The 1990s, A New World RP (IC)

[Ihilthracna]

Japanese Elections of 1990

It is currently June in 1990, and Masayoshi Ito has resigned, which means time for elections. Candidates for the Liberal Democratic Party have the best chance of ruling, so their population is large. It contains 124 members, although only nine of them are popular enough to have a chance of winning. These include:
Matsuoka Jun, female, age 65
Soga Shuji, female, age 40
Toma Ayano, male, age 41
Amano Kimi, male, age 39
Mase Hiroyuki, male, age 83
Nakamoto Daisuke, female, age 69
Nishimura Tadao, male, age 42
Juba Hikaru, male, age 52
Miki Katsumi, female, age 42
Results:
Current Election Time: First Check
Matsuoka Jun:13
Soga Shuji:17
Toma Ayano:21
Mase Hiroyuki:11
Nakamoto Daisuke:3
Nishimura Tadao:15
Juba Hikaru:19
Miki Hatsumi:0

[West Bromwich Holme]

From: Maralese Van Rooyen, Department of Foreign Affairs, South Africa

To: Eduard Shevardnadze, Minister of the Exterior and Foreign Affairs

Dear Mr. Shevardnadze,

We would like to inform you that a Soviet citizen, Borisovich Yulian Lagransky (born 25 May 1975), has been arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicles and drink-driving; he was arrested in Cape Town at 15:14, local time. Whether he should be repatriated is something our government does not currently know yet; the legal system is handling things.

There are two other Soviet citizens, Vasilissa Aleksandrovna Filchenkova and Lizavieta Tarasovna Fekhlacheva, who have decided to claim asylum here in South Africa and do not wish to return to the Soviet Union on human rights grounds; neither want to return, and one is in Port Elizabeth (Vasilissa), the other is in Durban, and they will not come back.

Maraliese Van Rooyen
Department of Foreign Affairs.

From: Maralese Van Rooyen, Department of Foreign Affairs, South Africa

To: Qian Qinchen, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People's Republic of China

Dear Mr. Qinchen,

I am writing to inform you that there has been the death of 25 of your citizens at a small factory outside of Port Elizabeth, South Africa; it is believed to be an industrial accident.

Thirteen more people are critically injured, and we have eighteen illegal immigrants from China within your country who we are preparing to deport within a reasonable timeframe.

We have also got one Chinese citizen held on charges of public disorder within our prison system.

We seek your country's response as soon as possible.

Maraliese Van Rooyen
Department of Foreign Affairs.

[Nazeroth]

KHMER REPUBLIC / សាធារណរដ្ឋខ្មែរ

"Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Progress and Happiness"

Another day the sun rose across Cambodia, the sleepy eyes people of the land raising themselves up to a day of peace and work. Scooters and all other vehicles took busy Phnom Penh side streets as American and western tourists found the exotic land an exciting place to visit. The Khmer Republic being on the few "safe" travel places for western and other allied nations to visit brought unprecedented wealth growth. The skyline of the capitol always seemed to have construction going, while the rest of the nation enjoyed the fruits of business. Cambodia was still a rural nation but the capitol was becoming a vibrant beating heart of modern ingenuity with smaller cities following shortly behind. The largest accomplishments were the young but very popular Khmer corporations that had sprung up from western interest and investment in making sure Cambodia could be the best it could be.

The first was the electronic company he he/ហេហេ which was rapidly becoming a global leader in telecommunication devices and television, and with the rise of newer mobile phone technology it sought to take advantage of a relatively newer market. The next company that was springing up was Mekong Motors/មេគង្គម៉ូទ័រ and their new vehicle factory near the Mekong river close to the capitol. The company was invested in economic and commercial vehicles, to provide affordable and reliable cars. For a visiting and uninformed tourist they could hardly notice that just at the border of the nations were numerous security patrols and other forces aided by the United States and her allies, waiting for that fateful moment where war may come to the good people of the Khmer Republic. At any moment the red hordes of Indochina and the PRC with their Korean serfs could pour across the border and initiate a struggle for survival.




