Septentrion Regional Headlines

[Meinkraft]

Link to: 2016 Article for AN Kouraki Intervention by In The Black Newspaper. Image too large to post directly.

[Minilov]

Big fall in the number of applications for naturalisation

MALJUBAV, Minilov — The number of people applying for Minilovan citizenship through naturalisation has fallen sharply in recent years. During the period between 1996 and 2012 there an average of 10.000 applications for naturalisation were received each year. However, this had fallen to just 175 in 2017. The figures come from the Interior Minister Ioan Pekmez.

The sharp fall has come out in the main because of a tightening up of the procedures to be followed in order to obtain Minilovan nationality through naturalisation. The stricter rules came into force in 2013. Since then those wishing to become Minilovan, must have lived here for at least five years, be proficient in Minilov’s official language (Minilovan) and prove that they have made efforts to integrate. This year so far there have been 104 requests for naturalisation.

Mr Pekmez who was one of the driving forces behind the new bill told MNTV News that: "We want this privilege to be reserved for people that are truly integrated and that can make an important contribution to the country, such as sportspeople and scientists. Obtaining citizenship through naturalisation has truly become the exception to the rule."

[Minilov]

Government sets aside cash for new International School

MALJUBAV, Minilov — The Minilovan government is reported to have set aside between 50 and 70 million rubles for the construction of a new International School. The decision to build an additional International School in Maljubav was first taken in 2015. Now according to an article in Saturday’s edition of the ‘The Minilov Korrespondent’, the government has set aside funding for the construction of what will be the 6th International School in Minilov.

Currently, there are 4 International Schools in Maljubav and 1 in Kademija (Domora province). The Korrespondent reports that that the new school will have room for 2.500 pupils and will be built on a former military site in the Maljibav district of Nerha.

The construction of the new school falls under the remit of the Interior Minister Ioan Pekmez (LDP) who is also responsible for the Buildings’ Agency that will oversee the work. The funding will come from the strategic investment budget. Mr Pekmez’s office told the paper that it is hoped that the new school will be ready by September 2019.

The schools are in the first instance for the children of parents that work for International institutions. They are allowed to attend the schools free of charge and are given priority when enrolling. In theory “local” children are also welcome, as are the children of expats that don’t work for the international institutions, providing that they are prepared to pay several thousand rubles in school fees. However, in Maljubav this is rarely the case in practice due to lack of places available at the city’s 4 International Schools

[Minilov]

Mlaz Airways to cancel four flights after incidents with two aircraft

MALJUBAV, Minilov — The Minilovan carrier Mlaz Airways has scrapped four flights in recent days due to technical problems with two planes. The news was released by the nation TV station MNTV and confirmed by the airline.

On Friday, a Mlaz Airways plane bound for Turov (Letnev) could not take off from Maljubav Airport, as a tyre sustained damage caused by debris on the runway. The flight could only leave for Turov on Sunday morning. Yesterday, a flight bound for Chandler (Nova Sylva) had to make a U-turn shortly after take-off, after a bird had ended up in the engines. The plane returned to Maljubav and could only leave today.

Because of these two incidents, Mlaz Airways had to scrap four flights, but passengers could leave with other aircraft. There are no new cancellations to be expected for Monday.

[Minilov]

Big delays on the coast-bound D3 after a string of accidents

KADEMIJA, Minilov — Drivers are warned. There are big delays on the coast-bound D3 motorway after a string of accidents. Those planning to travel to coast face an addition of more than an hour to their journey times. The Minilov Travel Centre advises motorists to take alternative routes.

Accidents in Kademija, Domora province, have all resulted in lane closures. Although the accident near Maglina had been cleared by noon, the other accidents were still causing delays.

The Minilov Traffic Centre advises motorists to seek alternative routes. Those wishing to travel to the coast from Maljubav or Trziste are advised to use the secondary trunk roads.

[Minilov]

Minilovan DNA database on the way

MALJUBAV, Minilov — The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) are bringing forward legislation for the creation of a genealogy centre and DNA databank. The centre will be able to provide answers to people's questions about their genealogy and heritage.

Lawmaker Catrina Pisco (LDP): "The centre will form part of a body that has already been active in the field of well-being, public health and family policy. No precise decision has yet been taken."

The DNA databank should be interesting for people who are searching for a child that was the subject of a forced adoption. Pisco continues: "This happened more than once in the 1960s and 1970s. In this way, children born as a result of egg cell or sperm donation will be able to trace parents and other relatives."

The idea for the centre originated in 2014 following government hearings about forced adoptions when a safety net for survivors of forced adoptions was envisaged. Under the draft legislation, children from the age of 12 can voluntarily provide a DNA sample. If there is a positive match with a close relative a meeting can be arranged.

Both people discovering relatives as well as the relatives concerned will receive support. The price of providing the DNA sample will be kept low. So far only 300, 000 rubles is being allocated to this project.

