Sunalayan News {SUNALAYA ONLY!}

[Sunrisia]

Sunrisia Begins Supplying Weaponry And Military Equipment To Pro-Democracy Rebels In Guadec: Humanitarian Aid Supplied To The Country Overall

The Department of Security has confirmed that Sunrisia had begun supplying armaments, artillery and military tech to pro-democracy rebels fighting in Guadec against the dictatorship forces and other militia groups. The decision came after a National Defense Council meeting, with support from the Department of Security, the Sunrisian Defense Force and the Council members. The Convet approved the beginning of the action plan. In addition to that, the government has also authorized active provision of humanitarian aid to the entire country of Guadec, despite not being able to reach the planned agreement with the country’s uncooperative dictatorship. The action was instead authorized unilaterally, with Sunrisia opening its own humanitarian route, while also expressing the possibility of MDAA allies to get involved, if they would be available. Because of the uncooperativeness of the dictatorship, Sunrisia will likely cooperate with rebel leadership in order to ensure humanitarian aid provision across Guadec. The military has also hinted that pro-democracy rebel fighters might be trained by Sunrisian forces currently stationed in some Ziambani countries, but that was not confirmed nor talked about in detail too much. The Fáustîtár administration has accused the dictatorship of Guadec of genocidal tendencies against varying ethnic groups and its own people, in order to secure its crumbling power. The government is putting faith in the rebel leadership to protect civilians under threat of the government forces. Ideally, officials say that seeing the creation of a free, democratic and prosperous Guadec through the pro-democracy rebel victory would be the best outcome, but right now, the most important thing is to prop up the democratic forces in Guadec to withstand the dictatorship and other militias.

In other news:

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• WECOFTA trade conflicts being handled well. Negotiations of common environmental policies are underway.
  
  
• Sunrisia plans to raise tariffs on Dogmanan countries, except for Vesvai, which it shares a trade deal with.
  
  
• The Liberty Conglomerate (LC) expresses disappointment over the state of democracy in Belantica, as the monarchy begins to overpower the representative parliament.
  
  
• Former Creperian President Nikk Korsān comes out as a homosexual in a surprising public revelation. LGBT community in Sunrisia says it has “symbolic value”, with homosexuality becoming a norm in more social lairs.

[The Shady Looking Vukmiri Delegates]

VNN: The News Vukmire Needs

Vukmire growing colder?

The government of Vukmire has recently announced its closure of the Vukmiri-Pantorrum oil pipeline that spans throughout the Espanian peninsula. The closure was called for after the state owned oil company Oilex announced insufficient quotas being met. However it is assumed that the Vukmiri government has a more political role in its closure involving the militarization of Pantorrum and it's involvement in the MDAA. The former refinery that the pipeline was connected to is now being patrolled by soldiers to ensure no foreign input reaches in.

Centismar safer than ever.

Recent reports from the Vukmiri coast guard and navy report that criminal activities in the Centismar have decreased from over 15% than last year. This includes smuggling, trafficking, piracy, and other waterborne crimes. This can be attributed to the increased military presence in the seas or the global fight across Sunalaya to bring down notorious crime rings and organizations.

[Dirkhizistan]

Large protests today in capital calling for de-secularization of Dirkhizistan

Today over 50 thousand muslim protesters took to the streets of Kheshkek calling for Dirkhizistan to de-secularize the government and change the nation's religion to Islam, along with changing the flag to a "Islamic Dirkhizistan" flag with black, green, and white colors. The protesters say they want the government to stop allowing "infidel religions" such as hinduism and christianity to be practiced. The Dirkhiz Minister of Justice today said that "The government is not where religion should be, the protesters are wishing for a terroristic nation"! The government is obviously concerned about this protest after reports of growing radicalization of muslims in the nation. The protests were shut down and were pushed away by police after the protesters started attacking anyone without headscarfs. President Mugharz will plan a statement soon.

IN OTHER NEWS:
Vukmire says "Centismar safer than ever" with low crime

Sunrisia supplies rebels in Guadec

Muslim protests hit Chemensia's city of Ratagrad

"Capsland is my city" meme spreads across internet

I DONT CARE ABOUT GRAMMRU

[Smoya]

The State of Smoya - Special Report
The Daily Epic


Special border operations fail; President Perrin deploys drones south of the border

Last Monday in central Corao (the southwest Portuguese speaking state of Smoya) a major illegal drug operation was shut down by an undercover border agent mission. The news caused an uproar throughout Smoya, as soft drugs were legalized decades ago and since then drug related crimes have gone down, acclaimed to the harsh drug stance taken by former presidents. However, the power of illegal and harmful drugs have slipped back into the the Smoyan conscience and drug related deaths are on the rise and many new - and unapproved - drugs are making there way onto Smoyan territory. Practically all drug operations all lead south of the border into no man's land.

