Esquarium Today [Regional News, CLOSED]

[Luziyca]

Ainin defeats Luziyca, Luziyca faces Yucheng

The Fighters in their last game prior to the start of training

ETTSTEN, LYONSLAND - With a 0-3 loss for the Kenyen Fighters, Luziyca still is able to proceed into the Round of Sixteen. But there is bad news on the horizon: their opponent just so happens to be from the Qianrongese archipelago: this time, they are from the northern regions of the island, with their capital in Yucheng, not Xiangmen.

In case you missed the match, Moustafa Javed scored a goal 11 minutes into the match, followed by Emmanuel Brosseau at the 34 minute mark. In the second half, Fu William attempted to score a goal 47 minutes in, but failed. 62 minutes in, Yi Ronald tries to score, but fails miserably. 71 minutes in, as Kung Huan tries to defend the goal from an advancing Xavier Laurent, he accidentally scores an owngoal, before both sides fell into a brutal stalemate. By the end of the match, despite the valient efforts of the fighters to fight, the match ended with a 3-0 victory in Ainin's favor.

Manager Dong Harry explained to reporters that "I am quite disappointed at the loss of the Fighters against Ainin, but at the same time, I am quite relieved that we lost today, because if we lost on the 22nd, we will be all heading home. And I really doubt anyone wants to go home, especially the Kenyen Fighters."
Dong promised that "We are going to train hard, we are going to practice and practice to defeat the Qianrongese, and then we can tell the Qianrongese to shove their balls up their arse. We will show them that the Fighters can fight once again against Qianrong, and by God we will fight and win the Chaska."

President Breuvi Shjoraski has announced that he will head to Gronbis, and said "I am going to attend the match: not as provocation, but as a fan of the Fighters. In this difficult match against northern Qianrong, I seek to encourage our team to fight against the northern Qianrongese, and ensure that we make it all the way to the finals!"

There is some concern though: Sera Svensson warned Shjoraski "that the security may not be good, and that his very presence could be enough to trigger riots."
In response, Shjoraski stated that "I am fully confident that there will be nothing anything can go wrong if I attend the game, especially with my own life. I am extremely confident that we will do a fine job on December 22nd, and with that, I wish the Fighters good luck."

So far, 20,000 tickets have been sold to Luziycan fans, while 15,000 are for North Qianrongese fans. The remainder of the tickets are for "free-for-all" supporters.

In other news

• Atlantica - Co-Jarl to be crowned on Winter Solstice, Luziycan ambassador to attend
• St. Agatha - Protests over 40-meter telescope construction
• Vjaarland - Could a new Great War begin?
• Namor - Central Council passes legislation to clarify status of Nantai, Kung expresses "hope that if Nantai rejoins Namor, they will respect the legislation."

[Ocidenia]

Polls open up: Election for a new government has been launched

The general election in Ocidenia has officially begun, with the entire nation heading for the polls to elect the new national leadership

We are observing a historical moment today in Ocidenia. Our country has officially launched its’ first democratic general election, since the overthrow of the Luziycan-backed and CIA-nurtured government of Prime Minister Simeon Brozhav. The polls had opened up and the people of Ocidenia are massively flocking towards them in anticipation to choose our country’s first elected leadership, which would serve the Ocidenian people in the progressing and hopefully prosperous future of our country.

The last time Ocidenia had a democratically-elected government was prior to the Spring Revolution, which broke out following accusations of corruption against the ruling administration. The circumstances lead to the development of country-wide protests across Ocidenia and ultimately an unnecessarily-violent regime change was the final result. The ruling administration was toppled and replaced with the so-called Brozhav government, which unknowingly to the Ocidenian people at the time, was the creation of the Luziycan CIA. At the time, people had mixed feelings towards the new “government” as the Bethlehem-sponsored regime had supporters and opponents within Ocidenia, however, after the nation began to realize that the Brozhav administration was not a post-revolutionary interim government, but a prospering dictatorship, as Brozhav did not plan to leave power or permit democratic elections, people began to get suspicious. Eventually, the truth behind the Brozhav regime and its’ relation to Luziyca was leaked to the Ocidenian public, after which another historic revolution in Ocidenia had occurred, where the people took back their country from the proxies of foreign powers.

With the Ocidenian people having taken back their country, they had also taken back the democracy, under which the nation has always lived. Being able to have a free election again not only made the nation excited, but also the officials, as our country’s political veterans, as well as newcomers, are all rubbing their palms and keeping fingers crossed in anticipation of becoming part of the first incarnation of the government of post-Brozhav and post-civil war Ocidenia. The nation has not only not seen a race like this for a while, but it has not seen an intense and competitive relay like this even at the pre-Spring Revolution Ocidenia. The race is intense and hot this year and almost makes the election look like the Olympics, rather than a political process within a country.

The Ocidenian voters have a lot to choose from in the current run as not only had parties, which went into hiding during the Brozhav reign, resurfaced and now participating in the race to form the new government, but we also see new-coming parties, which had covertly formed during the civil war within-opposition held areas and the ones which have been “freshly-baked” already after the civil war and just prior to the general election. Out of the parties competing to form the new government of Ocidenia, we have:

1. National Flourishment League (NFL)

2. Ocidenian Movement for Pride and Values (OMPV)

3. Union of Progressive Ocidenia (UPO)

4. Communal Organization for People’s Control (COPC)

5. Homeland Reformation Alliance (HRA)

6. National Order for Ocidenian Prosperity (NOOP)

7. Ocidenian Front for National Well-being (OFNWB)

8. Domestic Thriving Concordance (DTC)

9. Patriotic Consortium of United Ocidenia (PCUO)

10. Motherland Allegiance Party (MAP)

The list is very colorful, as it contains a lot of parties representing the basic political ideologies, however, some of them have proclaimed themselves as “unique” and having formed what they believe to be either an ideological mix or purely a new movement all-together, with “original” ideals. Due to the polls giving very diverse results and thus making it difficult to understand which party might we point out as the current favorite or the most popular one in the eyes of the voters, the media outlets had attempted to question a lot of analysts and political scientists in order to answer the general of question of which party might have the most potential to achieve victory in the present-day Ocidenia and which ideology does the nation generally prefer for their country to be ruled under.

Different sources all had their unique answers, but most of them agreed that it was currently very difficult to answer, as the post-civil war Ocidenia remains ideologically divided and as it stands currently, the Ocidenian people might not have a general movement, which a lot them agree our country should follow. Many analysts had even given the current list of competing the political parties the nickname “rainbow” and state that Ocidenia might take absolutely any route, if not being split between several at once. Although speculating during such important events in the country is interesting, in the end that is exactly what remains to be – only speculation. The real answer will be known to us after the voting concludes, the counting process is carried out and the nation’s verdict is revealed to the entire country and the world. Until then, we can only continue observing the process as it moves along.

In other news

---

• Political analysts: “Ocidenia is ideologically divided after the civil war.”
• NPA: Chairman Adiro Pagressos states that the transitional government does not have any theories on which party might end up forming the new government.
• Regions: Polls show that parties leaning towards socialism garner more support in southern provinces, while northern regions and districts sympathize with nationalist and conservative parties.
• Foreign policy: Ocidenian–Luziycan relations are expected to continue, following Breuvi Shojarski’s defeat at the Luziycan presidential race.

[Pisdara]

21 December, 2015

---

Governor Blank: “[President] Adlerberg has destroyed Vjaarland’s reputation”

Controversial Governor Mathias Blank blasted President Freja
Adlerberg for the declaration of war on Ziegenhain.

After the declaration of war from the Førbundsting yesterday, governor Mathias Blank has stated during a press release that “[President] Adlerberg has destroyed Vjaarland’s reputation. She did not think about the implications of declaring a war on Ziegenhain. As my time as governor of this island, I have always known Mrs. Adlerberg would be as stupid and weak as she is currently. It is clear she does not care for Vjaarland’s overseas territories.”

Governor Blank, a member of the territory’s branch of the National Party, has been head of government since 2007, and in the few months of a new government in Vjaarland proper, has butted heads with President Freja Adlerberg constantly, calling her a “b*tch willing to sell out Vjaarland for any personal gain” and “the worst kind of woman”. The declaration of war has caused worry for many in Pisdara, as the small island could be in danger of a Ziegenhainian blockade.

---

Preparing for war: What precautions are Pisdaris taking to stay safe?
Due to the current state of emergency, the Territorial Council has passed various ordinances after an emergency session last night. These ordinances are meant to insure stability and protect the populace in the event of an attack.

- Pisdara Airport will suspend all travel until further notice.
- All gatherings involving over fifty people will be closely monitored and may be asked to be dispersed.
- Those living in Ashuragar, Sakar, Zalalal, and Kibkar are asked to purchase heavy curtains and ensure they are drawn on all windows during night hours.
- Public services, such as garbage removal, will be moved from early morning to the afternoon.
- Cars are banned on the PS-1 and PS-2 from the hours of 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
- Mosques and churches are banned from using the adhan or loud bells during morning and night services.

These ordinances will be in effect at 12:00 PM on 22 December, 2015.

---

[Dihlatora]

The Dihlatora Leader | ONLINE

---

The 21st December in the Year of Our Lord 2015, Tuesday

---

ENGLISH/LUZIYCAN/DIHLATORASHI

DIHLATORAN DEFENCE FORCES MOBILIZED, HYSTERIA ARISES


Minister of Defence Ludwig Sparv in a press conference yesterday at the State Ministry Building's Press Room, Orlovo.
SOURCE: Photographer Correspondent Online
Janet Lundquist

Orlovo, State of East Dihlatora - In a press conference yesterday held by the Ministry of Defence, it was disclosed that President Breuvi Shjoraski of Luziyca, the chief of Dihlatoran state, has mobilized the Dihlatoran Defence Forces in response to the war going on between the Vjaarlandic Confederation and the Greater Ziegenian Reich that started from a critical international incident instigated by a warship and a submarine under the colours of Ziegenian forces where an Aucurian Airlines Flight was lost along with 127 civilian lives and a Gustaav Krigstad class destroyer of the Vjaarlandic Navy that was sunk pulling down with it 89 out of 300 navy servicemen aboard.

Possibility of Luziycan involvement cannot be avoided in such a crisis due to their geopolitical position in the world, and because of this war would be inevitable. Though, the circumstances of the Vjaarlandic-Ziegenian Crisis are still being reviewed for the feasibility of any other path to a conclusive peace. Until then, a world war is threatening the future of all humanity.

The Governor-General of Dihlatora His Excellency Mecislav Kramar has been corresponding with President Shjoraski on the circumstances surrounding the President's decision to mobilize the defence forces along with other matters related. Hammarberg House has assured the concerned public that His Excellency the Governor-General "will continue correspondence until the Vjaarlandic-Ziegenian Crisis has receded." In other matters, the Department of Insular Affairs, in the person of its secretary Serena Thorson, "will provide continuous assistance and guidance to Prime Minister Smith Karlov and the rest of Dihlatoran government" in this time of geopolitical uncertainty and in the growing likeliness of world conflict concentrated in Western Esquarium, particularly our continent Artisia.

