Pardesian News Network (Closed; Attn Pardes)

by **Central Prestonia** » Sun Feb 08, 2015 11:18 pm

Tensions Flare as Howe Blasts "Brutish, Bullying" Bariyan Remarks; One Reported Detained in Bariya

Hudson Less than a day after the Bariyan government broke its silence on the Express Maria case, Premier Jordan Howe lashed out at the remarks of Bariyan "First Citizen" Vyacheslav Grinko, calling the remarks "a stark and brutish reminder of the Bariyan government's modus operandi in our world."

Referencing a statement released today and attributed to Grinko, in which the Bariyan leader apparently threatens the jury in the case, Howe told assembled media that the remarks "illustrate perfectly what the world has long said of Vyacheslav Grinko...that he is a madman leading himself and his nation on the path to oblivion."

"Mr Grinko believes that he can bully and intimidate his neighbors, and strong-arm the courts of the free world to permit his criminality," Howe said in a prepared statement today. "We must now, more than ever, stand united as an alliance, as a reminder that terror and intimidation will not be tolerated in our world. I condemn the statements of Vyacheslav Grinko in strongest terms, and I give you my promise and my affirmation that Prestonia will never be cowed by such thuggery."

Howe's remarks come on the heels of a statement released from Koldiv earlier this afternoon in which Bariyan leader Vyacheslav Grinko warned Express Maria jurors of "severe consequences" for a guilty verdict, calling the case a reflection of "Prestonia's...attempt to fight [Bariya]." Bariyan state media also reported, but did not identify, a Prestonian national allegedly detained for insulting Grinko. PBC could not independently verify this claim, and the Justice Ministry offered no comment on the matter, calling it "a matter of ongoing investigation." Addressing the matter, the Premier today offered a stark warning to the Grinko regime should any harm befall any Prestonian nationals in Bariya.

"It has been the policy of this country, and remains the policy of my government, to give no quarrel where none is received," Howe told assembled media and MDs. "It is a policy that we will stand firmly behind. But make no mistake: we will not suffer our citizens to be brutalised by a petty tyrant bent on revenge. We will not suffer the subjects of any nation, friend or foe, to flout our laws while they are guests in our home. And while this nation will never seek to police the world nor gain self-aggrandizing glory through warfare, neither will we back down when justice compels us to go forth."

Howe also stated that the Foreign Ministry was upgrading its standing travel advisory to Bariya to Condition Red, strongly advising against all travel for non-life threatening purposes, while announcing that a vote on an outright travel ban would be entered into the agenda in the coming weeks; a separate Foreign Ministry statement released this afternoon and broadcast on social media announced that consular assistance would be available to any Prestonian national seeking "an expedited departure" from the Bariyan

Addressing the threats made this afternoon, Defence Minister Stephen Bonner told PBC that the Imperial Armed Forces' readiness state would remain unchanged, and planning for CMSA joint exercises in Prestonia would continue as normal.

"Quite frankly, we don't consider the [Bariyan] threat credible to warrant an increased readiness state," Bonner said this evening by telephone. "We have no plans to alter business as usual, and will maintain our usual state of operational readiness to deal with any potential threat that may materialize."

Tensions, Security Run High in Redford; No Verdict Yet

Tensions ran high in Redford for a third consecutive week this afternoon as pro-Bariyan picketers lined the steps of the Redford County Court of Common Law chanting slogans in support of defendant Vladimir Martinovic and Bariyan leader Vyacheslav Grinko, calling on the 12 person jury to acquit the 54 year old sea captain at the center of a rapidly-developing international incident.

The protesters, estimated at about two hundred in number, included students from nearby Redford University who identified themselves as members of the Students for International Justice, as well as a handful of Communist Party and United Socialist Workers League activists and several dozen independent protesters. While the protests were mostly peaceful in nature, three activists were detained for incitement and disturbance of the peace before being released late this evening. In consideration of recent remarks by the Bariyan government, security around the court was tightened, with jurors arriving on an armored bus through a service entrance and court officials being similarly protected. PBC spoke with one of the protesters, a Students for International Justice member who asked only to be identified as Mary and told PBC that she was protesting "the judicial imperialism and Borean Exceptionalism" evident in the trial.

"These people, they don't care what the law is, they go home and get f***ed up on coke and pills," Mary told PBC. "It's all bulls**t, it's just an excuse for the fatcats in Hudson to kick more money to their buddies in Gratislavia and in our military-industrial complex to start a war and distract us from the fact that until we're seventeen we're not even guaranteed a goddamn minimum wage. It's time we said enough is enough."

Asked if she supported the Bariyan government, Mary told PBC that "resistance to capitalist-globalism is always admirable," in spite of the numerous human rights violations of the Grinko regime.

"Grinko, I mean, he's kind of a hero almost," Mary said. "You know, when you stand up to what the world wants you to be, wants you to do, because you know that what you're doing is right. I mean sure Bariya isn't perfect but at least they're working toward making a better society instead of trying to start wars and wave their d**ks around."

Today's court session, meanwhile, lasted about 45 minutes, as the jury announced it had not returned a verdict as-yet.

by **Rodarion** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 8:41 am

UBLF Supreme Commander Konstantyn Serafim vowed to drive the invaders out of the South by Easter

Bogorian rebels have untied to form a government in opposition, dubbed the Bogorian Christian Republic. On top of the political moves, the various militias that have been battling the Bogorian government for survival have also united under a single command structure; creating the United Bogorian Liberation Forces (UBLF). This marks the first step towards Catholic victory over the mass murderers in Utena, who will now face a united front; as the saying goes where there's a will there is a way. Although the ethnic Poles in Bogoria now have an entity to rally around and pin their hopes and support on, today was marked by the deaths of at least 54 ethnic Poles in the village of Wola Michowa, who have been massacred by a pro-government fascist militia. Also today, government forces also took over the ethnic Polish town of Kobylarny, the final obstacle before they reach Damnica, in what appears to be a move aimed at encircling the rebel city of Konin. Wislaw Sokol, the south's de facto political leader was named President of the Bogorian Christian Republic, Konstantyn Serafim has been announced as supreme commander of the UBLF.

In a move heralded as the first day of Bogoria's liberation, the rebels now represent a formal opposition to the illegitimate government in Utena, for the first time since 1940 the south has a single voice and a single mind. The event which took place in the rebel held city of Sobotka in the 'Deep South' of Bogoria, was undisturbed and historic in equal measure. President Wislaw Sokol stated at the ceremony, "now is our opportunity to stand as one people, under one god. Now is our chance to fight for our nation, our fatherland, our soil which was stolen from us centuries ago by those squatters in Utena, now is our chance to retake our soil, our fatherland and our dignity. With god in our hearts and our nation in our souls, we will be unstoppable." Despite recent government gains, the rebels are openly stating that the Bogorian Defence Force is losing its offensive spirit, having suffered up to 1,500 dead, something Utena denies. President Sokol also denounced Utena's offer of negotiations on the condition that the rebel forces lay down their arms, saying, "they think us stupid or foolish to fall such a blatant trick, we will never lay down our arms as long as their jackbooted thugs continue to pillage our land, we will never lay down our arms as long as the fascists sit in Utena like some deluded oligarchy, we will only lay down our arms the day our nation is return to us and centuries of illegal occupation end, only then."

Last week, several senior analysts in Romula, commented on Utena's lies regarding the death toll, with one saying, "I cannot understand why they would lie to the people, the minority they fighting and dying to protect. Clearly they fear what this overtly wealthy and racialist minority would think if those poor dirty Poles were winning. Well the ethnic Poles are fighting not just for their culture, their homes and businesses, they are fighting for their very lives and that is triumphing over the poor morale and quality of pro-government forces."

