Esquarium Today [Regional News, CLOSED]

by **Nevamaa** » Sun Nov 08, 2015 5:08 am

Nevan fighters in Lecistan

Nevan and Filimon forces begin offensive against terrorist troops in Lecistan

NEVANLINNA - Nevan and Filimon forces began a large-scale offensive against terrorist forces in Lecistan this morning, intending to push the bandits out of Rzeszu river valley once and for all.

The offensive began with a tactical retreat, allowing bandits to advance and thus leave their heavily fortified defensive positions. After the bandits had advanced dozens, and in some cases even a hundred kilometers, Nevan and Filimon forces began a massive assault supported by air attacks and artillery bombardment.

General Rolf Tuura called the offensive a major success. "We had had some difficulties in digging the rats out of their holes, but this time they actually came out voluntarily. Like rats, they stood no chance against our combined forces once they were out of their hiding holes."

Tuura also praised Royal Nevan Air Force pilots for their skill: "Despite using weapons such as fuel-air bombs that have a capability to destroy and kill targets over a very large area, our boys in the sky have managed to keep civilian casualties to a minimum level. Their precision can't be rivalled by any other air force in the world, they strike at the enemy and only at the enemy."

Tuura refused to comment on whether the Royal Nevan Army would intend to continue the offensive towards Brzny and Lutorowo once the river valley and Ritserzow were secured, but stated that "victory is in our sights, and it won't be much longer now."

Nevanmaa has continued to expand its troop presence in Lecistan; recently it was announced that King's 2nd Division, a unit that includes the King Juhani Regiment named after the current king, would be deployed to Nevanmaa together with some Royal Nevan Air Force elements. However, some believe that this is not enough: On Friday, 70 MP's of the Patriotic Front, Royalist Conservative Movement and the National Coalition demanded that the Diet should ask the King to declare state of war in Nevanmaa, which would mean that conscripts could potentially be sent to Lecistan.

"It is shameful that some elements of the Diet refuse to take adequate measures to protect the territories of Kaarenmaa-Hennala" said 83-year old Waldemar Taivalvuo, an MP of the National Coalition and grandson of war hero Akseli Taivalvuo in an emotional speech in the Chamber of People. "My grandfather would be turning in his grave if he saw how the left is selling out His Royal Majesty's realm in favor of petty political gains. I urge HRM to remember his oath to the people and disregard the partisan bickering of the Diet. Lead your people against the enemy and don't let these democrats on the left oppose you!"

by **Namor** » Sun Nov 08, 2015 7:39 am

THE PICKLE - Почаи Симмун
Breaking the news
until it's broken

#PopFrontDebate: Unidentified man on stage promises free everything just to get attention

Po'ai, West Namor - During the Popular Front primary debate that was held in east Po'ai, audiences were stunned after hearing an unidentified man on stage promising free everything just so he can divert people's attention from Shohai Antelope and Tao James to himself.

The unidentified man, whom some say was a candidate running for President-
General, promised free everything to get the audience's attention

The debate began as expected, and three people were on stage: Liberationist leader Shohai Antelope, Socialist candidate Tao James and the unidentified man, whose party affiliation remained mostly unknown throughout the entire debate. There were some who wondered loudly why there was a third person on stage and asked who he is, but for the most part everyone's eyes were glued to Antelope and Tao exclusively.

As time passed, the moderator gave Antelope and Tao an excessive amount of air time, while virtually disregarding the unidentified man standing by his podium in the corner. Thirty minutes into the debate, when the candidates were about to discuss the state of welfare in Namor, the man finally raised a hue and cry.

"Listen up," he said, in a voice that shocked the audience because it was about to forget that there was someone else on stage besides Antelope and Tao. "Nobody asked me a single question, and for the past half an hour all I did was stand here and watch the other politicians squabble over stuff and make fake promises. It's about time they shut up and let me speak, because my promises are better.

"I promise free everything. Yes, you heard it, free everything. If I'm President-General, I will sign an executive decree making everything, and I repeat, everything, free. Not just healthcare, taxis and all the stuff that's supposed to be free. I'm talking about free food. Free housing. Free Internet. Free Cellphones. Free TVs. Free Computers. Free love. Free hugs. Free kisses. All the stuff you usually buy in retail stores, all the stuff you're aware of in life, will be free of charge. Yes, you heard me right, free. Everything will be free so that there won't be a real need for money. Namor will become the freest nation on earth, and the first country in the world to go moneyless!

"And yes, in case you're wondering why I'm proposing that everything becomes free, it's because I want to get people's attention. I bet nobody here knows who I am or why I'm here," the unidentified man finished before tearing off the mic from the podium, dropping it on the floor and leaving the stage "like a boss," in the words of someone from the audience.

The unidentified man left the other two candidates perplexed. "Wait, who was that guy?" Tao muttered to Shohai, to which Shohai shrugged. "How am I supposed to know?"

by **New Zepuha** » Sun Nov 08, 2015 10:00 am

Federal News Network

Chancellor Knitler Admits to Involvement in Lecistan

November 8th, 2015

Sinro City, New Zepuha - After accusations from whistle-blowers to involvement in Lecistan, Chancellor Knitler has admitted to the public that there are indeed Zepuhan troops currently engaged in combat and training missions in Lecistan on behalf of the Lec Republic. He claims to have hid the information from the public out of a delicate balance of relations between the Nevans and New Zepuha. In the interests of national security he tried to keep involvement in Lecistan to a minimum of media exposure but decided it was too dishonest to continue hiding it.

There are currently just over 300 personnel serving in the Lecistani conflict. This includes 70 aircraft of the Imperial Aeroforce and 200 special forces operators of the Imperial Guard. It was admitted that the aeroforce personnel are in Lecistan for the express purpose of countering Nevan airstrikes against civilian centers, and to do bombing of their own. While our sources in the armed forces will not tell us what enemy targets will be subject to bombing, we can only imagine what targets are being struck. Opposition Leader Scarlet Bronson calls this a grave breach of trust with the Knitler administration, and potentially dooming any chance of returning to normal relations with Nevanmaa.

With the King returning later this week from his visit to Namo, he could not be reached for comment on the situation. Though Chancellor Knitler has now announced that he will be considering using his granted mandate, "I will be consulting with the leaders of our armed forces later in this evening to discuss the possibility of deploying ground forces to Lecistan, let the people of New Zepuha know we will not enter this conflict without proper knowledge." Public opinion is higher in favor of intervening in Lecistan than it is for the intervention in Kraq and Irvadistan, though Knitler has made it clear that a usage of ground troops in Lecistan is unlikely at this point in the conflict.

The Imperial Navy has upped it's alert level along the coast and warn shipping companies to avoid sailing near Nevan territories and allies.

Other News

Nevans continue to bomb helpless civilian targets
Lec Social Republic disbanded
Parody news sources are on the rise

by **Tuthina** » Sun Nov 08, 2015 11:15 am

28th day of the 9th month
5th year of Sumun
3,326th Year of the Imperial Calendar

Empire to Retreat from Qianrong
Ceasefire between Warring Qianrongese Polities Might Lead to Peace in the Archipelago

It has been more than half a month since the two primary belligerents in Qianrong agreed to a ceasefire as part of the ongoing negotiation that might herald the beginning of the end of the Second Domestic Terror War. With the truce extended alongside the negotiation, the war-torn archipelago might finally be in peace once more. In light of such auspicious change of events, the Imperial General Headquarters announced last night that Imperial military presence within Qianrong will be gradually reduced, finally allowing the brave and diligent warriors under the Imperial banner to return to their homeland with honour.

Yesterday, the Imperial military garrison in Ninjia - represented by commander Kwutsey Pwongnamwu - officially transferred its responsibility of the defence of the city to the local Qianrongese authority in a ceremony. Encapsulating dozens of similar events occurring across the unwinding country, many Imperial military bases located in the more stable part of the country are expected to be closed down or transferred to the Qianrongese military in the following weeks, while thousands of their original operators would return to the Home Islands shortly afterwards. The first wave of returnee, which most likely amounts to several thousands, will arrive in the southern islands by the middle of the tenth month.

During the official press release, the Secretary of State for Militant Affairs, alongside representative from the Imperial General Headquarters, stated that the ministry intend to "bring the tired soldiers home for a well-deserved rest". As an armistice highly likely to be forged by the two warring parties, the Imperial garrison will "no longer be needed" and thus, the minister believed that the reduction of Imperial military presence would "prove the purely altruistic nature of the Empire's involvement in the conflict", as well as dispelling the rumour that the Empire intended to rule over the islands of Qianrong through military means.

Despite that, though, the military also noted that a "sudden and total removal of Imperial military garrison" would be impractical. With the Empire maintaining the largest foreign involvement in the country apart from the All Saints Militia, the power vacuum created by a drastic retreat might lead to instability in locations where the Imperial forces is critical in maintaining local orders, such as the last settlements captured by the Yucheng government before the ceasefire. Because of that, the Imperial General Headquarters "do not intend to override pragmatism with idealism or political rhetoric", and would ensure the smooth transition of authority back to the government of Qianrong before retreating.

Based on current progress in negotiation and the restoration of civilian authority in the former war zones, the Ministry of Militant Affairs estimate that the Imperial garrison will be removed from Qianrong "in the next two years at most", and has proposed a plan to gradually replace active soldiers with humanitarian workers and auxiliary units before then. Among the seven Cintay currently garrisoned in Qianrong, five of them are classified as the best regular units within the Imperial Armed Forces. While their professional nature and state-of-the-art equipment proved themselves to be a formidable forces during the conflict, it also inevitably weakened the defence of the Home Islands, as well as exerting a high maintenance cost on the Imperial government. As such, the ministry plans to replace them with units that are "geared less for armed conflict and more for police action and humanitarian reconstruction".

Apart from plans to reduce Imperial military presence in Qianrong, the Imperial government also proposed a series of reconstruction plan to both polities in Qianrong, ranging from provision of humanitarian aid and commercial goods that had been in short supply since the beginning of the conflict, to large-scale reconstruction projects that would hopefully restore the broken infrastructure of the archipelago. When inquired about the previous hostility between the Empire and the Qianrongese Soviet Republic, the Secretary of State for Rites reaffirms the purely altruistic nature of the Empire's involvement, and will agree to hand over the responsibility of distributing aid and goods to the local government if requested.

Newsette and Other Featured Content

Today's His Most Serene Majesty: Today, His Most Serene Majesty graced the Imperial College to supervise and inspire the work of the diligent scholars in preparation of the upcoming Imperial Examination. A private meeting with the brightest minds of the Imperial realm, if not the entire world, was also conducted by the Emperor incumbent.
Imperial Examination Special: Today, the think tanks of Hosaki Yomi'uri explore the various methodologies and common loopholes when cross-examining mythology and folklore across cultures, as well as drawing connections between them and their native culture, with several sample questions and answers to illustrate these valuable skills in practice.

Agitprop of the Day
Everlasting peace for all under the heaven.

by **Namor** » Sun Nov 08, 2015 11:52 am

DECISION 2378 Highlights of the Popular Front Debate
WHO WON THE DEBATE? VOTE HERE!
Наморайин | English

Shohai Antelope speaking at the debate

PO'AI, WEST NAMOR | November 8, NMR 2377 The primary debate of the Popular Front was successfully held in the library of Po'ai last night. The entire debate lasted approximately two hours, and the candidates answered questions regarding healthcare, income inequality, Nantai and foreign policy. Here are the highlights of the debate.

Shohai, Tao spar over Common Medical Care

Not so long into the debate, a question was raised in regards to Namor's current healthcare system, known as Common Medical Care. The Common Medical Care System was initiated in NMR 2354 by President-General Alicia Wolf and has suffered cuts under the Fu administration.

Namsa Singho, the Democratic Socialist candidate who was a friend of Wolf, stood by Common Medical Care, calling it a program that will eventually bring about a complementary, single-payer healthcare system in Namor. This stance was criticized by Tao, who mentioned his own age to make his point that Common Medical Care is not meeting its stated goals. He went on to reiterate his call for a single-payer healthcare system, referring to Atlantica - a country that has a successful healthcare system - as a model.

"We need to start following Atlantica's example. We need to divert our attention to pumping billions of ramon into our healthcare industry, building hospitals and clinics and promoting health education. What are we waiting for?" Tao said.

Shohai took issue with what Tao said. Supporting Common Medical Care as the proper means to bring about free healthcare, he told Tao, "This is Namor, not Atlantica. I like to say that you give clutches to the guy with a broken bone, not the cancer patient. Likewise, you don't give the guy with a broken bone chemotherapy. Yes, healthcare should be affordable, if not free, but Namorese problems can only be solved by Namorese solutions. The means used elsewhere may not work here.

"That said, I think that Common Medical Care is overall a good thing. Millions of people, especially in the rural areas, are gaining access to reduced-cost quality healthcare they weren't able to imagine of in the past. The only reason why some people perceive Common Medical Care to be so ineffective is because we have an administration that isn't willing to implement it the right way, an administration that is willing to raise healthcare costs for Namorese who need healthcare the most. We need Common Medical Care, we need it done right, and we need it so that someday my children and even myself can go to the doctor's free of charge.

