Sunalayan News {SUNALAYA ONLY!}

[Chemensia]

President Zemlic goes to Baggnagia

Baggnagia- Today, President Zemlic flew to Baggnagia to complete his very delayed meeting with Baggnagian President Hapenic. After arriving, President Zemlic went to the Presidential house. Upon arrival, Zemlic met Hapenic in front of the building and then a short tour of the house was given to President Zemlic. After Hapenic's brief monologue in front of the press, a private meeting was held.

After the meeting, both presidents went out of the roof for the press conference. President Zemlic started off by saying "President Hapenic is one of the best guys in our region. Our nations believe many of the same values, and I think this meeting will set off an even greater friendship between out neighboring countries." The two began answering questions from the media. Both Presidents seemed to have similar viewpoints on many international and regional issues. They both said that they plan on working together on fighting local terrorists. The leaders also agree that Chemensia and Baggnagia should keep their borders protected like any other country's. On trade, Zemlic and Hapenic have somewhat similar opinions on trade, but not exact. Hapenic believed in free trade and low tariffs for close friends, but not with any nation, this is to help defend Baggnagian workers and industry. Zemlic believes in protection of Chemensian workers and companies through tariffs with most countries, even friends, but friends do get slight benefits. Hapenic also said he will help protect Baggnagia's orthodox minority, which will really help Chemensia's relations with him. Some questions came out of nowhere, like when Zemlic was asked about Yosija and whether they are going to try to improve their icy relations or keep his strong stance on Chemensian nationalism. Zemlic said "That is question for another press conference." Overall, the meeting is going to help the neighbors boost their relations as well as increase local defense.

After the meeting, Hapenic and Zemlic talked for little bit and Zemlic left to his plane.


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MORE NEWS
-CHM and FEL play.
-Sunrisia begins attack on Zilverenberg.
-Rezuan troops sent to Belantica
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[Cote de Mayotte]

CDMN

The premiere news source of Cote de Mayotte

Naval escort missions begin in region as international stability continues to collapse

Noyers- The Region continues to collapse into a state of armed conflict, Cote De Mayotte has throughout the continued escalations stayed Neutral even as the nations around her begin mobilizing their armies. "It is our expectation for things in the region to continue to deteriorate until the point of complete collapse" said Foreign Minister Jean Ryam. "Our expectation is that the conflict on the continent will eventually result in the complete degradation of civilized law on the ocean. As such we have decided to implement armed convoys for all neutral shipping entering the region, while there is no way we can order any nation to agree to this policy, we offer our hand of friendship to those nations who wish to see their citizens and merchants protected even as they conduct business on the continent."

Escort Missions will be provided by the Imperial Navy, who will be under orders to defend the convoys with military power and to destroy any incoming combatants (Allied or not) that enter into direct conflict with the convoy. The standard convoy will involved Two Imperial Mayotte-Class Cruisers, Two Harrier-Class Anti-Aircraft destroyers, and Three Inception-Class Anti-Submarine Frigates. It is expected that these force requirements will place some strain on the current peacetime level of Naval Personnel and as such, the King has decided to activate 20,000 reservists to assist with these operations.

"Peace, Is the ultimate goal. Until that happens we stand prepared to defend our shores, and our people anywhere in the world." - King Richard I

[Daredland]

BREAKING: Hasperan Republic declares secession from Daredland, saying the Confederacy is collapsing

Flag of the self-declared Republic of Haspera

The territorial integrity and the very existence of the Daredi Confederacy continues coming under serious danger. First there were militants, who with the help of their foreign supporters, had forcefully broken away the eastern territories of Daredland though armed takeover and war. Thus came to the existence the so-called Weniges Reich in eastern Daredland. Now a similar situation has apparently escalated on the opposite end of Daredland, in the west. A large chuck of western territories have been declared an independent state of the Hasperan Republic which has already proclaimed secession from Daredland. In contrast to the Weniges Reich, the Hasperan Republic has not been formed through armed takeover or any military means. Instead the proclamation of independent Haspera was made by the self-formed independent government of the Hasperan Republic which has been made out of local regional administrators and other individuals deciding to defect from direct Daredi rule. Francesco Casadan, the self-proclaimed President of the secessionist Hasperan Republic, gave a public address from the self-declared independent Hasperan parliament that has headquartered itself in a municipal building in one of the large cities in eastern Daredland.

[Spoken in Hasperan]: “Our independent Hasperan Parliament has just voted in favor of the proclamation of the Hasperan Republic and its secession from the Daredi Confederacy. It was not just an overwhelming majority, but the votes have been unanimous. As the President of the Hasperan Republic, appointed by the independent parliament, I Francesco Casadan use my authority to declare the establishment of the Hasperan Republic as a sovereign state and declare the independence of the Hasperan Republic from the Confederacy of Daredland. The jurisdiction of Daredland no longer applies or is effective on the territory of the republic. We are out of the Confederacy, because the Confederacy is dying. The central government in Freihat has failed miserably not just on political, social and economic issues but also to preserve the territorial integrity of Daredland. They had surrendered the eastern territories to Weniges terrorists and foreign conquerors. This was the beginning of the end of Daredland. The Daredi government has proven itself ineffective, they clearly don’t know what they are doing and they have failed miserably on domestic and foreign policy. They have killed this country and killed the Confederacy, not us. Before this ship sinks completely and we are all affected, we have decided to head for the life boats now.”

Map of Daredland with the Hasperan Republic broken away

From early reports, no militants or armed formations have been spotted in the territories that are now within the self-declared Hasperan Republic. Situation only remains unclear with the local police and which side are they going to be on. Back in the capital Freihat, the reaction has been swift. The State Council has recognized the declaration of the Hasperan Republic illegal and unconstitutional. Chancellor Calvin Aigner has come out before the press to explain what is going to be done next. “Of course Daredland will not recognize the so-called Hasperan Republic, especially in the way it was proclaimed. Nobody elected neither Mr. Casadan nor the so-called Hasperan Parliament. This group of people have decided everything on their own. There were no elections, no democracy. We are not going to recognize this unconstitutional secession and we hope other countries will follow suite. Fortunately what makes this situation from being another Weniges Reich, is that there are apparently no militants or armed takeover of territory which is why we are willing to engage the Hasperan leadership diplomatically. There is no intervention by the Konfoderaleswehr needed and we should not start regretting about not asking Sunrisians to continue sending more military supplies to us. I will contact Mr. Casadan as soon as I can and hopefully we will be able to meet in person.”

[Eubatu]

GOVERNESS ASSASSINATED!

Governess Mary Bentualli has been assassinated. Infamous Bannerless Brotherhood terrorist Roger Moccks, more commonly known as The Assassin or The Cleaner shot her during her travel from her home to the capital building for an early morning Technocratic Council meeting. The entirety of the Eubatian military has been activated, along with the police force to track down this man and bring him into custody. Labelled as a Round-Table Member of the Brotherhood International, the United Sovereign Kingdoms of Rhodevus have him listed as a shoot-to-kill target. Extremely dangerous all people are to remain in their homes for the remainder of the day.

The Technocratic Council did meet in order to pass an emergency resolution naming one of their own interim leader until a proper vote can be held. The interim leader is the former Professional of Engineering, James Willz. Chief James Willz has ordered a full lockdown of the country while the Eubatian, along with Pantorran militaries search for Moccks. If sighted, report immediately. Do not engage. He is reported as being heavily armed and extremely dangerous. If there are any clues as to his whereabouts, a reward has been issued.

The flag referendum has been delayed until a more suitable time.

[Yizriya]

לק״י

'Will Yezriya Have a Language Reform?' The Public Opinions Vary

Malafaqüm, IYAR - The land known as Yezriya today rests on major historic crossroads within the region of Azarah relative to the Eastern Ventismarian Sea - a region enveloped within an intricate linguistic history. The IYAR today was shaped by various languages that have left their mark on the region, including Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, Farsi, Greek, Latin, Turkish, and various other languages. Despite the various groups of people who have interacted with the peoples of Yezriya, the region is known for its distinct language, Yezri. The language happens to not be related to the local Hebrew, Arabic, Aramaic, and other Semitic languages spoken with region nor does It happen to be related to Indo-European and Turkic languages spoken within the greater vicinity of IYAR. Yezri is a Medic language which isn't related to the aforementioned language families but happens to be a distinct language family. The Medic languages are said to have emerged in around 1000 BCE and was spread to the region through various conquests, taking place around the 8th to 6th centuries BCE up to times as late as the 5th to 4th centuries BCE. The Medic languages began to diverge as their own regional varieties, eventually dying out in most places with one of the few exceptions being Yizriya, with the language Yezri being the most spoken, modern descendant of the Medic languages.