Foreign Minister Mircea Basescu repeated his calls for the Utena government to cease its onslaught against the ethnic Poles. In his weekly press conference, he said, "I urge the government in Utena to cease its aggression against the ethnic Polish population, they have left thousands dead already and hundreds of thousands homeless. Their war upon freedom and liberty is illegal and immoral and I urge them once more, to cease this tragedy and negotiate with the rebel authorities in Sobotka."

Since December 2014, over 450,000 ethnic Poles and Rodarians from Bogoria have fled into northern Rodarion seeking refuge, the government has announced a $120 million fund to assist in the humanitarian effort. The Mother Church has announced a campaign to raise $500 million for the refugees, already dioceses across the Papal Republic have begun collecting food and clothes from citizens who have kindly donated their possessions to help the poor refugees exiled from their land by an illegitimate fascistic government. Consul Ceausescu is to personally visit a new camp being built 20km west of Victoria in north-western Rodarion, he has stated his horror at the plight of the ethnic Poles and Rodarians in South Bogoria in an article he wrote for the Times of Rodarion newspaper.

The government also rejected theories of Orducii units operating alongside the rebels, Proconsul Alexandrescu denounced the theories as 'nonsense pulled from the air'. "Already some dreamers have conjured up theories that Rodarian nationals are operating in Bogoria through the Orducii. This is false and inappropriate, rather than trying to drag Rodarion into the tragedy caused by the illegitimate government in Utena, they should be focusing on trying to restrain the very same government from its murderous rampage through Southern Bogoria which has left almost 2,800 civilians dead. This war is a scandalous tragedy and further scandalous acts come now from CDI intelligence agencies."

President Wislaw Sokol and Supreme Commander Konstantyn Serafim have vowed to wipe out the invaders and drive them all the back to the Kalantai Plains, located north of Utena. Serafim also announced that the UBLF will begin conscripting up to 5,000 men aged between 18 and 55 in rebel held areas, to aid in the defence of Konin. An estimated 1,100 rebels have died valiantly defending their homeland from northern aggression, however they have stalled the government advance towards Librantowa, the south's second largest city and stabilised the front in the central area, now they're focus is to stop a possible government encirclement of Konin, the birthplace of the rebellion and the hopefully future capital of the Bogorian Christian Republic.

Rodarian journalists operating in the warzone have noted a major shift in mentalities in the South, several weeks ago a growing number of ethnic Poles did not wish to see war continue, wanting rebel leaders to accept a negotiated settlement rather than national liberation and reclamation, now the latter is all they wish for.

66 year old grandmother, Ana who has lived in Konin all her life said to one PRRB reporter, "I cannot wait to see the pigs in Utena executed for their crimes, this is our land and we will take it back. They enforced their communism upon us, they enforced their broken democracy on us, now we're enforcing our rights upon them."

22 year old electrician, Karol has vowed to sign up and join the UBLF's ranks once he escorts his parents and fiancé to Rodarion. "I cannot fight until I know my family is safe from government bombing, once they're safe in Rodarion, I will immediately return, pick up a rifle and fight to the end."

In Rodarion, public opinion has turned sour towards the conflict, with over 78% stating the belief that the Bogorian government is to blame, 66% believe that the war is about securing the CDI's grip over the country and 71% support rebel aims of taking Utena and establishing a new regime based upon equality and patriotism, whereas 44% would like to see Bogoria reunited with Rodarion, which was a key historic state within the Papal States. No questions whether Rodarion should intervene was offered.

Written by Zalán Egon.

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by **Bogoria1** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 5:40 pm

Konin police captain sentenced to life without parole

“Architect of national disaster” deserves no less, said prosecutor

[size=110]January 15, 2014| 16.30 PM PCT | înregistrate| By: Filipina Bonkowska | @FBonkowskaBBC

After a remarkably speedy trial, Jan Havel, formerly a captain of the Konin District Police Department, was sentenced to life imprisonment without possibility of parole in Central Utena Criminal Court earlier today.

The Republic Prosecution Service, under normal circumstances a notoriously inefficient and backlogged institution, worked at record speed to prepare for and commence criminal proceedings against Havel, who has been detained ever since the “Konin Massacre” of last December.
Havel pled not guilty to the charges of more than 30 counts of murder. He alleged that the protestors were escalating in stridency and violence, pelting law enforcement personnel with projectiles like bricks and bottles and causing injuries. The order to open fire was given after his men saw firearms among the crowd and that shots have been fired in their direction. “We only acted in self-defence,” he said, “to preserve the lives of our officers under a situation of extreme duress, I made a split-second decision. I think, under the circumstances, I made the right call and I will gladly do it again.”

Senior Justice Natalia Valkova was unconvinced. “I am not satisfied, based on the evidence before me, that the crowd did anything which justified the use of deadly force.” There was no evidence that “members of the crowd were carrying weapons, or acted in such a way that would cause the police officers present to believe they were under fire.” Accordingly, Havel, who Valkova described as the “architect of our current national disaster”, was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment without possibility of parole.

“The court restored my faith in our nation’s sense of justice,” said Green MP Andrej Nemecek, “hopefully, the conviction of that massed murderer will be the first step towards a negotiated peace and reconciliation with our southern compatriots.” On the other hand, Karla Brabec of United Bogoria was appalled. “The verdict was thoroughly political,” she blogged, “today the court threw under the bus a brave man, attempting to restore order against a barbaric mob, in defence of our great country. It was nothing but a cynical ploy to appease the southern terrorists, another futile attempts to coax them to engage in more futile negotiations. Mark my words, we will all suffer for it.”

Damnica ‘besieged’

As the trial reached its climax yesterday, another series of events are reaching its critical juncture. For weeks now, the Bogorian Ground Force has been tightening its noose around Konin, the largest and most important city in the south. Reports indicate that the town of Damnica, astride the vital motorway which leads into the city from the south, will soon be under siege by government forces.

Troops from the 3rd Mechanised Brigade, with artillery and air support, are establishing themselves in a perimeter around the city in platoon- and company-sized outposts in an attempt to isolate it. The 1st Battalion, 2nd Air Assault Brigade, would be used as a rapid reaction force, heli-lifted to stop any breakout attempts, while its other two battalions are held in reserve. The assault against the city, if such an attempt is made, would be conducted by the 4th Mechanised Brigade, supported by four battalions of recently-raised Local Defence Volunteers and the two battalions of air assault troops as needed. In the words of Major General Vaclav Sorpusek, commander of the IV Corps, “history will look back on this as the decisive moment when the sonss of Bogoria crush these traitorous terrorists and safeguarded our territorial integrity. By the blood of the patriots who died in our country’s cause and the innocents murdered in Utena, we will have justice, and revenge!”

by **Arthurista** » Wed Feb 11, 2015 4:30 pm

COMMENTARY: WHAT ON EARTH IS A 'SECURITY AID PACKAGE'?

Is this a 'defensive weapon'? Nobody seems to know.

Mathilda Ochibwe, Defence Editor
11/02/2015, Laesico

After a period of consultation with the Bogorian government, CDI powers are ‘actively exploring’ the provision of additional ‘security aid packages’ to the embattled central Lusankyan republic, in an effort to prevent another ‘terrorist incident”.

“The Utena attack was a major turning point,” said Charles Meunier, an analyst at the Commonwealth United Services Institute. “Innocent northern civilians were brutally murdered. In a political sense, this equalised the ‘balance of atrocities’ between the warring parties. President Kirkilas has come off well. His swift and decisive handling of the hostage situation contrasted sharply with his predecessor’s bungling attempts to control the insurgency. The trial and conviction of the police captain responsible for the Konin massacre set him apart from the ancien regime, indicating a new willingness to draw clean break from the past and mete out justice where it’s due. All these factors operate to shore up his credibility as the new leader of the country. Foreign governments are looking at Bogoria with a whole new light.”