So far, Hammarberg House seems to be the only government institution that has their hands well firm on the people. The public is indeed concerned. Many in the national capital and in the state capitals have been alarmed by the build-up of events that has resulted into the region's situation at this moment. In Manas Hendrikson International Airport and Orlovo International Airport, flights to Luziyca are fully booked. Most of whom according to Channel 2's Five A.M. News, nearly everybody in Orlovo International Airport's International Terminal One are Luziycans, Francilians, and Daeconese tourists leaving the country pressured by the sensational media's coverage of the international crisis in Western Esquarium. Some were wealthy and middle class Luziycans and Francilians who are Dihlatoran citizens. One Luzi-Dihlatoran, mid-wealth family agreed to give a say on their departure to Five A.M. News:

"Well we've taken the choice upon ourselves since the national, especially the federal government, has been quiet on this issue. We're very unsure, very scared of what might happen if we decided to stay, wait, and see. So now me, with my family are going to my sister's house in Upper York for a while. A while that would last a year if the racket up there in Artisia somehow blows all around."

The Defence Ministry was asked questions whether the Armed Forces of Luziyca would send its air, land, and sea forces to reinforce Dihlatoran mobilization and to make it decisively clear that Luziyca is prepared and determined to defend Dihlatora. Minister Ludwig Sparv stated that the Presidential Palace and the Department of Insular Affairs - who represents the interests of other departments in the Government of Luziyca in Dihlatora, are conducting intensive discussion on the consideration to deploy Luziycan military forces to the aid of Dihlatorans. "We must wait for the chief of state's (President Breuvi Shjoraski) final word on the question," the Defence Minister said in reply to the questions of Luziycan military affairs in Dihlatora as the Vjaarlandic-Ziegenian Crisis heats up.

Afterwards, questions whether the Luziycan government have taken steps and initiatives diplomatically to cool down the Vjaarlandic-Ziegenian Crisis. The Defence Ministry stated that it cannot answer questions regarding foreign policy and is officially held "responsibly and dutifully" by the Ministry of External Affairs in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Mainland Government are trying hard to attain a dialogue to resolve the crisis and to avoid an all-out war.

Finally, inquiries on the possibility of a national draft were made. The Defence Ministry answered that it upholds the rights of men and women and would not dare to infringe such prerogatives in the spirit of democracy that has shaped Dihlatora as a nation under the Luziycan and their democracy, but when the time comes in its dire need the "Luziycan government is prepared to take drastic measures to defend our democracy."

The first time Dihlatora was involved in war as a nation was the Luziycan Civil War that lasted from February 7, 1934 to May 1, 1935, 80 years ago. Prime Minister Matthew Hughs of the then Dominion of Odessia defended the Luziycan Christian Republic against the Democratic People's Republic of Luziyca. 35,000 Dihlatoran soldiers were traversed overseas to defend the remains of Luziycan democracy after the loss of Bethlehem to the Luziycan communist revolutionaries, then Jerusalem. Victory seemed to favour the revolutionary movement. Until the combined forces of Luziyca, its allies, including Dihlatora, restored legitimate rule in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and other territories that the revolutionaries took away. The civil war ended in peace but the terms to end it in the Treaty of Pontnoveau was overbearing for both sides. Luziyca was separated ideologically: Free East Luziyca and Communist West Luziyca.

The second and last time Dihlatora was at war is in the Second Great War that was instigated by what was once Imperial Chorea against the old Republic of Namor, a war similar to the situation between Vjaarland and Ziegenhain, the conflict begun from the sinking of SS Nevanlinna and the unannounced invasion by the Choreans on East Namor. East Luziyca came to defence of Namor while West Luziyca fought against them through their support for Chorea. The Odessian Dominion's war efforts were not recognized and were considered Luziycan. Yet Prime Minister Eduoard Loike was "enthusiastic" and committed Dihlatora's resources to the East Luziycan and Allied War Efforts. Prime Minister Loike gave a 100,000 of Odessia's defence forces and 300,000 Dihlatoran volunteers from the dominion's civilian population. Chorea, Odissia, and the rest of Chorean and Odissian sympathizers enjoyed their gains in the West and East, until their bitter defeat in 1944.

Lorrain Gaina Wilsa
@LorrainyeGW
ONLINE CORRESPONDENT

Articles On The Lead

• Fighters Lose To The Coyotes; Luziyca v Yucheng
• The Third Great War Is Coming And Peace Is Unlikely
• A Look On The Ocidenian General Elections Of 2015
• A Few Blank Words From The Pisdara Governor
• Dihlatoran Christmas At Home And Abroad

© The Dihlatora Leader, 2015. All rights reserved.

COMMENTS (2,940) <=> SHARE <=> DOWNLOAD THIS ARTICLE

[Ocidenia]

General election results in a tie: Coalition government to be formed

With the general election resulting in each of the competing parties winning nearly an equal amount of seats at the parliament, the tied vote has officially lead to the requirement of forming a coalition government as Ocidenia’s next administration

It was known that the first general election in post-Brozhav Ocidenia would already go down in our country’s history, however, today a new reason surfaced for why this particular election is going to be remembered and likely-talked about for a long time. Following the casting of votes by the citizens, the polls had officially closed and the general election moved on with the process of counting votes. Today, the votes had officially been counted and after a country-wide participation, the percentage of which party gathered how many votes and would form a majority in the government, is now available for the entire nation to see. Our introduction to this report has warned in advance that the outcome will likely cause a lot of controversy among the nation, so without further ado, here is the official final result of the Ocidenian General Election 2015.

The counted votes and the results had revealed that the election has officially resulted with a tie and that all 10 of the competing parties had garnered a nearly-identical percentage of votes. The ideological divide within Ocidenia that experts and analysts had referred to amid the election, ended up not just being a hint or a theory, but the results show that our nation is actually likely more ideologically-divided than any other nation on this planet. Although it was something expected and should be understandable, seeing how the recent history of our country has forced the nation to limbo between all existing political ideologies and creating new ones, while disputing which route our nation should take the fact that an impact would indeed be as great as the election results show, was definitely not something that many would think. Early reactions to the results are already coming in across the nation and despite reports of the reactions being mixed, the general overview shows that the nation is accepting the outcome adequately. Still, if some turmoil or debates might be sparked, it would be understandable, seeing to how this is the first time in Ocidenia’s history, when a general election has resulted in a tie.

Although the election has resulted with neither party becoming the winner, it does not mean that the process would repeated as in such rare instances, a back-up plan is always present. With the parties sharing victory among each other, it appears that they would now also be forced to share power, as the first ever coalition government to rule Ocidenia would now require formation, consisting out of each of the parties and with all of them holding an equal amount of seats in the national parliament. With the general election having concluded, the votes having been cast, the outcome revealed to the nation and the parties now being tasked to form a coalition government, where each of the parties would be equally represented, the nation is now preparing for a second round of elections, which is for the new Prime Minister of Ocidenia.

Although in many parliamentary systems the elected government usually appoints a Prime Minister, in Ocidenia, the head of state had always been elected by the people, despite the newly-formed government may have already had a candidate, which they planned to appoint. This time, the new Prime Minister would especially be taking up a lot of responsibilities, as his or her task would be to run a coalition government, consisting of parties, each of which may disagree with each other and see a different vision for Ocidenia, meaning that the job of running such a “colorful crowd” would indeed not be an easy one. The formation of the coalition government and the fact that the vote in the general election has resulted in a tie between all parties, it means that each of the parties can propose their own candidates for the position of the Prime Minister. Once each of the parties proposes a candidate, thus helping comprise a list of 10 candidates for the position of the new Prime Minister of Ocidenia, the new head of state would be appointed based on the choice that the people of this country will make.

The polls for voting for the new Prime Minister of Ocidenia had been officially opened and, just like with the general election, the nations is flocking to them, in order to choose which man or woman would be the ultimate leader, who would lead Ocidenia towards its’ future. Hopefully, the votes will not be identical this time, as it was with the general election, because in such cases, a re-vote would be only option. We will keep you informed on the election, as the process continues.

In other news

---

• Chairman of NPA Adiro Pagressos states that the coalition government will be required to find common ground and form a “united vision” for Ocidenia’s future.
• Experts states that a coalition government might end up as a wonderful thing or a disaster for Ocidenia, depending on which of the extremes will Ocidenia’s national luck decide to land.
• Rivaling protests surprisingly absent in the wake of the general election results, with minor displeasure demonstrations taking place in the capital city Paradisa.

[West Cedarbrook]

-- retconned --

[Dolfradia]

Dolfradian Gazzette
since 1918
Voice of the Country!
Änei Mu!
Stimme des Landes!
Dolfrädask | Deutsche | English
Aukurių | Γαυδσκε | Luziycan | Lecchebstxi / Lekkëbsczi |
Sæxisc | Vjaarlandsk | Daegánach Gael
December 22nd, 2015
Dolfradian Defence Forces Mobilized
written by Henry Justin

---

Kalihaba- In the wake of the ongoing war between Vjaarland & Ziegenhain, caused by the bomibng of an Aucurian Airlines flight, losing all 127 passengers on board and the sinking of a Gustaav Krigstaad class warship, Duke Theodor has announced that the Dolfradian Defence Forces will be mobilized at will and security will be tightend following the recent tragedies.

The border between Dolfradia and Lersekt will be shut down and guarded by the DDF to avoid the flow of supsected Ziegenian terrorists, paramilitaries or agents living or visiting that nation which has been an ''vassal'' of Ziegenhain for many decades. The DDF has also raised their DEFCON levels to 4 in the more populous areas such as Kalihaba and to 3 in the heavly guard border & sea areas.
The Dolfradian Traveling Agency has warned citizens or visistors not to visit Ziegenhain as it is a "cruel and repressive place", and for traveling to other countries bodering that nation including Sabeiland (which recently warmed relations with Dolfradia), Daecon & Lanos, it advisied tourists to fly to those destinations via Gillenor or Aucuria.

Chief Minister Jakob Garlund has expressed regret and sorrow to those who died on the two tragedies during a press conference at Kaulus Square
:

''I condemn this act of aggression to innocent lives, A price must be paid. As Christmas Week dawned on us, these two horrific acts had occured on what is supposed to be a joyous time of year. It is about love, joy and happiness, not violence, death & hate. The one who started these atrocities, Ziegenhain, must be condemned by nearly the rest of Esquarium until it becomes a mature and good-hearted nation. This also occured in the middle of the Coupe D'Esqaurium and it will cost the participants, including our football team, repercussions. I offer great condolences to their victim's families and the nations from who they came from, especially Aucuria. We will stand in solidarity with Aucuria and her allies to win this up and coming 'Third Great War'. We will win the fight for peace. Now i will wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

As he left the podium, thousands were cheering on him, waving flags of Aucuria, Dolfradia, Vjaarland & other countries. A lights display showing the Dolfradian and Aucurian flags side-by-side with the words "In Solidarity with Aucuria" in both languages plus English, Vjaarlandic
& German. The Aucurian national anthem Aukurija Dar Nėra Žāuvo (Aucuria Shall Not Perish) was played by the Dolfradian Symphony Orchrestra with chorus, it was broadcasted in live on TV, Internet & Radio. And a special service was held at St. John's Church dedicating the Dolfradians who died on the plane crash.