The Yezri language from the very beginning obtained a strong Northwestern Semitic influence, given that the populace who adopted the language were Semitic-speaking peoples, who predominately spoke Hebrew, Aramaic, and a few other local languages. Such a varied region subject to various conquests, various languages came to the region during different time periods, such as the Greek and Latin language or the Arabic language during the Islamic Conquests of the region profoundly affected the corpus of the language, as did other empires and foreign powers when taking what is now the modern-day IYAR for themselves.

The product of such intricacies can be observed on the language today. For example, the word maħalôqat, from the Hebrew מחלקת, or various interjections, such as 'aləlây', 'wayî', 'höy', 'ôy' being of Northwest Semitic origins. Religious, old scholarly vocabulary is largely Semitic, though there exist Hellenic loans, and more recent French and Swedish loans. At a time of expanding colonialism throughout Sunalaya, various nations embarked the task of gaining wordly influence through many means. Yezriya's inhabitants were no stranger to this, notably during the 17th century, the period of Saint Valerienese domination of the region beginning in 1632.

From this period, known as the 'Zorêt-ë Valeryîdeyê'¹, Yezri changed it's script entirely to a Latin-based script from the previously used Hebrew and Arabic scripts to write the Judaeo and non-Judaeo variants of the language. Yezri absorbed a large number of French loanwords. Such words were chiefly academic, within the level of government, though left a deep impact on the modern, secular academic corpus of the Yezri language. Examples of French loanwords in Yezri include meşye or mûşeyr (from monsieur), mîtot (from méthode), istolojiyê (from histologie), and biblâteq (from bibliothèque). Such words gradually entered the Yezri lexicon over the course of hundreds of years, and even continued after the time of the short-lived declaration of independence of Yezriya in 1897.

Upon Yezriyan independence, the region was co-operatively ruled by the various groups of the region under the Ḥekimêt², which had representatives from Yezriyan Jews, Yezriyan Muslims, Yezriyan Christians, Druze, and a single Samaritan, Zoroastrian, and Bahá'í representative. They came together under the Neşî², which acted as a Prime Minister, and with the collective consultation of the Jewish Exilarchate, The Patriarchate of Malafaqüm, and ‘Ulama’ of Yezriya, the region remained in stability until 1951. During this time period, the languages of government were French, Arabic and Yezri. The chief language of instruction was French until 1932. There was a stronger desire to use the language commonly spoken amongst all Yezriyans, which was the Yezri language.

In 1919, under Ḥaxôm Yosef Qefaḥ ben-Şalomoh Yaşişazî Âyhûdî min-Ta’ash, the Dirda‘î movement, an Orthodox Jewish movement that stood against mysticism, and took a strong 'rationalistic approach' in education. Ḥaxôm Qefaḥ opened a school, which included Yezri as the chief language of instruction, but also taught Hebrew, Arabic, and French alongside other subjects including mathematics, history, and sciences. The schools were intially Jewish, until others also wanted to send their children to these schools. With the support of local authorities, Qefaḥ started a petition to change the chief languages of instruction to Yezri, with there being secondary and tertiary language instruction to the chosing of the parents. This lead to major protests, lasting from August to December 1931, where many reportedly refused to speak French in French schools, and several destroyed signs in French over the course of several months. Rallies and strikes occured on a near weekly basis, until the Ḥekimêt voted to make Yezri the language of government and instruction. Shortly afterwards, the Hozudiyêt Lişan-ë Sukrayyê³ was established on 6 February 1932. The Academy was to standardise the Yezri language into a common variant for the public.

The Academy developed Modern Standard Yezri, based on the dialects spoken around Malafaqüm. In spite of the standardisation process being one to unite the country, it was met with several criticisms. The dialects of Malafaqüm are divided into two general groups, Judaeo-Malafî and Malafî. The Yezri spoken by Jews was filled with Hebraisms, Aramisms, and possessed a number of slight lexical and grammatical nuances from it's non-Judaeo variant, which was filled with several Arabisms. The academy feared that either of the two groups would be angered by picking one word from one variant instead of another would incite rage, and thus picked either word in such cases, but deliberately used a French loanword in such circumstances. The conscious decision to standardise the language, picking French words over a local dialect or simply an older word which wasn't unique to either dialect caused outrage. Colloquially, the Academy came to be known as 'Yaşdimêt-ë Valeryîdeyê'⁴. Members of the Dirda‘î called it a disgrace to their initial cause.

Yezriya lost its independence in 1953, due to conflicts in Qaswan shortly after their independence which also lead to unrest in Yezriya. At the request of the Ḥekimêt, Saint Valérien intervened to prevent a warning and became the autonomous region of the Saint Valérien remains to be the IYAR to this very day. However, during the independence period of Yezriya Swedish Schools sponsored by Cill Airne opened in an attempt to 'divorce Yezriya from it's French past' which caused Swedish words to also enter he Yezri corpus from this period, including words such as homûseksâliteyê (from Swedish homosexualitet), falgobên (From flygvapen), and sənuş (from snus). Yezri continues to reflect it's history from its loanwords, though other perceive it to be a disgrace to Yezriya.

Today, about 300 Yezriyans gathered outside of the Hozudiyêt Lişan-ë Sukrayyê to protest. The protestors held signs saying "Respect our language" and "Yezri does not belong to foreigners". A passerby comments on the scene:

"In my humble opinion, there is nothing wrong with having vocabulary foreign to the Yezri language. The Yezri language is descended from a language that was brought here. What we to do it is our history. We are becoming ignorant of our own history by purging out loanwords. How much are we going to remove? Are we removing the Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, and other words too? Or just the French ones? Are we going to remove the Greek, Latin, and Farsi words as well? It will destroy our language. 45% percent of Yezri vocabulary is of non-Medic origin. What are we going to do here? We aren't Proto-Medic peoples either!"

Another passerby interjects his disagreement saying, "We aren't removing our entire history by doing this. Why should we deliberately supplement our language with the tongues of those who have humiliated us for centuries? We have words that we all share in common, let's not flush away what brings us together at the expense of our language."

Members of the Academy of the Yezri language themselves are divided on the issue. The president of the Academy, renowned linguist Ya'ir ban Hasa Âtarsabi min-Habarâ, favours coining words from older Yezri root words rather than directly borrowing from words in certain circumstances, but not all. "It's important for us to remember that we aren't here to relexify the Yezri language. Our job isn't to whitewash the language, nor is it the job to ignore what makes the Yezri language itself". The Academy is going to prepare a vote in regards to the existing dilemma. The vote will take place on Yezri day, the 6th of February in celebration of the Academy's establishment, 86 years ago.

According to a recent poll, an estimated 45% of Yezris would prefer a language reform, while another 46% are against the language reform 9% were neutral or refused to answer. "We'll find out what the academy votes a few days from now. Hopefully the decision is one that would benefit our people as a whole." Other major authorities such as the exilarch did not comment on the ordeal and chose to remain neutral. Updates on the question of a possible language reform will be given as new information arrives, and the results will be posted shortly after the Academy publishes the. Result of their vote.
Extra Insight (Superscript)
1: Literally translated to 'The Period of the Valerienese'
2: Yezri term for Parliamentary-like body
3: Academy of the Yezri Language
4: A Slavehouse to the Valerienese

Other News
• Disappeared Habara child found in Ma'alamot

[Dirkhizistan]

President Mugharz "seriously considering" converting to christianity

Mugharz during his visit to Pantorrum, a day before islamists tried to remove him from power back in December

KNN reports that President Mugharz is now "seriously considering" converting to christianity. Mugharz, a reformist muslim, who had tried to stop religious tension in Dirkhizistan. He said he began to think this when the islamists of the military had attempted a coup on him in December of 2017. He is now saying that he is losing trust in the islamic faith in Dirkhizistan, and recently, an unknown islamic terror cell warned Dirkhizistan's ally, Sinyrus, of "something extraordinary coming". The tensions between muslims and hindus in southwest Dirkhizistan, Zaran's Al-Kalora supporting islamists who fight Dirkhizistan, and the growth of radical islam in Dirkhizistan has swayed his opinion of the religion, he said today. "It is very likely I may abandon my Islamic faith and convert to the christian faith, as I no longer trust much of the Islamic faith in Dirkhizistan. Our nations founder Derdeq's Dirkhiz Reformist Islam may not be as popular or even becoming minority in our nations muslims, and the people are beginning to follow radical islamic faith, and we may need to change our ways before our nation falls apart, the coup has caused my thoughts of changing religion to become extremely possible, but this never will change my goal to defend the people of Dirkhizistan, and it's constitution."

IN OTHER NEWS:
"extraordinary", what does it mean?

Yezriya language reform?