Right, then. We’re going to help the Bogorians protect themselves from terrorism. This is all well and good, but just what do these ‘security aid packages’ entail, really? Having asked a few people who are ostensibly in charge of this Bogoria business on the Arthuristan side, I can only report that I emerged none the wiser.

Michael Havelock, deputy to Arthurista’s chief representative to the CDI Council Assembly Lady Kathryn Hernández Saravia, was perhaps less forthcoming even when he is saying more. “The civilised nations of the world cannot, will not, tolerate terrorist atrocities of this sort, these deliberate attacks on innocent civilians. The CDI is committed to helping a young vibrant democracy defend itself against threats towards its territorial integrity. We congratulate Mr Kirkalis’s determination to put those responsible for the Konin incident on trial, and we trust that he will continue his even-handed and fair governance of his country in the trying days to come.”

When asked what Arthurista’s contribution towards the ‘security aid package’ was, Havelock again responded with less than total clarity. “We are providing Utena with means of self-defence.”

“Weapons?” I asked.

“Defensive weapons.”

“What, in the government’s point of view, is the difference between ‘defensive’ and ‘offensive’ armaments?”

“Defensive armaments are those weapons which, by their very nature, cannot be deployed for aggressive purposes.”

Do you understand that? I don’t, either. Hopefully, any ISI agent trying to find out will be utterly confused as well.

by **Rodarion** » Wed Feb 11, 2015 4:49 pm

Foreign Minister Basescu has been credited for the Papal Republic's tough position on Bogoria

Foreign Minister Mircea Basescu has announced that the Papal Republic is cutting all economic ties to the Bogorian government. All trade that comes from businesses and assets based in the northern half of Bogoria will be stopped, all investment agreements will be ended and export of metals to Bogoria will also cease. The Ministry of Finance has also announced its intention to begin dumping the Bogorian Litas currency, in a move many have seen as the Papal Republic's first act of public support and solidarity with the ethnic Polish rebels in the South. Foreign Minister Basescu also warned states not to offer the Bogorian government arms, stating "any effort to aid the Bogorian government in its violent campaign against the people of the South will produce a dangerous destabilising precedent." The latest announcement comes as government forces prepare to besiege the town of Damnica in their effort to encircle the city of Konin.

Foreign Minister Basescu addressed reporters this morning outside the Foreign Ministry in Romula, where he laid out the Papal Republic's intention to punish Bogoria for its illegitimate and racialist campaign of state violence against ethnic Poles in the country's south. In what has been described as a 'no-punches held back approach', the Foreign Minister announced plans which could decimate the country's economy.
"Over the past few weeks, his Holiness' government has been in heated debate on how to approach the conflict in Bogoria. The Papal Republic like every other Lusankyan nation wants to see a stable, secure and prosperous Bogoria, however it is clear even this early on, that the Papal Republic and the illegitimate Bogorian government's backers have different ideas on how to bring about a secure and prosperous Bogoria and who is to lead the nation towards such a position.

"The use of military violence against a specific ethnic group is a catalyst for genocide and the most heinous of war crimes, this is unacceptable and intolerable. As of midnight this evening, all ties between the Papal Republic and businesses located in north Bogoria will be severed. All economic agreements, investment projects and visa agreements will be voided and finally the Papal Central Bank has made clear to me that they will begin dumping all Bogorian Litas from its reserves, they have made clear their concern that the currency will become toxic and in light of the government's war upon Polish culture, they do not see that it is safe to keep such a currency" he said.

Many economists have warned that Bogoria may suffer a major devaluation of the Litas as a result of the PCB's decision to dump almost $3.5 billion worth of reserves. Many have denounced that the move will damage Rodarion, especially investors. Miron Fucarnu said on NRTV this morning, "the decision to cancel or withdraw investment from northern projects won't hurt Rodarian investors much, most of this country's investment goes into the South and well those projects are being bombed to dust by the government anyway."

Almost 3,000 people have been killed since December last year, in a civil war that stems from decades of economic and political inequality between the wealthy atheist north and the mostly poor agricultural Catholic south. Ethnic Polish rebels in the south rose up in December last year following the assassination of 11 Catholic politicians and the subsequent mass murder of 52 protesters in November.

Southern protesters and rebels soon took control of local administrative buildings, resulting the government in Utena to deploy its Ground Force to violently restore its authority. Since December the rebels have been fighting tenaciously for their very survival. Many experts and observers in Rodarion, Estovakiva and Burzia have criticised the government's use of indiscriminate artillery bombardments and air strikes.

CDI governments are reportedly exploring options to arm the Bogorian government after renegade southern fighters attacked the Bogorian capital in a devastating terrorist attack which has left 180 people dead, including one Prestonian, 8 Arthuristans, 5 Emmerians and 3 Belfrasians. Foreign Minister Basescu has warned that such a move would destabilise the situation further, "any effort to aid the Bogorian government in its violent campaign against the people of the South will produce a dangerous destabilising precedent. The CDI has a key role to play as a force for peace in the world, yet now they condone racialism and overt brutal state violence, any move to arm the Bogorian government will seriously damage Rodar-CDI relations."

Even the Rodarian Senate is growing concerned at the growing level of support for the fascistic government in Utena, head of the Senatorial Committee on Foreign Affairs, Diana Ciora (NCP) slammed the CDI decision to possibly arm the Bogorian government, "it is clear to me that they absolutely intend to further destabilise Bogoria, they wish to endanger Rodarion's territorial security, they're putting their petty efforts to contain Rodarion by further destroying innocent lives and perpetuating violence, this committee recommends to the administration to present options of response to his Holiness and the Papal Continuing Committee for final decisions."

His Holiness is set to meet Emperor Albert Francis of Prestonia tomorrow, in which Bogoria will be discussed, the Pope has been highly critical of the decision to deploy military forces against the South, he has urged for discussion in the past and may agree with Emperor Albert Francis that negotiation is the way forward, as long as the interests of the Catholic south are not ignored.

A response from the Bogorian government and its CDI allies is expected tomorrow, the Foreign Ministry has made clear that no amount of pressure or criticism will see the Papal Republic's actions reversed. Tomorrow will also see readying of a large humanitarian convoy destined for Sobotka, which will be distributed by rebel authorities to the most neediest communities. Due to the impending battle around Damnica, the convoy's safety in traveling to Konin was put into doubt. At least 200 trucks carrying food, blankets, electric heaters and bottled water is expected to reach Sobotka by Friday morning, the Vatican arranged for the mass collection of the goods from various charitable foundations in the Papal Republic.

Written by Zalán Egon.

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by **The Eagleland** » Thu Feb 12, 2015 9:54 am

Government To Send Medical Supplies To Bogoria.
Kliousi: "The escalation of the Bogorian conflict will lead to a full-blown humanitarian crisis".
^{12 February 2015 | By Ioannis Vasilikos (@john_vas) (ENT)}

A C-130 of the Eagleland Air Force is being loaded with humanitarian supplies.

Constantinople, KCT — The Eagleland Senate in Constantinople, has recently approved of a package of Government aid to Bogoria, in response to the escalating crisis between the Central Bogorian Government and the Bogorian Polish-Catholic Revolutionaries. In spite of the recent termination of trade ties between the Papal Republic of Rodarion (PDR) and the Bogorian Government, and the dumping of the currency of Bogoria, the Litas, which has been devaluated massively over the last hours, as stated by economists of the Eagleland-Lusankyan Trading Board Union.