[Maltecna]

Wehrmacht put into heightened alert

Amidst an invasion of a sovereign nation directly next to the border, the Wehrmacht was thrown into Heightened Alert, in preparation to combat any violation of Ostlandic Air Space and or Territory. Furthermore, amid the issue of heightened alert, the Ostlandic Air Force in cooperation with the Army began Operation Hita, which aimed to secure a zone of demilitarization, to effectively secure the border and open a safe corridor for refugees. Although receiving extensive resistance from the Socialist Coalition and Liberals, the Conservative Majority overruled any attempt to cease the operation, which is one of the first military operations since the Pan-Septentrion War. Despite political opposition to the military operation, the General Staff of the Wehrmacht has been the exact opposite, ecstatic that the Heer and Luftwaffe can gain vital experience in an actual military operation, and with the beginning of the operation, morale has been at its highest. Despite high confidence in the Wehrmacht as a whole, enlistment rates have only increased by a mere 1%, although a significant rate of growth compared to that of the years of 2015 or 2014.

Plans to build second vessel of the Krossa-class delayed

Although the Navy has seen rapid expansion, of which has been approved by the Conservative Government and even the Liberal Government prior, the Navy announced later last week that it would be delaying the expected construction of the ONS Elterbeuren. With Navy Spokesperson Gunther Halberstam stating ''That the Navy saw no need in expanding its carrier force, due to extensive support by Grand Alliance Member States in the Strachan and Abroad, we have full confidence that one Light Carrier will fulfill our doctrine to the fullest, effectively and efficiently''. Despite the announcement of the delay of the construction of the vessel, most Conservatives were not surprised, as the construction of a second carrier would not only be a waste of valuable material, but put strain to a budget that has been at its highest since the Pan-Septentrion War.

With a large portion of the Navy's budget now not being devoted to the construction of a second Krossa-class Light Carrier, the Navy has announced a new naval procurement plan, which aims to procure an additional 3 A26 Littoral Combat Submarines, which will improve the Navy's response to continuous advances in submarine technology. Furthermore, the Navy has announced a ''lull'' in ship construction, to reduce strain on the budget, which respectively has seen extensive budgetary strain due to lightning growth in the past decade, with the budget now seeing general relief, the Navy plans to begin a series of live fire exercises. The live fire exercises expected to improve combat readiness and cohesion, in preparation for any possible conflict which may reach Ostlandic coastal waters.

Krossa International Airport to undergo expansion

Krossa, an already major junction in the transportation of goods to multiple nations in Eastern Casaterra, has seen major growth in aerial traffic, with this in mind, plans have been announced by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure to expand Krossa International Airport, which will include the construction of two additional terminals and several new concourses. The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure expects the project in question to cost a total of 3,762,000,000 Ostmarks, construction is estimated to last a total of 5 years. The project has received wide spread support, especially by multiple businesses due to a need for a larger volume of aircraft to arrive to KIA daily to improve the transportation of daily goods.

[Minilov]

Minilovan vessel sinks off the Allancian coast: three saved, two dead

CHARGAUX, Allancia — A cruise ship has managed to pick up three men from a life raft in the Crimson Sea. It turns out that the three were crewmembers from a Minilovan fishing boat from Spajanje. The bodies of two other people who were missing were found this afternoon after a major search operation had been set up.

The Medirian Princess was on its way to Milostya, Mozria, when it noticed a life raft floating some 30 kilometres off the Allancian coast near Chargaux. Despite the harsh conditions with waves reaching up to 1,5 metres, the crew managed to pick up the three men on the raft. The men had been on the raft for four hours.

It turns out the three were working on the trawler S91-Zonja, which capsized and perished yesterday afternoon, some 45 kilometres north-east of Allancia. Passengers on board the Meridian Princess witnessed the rescue operation from the deck. They clapped when the rescued men came on the ship.

However, there were five people on board, which meant that two others were missing. It wasn't looking good and their bodies were recovered late in the afternoon, after a massive search.

[Minilov]

Spajanje Mayor warns of drugs’ gangs influence

SPAJANJE, Minilov — In an interview with The Korrespondent, the Mayor of SPAJANJE Bars Tkalca (Liberal Democratic Party) has warned that drugs money has infiltrated into politics in the port city. Mr Tkalca told the paper that he has “files full of information” to help him in the battle against the importation, production and sale of illegal drugs such as cocaine and cannabis. The new 40-person anti-drugs-team starts work this week with the aim of tackling the influence the drug gangs have in Spajanje.

"This will enable us to act again the numerous shops in my city that have been set up to launder money. These include around 40 telephone shops that are often very close together, certain crèches, fishmongers… It is of course the case that you need to want to see what’s going on. The amount of cocaine money that is in circulation here is enormous”.