Bannerless Brotherhood assassinates another leader

Hasperan Republic secedes

Baggnagia and Chemensia meet

grammammamar lolll

[Edereon]

Edereon supports territorial integrity of Daredland and hopes for peace in The Seven United

Prime Minister Céc Mustigañ, the Head of Government of Edereon, has expressed the Ederi position on the current events in the region. The stance on Zilveren Berg was already known earlier on. Edereon has issued a condemnation of the aggressiveness of the Zilveren leadership and expressed support for the operation by Sunrisia, Librira and Amestrris to finally constrain the threat. The current statement by PM Mustigañ was focused more on the most recent events in two of Edereon’s neighbors, one of which is an MDAA ally. It concerned the declaration of independence by the self-proclaimed Hasperan Republic from Daredland and the current authority–militant stand-off in the Montedoran region of The Seven United:

”We support the position of the government of Daredland about the secession of the Hasperan Republic as being an unconstitutional act. There was no referendum in those territories that now form this self-proclaimed state and no elections that had brought to power the Hasperan government. Nobody elected neither the Hasperan president nor parliament. Those people had appointed themselves and now think they can speak on behalf of the people that live there. We view it as corrupt local politicians pursuing personal interests by trying to present it as some just cause. These individual actions by certain politicians are tearing apart a country. Edereon respects Daredland, their constitution and their territorial integrity. In these conditions in which the situation has developed, Edereon will not recognize our “new neighbor” the Hasperan Republic and will continue to reject the existence of the Weniges Reich. We support a united Daredland. Because the situation in western Daredland has not gone the military route like in the east, we hope that the crisis will remain a diplomatic one and will be resolved as such.

It pains us to see what is currently happening in The Seven United. The confrontation between the Union and government and autonomous Montedoran leadership is an issue that we can talk about separately. But what brings ache to us the ongoing hostage situation. We hope the Seven United authorities will be able to resolve the crisis under the rule of law and that now radical forces will escalate a military conflict in Montedoran. Because we are all in MDAA, we are all in this together and what happens in The Seven United affects us all. Right now it remains an internal issue and let’s have faith in the local police, local authorities, local diplomats and the civil society that everything will be resolved.”

[Saint Valerien]

Valentin Langonnet Proposes LGBT Equality Bill

«  Keeping true to his party's campaign promises, Prime Minister Valentin Langonnet has proposed a LGBT Equality bill to Saint Valérien's Parliament, the Estates General, today. »

LE MONDE | 04.02.2018 à 16h23 |

Just a week after his party's major win in the 2018 elections and Prime Minister Langonnet is already making true on some of his campaign promises. Those close to the Prime Minister of Saint Valérien have stated that he has been hard at work since his election, with many aids remarking he does not go to bed until the early hours of the morning - up late from working hard on proposals, reviewing laws, etc.

Today during a meeting of the Estates General's lower house, the Chamber of Deputies, he proposed the first law since he became Prime Minister in January. The bill, titled « On the Protections and Equality of Saint Valérien's LGBT Community » would be a massive overhaul to the current laws in regards to the LGBT community. Currently there are no laws protecting members of the LGBT community from discrimination on the basis of their sexual preferences, but this law would change that.

The Bill also introduces reforms into other areas that affect LGBT community, including the allowing of adoption by same-sex parents, the legalisation of same-sex civil unions, and overturns a 98 year old law prohibiting the change to the legal definition of marriage. If the bill is passed by the Chamber of Deputies it will then be debated by the Upper House of the Estates General, the Chamber of Peers. If passed in both houses the bill will then become law. It also paves the way for Prime Minister Langonnet to hold a referendum on Same-Sex Marriage, which he hopes to do by the end of this year.

The Prime Minister has called this bill the beginning of his plan to modernise Saint Valérien's legal system, which he believes has fallen behind under successive conservative governments over the past decade and a half. The bill has already received popular support online through out the nation, with many saying that this points to the Prime Minister's dedication to his party's platform and campaign promises. There has been some concern whether the bill will pass in the Chamber of Peers, which remains largely conservative, although it is expected to easily pass in the Chamber of Deputies.

[Amestrris]

Amestrris to be joined in southern Zilveren Berg by allies in coalitionist campaign

In recent days following the Zilveren crisis, Amestrrian forces have established a zone of operations beyond the border in southern Zilveren Berg in efforts to stabilize and liberate the region. The High Commander of the Covenant forces, Seneca Kvar, made an official statement earlier today regarding the conflict in Corentia. "The Zilverens fight with a zealous fury. They truly believe their Supreme Leader is a god of some sort. However, we can assure the nation and our coalition allies - Sunrisia and Librira - that there is more than enough support for our efforts in the hermit kingdom," concluding that "we are to be joined by our allies in the southern stronghold within Zilveren Berg - a successful occupation and stabilization by our forces." He further outlined a strategy in which the "stronghold" would establish a unified frontier for the forces of the Corentian coalition. The President also released an honorary statement, in which he commemorated and thanked the governments of Sunrisia and Librira, establishing this day as a mark of celebration and gratefulness for their commitments to assist in toppling this volatile regime".

Other reports suggest that, to slow the progress of violence in the north, Amestrris will focus its efforts on the stabilization of the aforementioned occupational stronghold in Zilveren Berg. Once Sunrisian and Libriran forces convene with our forces, discussions will commence as to the military options. Analysts from all three sides suggest that increasing pressure by performing surgical strikes on Zilveren military infrastructure and assets will limit unnecessary civilian casualties. "We want to liberate the region, and cooperate with rebel forces, which are growing exponentially in our favour", assured the High Commander. Thus, the military is currently running exercises to prepare for a relatively peaceful occupation and demolition of the Gorm Regime."

When asked about recent nuclear threats made by Supreme Leader Gorm in retaliation to the occupational forces, the High Commander assured that these are just bluffs made by the Zilverens, and that any attempt to strike forces in Zilveren Berg with nuclear weaponry would be futile. Currently, the Covenant of Amestrris has numerous THAAD missile defense systems stationed within Zilveren Berg and Amestrrian territory. Additionally, Amestrrian forces wait in suspenseful anticipation for the arrival of Sunrisian and Libriran forces, in which more extensive defensive networks are to be set in place. "As of now, the plan is to leave dominance from the sea to the Libriran and Sunrisian forces, while Amestrris will take on the ground and air fronts, where they will commit more resources to infantry, armoured, and air units. This will allow for effective, concentrated attacks that reserve resources most efficiently. Of course, we will all contribute on all fronts, but in surgical efforts". The High Commander would not reveal much more on the military strategy at this time.

SPECTRE announces historic landing of Taurus IV space probe

Today, humanity is catching its first close-up glimpse of a bizarre, frigid moon that may be capable of supporting life as we know it. The Amestrrian science, research, and space conglomerate - SPECTRE - had its Taurus IV probe touch down on the surface of Prasinus' third moon after being deployed from its mothership. For the first time ever, an emissary of Sunalaya had softly landed on a world of the Outer Solar System.

"I distinctly recall, upon receiving the news, the dreamy feeling of being in one universe one moment, and another universe the next," Taurus IV imaging team leader Seraphina Cyrus. "But it was no dream. We have, in fact, journeyed to Tauron, much farther from the sun than Sunalaya, and touched it. The solar system is suddenly a much smaller place."

Taurus IV reached the Prasinus system yesterday and thus had already observed Tauron by the time it had touched down. However, the lander beamed home information impossible to obtain from afar - a data haul that had begun during its two-hour descent through the relatively thick atmosphere, when compared to Sunalaya. "The images taken by the falling probe and released to the public that night were everything our images from orbit were not: unfiltered, exquisitely detailed views of the moon's surface and unambiguous in their account," wrote Cyrus.

Those images revealed what appeared to be a shoreline, as well as snaking channels that had obviously been carved by flowing liquid, she added. And that liquid has indeed been confirmed to be water, the very agent required for life to thrive as we know it. Not only were these liquid carvings found, but as the lander descended and resolution increased, there appeared to be liquid water seas and rocky, terrestrial continents much like ours. What was not observed as of yet was life, nor the green forests that one would dream of a habitable moon. This does not rule out the possibility of microbial life, and Taurus IV will hopefully illuminate us on that subject soon. "Tauron is a frigid world, and spends most of its year locked in an ice age. However, we were lucky enough catch it in its Goldilocks zone, where it happens to sustain liquid water and is at its closest to Sunalaya's orbit. During this time, we become significantly closer to the moon. Further, the high gravitational influence of Prasinus causes a stretching elasticity effect on the tectonic plates of Tauron, creating a source of internal heat from the friction". Not more much could be said at the time, as SPECTRE is waiting to analyze the continuous flow of data from the lander.

In the coming weeks, the lander will be working diligently to return atmospheric and geological data, as well as any signs of biological activity. It will search for biosignatures of both past and present life, and will determine the quality of the moon's environment in light of possible future manned missions.