The new government decision, which was accepted by a marginal majority of 36 senators for, 30 against the decision and four abstentions, allows the distribution of medical supplies to the Bogorian state. "The Eagleland Senate authorises the Eaglelander Government to command the shipment of medical supplies to the Bogorian Government, by means of five aircraft of the Eagleland Air Force, to assist the Bogorian Government in it's efforts to protect it's people. This marks a sincere Eaglelander Government assistance to the war-torn country of Bogoria, prospecting a resolution to the looming humanitarian crisis in said country", mentioned Vice President Alexandros Ioakovopoulos, who presided over the Senate.

Five C-130 aircraft of the Eagleland Air Force have been activated, in order to transport such supplies to bases in Northern Bogoria. The Bogorian Government has been notified of such arrival. The supplies transported will include a wide range of medical equipment, such as surgical tables and surgical paraphernalia, to bandages, hygiene products and sterilisers, and pharmaceutical substances, which include first-aid medicine, painkillers, aspirin, vaccines for certain types of disease, and anaesthetics.

Criticism has been harsh on this, because the Eagleland Government is still struggling to aid in the assimilation of millions of refugees from New Pontus and the Ankaran Union. The head of the Central Assimilation Bureau (KGA), Dimitris Ioannides, stated: "The assimilation of New Pontities and expatriate Greeks in the Ankaran Union who are in our country need more help than what's currently given. The KGA is struggling to assimilate millions of refugees nation-wide, because not all of them can settle in cities and not all of them can settle in farms. We need more finances and more time, and unless the Government unveils it's ambitious projects, it will take us years to assimilate all of them. That we are trying to help other countries at the same time is disturbing, and such resources are better used at home."

Eagleland Public Opinion towards the Theodoropoulos administration remains mediocre, but volatile, at 51.02%, but is expected to fall, as public weariness towards the CDI remains high. Recent opinion polls suggest 38.7% of Eaglelanders want the country to abandon the CDI, and 67.4% disagree with the Supeme Court ruling, stating that "the President should have been executed or imprisoned for his failure and cowardice in New Pontus". SDEKA MP Efi Iakovopoulou (DA - SDEKA) mentioned: "Only Belhavia and Arthurista are worthy allies; Emmerians and Belfrasians, our 'brethen', have failed us and are not trustworthy, and this is clear to our people. Even the Rodarians would be more reliable than the Vaziri Administration." Protests against the Government still take place, and are still sizeable in size.

However, supporters of the new decision state that the situation is different. Avraam Konstantinou, geopolitical analyst, states: "New Pontites and Greeks in Ankara have a place to protect their right to life, and this is called 'Eagleland'. However, if Bogoria falls to Rodarion, innocent, hardworking Northern Bogorians will face savagery without the possibility of seeking refuge to a land which will hug them with security. We must," he states, "provide help to those people; the barbarism of the Rodarian Military should Bogoria fall must not be taken lightly."

Conspiracy theories on the web regarding the shipment, which, as those suggest, act as a 'smokescreen for the transportation of explosives', have been denied by the Eaglelander Government as 'baseless and ridiculous'. Government Spokesperson Michalis Rodogiannides stated at a press conference: "A C-130's capacity is limited in nature, and certainly we would attest it, had we decided to arm the Bogorian Government with arms. But we are not doing so; instead, we are providing the Bogorian Government the means to protect it's citizens from a humanitarian crisis, it's estimated arrival time amplified by the involvement of the Papal Republic [of Rodarion] rather unwillingly."

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Klioussi, stated: "The escalation of the Bogorian conflict will lead to a full-blown humanitarian crisis. By means of dumping the currency of Bogoria, and by terminating trade ties with a nation wholly dependent on trade with Rodarion, the Rodarian Government is causing severe problems for not just the Northern, but also the Southern Bogorian peoples. Instead of pushing for a reasonable and peaceful solution, by destroying the Bogorian economy the Rodarian Government is simply making the Bogorian people angry at their powerful neighbour, amplifying the existing problem in the area, and this creates an uncolourful state of affairs in which diplomacy becomes less effective as a tool. We request that the Rodarian Government reassess their current stance, and assess more peaceful and less drastic approaches to the problem."

Deployment of additional non-combat forces to train Bogorian Forces has not been authorised as of yet, and discussions are heated, especially following the Rodarian escalation of affairs.

Ioannis Vasilikos reported from Constantinople, Konstantineian Capital Territory. Konstantinos Irakeides contributed to the article from Constantinople, KCT.

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by **Rodarion** » Thu Feb 12, 2015 10:33 am

The Bogoria conflict can be stopped if the CDI engages in meaningful relations with Rodarion

As Bogoria emerges as a possible platform for the CDI's containment of the Papal Republic, negotiation and discussion is key to avoid a greater crisis, but Bogoria reveals a greater issue at heart with the CDI's approach to the rise of Rodarion as one of the world's biggest powers. Apart from the EG3, Emmerian-Rodarion relations appear to be entirely basic, Rodar-Belhavian relations are somewhat better, with non-governmental links especially between Rodarion's 44 million strong Jewish population and Belhavian Jewish leaders being exceptionally strong; the CDI governments simply do not talk to the Rodarian government at all. The lack of discussion is a catalyst to major misunderstandings and possible miscalculations which could easily lead to a more dangerous path.

With the latest announcement of CDI states exploring the option of offering Bogoria defensive weapons in face of the rebellion in the south, the Papal Republic in response warned that any move of that style would provide the world with a dangerous and provocative precedent, with the head of the Senatorial Committee for Foreign Affairs, Diana Ciora (NCP) stating that such a move would perpetuate the violence against the ethnic Polish south. What is clear is that every CDI policy and decision towards Bogoria is done without considering the response of the Papal Republic which has a natural cultural affinity with the 10 million people of the South, now besieged by the Bogorian government.

The lack of CDI consideration towards the Papal Republic really goes beyond its own existence, numerous memberstates with the exception of Anthor, have no real understanding of the Papal Republic and its interests as a major world power. When is the last time, President Alex Vaziri visited Romula? Eli Goldman? Leanne Whittaker? Aaron Sentar? In fact all those listed have never visited the Papal Republic on a state visit in their administration's histories. Of course you could counter and question why Consul Octavian Ceausescu has never visited them, 'if one is not welcome, one does not visit' - explains so very much.

What does this mean exactly? It means that several major CDI memberstates do not care for the Papal Republic, do not respect it, nor do they care much for its interests and since there is no real communication between them and the Papal Republic, they hold the responsibility of any miscalculation in Bogoria. Perhaps it can go further and be stated that they do not speak to the Papal Republic as a major world power because to do so would mean recognising it as such and they will never recognise that. The only country to become aware of the Papal Republic's role and station in the world system is Anthor, only just this year, the Papal Republic and Anthor signed a free-trade agreement, which is estimated to be worth $676 billion by the end of 2016, the level of cross border trade alone is worth $580 billion (more than the entire Bogorian economy). And now there is a second major deal in the works; the construction of a high-speed rail link connecting Anthor's largest cities on its coast to Rodarion's cities of Voluntari, Videle and Braila. The Rodarian project will cost $25.4 billion and even still, the Rodarian government has offered to pay 60% of Anthor's side of the project, not through some devious plans to divide it from the rest of the CDI, but through the aim to produce a strong and stable relationship between Lusankya's most populous nations.