To: Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom
From: Prime Minister Bora Prak of the Khmer Republic
Classification: Private and Confidential

" We are in total agreement that co-operation is of the utmost importance in handling the constant threat and invasion of western and allied asian nations by communist states. As we know, any sign of weakness would surely bring wanton destruction upon our nation, we are excited to continue working with the United Kingdom and it's people in our stand with liberty, capitalism, human decency and religious freedom perhaps a meeting in London could be arranged."



To: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee of India
From: Prime Minister Bora Prak of the Khmer Republic
Classification: Private and Confidential

" The Khmer Republic stands with our Indian allies in the struggle against marxist and maoist aggression by the forces of communism that have done so much damage to the people's of asia and continue, like a cancer, to blot the lands of our people's and cultures. We agree that Israel, Iran, Burma, Taiwan and Thailand and would make excellent partners in having a discussion about the future and security of our nations and cultures. London seems to be an excellent destination for our people's to meet."

[North American Soviet Socialist Republic]

New Delhi,India

Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee walks to the podium in front of television cameras and reporters from domestic and foreign news agencies. He clears his throat before speaking in light Indian accented English, "I thank you all for coming to this press conference. I am Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for those who do not know who I am. I am here to speak about the growing Communist threat to both India's and our allies national security. I will start with growing threat to our north and to our east. The PRC or better known as the "People's" Republic of China is a serious growing concern to India's national security and should be stopped by any means necessary short of war. Since my predecessors decision to grow closer politically, economically, and militarily to the West, our relations with communist nations and their allies have gotten colder. To replace our cheap oil supply from the Soviet Union, India reached out their hand to Iran who was happy supply us with cheap oil and natural gas. Our relations with Pakistan are at the best they have ever been since the former British Raj was partitioned in 1947. While we are not friends, we do have a friendly relationship with Pakistan. Today, I along with the President and my advisors have agreed to put Bangladesh, Burma, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Pakistan, Khmer Republic, Malaysia and Indonesia under the protection of India. We do this in order to protect these nations from the spread of Communism. If a Communist rebellion starts within one of the nations I have mentioned,I will offer that nation Indian military assistance in ending the rebellion. To Indochina, if you attack the Khmer Republic or Thailand then we will step in to halt your attack. If you have any questions then please ask them?"

OOC: Please start sending questions IC.

[Monsone]

OOC: Belated Victory Day post and then some.

Moscow

Soldiers had filled the capital and Red Square. Meanwhile the highest ranking officials of the Soviet Union stood on Lenin's Mausoleum and stood there. Some of them gave speeches, while other just stood there in silence. When it finaly came time for Gorbachev to speak, he shuffled to the microphones and began his speach.

[i]"Greetings comrades! It is today, 45 years ago that Nazi Germany was defeated and our glorious banner fluttered over the Reichstag in triumph. But 45 years on, the world has changed. Germany once again is pretending to be an empire with asspirations to take on the world like it had done previously, and communisim is still opposed by capitalists despite it's triumphs."

"The world is just as dangerous if not more so than it was in 1945 when Joseph Stalin and other high ranking officials stood on this very same mausoleum and presided over the ultimate Soviet triumph, an act that will reverberate though the ages. It is with my great honor to preside over this 45th anniversary of Victory Day."

"But on this day of joy and celebrations, we must not forget those that have died in service to the motherland. As such, I will ask us all to have a minute of silence to remember those who have died in service to the USSR. ---minute of silence--- Glory to the USSR, glory to the Soviet people, glory to the Soviet Armed Forces, glory to our communist allies, and may there be peace on Earth! Ura!"

"Ura! Ura! Ura!" The soldiers chanted back as the Soviet anthem began to play.

Then the marching and the actual parade began. Troops marched along with flags as well as with flamboyant displays and floats that showcased the triumph of the USSR over Germany. Along with the troops marched veterans and partisans who where decked out in their medals from defeating the Germans. Despite many of them being in their 70s and 80s, they still kept up with the much younger soldiers as they marched through Red Square.