"While in the past there were families that earned a bit of extra income by selling cannabis in teahouses, cocaine has changed all that. For a few years now, sums of money have been doing the rounds that enable people to become property magnets in Erquin."

"The pull of making a lot of money very quickly that is present among certain sections of the population means that a whole generation could be lost. It is no secret when I say that this is more prevalent among certain groups than it is among others”.

Mr Tkalca points the finger at "The traditional cannabis clans, foreign clans that have a lot more money in their pockets thanks to the trade in cocaine”.

The Mayor of Spajanje denies that his comments stigmatise a section of the population.

Speaking on the MNTV’s morning news and current affairs programme ‘Ujutro’, Mr Tkalca elaborated on earlier comments he had made about the possible influence of drugs money on politics in Spajanje.

He pointed to the situation in Erquin where he claims that 1 in 6 councillors “are just a mouse click away from organised crime". I am not going to comment whether this is also the case in Spajanje, but I don’t doubt it when you see how much money is involved”, Mr Tkalca said.

[Minilov]

Minilov remembers fallen soldiers

MALJUBAV, Minilov — A ceremony was held at the Column of the Republic in Maljubav on Saturday to remember the 252 Minilovan soldiers that have been killed while carrying out their military duty since the 1989 independence. The Column is home the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and is traditionally the location of national military remembrance ceremonies.

Among those in attendance were the Defence Minister Pramaç Bunara (Liberal Democratic Party) and the former Defence Minister Drugo Letivisoko (Conservative Orthodox Alliance).

The ceremony took place 29 years to the day since twenty Minilovan soldiers were killed in the Sjevernata independence riots. In 1998 it was decided that 8 September should become Veterans’ Day as a mark of respect to those killed.

[Minilov]

First cases of swine fever in Minilov since 1983

MALJUBAV, Minilov — Two cases of Hemithean swine fever have been diagnosed in Ljubimaca Province. The Food Safety Administration (FSA) has confirmed that two wild boars have been found to be infected with the disease. The cases are the first in Minilov more than 30 years. The farming union has expressed its concern and calls for a cull of all wild boar in Minilov.

Two wild boars were found dead in woodland in Etaly in the south of Ljubimaca Province. A veterinary examination of the boar found that they had died of swine fever. The disease is highly infectious among pigs but harmless to humans. The Agriculture Minister Carola Šerif says that there is currently no danger to health as a result of the Hemithean swine fever outbreak. “The situation is being monitored closely. The situation is currently under control”, Ms Šerif told MNTV. Meanwhile, the Economy Minister Serž Pobuna said that he “presumes that there is no danger”.

There is no treatment for or vaccine against Hemithean swine fever. Measures are been taken in the area around Etaly to stop the disease from spreading. FSA’s spokesman Milos Toudhar told journalists that these are mainly restrictions on hunting and on the transportation of pigs to and from a few pig farms in the area.

Hemithean swine fever has been present in Casaterra for a number of years. There, both wild boar and farm-reared pigs have become infected. However, in recent months the disease has spread west. The FSA says that the cases here could have been caused by travellers from Southern Casaterra having dumped leftover food that was eastern by the wild boar. In 1983 there was an epidemic of swine fever in Western Minilov. Back then 24 pig farms were infected and 285 pig farms were put under lockdown. Over 60.000 pigs had to be destroyed.

[Minilov]

Government warns: prepare for a dark winter

MALJUBAV, Minilov — The Minilovan Interior Ministry has warned that some municipalities may be without electricity this November. Next November will only see one of the country's three nuclear reactors active to be producing energy. All the others are undergoing maintenance.

The Interior Ministry has researched the impact of this policy. Minister Ioan Pekmez says: "In the event of a cold November it's more likely now that some municipalities or parts of them will be without electricity. We have to take account of this happening because supply won't meet demand."

By law outages of only 3 hours per year are allowed. With only one reactor online it's expected the length of the outages will increase: 20 hours is not thought unlikely.

Even in the event of a mild November, problems may still occur. Last November 2017 it didn’t freeze at all -- when normally this happens on five days -- still the nation consumed approximately 13 Gigawatt of electricity.

[Themiclesia]

Jul. 15th, 2018
咸安元年六月戊申　

Themiclesian Navy Demonstrating New Capabilities
Experts Express Reservation

Navy's new toy

Tuanning, this paper—"The Navy is happy to announce that a successful co-operation between the Data Processing Corporation and us has occurred and resulted in a computer system which will prove invaluable to not only this establishment, but interdisciplinary research in many scientific fields. We are quite sure it will assist our capabilities in defending this country in multiple and significant ways," said Njom Ghen-t'jang, the Navy's spokesperson.

He then invited a representative of the DPC to deliver a short speech to the conference.