Tao: Shohai's "Union of Classes" reminiscent of New Democratic propaganda

On the issue of income inequality, Shohai and Tao clashed again, this time over Shohai's mentioning of a union between social classes, a core component of Liberationist ideology.

"What Deputy Antelope said is reminiscent of the propaganda we're hearing from the New Democrats," said Tao, who went on to accuse Shohai of not really willing to return to revolutionary principles.

"The New Democrats are promoting unity between classes to justify big money's oppression of the millions of laborers. This is not left-wing propaganda, this is not an agitation for class warfare, this is reality . When I say big money is oppressing those with little or no money, I'm not agitating, I'm being brutally honest. Big money is responsible for the present income inequality, and we need to end its monopoly over people's lives," he said, sparking widespread applause.

"Deputy, dividing the populace with your one-sided rhetoric isn't wise," Shohai remarked.

"Nor is sugarcoating big money's heinous oppression, Deputy Antelope," retorted Tao.

Corruption

The moderator asked Tao James if he had an issue with Shohai Antelope's call for a "purge" against corrupt officials in the country, to which Tao bluntly said Shohai's great-grandfather, the late President-General Yunglang Antelope, is guilty of political repression.

"Well clearly something needs to be done about this, but I would have preferred that Shohai didn't call his idea a purge. Because guess who purges? Dictators. Jung To purged. Huankun Chen purged. And no offense, but your great grandfather also purged," Tao told Shohai, referring to Yunglang. Tao then said that he wants to fight corruption not with purges, but with "transparency," citing the power of social media in detecting corruption.

But Shohai bounced back. He accused Tao of not considering the importance of government involvement in fighting corruption, before asking whether Tao was opposed to the removal of corrupt officials from office or the word "purge" by itself. Tao was about to reply before Shohai cut him off, explaining that his meaning of "purge" is different from the meaning given by past authoritarian governments.

Tao James at the debate

Nantai

Perhaps the area where the candidates exhibited the most unity was on Nantai, an issue that has flared up as a result of Luziycan provocation through the "Kenyen declaration" and New Democratic presidential candidate Huan An's support for a territory-wide referendum.

Shohai Antelope clarified his stance on reunification, saying that although he does not believe reunifying Nantai by military force is illegal, he does not want to spark a Fourth Namo-Luziycan War in doing so.

"Look Jun, I never, ever advocated for war, nor have I implied that I want one. Those who say I want a fourth war are fearmongers working on behalf of Huan An's campaign. They want to confuse voters by telling them 'If you do not vote for Huan An or if you vote for Shohai, you are voting for war.' No, that's not true. I want peace, but I also want peace with dignity, peace with honesty. When I say it isn't illegal to take Nantai by force, it's not because I want to take Nantai by force, but because I want to remind people what's legal and what's illegal. You can't, can't wage aggression against your own territory. We need to look beyond the right's propaganda and make this distinction."

He also stood by his claim that by supporting the exclusion of 938 million Namorese from deciding Nantai's future, Huan An is committing treason against the People's republic.

The issue of Nantai - and the first phase of the debate which centered around domestic policy - ended with Tao James demanding that the candidates focus on other issues besides one that like Nantai that he called "incontrovertible."

"Nantai is Namorese, Huan An is wrong. Stop buying into Luziycan propaganda and let's get back to discussing how to improve the lives of our people," he said. There was applause that lasted half a minute.

Can Tao visit Luziyca and come back alive?

In a brief, albeit comical exchange between Shohai and Tao, Shohai questioned Tao's ability to pay a state visit to Luziyca without getting harassed by authorities. Tao, formerly a Luziycan mercenary, defected from occupied Nantai to free territory, leading to him being charged by Luziycan authorities for treason and murder.

"I was a soldier. I still know some martial arts so I think I can make it out of there alive," Tao replied. "And I know you can't." A brouhaha ensued.

Tao supports recognizing Republic of Lecistan

The candidates were asked about whether they, as Namor's next President-General, would recognize the "Republic of Lecistan," a government set up by Lecistani rebels. Namsa Singho and Shohai Antelope expressed reluctance in recognizing the Republic, with both candidates calling it "complicated." Shohai called the strife in Lecistan a "proxy conflict."

But Tao James gave a different answer.

"The world has analyzed the three sides in this conflict, searching for the side that's willing to stand for freedom, democracy and basic human rights. And only one side has done that, and that is the Lecistani Republic under the leadership of President Łukôsz Grzéskowicz. And we must support them all along the way, and we must recognize them," he said.

Moderator slips, gets Ocelotian leader's country wrong

Jun Chiada, the moderator of the WNTV debate, slipped and called James Adelaide the "former Governor-President of Pavonistade." Mr. Adelaide was the former Governor-President of the Ocelot Isles, a country that gained its independence from Pavonistade.

Jun was reading a question posed by Mr. Adelaide on Facebook regarding Namor's foreign policy.

Neither of the three candidates corrected Jun, and the error went unnoticed until it was called out - by Mr. Adelaide himself. Jun later apologized and Shohai said he was "too focused on answering the question."

Who Won?

As usual, "who won" the debate depends on the perceptions of viewers, as any "winner" wasn't announced.

A post-debate straw poll released by the Liberator shows 50 percent of voters believe Shohai Antelope won, whereas 40 percent believe Tao won and the remaining 10 percent believe Namsa won.

But in some other unofficial internet polls, Tao James won by an overwhelming margin. One commentator on Twitter said Tao "makes everyone else look stupid."

"Clearly, Tao had the edge when it came to getting the crowd worked up. These were his most defining moments, the moments when he stood out, not just as a candidate, but as a person," said Hu Geyin, a political analyst covering the debate. "But it's easy to overlook Shohai when we're judging one's debate performance by the ability to whip up the audience. Shohai was better when it came to explaining his policies.

"Tao's saying that Yunglang Antelope purged people was a misfire. Someone who attacks Yunglang won't appeal to voters as a leader who will return Namor to revolutionary values."

The debate came at a time when Tao's popularity within the Popular Front is rising, fueled primarily by Gongchan Zhushi's withdrawal from the race, which forced Front supporters to rally behind Tao in droves. It remains uncertain whether Shohai Antelope or Tao James is the current front-runner in the race for the Front nomination.

Trending

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by **Namor** » Sun Nov 08, 2015 6:53 pm

THE PICKLE - Почаи Симмун
Breaking the news
until it's broken

Jahistic Union shows off world's largest long-distance swimmer fleet on Thuman's birthday

The great fleet of long-distance swimmers showing off its prowess for the
first time in the Jahistic Union

Unolia City, Jahistic Union - Military experts are growing increasingly worried after the Jahistic Union, as part of its annual celebration of late leader Jarrod Thuman's birthday, revealed its mysterious long-distance swimmer fleet to the public for the first time.

All-Union Libertarian Party (AULP) mouthpiece The Firebrand released a footage purportedly showing a humongous fleet of soldiers swimming across an unidentified body of water at full speed. According to state media sources, this was the Long-Distance Swimmer Fleet of the Jahistic Youth Corps, abbreviated as the LDSF - a division of the infamous paramilitary force that the outside world has known so little about.

The Firebrand introduced the LDSF as a "infinitely huge fleet composed of long-distance swimmers who are capable of swimming all the way from one continent to another."

The swimmers in question are members of the Jahistic Youth Corps, the AULP's youth wing, hand-picked by the party. Members are then put through an "extremely rigorous training program which involves swimming from one end of an Esquarian Games-size pool to another and back nonstop for 20 hours."

Swimmers are also instructed on how to use certain weapons, including handguns, hand grenades, and RPGs, which can be used if the swimmers are to lead an amphibious invasion.

"These are no ordinary swimmers. These are fierce maritime revolutionary warriors who go undetected by radar and swim faster than either speedboats or aircraft carriers," reported the Firebrand. "They are unstoppable, simply because no such thing as anti-swimmer guns exist."

To make matters worse for the Jahistic regime's domestic and foreign adversaries, the swimmers can cause "unimaginable damage."

A footage released by the party showed a mock amphibious invasion of Roubao by LDSF swimmers. Party leaders, including Premier Zheng Zhuli, were reportedly at the exercise.

LDSF swimmers swam en masse across an artificial lake about the same width as that of the Strait of Roubao. After only 30 seconds of swimming across turbulent waters, the swimmers were on the other side, attacking enemy fortresses situated along the coast. The enemy was reported to have been "totally obliterated" within three minutes - all without air, naval or ground support, according to General George Park, who called the exercise a "great success."

"It's a sign that the Unolian people mean what they say when they promise to liberate their brethren in Roubao from the authoritarian grasp of the Namorese social-imperialists," General Park told a press junket. "We have reached the technological level where we are capable of mobilizing long-distance swimmers to swim across entire oceans to wreak havoc upon our enemies. If things work out, we plan on sharing this fleet with our brother-comrades in the Triumvirate alliance as well, so that they can take part in the international offensive against hegemony.

"We dedicate this great fleet to our Great Leader, Chairman Jarrod Thuman, who coached the force when it was first initiated in the early years of the revolution," continued Park.

When asked exactly how many people make up the LDSF, Park replied "over a million." This claim has seen been corroborated by Roubanese, Namorese and WETO military sources.

"It's definitely a concerning development," said Namorese President-General Fu Wen when asked about the fleet. "Our security is being endangered by the only country that has a fleet comprised entirely of swimmers who can swim thousands of kilometers and destroy us. Not even our best athletes can do what they're doing."

by **The Jahistic Unified Republic** » Sun Nov 08, 2015 10:10 pm

Fun Fact: The LDSF is (or was) Actually Real
Satirical News Outlet Accidentally Gets One Right

Just hours ago, Namorese-based satirical news outlet The Pickle ran a humorous story claiming the so-called "Long Distance Swim Fleet" of the Jahistic Youth Corps had paraded themselves and had executed a military drill to retake the island of Roubao. The article, via the internet, made its way to the Jahistic Union where we got a hold of it.

We all snickered in The Firebrand's newsrooms because we thought this was common knowledge!

The so-called Long Distance Swim Fleet was declassified in the Summer of 2014 after the Great Leader's death. It was actually called the Special Tactical Maritime Operation Forces and was a branch of the Jahistic Youth Corps from 2007-2009 as plans had hatched to retake Roubao by any means necessary. This group consisted mainly of high school and college-aged marathon swimmers and would, theoretically, sneak unto Roubao to help with sabotage operations as a prelude to a real attack.

The plan was abandoned in 2009 as the Jahistic Youth Corps became more technologically advanced due to funding from the Party.

We're all personally proud of the Pickle, keep up the good work.

About me · by **Luziyca** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 5:48 am

Election 2016: who will win tomorrow?

Sera Svensson: a good choice?

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Tomorrow is election day. From Jerusalem in the north to Askatasuna in the south, and from Keshudi City in the west to Po'ai in the east, millions will be voting for their Representative and Senators, and will determine which party leader shall obtain the Presidency.

Who will win?
It is almost certain that Shjoraski will not win a second term: recent polls have suggested that Paul Nikolovich of the Socreds will almost certainly become leader of the Official Opposition, making it the highest gain from zero seats in the 2014 midterm elections, and Whig leader and incumbent Breuvi Shjoraski will fall to third place. It will be a significant upset and may force the Whigs to adapt to governing outside of power, lest it goes the way of the Socred Parties in Ubezha or Greenwich.

The NLP will almost certainly suffer the biggest losses, and it is pretty likely that the NLP may lose all their seats outside of Lombardia as a result of La Via's appeal to racism.

Thus, it is almost very likely that Sera Svensson will almost certainly be a victor in this general election, whether it is for the better or for the worse.

What would the House look like?
Since the House of Representatives will expand to 625 seats from the 500 seats that it has had since reunification, the chances are that the political landscape may change, but not as dramatic as this. But if we were to use the most recent polling data (from November 6th), the House may look something like this:

Liberals - 331 +184
Socreds - 138 +138
Whigs - 106 -159
CLP - 44 +12
NLP - 6 51

This is basically a "red tide," as many people now feel that the Liberals may help make Luziyca better off on the international stage. Many countries all across the globe have hoped for a Sera Svensson electoral win, and combined with her social programs, and Shjoraski's poor campaign performance, it seems that Svensson will win this coming election.

The Senate will probably look somewhat similar to the House of Representatives in its composition, with the Liberals winning a slight majority in the Senate.

But what about the promises?
The National Healthcare Act is supposed to go into law in January 2016 to replace Reghalsa: it will cover all citizens for essential treatments and regular check-ups, but not for medications and other treatments. It was passed in spite of Shjoraski, however, but Svensson would likely oversee the implementation of the new program once Shjoraski leaves office.

Her plans for green energy are incredibly ambitious, but it is pretty unlikely that she can do much to implement green energy: coal will still be the fuel of the country, whether she likes it or not.

