chaska.

Thus, we examine our chances of winning each match in the group stage.

Matchday 1 - Luziyca v. Champenia
As Champenia enters its inaugural Chaska i Esquarium, the Patriots face off against the Champenian national team. Considering that this will be their first match in the Chaska, and combined with the fact that they are facing against a team that has been in the Chaska for every single edition, it seems very probable that the Patriots will easily, to use a Sjealandic phrase, gut the Champenians like a fish.

In regards to the precise likelihood that we will defeat the Champenians, we believe that there is a 90% chance that we will defeat the Champenians tomorrow. If for some reason, we do lose against the Champenians, let's just say that the Luziycan Patriots will probably suffer a severe loss of morale.

Matchday 2 - Luziyca v. Slovunia
On the 21st of March, we will be facing off against our next-door neighbors, Slovunia. As Slovunia is a debuting nation in the Chaska i Esquarium, the predictions for the Slovunian team will probably vary depending if they win tomorrow's match against Ceresnia or not. If they win against Ceresnia, Slovunia will probably be a strong team and a veritable challenge against the Christian Republic. If they do lose, then there is a high likelihood that Luziyca will defeat the Slovunians and thus not let them progress any further.

Thus, we at Den Konstitution believe that as of right now, Luziyca has a 65% chance of defeating Slovunia, but considering the fact that the Slovunia-Ceresnia match will be the biggest factor affecting whether we can win the next match if the Patriots do not lose against Champenia. If we do lose against Champenia... God knows.

Matchday 3 - Luziyca v. Ceresnia
Finally, on the 24th of March, we will face our final opponent: Ceresnia. If Ceresnia defeats Slovunia and Champenia, then Ceresnia will pose a major threat to the Patriots. However, if we defeat both Champenia and Slovunia, we will be able to advance into the Round of Sixteen on the 27th of March. Thus, assuming we win these two stages, this will be the safest place for Luziyca to take a loss, for beyond this point, any loss will mean elimination until the semi-finals.

If Ceresnia loses against Slovunia and Champenia, then they can easily be crushed, thereby ensuring that the Patriots gain a three win, zero loss streak in the group stage, which seems to have rarely happened since the inaugural edition of the Chaska i Esquarium. But if they defeat either Slovunia or Champenia, but lose to the other, then... Ceresnia may very well be a wildcard.

As such, we believe that the likelihood of defeating Ceresnia, as of this time, would be 70%. As in regards to the group stage, we will have a 75% chance of advancing into the group stage.

In other news

• Nantai - Military presence to be strengthened in Nantai
• Qaradalai - Lecherous troops attack Qarakhum troops patrolling the border
• IFDS - South-South co-operation suggested by Shohai Antelope and Qassem Akbari
• Semprihevosk - Mayor to ban soft drinks larger than 500 milliliters from being sold in restaurants

[Luziyca]

Patriots defeat Lothicans 2-1

The Ássoran football team

ST. CECILIA, ÁSSORAS - After a fiercely battle against the debuting Lothicans, our Patriots have been able to achieve our first win this edition in the Chaska i Esquarium against the Lothicans. Despite a fierce defensive by the Lothicans, and efforts by the Lothicans to dominate the match, the Patriots have managed to win the day.

Summary
14 minutes in the match, Kožuh attempted to score a goal against the Lothicans, but was repelled by Kevin Reynder. He then seized control of the ball, and managed to catch goalkeeper An by surprise, causing the Lothican team to take a one point lead over the Patriots.

At the 22 minute mark, Tomaž Praznik began launching a second offensive in an attempt to equalize the score against the Lothican team, but an effective defense by the Lothican team forced the Patriots to retreat and focus on defending their own side against a renewed Lothican offensive, spearheaded by Reynder.

However, at the 41 minute mark, forward Sebasten Apostolos managed to break the Lothican wall and score a goal against the Lothicans, thus ending the first half with a 1-1 tie.

In the second half of the match, Reynder attempted to score a second goal in an effort for the Lothicans to regain a lead over the Patriots at the 48 minute mark. This was deflected by defense Andrei Rusik, who engaged in a game of keep-away to try and prevent the Lothicans from taking a shot at the goalposts.

Despite frequent passes of the ball between the Lothicans and the Patriots, there was little progress until the 68 minute mark when Reynder once again seized control of the ball from the Patriots and made an effort to score a goal, but An was better prepared, stopping the ball from getting into the goal. The ball was then passed to Alex Tu, who began making an effort to get the ball into the Lothican goalposts.