[Nostova and Sardonia]

BREAKING NEWS: PREMIER-ELECT JOSEF HEIMDALL SWORN IN

Premier and Deputy Premier sworn in in Parliament

---

Dunnstad, Dunnstad Province

Premier Heimdall was sworn in today within the halls of Parliament, hundreds of parliamentarians and press looking on, and thousands more watched news coverage of the event throughout the nation. The swearing in of Premier Heimdall and Deputy Premier Koch thus ends roughly five years of military rule under Interim-Premier Shogornski following the unfortunate October 8th Crisis. Granted, while Shogornski led the country through an especially dark time in our history, almost every citizen is thankful for a true return to the democratic process. Despite the circumstances, the citizens of this nation still managed to participate in the elections, with roughly 85 percent turnout.

Campaigning on a platform of increased economic reforms, regional and international involvement, less tolerance on governmental corruption, and national unity, Premier Heimdall won by a landslide, taking 11 of 14 provinces. However, it remains to be seen whether or not he can keep his popularity in the face of the many internal and external threats our nation faces today. Internally, Premier Heimdall must contend with an increasingly costly anti-terror campaign in the south, numerous corruption scandals, a slowing economy, and the trials against the members of the previous Muller regime. Externally, the threats are just as numerous, if not more so. The very recent Vjaarlandic-Ziegenian Crisis is of prime concern to most, if not all citizens. While the administration has not officially made a statement on the matter, numerous aides report that the Premier will likely choose to remain neutral at this time.

IN RELATED NEWS:

• Parliament weighs options on Vjaarlandic-Ziegenian Crisis
• Premier Heimdall expresses his "sincere condolences to the families of all who died in the recent tragedies".
• Special Forces kill 5 and capture 13 Sons of Greater Nostova terrorists in a raid in Kremic.
• 1 Self-Defense Force soldier killed 2 injured in SGN attack on polling station. - Defense Minister
• Former Muller administration Defense Minister Dietrich Engel pleads not guilty to corruption charges

[Michillies]

-retconned-

[Ocidenia]

Reno Feliccos elected Prime Minister of Ocidenia: NPA prepares to pass the power on to the new coalition government

Following the election and formation of a coalition government, the process of forming the new administration is completed with the appointment of a new Prime Minister of Ocidenia

Prime Minister-designate Reno Feliccos

Ocidenia officially has a new Prime Minister. Following the recent general election with controversial results, where it was revealed that neither of the running parties has achieved an outright majority and that they would now all be forced to form a coalition government with shared power and equal representation, the citizens of Ocidenia took to the polls yet again to elected the head of this new government, as well as the head of state, in other words, a new Prime Minister of Ocidenia.

After each of the 10 parties had presented a candidate, whom they believe would be most capable at balancing the ideas and directions of all parties in the coalition government, an intense raise has sparked on once again. Many expected the results of the election for the Prime Minister not to be the same as in the general election, seeing to how the Ocidenian people would still have to elect one candidate from one party and in a seemingly ideologically-divided Ocidenia, as the general election has shown, each of the parties held their fingers crossed as they believed that all 10 of them had an equal chance to have their candidate become the head of Ocidenia’s new coalition government.

Although the outcome was once again a close call, as it was in the general election, in the end, the counted results show that the Ocidenian voters had once again pulled off a smart choice. Although the percentage of votes fluctuated and placed many candidates close to winning the position, the results show that the majority of votes had gone to one of the independent candidates, who has registered specifically for the position of the Prime Minister and head of government and does not represent the interests or is a member of either of the 10 political parties, which would be forming the coalition government.

The winning candidate and the new Prime Minister of Ocidenia is Reno Feliccos, who has registered as one of the few independent candidates in the race for the position of the Prime Minister. The post-general election polls that preceded the election for the Prime Minister, where the popularity of the candidates was measured, showed that independent candidates tended to have more popularity and trustworthiness than the candidates representing a specific political party and Feliccos was among the candidates with higher numbers. The polls representing the election results show that an identical situation ended up in the election itself, as the race for the position of the Prime Minister basically ended up being a competition between independent candidates, while all candidates from the 10 political parties ended up dragging behind. Although it was a close call, as many other independent candidates were right behind Feliccos’ back, in the end, victory went to Reno Feliccos.

Political analysts and experts called this a “genius choice”, which demonstrated the vast intelligence, sense of logic and benevolence of the Ocidenian voters. Although it was initially expected that every district vote for the candidate from the party for which it had voted in the general election, political analysts believe that the very result of the general election is what lead to the rapid and drastic change of opinion among voters. According to the analysts, the formation of the coalition government meant that the country could not head in a single and specific direction and after seeing the results, the voters had realized that having a candidate from a specific party as the head of this “multi-colored” government would have made it not functional, as he or she would still likely have urges to follow the direction and preserve the opinion of his or her own party over others, meaning that there would be no equal representation, as proper coalition governments are supposed to have. Choosing an independent candidate to lead a coalition government was a perfect move according to analysts, as it means that he would not be bias as he has no affiliation with either of the 10 parties, which means that the new Prime Minister would remain neutral and equally work with all of them. Whether Feliccos will be able to successfully fulfil this function, only time will tell, however, until then, many analysts claim that they “applaud” the smart choice of the voters.

Chairman Adiro Pagressos

Chairman Adiro Pagressos congratulated the new Prime Minister and the new coalition government on the behalf of the National Provisional Assembly. The Chairman and the NPA stated that the new administration indeed has a lot of potential to serve the Ocidenian people, seeing to how its’ structure represents all ideologies that exist in Ocidenia in this divisional time and wished that each member of the administration works having the people of Ocidenia in their minds and hearts. In fact, Chairman Pagressos claimed that that mixed structure within the government, along with a neutral leader, who can bring and make them all together, is what can ultimately help end the resulting ideological divide following a period of civil strife, as the new coalition government show to the nation that all ideologies in the countries can function as one and lead towards bright future. The Chairman stated that should the new government succeed in achieving this, their contributions will go down in Ocidenian history.

With the conclusion of all anticipated elections, the National Provisional Assembly is now preparing to hand over power to the new coalition government. The new administration will officially take over leadership of Ocidenia after the inauguration of Reno Feliccos as the new Prime Minister of Ocidenia, a process which is scheduled for tomorrow and will take place at the State Palace in the capital city Paradisa.

In other news

---

• Fireworks color skies above Paradisa, celebrating the election of the new Prime Minister and government.
• Analysts call the new coalition government – “a truly democratic combination”.
• Members of ONLF and OPLF apply to join the Ocidenian Commonwealth Armed Forces.
• NPA tasks the new government to re-establish diplomatic relations with other countries as one of the first priorities.
• Polls and surveys show the majority of the population to be happy with the election results and anticipating the promised bright future for Ocidenia.

[Osonia]

22 December, 2015

Fans prepare for Osonia-Nevanmaa Ro16 match; Lyonsland braces for more riots

Osonia captain Marc Pujol de Montanhs
during the Copa d'Osonia final

DONNDROM, LYONSLAND - Fans of Osonia's national team are feeling jubilant as they head out to Donndrom for the Coupe d'Esquarium Round of 16 match against Nevanmaa tonight. However, the jubilation of the Purple Crocuses exiting the group stage undefeated (with only one tie against Filimons) comes amidst rising tensions between Osonia and her SOE allies and the Realm-backed Pact of Crowns, especially during the civil conflict in Lecistan.

In a press conference this morning, captain Marc Pujol de Montanhs stated that "Even though some might underestimate us, given that this is our first time here, we showed the world that the Purple Crocuses can go toe-to-toe with every team we face, and we will be able to win. After all, they said that we might struggle out of the group stage. They told us that we wouldn't be able to beat Walminghaven and Atlantia Creek, but we did and thus we advanced as the champions of our group. We know the Nevan team will be preparing to take us on, but we have the backing of almost every one of our fans, both in Osonia and around the world."

With the team's chances of advancing to the quarterfinals at stake, and given the charged atmosphere, Lyonese police are on high alert for the possibility of large-scale rioting between supporters of the two teams, especially after incidents where Nevan ultras lynched several Litoreans after their defeat by the Polos 3-1 on the 16th. Donndrom Chief of Police Trabhis Farrill has told El Post del Matí this morning that "With tensions high like this ll we've taken all measures to ensure that fans of the two teams will be kept apart outside the field."

[Qianrong]

敏柬語 | Mǐnjiǎn Yǔ
言語字濠 | Ngôn ngữ Tự hào
વિકંગ મહુસય્નેસ | Wikang Mahusaynes
Lingua Otekiy
शुदरी भाषा | Śudarī Bhāṣā

---

OQA chairman Myhrodniv Klitishko is spearheading an already dying movement.

OPINION - OTEKIAN SEPARATISM IN QIANRONG IS ALREADY DEAD
Thuy Nha Tien | December 24th, 2015 | Shanliang, Qianrong - Tomorrow, the Namorese public will celebrate what state media terms as the "liberation of Kusef"- the day where the Namorese Liberation Army launched a sneak attack on the forces of the Second Republic of Oteki, capturing its capital city of Gusev. In the decades since, Namor has struggled to quash resistance to its rule with means varying from laws used to silence dissenting individuals to state-sponsored demographic manipulation, all in an attempt to end what is now one of Esquarium's most violent and longest-running insurgencies- that of the Otekian separatist movement. The issues of racial and religious tension, national self-determination, and freedom of speech and expression remain tense in the area Namor refers to as "Txotai", known commonly in Qianrong as Oteki, with no obvious signs of approaching resolution.

Nearly half of Esquarium's ethnic Otekians now live outside of their homeland, driven into exile by the Namorese Liberation Army- and nearly a quarter of those in exile live here, in Qianrong. With the Otekian independence movement in Oteki itself heavily suppressed, and with its counterpart in Luziyca fracturing between hardliners and the growing devomax faction, many have seen fit to call Qianrong "the new homeland of Otekian seperatism". Some individuals online have jokingly labelled Qianrong, one of the few countries that still refuses to acknowledge any sort of Namorese sovereignty over Oteki, as "Novi Oteki". Qianrong's Otekitowns are large, thriving, vibrant communities; Otekians maintain influence in politics, media, and even sport to levels unparalleled certainly in Luziyca and perhaps in Oteki and Namor themselves. Qianrong remains one of the strongest backers of Otekian separatism- perhaps leading to Namor's continued reluctance to make use of the embassy complex formerly occupied by the Peitoans in Yucheng. Oteki is shown as independent on maps, is referred to as such in government documents, and is an occupied nation in Qianrongese hearts and minds. And none of this seems likely to change any time soon.

And yet I tell you that Otekian separatism in Qianrong is dead. Not literally- there will still be calls for the return of independence to Oteki this Christmas, and the one after that, and no doubt the ones after that. No, Otekian separatism in Qianrong is dead in spirit. Its words have become a refrain without any real meaning.