The idealistic plans to reduce the incarceration rate will not happen: many citizens will oppose her being soft on crime, and will do everything to ensure that Luziyca stays tough on crime.

Economically, she will probably be just as good as the President when it comes to steering the Luziycan economy. She hasn't leaned so far to the left that she will alienate voters, but just far enough left so that significant changes could be underway.

But regardless, the real decision is up to you. You could go for a Liberal, or you can stick with the Whigs. The choice is up to you.

In other news
Namor - Shohai demands that all of Namor be eligible to vote in Nantai referendum in WNTV debate, Po'ai Mayor Sergoy retorts "only if all Luziyca can vote as well."
New Zepuha - Knitler admits to being involvd in Lecistan
Shibdan - Scientists begin to study erupting Yua Island
Opinion - Why Svensson's victory could lead to more criminals roaming on the streets

by **Nevamaa** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 12:27 pm

HRM the King reading his speech

BREAKING: HRM the King speaks to the nation - announces state of emergency, conscripts to be sent to Lecistan

NEVANLINNA - HRM the King addressed the nation today, announcing that as of Monday 9th of November, the Nevan Realm is officially in a state of war against "republican bandits" occupying portions of northern Lecistan.

"After discussing the matter with members of the Royal Council, I have ordered that a state of war now exists between the Nevan Realm and all forces refusing to obey legitimate authorities of the Grand Duchy of Lecistan in accordance with Article 11 of the Constitution of the Realm." HRM also clarified that "a state of war does not exist against any sovereign nation, nor against any neighbouring nations of Lecistan".

"Despite our best efforts, republican bandits have managed to maintain control of large parts of the northern Grand Duchy. Such lawlessness poses a major threat to my subjects, and in accordance with my oath I have ordered necessary measures to be taken to protect them. Royal Council has agreed that at this point, only swift, sacred war against the republican bandits can permanently cut off the head of the rebellious beast."

In practice, the state of war will mean several things: Among others, the Diet election scheduled for next Tuesday will be postponed until the concusion of the war. The Law Regarding Implementation of State of War also gives authorities extensive powers to use preventive detention on people suspected of treasonous activities for up to three months. In addition, provincial governors can limit or ban public meetings and establish curfews, and the national government has the power to impose censorship on newspapers and other publications to preserve public order. However, it is unlikely that these powers will be used as the state of war is not taking place in Nevanmaa proper.

However, the state of war being in effect means that conscripts will now be called into service and shipped to Lecistan: According to Marshal Tapio Luhtanen, 200,000 conscripts will be sent to Lecistan in addition to 40,000 professional soldiers.

"We are going to prioritize volunteers and Protecton Corps members over ordinary reservists, and we believe that for now the aforementioned members can fill the quota of 200,000 conscripts. With such a large number of soldiers in addition to professional soldiers already in Lecistan, we can expect a swift victory. Our boys will be home in time for Christmas."

Nevan Merchant Navy as well as all vessels of the Coast Guard and Customs have been transferred under the control of the Royal General Staff, who will begin organizing troop movements from Nevanmaa to Lecistan at once. Most soldiers will be transported to Filimons by ship, where they will continue to Lecistan by various means, including railways, buses and trucks. In addition, transport aircraft will also be utilized to fly troops from Nevanmaa straight into Lecistan.

In Nevanmaa, news regarding the declaration of war recieved with mixed feelings. Patriotic Front chairman Nestori Konala praised the King for his "great wisdom in protecting his most loyal subjects against terror", while members of left-wing parties either refused to comment or stated that while they disagree, it is their duty as HRM's subjects to respect his decision. Newly-elected Liberal Party chairman Valtteri Rantala asked HRM to "reconsider whether the declaration of war is beneficial to the Realm" but also said that he has to respect HRM in his role as the Commander-in-Chief.

Among ordinary people, news of a war recieved more positively, although several young men voiced their concerns about being conscripted and sent to Lecistan. One such interviewee who wished to remain anonymous stated that "he has read the news about republican bandits burning down entire villages, burying people alive and indiscriminately shooting dissidents. Of course I believe we must be stopped, but I'm worried that I'll be sent there. I'm just six months away from graduation and it's been over four years since my military service. I really hope that they manage to gather enough volunteers and Corps members and that they won't start recruiting ordinary reservists."

Economists on the other hand warned that the declaration of war could be the straw that will break the camel's back and send entire Esquarium into a recession. Albert Tulenheimo, professor of economics at the University of Kaarela warned that "if the war is not concluded quickly, there is a risk that the economies of not only Nevanmaa, but several Nordanian and South Conitian nations could collapse." Tulenheimo demanded that "all efforts must be taken by the international community to restore peace as soon as possible. War can be good for arms manufacturers, but taking into account the international situation it can result in the complete disappearance of investor confidence on Nevanmaa. And when you take into account how closely Nevanmaa is linked to other Esquarian economies, we might just pull the entire region into a recession."

by **West Cedarbrook** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 2:10 pm

Thunder Run Up the Rzeszu

Fall of Lec Social Republic Changes Plans
30 Hours of Air Strikes Greet Nevan, Filmon Visitors

Kaden Ewy, Embed with 10th Airborne. Report cleared by Army Censor, Ricerzow.

10th Airborne Drop Near Point Blue, Górno Dzlasziô
Following an intense 30 hour pounding of royalist forces throughout the Rzeszu valley, and the fall of royalist held neighborhoods in Ricerzow, forces of the West Cedarbrook 2nd Army advanced rapidly up the valley through formerly Lecistani Social Republic held territory on the east bank, and battled it's way through west bank towns toward the confluence of rivers at Górno Dzlasziô. The two week buildup of the 7th Division and 10th Airborne Division to full strength in the Michillian Marches, preceded by the unexpected collapse of the Social Republic caused a last minute change of plans, rotating the deployment of Cedarbrookese units clockwise after objectives in the former Social Republic came under Republican control last week. Since that collapse, WCAF strategic activity in Lecistan as part of Operation Hillel refocused on command and control targets throughout areas held by the Grand Duchy. Logistical planning also improved with the surrender of royalists within Ricerzow itself, as Republican MP's cleared major highways and arterial streets for Army vehicles heading up the valley. Artillery units slated for reduction of the royalist pockets within the city itself were rapidly reassigned to join the assult on Nevan and Fillmon forces in valley targets, as were engineers formerly tasked with clearing the Lecistani-Michillian border barriers to allow for a faster flow of men and material througn Lecistan's second city.

Cabinet Gives Final Thumbs Up Friday
A five hour pre-invasion cabinet meeting convened at Kramden House Friday at 11:00 AM, as President Feld reviewed last minute options weighing the merits of delaying action until after the upcoming Nevan election. During the meeting, the ambassadors of all nations supporting the Lecistani Republicans were on call, and were consulted several times during the discussions. Lead players in the Senate were in attendance, Senate President Stanislaus Douai, and the key members of the External Affairs Committee, committee chair James Ben-Asher and ranking Libertarian opposition member Jeb Zdunowsky. Early in the discussion, External Affairs Secretary Vernon Kansky raised the possibility that the upcoming elelction in Nevanmaa might return a government more amenable to negotiations with the Lecistan Republic. This was challended vigorously by Vice Preident Paula Davidoff, demanding to know what evidence Kansky could produce that would warrant a delay in ground operations into Lecistan. Kansky reportedly hemmed about the evidence, telling the cabinet that this was the consideration of several diplomats at Cedarbrookese embassies in Artesia and South Velkia. After further inconclusive discussions, Joints Chiefs of Staff Chair Admiral Thomas Ben-Asher reminded the President that the opportunity to gain ground now that the two divisions were in full strength was dimninishing as the cabinet reviewed the diplomatic option. As 4:00 PM drew near, Ben-Asher noted that the planned time to begin
air strikes in preparation for a Sunday ground attack was drawing near. After a short discussion regarding coordination with the Lecistani Republican Army, President Feld adjourned the meeting and gave Admiral Ben-Asher the green light for the strikes to start.

30 Hours of Air Strikes On Weekend
Starting at 6:00 PM Friday, under the protection of WCAF F-23s and F-15s, A-10 Warthogs repeatedly struck Royalist tactical targets through the upper Rzeszu Valley. Alit isl through the night of the 6th and on throughout the 7th the Warthogs struck targets of opportunity on the eastern bank of the valley, with particularly savage attacks throughout the Adomkow-Górno Dzlasziô corridor. During the evening of the 6th and in the last hours of the 7th Royalist forces in the vicinity of Zgnitow were hard hit. Targets in that pocket included facilities and vehicles south of Zgnitow as far as Ricerzow, and as far north as the switchbacks on the Zgnitow-Wirag road. Republican guerrilas throughout the Upper Rzeszu valley intensified activity during this period. The WCAF has confirmed the loss of 10 A-10s in this preliminary action. Four airman have been confirmed to have been recovered.

Operation Integer Underway at Midnight
Sunday saw a steady stream of Cedarbrookese Army vehicles on all major highways heading north in and through Ricerzow, as the 7th Division engaged the enemy on west bank river road toward Adomkow. An infantry squadron was lost and ended up pinned under fire on a cliff immediately outside the Ricerzow city limits, and sustained heavy casualties. Finally, toward dawn, Special Operations Forces running interference for the survivior allowed an evacuation of the stranded infantrymen, who are now recuperating in a field hospital. The main force continued up the Adomkow-Gora Rzekowi pike throughout Sunday under air cover, as 7th Divison field artillery struggled to keep up with the advance, hampered by the need to target Royalist units further south that presented a threat to the main thrust. In one bizarre incident Sunday afternoon, criminals in Adomkow took advantage of the mayhem to hijack a beer truck on the town's main street, heading east and driving through a firefight between Cedarbrookes riflemen and Royalist holdouts. The police chief, under a flag of truce, arrainged for a 90 minute cease fire to apprehend the thirsty criminals. Both sides agreed, and for 20 minutes enjoyed a respite from the carnage until the hijackers were apprehended, at which time fighting continued.

The 10th Airborne, motoring up the west bank had an easier time that the 7th, but there were occasional delays. Most of the newly acquired Republican territory showed the stress of earler fighting, and civilians were eager to resume their normal lives in valley towns the 10th passed through. Remnants of Ziegen units sent to support the Social Republic murder regieme were rumored to be marauding in the area, still subject to a Cedarbrookese standiing order against taking uniformed Ziegen prisoners. As a truckload of paratroopers passed near a woods on the main highway north of Rzeszuweis, shots rang out and the soldiers took cover. A patrol moving in from the highway berm found a clearing in the woods where the body of a Lieutennant Neidermeyer in Ziegen uniform lay face down, his back riddled with bullet wounds. Airborne Corporal Simon investigate the spent brass, and identified it as standard Ziegen issue. It appears that Neidermeyer had been shot by his own troops, who were nowhere to be seen. Said Corporal Simon "I'm truly amazed. Never have I seen such an act of cowardice in all my years". The delayed convoy then resumed the journey upriver. By morning today the bulk of the 10th had arrived opposite Górno Dzlasziô.

Later in the morning paratroopers in the 10th Division 2nd Brigade, 2nd Batallion Company dropped across the Rzeszu into Górno Dzlasziô at three points, attempting to capture three bridgeheads crossing the Rzeszu. The landing at Point Blue carrying the main highway into central Górno Dzlasziô was taken by the largest component of the Company, allowing thier waiting companions to continue across the bridge. Further west, at Point Green, the paratroopers found the rail main line bridge too heavily guarded.
An attack on the bridgehead was driven off after heavy losses, and stragglers have begun filtering in to Point Blue.

Even further west, at Point Yellow, a crossing on the city's outskirts, Cedarbrookese paratroopers ran into disaster, with most of the landing wiped out in firefights. There is no word at this time on survivors.

At last report, the 7th has continued through Royalist held territory, past Gora Rzekowi, with Armored and Stryker combat teams pushing through the town of Lada, and are now engaging the enemy just inside western Górno Dzlasziô. It is believed that the progress of the 7th Division in the Rzeszu Valley has effectively isolate Royalist forces in eastern Lecistan to the Zgnitow pocket.

Back in West Cedarbrook, it is reported that Second Army headquarters is monitoring progress, and unconfirmed reports from the Robert Levy Barracks in Wrycova say that the Army Command is considering committment of the remainder of the 2nd Army, and possibly other forces depending on the results of Operation Integer.

by **Qianrong** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 2:14 pm

Lekkëbsczi/Lecchebstxi |

Odýssiána |

Hespeirana |

Filimön |

Riots in areas of Szimóngôcz, Ricérzów, Ùchòj under "Grand Duchy" control after assaults by Nevans and collaborators on peaceful protesters

Rioters in Szimóngôcz raise a makeshift banner of blue and yellow, two of Lecistan's national colors.