IN OTHER NEWS:
- SPECTRE to commence first launch of landing rocket
- Is there life on Tauron? Check the latest issue of 'Capitol Cosmos'
- Zilveren Supreme Leader becomes vicious in his remarks. What will it take to stop this tyrant?
- Discussions between heads of state of Amestrris, Librira, and Sunrisia continue as 'rebels' come under Zilveren fire
- Saint Valerian to join the 21st century in LGBT Equality Bill
- Hesperan Republic calls for secession from Daredland; Corentian stability continues to degrade
- Will Belantica be joining the fight against Zilveren Berg?
- Aznazia declares war on Zilveren Berg
- Oil spill in Gulf of Kirsk deemed "environmental disaster" by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability
- SPECTRE scientists continue work on 'Mystery Disease' from Yeonhwa
- Dirkhizistan tested largest ballistic bomb yet

[United Layfet]

Nordipolica World

Nordipolica, Layfet - February 4th , 2018

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WWI Officially Ends For Layfet and Pantorrum

By Peter Whills, Staff Writer

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Layfet and Pantorrum officials came together this morning to sign a treaty officially ending hostilities that date back to World War I. The new nations previously had never signed a peace treaty ending Pantorrum's occupation of the islands from 1914 to 1917. Pantorrum even held control over a Layfetian base until 1948.

While the two nations have had good relations since the 1960s, it was found out by Layfetian Ambassador Roberto J. Messi (above, left) that the two nations were still technically at war. Messi made contact with his Pantorran counterpart and (above, right) and the two met together to sign the Treaty of Cormiar, ending the war. This means that technically World War I is the longest conflict in Layetian history, spanning for 104 years.

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Layfet to downsize Military

By August Von Kirkland, Military Staff Writer

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Layfet's two only Aircraft Carriers LS Comrade in Arms and LS Arsenal of Democracy are set to be retired later this month and replaced by a single Rhodeve made John Harrison Class aircraft carrier, the HMV Dezlhora 2, which was sold to Layfet earlier in 2017. The ships will be renamed the LS Revolution once it arrives. Layfet two current aircraft carriers are currently serving on missions until the 10th. The LS Arsenal of Democracy will be scraped while the LS Comrade in Arms will be permanently stationed in the Nina Islands and turned into a museum. Layfet paid $Z420 million for the new aircraft carrier.

Alongside the Aircraft carriers, Layfet plans to downsize its military once again, dropping from the around 80ish aircraft it has to around 60 and downsizing its total military force from 67,000 personal to 45,000 personal by the end of the decade. Layfetian Director of Defense Cynthia A. Thackeray says there are plans to work closer with Sunrisia to provide more of Layfet's total defense.

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Executive Minister Dantes to resign March 1st after First Lady cancer diagnosis

By Andrew Calvin, News Editor

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First Lady Vanessa A. Howe-Dantes was diagnosed with cancer yesterday at Capital Hospital, the type of cancer is still unknown at this point. The First Lady's office released a statement stating that she can longer continue to work at this time and will go home to Layfet City with her children. Executive Minister Edmond Dantes waited until this morning to give a breif press release.

"With this unfortunate news, I ask my nation to understand that I can no longer serve in capacity as their Executive Minster. I will resign on March 1st and leave the nation in the hands of my good friend and colleague Susan." He then walked off stage crying. Susan Polster said when asked about if she would still run in 2020, she dismissed the reporter saying that it was not the time for politics.

---

World Cup: Layfet wins 4-3 against Nordstamus

By Martin Fitch, Jr., Sports Editor

---

Layfet United FC won 4-3 against the Nordstramus National Team at the ISFA International Stadium this morning. Pelay netted the winning goal with a well-taken finish after a messy dribble. Fans rejoiced that Layfet played well during its first game in the World Cup. Layfet United FC Manager Martin Ross said "I expect us to do well this cup. We play well and work hard and nothing is going to slow us down."

the manager expressed happiness toward Jacob Pelay, who scored two of the goals for Layfet in the game. "I just did my best, nothing more" He replied. Nordstramus isn't out of the cup yet, they still have time to push them up the scoreboard next week. The World Cup is certainly heating up and time will tell just how far Layfet will go to reach the top.

the 2018 ISFA World Cup is really off to a start with many people from across the entire world excited to see who will make it past eliminations and claim the title.

[Yizriya]

לק״י

Valerienese Yezri Performing Poorly on Yezri Exams, Will a Curricular Reform Occur?

Malafaqüm, IYAR - Nestled within the compact, winding corridors of the streets and şuqs of Malafaqüm lies an enclave, representing the vestiges of 265 years of Valérienese colonialism, lies a gated, black-railed, ornate metal fence with a bilingual sign reading, "LE QUARTIER DES SAINT-VALÉRIENAIS | SANÄMÊT-Ë VALERYÎDEYÊ"¹. Beyond this point, one no longer hears Yezri echoing across Malafaqüm's labyrinthine streets but rather the French language. The dress of the people also changes, resembling the typical westernised dress nearly 70 years ago. Uniformed schoolchildren walk in groups to the École Française de Malafaqüm², the echoes of church bells ring in the distance, and the elderly hang plants on balconies sharply contrasting other portions of the city. Here lies The Saint Valerienese Quarter, situated in the Northeast of Malafaqüm.

The quarter itself claims home to 4,700 Valerienese Yezri, full and partial descendants of the same colonists that conquered Yezriya 386 years ago, and other Saint Valerienese who came to settle in Yezriya from 1632 to as recent as the mid 20th century. Whilst the possibility of the approval or refusal Yezri language reforms strikes a nerve amongst many Yezriyans, here people are proud to host the oldest French school in IYAR.

"I'm proud to speak French, our children are happy to speak French, we will always speak French." Says Dşzîn-Batişta Ganây min-Malafaqüm, the principal of the École Française de Malafaqüm. "My father comes from a line descended from a Saint Valerienese family who settled in Malafaqüm in the early 17th century, and my mother comes from a mixed family, of local Yezri Catholics and Valerienese immigrants, whose grandparents also settled Malafaqüm in the 1929. Our culture is unique and will be protected." The sentiments of 'Meşye Ganây' are shared amongst other Valerienese Yezris, who more than often keep to themselves rather than integrating into the rest of Yezriya. "If we assimilate, our children will become Jews and forget that they ever spoke French. Whatever others do isn't our business."

The reality of these Yezri citizens differs strongly from others. They prefer to live in separate neighbourhoods and localities, are culturally similar to their Western relatives overseas, and are predominately Roman Catholic, which even contrasts from other Yezri Christians, who are predominantly Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics. The linguistic and cultural boundaries, their economic status, combined with the community's cohesiveness are the chief explanations of the community's survival to the present day.

"The community has inherited the wealth of our forefathers. We were predominately merchants and were heavily involved in government, business, law. To this day, we take pride in our education - grounded around the French lay missions" Explains local resident Yaqob Ganây, the brother of the principal of Malafaqüm's French school. It is indeed valid that the Valerienese Yezri are prosperous, having an a yearly income 61% higher than average yearly income of IYAR proper. Valerienese Yezriyans in the present day hardly intermarry with other Yezriyans, and only 21% of them have a 'moderately-proficient' command of the Yezri language.

Their disconnection with the rest of the IYAR has raised concern amongst other Yezriyans. Currently, it is required within the Yezriyan curriculum to teach the Yezri, along with other languages of the peoples' chosing. The requirements are vastly obeyed across the autonomous region, though there are increasing allegations that the Yezriyan French schools do not completely obey the guidelines of the curriculum, solely teaching rudimentary elements of Yezri enough to pass matriculation guidelines. The average regional score for the oral and written Yezri language exams is at 87%, with the minimum passing score required being at 55%. Valerienese Yezri generally perform below average in this portion of the matriculation exam, typically scoring 63%. Yezriyan politicians have appealed to the Ministry of Education to strengthen the Yezri proficiency guidelines on multiple occasions, only for these guidelines to be rejected, with representatives of the Valerienese Yezri community accusing politicians of the Êrgudeyê Dāʿatiyê-yë Âksalî³ of intolerance and regressive policies. On the contrary, Yezriyans have also accused Valerienese Yezri of racism.

Because of the repeated complaints about groups not abiding with the national average in the field of Yezri proficiency, the Ministry of Education repeatedly requested review of the curriculum of the French Schools, though in return they receive plans abiding to the 'national minimum' in Yezri courses. The Ministry has requested Yezriyan French Schools to "increase the amount of hours in Yezri instruction", though the deans of these French schools respond giving accusation that these undermines the community's heritage.