After passing the ball to Jung Foma, the ball got into the goal, enabling the Patriots to take a 2-1 lead over the Lothicans at the 71 minute mark. For the rest of the match, there were constant efforts by both sides to get the ball into the goalposts, but these efforts were effectively hampered by the effective defense of both teams.

The match ended 2-1 at the ninety minute mark.

Post-match press conference
Manager Danya Kapitsa held a press conference after the match, congratulating the Patriots for having won against the Lothicans, but also expressed the importance of "continuing to practice and not let ourselves get too overconfident," as he noted that the match between Ceresnia and Slovunia had reached a 0-0 draw.

"Come Wednesday, while we have been bolstered by our success here today, the Slovunians have fought a strong battle against the Ceresnians, and we are certain that what may have worked for this match against the Lothicans may not necessarily work against the Slovunians," Kapitsa told reporters. "Therefore, the Patriots will be back to practice over the next few days to effectively hone our skills against the Slovunians so that we will stand a fighting chance against the Slovunians."

In other news

• Nantai - Namor claims that any Luziycan increase of military presence will be an "act of war," condemns Agapov implying that Nantai is Luziycan
• Qaradalai - Lecherous troops attack Qarakhum troops patrolling the border
• IFDS - South-South co-operation suggested by Shohai Antelope and Qassem Akbari
• Semprihevosk - Mayor to ban soft drinks larger than 500 milliliters from being sold in restaurants

[Luziyca]

Peace or Armageddon

President Damir Agapov

BETHLEHEM - Hours after the Executive House in Namo officially cut the hotline between Namo and Bethlehem, President Damir Agapov held a speech at the Presidential Palace, where he stated that the Namorese government has two choices: maintaining peace in Borea, or armageddon that will have the potential to engulf all of Esquarium. He also blamed both the People's First Coalition and the National Luziycan Party for sabotaging detente.

The speech
Agapov stated that "the unilateral decision by the Antelope administration to sever the hotline between Namo and Bethlehem is a clear sign that Namor is no longer interested in compromise; it is no longer interested in a peaceful relationship between West and East Borea; it is no longer willing to accept anything less than outright surrender."

"While we still seek a peaceful relationship between the two nations; while we still seek to not hinder trade between Namo and Bethlehem, the Christian Republic has become convinced over the past few days that the increasing belligerence of the Namorese government has proven to be a major obstacle which threatens to destroy the relationship that has been cultivated over nearly three decades," Agapov stated.

"We are at a crossroads," Agapov declared. "The next step in this crisis is now in Antelope's court: he can either take a step towards maintaining peace in Borea; peace with the Esquarian Community, and peace in Esquarium; or he can take a step towards Armageddon. Because if he does take a step in the latter direction, detente is irreversibly dead."

Despite this, he argued that the bulk of the blame of the collapse of detente fell in the hands of ultra-nationalists.

"For the past few years, ultra-nationalists on both sides of the Gulf have worked tirelessly day and night to sabotage detente. And tonight, Dorothy Vasiliev and Chia Bovang, and their supporters, are undoubtedly celebrating as they bring two great powers who should be working together closer to destruction," Agapov said. "I hope that you are happy that you will have blood on your hands."

After the crowd died down, Agapov stated that "should Namor engage in the step towards armageddon, we will respond proportionately and in a defensive fashion."

Response by the Luziycan government
In light of the recent tensions, the Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel warning to all Luziycans travelling to Namor.

Due to the deteriorating political situation between the People's Republic and the Christian Republic, the Department of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against any and all non-essential travel to the People's Republic of Namor. All Luziycans presently in Namor are advised to leave the country as soon as possible, as the volatile diplomatic and political situation may change at any time.

Despite this, the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs has stated that "we will not expel the Namorese ambassador, nor shall we recall our ambassador unless the Shohai administration commits an act of war against us."

Meanwhile, the Department of Defense has announced that due to the situation besides the governments of Namor and Luziyca, the Sogovo level will be raised from 4 (Increased intelligence watch and strengthened security measures) to 3 (Increase in force readiness above that required for normal readiness), making it the highest level the Sogovo scale has been since the conclusion of the Third Namo-Luziycan War (when it was at 2 on the Sogovo scale).