"We cannot be any happier to have the opportunity to make a contribution to the safety of this country and the people that defend it," she remarked with her left eyebrow raised noticeably more than her right, "especially in such a large and critical capacity. We are deeply honoured by the reposition of confidence that the government and senior members of the Navy's hierarchy has given us."

The computer was then described as a result of a contract first engaged in the summer of 2015, when the Navy was sponsoring a few oceanographic surveys of the abyssal zone and benthos (seafloor) of the Halu'an Sea. The Navy's role in this research was the lending of its submarine equipment and precision sonar devices to researchers from the University of Muk-glap, which has enjoyed some renown internationally for its research in marine biology. That project having concluded a few weeks ago at the International Conference of Marine Life (Aug. 1st–4th), the team of researchers are now looking at ways to analyze and synthesize the data they received into a database accessible to the world's scholars, "a task of no mean computational intensity," added the lead researcher, Mr Giuk.

While the Navy itself has not announced why it needed one of the world's most powerful computers installed in its own premises, as opposed to a more convenient place, some commentators have mentioned security considerations of the Navy's confidential data and computer algorithms. This has not prevented other commentators from speculating what the Navy might actually use the computer for.

"The Navy may be exploring unmanned naval vessels, surface or submarine, and in that context it is important to know the pattern and direction of ocean currents," avers Ms. Kensington of the Organized States, "a powerful computer will lead to a much more accurate model predicting the movement of such currents and tidal effects on them."

Differing voices are also surfacing.

"I don't think the Navy's new computer is going to help Themiclesia's Navy in much, at least not in a direct capacity," says Mr Monteau of Panchevo, Yugoslovenski, "for starters, we have heard no news of a mystery vessel under development; the Themiclesian Navy is not usually that good at keeping its pet projects secret, nor at showing originality in their armaments. Most of their creativity seems to go into strategic and tactical development."

"I would say this is a political move by the Themiclesian government, which has remained awfully quiet over the recent ruckus in the Organized States and Saintogne," former diplomat Mrs. Brown writes to this paper. "In the past, Themiclesia's Liberal government has always announced major defence expenditures whenever they fail to respond in a substantive way to an international conflict. While an election is not exactly impending, the government may very well be trying to show the public that the defence of the realm is receiving due attention."

The specifications of the computer are remarkable. According to the latest assessments, it is the 16th most powerful computer in the world, capable of around 10,000 teraFLOPS, and each operation consists of two 64-bit numerals being multiplied or divided. This means, in laymen's terms, the computer could multiply or divide (not that different to computers) two numbers as large as 18,446,744,073,709,551,616 10 quadrillion times per second.

Despite these achievements, the computer was built using relatively common off-the-shielf components, such as Extel ALUs and Rensington main memory, but a monstrous quantity of each. The total cost of the computer, which was not disclosed at the conference, may have been as high as 150–200 million OS dollars.

"The Navy's statements are vague, and the computer's public specifications do not reveal much about its future duties," computer expert Dr Mew PhD says, "there is not much I can say for sure, but it seems it will have a generalist diet, given the common instruction set and system architecture."

[Minilov]

Mlaz Airways suspends flights to Menghe

MALJUBAV, Minilov — The airline Mlaz Airways has announced that it is to suspend flights to Menghe during the winter season. The airline operates its long-haul service to Hong Kong from the Maljubav International Airport. Speaking at a press conference on Friday afternoon, the airline’s CEO Niko Dotočke told journalists that the route is not being scrapped. Flights from Maljubav to Menghe will resume again from next March.

Despite the suspension of the Hong Kong route that started up in June of this year, Mlaz Airways still intends to start up new routes to Hemithea before the end of the year.

Mr Dotočke explained that the suspension of the Menghe route has come about due to a dispute with a number of Hemithean tour operators that he claims have failed to keep their promises regarding capacity on flights and tariffs. Furthermore, no agreement had been reached with regard to the winter season and consequently, it was decided to suspend the route temporary.

The last flight from Maljubav to Menghe (for the time being at least) will leave on October 5th. Any passengers that had booked flights during the winter season will be contacted and offered a refund or a flight with an alternative carrier.

[Minilov]

Minilovan wins 18 million rubles on CasaMillions

MALJUBAV, Minilov — The winning ticket in Friday evening’s CasaMillions draw was bought here in Minilov. The Minilovan National Lottery reports that one lucky player somewhere in Domora province picked the correct combination of 5 winning numbers and 2 winning stars to scoop the 18 million ruble jackpot.

Another Minilovan won just over 167.000 ruble by picking 5 winning numbers and 1 winning star. The last Minilovan CasaMillions jackpot winner was in August 2015. Then the winner scooped 10 million euro.

The largest amount ever won by a CasaMillions player in Minilov when 28 million was won on 11 October 2008. Then the winning ticket was bought somewhere in Sjevernate.