"We are not trying to undermine anybody. We are trying to bring the entire region to the same level. Monolingualism isn't the answer in education and there's nothing wrong that Valerienese Yezri learn the language of their fellow countrymen" explains Yaḥya Kinani bin Maḥmûd Zindanî min-Ma‘alamôt, the minister of education of the IYAR. Whilst a large portion of Valerienese Yezri are indeed monolingual, these numbers are only at 39%. Like the rest of Yezriya, Swedish is becoming a popular foreign language to learn, vestiges of an active Swedish School program sponsored by Cill Airne, as a Yezriyan attempt to remove French influence. Instead of learning Yezri as a foreign language, many pick Swedish, English, Italian, Greek, or Arabic to learn instead - with Swedish being the most popular amongst Valerienese Yezris.

"It's very ironic!" Interjects a passerby. "Whilst French is becoming more popular in Cill Airne, Swedish is becoming more popular here, despite us being an overseas territory of Saint Valérien. The times are changing." However, the changes do not make all Yezriyans comfortable. "Why can't they learn our language?" asks another passerby. "We are not ignorants. We are aware that speaking other languages is important and we do. There's nothing wrong with exalting our Ventismarian heritage in not choosing to adopt the Yezri language." Replies a French School teacher.

"This problem must and will be addressed. Our language will not be disrespected in our own land." adds the minister of education. "What we may need following a language reform is a curricular reform". The question of a curricular reform is indeed a controversial one. Whilst Valerienese Yezris firmly reject a change in curricular reforms, they fear that their numbers and influence will not be enough to make a change. Opinions continue to remain strongly divided on the issue, in light of the already existing possibility of a major overhaul of the political landscape with the threat of conflict from Qaswan. Should the concerns of Yezriyans be over academic abidance and language reforms, or the impending conflict to arise in Qaswan? Stay tuned for more updates on the matter.

Extra Insight (Superscript)
1: Literally translated to: 'The Saint Valerienese Quarter'
2: The French School of Malafaqüm
3: Movement of the Generation of Knowledge, a popular Jewish party in Yezriya

Other News
• Yezriyan Jewish extremist allegedly murders local Imam of Xaymâ, a Yezriyan exclave within Qaswan

[Seguia]

EL MENSAJERO DE ENCORAZ

Military parade cancelled by Prime Minister Marquez

---

Today, Prime Minister Marquez cancelled the yearly military parade marking the Battle Of Isla Del Sol. He says that military parades are a lasting cry of the era of the VGN's rule. He also said that this parade in particular celebrates the rule of the VGN. However, the decision is met with outrage. Several politicians and military officers stated their dislike towards what happened. Seguese Admiral Juan De Corda, says "The Battle of Isla Del Sol was a major part of Seguese history, and ignoring this because you disagree with the ideas of the VGN is wrong. Many of our fathers and grandfathers were killed in the bloody fight for that island. Yes, we did fight under the rule of Gonzalez, but that doesn't remove the fact is was Seguian boys who were killed." However, these rejections were then met by groups of people defending Marquez. The prominent activist from Encoraz, David Garcia, said on his radio show that "Marquez was right because the side celebrate during the battle, is the side of the VGN. Not only is that against the modern values of Seguia, but it also makes us look like we support the defenders of a fascist regime from an era long gone. Gonzalez was a tyrant. We destroyed the support of him before, and we'll do it again. Marquez has not yet responded to the criticism.

In other news:
-Layfet beats Nordstamus 4-3.
-More leaks about corruption in the Marquez government comes out.
-Dirkhiz president Mugharz thinks about becoming a christian.
-Unrest arises in Seguia's less populated southern territories.

[Baggnagia]

Chemnesian President Zlatan Zemlić in Baggnagia on a state visit

SILCENDA, BAGGNAGIA – Baggnagia is graciously hosting Chemnesian President Zlatan Zemlić, who is in the country on an official state visit. The leader of the neighboring nation is here to meet with President Fran Hapénic primarily, but chances are that President Zemlić will also have a chance to interact with the Baggnagian cabinet and maybe even common citizens on the street. President Hapénic greeted President Zemlić on the stairway to the presidential headquarters, where the Baggnagian leader was waiting for the guest alongside a delegation. Having introduced President Zemlić to every member of the delegation personally, President Hapénic invited the Chemnesian leader into the presidential headquarters, where they had a little tour. What proceeded later was a handshake in front of camera flashes of the press and a welcoming of President Zemlić to Baggnagia by President Hapénic.

It is truly an honor to have here a President of not just any nation, but a nation that we consider to be a brotherly one to Baggnagians. Mr. President, I welcome you. There is a lot going on in the world right now and there is also a lot happening in our own countries as we know. Let us take it as a sign from Mother Nature herself that it is time for us to have this long-overdue meeting, especially in this time.

After the media had left the Presidents alone, they were left to discuss many issues eye-to-eye. Following that personal meeting, a scheduled joint news conference was held where both leaders had an opportunity to answer questions about the meeting and questions aimed personally at them. President Fran Hapénic open the press conference with a brief summary of what has been discussed, before opening for questions.

I and the President have had a very productive meeting. We had laid out a list of issues and topics of interest on both our agenda. We have clearly determined our similar and different stances on certain issues. First and foremost, we have expressed solidarity between Baggnagia and Chemnesia in regards to terrorism within both our nations’ borders. We have supported peace in both our countries and will be laying out a further framework between our governments on how to combat terrorism together in each other’s countries, because terrorists in both nations affect Baggnagia and Chemnesia directly and simultaneously. A clear plan of action is not yet there, but that is something that our defense ministries and militaries can take over from here. Currently, Baggnagia is receiving active help from Sunrisians, our friends from across the ocean, but after today Chemnesia may also join the ranks of our partners in this battle and we will join the ranks of their partners in their battle against fundamentalists.

On other issues, I have expressed to President Zemlić that Baggnagia intends to keep up strict border control and active customs, which I understand we have found common ground on as well. Customs integration or free movement of persons are not on the agenda, but I have told President Zemlić that Baggnagia and Chemnesia can open a dialogue on visa liberalization. I have also reassured President Zemlić that Baggnagia will continue protecting the rights of the Orthodox religious minority in our country. Though it seems like we have been agreeing on everything so far, I have mentioned before that there have been certain issues where we had gone our separate ways. On trade, there is a minimal difference in how we approach it. Baggnagia is more open to free trade in comparison to Chemnesia, but we have both agreed that the domestic work must be protected. I have stated that Baggnagia can establish free trade with a very close circle of nations that we considers our friends and allies, while having lower tariffs for those nations that we have a less close, but also a warm relationship with. President Zemlić made it clear to me that Chemnesia is stricter when it comes to free trade and we completely understand and respect this position. Still, the President had let me know that nations with good relations with Chemnesia can find themselves at a negotiations table about tariffs because Chemnesia is a country open to flexibility and negotiation. That is also something pleasant to hear.

Probably there was only one issue where we had completely gone separate ways, but there is no problem about it from anyone’s point-of-view. I have told the President that my administration has set Baggnagia on the path of future Ventismar integration and likely membership in VU. I was curious to know the opinion of President Zemlić and Chemnesian VU prospects, but the President has let me know that there are no such plans at the moment and Chemnesia is not focused on Ventismar integration. That is completely fine with us. We can build neighborly solidarity in any conditions because our related cultures can understand each other better than anyone else. We will now take your questions please.

[Vesvai]

VNNHD

---

Parliament Approves Military Budget Increase

Seeking to save the sinking military, the VHU-led parliament has approved a dramatic increase of Vesvai’s military budget. The increase would basically make the armed forces a national priority and defense would be the largest-funded sector in comparison to all others. The opposition and minority-holding parties have obviously either boycotted the vote or voted against it. Meanwhile, the VHU’s majority in the parliament has approved the defense budget increase. PM Jonathan Mollisal supported the vote: “Our military is practically collapsing which is why we need to devote a special attention to saving the Royal Vesvaian Security Forces. Even if that means that funding would have to be cut for other areas. If we don’t do this, the military will collapse and we cannot be a nation without a military. We have potential outside threats and enemies, rogue states destabilizing the international community, terrorism all around the globe, the Rhodeve Commonwealth members being attacked all around, not to mention the situation in Vesvai itself. We need to accept the reality and tighten our belts.” The decision was applauded by Vesvai’s Minister of National Defense and Security Robert Praesedit.

Members of AIT opposition coalition, other parties and workers of many NGOs have criticized the vote as another step towards further authoritarianism in Vesvai. One AIT member commented to an opposition news outlet, saying: “First they fixed the election, later they started cracking down on protesters and dissidents by filing fake charges against them that violate our constitution. Now, they are using different pretexts to pour our entire state budget into the military, the police and other armed structures under the government’s control. The VHU knows they do not have support in this country anymore, so they will be trying to grab onto power by forces. They will turn Vesvai into a police state and intimidate everyone living here who opposes the government, including the political elite and the citizens. Education will suffer, healthcare will suffer, welfare will suffer, the environment and anything that you can name. They don’t care. The VHU has now set focus towards inflating the power of the military and the police as their personal defense forces. Through intimidation they want to keep themselves in the government because they feel the threat from the opposition and the civil society. I can promise you that the next laws will be aimed at restricting the free press and we are already seeing signs of it.”