And what has killed it has been integration.

But first, we have to look at why there are nearly a million Otekians within Qianrong to begin with. Qianrong is not close to Oteki- it's on the other side of all of Namor. It is different culturally, geographically, morally, climactically, in almost every way imaginable. Why would so many Otekians choose to resettle in a country so far from home? Surely they would choose Luziyca, or failing that, some nearby country like Vyvland or Geadland- some place near their home as a reminder of what they were fighting for, or at least so that travel costs would be cheaper when it was eventually liberated? The only real connection between Oteki and Qianrong in the 1970s was mutually being in the Luziycan sphere of influence.

It appears likely that this was the only connection that mattered. The truth is, many of the individuals who became the first Qianrongese Otekians did initially flee to Luziyca. Neither government has ever admitted it, but the evidence suggests that Luziyca didn't want to pay for the resettlement and integration of that many Otekian refugees. It didn't matter that they were fleeing Luziyca's archenemy Namor, or that they were suffering human beings driven from their homes by geopolitical scheming, military violence, and power-playing they had no control over. To Luziyca, the cause of these refugees- reclaiming their lost homeland- was a useful political tool, but the refugees themselves were simply a costly burden- a financial deficit, a statistic. And so Luziyca shunted the burden onto a loyal puppet state that couldn't say no.

In Luziyca, these Otekians have effectively remained permanent refugees, many still living in camps or towns near the Oteki-Luziyca border, within sight of a homeland they will never be able to live in again. They will die as displaced, stateless persons, forced into exile by Namor and played for fools by Luziyca. Their children, too, will grow up as refugees, will live as refugees, will die as refugees while Namor gloats and Luziyca sheds crocodile tears. Barring some miraculous change of heart from Luziycan or Namorese authorities, they will never get a happy ending.

But in Qianrong, these refugees were welcomed with open arms. Why would the famously nationalistic and xenophobic Qianrongese welcome in a strange foreign people?

Part of this is the nature of our xenophobia. Surveys conducted by various groups have suggested that Qianrongese xenophobia isn't directed against all foreigners in general- we don't have a problem with rank-and-file foreign citizens. What we fear are foreign institutions- especially foreign governments. This fear has been ingrained by decades of propaganda. The First Independent State claimed that the monarchies of Tuthina and Nevanmaa, for reasons that were never actually explained or defined, were seeking to reestablish the Qianrongese monarchy and colonize the archipelago. The Free Democratic Republic took the stories of Nevan monarchist schemes and combined them with anti-Liberationist propaganda directed at Namor and Liberationist Katranjiev, claiming that Liberationist leaders like Yunglang Antelope, Kiang Ssxu, Huankun Chen, and Gelai Antelope viewed Qianrong as the next place to spread the green revolution. Ainin was added to the list of "foreign governments out to get us" with the rise of WETO. And then, of course, in 2014, one of the few foreign governments that we did trust- Luziyca's- turned on us, refusing to honor a military alliance and allowing the ASQ's brief but terrifying rise to prominence. As a result of all this, we're wholly convinced that foreign governments and organizations are out to enslave or rob or betray us- but we don't blame the common citizens of foreign countries for this. A 2014 Renmin Husheng-XIangmen State University poll found that 87% of respondents distrusted foreign governments, but only 14% distrusted foreigners. That's a critical distinction to many Qianrongese- the difference between a foreign people and a foreign government.

But the situation in that time period- Qianrong in the 1970s- was also a large part of it. The fall of Oteki had left Qianrongese terrified- what if the Liberationists decided Oteki wasn't enough? What if they decided to attack another small, Luziycan-affiliated nation near them? Namorese interference in Qianrongese affairs is not a new concept; Namor's various dynasties had competed with Tuthina to extract tribute from the duchies and principalities on the Qianrongese Archipelago for centuries; the Republic of Namor had backed the First Independent State, and then backed the Free Democratic Republic up until the RON was forced to flee to Peitoa, at which point the nature of the relationship essentially inverted. Adding onto this was a fear of Liberationism, which was described in FDRQ propaganda as authoritarian and even genocidal. Stories and rumors of massive Namorese death camps for those who dared critique Yunglang Antelope and the Liberationist Party circulated widely, alongside claims of massive public executions of "counter-revolutionaries". Qianrong was utterly terrified of "Green Namor". To them, Oteki was a martyr- slain by the Liberationist horde for refusing to give in. A common sense of anti-Liberationism and of Namophobia led to a strange spirit of fraternity. Maybe, some said, the Otekians would know of ways to resist if the Namorese came for Qianrong next.

And that's what killed the Otekian movement in Qianrong: we welcomed them with open arms.

In Namor, they are viewed as terrorists and rebels; in Luziyca, as foreigners and strangers; in Qianrong, as friends and brothers. After nearly four decades, the Otekians who came to Qianrong have grown very close to the Qianrongese people- a relationship forged in fire, first the fires of the fear of Liberationism, and more recently in the fires of the Second Domestic Terror War. And in those four decades, the Otekians have been effectively integrated into Qianrongese society. Yes, most still live in otekitowns, and yes, many talk about Oteki as home- but increasingly Qianrong is viewed as a home as well.

Let's pretend that, tomorrow, the Namorese government has a spontaneous change of heart and decides to return independence to Oteki. What happens then? Do the otekitowns go empty? Do the people who have good houses, steady careers, close friends, and so forth leave all that behind to head for a place they haven't seen in four decades- if at all, in the case of the younger generation? What does someone like Myhrodniv Klitishko do? After all, if the Otekians go back to Oteki then what's the point of an Otekian Qianrongese Association? What does someone like Siemyscza Vlasinov- the shadow foreign affairs minister of this country- do? What does someone like Csedomir Pantejmonov- who now heads a large and definitely Qianrongese media group- do? Hell, what about the ethnic Otekians on the Firebirds and Thunderbirds- Sviatoslav Kalamiets, Dobrosyl Elasinov, Jasnoran Omejecov, Gavril Oprysk, Zvietomor Mladenov, Varfolimiy Valerijov, and Breuvi Ryshenko- do? Do these people drop everything they've built up and hope that maybe things will work out for them in a new Oteki?

In Qianrong, the Otekians don't have to feel like they're living under and occupation or as refugees abroad. They've been treated with a kindness and acceptance that we probably ought to exhibit more often, instead of the violent hypernationalism that has taken hold in recent years. They can feel at home in Qianrong- and therein is the issue. Increasingly, to Qianrongese Otekians, Qianrong is home. The words "libra Oteki" are simply a refrain repeated by custom, and an increasingly empty one at that.

Even the continued calls for Otekian independence don't prove that the movement has any vitality- especially as the words ring emptier and emptier, and the Otekian diaspora becomes more distant from its homeland. A poll conducted by Zheng Hye-Jeou University in 2015 showed that among Qianrongese Otekians between 16 and 30 who expressed a "dislike, distaste, or distrust for Namor", the reasons were far more similar to the reasons given by Qianrongese of other ethnic groups than the reasons given by Qianrongese Otekians who were 31 or older. Among Qianrongese Otekians who were 31 or older, Namorese control of Oteki was the primary reason for the negative perceptions of 71% of respondents; among Qianrongese Otekians between 16 and 30, that was the primary reason of only 23% of respondents. The biggest response from the latter group was the far more general concept that Namor was seeking to manipulate its smaller neighbors for its own benefit, with 46%; for comparison, Qianrongese of other ethnic groups stated that their biggest concern was also of Namorese manipulation and exploitation, with 55%. Among Qianrongese Otekians, the reasons for the dislike of Namor are increasingly becoming those Qianrongese in general dislike Namor. Perhaps the merger of these two separate Namophobias is best summarized through the loaning of the Luziycan word "zakhava", literally meaning "barbarian" and historically having been applied to a variety of non-Caucasian peoples, Qianrongese included, into Minjianese as the Namophobic slur "zhakafa".

I do not expect that Qianrong will drop its recognition of Otekian independence. I do not expect that there will be some new blossoming in Namo-Qianrongese relations. I do not expect the power of groups like the Otekian Qianrongese Association to wane at any point soon. I do not expect their chants of "libra Oteki" and "justicia nu" to grow any weaker. But I do expect them to grow hollower and hollower with each repetition, simply because in Qianrong, Otekians feel more and more like Qianrongese citizens than like refugees or members of a diaspora.

Otekian separatism in Qianrong is dead. From here on out, we will be seeing people repeating its refrains simply because that's what they've always done.

Thuy Nha Tien is a Professor of Velkian History at Zheng Hye-Jeou University in Yucheng, where he has worked for twenty-seven years. He majored in Lahudic Studies and minored in Conitian History at Danh Dap State University, and later earned qualification to become a teacher and professor at North Hai Nang College.

All opinions expressed in this article are opinions of the article, and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of the National Defender or its employees.

COMMENTS
Nobody has commented yet. Be the first!

OTHER NEWS
N. Qianrong set to face Nevanmaa in Coupe quarterfinals- The North Qianrongese Firebirds are set to face Nevanmaa's Lions in the quarterfinal round of the fifth Coupe d'Esquarium soccer tournament, being held in Lyonsland. North Qianrong is coming after a 4-0 victory over the Kenyen Fighters that electrified Qianrong and the region, whereas the Nevans are coming from a 2-1 victory over Osonia's Purple Crocuses. Fears of potential violence in Qianrong have been softened by the fact that no Qianrongese government has recognized the Nevan Realm since 1924, when the First Independent State switched recognition to the Republic of Nevanmaa during the Red Rebellion, meaning there is no Nevan embassy in Yucheng or Xiangmen to be threatened by rioters.
Qianrong hostage crisis drags on as Christmas approaches- The Qianrongese government has continued negotiations with rioters holding more than one hundred Luziycan diplomatic staff in the hopes of ending a tense standoff peacefully, in spite of calls by Luziyca's President Breuvi Shjoraski to resolve the situation with military force. Rioters killed thirty-two individuals, including Ambassador Anna Dorogov, after a Luziycan 6-3 soccer victory over the South Qianrongese Thunderbirds. Prime Minister Qi Chien-Xuan has vowed to see the situation resolved peacefully, telling reporters today that "if we allow any more blood to be spilled over the outcome of some silly soccer match, then we have all failed."
Vjaar declaration of war on Ziegenhain raises fears, hackles- In the wake of the sinking of the VMS Hans Adlerfelt and the destruction of AH118 by Ziegenian military forces, Vjaarland's legislature, the Førbundsting, voted unanimously to declare war on Ziegenhain, with President Freja Adlerberg invoking the mutual self-defense treaty of the Northern Sea Defense Organization, of which it is a member. Many nations in the alliance have expressed support towards aiding Vjaarland in the conflict and many neighboring countries have preemptively mobilized troops in preparation for a potential spillover in the violence. Aucuria, the other nation directly affected by Ziegenian belligerence, has so far refused to declare war on Ziegenhain, potentially seeking NOSDO or Esquarian Union support before declaring war on its significantly larger, more powerful, and more brutal neighbor.