You will not find a similar project on that scale ever on the Rodar-Belfrasian border, instead the western frontier of the Papal Republic is rural, barren and windswept, granted Bacau is a key hub for cross border trade, but the region remains as barren and empty as Rodar-Belfrasian relations. Perhaps, the Rodar-Belfrasian border region can be the personification of CDI policy towards the Papal Republic, barren and windswept. I cannot for a moment find reasons for this lack of engagement or involvement with the Papal Republic, perhaps they do not wish to due to envy of the Papal Republic's economic and social prosperity, perhaps they do not wish to because of an arrogant disposition that their collective interests and abilities are far superior to the Papal Republic's, or maybe they feel that they do not know how to approach the Papal Republic for whatever reason.
The crisis in Bogoria is a part of a greater crisis, a crisis of understanding I would say. As the CDI makes moves to sure up the criminal government in Utena, many in the Papal Republic will see it as an effort of containment, a direct move to endanger the interests of the Papal Republic, others will see it as part of a more global and general policy of containing the Papal Republic. All those possible views are not new and they are not just uttered by politicians, academics or ordinary Rodarian citizens, they are the driving force behind numerous Rodarian policies, the mass expansion of the Papal Navy, modernisation of the Papal Army and Air Force, expansion of ties with states in opposition of the CDI; if the CDI spoke to the Papal Republic as an equal partner, no tension in the world would exist today.

CDI silence towards the Papal Republic requires serious attention by governments in the CDI, that wish to see peace and stability in Lusankya, if they remain silent like the hawk members, the peace and harmony Lusankya has enjoyed for sixty years will fade away very quickly. Consul Ceausescu spoke a lot about the Rodarian Century last year, many in the CDI denounced the statement, others quickly rushed to maintain that today was still within the Emmerian Century. Yet with the world's largest population beyond anyone's natural reach and the fastest growing major economy (set to overtake Emmeria as no.1 by nominal by 2016), the Papal Republic is in a position to offer peace and stability in Lusankya, as much as it is capable to destroy the harmonious state of affairs. Yet it takes two to tango, as the saying goes; the Papal Republic cannot preserve peace alone, it cannot defend peace and stability with a side that does not even talk. If the silence continues, it will naturally lead to many in Rodarion to take up the idea that the CDI nations do not want peace, they want the opposite and I know, the Papal Republic will make decisions that meet the CDI half way on that matter.

They must start talking to the responsible one, before Bogoria becomes a catalyst for something much more dark and dangerous.

Written by Sorin Stanca.

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by **-Anthor-** » Thu Feb 12, 2015 12:01 pm

Parliament votes to extend presence in Bogoria 'tenfold'
207 - 193 vote passes a extension on the Anthoran presence in Bogoria, increasing troops and a 'national defence aid' package

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Gnaeus Tanicius Vopiscus (@Gnaeus Tanicius Vopiscus)(TH)
^{February 11, 2014 1:13 AM | Vaumort, Anthor}

Chinooks belonging to the 3rd Air Assault Brigade as they land outside Camp Tatra, Bogoria, transporting soldiers of their unit AP photo

Vaumort, Anthor(Herald) — Following a disastrous terrorist attack in the Bogorian capital of Utena, which left more then a hundred and fifty people dead and about half of that cooped up as hostages for more then two days, before members of their 2nd Air Assault Brigade staged a raid and ended the crisis, Prime Minister Thomas Dean has introduced a bill to the floor of the Commons which would expand the Kingdom's presence within Bogoria and some other things as well.

The terrorist attack was a black day on Bogorian law enforcement, but many saw the rescue of the hostages by the Air Assault troopers as a sign of the CDI's success in their training mission; all members of the four brigades of air assault troops that the Bogorian Defence Forces maintain where trained by the our very own 92nd Air Assault Battalion, who will be joined later this week by the other three battalions of its brigade thanks to the narrow passage of the Prime Minister's bill, which saw a few defections from the Opposition to allow it a bit more breathing room to sign through, and His Majesty quickly signed it into law.

The bill allows the Department of War to deploy the remainder of the 3rd Air Assault Brigade to Bogoria, bringing the Anthoran presence there to 5,000 troops which are aimed, per the DoW's official statement, "towards upgrading and enhancing our capacity to advise and train Bogorian elements, both in the field and command." The troopers, who left last night and were transported to Camp Tatra by a number of round the clock C-52 flights, also brought with them a number of equipment and weapons, per a 'national defence aid package' that the DoW said they were supplying the BDF with - their statement on exactly what a national defence aid package was very vague, and when questioned simply stated that it contained 'the equipment necessary to defend the Bogorian nation'. The equipment was transported by five C-5M doing more then a dozen round trips in between JFB Culton, where the 3rd Brigade had been stationed and was deployed from as well, and numerous trucks have been spotted coming from Army supply and surplus depots and storage facilities all across western Anthor.

Gnaeus Tanicus Vopiscus contributed to this article.

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by **Tiami** » Thu Feb 12, 2015 4:00 pm

President Peris Condemns Eaglelander Education Reforms
By Hilary Welker (@H_WelkerANI)
February 12,2015

Au de Kalokos, Kalenia-

"Think of the children," became a popular phrase in the early hours of Thursday morning as hundreds of citizens crowded around the Kalenia's Senate building in downtown Au de Kalokos. Citizens were protesting the recently passed Eaglelander "Education Reform Act" that effectively enlists the aid of corporal punishment against it's children. Citizens have cried out, stating that documenting the corporal punishment and caning in general, is a destructive force that does not discipline students, but rather forces students to fear their teacher- protesters have said that the fear induced upon children will go as far as to relegate a child's way of life into believing that they are worthless or not intelligent enough.

President Peris spoke to the public for the first time in two weeks to address the Eagleland's passage of the corrupt bill:

"To cane a student for a grammatical mistake on a test is absurd. Should teachers not cane themselves? Do they not make mistakes as well? School is an institution where learning is encouraged, but under a protective, stable environment. Children learn to fix their errors through trial and error, not through being caned. Should children be told what they did wrong? Yes, absolutely. But caning them five times for a syntax error? Absurd. This is a blatant case of illegal punishment that is aimed at children to scar them for life. What moral values is Eagleland trying to preserve by beating their next generation?"

Peris also briefly addressed foreign nationals and freedom of expression in Eagleland:

"When has it ever been wrong to wear a piercing to school? For men to have an earring? Only in Eagleland is it wrong. While I do commend the reform act taking discipline against smoking at young ages, I cannot say anything else complimentary. Expression is a right given unto all persons on the world. It is how we reveal who we are as a person, our character, but also how society reacts in regards to expression. Limiting expression is blatant discrimination."

"And how do foreign nationals deserve punishment if they are not entirely familiar with Greek customs? This questions truly baffles me. The Kalenian government will, however, be attempting to return Kalenian nationals that are currently in Eagleland back to Kalenia in an effort to save children from the unnecessary cruelty of Eaglelan's newly reformed educational system. I have little respect for a government of imbeciles that openly believe beating is the proper way to discipline a child in a learning environment."

President Peris only spoke briefly. The weary-eyed President looked distraught, presumably about the horrors about to commence to children in Eagleland as she left the podium. President Peris is expected to further address ongoing national international news effecting Kalenia later on today during a Congressional Session.

The Kalenian education system banned corporal punishment in 1953 due to numerous documented deaths related to severe beatings or subsequent suicide because of physical or mental harassment. Kalenian education is among the world leaders in education, with many of the world's notable universities in Kalenia.

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by **Arthurista** » Thu Feb 12, 2015 4:48 pm

ANALYSIS: THE DIPLOMACY OF THE BOGORIAN CONFLICT

Bogorian air assault troops near Damnica

Sir David Bernstein
Director, Commonwealth Institute of Foreign Affairs

The war in Bogoria has reached a new, high intensity phase as the government offensive into the south gathers pace and terrorists strike at the heart of Utena. Even as the combat reaches a crescendo, a parallel struggle is being waged in the wider world between the great powers behind their Bogorian proxies.

Anthor’s key role

An article published on the NE earlier today decried how CDI members, apart from Anthor, are refusing to communicate with Rodarion with a view to resolve the conflict. Understandably, many Rodarian commentators perceive it as, at best, a lack of real understanding of Rodarion’s concerns and interests, at worst a calculated slight, a refusal to acknowledge its newfound status as a great power.