After more soldiers hard marched through Red Square began a procession of vehicles. First came a swam of restored T-35/85 tanks, the followed by SU-100 tank destroyers, a few IS-2 and IS-3 tanks, some ISU-152s, and a few ISU-122s. After the restored tanks came troops riding in trucks which towed period appropriate artillery pieces behind them, and following those troops where restored Katyusha rocket launchers.

Once the old military hardware had passed through, a display of the USSr's newest and infest equiptmet began as T-72, T-64s, and T-80s drove along Red Square along with sel-propelled artillery, short range balistic missiles, and other assorted military hardware. The parade was broadcast blobaly and to all corners of the USSR, with naration in all 19 languages of the USSR plus French, Chinese, English, Spanish, German, Czech, Slovak, Polish, Hungarian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Serb-Croatian, Italian, and Japanese.

To: Maralese Van Rooyen, Department of Foreign Affairs, South Africa
From: Eduard Shevardnadze, Minister of the Exterior and Foreign Affairs

Dear Mr. Van Rooyen,

Mr. Lagransky is not wanted for any crimes in the USSR. On that basis, his extradition is not required. I trust that he will be given a fair trial regarding his transgressions, however, I believe he is in capable hand with your nation's justice system. If the need arrises, the Soviet government may intervene, but unless absolutely necessary, Mr. Lagransky does not need to be repatriated.

Regarding Ms. Filchenkova and Fekhalcheva, the two of them should be returned to the USSR. Unless there are turly valid human rights ground over which they may remain in South Africa, it is kindly requested that the two of them are repatriated to the USSR. They are currently not wanted for any crimes, and they have no criminal record, and as such upon their return they would not be detained.

Sincerely,
Eduard Shevardnadze
Minister of the Exterior and Foreign Affairs

[American Pere Housh]

Washington DC

President George Herbert Walker Bush looks out the window of the Oval Office at the White House. He see his fellow Americans go about their day as they walk by the White House. He know the Soviets are up to something in Eastern Europe,Asia and the Pacific. He was happy that India moved out of the Soviet Sphere of influence into the American's. Iran,India,Burma,Thailand,and the Khmer Republic all had Pro Western governments which pleased the president. He continued what President Reagan started by arming these nation's militaries with the best weapons the US could provide. The US Government did the same thing for the militaries of both Israel and Taiwan.

Official Statement of the United States Government

The United States Government officially offer its support to the UK in the Hong Kong Crisis. Hong Kong is British territory until the British Government says otherwise. This administration will be increasing its naval presence in the South China Sea as a precaution. We call on the Iraqi Government to withdraw from Kuwait or face serious consequences. If the Khmer and Thai governments allows it, we will be increasing our military presence in each nation in order to prevent any potential invasion from Indochina and the PRC. We will support our Asian allies in any way we can.

[West Bromwich Holme]

From: Maralese Van Rooyen, Department of Foreign Affairs, South Africa

To: Eduard Shevardnadze, Minister of the Exterior and Foreign Affairs

Dear Mr. Shevardnadze,

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

Mr. Lagransky has been fined for drink-driving and banned (over here) and will be returning to Soviet Union as soon as possible.

With regard to Ms. Filchenkova and Fekhalcheva, they have stated firmly that there are human rights grounds and they are not returning on the basis of political beliefs; they have already gone to a British newspaper with an expose of life in the Soviet Union, and an American newspaper.

As such, they are seeking asylum here and are intending on claiming South African citizenship when it is safe to do so, alongside their Soviet citizenships.

We have also heard, via daily news briefings on world affairs that the United States government may be launching sanctions against the Soviet Union, although this is not confirmed.

I can also confirm, that there are 150 Soviet illegal immigrants within South Africa; some are here on political grounds (around 6%), others are here as hired casual labourers within Port Elizabeth, and we may deport them, although the nine individuals who are here on political grounds we may not deport.

Our government is working out what to do next.

Maraliese Van Rooyen
Department of Foreign Affairs.