[Ainin]

#CdE: "The impending nuclear war does not pose a danger to the Coupe," say Lyonese officials

---

Lyonese Defence Minister Brian O' Brian McCarl briefs media
about alleged threat to CdE as Ziegenian attack helicopter
flies in background.

LYONSLAND -- With the impending outbreak of hostilities between Ziegenhain and Vjaarland that threatens to drag the Triumvirate, Esquarian Union and Northern Sea Defence Organisation (NOSDO) into a full-blown war, Lyonese officials were quick to take the stand and deny that the war posed any risk of disrupting the Coupe d'Esquarium. The Coupe is being held in various places around Lyonsland, a NOSDO power and prime landing site for any potential Ziegenian invaders.

"There is nothing to worry about," reassures Lyonese Defence Minister Brian O'Brian McCarl as stealth bombers fly overhead. "We do not believe that the war has the potential of reaching Nordanian shores anytime soon."

"Athletes and fans from around the world should be relieve to know tha---" he began calmly explaining before being interrupted by the sound of a battleship shell pulverising a nearby building. Unfazed, he adjusted his microphone before continuing. "Where was I? Ah yes, there is nothing to worry about. Lyonsland has made sure that we are well-protected against any threat, external and internal, and that the Coupe will be successfully hosted without a single hitch in our plans. The rest of his speech was not heard by the members of the press present after missiles struck a nearby electrical substation and short-circuted his microphone.

Wer Gona Di, a reporter for PTH International, stood up to ask the present Lyonese security officials a question, when he was mowed down by machine gun fire. The rest of question period went on relatively smoothly, only interrupted by the occasional nuclear artillery shell and tank battle.

The press conference was abruptly terminated when Ziegenian marines stormed the briefing room.

[Luziyca]

Opinion: The Great Vagina War proves women are unfit to lead

NLP leader Narsete La Via

FIRENZE, LOMBARDIA - As I celebrate Christmas with my family, the news has been covering the Third Great War that is breaking out between Vjaarland and Ziegenhain over the shooting of an Aucurian flight, in addition to the sinking of a Vjaarlandic destroyer. But I cannot help but notice a thing that the leaders starting the war all have in common: they are all women.

The current leader of Ziegenhain, Viktoria, is female. Vjaarlandic President Adlerberg is female. The Lyonese PM, Vajorrian chancellor, and the Aucurian President are all women: even our very own president-elect is a women. Why am I explaining this, though?

You know how womenfolk tend to get PMS around that time of the month? How the ladies suddenly become incredibly moody, and very irritable? This war breaking out between Vjaarland and Ziegenhain, and which threatens to engulf the rest of the world is a natural consequence of their periods syncing up. Since they probably have PMS, and because they are in high positions of power, they could do whatever they wish.

Viktoria, seeking to prove that Ziegenhain is relevant after Huan An explicitly said that the Triumvirate was "political rhetoric," and the defector from Nantai also saying that the Triumvirate is no longer a threat, decided to shoot down a civilian passenger jet, and sink a naval destroyer. Adlerberg is easily irritable as a result of her PMS, and so this naturally enrages her. You see where it is going? A war erupting because both of their leaders have PMS.

I am not a sexist, but it is clear that we cannot trust women with positions of power.

Now, you may say, there are some good female leaders. Sofia of Geadland, who broke away from Luziyca in 1868, Julia III of Nevanmaa, who made the Nevan realm a better place to be, or even Elis of Katranjiev, who is a social justice warrior. Even our first female President, Phoebe Wilhelm attempted to make Luziyca much better, and was better than the men, before she died of cancer.

But many women are not like those exemplary women. They tend to be weaklings, and so seek to boss others around. It is a natural trait in all women.

Ideally, we should restrict the leadership to men: only females if it is an absolute necessity. Women should go back to the kitchen; they should go back to teaching, and they should be mothers. But they must stay out of the men's world: we're the only ones who know how to serve as good government officials, good leaders, and good men of character.

With this, I hope that their husbands will set them aside and teach these women their rightful place in the world this Christmas.

In other news

• CdE - Why Luzzies are supporting Nevanmaa today: revenge against the Qianrongese
• Ocidenia - New government formed, Sera Svensson sends congratulations
• Christmas - Shjoraski's Christmas speech
• Opinion - Otekian separatism must change with the times

[Namor]

TXOTAI CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS AND LIBERATION ANNIVERSARY
Wei Siang delivers annual Christmastime address, says time is ripe for "development and inter-ethnic reconciliation," plans to reform justice system and develop "more pluralistic and representative" society

---

December 25, NMR 2377
25 Sancti 2377
#25 δεσέμβερ NM 2377

---

Christmas Eve celebrations in Kusef

Celebrations are underway in the Autonomous Republic of Txotai, which is observing Christmas Day as well as the anniversary of the region's liberation in NMR 2310 which marked the successful end of the counter-insurgency.

Thousands attended the Christmas Day and liberation anniversary celebrations in Kusef's Freedom Square, where the national and regional flags were raised as participants sang the national anthem.

A minute's moment of silence was observed in memory of those who perished during the regional disturbance of NMR 2306-10 and terrorism. Wreaths were laid by Head of State Wei Siang, Deputy Head of State Denis Borislav, Speaker of the Regional Assembly Heng Huanfu, TAOP and opposition leader James Narayev, Geadish List leader Johannes Ruben and others.

Also in attendance was Minister of Ethnic Minority Affairs Tuo Vang, representing the central government.

Celebrations in the square were marked by various performances, including Kannei fan dances, ethnic Otekian songs and dances, pop and rock.

The festive mood was pervasive throughout the capital of Kusef, not only in its modern quarter but in the Old City, where the streets were packed with local residents and visitors. As per tradition, many stores offer promotional sales during the holidays, sending the region into a shopping frenzy that for some began well before Christmas Eve.

Head of State Wei Siang delivers his Christmastime address to the region

Wei: Txotai entering "new age"

Head of State Wei Siang delivered his annual Christmastime address to the region. In it, he said Txotai is entering a "new age" where the time is ripe for development and inter-ethnic reconciliation. This is the first time a head of state brought up the issue of reconciliation - long a taboo topic in a region scarred by violence - in a Christmastime speech.

"The times cannot be better for the people of Txotai to come together and develop this region together. The forces of division and hate and fragmented. Their traditional supporters are no longer by their side. There's only us now, so we must seize the moment and use it to promote reconciliation and understanding between the different segments of our society. Only through unity can Txotai remain impregnable to hostile forces that conspire to tear us apart," he said.

Wei went on to announce his plan to reform the region's justice system and develop a "more pluralistic and representative" political system, encouraging authorities to put emphasis on rehabilitation over deterrence and all citizens to further involve themselves in the political process.

The full address can be viewed here.

Central gov't sends its regards

Ethnic Minority Affairs Minister Tuo Vang said Namo is "pleased" with how the regional government is handling Txotai, sending his regards to Head of State Wei Siang and the entire Txotai government on behalf of President-General Fu Wen and the central government.

"We respect the autonomy of Txotai, and we respect the regional government's responsibility to administer for the welfare of Txotai's people. We hope to maintain a working relationship with the regional government in accordance with the constitution and we look forward to working with the regional authorities on a variety of issues," he said.

[FreYhill]

---

Jong-Ji Administration lyes support with NOSDO

---

Following the recent events in Esquarium with the Vjaarland and Ziegenhain conflict, the Freyhillian Government administration of Mr. Jong-Ji has lied their support with the Northern Sea Defence Organisation. It has now been announced in a press conference by Prime Minister Dong-Ji that Freyhill has ultimately applied for full membership in the organization and that they are on standby for any required millitary intervention. However, during the press conference, Jong-Ji kept on reassuring that we are not currently in a state of war, but questions are left about could Freyhill's role in the conflict increase? Our political analyst believe that if Freyhill is accepted in NOSDO, which currently is highly likely and if the conflict increases that Freyhill's position in this conflict will definitely enlarge.

Freyhillian Prime Minister Dae Jong-Ji announcing our
nations position with the Vjaarlandic - Ziegenian conflict

Although that The Commonwealth of Freyhill is now technically in a possible Third Great War, The Government of Freyhill's Department of Foreign Affairs categorizes Freyhill as non-interventionalist to the extent of danger to Freyhill or their ally, but is Vjaarland really in danger? Or is the Jong-Ji administration making an exception to the Foreign Affairs policy? The press conference leaves multiple questions to be asked in the next national briefing in a few days with a updated status of Freyhill's role in the conflict expected to be announced. Here is the part of the transcript of Prime Minister Dae Jong-Ji's address to the nation and their allies, courtesy of The Office of The Prime Minister of Freyhill:


Following the unprecedented provocations of the state of Ziegenhain towards our close friends Vjaarland, The House of Representatives, representing the Government of The Commonwealth of Freyhill has approved of authority of a Freyhillian Police Action in response. These attacks are vital for the Sovereignty of Freyhill, with The Commonwealth not tolerating any provocation of war. The reason the Commonwealth has responded to these attacks is for the protection of the Sovereignty of Freyhill and to put the government of Ziegenhain in its place, ultimately restoring peace. We stress that this is NOT a declaration of war and that the citizens of Freyhill should not be afraid for their security. For this time of Police Action, in case of a retaliation of Ziegenhain the national security alert is now set to high, we stress that is is not a declaration of war and that a increased presence of military forces is usual for this time of affairs. If there are any concerns or any suspicious activity please contact the Department of Defense immediately on free call hotline 1800 Defense.

In summary of his address, Freyhill has issued a police action towards Ziegenhain, as a result of their unprecedented attacks on our ally, Vjaarland. For security reasons, Freyhill's security threat level is now the highest, in case of a provocation from Ziegenhain, however, the Jong-Ji administration stresses not to worry, with him reassuring that there are multiple militia units deployed across the nation. Could this be the last straw in the Jong-Ji administration that has lasted for over a decade? It could be if the upcoming conflict isn't issued properly by the government.

---

© 2015 The Freyhillian Post, Freyhillian Broadcasting Commission, All rights reserved.

[Luziyca]

Dobrev to announce significant changes to the Luziycan National Team

Luziycan Football Association President Isaac Dobrev

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - With the spotlight now shining on the Luziycan national team, and amid rumors to ban the team from the CdE, the President of the Luziycan Football Association, Isaac Dobrev, has announced "significant changes to the national team," including ending the traditional practice of sending club teams to represent Luziyca on the international level.

Isaac Dobrev said to reporters that "we are going to establish a dedicated national team in the new year, due to impending pressure from the Esquarian Football Association for us to change our ways. While our current system has worked well since the earliest days of international football, increasing criticism from abroad, as well as within, have forced us to change our ways."

"Therefore," Dobrev announced, "we are going to establish a new national team. It shall be known as the Patriots, in honor of our patriotism, and as a homage to the Luziycan national team that competed in the first CdE and won. The manager of the new Patriots shall be Alfred Smith (former manager for FC Jerusalem, and the Luziycan national team for CdE III and IV), with the Assistant Manager being Barbara Schmidt, assistant manager to the Kenyen Fighters."