An alternative explanation is, perhaps, in order. Economists of ‘free Pardes’ differ on the real scope of Rodarion’s recent growth or whether it will remain sustainable in the long run. However, none but the terminally stupid would fail to recognise it as one of the three most powerful nations in the world. Speaking with insiders from within the Foreign Office, one gets the sense that throughout the Bogorian incident relations with Bogoria was conducted with the same painstaking care as if exploring a minefield. Gigabytes’ worth of reports and guesswork poured forth from its staff analysts in an attempt to decipher their intentions and predict their next moves, though little clarity is elucidated from them. As such, it is entirely natural for CDI states to defer to the one member among them who, they trust, really understand the Rodarians, their interests and their concerns – Anthor, which shares a border and much history over the centuries with their southern neighbour. As Rodarion’s interests clash with those of the powers of Free Pardes in the coming years, as they inevitably will over the course of the former’s self-proclaimed ‘rise’, the role of Anthor as the bridge between the two power blocs of increasingly diverging worldviews will prove to be crucial in preventing disputes to escalate into conflicts.

Dialogue, Prestonian style

While Anthor’s role in mediating between Rodarion and Free Pardes was anticipated, the recent efforts made by Prestonia, a nation previously considered as rather isolationist by most, has come as a pleasant surprise. The unprecedented official visit by His Imperial Majesty Albert Francis to Romula, accompanied by that of his Premier to Loweport and Foreign Minister to Vaumort, may signal a wholesale policy shift towards positive engagements with the salient issues of the day. If the Bogorian crisis escalates, Prestonia’s mediation may turn out to be the key to have the parties climb down from the brink.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome this latest initiative from Hudson,” said Prime Minister Leanne Whittaker after conferring with her counterpart. “Bogoria has declared that it seeks a negotiated solution, and His Highness’s Government support this wholeheartedly. We would also like to commend Rodarion’s condemnation of the Utena attacks and sincerely hope that they can be our partners in combatting terrorism and threats to stability in Lusankya. If Prestonian mediation can help bring us together and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict, I’m sure they will have the heartfelt gratitude of the peoples of Pardes for their efforts.”

Perhaps peace in our time is not so far away, after all.

by **Virana** » Thu Feb 12, 2015 8:56 pm

President Vaziri responds to foreign policy criticism
UR president vows more prominent role in Bogoria, answers reporter questions

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Kader Tarek (@KaderTarek) and Donald Voortman (@DDVoortman)
^{February 12, 2015 10:21 pm | Oured, D.A., United Republic of Emmeria}

President Vaziri made a number of statements during his Weekly Address, including vowing for a more assertive role in Bogoria, making up for the loss of New Pontus, mong other issues WP photo

OURED, D.A., United Republic — President Alex Vaziri made a number of remarks during his Weekly Address this past Thursday.

In particular, the president outlined his plan for Bogoria, a thorn in the side of Vaziri's foreign policy for weeks.

"As always, we are committed to protecting our allies and supporting independent sovereignty, liberty, and democracy," Vaziri announced. "Our goals in Bogoria are simple and straightforward: protect the democratic government in Bogoria against pro-Rodarion rebels, engage and pressure Rodarion into ending its support for Bogorian insurgents, and lobby Congress to authorize increased U.R. military presence in Bogoria."

The Vaziri administration has long accused Rodarion of supporting and arming the Bogorian rebels, and in some cases outright claimed it has intelligence proving that Rodarian military forces are actively engaged in the conflict, both accusations denied by the Rodarian government.

Vaziri has sponsored a bill currently in the House of Delegates that would authorize the United Republic to supply weapons and training to the Bogorian Local Defense Volunteers, groups of moderate pro-Bogoria militia. It has already been providing training to the Bogorian Army, with around 2,000 U.R. military trainers present in Bogoria through executive order. Vaziri is seeking Congressional authorization to deploy more troops, possibly even to augment the Arthuristan military forces directly engaged in the conflict. Recently, through executive order, he authorized U.R. drones in Bogoria to strike targets based on intelligence information obtained from allied ground forces.

When questioned as to whether U.R. forces in Bogoria have been involved in the conflict, Vaziri denied. "No Emmerians have fought in Bogoria. We have solely provided training and logistical support to coalition allies in the country."

He added that the Rodarian government has done little to aid the situation in Bogoria. "Rodarion is undermining our hard work in ensuring a stable, secure, and democratic Bogoria," he said. "We are willing to talk with Rodarion, but it must be willing to pull back its aggressive support for Bogorian insurgents."

He stated that he is planning a summit with key coalition allies and the Rodarian government to discuss the Bogoria issue. He has yet to speak with Rodarian leadership regarding the practicality of this meeting. U.R. Secretary of State Grant Meradela, who was appointed recently following the resignation of former Secretary of State Alia Kouri, is currently in Utena meeting with Bogorian leaders.

President Vaziri, who pledged a more aggressive and decisive foreign policy during the 2013 elections, has been derided by some as an ineffective leader. In particular, analysts have criticized his inaction during the Eaglelander loss of New Pontus to Ankara as a major failure. Eagleland, a CDI ally, did not formally request any military support in accordance with the CDI charter when it was forced to surrender its colony of New Pontus after days of artillery bombardment by the Ankaran military killed an estimated 4 million people.

Vaziri did make sure to comment on the concerns. "As I've always reiterated, we have a distinct commitment to the protection of our allies, especially our traditional ally in Eagleland. We are willing to support them in any way necessary if they so request the assistance."

Nat Dems in Congress weary over Bogoria support

While Federalists have continually derided Vaziri over his inaction in Bogoria, several key National Democrats have voiced their opposition to extended operations in Bogoria in support of the Federalist president.

Rodarian-Emmerian Delegate Clara Antonescu (N-Car.), a member of the House Foreign Relations Committee and known for her pro-Rodarion opinions, told reporters she does not think the United Republic should commit to forces in Bogoria. "The facts on the ground are clear: we do not need to get involved in Bogoria again. Last time we did, 19,000 Emmerian servicemen and women lost their lives bogged down for five years, fighting against nothing more than an ideology."

She was referring to the Bogorian War, a Cold War-era conflict between Rodarion and communist forces in Bogoria that the United Republic joined in 1950. That was when the United Republic and Rodarion were Cold War allies fighting against the expansion of communism.

"We have to steer clear of the mindlessly aggressive path the president wants to take," she continued. "There is room to support democracy without putting arms in the hands of terrorists or fighting alongside them."

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by **The Eagleland** » Sat Feb 14, 2015 10:47 am

Medicare Reform Bill Proposed by Parliament.
Eagleland Public Healthcare to switch to a 'dual participation' system; tuition fees reduction for medical students, nursing students to be considered; obese persons no longer to be covered by public funding for treatment.
^{14 February 2015 | By Ioannis Vasilikos (@john_vas) (ENT)}

The bill, if passed, would be a revolution and change the Eaglelander National Health System.

Athens, Lekanopedion Attikis — Ioanna Konstantinidi MP (SYNKA - LA), and a group of ten other MPs, have proposed a bill targeted specifically at combatting the rising costs of medical care in the Eagleland. The 'Healthcare Reform Act', if passed, would be a revolution by Eaglelander standards, as it would shift public healthcare away from a purely taxpayer-funded system; instead, a 'dual-participant system' will be enforced, sharing the weight evenly between the taxpayer and the person who asks for healthcare in specific instances, eliminating public coverage in some other instances, while guaranteeing public funding for the remaining forms of treatment. The new system is expected to meet new forms of critique, but it is expected to reduce taxes by 3.8-5% across the board.