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Chaska i Esquarium - Who will win the second day of the group stage on Wednesday?
• EC - Aucuria tables bill to denounce the EC-Namor agreement, increase sanctions
• Semprihevosk - 5,000 pacifists hold rally to demand negotiations by both Agapov and Antelope
• Opinion - Just nuke all of Namor and call it a fucking day

[Luziyca]

HUMILIATION AS PATRIOTS LOSE 3-4 TO THE SLOVUNIANS

The Patriots

ST. CECILIA, ÁSSORAS - The Patriots today experienced first loss in today's match of the ninth Chaska i Esquarium when they were defeated by the Slovunian national team 3-4.

Highlights
During the first half, at the nine minute mark, Slovunian forward Prečo Zoznam managed to score a goal, giving the Slovunians a one point advantage over the Patriots. This was soon reversed, however, as Luziycan forward Tomaž Praznik scored a goal at the twelve minute mark, evening the score 1-1. The Luziycans were then able to take a brief lead at the 22-minute mark when after seizing the ball from Prial Jehomeno, Foma was able to score another goal against the Slovunians, thus giving the Patriots a 2-1 lead over the Slovunians.

However, towards the end of the first half, Prial Jehomeno managed to score a goal against the Patriots, thus evening the score 2-2 at the end of the first half of the match.

In the second half, at the 48-minute mark, the Slovunians took the lead again when Zoznam scored another goal, resulting in the Patriots trailing 2-3. At the 63-minute mark, Todorov managed to score a goal, thereby equalizing the score 3-3, but at the 70-minute mark, Zoznam was able to score another goal, thus resulting in a 3-4 result for the Patriots. The rest of the match was characterized by stonewalling attempts.

Response by team
Manager Danya Kapitsa stated that the "Slovunians were a worthy opponent: they were able to fend off our efforts to break through their defenses, and they have exposed flaws within our strategies that helped us against our match with Lothican."

"Our best hope now is that we learn these lessons from the Slovunians, and begin work on practicing for the Ceresnian national team come Saturday," Kapitsa says. "If we lose that match, that's the end of the road for us: we'll be on our way home. But if we win, we will be able to stand a fighting chance."

In other news

• Nantai - Military presence to be strengthened in Nantai
• Qaradalai - Lecherous troops attack Qarakhum troops patrolling the border
• IFDS - South-South co-operation suggested by Shohai Antelope and Qassem Akbari
• Semprihevosk - Mayor to ban soft drinks larger than 500 milliliters from being sold in restaurants

[Luziyca]

Patriots observe 155th anniversary of Luziycan unification

The Patriots

ST. CECILIA, ÁSSORAS - As the Patriots advance into the Round of Sixteen following a 2-2 draw with Ceresnia, the Patriots were able to obtain some time off from their practice to observe the 155th anniversary of the unification of the Christian Republic by Huswa Varanken today. The President even took some time to send a video message to the Patriots.

Highlights of the match
At the 8 minute mark, the Ceresnians were able to score a goal against the Patriots, taking the lead over the Patriots 0-1, but Patriot forward Jung Foma was able to even the score out at the 18 minute mark. At the 39-minute mark, after efforts by both sides to advance, the Patriots were able to score another goal, giving them the lead 2-1, which lasted until the end of the half.

In the second half, Todorov tried to score a goal at the 55-minute mark, but was repelled by the Ceresnians. Despite this, there was an effective defense by both sides, enabling the sides to not advance until just three seconds before the end of the match, the Ceresnians were able to tie the score. Despite efforts to score further in extra time, neither side was able to win, thus leading Luziyca to a draw. But as one of the best third place players, the Patriots have been saved from elimination from the Chaska i Esquarium.

Message from the President
Today, President Damir Agapov sent a live video message to the Patriots in Ássoras, as they were practicing for their upcoming match against the Ássori National Team. He was dressed in the home kit for the Luziycan football team.

"On the 155th anniversary since the unification of the Christian Republic," Agapov said, "despite rising international tensions in Borea, I have my full confidence that these tensions will not be sorted out through blood and war, but through sport and peace. Our best hope is that we shall defeat the Ássori national team and ensure that we will advance past the Round of Sixteen."

Agapov also added that "I wish you the best of luck this coming Tuesday against Les Coeurs, and that we will advance into the Quarter-Finals and hopefully obtain our second championship for the Chaska i Esquarium!"