November 9, 2015 | Ricérzów, Lecistan - Riots have been reported in regions of the cities of Szimóngôcz, Ricérzów, and Ùchòj under the control of the so-called "Grand Duchy" after attempts by Nevan soldiers to enforce martial law by using live fire on peaceful protesters demonstrating in support of the Second Lecistani Republic and against the tyrannical rule of the so-called Grand Duchy. All three cities- already the scenes of battles between the Lecistani Republican Armed Forces and Nevan troops- have descended into semi-anarchic states as thousands of people turn out into the streets to riot.

Since the beginning of attempts by the so-called "Grand Duchy" and the Nevan regime to establish an autocratic tyranny in Lecistan in late September, thousands of Lecistanis who supported or sympathized with the Solidarity Alliance and its constituent parties have been peacefully demonstrating and protesting for the preservation of their rights and liberties. For months, these protesters have been brutalized by the police of the so-called "Grand Duchy" and by the troops of the Nevan Realm, with anywhere between 3,000 and 9,000 having been imprisoned on fabricated political charges. In spite of this, the protesters had remained peaceful. After revelations that Jóvanne-Márco Sáltucéri and Juhani Kaarenmaa-Hennala had fabricated the results of the October election to guarantee a defeat for the Solidarity Alliance, and the actual results were released, the size of the protests surged and many Lecistani workers went on strike to protest the assaults on their country and their liberties by the Nevan regime and its supporters and collaborators in Lecistan. These protests were not only widespread in traditionally progressive northern cities like Brzny and Lùtórowo, but in cities in the Rzëszù Valley and in southeastern cities. Nevan attempts to crush the protests with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets had temporary success, but failed to deter the return of large numbers of peaceful demonstrators to the streets.

Nevan soldiers firing on protesters in a desperate attempt to silence the people and force their submission.

Today, however, Juhani Kaarenmaa-Hennala declared war on the Second Lecistani Republic and on the people and nation of Lecistan; in response, protesters and strikers came out in full force to call for an end to the Nevan invasion of Lecistan and for Nevanmaa to respect the rights and liberties of the Lecistani people. In response, Nevan troops and collaborationist "Grand Duchy" police forces switched to using live rounds on peaceful demonstrators, in the hopes of killing enough Lecistani civilians to terrify the remainder into submission. However, the blatant murders of dozens if not hundreds of peaceful protesters did not terrify but instead enraged the thousands of people protesting and striking, triggering violent clashes between the protesters and the soldiers brutally assaulting them for simply speaking their minds.

At present, the situation in the cities of Szimóngôcz, Ricérzów, and Ùchòj is largely unknown. The cities were already being contested by the Lecistani Republican Armed Forces and Nevan-collaborationist troops, but now the presence of large riots in these cities has made the situation in the "Grand Duchy"-controlled regions of these cities volatile and uncertain as control fluctuate. Protests and strikes, which had already hampered the ability of Lecistani collaborationist and Nevan forces to operate, have now turned into outright riots that the enemies of the people will likely attempt to put down using military force diverted from the front. The number of casualties is also unclear; independent estimates have risen as high as several thousand wounded and several hundred dead. It is unclear if these riots will become a revolution that sees the eventual victory of the Second Lecistani Republic, or if they will be brutally crushed by the Nevan regime in its attempts to establish an iron grasp over Lecistan.

Other Articles:
DOMESTIC- LRAF makes massive gains after Wilczewski capture
FOREIGN- Nevanmaa formally declares war on Second Republic
OPINION- Nevan monarchy has declared war on all South Conitia
DOMESTIC- Bombings by Nevans killing "thousands" of civilians
DOMESTIC- Cedarbrook, New Zepuha to step up aerial campaigns
ECONOMIC- Will Nevan actions imperil the economy of Esquarium?

by **Nevamaa** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 3:13 pm

Nevan protesters unveiled an anti-West Cedarbrookese banner during a Nikkeli-Kauritsala football game on monday

HRM the King gives a 36 hour ultimatum to West Cedarbrook: Cease attacks on Nevan forces at once or face war

NEVANLINNA - A public ultimatum written personally written by HRM the King was delivered to the West Cedarbrookese embassy today, soon after it became clear that West Cedarbrookese forces has partaken in murder of Nevan soldiers in the territory of the Grand Duchy of Lecistan, a part of the royal realms of Kaarenmaa-Hennala.

Reports have surfaced that West Cedarbrookese aircraft performed air strikes on Nevan forces in the Rzeszu Valley, killing and injuring both Nevan and Filimon soldiers. Reports also indicate a presence of a few thousand West Cedabrookese forces within the country, something that has not been authorized by the Nevan War Ministry.

The ultimatum demands that all West Cedabrookese forces on land, in air and at sea must cease all offensive actions by 0900 on Wednesday morning, or else the Nevan Realm would have no choice but to officially declare war on West Cedarbrook.

According to the declaration, "West Cedarbrook has taken part in a war of aggression against integral territory of the Crown of Nevanmaa. There is no reason for West Cedabrookese forces to be within Nevan crown territory, as no entity has requested or authorized such forces to be present. Now, accordng to most recent reports, these forces have actually taken part in murdering Nevan soldiers, which alone would warrant an immediate declaration of war"

"As of now, we are issuing an ultimatum to the West Cedarbrookese war ministry to immediately cease all offensive actions against all Nevan forces on ground, in air and at sea. We also demand all unauthorized West Cedabrookese forces in all crown territories, including the Grand Duchy of Lecistan, begin an immediate and orderly withdrawal."

"If aggressive acts against Nevan forces continue after the aforementioned time limit, we have no choice but to declare war on the Kramden of West Cedarbrook for violating Nevan crown territory and murder of countless Nevan soldiers."

HRM the King concluded the speech by addressing the West Cedarbrookese people: "In my heart, I know that neither Nevans nor the West Cedarbrookese people wish war. Why should any West Cedarbrookese mother have to mourn over her dead son or a wife over her husband? Because the West Cedarbrookese government wanted to start an unnecessary war of aggression against the peaceful Nevan nation? Such a war is in no one's interest. All Nevan people have taken an oath to defend the royal form of government with their blood unto death, and we will not give up. Demand an end to this foolish war, a war that could potentially kill millions of West Cedarbrookese and Nevan men, women and children. Demand peace, demand, harmony, demand to preserve friendship between Nevan and West Cedarbrookese people. There is still time. Thank you."

by **Geadland** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 3:31 pm

KURT DEN RUDE RETURNS TO LIBERAL PARTY LEADERSHIP
Can their 1997-2009 leader rescue the party from record low poll ratings?

9 November 2015 Last updated 12:14 Geadish Standard Time
Kurt den Rude has been elected leader of the Liberal Party, winning a three-way race against current deputy party leader Peter Johansen and former deputy leader Nataniel Ikmann. Den Rude previously served as the party leader from 1997 to 2009, leading them into the campaigns for the 2001 and 2005 general elections but resigning shortly before the 2009 general election due to his party's low poll ratings. The new contest was triggered when Den Rude's successor, Kjel Hammervik, resigned five months ago after the Liberals' poor showing in the 2015 local elections.

In his acceptance speech, Den Rude said "It's good to be back!" He then said that "I was elected because our members are worried. Worried about our party's future. Worried that our voice is not being heard. Worried that we are wasting our chance to influence the government. And we are already about 60% of the way through the current parliamentary term. We must act now, to give Geadland a decisive dose of centrist liberalism that we need. We must act now, to show the voters that we are different from the other parties, that we are wiser than those on the left but more compassionate than those on the right."

Den Rude took the most votes on the first round, taking 37% to Ikmann's 35%, while Johansen finished in third place with 27%. On the second round of voting, Den Rude defeated Ikmann by a 59%-41% margin, scooping most of the second-preference candidates from Johansen. Prior to the candidates being declared, Johansen and Katarin Sendling were considered the frontrunners, until Den Rude entered the race and Sendling announced she would not stand. Sendling is a Liberal backbencher who entered Parliament in the 2010 Halvelo by-election. Both Sendling and Ikmann have been publicly critical of their party's performance in government, with Ikmann coining the term "Wishy-Washy Boring Centrist" to describe how he viewed his party's platform. Ikmann said when he announced his candidacy that "I've only chosen to stand because Miss Sendling has declined."

Ever since they began supporting Efa Nordland's government since the 2013 general election, support to the Liberal Party has declined to their lowest levels on record. Having already been disappointed to see their vote share drop to 10% in 2013, current polls now give them on average just 5% of the vote. The party have already alienated much of their right-leaning supporters by supporting Andras Verbåten's increasingly unpopular government from 2009 to 2013. Their support for Efa Nordland's government has in turn alienated much of their left-leaning supporters. Den Rude said that "We should think very carefully if we're going to support the Conservatives beyond 2017."

Efa Nordland posted on Twitter "Congratulations to [Kurt Den Rude], winner of the [Liberal Party] leadership election. We look forward to working with you." Finance minister Dag Loettervik agreed that the leadership contest "has exposed some disillusionment within the Liberal party" but added that "We are sure we can work with Den Rude, keep our differences accommodated and our promises implemented." Opposition leader, Samuel Stefansen, told reporters that "It is good to see the Liberal Party is getting disillusioned." He added though that "If the Liberals are serious when say they oppose many of the government's policies, they need to start blocking them in Parliament. I'm worried that all that's going to happen is that they're only going to complain more without changing their actions."

Electoral analyst Johan-Peter Blumendal said that the election of Den Rude represented "a shift to the left" for the Liberal Party. He also said that "Den Rude is a compromise candidate here. He sits between the party leadership, represented by Johansen, who are loyal to the government, and the party's radicals, like Ikmann, who dislike working with the Conservatives." All three candidates ruled out bringing down the government, however Ikmann wants the Liberals to pledge to support a left-wing government after the next general election, while Den Rude, Johansen and Hammervik want the party to be neutral, at least until the campaign approaches. Both Ikmann and Den Rude also wanted the party to block government plans to fully privatise Gas Gaudlund and charge domestic university students for tuition. Johansen argued that these moves would be risky and do little to bring back voter support.

Blumendal said that "It is rather hard to see what they can do to rescue themselves. It will certainly take more than electing a new leader." Forcing a snap election would be highly inadvisable given the Liberals' dire poll ratings, he argued, and it may anger their remaining supporters. He argues that as Nordland has moved the Conservatives closer to the centre, many voters feel that there is a lack of difference between them and the SDLP. "As a result, a lot of voters are questioning why Geadland needs a party in-between the two," he said.

MULTIPLE PROTESTS IN DA HEGNER
Budget, university fees and Lecistan bring tens of thousands to the capital

9 November 2015 Last updated 12:14 Geadish Standard Time
Police have estimated that over 70,000 people attended weekend protests in the Tempel district of Da Hegner on Saturday. The protests were largely peaceful, apart from a few broken windows and scuffles. Police made 21 arrests, while 2 people were taken to hospital.

The first protest was an anti-austerity protest, which was timed to be held on the weekend before the 2016 budget is unveiled. The second was a student protest against the government's proposal to charge domestic students for university tuition (currently only foreign students pay tuition fees). The third was held in support of the Republic of Lecistan, mainly calling on the government to recognise the republican government and place sanctions on Nevanmaa. A fourth was a "World Peace" protest, largely organised by the Green Party, that was mainly protesting against Geadland's military intervention in Qianrong, as well as in response to rumours that the government is considering joining the pro-republican intervention in Lecistan. The protests were sent down Den Linden Traie avenue from St. Stephen's Park to the Bascule Bridge, passing most major government buildings on the way.

Laura Fulkertsen, the Governor [Chief] of the Da Hegner Police said "We had an unusually high number of protesters today and we had no idea how orderly or disorderly the crowds were going to be. On the whole, I think the protesters were mostly well-behaved, excepting a few bad apples, while our officers handled the situation well."

One incident occurred in Olaf-Nicholsen-Gat, which joins onto Den Linden Traie by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The police had ordered protesters out of the area to ensure that vehicles could still access the ministry car park. When Ron Feldmocher, a 19 year old student, refused to obey a police officer's instruction to move, an altercation took place which ended with the officer knocking Feldmocher out with a truncheon. He was taken to hospital and treated for concussion. Fulkertsen said that "We're investigating the incident because we're not sure if the police officer in question used the right amount of force. We can't comment too much though until we know what's happened."

Some scuffles broke out between the Lec Republic and Peace rallies. Fulkertsen said that "We noticed they were protesting potentially conflicting messages, so we tried to put them on either side of the budget protest. That didn't stop some protesters from both marches meeting each other when the congregated at the start and end." The second person to be taken to hospital that day was an unidentified 40-year old man who was found unconscious and bleeding on the Bascule Bridge, with a sign saying "Sanctions Not Guns". It is believed he was knocked out in a fight with another protester.