[American Pere Housh]

Danish Straits

Elements of the US 1st and 3rd Fleet begin entering the Danish Staits in route for 'training exercises' with the Swedish Navy. The main part of this task force is the USS Nimitz and Carl Vinson along with 20 cruisers,20 destroyers,30 frigates, 10 SSNs,8 Amphibious Assault Ships and 10 UnRep ships. The real reason behind this massive display of force is to cower the Soviets into halting their invasion plans for Poland which is wanting to go democratic.

Official Press Statement of the President of the United States of America

It has come to my attention that the Polish People wish to join the growing list democracies but they are frightened by what the Soviet Union might do to them. If the Poles wish to become a democratic nation then the Soviets have no right to interfere in them becoming a democracy. The United States stands with the Polish people and will oppose any effort by the Soviet Government to interfere in Polish Affairs. If the Polish Government needs any assistance the United States Government then all they have to do is ask.

[Monsone]

Baltic Fleet, Leningrad

"The Americans did what?!" Shouted Vitaly Pavlovich Ivanov (the Commander of the Baltic Fleet).

"They're nearing Poland." An intelligence officer chimed in.

"Get me Gorbachev!" Ivanov demanded.



Moscow, The Kremlin

It was a normal day at work for Gorbachev, until the military hotline began to ring. At first mildly startled by the ringing, Grbachev then proceeded to pick up the phone.

"This is President of the USSR Mikahil Gorbachev." Gorbachev said into the phone.

"Mr. President, we'e got an emergency." Ivanov stated in a worried tone of voice.

"What is it?" Gorbachev asked.

"The Americans. They sent two aircraft carriers to the Baltic to intimidate us out of fixing Poland." Ivanov replied as Gorbachev's face went white with fear.

"And what can we do in response?" Asked Gorbachev.

"Not much." Ivanov replied morosely.

"Would a land intervention still be viable?" Gorbachev inquired nervously.

"I'm not the expert in that scenario, but you could still do so. But preferably you would get other nations onboard with the intervention." Ivanov replied as he then hung up the phone.

"Damnit!" Gorbachev cursed as he too hung up the phone with a loud slam.

"Are you okay, sir?" A KGB official asked Gorbachev as he poked his head in on hearing the loud slam.

"Yes. Now get me Dmitry Yazov." Gorbachev ordered the KGB official.

"Yes sir." The offical replied.



Northern Group of Forces, Poland

The Northern Group of Forces had not been active in Poland recently. Mainly this was because of Soviet restraint, but by now that ime had come. The USA was breathing down the USSR's neck over Poland. But it was hoped that the Northern Group of Forces could deliver a fatal blow to all three governments of Poland and restore law as well as order in Poland.

That night, an order from Moscow came. It was a clear and short message, mobilize the Soviet forces and then to support the communist government in Poland in putting down the rebelion. So in the very dark of night, Soviet troops mobilized and readied themselves for conflict. Soon it would be time to strike, soon it would be time to bring peace to Europe.

[Mathuvan Union]

Note: this is from a broadcast from WPTC Poznan.

SECRETARY RESIGNS, REPUBLIC DECLARES WAR,
SEIZES GDAŃSK!
There’s a lot going on tonight, let’s break this one down.
Breaking story this morning, Secretary of the Communist Party in East Poland, Mateus Wojizki, resigns after being pressured by senior party members.
With the terrible handling of the protests, support ultimately fell for him, with a new replacement, Yanek Wisniewiski, to run East Poland. Protests erupted immediately after, but it has become clear Wisniewiski is very decisive, sending in the army to break the protests. Many were arrested, and the international community won’t be happy. We are currently awaiting responses from the US and Soviet Union.
Seeing the weakness in the east, and that the election in the North Prussian Republic were colluded, West Poland has declared war in the east. They had quietly been training a small army, hopefully enough to stave the east away, and marched towards Gdańsk, receiving cheers from citizens. The port city is key to receiving supplies, Andreas many ships in dock, to help fight the east navy.
The president also announced to day, that after long hard though, that West Poland would return to a constitutional monarchy. Approval of this was mixed, but many were happy, because they would still have a leader of government elected by them.
Again, with the ongoing war, no major country has made a statement, and Poznan is being heavily fortified.

[West Bromwich Holme]

BREAKING NEWS - DE KLERK NOT RETURNING TO OFFICE?