"With these changes," Dobrev stated, "it shall no longer be necessary, after the current 2016-17 season, to ban foreign citizens from playing in the Luziycan Premier League. These rules will be lifted, so teams that are moving up to the top tier will no longer need to remove foreigners who have not acquired Luziycan citizenship from their teams should they be promoted to the Luziycan Premier League."

"These changes," he explained, "will help improve the footballing reputation of Luziyca internationally, and shall ensure that the Coupe D'Esquarium shall be a truly international competition among national teams, not national teams and a club team that got in via a fluke in the rules."

Who will be in the Patriots?
Katranjian sports reporter Ilko Karapetrov asked Isaac Dobrev "who will be on the roster of the national team?"
Isaac Dobrev quickly replied, "It is not certain which players shall be appearing on the national team, but we will hear more of the roster for the Patriots in the new year."

Despite this response, many people have speculated that FC Kenyen will have their players be "carried over," including manager of the team, Harry Dong.

"The Fighters are almost certainly going to be carried over into the new team," he said. "They have been the most experienced players by far, and so I am completely confident that they will be carried over into the new team. I am sure that they will be proud doing it, since I am quite certain that the players on the Fighters will be chosen, mainly to help the Luzzies transition from this club system that punishes the clubs and makes them suffer, towards a proper national team like the rest of the world."

In other news

• Freyhill - Government to side with NOSDO
• Oteki - Otekians celebrate "Liberation" Day
• NLP - Outgoing NLP leader apologizes for sexist remarks, claims he was drunk
• New Year's - Top 10 stories from 2015

[Pisdara]

28 December, 2015

---

After a few choice words from the Socialist leader, is the coalition with the Nationals on the verge of collapse?

Socialist leader Olaf Albertsen.

Olaf Albertsen, the leader of the Pisdari branch of the Socialist Party, is now in hot water after a video surfaced on the Internet earlier this week, showing the chairman berating Governor Mathias Blank, stating the National-Socialist coalition was “a mistake”, and calling out the government’s privatization efforts as “misguided and foolish”. Although the criticism of the governor was light, many suspect that the National Party will kick out the Socialists from the government, forcing a snap election. “Governor Blank is known for taking unnecessarily harsh action against any criticism against him.” Stated political scientist Nisaba Sabit. “This is a man who in 2011 responded to protests against lower living standards for ethnic Pisdaris by sacking all his Pisdari ministers.”

The Nationals and Socialists have been in a coalition since the 2011 territorial election, where the Nationals lost their one-party majority. If Mr. Albertsen and his party is forced to leave the coalition, a snap election would certainly take place. “The Nationals need the Socialists to hold a majority. They can’t rule alone.” explained Sabit. If a snap election took place within the next month, Sabit believes the Nationals have a good chance of retaining the Territorial Council, due to a fear of changing government during the current war between Vjaarland and Ziegenhein. However, it is clear people are becoming sick of Governor Blank and his antics, and this could propel the opposition Independence Party into government. Current polls show the Nationals at 38%, Independence at 34%, Socialists at 15%, the newly-formed Movement for an Islamic Pisdara at 8%, and the Pisdari Liberation Front at 5%.

---

Governor calls for heightened military as war looms
Stating he fears a Ziegenhainian attack, Governor Mathias Blank stated in a conference last night that Pisdara's military, which includes a reserve of six-hundred plus two patrol boats, has been put on alert. "I will not rest until those fascists are skewered on our beaches and destroyed." Said the governor, before leaving the conference. The military command has responded by stating it is ready for a possible Ziegenhainiann attack, and that the Sakar Naval Base has resumed being fully operational. More to come as the situation occurs.

---

[Namor]

Esquarileaks: Not all terms between Ocelot Isles, Sinhako fulfilled
Leaks reveal multiple contraventions of deal, including illegal settlement expansion, lack of government oversight

December 28, NMR 2377

---

82 DAYS
until NMR 2378
presidential election

KONGEUVIA, OCELOT ISLES - In its latest series of leaks, the Esquarileaks group revealed that not all terms agreed between the Ocelotian government and the autonomous Shudri enclave of Sinhako were met.

Mt. Punarjama, the highest point in the Sinhako enclave

On April 2, the Ocelot Isles and Sinhakese reached an agreement pertaining to the status of Shudri settlements ("dastas") that are detached from Sinhako and surrounded by territory fully controlled by Ocelotian authorities, and Ocelotian-operated businesses in Sinhako. The agreement mandated that at least 25 percent of businesses in Sinhako must be operated by Ocelotians. In addition, outlying "dastas" would be placed under Ocelotian government control.

But according to Esquarileaks, which published up to 841 documents that were kept from public view until now, several terms of the April 2 deal had not been reached. The following has been revealed:

• Sinhakese "dastas" were expanding southward in ways that contravened the deal reached with Ocelotian authorities.
• Despite the mandate that at least 25 percent of businesses in Sinhako must be operated by Ocelotians, Ocelotians operate fewer than 25 percent of businesses within the enclave.
• Although the deal stated that the "dastas" do not belong to Sinhako and are under the control of the Ocelotian government, they still operate autonomously.

"These leaks indicate that for the most part, the Ocelotians did not receive their end of the bargain," NV, the shadowy editor of Esquarileaks, stated on the website. "Many of the terms that were meant to constrain the Sinhakese from encroaching upon Ocelotian interests are being neglected."

PTH was unable to receive a comment from the Ocelotian embassy in Namo regarding the leaks. Analysts say the leaks may raise tensions between the Ocelotian government and Sinhako that were mitigated as a result of the April 2 Deal.

The establishment of Sinhako as a "safe zone" for ethnic Shudri who were persecuted in Luziyca has garnered controversy in the Ocelot Isles, with many Ocelotian nationalists opposing the enclave. Even so, the Ocelotian government insisted upon allowing Shudri settle in the area.

---

Other News

---

• CdE V - Michillies defeats Odissia, wins Lyonsland Coupe
• Luziycan football assoc. head announces "significant changes" to national team - After the Kenyen team's presence in the CdE raised controversy among international spectators, the head of the Luziycan Football Association said he will make "significant changes" that include barring club teams from representing the country at the international level.
• ELECTION '78 Second Popular Front Debate tomorrow - TFTV will host the second Popular Front debate tomorrow night in Mojing.
  

[The Ocelot Isles]

Developing Ocelotian Administration Responds to Esquarileaks Sinhakese Revelations

G-P Hammond, seen before returning to the
Office of the Governor-President

Important political figures are attempting to explain what was truly being carried out with the April 2 Deal, after Esquarileaks had shown that negotiated terms were not necessarily being followed.

Esquarileaks was known for earlier revelations, including the "Namorese Cables", PASTA referenda rigging proposals, and ASQ leader Ngo Huu Tra's death. The organization uncovered several anomalies in regards to the April 2 Deal and disclosed up to 841 classified documents.

This leak reveals that 1) dastas were expanding southwards in a way that would be deemed "unethical" under the April 2 Deal, 2) less than 25% of businesses in Sinhako are under direct Ocelotian control, and 3) dastas serve autonomously despite under de jure Ocelotian administration.

The anomalies drove Esquarileaks founder "NV" to state, "These leaks indicate that for the most part, the Ocelotians did not receive their end of the bargain. Many of the terms that were meant to constrain the Sinhakese from encroaching upon Ocelotian interests are being neglected."

In light of the leaks, Governor-President Howard Miten has addressed what many nationalists saw as favoritism of foreigners over Ocelotians. Miten claimed that "it was not realistic to satisfy the April 2 Deal completely in less than a year" and "a agreeable period of time must be allowed for appropriate change to happen". He criticized Esquarileaks for antagonizing the Ocelotian Administration, while promising that yet-unfulfilled conditions would be eventually achieved.

Minister of the Interior Rowan Tromppe was more focused on Esquarileak's actions: "This leak was and is an unlawful obtainment of undisclosed information from the Ocelotian government". He labelled NV's organization as one capable of "causing grave nuisance and damage to the safety of the general public". Several other ministers and the Police Commissioner have echoed Tromppe's message.

The Esquarileaks revelations have caused anger among Ocelotian nationalists and opposition parties, most of which align with nationalist interests. Coalition Tomorrow chairperson Alan Langen attacked Governor-President Miten for "selling out Ocelotians in the process of babysitting the Shudri" and Alternative for Ocelotians chairperson Patrick Duke demanded that "time has come to replace the derelict Miten government with a government that stands up for what Ocelotians want".

After statements from the Ocelotian Administration were released, a controversial debate emerged about if the government purposely failed to satisfy the April 2 Deal or not. Professor Carlos Rothmans of the University of Kongeuvia believed that "pressing too hard on the developing autonomous province, with elements such as the April 2 Deal, would prove detrimental to everyone" and so concluded that the Ocelotian Administration was intentionally delaying onset of certain terms. Matteryorkist Party chariperson Sepor Johanson criticized Rothmans' belief, anticipating that the inability to put every negotiated item into effect was not entirely the fault of the Ocelotian Administration's.

Sinhakese interim president Helga Duta and her government has not yet spoken about Esquarileak's revelations, which people around the Ocelot Isles fear will damage the Ocelotian-Sinhakese relations that have improved in the past few months.

Other News

• 2015 | The good, the bad, and the ugly as the New Year approaches
• CdE V | Michillies emerges as the victor of CdE V + prospects for CdE VI
• Business | Economists project recovery for the Ocelotian economy

[Luziyca]

Duta issues damning condemnation of the leaks

Helga Duta speaking to the public

PRASANTA, SINHAKO - With the news of the leaks regarding the failure to implement the April 2 deal, the interim President of Sinhako, Helga Duta has issued a "damning statement" condemning the leaked information published on Esquarileaks, as well as the Dasta Andolana's violations of the April 2 Agreement that was negotiated to ease tensions between the Shudri and the Ocelotians residing on the island.

Helga Duta has spoken to Ocelotian television and international media that:

"The leaks made by NV is unlawful, and we pledge that we will investigate to find the person responsible for the leaks. However, it does expose a few flaws in the deal: it is not realistic to comply with the deal in less than a year. We are close to reaching the 25% threshold, though: 20% of the companies in Sinhako as of November have been operated by Ocelotians."

But the most damning condemnation came towards the Dasta Andolana, with Helga Duta saying to the media that:

"But the news of the expansion of the dastas is troubling. The Dasta Andolana have violated the agreement, by expanding the dasta by purchasing land to the south of Sinhako to build more dastas. They claim it is agricultural land, but there is clear evidence that they will build more dasta there. Should the DA go ahead with the plan to expand in the south, we will be forced to forbid them from operating here in Sinhako. Likewise, we request that the Ocelot Isles revoke the autonomy of the dasta, and just treat them as autonomous parts of Ocelot Isls."

More as the story develops.