[Minilov]

Tens of thousands demonstrate against government’s pension plans

Tens of thousands of trade unionists have taken part in demonstrations in cities across the country against the government’s pension reform plans. In Maljubav the police counted 8.000 protesters, while the MNTV reporter at the demonstration estimated that around 9.000 protesters took part. Depending on who you believe this is either twice or three times the number that had been expected to take part in Maljubav.

In Sjevernata the police counted 5.000 demonstrators, while the unions say that there were only 4.000.

The opposite was true in Trziste (Rekaušće province) there were 5.000 demonstrators according to the unions. In Jezerograd (Nasjeveru province) just a few hundred protesters took part.

The demonstrations were in protest at the failure to come up with a plan that would allow people in so-called “demanding professions” to retire earlier than 66 (from 2025) or 67 (from 2030).

[Roskian Federation]

Thousands of Demonstrators: Restore our Democracy!


Thousands of protesters arrive in Pancevo, calling the October 14th election "Blatantly Rigged"

Pancevo, YUGOSLOVENSKI - Thousands of protesters arrived in Pancevo, as well as almost every major city in Sebrenska, after a shocking victory of the Democratic Party, despite 17% approval rating on the 13th of October. The Democratic Party won 58% of the vote in an election with a shocking 104.67% turnout, indicating ballot stuffing of some kind in the election. Prime Minister Anton Milic declined to comment and had to be whisked away by security as protesters stormed the platform in which he announced his victory.

Local police forces declined to respond to protests, leaving federal troops on their own as protesters, as of the most recent estimate, outnumbered nearly 75,000 to 1,340. Sebrenskan police forces also declined to respond to protests in Pancevo, but did respond to an incident which led to the death of two people after a car swerved to avoid protesters.

- Allies of the Country Speak Out -

Maldania decried the election as "a joke to democracy", and stated that Anton Milic's government was "illegitimate". This is the toughest language used by Maldania on Yugoslovenski in years, with no such language used on the state since the 2014 Maldanian Crisis.

Vihoslavia had "deep disappointment" in the election, but has not stated anything further. Vihoslavia is widely viewed as the bastion of democracy in the Commonwealth of Northern Casaterran States.

The Federation of Soviet Republics has not responded in any manner, but it has hosted a meeting between President Naum Valentinov and Premier Vetrov Zhukov on Tuesday.

- Democracy? -

Yugoslovenski has been operating a Federal Parliamentary Republic since 1998, when it refounded its government. For the most part, democratic elections have been ruled "free and fair" by an accounting board, who usually responds the day after. This year, with a turnout that is literally impossible and an election result that is far from likely, the accounting board is silent.

Yugoslovenski's democracy may have just died overnight.

[Roskian Federation]

Maldania, Nearly One MIllion Protestors: Anton Millic, Step Down NOW!


Hundreds of thousands of protesters, not deterred by increasing Federal Police presence, march in Pancevo

YUGOSLOVENSKI - Allegations against Anton Milic over ballot stuffing have officially fallen from the mouths of Maldanian leaders, who demanded that Anton Milic "listen to the will of the people" and "step down immediately", in a speech from Komarom on Saturday. Maldanian officials also readied security forces, though it was presently unknown what they would be used for, or if a message is being sent by that activation. President Paskal Boyadjiev of Maldania spoke today from his personal residence in the southern portion of the country, decrying "a malicious attempt to harm the institutions of democracy and the stability of our sister state," and went on further to state that "Maldanians, Letnevians, Vihoslavians, and the rest of the Commonwealth of Northern Casaterran States need to unite against this clearly intentional attack of our values." Boyadjiev refused to answer further questions, leaving shortly after his speech. President Valentinov of Yugoslovenski, who has been silent on the events, is expected to meet with Boyadjiev on Wednesday, after meeting in Vihoslavia on Sunday. It is unclear why Valentinov is visiting these countries while Yugoslovenski is in crisis.

Maldanian officials called the elections "illegitimate" on October 14th, stating the elections were "blatantly rigged" by re-elected Prime Minister Anton Milic. Protesters echoed those words, marching into the streets on Monday and declaring that "Anton Milic is less legitimate than Beauregard!" Protests came to a head in Pancevo on Friday when police fired tear gas before being forced to retreat. Protesters were reported to have charged them. At least 46 arrests have been made, though more were attempted and were met with fierce resistance from protestors, as of Saturday. Protests in Northern Saintonge and Maldania have also erupted, all demanding that Milic step down "in the name of God".

Federal Police have found themselves isolated in dealing with Protests, as police from all five republics have declined to intervene in any of the protests. Zepce Municipal Police even stood with protesters on Tuesday, to prevent Federal Police from harming the protesters. Military personnel have remained on lockdown, and refused to respond to protests at all. Even portions of Federal Police have refused to respond to protests, leading to 100 Federal Officers being fired on Thursday. Those 100 officers claim that the firing was done by an illegitimate government, so therefore their firing was also illegitimate.