We are receiving reports that F.W. De Klerk has left the country, and office, never to return; he has not been seen in public for the past two weeks, and there is growing concern over the state of the situation. Our source has told us he seems to have left, and does not intend to return; although where is not known.

Other news
(Image)
We are receiving reports that 150 Indian people in Poznan are protesting about the recent changes in Poznan, with one resident, who did not wish to be named, stating "Poland is not as free a country as they make out, it's dangerous now, and the government needs to resolve the situation quick.".

A 25-year-old Indian woman living in Poznan stated "Poland is a country that is my adopted homeland, and we need a peaceful resolution to the conflict, not war. My own homeland has had a lot of war and pain in its history; no other country should go through this."

There were reports a 36-year-old Indian man was severely injured in the protests; he is receiving medical treatment, according to reports

[Monsone]

Northern Group of Forces

"All soldiers! Depoly immediately in support of the true Polish government!" The loudspeakers crackled as troops ran to their vehicles and grabbed their weapons.

Soon the roar of engines filled the air as Soviet T-64 and T-72 tanks began to move out. Following the tanks where streams of armored personel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. Meanwhile Soviet troops in Kaliningrad deployed to the Polish border and Soviet helicopets and fighter aicraft began to take to the skies to give the Soviets aerial supperiority.

In the meantime, Soviet troops in East Germany began to prepare for war. They mobilized along with their East German comrades to crush the two breakaway states in western Poland. It would seem the whole might of the USSR would be used to crush the dissobedient Poles and to restore law and order to Poland.

Official Government Statement

The Soviet gvoernment declares it's official support of the People's Republic of Poland and it's government. Soviet forces both within Poland, the USSR, and East Germany are being mobilized to deal with the insurectionist threat in Poland. Furthermore, the Soviet government is calling on it's Warsaw Pact allies to aid in supressing the insurections in Poland to restore law, order,and peace to Poland.

In response to the recent depolyment of American aircraft carriers to the Baltic Sea, the Soviet government has urged that the USA and other western nations don't intervene in Poland. The situation in Poland is precarious, but the USSR and it's allies will be able to deal with it. It should also be noted that any Western interference in Poland will be considered a provocation and an act of war as it would contitute an attack on a Warsaw Pact member.

[American Pere Housh]

Northern Group of Forces

"All soldiers! Depoly immediately in support of the true Polish government!" The loudspeakers crackled as troops ran to their vehicles and grabbed their weapons.

Soon the roar of engines filled the air as Soviet T-64 and T-72 tanks began to move out. Following the tanks where streams of armored personel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. Meanwhile Soviet troops in Kaliningrad deployed to the Polish border and Soviet helicopets and fighter aicraft began to take to the skies to give the Soviets aerial supperiority.

In the meantime, Soviet troops in East Germany began to prepare for war. They mobilized along with their East German comrades to crush the two breakaway states in western Poland. It would seem the whole might of the USSR would be used to crush the dissobedient Poles and to restore law and order to Poland.

Official Government Statement

The Soviet gvoernment declares it's official support of the People's Republic of Poland and it's government. Soviet forces both within Poland, the USSR, and East Germany are being mobilized to deal with the insurectionist threat in Poland. Furthermore, the Soviet government is calling on it's Warsaw Pact allies to aid in supressing the insurections in Poland to restore law, order,and peace to Poland.

In response to the recent depolyment of American aircraft carriers to the Baltic Sea, the Soviet government has urged that the USA and other western nations don't intervene in Poland. The situation in Poland is precarious, but the USSR and it's allies will be able to deal with it. It should also be noted that any Western interference in Poland will be considered a provocation and an act of war as it would contitute an attack on a Warsaw Pact member.