Danya Kapitsa thanked Agapov, wishing him "the best of luck in dealing with the political situation across the Gulf [of Gelyevich]."

In other news

• Namor - President-General warns that "[a]ny power that forces Namor to choose between submission and destruction will perish from face of the Earth"
• Oelia - Sylvein Marot selected as Consul following terrorist attacks
• IFDS - Xiaodongese leader suggests deepening reforms to IFDS to combat "EC protectionism"
• Resnica - Resnica in hot water after accusing Ássori football player implicated in Senrian tweets of "cannibalizing children"

[Luziyca]

(the header and image is a joke, but the event isn't)

At the crossroads as Luziyca examining options

Secretary of Foreign Affairs at the press conference

BETHLEHEM - As the Central Council grants President-General Shohai Antelope "war powers" amid worsening tensions on both sides of the Gulf of Gelyevich, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs Alina Stasov held a press conference at the Congressional Palace regarding the response by the Christian Republic.

Press conference by Alina Stasov
Stasov told reporters that "in light of the bill [granting Shohai Antelope war powers] passing the Central Council, the Christian Republic is currently examining our options with regard to this delicate geopolitical situation that currently exists in the Gulf of Gelyevich."

"While our government is deliberating a strategy in response to the passage of the war powers act in Namo as we speak here," she said, "I would like the international community to know that the Christian Republic will not ignore the bill under the naive assumption that it will stop the situation from escalating. At the same time, however, the Christian Republic will not launch a military attack on Namor, so long as Namor is willing to respect the October Consensus [instituted by Fu Wen] and does not unilaterally attempt to change it."

When asked by a reporter if the Luziycan Armed Forces will increase their presence in Nantai, as promised by President Damir Agapov, Alina Stasov said that "it [increasing military presence in Nantai] is still on the table," but refused to clarify any further on that question, citing concerns of Luziycan national security.

A "concerned fisherman" asked Alina Stasov about whether the Gelyevich Gulf Commission will still operate in light of the growing tensions between Namor and Luziyca.

Stasov replied that "the Christian Republic is determined to honor its treaty commitments in regards to the Gulf of Gelyevich. Even though the tensions may be getting worse, the Gulf Commission remains a critical part of maintaining peace in this oil-rich region, and that even if war were to take place, we will try and minimize the ecological damage to the Gulf as much as we humanly can."

Response by Ulysses Liakos
After the press conference in Bethlehem, in his hometown of Ymittos, Chairman Ulysses Liakos of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs held a press conference to criticize Alina Stasov's response to the rising tensions in the Gulf of Gelyevich.

"Alina Stasov's response is, once again, cowardly and deceitful. She hesitates to punish Namor for its anti-democratic actions; she hesitates to end the policy of appeasement with Namor, and she remains, three years in, naive of the true nature of the international community," Liakos told reporters at a dock in Ymittos.

"The only sensible response is to strengthen our military presence in Nantai," he declared. "If the Namorians don't like that, well, too bad, so sad. They must learn that Kenyen is an integral part of Luziyca like Bethlehem and Ymittos, and if they try and mess with our territory, our citizens, and our nation, they will face the wrath of the Luziycan people."

"I come to my hometown because a fisherman is concerned that it would affect the Gelyevich Gulf Commission," he said. "So what? If the Namorians have no real intention to actually create a constructive relationship, why should we bother giving the Namorians any more concessions? They naturally will take a mile if we give them an inch, and it is time that this policy of appeasement must stop!"

"The National Luziycan Party will make sure that after Easter, we will return, and we will make sure that the Namorian savages pay for their grave crimes against humanity, and for their support of a Luziphobic policy!" he concluded.

Dorothy Vasiliev gave no response to either Alina Stasov or Ulysses Liakos when Den Konstitution contacted them.

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Coupe d'Esquarium - Senria and Swastria reach the finals, while Razaria and Karazawa battle for third place
• UNIR - Oil can spike from $80 to $250 in case of EC tariffs passing
• IFDS - Razaria, Xiaodong and UNIR condemn sanctions
• Opinion - The EC is hindering our ability to respond to a revanchist Namor

[Luziyca]

Gas queues form as many motorists fuel up before spike in prices

Long queues at a gas station near Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM - With the passage of sanctions in the Esquarian Parliament on Ankoren, motorists across Luziyca have started to form queues to fill up their cars with gas in order to get their gasoline before prices skyrocket. This has forced Secretary of the Department of the Environment Dionne Spinou to try and calm the public.