There have been other theories of beefing up the military apart from the Vesvai government’s official reasoning. Some theories say that it’s Vesvai’s ambition to increase influence on the international arena and maybe become at least a regional power. Others alarmingly say that the VHU-led government is planning to advance against New Vesvai to forcefully reintegrate the country, but the VHU officials deny this. The remaining percentage believes that the VHU-led government is indeed preparing for internal intimidation against opponents.

In the meantime, Vesvai’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nicholas Vicina has traveled to Creperia for a several-day visit. PM Jonathan Mollisal has tasked him with the following: 1) Progress relations between Vesvai and Creperia; 2) In case Sunrisian officials or embassy staff are encountered, seek solutions for a diplomatic crisis between Vesvai and Sunrisia and uphold the existing Trade Promotion Agreement; 3) Improve Vesvai’s relations with Corentia; 4) Advocate for warmer relations between MDAA and Vesvai, as the gatekeeper nation for ROVAA. Also, remind MDAA of the existence of stability partnership agreement with Vesvai.

[Seguia]

EL MENSAJERO DE ENCORAZ


Cargo Boat in Flames in the Encoraz bay

---

The Seguian cargo ship named Trident burst into flames this afternoon. The ship was on it's way out of Encoraz bay and on a trip to Ventismar when smoke was seen lifting from it's center. Almost instantly ships were deployed to combat the flames and the Trident's crew was evacuated from the boat. The boat did not sink, however mos of it's cargo was damaged in the fire. The boat was later towed back to Encoraz. So far only minor injuries are known and everybody on board is off the ship. Investigators are still looking for the cause of the fire.

In other news:
-Senator Castello says "these leaks can not be ignored."
-Marquez denies all leaks.

[United Socialist Republics of Roscrea]

ROSCREA V BELANTICA - FOOTBALL 2018

---

In their inaugural game since the Founding of the United Socialist Republics of Roscrea, the National Football team played against Belantica today. The game was called "a game to watch" by the ISFA and their predictions proved true as both teams brought their best during the match, ending in a 3-2 victory for the Roscrean Football team. Commentators and spectators alike remarked that the fans of both nation's were on the edges of their seats during the 90 minute match, with the first goal of the game coming at the 8' mark by Roscrean forward striker Thomas O'Henley. Both teams upped their defensive playing from that goal on - leading to one of the tensest matches in recent history. O'Henley, after the game, remarked that the Belantican team were "a fine team to play against" and went on to say "they really know how to play."

---

In other News:
- USRR Government "Willing to Discuss Peace with Capsland"
- Vesvai Government Approves Military Budget Increases
- Curricular Reforms in Yezriya Possible

[Rhodevus]

Rhodeve National News

Rhodevus to help with oil spill

The oil spill along the Gulf of Kursk is being cleaned up in part by a new research project coming out of Kingstown University. Alcanivorax Missenti is a biologically engineered strain of the Alcanivorax bacteria, designed to only be capable of eating oil with the bi-product being methane gas and other compounds more easily broken up by sea life. This will be the first real world test of the bacteria after months of study and experimentation on the bacteria to ensure that it will not have any worse effects on the ocean ecosystem.

"With this test, we can see how well biological engineering can help in situations such as these. This is the first of many projects being developed by our amazing biology and biological engineering graduates to help the world with bacteria." Said Professor Abeham Mukanti, the head of the biology department at Kingstown university. When asked about how often these microbes will be used to clean up oil spills in the future, Mukanti said, "This is only test number one. Following the use of this strain in a real world setting, we will have months worth of data to compile and research. To improve on this strain and develop new, more resilient and better bacteria to help in other situations. To eat carbon dioxide gas and split it into oxygen and true carbon. To eat garbage and break it up to allow for a reduction in trash supplies worldwide. It is quite remarkable research with Kingstown University at the forefront."

Rhodevus to Emphasize Anti-terrorism

Rhodevus has long been a leader in anti-terror activities worldwide, especially against the infamous Bannerless Brotherhood. With the recent assassination of Governess Bentualli from Eubatu, Rhodevus has declared once again that its forces will be working tirelessly to track down and kill terrorists around Sunalaya.

"To all of you around the world. All you terrorists. In major corporations, in governments. On the streets selling illegal substances and dealing in the blackmarket. To all terrorists who are hiding their involvement in the organization to further themselves and to destroy your countries. We will find you all. Rhodevus stands strong against terrorism and you will be discovered. If not today, then tomorrow."

[Umbrellya]

Umbrellya responds to agression from USRR/Face-covering during protests and riots now illegal/The Eikangaard Situation/Aviary engineers vaccine for Yeonhwa Flu

Umbrellya responds to agression from USRR

Following lengthy on-and-off stand offs between Capsland and the USRR, the latter has just declared war. In a shocking display of aggression, the move has certainly bojangled the rest of Ventismar. Most notably, Rezua has expressed its staunch disapproval over a potential incoming invasion of Capsland. This has warranted for more domestic opposition to voice their concerns.

As a fellow member of the Ventismarian Union, Umbrellya is obligated and interested in pursuing defensive measures alongside Capsland to prevent a successful invasion of VU territory. Gdańsk has expressed his desire to arm Northern Capsland with anti-air vehicles to secure air superiority in the region. Umbrellya is also expected to transport several squadrons to assist Capslandian defensive forces against the USRR’s attempts at invasion.

In addition, Gdańsk and his administration will suspend all business and political ties with the USRR indefinitely. Which will be accompanied by a blacklist of 42 government officials from entering Umbrellya and rerouted commercial transportation (via flight and sea), forcing travelers to seek indirect routes to each nation.

Face-covering during protests and riots now illegal

After one of the most expensive riots Umbrellya has ever experienced, new legislation is awaiting Senate approval to prevent rioters from concealing their identities. Moreover, this law will make it illegal to conceal your identity when protesting and rioting.

The riot that inspired this law to be created occurred in July last year in Dówn Tyga Square of Bendom; one of the more popular tourist destinations in the city-center. At its peak, the riot separated into 3 different groups that inflicted damage in the hundreds of thousands. At least 60 separate businesses reported vandalism and property damage by black bloc rioters. Police managed to apprehend 75 people and we’re all charged.

Umbrellas from various backgrounds have voiced their concerns over the new law, saying it will infringe on freedom of expression and attire in public spaces. Proponents of the law responded by saying protesters don’t need to have their identities concealed anyways. The bill is expected to prevent future rioting by preventing demonstrators from hiding their identities in cases where protests evolve into rioting.

The Eikangaard Situation

Umbrellya and Lindenholt’s heated stand off between Eikangaard is being held off today as the Umbrelliet government has highlighted that its mission on the border is not violence, but rather protection. The armed forces from the VU countries are stationed there to administrate the border between Eikangaard and Umbrellya; keeping a firm hold on immigration between countries. VU forces are also present at the border to prevent human and drug trafficking, as well as weapon smuggling into Eikangaard by insurgents. Security forces have also been keeping an eye out for rumored multi-national companies traveling illegally across the border; likely for illegal weapons and arms sales.

The ongoing political dissolution of Umbrellya's northern neighbor is worrying Gdańsk and his administration about future stability in the surrounding region. Rising alternative parties are racing to the parliament, some of which promote troubling and dangerous ideologies in Umbrellya's perspective. The Prime Minister will make sure to keep a close eye on the situation for escalations or events requiring immediate Umbrelliet intervention.

Aviary engineers vaccine for Yeonhwa Flu

A disconcerting outbreak of what’s been named the “Yeonhwa Flu” has put Yeonhwa on high alert, as infection rates skyrocket and the nation faces an overwhelming public health crisis; a crisis that could impact all aspects of life in Yeonhwa. This flu, while quite new, has already heavily impacted communities across the nation; several of which are running scarcely low on consumer products and medical supplies. In order to curb future infections and prevent an even more dangerous outbreak, the government is cooperating with Ventismar's Aviary Corporation to develop an experimental vaccine for the flu. If it passes Aviary's MPCD Test and shows promise, it will become an official vaccine for the Yeonhwa Flu.

According to the Umbrelliet Broadcasting Company, Aviary's primary institution carrying out the research and trials to develop the vaccine are located a few kilometers from the capital city. The facility, known as "Laboratory Pastandiya" is the central location for all Aviary operations in Yeonhwa and is critical to the success of the company in the nation. Aviary has suggested engineering an experimental vaccine for the flu could take up to approximately 100 days.

Several experts are concerned on the location that the vaccine is being created and tested; pointing out that Lab Pastandiya is rumored to be storing weaponized biologicals deemed illegal by the international community. Some of the rumored pathogens include: Small Pox, Polidaisy, Clamstock, and the Drowning Flu.