Elsewhere, stones were thrown at the windows of several government buildings such as the Östergard Palace and the Ministry of Finance, though since most windows on these buildings have thick glass, few were actually broken and most of the damage consisted of scratches. The glass was also broken on several Unitel-branded telephone booths. "They must have been confusing Unitel with the Nevan banking chain Unibank," said Sergeant Johan Menso, one of the police officers managing police movements around the protests. "I can't think why else they would have targeted it. Unless they were angry and just wanted to smash whatever glass they could break." It has been common for windows to be smashed during riots in Geadland, which is partly why many buildings on the avenue have reinforced glass windows.

Johan Smid, an SDLP backbencher who has been a vocal advocate of the Lec Republic in Geadland, said that "Our protest has largely been a success. It is a slight shame that some hooligans tagged on and used the protest as a cover for violent behaviour. In no way where they representative of the majority who assembled in the capital." He criticised the Green Party for organising a "clashing" protest on the same day. "We are calling for support of the Lec Republic and more action on our government's behalf to stop Nevanmaa's barbaric actions. It is annoying that we had the Greens holding their isolationist rally on the same day. And their position on the matter is downright naive."

Harald Fredriksen, the leader of the Green Party, said that he did not regret organising an anti-interventionist protest on the same day as a potentially interventionist Support the Lec Republic rally. He also rejected the charge that his party was isolationist. "We do favour recognition of the Lec Republic, actually. We made it clear on our signs. But we are concerned that the message that other protesters shouted today, and the one that is being whispered among officials in Nordland's government, is that we need to fight fight fight. Yes we should promote the Lec Republic. Yes, Nevanmaa's actions are completely unacceptable. But we need to use diplomatic and economic tools, not guns."

Hägen: Nevan ultimatum to West Cedarbrook is "an empty threat".
Poll predicts SDLP victory in Osling by-election
Namor's Popular Front debate: Shohai prevails but Tao makes inroads

by **New Zepuha** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 3:54 pm

Federal News Network

Karl IV Declares War on Nevanmaa; 1st Marine Expeditionary Army Ordered to Lecistan

November 9th, 2015

NEWS ALERT - It has just reached our offices that Karl IV, our benevolent king, has struck down the mandate in Lecistan and has instead ordered the Imperial Marine Corps to begin deployment procedures to Michilles and then to Lecistan to counter the massive 'Nevan horde' that has been loosed upon the territory. The defense alert level has been elevated to Ready Alert Level 3, stating that an attack on the homeland is probable and all citizens should report to their local militia depots for briefing on the situation. This comes after an announcement from the Nevan upper administration that they are essentially gearing up for total war against the Republic of Lecistan.

Karl IV has issued a declaration of war against Nevanmaa and her allies in this conflict. Stating the following:

"It has become clear to me that no other course of action can occur from this point forward. The forces assailing the free people of Lecistan cannot be allowed to perpetrate their evil any longer. I have struck the earlier mandate down and have ordered the 1st Marine Expeditionary Army to ready itself and begin deployment procedures in accordance with my powers to wage war. They will begin combat operations in Lecistan as soon as God wills it. For our cause is just and it is rooted in the sound principles of freedom and justice for all.

At this point, I consider a state of war to exist between the Federal Commonwealth of New Zepuha and the Nevan Realm, Grand Duchy of Lecistan, Lyenese Confederation, Commonwealth of Filimons, and the Most Holy Vespian Empire. We will not hesitate to wield the almighty force of the Zephuan Armed Forces in our conflicts. God save us all."

With the defense condition raised, additional Coast Guard ships will be allocated to coastal regions to fill in the gaps for regular navy ships absence. The Department of the Navy has also issued a bounty of 100,000 thrones for a verifiable sinking of a Nevan merchant vessel. They have also issued a warning that Nevan merchant and civilian vessels captured by the Imperial Navy will be scuttled, any ship caught in international waters will be fired upon without warning. "It is justified in our eyes and we will pursue the policy as resources dictate." commented the First Lord of the Admiralty Board. The National Defense Force has also mobilized it's troops along the east coast in expectation of retaliation, air assets are to remain ready to intercept bogies.

The war is not expected to meet a swift or pretty end.

Other News

Nevan anti-semitism flaunted once again
Inquisition considers loosening restrictions on the Jewish faith
Rioters in Lecistan show their displeasure

by **Lecistan** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 4:11 pm

9 Lëstopadnik, 2015

Riots in major cities as violence overtakes urban areas.

A crowd of rioters in Ùchòj flood a street, attacking a military patrol unit.

SZIMÓNGÔCZ - The cities of Szimóngôcz and Ùchòj have seem to seen excessive amount of violence over the past day, after an official Nevan declaration of war triggered riots in major urban areas. Looting occurred in major throughways in Szimóngôcz, and local police have stating they have been attacked by civilians. Tensions exploded however this afternoon after an unnamed police officer was taped harassing and beating a woman and her children near one of the main epicentres of the riots. The woman’s son, confirmed to be 5-year-old Adóm Jôcki, was shot and killed by the police officer accidentally. The nearby crowd responded by beating the officer and hanging him by a nearby tree. It seems these bloodthirsty rioters have no sense of moral decency, as attacks have occurred on police stations and other government institutions. In Ùchòj, many have begun blockading the streets in the centre of the city, and firebombing of police cars and military transports, and have, through what little communication we can have with the occupiers, have gathered in Ùwôcczi Sqaure, demanding the complete surrender of the military forces of the city and, according to our limited sources, declared loyality to the rebel “Lecistani Republic”.

The situation in Szimóngôcz is not very different, with rioters centred around the Szôdz and Michôłowo neighbourhoods, and similar meetings in plazas and squares around the city. According to official sources, the Acting President and his cabinet have fled the city to an undisclosed area protected by the military

We will continue to monitor the situation.

by **Nevamaa** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 4:13 pm

OOC: The post by New Zepuha can be ignored for now, and at least I will be doing that. Luziyca should post something about negotiations soon.

by **Katranjiev** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 4:16 pm

Magarit Ogynan and Queen Elis propose negotiations

Krasimir Castle gate

KRASIMIR, KRASIMIR - As a future Third Great War threatens to tear the world apart as a result of Nevan actions within Lecistan, Katranjian Prime Minister Magarit Ogynan and Queen Elis have issued an offer to all sides of the Lecistani conflict to seek peace, out of concern for the "future of the world," and with hopes for a solution that all sides can agree with.

PM Margarit Ogynan and Queen Elis said in a joint statement issued by the National Assembly that "on behalf of the government of Katranjiev, we are concerned for the future of the world. As one of the more neutral entities in the region, it appears to be in our best interests to invite all parties to attend a peace conference at Krasimir Castle."
"We hope that the results of the conference shall satisfy everyone's demands and prevent war from breaking out over a little landlocked country in South Conitia, because we are concerned that should a Third Great War break out, the economic impact that this conflict will have on international trade will almost certainly be the most devastating in recent times, and may be enough to trigger a wholescale collapse of modern civilization should neither side accept the offer or deny the product of the conference."

More as the story develops.

by **Qianrong** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 7:26 pm

FROM THE EDITORS - TAO FOR NAMOR AND FOR QIANRONG
Written by Csedomir Pantejmonov on behalf of the RFQ Editorial Board-
Why the people of Namor should support Tao James- and why Qianrongese should too.

Tao James' star power has provided a serious challenge to Shohai's surname.

NAMO, NAMOR- NOVEMBER 9^th, 2015 - Qianrong's large northern neighbor, the People's Republic, is set to hold a general election on schedule on March 20th of 2016. Though this is still a while away, the primaries for this election are in full swing and are quickly becoming contentious politically in Namor and abroad. The rightist New Democrats, presently in government under President-General Fu Wen, are being challenged by the leftist Popular Front- the combined forces of the Liberationists, Socialists, and Democratic Socialists. The far-right People's First Coalition is also contesting the elections. At present, two nominees seek the New Democrat nomination: Huan An, Deputy for the 14th Legislative District, and Tuyet An, Deputy for the 23rd. Fu Wen cannot run for reelection due to term limits; his Vice President, Derrick Lee, has refused to run. Three nominees seek the Popular Front's nomination: Namsa Singho, former Vice President under Kaitlyn Khan and leader of the Democratic Socialists, Shohai Antelope, leader of the Liberationists and Deputy for the 5th Legislative District, and Tao James, Deputy for the 39th Legislative District and member of the Socialists. Gongchan Zhushi, leader of the Socialists, dropped out of the race due to flagging poll numbers; Vang Jun, the former Liberationist leader of the Txotai AR regime, has declined to run. And, of course, the People's First Coalition has nominated the controversial Kuo Zhang- known sometimes in Qianrong as the Clown of Kuocaddens in mocking reference to Scotia's Arthur Griffin, who is nicknamed the Clown of Cowcaddens- as their nominee.

Domestically, the election is seen as a referendum on the rule of the New Democrats and of Fu Wen. Fu's victory marked a major victory for the Namorese right, and has seen serious shifts in welfare policy, detente, and economic policy. But many are now dissatisfied with rising inequality, economic troubles, and perceived submission to Luziyca. The New Democrats are attempting to convince the Namorese people that their policies were the right policies, and that they will ultimately solve the issues facing Namor; the Popular Front claims that it is rightist policies that have led to the current issues, and that a swift return to the left will resolve them; the People's First Coalition will presumably maintain that laying claim to all of Velkia and Lahudica will somehow solve said issues, though Kuo Zhang has been uncharacteristically quiet this election so we can't say for sure at this time. If the New Democrats maintain their hold in spite of the odds, then it will represent a serious political shift to the right that will have massive repercussions for the Namorese left; if the Namorese left wins, then the right will be thrust back into opposition and Namor will again change its national tack. And if the People's First Coalition wins, then every farmer in Namor will take a sudden interest in the ability of their pigs to engage in traditionally avian activity.

Before we go any further, we must dispel any rumors that we are saying Tao James should be elected simply because we've gotten used to a President-General who's done some interesting things and we'd like to continue having a Namorese leader whose more, well, unusual moments we can showcase and being able to put a really weird image increases viewer counts and thus advertising revenue and how often we're shared on social media. While it is true that images of politicians running around on cars or doing the chicken dance make people more interested in otherwise dry political articles, and Tao James certainly has more images of himself in unusual situations out there than Shohai or Namsa, there are far more important and far more serious reasons that the people of Namor should support Tao James in the primaries and general election- and why the Qianrongese should hope for a President-General Tao too.

Let's start with why Namor should support Tao James- after all, they will be the ones voting for him, and so it seems logical to make the case for them first. The most pressing concern for many Namorese is the economy, which has been brought down along much of Esquarium's economy. Fu Wen's deregulation of the market and cuts to the social security net have made the common Namorese citizen far more vulnerable than they were under his predecessors, and have worsened the economic situation in Namor. His response has been weak and ineffective. Tuyet An's solution is to continue the present policy; Huan An's is to take actions that would likely further increase inequality; Shohai Antelope and Namsa Singho have decent plans, but don't take as much action as might be necessary. Tao James, of the candidates, has the best. Ultimately, economic slumps occur because consumers become scared to spend the money they earn. Often, this is because they fear that they might need it later for some potential incident such as a car crash or a medical bill, but for some people it is the basic fear that they might not be able to pay their heating bill or for groceries or the rent. Laissez-faire plans and austerity fail to address this fear- in fact, they increase it as they make it clear to the citizenry that there is no safety net to fall back on should they hit hard times. Afraid to spend their money lest they need it later, businesses turn less profit and are forced to cut wages, lay off employees, and close locations. News of layoffs and lower wages instills more fear, creating a downward spiral. With his support for the expansion of Namor's healthcare system and his advocacy for the country's welfare system, which go above and beyond the advocacy of Shohai and Namsa, Tao seeks to directly challenge that fear by reassuring the Namorese people that they will be protected by their government. Less fear means more people and more willing to put money into the economy, which means higher profits and in turn allows corporations to increase wages and hire more employees. Tao's plan is by far the most expansive in attacking this fear that is the root of economic trouble, and will thus do the most to assist the Namorese economy.

And Tao- long known as the defector from Nantai- happens to have the best plan for the disputed patch of land that is his home. Like most of the candidates in Namor, Tao is unfortunately hesitant to recognize the right of the Nantainese people to their popular sovereignty even when their will is not the same as Namo's- he has joined other Popular Front candidates in dismissing pro-Luziycan protests in Nantai as "astroturfed", among other examples- but Tao is more willing to recognize the right to Nantainese self-determination than any of his opponents, aside from Huan An on the opposite side of the spectrum. What ultimately distinguishes Tao here is his famous Tao Plan, which calls for the admission of Nantai as an "Associated Administrative Area"- an autonomous republic, except with authority over areas that are reserved to Namor in the cases of other autonomous republics, somewhat similar to the maximum devolution, or "devomax", plans supported by some Otekian groups. This matters because Namor presently considers Nantai part of the district of West Namor, which would deny the Nantainese any real autonomy. For the Nantainese, who seek to preserve their increasingly unique culture, autonomy could easily become a critical issue. While the Namorese treatment of the Otekians and Peitoans does not exactly give us hope for Namor's ability to preserve unique local cultures- and should give Nantainese pause too- what Tao proposes is simply better than any of the plans proffered by his opponents.