Anton Milic and the Democratic Party won 58% of a controversial 104.67% turnout to win the National Parliament. The Elections Accounting Board issued a request for a recount on Wednesday, then denied making the request on Thursday, in a bizarre turn of events as the allegations of cheating become more and more apparent. Milic claimed the elections were "totally legitimate", and that media outlets were "lying about turnout". Official numbers were taken off of the government website, and since then the Elections Accounting Board website has been deactivated. Despite mass protests and worldwide condemnation, Anton Milic at present does not seem willing to step down, going as far as ordering Federal Police to shoot any protester who enters the National Parliament Building.

[Minilov]

Driver-only trains: a good idea?

MALJUBAV, Minilov — The Minilovan Rail Company wants to cut costs by scrapping the role of train conductors on certain trains. The idea is not being received very well. However, chances that it will come this far are small: the plans will go to the council of ministers this week, and Minilovan Rail CEO Sofia Roštilj said on her Facebook page that she does not support the idea.

Minilovan Rail has finished its draft version of the new policy agreement; the document will be presented to the government next week. The Korrespondent reports that the proposal to cut costs by scrapping train conductors is being met with a lot of criticism, both from rail unions and from passengers' organisations.

Lucaš Mlijeko of the Orthodox union MOTU said: "train conductors are essential from a safety perspective. When there is an accident or a problem, it's crucial that the conductor can inform passengers. A train driver can't take this extra job."

Mirco Lavrov of the socialist trade union MSU agrees. "A train conductor does more than just checking people's tickets. During rush hour, we have thousands of passengers on station platforms, how can you let the train depart safely without the help of a conductor?"

Minilovan Rail boss Sofia Roštilj has joined the discussion. This morning, she posted a message on her Facebook page saying that the plan to get rid of train conductors "is simply not true. This will not happen as long as I am at the helm of the MRail. Train conductors play an essential role by letting trains leave the stations safely, by informing passengers - which is much appreciated - and by checking tickets."

Roštilj adds that the Minilovan Rail should focus on its main challenge first: punctual rail services and a better communication with passengers.

[Roskian Federation]

BREAKING: PRIME MINISTER ANTON MILIC ARRESTED; PRESIDENT VALENTINOV SEIZES CONTROL OF GOVERNMENT; APPARENT COUP UNDERWAY


Sebrenskan Police unmarked car joins military and police at the Parliament building

Pancevo, YUGOSLOVENSKI - An apparent coup is underway in Yugoslovenski. Military helicopters were seen flying over Pancevo Saturday afternoon, and Military Helicopters were seen at Anton Milic personal residence just short of the border with the Federation of Soviet Republics. Sebrenskan Police also responded to the parliament, keeping it under a temporary lockdown that was lifted at 9:30PM Pancevo Standard Time. At least 8 Federal Officers have been arrested by Sebrenskan Police since the beginning of the apparent coup.

11:25 PM - The Yugoslovenski Supreme Court has voted unanimously to allow the arrest of Milic, despite its unconstitutionality. In the ruling, the Chief Justice Dragomir Marić writes: "While the actions taken are not presently allowed via the Constitution of the Federal Soviet Republic, the extreme necessity for a similar action to be performed was apparent. Anton Milic illegitimately got himself re-elected for a third term - a clear violation of the constitution in regards to voting procedures. The continuation of forming a new Parliament via Emergency Election on January 1st, 2019, is a fair, just way to approach the situation, giving enough time for the parties to campaign for the election, as well as election offices to set up. It also is in a short enough period to not necessitate emergency powers except via a true national catastrophe. The proposed amendment, which would modify the constitution to make actions such as these legal in dire circumstances, will also be allowed to proceed in the manner elected, with the voice of such a decision needed to be done by the People, and not her Representatives. The action of arrest of Anton Milic, and the subsequent two elections to follow afterwards, are not overruled."

9:45 PM - President Valentinov has returned to Pancevo. Upon his return, he ordered a "General Readiness" of the Armed Forces, noting the weakened state of the nation with no legislative power. He will be going to the Supreme Court to justify a coup which is not technically legal under the constitution. The Supreme Court has not indicated whether or not it will block the coup.


Yugoslovenski Air Force Boeing 737-800 lands carrying President Valentinov

9:30 PM - Military and Police occupation of the Parliament has officially ended. Members of the parliament have been ordered to go home and prepare to campaign for the election on January 1st, 2019. President Valentinov has proposed Constitutional Amendment 16, giving the President the power to enforce the laws, and the ability to make laws to facilitate enforcement, as well as making it the primary job of the Executive Branch to maintain foreign relations. The Prime Minister will retain the power of the tie-breaker vote for the upper house. The vote on the amendment will pass if it receives 67% of a popular vote, to which a vote will be held on November 6th, 2018.