[Shastara]

Clip from SBC Nightly News

"And that everyone is why naked bear trapping was outlawed in 1844, now then big news out of the football world today and SBC sports anchor Brian Becker has more on that, Brian?”

"Thanks Cassidy, well today Shastara won its first match in the World Cup! The Shastaran Timbers played against the Cote de Mayotte National Team at Real Leone Stadium. Cote de Mayotte fought hard as Mayotte forward Bertrand Silvestre scored a goal in the first three minutes of the match. However as time went on things got heated as Timbers goalie Jake Gleeson took a kick to the face as he dived to intercept the ball however failing to stop it for a second goal by Silvestre. After that Gleeson was swapped out with Andrew Weber. After that the Timbs fought back with a fiery ferocity scoring two goals by halftime, and finally team captain Nat Borchers made the final goal of the match leaving with a final score of 2-3. Borchers had this to say at the end of the match:"

“We had a great game, really. Cote de Mayotte put up a helluva fight and so did we. All the fans loved it from start to finish I'm sure, great game really!”

[Daredland]

DEVELOPING: Daredi and Hasperan leaderships agree that there will be no war, instead a “diplomatic bridge” would be opened

A series of exchanges between Chancellor Calvin Aigner and the self-proclaimed Hasperan President Francesco Casadan have led to an anticipated and historic conclusion. The situation with the Hasperan Republic will not turn into a second Weniges Reich. In other words, there will be no armed confrontation. Different officials from the Daredi government and the self-proclaimed Hasperan government have been talking as well, but Chancellor Calvin Aigner and Mr. Francesco Casadan took the lead and their dialogue was the most important one. The Daredi Chancellor and the self-proclaimed Hasperan President had a series of phone calls on daily basis, but the climactic moment came when the two, along with their delegations, met face-to-face. The organized meeting took place at the demarcation line between Daredland and the break-away Hasperan Republic. After talking for hours, the sides had made an agreement and signed a series of documents giving those agreements a legal basis. Both sides have taken up obligations on their behalf.

Having returned to Freihat, Chancellor Aigner was congratulated by the Chancellery, his cabinet and the State Council for the successful deal. It was recognized as the best option available now. Speaking before the State Council and broadcast to the public, the Daredi Chancellor reported important parts of the deal. “Obviously, our position on the territorial integrity of Daredland and the proclamation of the Hasperan Republic remains firm. But because the situation developed differently than in the so-called Weniges Reich, a military option is not in need of consideration. We have witnessed no armed militants in the self-declared Hasperan Republic and the self-declared government led by Mr. Francesco Casadan has promised to allow proper authorities and civil observers to make sure that there is no armed seizure of power and territory or the presence of armed formations in the self-declared Hasperan Republic. I had a chance to speak to Mr. Casadan, his self-declared cabinet and to members of the self-declared parliament of the Hasperan Republic. They have all made another important promise to me. No foreign military or other personnel would be invited into the territory of the self-proclaimed Hasperan Republic. In exchange, Daredland will not use military force or apply other kinds of pressure to suffocate the Hasperan Republic. Instead, we had agreed to open the so-called “diplomatic bridge.” It will be a contact channel between the Daredi government and the self-proclaimed Hasperan government which we will use on daily basis to conduct further negotiations. We will create this bridge by working together. All these commitments from the Hasperan side and our side have our signatures on these documents that I have here with me. I now ask the State Council to ratify them. Some of the State Council members have informed me that a law is about to be put in place about blacklisting states and individuals that might try to access the territory of the self-proclaimed Hasperan Republic. After ratification of the agreements, I trust that this law will be voted on here today as well. Before I finish, I want to take this brief moment to thank the people of Edereon for their solidarity with Daredland.” [*applause*]

Back in the self-proclaimed Hasperan Republic, President Francesco Casadan has given his own speech in front of the Hasperan Parliament, pretty much talking about the same terms of agreement that Chancellor Calvin Aigner spoke about in his address. President Casadan had some of his own addition, since he was required to focus more on what the Hasperan side has promised to the central government of Daredland.

[Spoken in Hasperan]: “We are not giving up the independent Hasperan Republic and it is good to hear that the Daredi leadership has no plans to forcefully absorb us back with the help of the military. Rightfully so, because there was no violence or militia used in the Hasperan independence struggle which makes us different from the so-called Weniges Reich, where there indeed were militant terrorists and where there were and still are foreign occupants involved. In the Hasperan Republic, everything has happened peacefully, the Daredi officials had a chance to see it personally because we allowed them. Which means we should not fear an assault from the Konfoderaleswehr. We have signed an agreement and we trust the Daredis will stand by the code of honor. Though we believe in self-determination like our own and we have said that the Confederacy is dying, we have promised the Daredi government not to expand the Hasperan Republic beyond the current borders we already have. It means that other areas nearby will not be able to physically join us, but people are welcome to relocate here and apply for Hasperan citizenship. I am not too enthusiastic about it, but in negotiations like these, some things you have to give up to secure others like our independence. Because we are against foreign occupants invading lands of the Confederacy, like the so-called Weniges Reich, there will definitely be no problem with us prohibiting foreign military into the Hasperan Republic. Of course we are no longer in the Confederacy, but until we can achieved full international recognition as a sovereign state, we have to avoid certain actions. When the Hasperan Republic is recognized and fully independent one day that is when we will not be needing consent from Daredland. If there still is a Daredland on the map, that is. But now, some things we just better withhold from. The Daredis obviously will not give us recognition, but we are not going back anywhere right now either. As you all know, we have agreed that the daily dialogue with the Daredis will continue through a “diplomatic bridge” that we will be creating together for further negotiations. Anyways, I think it is now time for our parliament to ratify the Daredi–Hasperan agreements. I congratulate everybody on the cancellation of war.” [*applause*]

[The Seven United]

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LIVEHostage takers demand Montedoran

Current Time: 15:42 PM 6th of February

Its been 4 days since the hostage situation began in the internal Commission of Podzia. Since then things have been clarified, the hostage takers have 24 unarmed innocent people at their mercy. Police have extended the corned area and have arrested MNN camera-men, hence the lack of our own footage on our Belantic-hosted website. CERBER has announced that the demands from the hostage takers are for the Montedoran to officially declare independence, ousting all central officials and police as soon as the declaration is made true. CERBER has said that while this is a completely unrealistic demand, they are trying to engage with the hostage takers further by providing food and water. The hostage takers have not yet been identified in whole, but one is a "Raol Majorhez" a Montedoran man from Herza Novi.

Riots have built up in the Herza Novi district, hundreds have set out and rubber bullets have been fired. There is widespread disruption in the area as check-points have been set up, something the Commission does admit has little impact on the immediate situation. Ahina has commented: "I can not say anything on this situation as it is highly sensitive, but what I can say is that the authorities are trying for a peaceful outcome for all parties." Though while she hasn't commented too much on the sensitive hostage situation, she has said this: "Daredland continues to shock me. I'm flabbergasted at the situation and I want the Daredi government as I have said in the past, to use their might and crush this resistance at its core." Ahina has not commented on what has been said from Belantica, and it is believed that the Commission won't be putting out a statement till the situation in Podzia has passed.

S7NN has weirdly been quiet on the situation, when Jeuves D.Hueves was asked on if this was a decision by the new management to stay away from sensitive issues, he said that that would be completely hypocritical and inconsistent.

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Currency: 1 Argent ARG ($A) = NS$0.71.9984

[Saint Valerien]

LGBT Equality Bill Passes in Lower House

«  Prime Minister Valentin Langonnet's proposed LGBT Equality Bill has passed in Saint Valérien's Estates General lower house today after several hours of debate on the bill this morning. »

LE MONDE | 06.02.2018 à 19h33 | Mis à jour le 06.02.2018 à 20h03

The bill, proposed by Prime Minister Langonnet, has been called the largest overhaul in Saint Valérienese politics in recent history. It would change nearly every aspect of the current law in regards to the LGBT community, from declassifying homosexuality as a disease to allowing same-sex couples the ability to legally adopt children in Saint Valérien. Langonnet's party, Movement of Progressives, has called the bill the first step towards modernising the nation's legal system, allowing it to catch up to the changing attitudes of the nation.

After being reviewed yesterday by an independent committee appointed by the Chamber of Deputies the bill was debated by by deputies for several hours this morning. A majority of political parties came out in support of the Bill in the Chamber of Deputies with a few notable exceptions, the Democratic Movement and Saint Valérien First - both right wing parties - came out against the the bill during this morning's debates. The debate was then followed by a vote held in the Chamber of Deputies, leading to the bill being passed.