Detente also seems safer in Tao's hands than in the hands of his main Popular Front rival, Shohai Antelope. This might seem strange, given that Tao James has killed Luziycan soldiers in the past- and, indeed, gained his present fame in part because of this fact. But Shohai seems a far riskier choice with regards to detente. Firstly, Tao seems more willing to meet with Luziycan leadership- even at personal risk to himself- than Shohai does. Secondly, Shohai has made a variety of worrying remarks on the subject. The most worrying of these came on October 23rd, when Shohai said there would be "nothing illegal" if Namor undertook a war of aggression against Luziyca to seize control of Nantai. Namor and Luziyca are likely among the most powerful nations in Esquarium; they certainly dominate South Velkia. A Fourth Namo-Luziycan War would be incredibly destabilizing to South Velkia, economically and politically. Qianrongese will also remember how the Third Namo-Luziycan war spilled into Qianrong and Vyvland, resulting in the death of 16 civilians from non-combatant countries as a consequence of Namorese bombing runs. A history of Namo-Luziycan wars spilling over is then compounded by the fact that- in contrast to the situation in the Third Namo-Luziycan War- the Esquarian Union and Western Esquarium Treaty Organization would also likely be involved, potentially turning a war over Nantai into a Third Great War. While Shohai has responded by saying he has never advocated for war, and would prefer peaceful reunification, this semantic splitting of hairs seems utterly irrelevant in comparison to the stakes. In a situation with potential consequences for Esquarium this severe, any candidate who argues in favor of potentially bringing those consequences about simply cannot be endorsed by us in good conscience. Even if Shohai is simply attempting to rally up the base with fierce rhetoric, he is playing with fire in an arsenal's gunpowder magazine with these remarks.

Tao would also use Namor's immense potential power for good- and sparingly, a sharp contrast to Luziycan interventionism that is often short-sighted and self-centered, and to the policies provided by some of his opponents. He's spoken for keeping tensions in the North Sea low, and spoken in opposition to Namorese militarization against the Triumvirate. He's stated he would place detente with Luziyca over his own personal opinion of Breuvi Shjoraski or Sera Svensson. Aside from recognition of the Second Lecistani Republic and sending humanitarian aid to Qianrong, he hasn't shown much interest in throwing around Namorese clout like a blunt object. "I'm not fond of a staunchly interventionist policy... Interventions are costly. Money that can be used to build schools, roads and hospitals are used to fund bloodshed," he told the crowd during the debate. The reassurance that Namor is on a path of peace would further convince the world that the Velkias and Lahudica are safe places to invest and to trade, increasing the economic situations in those regions.

As for the other two Popular Front candidates, they have flaws that make us hesitant to declare support for them. Some of Shohai's remarks worry us- not only those pertaining to potential wars, but also some statements made about how he'd handle domestic politics. His calls for Huan An to be investigated of the very serious crime of high treason are unpresidential and don't reflect well on how opposition politicians might be treated in a Shohai presidency Namor. This becomes especially so when you consider that the infraction committed by Huan An was meeting local leaders and civilians to gain support and burnish his political credentials while running for office- or as it is generally known, "campaigning". If Shohai considers Nantai a part of Namor, why is campaigning in Hoy Phong or Ngenh Ngenh alright, but campaiging in Kenyen high treason? And his usage of the term purge- a term more associated with Huankun Chen or Jarrod Thuman than any elected leader- to describe how he'd respond to corruption suggests he might be trying a little too hard to live up to the legacies of Yunglang and Gelai Antelope. As for Namsa Singho, his policies are decent but he has neither Shohai's surname nor Tao's star power, and- if nominated- might struggle to garner enthusiasm for the Popular Front that might be critical in defeating Huan or Tuyet. A flagging economy that can be easily blamed on an incumbent right and increased geopolitical uncertainty all play into the left's hand, but a Namsa nomination might fail to get the leftist vote out, leading to a New Democratic victory.

Tao is also the best choice for Qianrong. The main factor here is humanitarian aid to Qianrong, which Fu Wen began and then quickly aborted amidst revelations that his government had considered denying aid to Qianrongese Otekians, one of the demographics hardest-hit by Ngo Huu Tra's campaign of bloodshed, and the addition of Namor to the Discriminator List, stipulating that Namorese aid would have to be distributed by the Qianrongese government, by the Qianrongese legislature. Only two of the candidates- Huan An and Tao James- have spoken in favor of resuming humanitarian aid to Qianrong in spite of the Discriminator List. In a June 23rd interview on PTH, Huan An- who is partially ethnic Minjianese- said that " People are dying now... and we need to do everything we can to help the Qianrongese people enjoy a return to stability"; during the debate, Tao James told the audience that "it's sad that we have a President-General that values our country's name more than the lives of hundreds of thousands of Qianrongese civilians who did nothing to cause the conflict that's killing them" while speaking in favor of aid. Namsa Singho- whose last experience with Qianrong would have been the era of the Trang Vai, nuclear weapons, and Chancellor Song- explicitly said that he would "prefer that we have nothing to do with that country"; Shohai Antelope simply said that he'd decide once he was in office, and while normally we'd let this pass- better prudence than rashness, of course- he had shortly before said "we don't recognize the Qianrongese rebels yet", emphasis on "yet", which is cold comfort for any Qianrongese who does not actively support the QSR over the SISQ. Tuyet An and Kuo Zhang also appear to be in opposition to a resumption of aid. With many Qianrongese still in desperate situations, a candidate who supports humanitarian aid resumption is automatically better for Qianrong than any candidate who opposes it.

Ultimately, the tiebreaker between Huan and Tao for who the Qianrongese should support is economics. As mentioned earlier, Tao's economic plan is better for Namor- and because of growing economic ties between Qianrong and the rest of South Velkia, any policy that's good for one of South Velkia's largest economies will have a ripple effect in Qianrong, in spite of poor relations between Qianrong and Namor themselves. As Namor's economy improves, the ripple effect will have a positive effect on the Qianrongese economy via the economies of countries like Chorea, Scotia, Katranjiev, and Luziyca. While Qi Chien-Xuan's programs have reduced unemployment from its' immediate post-crash peak of 35% to 27%, the economy remains shaky amidst political uncertainty and domestic conflict. Stability in South Velkia would have positive effects in Qianrong and would decrease the uncertainty that presently plagues economics in Qianrong, Namor, and the entirety of Esquarium.

Of course, there are some areas where no Namorese candidate fully meets the expectations of myself and the Editorial Board. Most obvious is Oteki. The activists at Esquarian Human Rights Monitor made explicit references to the situation in Oteki and the plight faced by Otekians- especially those held as political criminals under the Anti-Secession Law, including singer Manya Valerija- when posing their questions on Twitter for the Popular Front debate, OQA leader Myhrodniv Klitishko inquired about widening Oteki-Namor discussions to non-devomax groups, and the National Rights and Liberties Index made a reference to human rights issues in Namor- presumably referring to Oteki because, to be blunt, Namor's human rights record has been pretty strong every place but Oteki since Minjuha began. Racial issues in Oteki remain a sore spot, and the concerns about the erosion of Otekian culture, of demographic manipulation by Namorese authorities, and of discrimination and repression by Namor have not in any sense diminished since we were sued by the Txotai AR for talking about Oteki in relation to a Namorese presidential election in 2014. But no questions were asked or answered about the situation in Oteki- the only remark to it in the entire debate was a passing reference by Shohai Antelope, who was actually talking about Luziycan power projection and for some reason decided to bring up a remark made by Narsete la Via during a Luziycan presidential debate in which the ex-Purity Congress member vowed to support terrorist action in Oteki. As far as we can tell, the stances taken by Huan and Tuyet aren't much better than those taken by Shohai, Namsa, and Tao, and Kuo's is almost assuredly worse than any of the others.

There are other issues, too, where few candidates seem appealing to us. No candidates, as far as we can tell, would support Namorese entry into the Monic Union. Namsa Singho's reasoning of popular sovereignty is the strongest reasoning any candidate has, but even then we disagree with his stance; the logic provided by Tao and Shohai, that Namor cannot join because some of its political rivals such as Koyro and Tuthina are involved, falls apart when one realizes that both the Second Independent State of Qianrong and Qianrongese Soviet Republic- who have both declared themselves the sole legitimate government of Qianrong and have vowed to destroy the other as soon as the indefinite ceasefire ends- are both members of the group as agreed by Qi Chien-Xuan and Long Jiao-Dan in the Xiangmen Negotiations. Ultimately, faced with no good choices on issues such as Oteki and the Monic Union, we have to make our decision based on other ones where we can determine a certain candidate whose stance we believe to be better.

Ultimately, those of us on the editorial board of Radio Free Qianrong urge that the Popular Front name Tao James as its nominee, and that the people of Namor cast their ballots for Tao James when the general election comes. His economic policy takes the broadest possible action to guarantee the people's well-being in Namor, and will have positive ripple effects for Namor's neighbors; he has the best policy towards the region of Nantai; detente is surest in his hands. And the Qianrongese people should seek his election in what ways we can, because he supports resumption of aid to Qianrong and his economic policy will have positive effects in Qianrong in addition to Namor. Tao James promises a peaceful and prosperous People's Republic- which is what Namor and its neighbors need right now.

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by **Namor** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 7:35 pm

THE PICKLE - Почаи Симмун
Breaking the news
until it's broken

Nevanmaa declares war on world opinion

King Juhani of Nevanmaa said the Nevan Realm is in an official state of war
with world opinion

Nevanlinna, Nevanmaa - Nevanmaa is in an all-out war with world opinion, so announced its monarch Juhani III in a televised speech today.

Juhani was seen meeting with several prominent Nevan military officials as he made the grand announcement.

"The racist, backwards and bigoted Nevan people have tolerated intolerance, and yet the whole world treats us with disrespect," Juhani said. "We offered for other countries to depose their own republican governments and replace them with virtuous monarchies, and yet the world treats us with disrespect. We sent troops to a faraway land to prop up an unpopular authoritarian regime and to kill thousands of people who oppose us, and yet all we received in turn were opinion polls that show most of the world views Nevanmaa negatively. It's about time that we stand up to the menacing threat of world opinion with military force."

The Nevan military said it's ready for a confrontation with how most of the world views its monarch.

"Royal Nevan Army is capable of destroying opinion polls and news articles that paint His Royal Majesty the King in a bad light," said Gen. Sauli Juhana. "Destroying thought shouldn't be difficult, as we've done that many times before. All it takes is a few million soldiers, a few thousand tanks and dozens of warships to ensure that the whole world will no longer view us the way they do now."

"We promise His Royal Majesty the King that by the end of this campaign, one hundred percent of the world will view Him and His Realm favorably," said Gen. Kalle Jaakkima. "Not a single person who thinks we're a bad country will survive once this war is over."

Parliamentarians also voiced support for the king's war on world opinion, with Patriotic Front MP Aukusti Torsti calling a move "a highly tactical one taken by His Royal Majesty the King."

"We already won," he bombastically told the Pickle.

Security crisis looms in Namor as Liberation Army unable to build marathon swimmer fleet as big as Unolia's

The NLA admitted that its quest to build a long-distance swimmers fleet
as big as Jahistic Unolia's is "not working out so well"

Namo, Capital District - The Namorese government is in a panic today after the Ministry of Defense and the Namorese Liberation Army admitted that its program to build a long-distance swimmer fleet as big as that of the Jahistic Union's is "not working out so well."

Minister of Defense Mu Lin made the revelation in a press conference.

"It's our unfortunate duty to inform the rest of the government and the Namorese people that our program to train, equip and raise an effective fighting force consisting entirely of long-distance swimmers is not working out so well. Of all the young men and women we hand-picked to be part of the Liberation Navy's Long-Distance Human Transport Division, over half are either considered obese or incapable of swimming at fast speeds. Not to mention the sheer number of people we've coaxed into joining the division so far - 80 swimmers, compared to over a million swimmers who belong to the military of the Jahistic Unolian regime.

"To make matters worse, none of the swimmers in the divisions who are professional and participated in numerous meets in the past know how to carry a gun," Mu continued. "We can't do something the Unolians can. We're in a national security crisis here."

President-General Fu's cabinet has reportedly held an emergency session in response to the news.

"I'm not going to lie to my people, but this is a serious situation. When South Velkia's largest nation cannot supply an adequate number of people who can swim across entire oceans like the Unolians can, we're putting our own security at risk. I'm not saying there's nothing we can do about it, but that's starting to seem like the case," he said.

by **Chorean Republic** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 8:38 pm

Editorial: For peace and prosperity, we're with Huan An

Huan An

OLACHOO - South Velkia's two most powerful nations are both holding presidential elections. Tomorrow, Luziycans will head to the polls and decide who will lead their country for the next four years. By now, there's no more denying it: the Liberal Party's Sera Svensson is poised to win big, and not only will incumbent president Breuvi Shjoraski's Whig Party lose, it will lose big, falling behind the Liberals and another party, the Social Credits, a relatively young force in Luziycan politics. This paper endorsed Svensson back in August, and our stance hasn't changed. We believe Mrs. Svensson is the woman Luziyca needs to change the country's image for the better. We specifically speculated that a Svensson-led Luziyca will expand detente with Namor at a pace unrivaled by Shjoraski, solely because the Liberals do not share much of the Whigs' irrational anti-leftism and are in a better position to do its part in building and maintaining a stable and prosperous Western Esquarium.