8:30 PM - President Naum Valentinov speaks from the Maldanian Capital:

"Yugoslovenski has faced a short length of suffering in recent times, with the traitorous snake Milic destroying the very definition of our democracy by illegal measures to assure his victory. This will not be tolerated. It has become clear that our forefathers to our democracy have made a grave mistake in giving the Legislature so much power, and this has become apparent with Anton Milic's Actions. To all of our people, from Novi Pazar to Miravci, let it be known that the long nightmare is over, but the bad dreams are still here.

I have issued arrest warrants for Anton Milic, for treason, conspiracy to defraud the Federal Soviet Republic of Yugoslovenski, ballot stuffing, violation of campaign and election procedure, and direct violation of the constitution. Let it be known, these actions are not taken lightly, and are backed by the Federation of Soviet Republics, Vihoslavia, and Maldania.

I do not seek absolute power. I will strengthen the Executive Branch, and introduce free and fair elections on the first day of the new year to provide a legislature to our government that is not introduced using corruption and nefarious ideals. To anyone else who believes they will damage our great nation, let it be known that Valentinov will not stand idly by as the country dies. I will fight back, for the sake of the country, the sake of her people, and the sake of the entire region."

7:15 PM - Yugoslovenski Military Forces leave the Parliament Building under the control of Sebrenskan and Pancevo Police. Federal Police have surrendered to Yugoslovenski Military Forces - President Valentinov indicates a speech will occur at 8:30 PM tonight from Kyustendil, Maldania. The reason for this speech is unknown, though many believe that he is behind the actions happening in Pancevo and Anton Milic's personal residence.

7:00 PM - The Yugoslovenski Army confirms that Anton Milic has been arrested by the Army. There have been no further details at this time.

6:15 PM - Yugoslovenski Army vehicles, Sebrenskan Police, and Pancevo Police have surrounded the Parliament building. Several Federal Police officers have been arrested. Yugoslovenski Soldiers are shutting down the roads surrounding the Parliament

5:45 PM - Military Helicopters have been spotted at Anton MIlic's personal residence, which is located 15 miles south of the FSR border. No explanation has been given for the presence of military personnel at the compound. The Deparment of Defence has declined to respond. The actions have prompted concerns about a coup, after Anton Milic's illegitimate election two weeks ago.

[Minilov]

Maljubav to tighten up low emission restrictions

MALJUBAV, Minilov — On 1 October the transition period in Malhubav's' low emissions zone came to an end. Motorists driving heavily polluting, old diesel cars risk a hefty 350 ruble fine, but guess what? So far not a single fine has been issued!

Smart cameras policing the low emission zone register violations on a daily basis, but no fines have gone out. "There are technical issues at the minute" confirms Transport Minister Dobravoda Tolleb. "We're doing out utmost to get things sorted. Hopefully, we'll be able to dispatch the fines this week."

The exact nature of the technical issues remains a well-kept secret.

The fact the fines have not been issued doesn't mean they won't have to be paid. Photos can be kept for 30 days and used to issue fines during this period.

Starting next year the norms of the low emission zone will be tightened up. Diesel cars with a Econorm 2 and petrol cars with Econorm 0 and 1 will be banned. By 2030 Maljubav hopes to ban the diesel car entirely.

[Minilov]

Fewer new cars registered in October

MALJUBAV, Minilov — There was yet another fall in the number of new cars registered. During last month October, there were 36.894 new cars registered in Minilov, a fall of -15% compared with September. However, the automobile industry federation the fall in the number of new cars registered was less pronounced than in October of last year.

The reason for the fall in the number of new cars registered is the introduction of a new system to define cars’ fuel consumption and emission levels that came into force from 1 September. Prior to the introduction of the new system, there were sales campaigns with special offers that lead to a peak in sales during the summer.

This is reflected in the figures for the first ten months of the year as a whole. During the period between 1 January and 31 October 492.616 cars were registered, +3% more than during the same period last year.

[Minilov]

10.000 champagne bottles stolen

TRZISTE, Minilov — The organisers of the Champagne Weekend in the country club of Trziste were in for a nasty surprise last Friday, when 10.000 bottles destined for this event were stolen en route. The champagne stocks worth 250.000 ruble simply disappeared on their way to the event.

Each year champagne producers enlist the service of a dedicated lorry to ship the stocks to Trziste meaning they don't have to lug cases about. This year though something went seriously wrong in the chain of subcontractors working for the transport company. A number of malicious individuals seem to have insinuated themselves into the chain.

Imagine the concern of the champagne producers when the lorry with the stocks failed to arrive. To ensure the Trziste Champagne Weekend could go ahead producers set off to fetch fresh supplies. On the first day of the weekend, a number of types of champagnes or cuvees may still be lacking but this will be sorted by Sunday the organisers insist.