[Namor]

TFTV debate held in Mojing
Antelope vs. Tao: Antelope says Tao's healthcare plan "doesn't work," Tao denies
Namsa vs. Antelope: Jabs traded over Green Fever, family legacy

December 29, NMR 2377

---

81 DAYS
until NMR 2378
presidential election

MOJING, EAST NAMOR - Candidates for the Popular Front nomination stepped up in their attacks against each other in the second debate broadcasted by TFTV in Mojing, with Shohai Antelope criticizing Tao James' plan for a single-payer healthcare system, Namsa Singho attacking Shohai Antelope's Liberationist Party, and Tao James defending his positions while trying to establish himself as a far-leftist third way between Antelope and Namsa both.

The TFTV debate is the last debate held between Popular Front candidates before the Popular Front convenes in Po'ai, West Namor in January 20 to nominate a candidate to run for President-General. With the Popular Front Convention less than a month away, the race is expected to become even more intense. Indeed, while the TFTV debate was shorter than the one broadcasted by WNTV in November, the candidates did not waste time leaving an impression on the audience by pouncing on each other. PTH brings you the highlights of the debate, which can be viewed in its entirety here.

Shohai Antelope attacks Tao James' healthcare plan: "It doesn't work. Get over it"

The debate kicked off with a heated exchange between Shohai Antelope and Tao James over Tao's call for the scrapping of the Common Medical Care System (CMCS) in favor of a single-payer healthcare system modeled after Atlantica's. Antelope said Tao's plan would force the government to spend over 90 percent of the GDP on healthcare. Tao responded that he does not intend on "copying off Atlantica's system entirely."

"I said we don't have to copy every aspect of Atlantica's system, but it's going in the right direction. If Atlantica, a small country with less money than we do, can provide quality healthcare to its citizens, are you telling me a larger and wealthier country like Namor can't? And we don't have to spend eight billion...trillion dollars on healthcare. Like I said before, we can spend at most 20 percent of our GDP on healthcare, or up to 14,000 ramon per person - 2,000 Universal Standard Dollars. We don't have to spend 75 or 90 percent of our GDP," Tao said.

Antelope responded, "So you're telling me 14,000 Ramon is enough to cover a person's healthcare needs? Deputy Tao, in Atlantica, the government spends 59,500 ramon per citizen on quality healthcare. How is spending 14,000 ramon per citizen enough to provide the same Atlantican-style healthcare for the Namorese people? It doesn't work. Get over it." He went forth to announce his plan of reforming the current CMCS.

"We need to develop a CMCS scheme for urban areas as well instead of adopting a Tao plan that'll give coverage to only one out of every 900 people," he said.

"Deputy Antelope has detailed his complicated plan, but I'm going to stick with my plan, because not only does it work, it ensures that everybody - not just the urban poor or the rural poor - but everybody, gets healthcare coverage," Tao shot back.

Liberationist Party a "family business," says Namsa

Democratic Socialist candidate Namsa Singho took a jab at Shohai Antelope's Liberationist Party, calling it a "family business," alluding to the Antelope family's strong influence behind the party. "As such, everyone should ask themselves this: who is more capable of solving the problems of today - new voices, new blood in the Executive House, or a stagnant party that's deteriorated from a revolutionary movement to a family business? I think the answer's pretty obvious, so I'm going to leave that for the audience to decide."

Shohai shot back, pointing out that Namsa served as Vice President during the left's darkest days. "You've been running the political machine forever. You were Vice President during a time when the left seemed doomed to go extinct...people looked up to you to save the left, and what happened as a result? Fu Wen came to office in a landslide victory."

"Actually that happened because your party adopted a disastrous strategy that drove your own loyalists to Fu," Namsa replied, before being interrupted by Tao James who said Shohai Antelope did not lead the Liberationists during the NMR 2368 election. Tao proceeded to portray himself as an viable alternative to both Antelope and Namsa.

"Here's my take: Shohai Antelope's the leader of his party, Namsa Singho's the leader of his party. Shohai's the son of a former Vice President, Namsa was formerly Vice President. I, on the other hand, serve only one office, and that is Deputy for the 39th District. I'm not related to any President-General or Vice President, and I'm certainly not related to these two because I don't bicker like they do."

One thing the candidates seem to agree on: Fu's détente policy is bad

Two of the questions asked by the audience were pertaining to Namo-Luziycan relations, to which the candidates responded without much disagreement.

When asked if they trusted Luziyca's newly-elected president, Sera Svensson, the candidates responded positively, including Shohai Antelope.

"Sure, I'm aware that in Luziyca you really don't have a genuine opposition, that what you really have is a ruling party and another party that's just more progressive, but that doesn't mean we can't work with the new leadership."

The candidates were then asked how they could assure other countries that a Namor under their watch would not derail the Namo-Luziycan détente process. They went on to attack President-General Fu Wen's Luziyca policy. Namsa said the Popular Front supports maintaining stable Namo-Luziycan relations, with some reservations.

"Had it not been for Esquarileaks, for example, we would've not known that Fu was planning to sell Namor off to the Esquarian Union. He has also shown reluctance in letting all Namorese decide the fate of their own territory, Nantai. I mean, whenever we're dealing with a country that spends nine times more than we do on the military and has a bad habit of interfering in the affairs of other countries, you can't leave the people in the dark about what you're going to discuss," Namsa said.

Shohai Antelope accused the New Democrats of using Namo-Luziycan détente "to buy votes and spread fear."

"As President-General, I will keep the peace, but I will also stand up for the Namorese people instead of indulging in the fearmongering of hypersensitive neoliberals."

Tao James closed the discussion by suggesting that the President-General values détente over protecting Namorese sovereignty.

"Yes, we need a bit of trade, but Luziyca doesn't want to trade so that we may prosper; Luziyca wants to trade so that it can take over us someday and then proceed to take over the rest of the world. Economic sovereignty is very important at this time, and the next President-General should recognize that."

Namsa takes second jab at Antelope: Liberationist stance on Green Fever "absolutely inexcusable"

Towards the end of the debate, Namsa Singho said the Liberationist Party has been inadequate in addressing its involvement in the Green Fever political movement from NMR 2305 to NMR 2315, launching another attack on Shohai Antelope.

"Part of that might be because Deputy Antelope doesn't want to damage the reputation of his family, but nevertheless I feel that now that we live in a democracy, it's absolutely inexcusable to try justifying anything that goes against the very foundations of democracy, and I hope Deputy Antelope can address that here and right now," he said.

Antelope responded that the Liberationist Party acknowledges the Green Fever as a wrongdoing on its part, and accused Namsa of ignoring "urgent problems at hand."

"The economy is doing poorly and average people are suffering. Are we going to work to solve their problems, or are we going to sit around and talk about the Green Fever?"

Tao stood by Antelope on this one. "I'll have to agree with Deputy Antelope in this one. There are too many pressing problems that the next President-General needs to address, and we're doing ourselves a disfavor if we choose to spend all that time that can be used to think of solutions to these problems for talking about stuff that's in the past."

Shohai Antelope to Tao James: "To hell with" Txotai separatists

The final question in the debate concerned Tao James' proposal of allowing some ethnic Otekians who fled overseas during the Txotai insurgency back into the country. Tao argued that this move would end the Txotai separatist movement.

"Why beat a dead horse, Deputy Tao? The separatists are already dead. The leader of OGIE's in jail, the organization's paralyzed, and their militant wing can't launch an operation. To hell with them, I say, and let's focus on this country," replied Shohai Antelope.

This time, Namsa had Antelope's back. "While I understand Deputy Tao's intention, I should remind that we are a country of 938 million people. Resources are already strained, and the average Namorese eats less than people elsewhere. There are more important issues and we need to tackle them first."

Who won? Who lost?

An online post-debate poll conducted by TFTV showed 65 percent of respondents believe Shohai Antelope won the debate, while 30 percent believe Tao won and 5 percent believe Namsa won. Unofficial polls conducted by other organizations mostly showed Antelope winning, although some showed Tao to be the winner. Little kudos was given to Namsa Singho in spite of his attacks on Shohai Antelope, with some calling on the Democratic Socialist candidate and former Vice President to quit the race.

---

Other News

---

• Ocelot Isles, Sinhako criticize Esquarileaks - Both the Oceotian government and the Sinhako enclave criticized the Esquarileaks group after it published over 800 documents showing parts of the April 2 deal reached between both sides as not completely fulfilled.
• ELECTION '78 Campaign expected to intensify ahead of primaries - How will the Second Popular Front debate affect the Popular Front primaries?

[Nevamaa]

---

Nevanmaa to deploy nuclear weapons in Filimons to combat SOE aggression

VILNA - Acting on behalf of the dissolved Diet, the Royal Council has unanimously accepted His Royal Majesty the King's proposal to deploy nuclear weapons in Filimons. The weapons would consist of both silo-based and mobile ballistic missiles as well as aircraft-mounted bombs. The exact amount of weapons to be deployed remained classified.

The weapons themselves as well as their launch codes would remain in Nevan control, and thus the deployment would not violate the Esquarian Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty that prohibits most states from acquiring and possessing nuclear weapons. Nevanmaa and Filimosn are both signatories of the treaty, but while the treaty acknowledges certain states', including Nevanmaa's, rights to possess nuclear weapons, it prohibits most other states including Filimons from having them.

According to Council President Yrjö Walenius, the decision was made after the Filimon State Presidium requested increasing Nevan presence in the South Conitian region to combat exceedingly aggressive policies of Entente countries including Odissia, Michillies, Masseau and West Cedarbrook. "The call to deploy nuclear weapons did not come from us, but rather, from the Filimon government. As an ally and a friend, we of course responded."

Walenius commented the deployment in a press conference earlier today, stating that "increased Nevan presence in South Conitia will help to stabilize the region as well as protect the sovereignty of the Filimon Commonwealth. Aggressive actions by SOE member states, including illegal support for various terrorist movements in Lecistan, have created unparalled threat to our allies in the region. The deployment of these nuclear weapons will show to our allies that Nevanmaa stands with them, and to our enemies that we will not allow our friends to be bullied into submission."

Walenius emphasized that the deployment is not meant to be an aggressive act, but rather a defensive one. "When was the last time that Nevanmaa, or any Pact of Crowns member has invaded another state? Several member states of the SOE are participating in aggressive wars of expansion against PoC states this very insant, while the Pact has always remained a defensive alliance against republicanist expansionism."

When asked if Nevanmaa would be prepared extend the deployment of nuclear weapons to Costa Sud, another Pact of Crowns member, Walenius declined to answer. At the moment, Costa Sud does not officially host any Nevan nuclear weapons, though Royal Nevan Navy's nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers frequently use the small kingdom's port facilities.


IN OTHER NEWS

• Date for election system referendum, new Diet election still not set
• The Lions bring back bronze from the Coupe
• HRM the King hopes for peace on Earth in his Christmas speech

[Ainin]

Home » News » Law & Police
▍ Animal-Related Attacks on the Rise in Linaque, Jaspère
▍ LOCAL OFFICIALS LEFT PUZZLED BY CAUSE; HEALTH AUTHORITY PROMISES FULL INVESTIGATION

---

BEAUREPAIRE - Over the month of December, the number of people hospitalized for animal attacks in the western provinces of Linaque and Jaspère have skyrocketed to 557 from last month's 133, health authorities have revealed. As most cases go unreported, it is estimated that up to 3,200 attacks may have occured. Public Safety Minister Gauthier Dieudonné was left at a loss of words when asked for speculation as to the cause of this strange phenomenon, and his provincial counterparts Grégoire Blanchard of Linaque and Marguerite Arceneaux of Jaspère were equally flabergasted. The strange phenomena have seen entire flocks of birds attack people on the street, water buffalo stampeding along a national autoroute and foxes roaming appartment parking lots in urban areas. Dieudonné announced that 700 volunteer auxiliaries of the Gendarmerie and the National Police have been activated over the month of December to assist overwhelmed animal control officers respond to cases.