With the bill passing in the Chamber of Deputies, it will now be debated by and voted on by the Estates General's Upper House, the Chamber of Peers. Although much smaller in number than the Chamber of Deputies, the political parties represented in the Chamber of Peers is starkly different - the majority belonging to conservative and right-winged parties like the Democratic Movement. This could prove to be a major obstacle in the bill becoming law if the Chamber of Peers chooses to vote against the bill. If it is not approved in the Chamber of Peers, it will then be returned to the Chamber of Deputies who may decide on editing and revising the bill in an attempt to get it passed or they may choose to cancel the bill.

If it is passed in the Chamber of Peers however, the bill still does not become law. The final step to a proposed bill to become a law in Saint Valérien is known as La Sanction Royale. La Sanction Royale, or the royal assent in English, is a power given to the Grand Duke of Saint Valérien, in which the Grand Duke officially declares a bill an Act of the Estates General, officially becoming law. However, no Grand Duke has refused royal assent on a bill since WWII, when Grand Duke Henri VII used his emergency powers to veto several laws he viewed harmful to the survival of the nation. Today the Grand Duke only acts on the advice of his ministers, who enjoy support from the Estates General, meaning the Grand Duke cannot act in his own interests but only on the advice of his ministers. This has made it almost impossible for the Grand Duke to veto a bill passed by the Estates General.

The Chamber of Peers is to begin debating the bill during their meeting tomorrow. It is unlikely the process will be as streamlined and quick as it was in the Chamber of Deputies today ; and the debating could last for up to a week. Many political analysts in Saint Valérien have commented stating that the Chamber of Peers could vote against their political parties' interest, and instead pass the bill as it has gained popular support amongst the citizens. However, it is unknown whether the Chamber of Peers will do this or vote in their political parties' interests and reject the bill in the Chamber of Peers.

[United Layfet]

Nordipolica World

New USA Sec-Gen. Oliver Cromwell flies off to USA headquarters in Jamestown, Ophioneus today

Jamestown, Ophioneus - February 6th, 2018
By Walter Peck, Foreign Writer for Ophioneus

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Oliver James Cromwell, the well known Layfetian Statesman flew off to his new job as Secretary-General of the United Sunalaya Assembly an hour ago from Nordipolica International Airport. He will be arriving in Jamestown soon where he will be received by the Assembly and by prominent Ophioneus officals and swear in as the new Secretary-General. The previous Secretary-General will not be attending.

Before leaving from Nordipolica, Cromwell gave the following statement: "My friends, as I humbly take on this task that I am honored with, I ask you all to understand that this is not a celebration. We have much work to do, mainly ending this world war before it begins. Thus as my first order of business I plan to convene the security council in a special session and introduce a proclamation asking for a ceasefire from all nations and the creation of a special summit to sort out every crisis across our world. We must work and try everything at our disposal to end these conflicts and restore peace to the world"

Cromwell is the first Layfetian to become Secretary-General of the USA and his work towards becoming the well beloved statesman he is today have been tremendous. Future Executive Minister Susan Polster stated that Cromwell reflects the best Layfet has to offer the world and that his accomplishments and ideas can help light the world. Current Executive Minister Edmond Dantes was unable to comment due to focusing on his wife's health.

Fans of Cromwell's work will be glad to know that a documentary called Cromwell: The Greatest Statesman based on a book of the same name is being released next month on March 6th in major theaters across the country, as well as in Rhodevus, Ophioneus, Sunrisia, The Reich, and Makenzie and Athabaska. It will chronicle Cromwell's life from his childhood all the way to his election as Secretary-General.

[Ophioneus]

Riots After 7-1 Federation Defeat to Rhodevus

Jamestown, by Yuliy Irinei Riots erupted in Agria after the defeat of the Federation team to the Rhodevus National Soccer Team. The game, which by all prior accounts was suppose to be a nail biter, was an utter blowout for the Federation. Years of training were washed away with the crippling first round defeat, which has muddied the forecast and hope for many in the country. From the onset it was clear that the Federation team was having its issues. It took nearly five minutes for the Rhodeve team to score its first goal, much to the scergrin of coach Illarion Anzhelina, who could be caught wearing a grim face. Ophion fans who attended the game booed the Rhodeve team after the goal. Several fans, clearly intoxicated, lobbed bottles and cans onto the field. They were quick to start fighting with several Rhodeve fans. Not even into the tenth minute a scuffle had broken out in the stands. Police escorted the fighters out of the stadium. Several Rhodeve fans could be seen cleaning up after the fight, recycling cans and other items.

In the fifteenth minutes the Rhodevus team scored their second goal. In the twentieth Daniil Naum, striker on the Federation team, scored the first and only goal the team would have that afternoon. The rallying spirits of the team was broken when a fight started among the players of the Ophion Team. Daniil Naum got into a shoving fight with co-star Alla Milan when the two tried to take the ball from a Rhodeve player. Milan received a red card for his actions, and spat at the Rhodeve player, who actually was from Eubatian. By half time the Rhodevus team was ahead 4 to 1. Coach Anzhelina told reporters during half time that the team would "strike back hard" in the next half. This alleged rally never materialized, with the Rhodeve team scoring another three goals in the remaining time.

Fans in Agria started becoming violent after fans of Naum and Milan started to fight on the street. The massive public viewing screen in the middle of the city quickly developed into a massive street brawl. No doubt fueled by alcohol, fighting continued to spread to taverns and pubs around the city. Local authorities were overwhelmed by the sudden violence. Riot police have managed to quell most of the disturbances. In some areas, however, looting and fighting continues. In Jamestown, extra police was deployed outside the Federal Quarter, were protesters waved flags calling the "Rhodeve Team Fake", and holding up signs with the logo of the Rhodeve National Team replaced with the Eubatian flag.

On Castaway Island, the one location where the Federation and Rhodevus share a physical land boarder, local commanders reported of a group of three Federation soilders attempting to cross the militarized island boarder to "show them how good we really are." No doubt this defeat is a major blow to the country, and is indeed a national crisis in the making.

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[Azovskaya]

Nation prepares for first world cup match against Aznazia

Players finish training ahead of match

Layfet City Stadium The players of the Azovskayan National Team just completed their final training session ahead of their world cup opener tonight against Aznazia. Players and fans alike are ecstatic for the start of Azovskaya's world cup run and many have high aspirations for this year's squad given the historical success of Azovskayan players and teams.

Despite this success, fans shouldn't get their hopes up- there have already been many upsets at the tournament, most notably Rhodevus' 7-1 victory against Ophioneus. Azovskaya, who despite their recent federalization with Ophion chose to remain independent in the IFSA, is going up against the Aznazian national team, a very composed and technically gifted side. "We try to remind the players it doesn't matter who we go up against, we can easily lose," says head coach Mikhail Shufutinsky. "We can lose this match just at easily as we could win it. We saw today the Rhodeve team defeat Ophion 7-1, and I think that the players then understood that it is anyone's game. Aznazia are a quality team with many good players, they are not one to underestimate. Everyone knows what we have to do tomorrow to win the match and I believe that the players are prepared to put in the effort to get the win and set us on the right track for a world cup championship."

The Azovskayan national team will likely come out tonight in their usual 4-3-3 formation. The starting 11 for the match has already been announced, with Machushkin, Tronokev, Grabovskiy, Berezutskiy, Roshokichenko, Pavlyuchenko, Arshavin, Krushinekov, Smolov, Kokorin, and Zabolotny. Expected substitutions are Gagarin, Glushinikov, and Dzjhikin.

Some players to watch tonight are Grabovskiy, Machushkin, and Glushinikov. Grabovskiy, the outside back, has proved his offensive capabilities this year in the APL. Providing a deadly outlet when switching the field he is able to dribble into both crossing and goal scoring positions. The young Azovskayan is known for creating many chances off of the dribble and is expected to do just that in tonight's match. Another player to watch for is Machushkin, the veteran goalkeeper. Revered for his great goalkeeping ability, one of Machushkin's standout features is his ability to use his feet- and of course, his bravery when stepping off his line. Known for quickly stepping to challenge any heavy through balls, Machushkin has made several huge plays up to thirds yards off his goal line, sliding and lunging out to dispossess attackers. Finally, we have Glushinikov, the young midfielder from Krasnograd. The 17 year old prodigy is expected by many to make his first senior team appearance tonight against the Aznazian side. He is the center of lots of hype and debate, some calling him the next best player in the world, while others consider him an overhyped and lucky kid who's luck will run short in this year's tournament. He has played in several games in Krasnodar and is currently in good form with 5 goals and 3 assists in 7 matches.

Azovskaya has a long history of success in the world cup, winning the first three tournaments ever played. Football has always been a huge part of Azovskayan life, with many citizens playing their entire lives. The players know how important the cup means to not only them but to the citizens of Azovskaya and are sure to compete and contest for the trophy.