Official US Government Press Statement

In leau of of the situation in Poland, the United States Government condemns the Soviet Union for its unprovoked attack on the two new Polish states. We demand that the Soviet Union withdraw all military forces from the whole of Poland and accept the election results of the new nations. An attack on the two Polish States will be considered an attack on the United States and we will intervene. Any nuclear weapons use will only happen if the Soviet Union uses them first. We have no wish for WW3 to start but if the Soviets directly intervene then the United States will intervene. By order of the President George H. W. Bush, the entire U.S. Military minus the Strategic forces will now be at DefCon 2. All Strategic Forces are now at DefCon 3 and will remain so until the Soviet Union withdraws its troops from Poland. Any Soviet aircraft and ship that approaches the two carriers will be given 3 warnings to turn around or be destroyed.

[West Bromwich Holme]

Official Government of South Africa Press Release

The Government of South Africa has decided to send the South African Defence Force and we are in support of the People's Republic of Poland and we condemn the attack by the USSR on the Polish states.

The SDAF will arrive in Poland over the next few days and are there to help support the people of Poland and to help restore law, order and justice to its people.

We do not support the Soviet Union currently with regard to them attacking Poland, and feel this goes against our attempt at cultivating good foreign relations with the Poles.

[Sarenium]

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA
--- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ---

The Commonwealth of Australia, by virtue of it's incumbent holdings and status as a democratic and representative nation of peoples condemns the attack of the USSR upon the freedom seeking peoples of Poland. The Prime Minister has written to all involved parties and offered to host dialogue attempting to bring about a peaceful outcome.

Refugee applications shall be processed with haste. Australian troops shall remain on ready defense as normal within the Commonwealth, and it's contingent territories.

At this hour, we have invited delegates of NATO and the Warsaw Pact to meet peacefully in Australia.

[West Bromwich Holme]

From: Bayode Oosthuizen, Prime Minister of South Africa
To: John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia

Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing to you on behalf of our country to assist in providing support and opening up the chance for dialogue for a new deal between Australia, South Africa and Poland. We feel that the USSR's invasion of Poland is an attack on their democracy; as it stands, our nation is transitioning very slowly into a democracy with the sudden departure of FW de Klerk, who has left office and has not returned. I am now the caretaker / placeholder Prime Minister.

We have 3,000 Australian citizens residing within our nation and would like to invite you for a meeting discuss about the chance to bring about better relations between our two countries, as since 1972, they have historically, not been at the standard we are striving for.

I am seeking to end apartheid and negotiations have currently stalled with the departure of FW de Klerk.

Our nation would like to implement a "ZA-AU Pact" relating to cultural and economic sphere of activity; this will also extend to travel both ways for Australians visiting South Africa, and vice versa. We are also looking to change citizenship laws so that South Africans residing in Australia do not lose citizenship and can claim dual citizenship in your nation; currently under South African citizenship law, dual citizenship is not recognized and citizens automatically loses his or her South African citizenship unless they apply for, and receive permission to retain their South African citizenship before acquiring the citizenship of the new country; this does not apply to Australians who naturalize in our country, however. Under your citizenship law, Australians lose citizenship in these cases so cannot have dual Australian and South African citizenship as per:

utomatically upon acquisition of another citizenship by a 'voluntary and formal act',[27] with the following rules:

the age of majority in this respect was 21 until 30 November 1973, and 18 thereafter,
before 22 November 1984, Australian citizenship was not lost if the acquisition of another citizenship took place while the person was inside Australia,
from 22 November 1984, the incidental acquisition of another citizenship as the result of another activity (such as an application for a foreign passport, or foreign residence) did not cause loss of Australian citizenship,
loss of Australian citizenship still occurred even if no oath of allegiance was taken to the other country,
loss of Australian citizenship occurred even if the Queen was also Head of State of the other country (i.e. a Commonwealth realm such as Canada, New Zealand or the United Kingdom),
it was not relevant whether the acquisition of another citizenship was reported to the Australian authorities.

As a token of my appreciation for your country, i am sending you a gift of malva pudding and koeksisters, some snack foods; consider these as a gift, not as bribery; these are culturally significant snacks in our country.

I look forward to receiving your reply.

Signed,
Bayonde Oosthuizen,
Prime Minister of South Africa

[Sarenium]

-- Retconned out of the goodness of my heart --

[Mathuvan Union]

Official Statement of the Kingdom of Poland
The Soviet attack is unprovoked and they have no need to invade us. They only see that their empire is falling. And cannot stand it. With that being said, we formally ask the United States of America if we can join NATO.
We have a nuclear arsenal. Albeit a small one, but we aren’t afraid to use it.