Which brings us to Luziyca's next door neighbor and arch-rival, the People's Republic of Namor. In March of next year, the world's largest democracy will take part in its own presidential election and decide who will succeed the incumbent President-General, Fu Wen of the New Democratic Party.

We've seen a wide variety of candidates vying for the leadership role. In the left, or the "Popular Front," the Liberationist Party's Shohai Antelope is finding his position as front-runner challenged by the far-left Socialist Party's James Tao, who has proved in Sunday's debate to be more charismatic than his green counterpart. Meanwhile in the right, there really isn't much competition. Polls agree that the New Democratic deputy Huan An will easily win his party's primary election, unless a miracle somehow brings his rival, the Antelopian deputy Tuyet An, to the top. As such, we predict that in the end, the presidential election will be a three-way race between either Shohai Antelope, Huan An and Kuo Zhang (the ultra-nationalist from the People's First Coalition) or James Tao, Huan An and Kuo Zhang.

More peace in South Velkia = Less chauvinism = New Democrats = Huan An

The preceding weekend, Huan An did something that was lauded in Luziyca and elsewhere but widely condemned in his own country - he visited the disputed region of Nantai. There, he met with its governor, Kung Alicia (labelled by Namorese media as a 'Namophobe') and the organizers of Kenyen's anti-reunification protests.

Huan returned home on Sunday, the same moment the Popular Front was holding its nationally televised debate. When approached by the press, he reaffirmed his support for a referendum to decide Nantai's future, an idea that the leftist candidates have spurned. "I still stick with my idea that we hold a referendum and voters have two choices - status quo, which means staying Namorese territory under Luziycan administration, or reunification, which means staying Namorese territory under Namorese administration." He added that among the reasons why he didn't sign the Kenyen Declaration (as Luziycan media anticipated he would) was because he disagreed with Kung over what the referendum options should be. "She supports independence as an option. I told her that's against our laws."

We don't understand what the big fuss over Huan's referendum plan is about. What's wrong with the inhabitants of a territory deciding whether they should return to their mother country, or stay with the country that's currently occupying them for a plethora of different reasons? Moreover, Huan has never advocated for Nantai to be recognized as Luziycan territory. He explicitly defined the status quo as "Namorese territory under Luziycan administration." That shouldn't bleed the ears of any Namorese nationalist, or at least that shouldn't.

In contrast, all we've been seeing from the left-wing parties is a reckless desire to bash Luziyca, bash the detente process and return Namo-Luziycan relations to how they were before former President-General Alicia Wolf made the courageous step to visit Shjoraski in Bethlehem.

This paper understands why Namorese hate Luziyca; the Luziycans, akin to our ancestors, have plundered Namorese soil, and in doing so engaged in brutal atrocities against the Namorese people. An common Namorese saying goes: "To the east there's aggressor Chorea, to the west there's aggressor Chorea the second." But there's a difference between remembering past wrongs and consistently using them to justify continued tensions. The latter is what the Popular Front is doing. Instead of extending a hand and offering to build a better future with their western neighbors together, the Front candidates prefer keeping the hate alive. James Tao even went as far as comparing Luziyca to Koyro, and said Luziyca is not a democracy.

Such rhetoric isn't new in Namor, where misinformation about "Chorea the second" (some of which is encouraged by the government) dominates the air waves. If former enemies Chorea and Namor can become friends, why can't rivals Namor and Luziyca?

Namor cannot afford to derail the detente process. The Fu administration has already made tremendous progress in reducing tensions; such has led to a radical (and long overdue) shift in the geopolitical situation in Esquarium, to the extent that more people no longer believe a Fourth Namo-Luziycan War is possible. Detente, not chauvinism, must be kept alive for the sake of peace and prosperity in the Velkias and the world - and Huan An knows that more than anybody else does.

How are you going to pay for it?

A lot of Namorese leftists have dreams of a return to an old Namorese society, one that is socialistic and not capitalistic. James Tao captivated viewers with his bright promises for free healthcare, more welfare and bigger government.

Sounds nice, doesn't it? Except any person who thinks logically would ask: "Tao, how do you pay for stuff like that? How will your plans affect how much the average Namorese taxpayers pay to the state? Will your plans destroy economic growth?"

Fiscal conservatives' ideas do not sound altruistic sometimes, but at least they make sense. The government cannot interfere with the natural laws of economics, step up its involvement in the economy and prevent people from developing businesses and profit themselves and their families. During the years of the Khan administration, it took 20 days to get a business approved; now, it takes only eight, and the economy (in spite of the recent jolt) is generally doing well. Huan An supports letting businesses thrive and keeping the state out of where it doesn't belong. It might not sound as "idealistic" as leftist promises, but at least they bring about prosperity.

Conclusion

The Namorese people are at a crossroads. Ultimately, they will have two choices - a left-wing coalition of parties that is willing to derail detente on the first day of its candidate's presidency, and a right-wing New Democratic Party that supports peace in South Velkia, supports the right to self-determination of the Nantainese people and has better and more pragmatic economic policies. We choose the latter and its front-runner, Deputy Huan An.

by **Namor** » Tue Nov 10, 2015 1:54 pm

Luziyca returns to Communism!

The little red traitor Sera Svensson

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - 152 years of freedom and democracy are coming to an end as Communism returns to the freest nation on Earth. The polls nationwide have closed, and it is official: psychopath communist Sera Svensson, leader of the "Liberal" Party, has won the 2016 general election with 100% of the popular vote.

Elections Luziyca released the results of the election. They are the following:

Svensson won every single state and constituent republic
Liberals - 625
Socreds - 0
Whigs - 0
CLP - 0
NLP - 0

The House of Representatives will be entirely filled by the "Liberal" goons, as the Socreds, Whigs, Christian Luziycans and National Luziycans won less than zero percent of the popular vote combined. That means everyone in the newly-elected House will elect their Chairwoman-Comrade, who will certainly become our next President.

As soon as news of Svensson's victory broke out, the incumbent President, Breuvi Shjoraski, delivered a tearful concession speech in front of his supporters, many of whom were already murdered by the Liberals' abortion squad.

"This is a sad day for our country. We saw it coming, but there was nothing we could do about it. The Liberals are in charge, and Mrs. Svensson is about to take power and turn this Christian Republic into a Communist hellhole that represented West Luziyca from 1935 to 1989. This is the end of freedom, democracy, and liberty in this country as we know it," he told supporters. "Let us join together and enjoy our last moments of freedom before Svensson gets inaugurated, and delivers us all to the gulag."

Paul Nikolovich of the Socreds had this to say: "Well, we tried out best, but unfortunately what we saw in the polls has turned into reality. Svensson wants to transform Luziyca into a socialist state, and there's an ice cube's chance in hell we can stop her."

Narsete La Via of the National Luziycan Party was unavailable for comment, but some of his supporters say he had fled to Namor, as he swore on Election Day that "if Sera Svensson wins, which I doubt, I will exile myself from this country and spend the rest of my life with the dirty Namsters."

Vonora Khendalor of the Christian Luziycan Party said "I think Breuvi Shjoraski is partially to blame for this, because had he never continued the government's tradition of rigging referendums and elections, he wouldn't have inspired Svensson to do the same."

Meanwhile, Sera Svensson and her communistic sheeple spent the whole day celebrating their undeserved victory. In Gijirokastra and Yerevan, hundreds of violent demonstrators, mostly consisting of Gyps and Namorese KGB agents dressed as "ordinary" working-class citizens, overran the streets and defiled the city with posters reading "LONG LIVE COMMUNISM" and "SVENSSON-HACLAV 2016."

Svensson personally lowered the Luziycan tricolor flying over Gijirokastra and raised the red flag of communism in its place. "From this day forward, Luziyca will be known as the Democratic People's Republic of Luziyca, with me as its eternal chairwoman," she proclaimed. "All opposition is banned - all parties must cooperate with the Liberals and belong to the Fatherland Liberation Front. The House of Representatives shall be renamed the Supreme People's Assembly, and we will draft a new constitution. Long live the proletariat and peasantry, long live the Liberal Party, and long live the new People's Order! Ura, comrades!"

A supporter of Svensson with a suspiciously un-Luziycan name, Chew Ma Dik, said: "I love our Great Chairwoman and President, and I'm confident she will successfully indoctrinate all our people with glorious Communistic ideals." The Constipation later found out that Chew Ma Dik is not a Luziycan, but an undercover Namorese agent who was funneling money to Svensson's campaign. We therefore suspect that most, if not all, of voters were not Luziycans at all, but foreigners from Communist countries with Communist governments that want Svensson to sabotage our free country from within.

Now that Svensson has won, Luziyca is undoubtedly going to be ruined by her socialist policies, akin to those adopted by Yunglang Antelope from 1950 to 1975, which led to redistribution of wealth, an expanded government, and the persecution of millions of innocent people. We won't be surprised that in the coming few days, she sells Nantai back to Namor, and allows the "Qianrongese Soviet Republic" to annex a large chunk of the Bible Belt. The only way patriots can overthrow this despot is through armed revolution, but now that Svensson controls the army, the chance of that is an ice cube's chance in hell.

More as the story develops.

In other news
Namor: Who will suck our butt once President-General Fu leaves office?
Unolia: Jahistics raised army of marathon swimmers
Opinion: Luziyca is dying. Are you?

The Constipation belongs to the Pickle New Network (PNN). It is one of the most popular newspapers in the Christian Republic of Luziyca, with 500 million subscribers.

by **West Cedarbrook** » Tue Nov 10, 2015 4:59 pm

The West Cedarbrook 1 Evening News, with David Haber
6:00 PM Wrycova Central Time

West Cedarbrook Senate

President Sends Blue Paper to Senate on Lecistan Crisis

Good Evening, this is the West Cedarbrook 1 Evening News. At the top of the news tonight, President Feld has sent a Blue Paper to Senate President Stanislaus Douai, the form required under law informing the Senate that a perilous situation overseas has been deemed of sufficient gravity so as to prepare the nation for potential war. The text of the Paper, to be read to the Senate tomorrow morning at start of business in full session was released to all news sources upon receipt at the Senate this afternoon. Here is the text of the paper:

"To: The Very Honorable Stanislaus Douai, President, Senate of the Kramden of West Cedarbrook
From: Issac Feld, President, Kramden of West Cedarbrook, Kramden House, Wrycova

Blue Paper Issued on November 10, 2015, 1:30 PM, Regarding Situation in Lecistan

In compliance with Kramden Civil Code Article X, Rule 103, requiring notification to the Senate by the President or successor of the high likelihood of commencement of hostilities with one or more foreign power, I, Issac Feld have submitted for due consideration by the Presidnt of the Senate a request for a full reading of this document to the committee of the whole of the Senate of West Cedarbrook at the start of business next day an appraisal of the facts and likely outcomes of actions related to actions within the territory of the Second Republic of Lecistan that could in the near future lead to the start of hostilities with foreign powers supporting forces of the former Grand Duchy of Lecistan.

It has come to the attention of the Department of External Affairs that the King of the Nevan Realm has requested withdrawl of Cedarbrookese forces operating in a police action in support of the Second Republic of Lecistan. I have informed Secretary Kansky to reply no to this request.

As Commander in Chief of West Cedarbrook Armed Forces, I have ordered the following:
1. That all units of the Army, Navy, and Air Force maintain high alert against an attempts to attack the Cedarbrookese military, any location, and at any time.
2. Under the provisions of law enabled by this Blue Paper, National Guard units are as of now on active duty.
3. Under the provisions of law enabled by this Blue Paper, Militia units are as of now on active duty.
4. The Senate is requested to review the measures enacted under thhis Blue Paper within 60 days, absent a declaration of war.
5. As per the Codicil for Emergency Provisions of May, 1995 agreed to between the Senate and West Cedarbrook Central Bank, all financial transactions both electronic and otherwise are subject to supervision and surveilance by the Defense Intelligence Organization for the duration of the provisions of this Blue Paper.
6. Under the provisions of law enabled by this Blue Paper, regulation of land, sea, and air transportation within the Kramden of West Cedarbrook, and access at all border points is subject to military supervision as directed by the general staffs of the various services, under the direction of the President. This provision is to be carried out with minimmum disruption to civil traffic, and is to be used sparingly.
7. In areas designated to be of strategic importance, Criminal Courts shall operate under martial law. This provision shall be carried out after discussion between the President, Vice President, Attorney General, and the Judge Advocate General of the various services. A Martial Law Board of Overseers consisting of the 5 senior justices of the Supreme Court for Criminal Law, and the presiding judges of all State and Municipal Criminal Appellate Courts shall be convened within 30 days of this Blue Paper, and shall meet at least monthly to supervise the disposition of criminal cases brought under martial law deemed to be in severe conflict with normal Criminal procedure. The board shall remain active until all such cases have been disposed of after the duration of this Blue Paper.