The missing supplied later surfaced in Keskiportti in Vuortakane, where they were on their way to Selkiö.

[Minilov]

More twenty-somethings living with their parents

MALJUBAV, Minilov — The number of young adults staying at their parents' home until a later age is growing, figures supplied by the Ministry of Interior show. The increase in Minilov is more outspoken than in its neighbouring countries.

In Minilov, 1/3 of those aged 25-30 are still living with their parents. This number is comparable to Beloslavia, but it's significantly less than in Erquin and Vuortakane, where only 20 percent of this age category hasn't moved out yet.

The Minilovan number saw a sharp rise over the past 8 years, climbing from 21 to 32,7 percent. This makes Minilov one of the Casaterran frontrunners, together with countries like Beloslavia and Kolodiya. In Beloslavia, the number of 25- to 30-year-olds still living at home surged, starting at 16 percent in 2010 to reach 27.4 percent last year.

Experts point at expensive real estate prices, and the fact that young adults prefer a place which has been fully refurbished. This makes it, of course, more expensive. At the same time, Minilov was hit by an economic crisis as well, while the government cut down on all kinds of benefits, including unemployment benefits for those who just graduated.

There is also a major difference between northern and southern/eastern countries in Casaterra. In southern nations, it's exceptional to be living at the home where you grew up for those aged between 25 and 30, while this is quite common in the north.

[Jedoria]

Vinyan War Officially Ended

STRANA MECHTY - A conflict that has ranged on for 55 years has officially been brought to an end this weekend. If you’re confused, don’t be; it’s not common knowledge that by legal definition Viynan War never officially ended. While official fighting ceased on November 6th, 1963, the armistice that stopped hostilities never contained an official language pertaining to a peace treaty. Therefore in legal terms the Vinyan War never ended.

Of course, for all intents and purposes it did 55 years ago. And while it was mostly a symbolic gesture, it was a meaningful one for the leaders of Jedoria, Andor, and Tír Glas to gather in the Jedorian capital to sign an official end of the war. The Vinyan War had it’s origins in a border despite that harkened back to the days of the Tyrannian Empire, but it wasn’t until the rise of communism in Jedoria in 1954 that the dispute finally boiled over into real action. The Socialist Republic of Jedoria invaded what was then legally Andoran soil, specifically the lands of Zavijava and Nesedana inhabited by ethnic Jedorians. What became known as the Vinyan War erupted as Galenic and Tyrannian military forces intervened to prevent a total Jedorian takeover of Andor. Involving well over half a million men and some of the largest powers in Septentrion, the fighting bogged down into a war of attrition which was eventually ended by an armistice which granted Jedoria the claim to Zavijava and Nesedana, territory which it still controls to this day. Occasional clashes and skirmishes broke out between Andor and Jedoria over the following decades were common but never escalated beyond that.

Andor survived and eventually grew into a stable and prosperous democracy, while the Socialist Republic went on to wage even more destructive wars before it in turn collapsed into civil war. While not officially stated, it is widely believed that the Galenic states supplied and trained the Combine Rebels in their efforts to overthrow the Socialist Republic. Relations between the recently established Federated Combine and the rest of the Galenosphere were complicated however by Jedorian ties to the Able Vigil Accords, which Tír Glas has long has a tumultuous relationship with. It was not enough however to prevent the summit which has officially ended the Vinyan War, nor diminished rumors that Jedoria may soon find itself a member of the Vinyan Defense Community lead by Tír Glas.

Present to sign the official treaty was Archon Jaan Kask of Jedoria, Prime Minister Kevin Murphy of Andor, and Queen Jane I of Tír Glas. The trio shook hands, shared smiles and embraces before sitting down and signing the official treaty, the original which will be kept in the Federal Archives in Strana Mechty while duplicates will be sent to Andor and Tír Glas. Speaking to reporters in a press conference following the ceremony, the Archon spoke of peace and hope for a brighter future.

“It has been a great honor and privilege to stand where I am today, resolving the problems of the past and looking to the future, which is full of hope and peace. A decade removed from internal strife of great magnitude and the Federated Combine has taken a further step in ensuring peace and prosperity not just for our people, but all people of Vinya. I am honored to stand her with Her Majesty and the Right and Honorable Prime Minister and share this historic occasion, just as I am proud of my people and how far they have come. We have the potential to do many and great things for the betterment of us all, and I consider myself blessed to have the opportunity to take part in these efforts.”

The official treaty is one of several recent endeavors by the Kask Administration to ease Jedoria out of it’s historic role as an expansionist power in Vinya. Earlier this year the Jedorian Federal Forces dismantled the last of it’s border fortifications among the Kolodiyan border, and in 2017 tore down several monuments constructed by the Socialist Republic meant to venerate the Communist state. However, there remains concern regarding the future stability of Vinya given the continued tensions with Vyzhva, Artsakh, and Ehustanni.