FATE OF THE KINGDOM AT LARGE
The civil war has erupted, with mixed results, however east Poland clearly has the superior firepower. They were more successful north in the semisovereign state of the North Prussian Republic, taking most of the land. The would use that land to attack downwards, allegedly.
Soviets troops were spotted in Eastern Poland, and several countries, including the United States and Australia have condemned their involvement.
They were first spotted by the west’s airforce, in the 1st Bombing Squadron, doing a bombing run of military factories and troops.
They spotted the Soviets, who quickly launched several anti-aircraft missiles. All is covered in this transcript:
“Ground control this is pilot, we have spotted Soviet markings on the ground. Repeat, Soviet markings. Possibly troops
Pilot this is ground control, abort mission, return to Gdańsk
Roger that. They launched missiles: they’re trying to shoot us down! Hit! I’ve been hit! The starboard back wing has been shot of! Engine 1 is down!”
The pilot was shot down and is believed to be being held as a prisoner of war.

[West Bromwich Holme]

SOUTH AFRICAN DEFENCE FORCE ENTERS POLAND

By Ramona Pietruszewska, Foreign Correspondent, for WBBM-TV, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

The South African Defence Force have entered Poland, going into Poznan and Gdansk, with some forces in Warsaw as well.

The troops are on the ground now; little detail so far due to classified information.

This comes as the Soviet troops have started to attack Poland.

This is happening as South Africa is undergoing its own political unrest with apartheid and F W De Klerk's disappearance from office; he has not been heard from for a while now, and some conspiracy theories are he is living an off-grid existence, or has gone abroad.

It looks like a really troublesome time for both Poland and South Africa. Countries so different, yet so similar right now...

[Sao Nova Europa]

IBERIAN TIMES
IBERIAN UNION'S MOST POPULAR DAILY NEWSPAPER

Prime Minister Pledges Income Tax Cuts, Structural Reforms

The Prime Minister of the Iberian Union José María Aznar has pledged to cut the federal income tax, replacing the current progressive taxation with a flat 15% income tax. He has stated that, "such a reform of our federal tax policy will lessen the burden on the Iberian people and will boost consumption, leading to increased rates of economic growth and lower unemployment." He has also pledged to introduce a series of structural reforms, including liberalization of the labor law, deregulation of the market and partial privatization of the social security system.

This mixture of tax cuts and free market reforms has been dubbed 'Aznaromics', a combination of the Prime Minister's name and Economics. The Prime Minister believes that 'Aznaromics' will lead to increased economic growth and will take the Iberian Union out of the current low growth rates. Critics argue that the measures will have a negative impact on the working class, and left wing politicians have already been calling for strikes and protests against the government's agenda.

Nevertheless, polls show that the Prime Minister enjoys considerable support. His personal approval rating is at 65%. His party, the People's Party of Iberia, polls at 42%, ahead of the major left-wing Socialist Party that polls at 27%. His 'Aznaromics' are viewed positively by 61% of the Iberian people while his proposed tax cuts are widely popular, supported by 68% of the people. Pointing to those polling numbers, the Prime Minister argues he has the popular mandate to introduce his radical reforms.

[West Bromwich Holme]

Car South Africa
Ford South Africa launches special edition Sierra models

---

New for mid-1990, Ford South Africa has launched two special edition models of its Sierra hatchback and estate.

The Ford Sierra Somertyd, which has a small sun logo, is available in both five-door hatchback and estate bodystyles, being based on the GL model.

The only engine offered is a 2.0-litre/74kW (99bhp) 4-cylinder petrol.

Colour choices are limited to Sunset Red and Bright Yellow.

Also new for mid-1990 is the Ford Sierra Sportstad, which is based on the 3.0 GLX.

Based on the GLX but with a more sporty look than it, and it gains unique alloys and a special color scheme.

A white/blue 2-tone or blue/white 2-tone is offered.