During the month, 7 people have lost their lives and 24 remain hospitalized, 15 in critical condition, as a result of attacks. A father and son were killed on December 10 while hiking in rural Linaque after being attacked by a "very violent, crazed black bear," while another man died on December 13 in the same region after being gored by a herd of antelope while fox-hunting. On December 17, a Nevan tourist died after being bitten by a rat while after suffering a major allergic reaction. On December 21, an eldery pensioner in Beaurepaire died as a result of infections caused by wounds she received when her cat suddenly pounced on her and attacked. December 24 and 27 saw two more fatal attacks, both against young children and involving dogs. In the first, a 5-year old child was attacked by a police K-9 unit unprovoked. He died in hospital from surgery complications yesterday. The second saw a pack of stray dogs attack a teenage girl as she exited a Talonée metro station, also seemingly unprovoked. This wave of unprovoked animal attacks has prompted authorities to urge Aininians to avoid wilderness areas and national parks until the issue has been identified and resolved, and to avoid contact with stray animals.

"We aren't just seeing a single species act erratically," said Dr. Henri Cailloux of the University of Talon, chair of the University Health Centre's infectious diseases department. "We are seeing an uptick in cases involving both wild and domestic animals of all kinds. Dogs, cats, hamsters, rodents, foxes, birds, you name it. It's like every animal in western Ainin suddenly got the desire to attack humans. We honestly don't know why this is happening. Most of these animals don't show signs of rabies or other pathogens that may cause them to act erratically, as far as we are aware they're perfectly healthy animals attacking humans out of the blue."

Brigadier Alain Kung of the Gendarmerie's animal control unit concurred. "We are seeing a massive increase in animal attacks for no reason. The animals we capture afterward appear to be completely healthy. They don't test positive for any pathogens or known disorders, and just seem really ticked off about something. We still don't know what, but we suspect that it may have something to do with the water."

Social media was awash with theories shortly after the announcement, from the plausible to the ridiculous. One theory that experts agree may be responsible is this year's temperature swings that may be affecting animals' sleep pattern and therefore make them more aggressive. However, other theories were simply nonsense, with a popular social media post jokingly claiming that Ainin's fauna has pledged allegiance to the Caliphate terror group, and other theories involving conspiracies by Koy spies or aliens.

Western Ainin has seen a year of unusual weather that saw an unusually long dry season and a cool wet season that has led to significant plant die-offs in the subtropical rainforests of the region. Biologists suspect that these plants' absence may be responsible for the animals' odd behaviour as they play a major role in purifying and capturing rainwater, which is often tainted with dangerous chemical byproducts, a large amount of it brought by currents from southern Namor. Acid rain and chemical-tainted water may be the reason that animals are acting strangely, and government authorities have responded to this theory by creating a 200-strong Environment Ministry task force to investigate. Furthermore, out of an abundance of caution, all chemical factories in Linaque have been ordered indefinitely closed by health regulators.

"This is going to a bad year for us, but what can we do?" mused Zack Flandin, owner of a perfume factory in the outskirts of Talonée. "These animal attacks are really starting to be a pain in everyone's sides, and if we are the problem, then we have a responsibility to our communities to shut down."

Health authorities urge caution when dealing with animals that behave abnormally, including household pets, and recommends slowly stepping away while maintaining eye contact, and retreating to a room with a door or other safe area. People are urged to call +52821251204 to report incidents to the National Gendarmerie's animal control department and to report to hospital if scratched, bitten or otherwise injured by a beast.

[Namor]

OOC: Now with the United Republics recognizing Nevanmaa, I don't know if Michillian assistance to Nevan republican militants (let alone the Lazarene Sea crisis) is still canon, but given that a lot of developments came to be because of the cathedral bombing, I'm going to assume it is.

Моджинг Сибо | Mojing Sibo
December 30, NMR 2377

By the Editorial Board | MANY SAY he's behind in the times - Juhani III of the Nevan Realm is the leader of the world's largest racist state where, even with a constitution that nominally restricts the monarch's power, he still calls the shots. Common sense dictates that Juhani's kind will only wither away as the new era takes fold. But that's not happening, at least not yet. For now, Juhani is here to stay, and his refusal to surrender to progress inside and outside his palace is to be reckoned with.

Nevanmaa is a paradox. While its leaders cling to the 19th century with furor and its cities are devoid of modern architecture, the country boasts a world-class military capable of being deployed to the other side of the planet. Juhani III may favor the old, but he also understands that to keep the old alive, the new must spring forth to protect it. It's a reasons why his soldiers do not wear bayonets in battle.

It's also why he's been very aggressive in defending the Realm this year. 2015 began with distrust of Nevanmaa across the board. Juhani had some allies, but he had few friends - none of them were members of the purposeless Northern Sea Defense Organization (NOSDO) which Nevanmaa co-founded. Conservative Vjaarland was the only country that favored keeping Nevanmaa in the alliance for the sole reason of keeping the Triumvirate at bay, but Strendhavn's tolerance for Juhani was short-lived. "Nevanmaa was the troublesome kid in the classroom. He had to be thrown out soon," observed Namorese ambassador to Vyvland Hao Ge.

Soon came abruptly in May when a wedding involving members of Nevanmaa's royal family was interrupted by bombings that injured several guests, among them regional leaders. Investigators pointed fingers at anti-government terrorists for instigating the attacks. That the militants did it was no surprise, but it was then found out that the bombs were manufactured in the United Republics. Juhani's Nevanmaa, outraged by the alleged foreign sabotage, sent ships to the Lazarene Sea, starting a crisis which many at the time feared would escalate into the unimaginable. Countries lined up behind earliest Team Juhani or Team Annemarie Vang. Behind Team Juhani stood a handful of countries obliged to help Nevanmaa out due to the NOSDO treaty, but they were not enthusiastic at all about lending Juhani a hand. "Time's running out. Are you?" a newspaper bluntly proclaimed as the world awaited a response to Juhani's ultimatum - an apology from the UR or war.

Time didn't run out for peace, but it did run out for any remaining tolerance of Nevan membership in NOSDO. As the crisis fizzled out with Nevanmaa withdrawing its ships, the Geads withdrew from NOSDO, vowing never to return unless Nevanmaa stayed a member. Post-Kurt Blymont Vyvland gritted its teeth and gave Nevanmaa one last chance to not go to crisis. Vjaarland continued reminding Nordania of the Triumvirate's threat to the liberal democratic order. But at the NOSDO summit, even the Vjaars gave Juhani an evil eye - a sign that the Angry White Monarch was skating on thin ice for sure.

The anti-monarchist uprising in Lecistan - and Nevanmaa's reaction to it - quickened King Juhani's isolation from the world community.

The ice shattered in landlocked Lecistan, where elections resulted in a landslide victory for the pro-Nevan government camp - all after the Nevans deployed to round up suspected opponents to the country's Grand Duke who was none other than Juhani himself. Lecistani voters expected a devastating defeat for Juhani's proxies, and thus the government victory was widely seen as fraudulent. Protests escalated into an all-out rebellion. Juhani ordered a mass deployment of troops to keep the Grand Duchy alive.

Juhani's knee-jerk reaction to the Lecistani revolt may have achieved its goal of preventing the Duchy from collapsing within a matter of days, but it came at a huge price. The intervention was decried worldwide; countries defiantly recognized the Lecistani opposition in the face of Nevan threats of war and embargoes. Prime Minister Tuomas Hyvärinen's decision to suspend ties with anyone who recognized the rebels backfired; elections in Vjaarland brought a liberal government to power. The new prime minister supported Nevanmaa's expulsion from NOSDO. Opposition to Nordanian entanglement with Juhani's aggression was finally complete - NOSDO was no longer obliged to go to war for the King.

But the Angry White Monarch shows no signs of cessation. His media boasts of the complete annihilation of rebel targets in Lecistan, he is allegedly assisting the Ziegenians in their war with Vjaarland and the NOSDO countries, and at the time of writing he has ordered the deployment of nuclear weapons to Filimons to counter the Southeast Oriental Entente, paving the way for yet another crisis. Juhani III may be behind in the times, but there's no question that he's been ahead in making world headlines.

RUNNER UP: OHANKA JON BAK-SU
His totalitarian rule is despised almost everywhere, but for now, it seems the world needs him

---

Koyro's whimsical leader practicing shooting

By the Editorial Board | THE WORLD woke up in surprise upon hearing that all was not well in Ansyu, capital of the hermit kingdom of Koyro. There were reports that several military commanders had risen up against the Supreme Leader Ohanka Jon Bak-su, having taken over the airwaves and announced their intentions to the Koy masses. For days, journalists kept in close touch with Koyro insiders trying to grasp the latest developments, but not so long after, news broke that the coup had failed and its leaders were summarily executed. Ohanka, the unpredictable ruler and arguably one of Esquarium's most powerful people, would continue his reign.

However, some, if not most, governments seemed satisfied with the dictator staying in power. The reason isn't because Ohanka's totalitarian nature is appreciated - between Koy-style governance and democracy most would choose the latter in a heartbeat - but because as bizarre Ohanka may be, the world needs Ohanka. Since the onset of mass unrest in Nautasia, Ohanka's Koyro has been a loved and hated partner in the fight against radical Islamism, becoming a chief supporter of authoritarian regimes in Kraq and Irvadistan that, for all their shortcomings, are viewed more positively than their jihadi counterparts. While it is true that the multinational terrorist group that calls itself "the Caliphate" has met stringent opposition from countries all across the globe, it is also true that Koyro is an integral component of the struggle, and if the world expels Koyro from the fight, it will do itself a great disservice. Not all Koy efforts to contain the extremists have succeeded - a summer campaign by the Caliphate left it controlling a vast majority of Irvadistan - world leaders agree that it's too risky to tell Ohanka he's not doing the job right.

Nautasia isn't the only reason why the world needs Ohanka. Despite all the rhetoric about Koy paranoia, realists have come to realize that of all the three backbone members of the Triumvirate alliance, Koyro is perhaps the most level-headed. Ohanka has been instrumental in keeping the Jahistic Union distracted from exporting revolution to other countries, which in turn keeps the Northern Sea countries less worried about the threat of Unolian aggression. Ohanka may not even have to be reasonable in order for his country to be. With the regime still trying to recover from the summer coup, it is likely that Ohanka will spend most of his time straightening out domestic policies, reducing the level of Koy involvement in global affairs and leaving the world at an ephemeral peace. But in some respects, that may not be a good thing.