It goes without saying that I take no enjoyment in transmitting this news to the Senate, but this is my sworn duty under law, and it is my obligation to the Cedarbrookese people. Yesterday, the Palace in Nevanlinna issued a plea to the Cedarbrookese people, telling them "In my heart, I know that neither Nevans nor the West Cedarbrookese people wish war. Why should any West Cedarbrookese mother have to mourn over her dead son or a wife over her husband? Because the West Cedarbrookese government wanted to start an unnecessary war of aggression against the peaceful Nevan nation?" It is true that neither peoples desire war. But it is not true, and is well known to the Senate that this is not a fight against the people of Nevanmaa, but a police action to restore law and order in Lecistan. The very Senate that will hear this Blue Paper sent a fact finding mission to Lecistan after the questionable election earlier this year. That mission barely got out of Lecistan alive as a government foisted on the Lecistani people by foreign bayonets fell apart, plunging that sad state into chaos and misery. The Grand Duke at the time tried repeatedly and failed repeatedly to install regimes that were rejected by the Lecistani people. Finally, with careful consideration of the facts that were available, this administration moved to protect Cedarbrookese lives and property in Lecistan. And we will continue to protect our citizens and interests there. The cry of Lecistani patriots, "Za naszą i waszą wolność", For our freedom and yours, resounded throughout all South Conitia last week as the murderous Lecistan Social Republic was defeated. And it is our hope that peace and tranquility can return to that unhappy land soon.

The Department of External Affairs has also received a proposal from Prime Minister Magarit Ogynan of Katranjiev for a Peace Conference at Krasimir Castle. I have instructed Secretary Kansky to indicate to Prime Minister Ogynan that the Kramden is open to such discussions, but that any decision must follow after a decision by the government of the Republic of Lecistan to attend such a meeting. In the last analysis, the future of Lecistan must be decided by the Lecistani people."

Religious, Civic Groups Request Curtailment of Overseas Youth Soccer Travel

Gay Rights demonstration in Nevanmaa at a Nikkeli-Kauritsala football game on monday

In other news, sports, civic and religious groups have requested curtailment of Cedarbrookese soccer team travel at the middle school level outside of the Kramden. Travel within South Conitia doesn't seem to be a concern, but there are health concerns for the players, and there has been considerable discussion among religious leaders about the moral risk of exposing children at that age to homosexual practices, condoned in some foreign countries, but very much frowned upon among the religious in Cedarbrookese society. Rabbi Leszek Gideon, of Orthodox Congregation Prophetess Ruth of the Sea in Port Yehoshua told West Cedarbrook 1 news "I can understand that each culture has it's own attitudes toward homosexuality, and it is all well and good for them to function as they see fit. But really, at the middle school age, it goes against common sense to expose our boys and girls to such practices." His sentiments were echoed my many in the Conservative, Sikh, Hindu, and Christian clergy. Rabbi Charles Tovarsky, of the Reform Seminary of Edwardsville disagreed, saying "We should not limit the perspective of our youth to the Kramden. Each culture has much to contribute. And middle school soccer is a great way to learn from other people, in other nations. I think restricting such travel is a bad idea." Rabbi Stanislaus Lewis, head of Youth Involvement Activities at the Wrycova Central Shul summed up most Conservative Jewish reaction to Tovarsky's comment, saying "Well, that's the Reform for you. It's all rainbows and unicorns with them. But we're talking about our kids here. Keep 'em at home, or at most a trip to Michillies, or Vitoria. The really talented players get picked off by Michillian or Vitorian teams after college. Everyone knows soccer takes a back seat to football here. But if they want to play soccer, let 'em. But keep it safe, at home, or in nearby South Contitia."

by **Namor** » Tue Nov 10, 2015 7:23 pm

Tao James surpasses Shohai Antelope as Popular Front front-runner
Latest post-debate poll shows Tao leading Shohai with 45 percentage points

November 10, NMR 2377

130 DAYS
until NMR 2378
presidential election

NAMO, CAPITAL DISTRICT - Socialist presidential candidate Tao James is now the new front-runner in the Popular Front primary, according to a second poll released by the Popular Front.

Tao James is now the front-runner of the Popular Front,
according to a Popular Front poll

Today, the Popular Front released its second poll regarding public opinion of the candidates. The poll was taken right after the Popular Front debate in Po'ai, West Namor; up to 50,000 people took part. This time, Tao emerged as the clear front-runner with 45 percentage points. Shohai Antelope trailed behind with 35 percentage points, and Namsa Singho ended in last place with 20 points. The Popular Front reported a three percent margin of error.

The Popular Front has published two polls so far. The first one, released on October 8, showed Liberationist Party secretary-general Shohai Antelope leading the other candidates with 27 percentage points. Tao James was tied with Democratic Socialist Namsa Singho; each candidate had 25 percentage points.

But support surged for Tao after Gongchan Zhushi, the other Socialist who was running for President-General, withdrew from the race. This led to Gongchan's supporters flocking to Tao in droves, improving Tao's standing in the polls.

By October 26, polls were divided on the true front-runner. The Mojing Sibo's poll showed Tao leading Shohai Antelope by a nine point margin, and a PTH straw poll showed Tao leading Shohai by 20 points. But other sources say Tao still fell behind Shohai; both the Liberator and Sicho-based Tungfang Television put Tao at second and last place in the polls, respectively.

Compared with the first Front poll, both Shohai and Tao gained points as a result of Gongchan's withdrawal. But Tao won more with a 20-point increase. Shohai, on the other hand, jumped by eight points.

The only candidate who lost points was Namsa Singho, who lost five points.

As to why Tao is leading the race, some analysts say his performance at the debate caused him to eclipse Shohai.

"He sparked more applause from the crowd than the other candidates could," said Jun Aming of the University of Shachin. "He got his own supporters energized, and he also got a lot of converts."

Others say Tao's ideology, considered further to the left than Shohai's, is appealing more to Popular Front supporters, many of whom are growing increasingly frustrated with the New Democratic administration.

"They [Tao's supporters] see him as a messiah, someone who can bring this country back to where it's supposed to be," Chun Baitxo, political analyst, said. "His charisma is just part of it. The other part is his background as a patriot and his views, which some see as a much deserved reaction to nearly a decade of Fu Wen."

Other News
Nevanmaa threatens war with West Cedarbrook - After Nevanmaa officially declared war on "republican bandits" in Lecistan, it delivered an ultimatum to West Cedarbrook, calling on it to cease attacks on Nevan forces within 36 hours or "face war."
General election in Luziyca with foregone conclusion underway - The Liberal Party's Sera Svensson is expected to win a huge majority in the 2016 Luziycan general election.
ELECTION '78 Arrows vs. Yellows - What you need to know about the upcoming elections in Namor.

About me · by **Luziyca** » Tue Nov 10, 2015 9:31 pm

Svensson elected!

Shjoraski watches result from the Presidential Palace

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - After having counted all of the votes, the pollsters were right this time: the 28-year itch, as the Liberal had described it, has come to an end as Breuvi Shjoraski loses to Liberal leader Sera Svensson: they are not even fortunate enough to be the Official Opposition, instead going to third place. The National Luziycan Party have fallen to six seats, while the luckiest ones, those who became the official opposition was a name you never truly heard of in many decades: the Social Credit Party.

Results
While there are bound to be some recounts or attempts to get the ballots recounted, here are the official results for the House of Representatives, according to LRT's Election Night coverage as of 10:30 pm EST (9:30 pm CST, 8:30 pm WST). They now have 625 seats, and they are allocated as follows:

Liberals - 366 (59%)
Socreds - 125 (20%)
Whigs - 78 (12%)
CLP - 50 (8%)
NLP - 6 (1%)

For the Senate, the results were like this (out of the 86 seats, up from 84 as a result of the admission of Asenath and Irinushka in 2014):

Liberals - 52 (61%)
Whigs - 19 (22%)
CLP - 9 (10%)
Socreds - 5 (6%)
NLP - 1 (1%)

The total turnout is 68.3% of the electorate, the highest recorded election turnout in 21st century Luziyca.

How did the minor parties react?

A stunning gain was made for the Socreds: in becoming more libertarian, they have been elected to their first seats since the last Socred representative was voted out in 1970, and in their revival, reached 125 seats, making them the leader of the opposition, and having the highest number of seats since 1950 when they got a measly 24 seats. It even pushed the Whigs down to third, which would be incredibly embarrassing.

Paul Nikolovich said, "I did not expect this. We checked many polls, but we never expected to be this high. At best, we felt that we could get third... but here? If you told me a month ago that we would be the official opposition, I'd call you nuts."

The NLP has lost quite a lot of seats, however. The NLP was swiftly defeated to only six representatives, and one senator: all from Lombardia, and Narsete La Via has intended to resign, saying that "my appeals to patriotism and nationalism have alienated many people: but why did they do that? It is because they were influenced by money and ethnic votes, esssentially!"

Vonora Khendalor issued a statement saying that "it is amazing that people have voted for God, for morality in our government, and..." in a jab at Narsete La Via, "...for change away from an era of bigotry against all of God's children to respect and tolerance."

Victory speech and the concession speech
From her house in Jerusalem, Sera Svensson held a balcony speech at her front porch followiing the news that she became the President-elect.

"My fellow Luziycans, you have chosen someone who has had respect. You chose someone who will bring back our reputation as a free and democratic nation, you have chosen a leader who will bring peace and prosperity, who will bring justice and courage to the nation," she said from her home.
"I am glad that you made the right choice, and I promise you, the next four years will make Luziyca a true leader of the free world! But you, the ordinary citizen, you must ensure that you play your role in making this nation great. I also pledge to make Luziyca a world peacekeeper, not a world police officer!" That was enough to garner a lot of applause.
She concluded, "May there be honor and prosperity here in Luziyca, and may there be peace in the region."

From the Presidential Palace, Breuvi Shjoraski gave a concession speech, saying that "the past four years were wonderful. I have done many good things: I have launched detente with Namorese President-General Alicia Wolf, and I have expanded it greatly since then. Namor is now among our largest trading partners, and we have attempted to make an agreement that Nantai be considered Namorese territory under our administration, so to placate Namorese demands for now."
"Domestically, I presided over the growth of the national economy," Shjoraski remarked. "We are still the largest economy in the region, and we have a high standard of living. We have been tough on crime, we have remained with the times, and despite a few mistakes, we have been committed to representing the people."
"However," Shjoraski stated, "we have governed too long. We grew a bit fat on power. It is time that there is change, and the people have felt that the Liberals have provided a better alternative. I know that it is not great, I know that I am disappointed at the results, but we must let democracy take its course, and one day, we will return."
"I however will resign from the leadership of the Whig Party, but I will remain a backbencher," Shjoraski concluded. "I think in a century's time, I'd be seen as one of the greatest Presidents, besides William Bush, Stanley Azubah and Huswa Varanken. But for now, we must focus on the transition to Sera Svensson's presidency."

In other news
West Cedarbrook - Nevanmaa threatens war with West Cedarbrook
Chorea - Chorean newspaper endorses Huan An
Katranjiev - Negotiations proposed in Lecistani conflict
Opinion - How to best transition to a new administration

by **Arucania** » Wed Nov 11, 2015 12:33 am

Foreign Minister Tomislav Vućić during this morning's conference.

Government to Recognize Lecistani Republic

OPOVO: Arucania will officially recognize the Lecistani Republic as the sole government of Lecistan according to an official announcement at a press conference this morning.

Foreign Minister Tomislav Vućić has said that he would initiate moves to recognize the Republic of Lecistan, whose forces are currently engaged in fighting against forces loyal to the Grand Duchy. Vućić said that the incumbent occupiers of the Lecistani embassy in Opovo have been given 72 hours to organize themselves before an air force aircraft would take them back to Lecistan.
"We have taken the decision to pledge our support to the republic," Vućić said. "Our government will not stand by whilst fellow Slavs are being oppressed by a vindictive and autocratic regime."

Vućić said that the Nevan government's announcement to sever relations with any country that supported the republic was not of concern to the Arucanian government. He said that another vacation order had been requested to be delivered to the occupiers of the Nevan embassy to vacate the premises within 72 hours, should the Nevan government sever relations. Flights to Nevanmaa were also to cease by Tuesday next week, with Arucanian Airlines chartering extra aircraft to extract its nationals. A travel ban to Nevanmaa was also declared.

The current war in Lecistan began after results of the 2015 general election, in which Nevan officials arrested anti-government and pro-republican leaders.

Alongside the recognition of the republic, Vućić said that the government was considering sending military and humanitarian aid to the republican government, although he said that it would be some time before an official decision was made.

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