The queues for gas
A motorist in Bethlehem said that "right now, gas costs ₤0.75 per liter. With the impending sanctions against Ankoreni exports, I fear that we'll be paying over ₤4 per liter of gasoline. So I am getting enough gas now, so that when the prices inevitably skyrocket, we have enough to get through the crisis."

With many motorists across Luziyca sharing the same sentiments, queues have formed across the country as people sought to get their gasoline before the prices increase. However, as demand has been high, many gas stations have started to raise their prices.

Gas station owner Lovro Plestenjak in Pristanische commented on the increase of customers today, saying that "it has been a very great day for business. I think we got about ten times the amount of our usual Saturday traffic, as the customers wanted to get their cheap gas before they increase due to Ankoreni aggression. It was so much that I was able to increase the price just a bit today to accommodate the demand."

Several gas stations have reported running out of gasoline as of 5 pm, and thus were forced to turn away those who have queued for hours. At one of the gas stations near Kharovsk, a motorist complained about the gas station turning customers away.

"I have waited for three hours to get gas here, and now they're telling me that I have to go elsewhere because they're out of gas? I do not want to wait for another three hours for gas near Kharovsk, especially since it is a twenty minute drive as it is," she complained.

Response by the Department of Environment
Environmental Secretary Dionne Spinou has said at a press conference that "the more motorists queue at these gas stations, the sooner that the price of gas will go up." Thus, she has advised all motorists to "only drive when necessary," and to use public transportation.

Spinou also said that "the Cabinet will have an emergency meeting over the next few days to address the issue," stating that increasing oil production from the Gulf of Gelyevich may be an option.

More as the story develops.

In other news

• Mazaristan - Funerals for the three Luziycan dead held in Bethlehem
• Shudri - Shudri group sues Luziycan, Katranjian, Slovunian governments for "genocide"
• Mazaristan - The Caliphate is on its last knees
• Nantai - Government to maintain current state of alert, travel advisory

[Luziyca]

Stock exchanges close with significant drops

A stockbroker at the BVSS

SEMPRIHEVOSK, - Today in both Bethlehem and Semprihevosk, the two major stock exchanges of Luziyca, the Bethlehem Stock Exchange (BB) and the Semprihevosk Stock and Security Exchange (BVSS) have taken massive hits in light of the growing energy crisis and the decision by the Transborean government to cut rare earth production at a rate of 7.5% per month.

The BVSS, which opened at 15,503.35 points today at 9:30 am after a weekend took a steep dive in response to the slashes in oil production implemented by the member states of International Forum of Developing States in response to the tariffs imposed by the Esquarian Community on Ankoreni exports, combined with the decision by the Transborean government to slash production of rare earth minerals. By the time trading ceased for the day at 4:00 pm, the BVSS closed at 14,643.14 points, or an 860.21 point (5.6%) drop in valuation.

Likewise, the Bethlehem Stock Exchange, which opened at 7,173.99 points today, also experienced similar losses, with the valuation at the closing bell being at 6,560.45 points, or a 613.54 point (8.6%) drop in its valuation.

Financial analyst Luchok Yasneyev stated that "this has been the worst drop since the tidal wave in 2017, especially in the BVSS. While we cannot speculate on how long this is going to last, the truth is that already, we have seen quite a lot of damage to international trade within the first few days. Even if the IFDS or the Esquarian Community backs down now, I imagine that the damage as a result of sanctions on the UNIR will have dramatic consequences for the global economy for months, if not years to come."

As of press time, Den Konstitution has failed to obtain information from the Luziycan government.

In other news

• Mazaristan - 26 killed in Aucurian embassy bombing, Luziycan government condemns attack, calls on the UNIR to enforce "diplomatic immunity"
• Gelyevich Gulf Commission - Secretary-General contemplates lifting oil and natural gas quotas as a temporary measure
• North Semprihevosk - 36-year old woman struck with a tire iron by a motorist enraged with long queues at the gas station
• Whigs - Former President Breuvi Shjoraski condemns "egregious limitations on international trade."

[Luziyca]

Op-ed: To survive the crisis, we need to rethink how we get around

Irina Dorokhina

SEMPRIHEVOSK, USTYEREKI - As the markets recover from the initial panic selling in response to the cuts of oil production by the International Forum of Developing States, the Department of the Environment has once again stated that Luziycans should avoid all non-essential travel via their own cars, and to use public transportation or their bikes. This has sparked a lot of outrage among Luziycan civilians who are used to driving their gas-guzzling cars as a result of policies favoring the automobile.