The Healthcare Reform Act proposes structural changes. Under the new law, if passed, not all treatments will be covered entirely by taxpayer funds for public hospitals. A new codified system will be put in place; the VE (Vathmos Epikindynotitas - Βαθμός Επικυνδυνότητας - 'Danger Factor') Scale will be stated nation-wide, which will categorises all types of disease into five groups: I, II, III, and IV. Charges for all Level I Disease will be covered entirely out-of-pocket, and for Level II disease the ratio between public-private cover is 50-50. Said ratio changes as follows: Level III Disease have a ratio of 75-50, and all Level V Disease are completely covered by the Government. Surgical treatment and hospitalisation will be included in the resulting bill, and covered depending on the status of the patient.

Admission in hospitals will now depend more and more on health insurance. Uninsured persons will have a lower chance of hospitalisation and treatment, especially for Level I Diseases. Note the term 'Disease' is somewhat inaccurate; in actuality this also includes injuries. Injuries that occur from sports, for instance, will no longer by covered from taxpayer money, as stated by sources, but rather out-of-pocket by the athletic groups or the athletes themselves. The exact composition of the VE Scale will be considered prior to submission.

A notable exception into the VE Scale includes all obesity-related illnesses. Obesity in the Eagleland has been described as 'an endemic problem'; the availability of fast food, combined with pressures in lifestyle, combined with poor lifestyle choices such as smoking, the Eagleland's obesity rate stands at 23.1% for male and 21.7% for female Eaglelanders. In order to combat obesity, which is costing the National Health System €120 billion per annum ($100 billion - 1/7 of the entire healthcare budget), the new bill completely eliminates taxpayer financing for all treatments of obesity-related illnesses.

"It is plain and simple; if obesity rates remain stubbornly high because of poor lifestyle choices, we will refuse treatment unless they pay up.", stated Ioakovopoulos. "We will reward good lifestyle choices by punishing poor ones. This will save us more than one hundred billion drachmas, with which we can fund other, more important treatments, and of course reduce funds, increase tax returns this year and ultimately reduce taxes." This, criticised for creating a sentiment of fear among obese persons, has been praised by economists as a better way to banning fast food.

"I have heard many people in this country say: "People are fat because of fast food." This is laughable.", said notable economist Konstantinos Mavrogiannis, a pHD holder in Economics from Provisa University; Mavrogiannidis has advised both the Belhavian and the Eaglelander Governments on issues of fiscal discipline. "People are fat because of lifestyle choices, and when you give them a safety net, they get accustomed to it. You take it away, as they want to do now, and their 'chance', which they took for granted, is not there anymore. That will force them to seek solutions to their predicament."

Another controversial measure by the Government through this act will be the reduction of fees for all public medical and nursery schools by more than 50%. Medical school fees in the Eagleland have, like their Emmerian counterparts, outpaced inflation in terms of growth, leading to a combined student loan debt standing of $256 billion. However, an advantage of Eaglelander National Student Loans is that no interest rates are charged, hence the debt outstanding is smaller than it would be had the same loan been taken in Emmeria. However, this clause is heavily criticised as it may lead to an increase in fees.

"To be perfectly honest,", said Mavrogiannis, "universities react differently. They will not reduce the price because of an increase in spending, because they will continue increasing their fees. This clause merits a more extensive examination process, and certainly it will be controversial because no one guarantees valuable billions won't be wasted. I believe our current system should remain as is."

The Bill is currently undergoing a processing phase, before being submitted for the First Reading on Wednesday.

Ioannis Vasilikos reported from Athens, Lekanopedion Attikis. Konstantinos Irakeides contributed to the article from Constantinople, KCT.

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by **Davisholm** » Sat Feb 14, 2015 5:18 pm

Globe magazine reports
EAGLELAND: Hey, teacher, leave those kids alone!
Corporal punishment is not the answer to school discipline

It is rare that a country receives criticism from its own allies for making education reforms. But both President Kara Peris of Kalenia and Chancellor Harriet Deacon of Davisholm have spoken out against Law 9767/2015. Some of the changes are logical, which includes encouraging computer programming, adding the Rodarian language and banning processed foods in canteens. But it also micromanages how teachers should discipline students and forces them to use extremely strict punishments. It has already caused diplomatic incidents because it forces international schools to adopt these draconian methods.

The Eagleland is hardly alone in permitting corporal punishment in schools. But Law 9767/2015 has stunned many outsiders. It mandates that the cane should be used a specific number number of times for specific offences. Students are to receive a minimum of one stroke for every grammatical mistake, five for "poor handwriting" and fifteen for making a mistake when singing the national anthem. These guidelines are compulsory for all schools, including international schools. The problems with micromanaging teachers into using the cane are obvious. A teacher who can manage a class perfectly well without resorting to violence will be forced to use it anyway, rather than develop a teaching style to suit their individual needs. Young people will be deterred from entering the teaching profession. Children will pay more attention to avoiding trivial spelling errors than the content they write. A chilling thought is the fact that 5-10% of students have dyslexia.

We don't need no flagellation
In most countries that use it, corporal punishment in schools is something that is reserved for extreme cases. Some political commentators argue that physical pain is a far more powerful punishment than anything else a teacher can use. But is that really a good thing? Repetitive studies have documented how physical abuse can cause psychological damage to young people. They learn a questionable moral message, consciously or subconsciously. If it is okay for a teacher to use physical force against students who misbehave, then should a man adopt a similar strategy if someone steals his beer glass or cheats on his wife? Teachers are supposed to be role models to students. This alone would make us oppose corporal punishment, even if it were proven to be an effective means of ensuring discipline.

Even before its effectiveness is called into question, corporal punishment has other problems. The way it operates in practice can work out very differently in practice to how it is supposed to work in theory. Most schools that permit corporal punishment provide strict guidelines as to when it can be used and how it should be administered. But it is obvious that an enraged teacher might ignore them when hitting a miscreant. There is evidence that students with disabilities or (less conclusively) minority backgrounds are disproportionately likely to be targeted by corporal punishment.

Proponents of the cane sometimes cite a 2003 study at the University of Lynde which concluded that students in Davisholm performed better in schools that used it (prior to the federal abolition in 2005). But this confuses correlation with cause. Schools that banned the cane were more likely to be private schools or state schools in conservative and middle-class regions. It is well-known that students of this socio-economic background tend to do better at school anyway. The following year, Jimmy Heisenberg at the Davisian Federal University published a rebuttal study, comparing schools based on whether they permitted the cane but also the median income of the families that the children came from. Students who went to schools that used the cane achieved lower overall marks than those comparable schools that banned it.

We don't need no thought control
Katerina Konstantinidi, the Minister for Education, blames many perceived deficiencies in the education system solely on the students: "The decline of our language, combined with the failure of our children to learn properly both [Modern and Ancient Greek] languages, as well as English, must stop now. Children today have been corrupted by disgusting 'values', which, in their malleable minds, makes it easy to confuse terms like 'liberty' with 'audacity'." The government, school management, the teachers and especially the parents all play important roles in making an education system succeed or fail. Unfortunately, students make easy scapegoats. They rarely enjoy learning and many have a natural desire to rebel.

Mrs. Konstantinidi identified many areas where the Eagleland education system needs to be improved: "Children also think it is acceptable to come in the school with piercings, earrings for men, makeup as young as five, sit like sluts, smoke cigarettes at age twelve, and have disgusting haircuts." There is nothing wrong with a school requiring students to be dressed in a presentable way, but schools need to set their priorities straight. A student who disrupts a lesson or bullies others is a bigger problem than a student coming into school with a haircut that Mrs. Konstantinidi finds unattractive.