So, why would the Luziycan public not be a fan of public transport?

Modern history of public transport
While I cannot possibly explain everything in just a few hundred words, streetcars, which were once common in both large cities and small towns across Luziyca, were replaced by buses from the late 1930s to the mid-1950s, as they were the face of modern public transportation according to Samuil Nazarov. Around the same time, the growing suburbanization as a result of the growing affluence of the Luziycan nation meant that there was a rise in car ownership, which contributed to the decline of public transport across the country.

By the 1970s, many privately-operated transit services had become subsidized by state governments or municipal governments: the Luziycan railway system, once of the jewels of Luziyca was nationalized in 1972 to form Luztrak. Over the next few decades, public transportation suffered from a lack of funding and cuts in services, meaning that outside of Semprihevosk and Bethlehem, most people stayed away from public transportation: those who used it were generally outcasts of society: primarily what people assume to be "lazy bums," and "creeps."

While since the 2000s, public transportation has improved across Luziyca, especially as younger generations have shunned the automobile, combined with increasing investment into public transportation and Luztrak by succeeding governments, the reputation of public transportation still remains negative among many parts of Luziycan society, especially as the layout of suburbs makes reliable bus services difficult.

Of course, now that we have explained why the average Luziycan may not want to take the bus, we need to examine why they should start taking public transportation:

Peak oil
The cuts in oil production by the IFDS have jacked up prices from ₤0.75 ($1.50) per liter on April 21st to ₤1.97 ($3.94) per liter. However, this is probably only a hint of what the future holds: as oil reserves are inevitably exhausted around Esquarium, it is likely that within a few decades, assuming that current demand stays roughly the same, we can be paying at least a ₤100 per liter of gasoline (not adjusting for inflation).

While it is easy for Luziycans to be pissed off at the high gas prices now, in a few decades, the current gas prices would likely be abysmally low compared to what future generations will be experiencing when they fill up their cars. In many ways, this spike in high gas prices is just a sign of things to come: if we do not start reducing our oil consumption and switching to using renewable energy, we are going to see prices rise higher and higher over the next few decades, beyond what these cuts have already done to world oil prices.

The easiest way to combat high oil prices to ditch the car and switch to public transit: however, this may be easier said than done in many parts of the country that still have sub-par transportation systems, such as in the cities of Mirgavan or Granitsygrad, where buses are still slow and infrequent. However, it may be crucial for us to start using these systems, as well as other little-used systems, and to pressure local governments to improve service frequency and routings to make them more efficient as possible.

Instead of hopping on a flight from Bethlehem to Semprihevosk, for example: take the high-speed train: it may take around six and a half hours, compared to the three hours by plane, but by taking the train, you help conserve fuel, not just for future generations, but to help ensure that someone who needs to travel by car can pay less than if you were also driving.

But to ensure that we can overcome this crisis, we need to change how we view public transportation in Luziyca: and fast. Otherwise, we will be cursed to pay higher gas prices long after this crisis has passed.

Irina Dorokhina is an advocate for improving public transportation in Luziyca, and is the head of the National Association for Bus Riders since 2009. When not advocating for improving public transportation in Luziyca, she is a gardener.

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[Luziyca]

Another 5% cut in production by IFDS spikes oil to $298, gas prices spike

Long queues at a gas station

SEMPRIHEVOSK, USTYEREKI - A month following the decision made by the Union of Nautasian Islamic Republics to slash oil production at 5% a month, oil prices have jumped from $240 per barrel of oil to $298 per barrel of oil following a recent round of oil cuts by the Union of Nautasian Islamic Republics. This has caused the average gas price to rise to ₤2.52 ($5.04) per liter, or a 336% increase in the cost of oil since the production cuts.

Response by the Department of the Environment
Secretary of the Department of the Environment, Dionne Spinou made a controversial statement at a press conference, echoing the sentiments made by transit advocate Irina Dorokhina that "these price hikes caused by the IFDS are only a taste of things to come, as oil reserves across Esquarium dwindle and disappear."

"These high prices will, if we do not reduce our oil consumption, become the new normal. This crisis may not be a direct result of climate change, but its effects are the same: we will not have enough oil to meet our needs," she said. "The government will invest in Luztrak and other forms of public transportation across Luziyca; we will create programs to encourage more energy-efficient houses, and we will consider a temporary ban on single-use plastic bags nationwide to help reduce oil consumption."

"The end goal," Spinou said, "is to institute policies that will last long after the crisis: to turn the current crisis into an opportunity to begin a truly meaningful transition to renewable energy, so we will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels."

These statements has been marked with controversy, with NLP leader Dorothy Vasiliev criticizing Spinou's comments.

"The only reason why we are unable to ensure that oil prices drop is that the Gulf of Gelyevich Commission has been obstructing our ability to increase oil production in the Gulf," Vasiliev told Den Konstitution. "The EC has also harmed our ability to continue receiving our oil from a major supplier, and instead made it difficult for us to act independently."

"This is the only reason why the cost of oil is so high: political meddling by the EC and IFDS," she said. "If it were not for the political meddling, we would be able to have low prices as we have always had."

Economic impact by the tariffs
Many Luziycan companies have reported losses as a result of the production cuts: many multinational corporations, such as Rassvet, Karshev and Frederick's Fries are projecting losses for the second quarter, with the bulk of the losses as a "direct or indirect result of the cuts in production" by the Union of Nautasian Islamic Republics, Jabar, and its allies. Rassvet, in particular, has cited the reduction in production of rare earth minerals in Transborea, as a key reason why it has witnessed diminished profits compared to the first quarter.

While it is speculated that the boycott organized by Namorese legislators against Luziycan products may have made a dent in their profits, these three companies have claimed that it was largely due to the increased costs.

In addition, Frederick's Fries has been forced to suspend operations in Nunalik due to "increased costs of importing the necessary ingredients for our meals to be sold in Nunalik," and expressed concern that "raising prices higher than they currently are [in Illofarqik] will substantially reduce customers." The CEO made no mention of the 300% tariffs imposed by the Esquarian Community on Nunalik as a reason, although analysts say that it is a primary factor in suspending operations in Nunalik.

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[Luziyca]

Agapov issues executive order to ban single-use plastic bags

Plastic bags

BETHLEHEM - Today, President Damir Agapov has issued an executive order to outlaw the production and sale of single-use plastic bags to help conserve oil in light of the ongoing oil crisis. All production of single-use plastic bags effective immediately, must be stopped, while all places using them may continue to distribute them until all single-use plastic bags are exhausted.

Damir Agapov told reporters after signing the executive order that "in 2017, we used twelve million barrels of oil to produce plastic bags that are used in the Christian Republic, and four out of five grocery bags in Luziyca are now plastic. However, in light of the ongoing oil crisis, it is essential that the Christian Republic ceases production of single-use plastic bags to help ensure that the oil that goes to the production of plastic bags can be redirected to more essential purposes."

However, after being asked by an LRT reporter whether Agapov's government would consider permitting plastic bags if "conditions improve," Agapov said that "this ban will most likely be temporary: if the IFDS ends the cuts on oil production, or if other countries are able to increase their oil production to counteract the cuts made by the IFDS to an acceptable degree, we may consider permitting single-use plastic bags."

Reaction by the opposition parties
Dorothy Vasiliev of the NLP slammed the ban, telling reporters at a press conference that "the ban on plastic bags is a clear result of the political meddling on Luziycan affairs by the EC and the IFDS, combined with the fact that we are not allowed to increase our oil production thanks to the Gelyevich Gulf Commission and its strict regulations."

"What the Christian Republic needs to do," Vasiliev said, "is to leave the Gelyevich Gulf Commission and increase oil production. We got enough oil in our sector of the Gulf of Gelyevich to return ourselves to prices that are less than a lira per liter if we were allowed to increase oil production in the Gulf."

Meanwhile, Paul Nikolovich of the Social Credit Party also criticized the ban, claiming that the ban was an "unnecessary governmental intrusion into the lives of the people: if the people want to use plastic bags, why should the government try and prohibit its sales?"

However, Nikolovich stated that "while a ban may not be in the best interests, the fact is that with the rising oil prices, the free market will likely have to shift away from plastic bags and return to paper bags, or to adopt reusable bags."

Den Konstitution tried to reach Nikolai Serhoskav of the Whig Party or Vonora Khendalor of the Christian Luziycan Party for comment, but to no avail.

More as the story develops.

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