The education system of the Eagleland is not a disaster. Problems like corporal punishment and an excessive emphasis on conformity are offset by its virtues, including a budget that is already generous. Not all of Law 9767/2015 is a headline-grabbing human rights issue; it also increases the education budget by 10%. But while the education system can be improved by just throwing money at it, schools, like companies, can also improve through competition. They should be able to experiment with teaching and discipline methods, to find what works and what does not. They cannot do this if their teaching methods are being dictated by Constantinople.

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by **Central Prestonia** » Sun Feb 15, 2015 6:35 pm

GUILTY: Jury Returns Verdict in Express Maria Case; Gratislavs to Seek Extradition

Redford After two weeks of deliberation, a twelve-person jury today found Vladimir Martinovic guilty on five counts of narcotics trafficking. Martinovic, 46, showed no emotion as the jury foreman read the verdict, and it was not immediately clear whether his defence team would appeal.

Martinovic was arrested early last month after a routine search of his vessel, the bulk freighter Express Maria, revealed URD500,000 in illicit spirits and undeclared restricted-import drugs. The ensuing trial has drawn sharp criticism from Bariyan leader Vyacheslav Grinko, who earlier warned of harsh consequences should Martinovic be found guilty. Even at home, the trial has proven controversial, with the Crown's decision to grant the vessel's crew immunity in exchange for testimony being denounced as "legalised witness tampering" by defence barristers and other legal experts. With the trial concluded, these men are expected to be repatriated to Bariya in the coming weeks, despite some experts claims that doing so will expose them to potential retaliation from their own government. Addressing the issue today, Customs spokesman Maj. Dennis Allen told the media that, with the exception of two as-yet unnamed crewmembers, all of the crew had expressed a desire to return to Bariya.

"These men want to get back to their families, their lives," Allen said in a press briefing this afternoon. "The hypotheticals are neither here nor there, the fact remains that we have no legal ground to detain these men in Prestonia and as-such we will be working closely with the Bariyan Embassy to repatriate them as expeditiously as possible."

Back in the courtroom, meanwhile, presiding magistrate Harvey J. King told Martinovic that he was "supremely lucky" to have been arrested in Prestonia, where trafficking carries a relatively light penalty as compared to elsewhere.

"It is lucky for you, Mr Martinovic, that you were before this court and not before one in Madrastan or Ankara. I would urge you to use this experience to reflect upon your career choices thus far. I am certain that your family, were they present, would wish the same."

As the jury did not give a recommendation for sentence, King adjourned proceedings for one week pending a closed sentencing hearing during which the Crown and defence will deliberate on sentencing. Defence barrister Kurt Waller said in a statement this afternoon that he would be seeking credit for time served, and would also fight any attempt to extradite his client to Gratislavia or elsewhere.

"We are concerned that extradition in this case is tantamount to double-jeopardy," Waller said in a written statement provided this afternoon. "To try Mr Martinovic in a foreign court for a crime he has already been tried and sentenced under is a grave violation of his human rights, and we urge the Justice Ministry to deny any request to extradite Mr Martinovic to an uncertain fate abroad."

The Justice Ministry received a request for extradition from the Gratislav government late last week, according to court records. Martinovic is also wanted in Gratislavia for trafficking, though the exact circumstances were not immediately clear. A Justice Ministry spokesman declined to comment on the matter, calling it "a matter of ongoing review."

by **Virana** » Sun Feb 15, 2015 8:40 pm

Report: U.R. military could have saved New Pontus
Independent Congress investigative committee finds U.R. military had planned evacuation of civilians, strikes against Ankara, but never received Vaziri's green light

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Kader Tarek (@KaderTarek) and Donald Voortman (@DDVoortman)
^{February 15, 2015 10:21 pm | Oured, D.A., United Republic of Emmeria}

The United Republic Air Force has the world's largest strategic transportation fleet. A Congressional report indicates that U.R. military planners had established plans to rescue civilians under bombardment by Ankara and strike against Ankaran artillery forces. WP photo

OURED, D.A., United Republic — An independent, bipartisan Congressional committee formed by several key senators and delegates to investigate the United Republic's inaction during the 2014 New Pontus crisis released a redacted, 40-page version of its report this past Sunday, revealing what some are now calling the shellingate scandal. A full, classified, unredacted 200-page version of the report is available to members of Congress.

In particular, the report highlighted the fact that the United Republic military was prepared to act in New Pontus, with military planners already having selected locations for collecting civilians to evacuate during the Ankaran military's shelling of New Pontus, as well as large-scale collection of satellite and other forms of intelligence regarding Ankaran shelling positions for potential airstrikes. New Pontus is widely regarded as a humanitarian disaster, with indiscriminate Ankaran shelling killing over 43,000 people in just days and displacing 4.1 million civilians. Eagleland was forced to surrender the territory, being unable to deploy forces quick enough to defend the colony from the Ankaran siege in a move that garnered widespread criticism for the inaction of President Vaziri. Vaziri was waiting for Congress to officially authorize the use of force, but by the time the joint resolution was prepared to pass, the crisis was virtually over and it was too late to act effectively.

According to the report, President Vaziri ordered top military leaders to prepare a Measured Response Package (MRP), a type of military operational plan designed as a measured response to short-term crises. Military leaders, according to the report, planned a large-scale evacuation effort using the strategic transportation resources of the United Republic Air Force, widely regarded as the largest and most capable air transportation organization in the world. They planned to launch airstrikes on known Ankaran artillery positions to end the shelling.

President Vaziri largely centered his criticism on Congress for not authorizing the use of military force in a manner quick enough to handle the crisis. But the report points to the Use of Military Force Act of 1970 that provides the president the authorization to deploy forces for up to 60 days without explicit Congressional authorization.

Nat Dem Delegate Jesus Flores of Santa Fe, known for his hawkish views in contradiction to a majority of his party, was quick to point out crises like these are exactly why the president was given those powers in UMFA1970. "The President and Congress knew full and well that it's virtually impossible to respond to an emerging, rapidly evolving military crisis through a lengthy Congressional resolution," he told reporters. "That is why he was given the power [under the Use of Military Force Act of 1970]. He specifically chose not to use it, and blamed Congress for not acting fast enough."

He continued: "There's a key difference here. The President's been painting himself as the handcuffed leader of the world, unable to act in the midst of this blatant humanitarian disaster because Congress let everybody down. In reality, he chose not to use his powers and deliberately stood by as thousands were murdered, abandoned one of our closest allies, and then blamed it all on Congress. Is that representative of a good, decisive leader?"

Firebrand Federalist Senator Joseph Hakimi of North Morena, widely regarded as major Emmerian neoconservative voice, and former 2013 presidential candidate (who lost to Vaziri during the Federalist primaries), was also harshly critical of the incumbent president. "The United Republic military has the necessary force and resources to easily wipe out the aggressors in Ankara. Eagleland has always been one of our most valued allies and a stronghold of liberty on the Ashizwean continent. He had the power to give our military the green light. And he didn't. Those are the facts on the ground."

Not all of Congress was critical of the president. Federalist Delegate George Mason of Antea, Vaziri's home state, said: "The president always prided himself in consensus democracy, that the rule of law is implemented not by a mere majority trampling over the oppressed minority, but through the consensual decision making of society as a whole. He wanted Congress's authorization to act because of his commitment to protect Emmerian allies around the globe as well as his dedication to ensuring our society agrees, as a consensus, on what to do with our nation. That he was so hesitant to act reflects his adherence to the conservative principles that got him elected."

Vaziri's inaction has been widely criticized by Eagleland, stirring severe anti-Emmerian sentiment throughout the country because its most powerful ally was unable to prove its treaty commitments. Many have said that the allegations being made against Vaziri may cause him to pursue more assertive and decisive policies in Bogoria, possibly acting within the confines of the law without explicit Congressional authorization.

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