All of the people taken into custody pledged allegiance to no recognized state, and rather play off the statelessness of the jungles just below the Smoyan border. This has caused a headache attorneys and legal bookworms as Smoya appears to have a lack of laws concerning the rights of convicts without allegiance to a state. Many of these men and women end up in run down Smoyan prisons where gangs thrive. It is a land of lawlessness where law enforcement "...essentially makes up there own rules", according to prominent Corao criminal right's attorney Laura Devinha.

In a seemingly forced political move, President Jackson Perrin deployed drones into the jungles to wipe out camps where gang members thrive. Success with this is seemingly standard, many camps involve tribes that host women and children as well - making many sites "unsuitable" for a drone style attack.

Due to that situation, many politicians have called for Special Smoyan Forces to be deployed into the jungle into combat themselves in order to combat the cartels. Word has spread that within the walls of the Smoyan Congress, a bill will be put forward in order to legally put Smoyan boots on the ground to combat the increasingly sophisticated gangs who appear to be funded by foreign sources, according to the Smoyan Intelligence Agency (SIA).

Perrin spoke on that matter. "The cartels south of the border have been harming Smoyan neighborhoods and bringing hellish acts onto our sacred territory. Law enforcement and border agencies have done everything reasonable in their power in order to halt the advancements by the cartels, although there is a long way to go. We are developing new technologies to scan the jungles and hunt down those who are responsible for poisoning and killing our fellow brothers and sisters. Any foreign government, corporation or group who is funding these thugs will not be let off lightly by my administration, and I call for them to step down."

In Other News:

• 26th Squadron to tour Aethopia
• Black market profits quickly on the rise
• San Dominic named happiest city in Smoya for third year in a row
• Interest rates to rise, says SSE
• President Perrin calls for diplomatic meetings with current allied nations

[Pantorrum]

Vukmire Closes Oil Pipeline
The Vukmiri Government proceeded to close down the Pantorran-Vukmire Pipeline today, claiming a failure to meet quotas by the state owned oil company. Liquiplex executives have expressed outrage at the decision to close the pipeline, following the companies efforts to increase sales in Vukmire. Liquiplex spent a large amount of money to build the Pantorran stretch of the pipeline, leaving the major Oil Company out hundreds of millions. The company will no longer be able to access Vukmire Oil Markets, an arrangement that took effect when the pipeline was completed barely 2 months ago.
Outrage at the move stretches well beyond the private sector. The Secretary of State addressed the issue earlier today.

"We are very disappointed that Vukmire has decided to close the pipeline. We were looking forward to a long and prosperous economic partnership that they have now thrown away. The decision to close the pipeline, regardless of the reasoning behind it, is a clear violation of our agreement. I have spoken with the President, who has made his decision very clear. President Pearce has decided to use Executive Action to cancel the deal, and has ordered all Vukmire Military Assets out of Pantorran Waters. Furthermore, the President has said that we will not be endeavoring on any other economic agreements with Vukmire. Not out of spite, but out of cost. Considering that their government cannot maintain its arrangements, it is far to expensive to companies like Liquiplex when Vukmire decides it no longer wants our deal. Liquiplex lost a lot of money today. And it is in the interest of our economy and our workers to distance ourselves from Vukmire economically."

The Secretary went on to say that Vukmiri Oil did not play a major role in our market, and that its absence will not even be noticed at the pump. Liquiplex has already decided to disassemble its half of the pipeline, citing that they no longer wish to take the risk of doing business with the country. The Department of Commerce will likely not reimburse Liquiplex for the money it lost in the deal, which was sponsored by the Federal Government.

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Made in Pantorrum?
The Industrial Incentive Act passed the House today. In a close vote, 44 Nationalist Alliance members joined with 179 Conservatives and 6 Liberal Democrats to pass the bill in a 229-217 vote. The bill, which faced incredibly strong Liberal Democrat and Social Union opposition, will slash corporate taxes from 18% to 9%. The bill will go to the Senate from here, and is scheduled to be voted on by Friday. It faces a much tougher challenge there, where Conservatives depend on 5 Nationalist Senator's in a coalition that gives them a 1 seat Majority over the Liberal Democrat/Social Union Coalition. Should a single Senator defect from party lines, the bill will fall short of the 27 votes needed to pass. That would leave the Senate in a tie, 26 to 26. In such an incident, the Vice President would break the tie.
Advocates of the legislation say it will influence large manufacturers from all over the world to open up shop in Pantorrum, building large plants and creating potentially millions of jobs over the next several years. At 9%, Pantorran Corporate Taxes will be some of the lowest in the Western World. Additionally, the legislation will provide manufacturers who move to Pantorrum with sizeable grants to lessen the cost of their facilities.
The President has given his full support to the bill, saying that it paves the way to the economic future of Pantorrum. He has long pushed for lower taxes and methods of attracting big business. He has promised that the legislation will bring a definite end to the recession.

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EMP Weapons...Legal?
The Security Council rejected two proposals by Secretary Ross to ban EMP Weapons testing, development, and production. No existing measures exist to restrict the weapons use or development. An EMP Weapon is one of the the potentially strongest instruments of warfare that could ever be utilized, and is designed almost entirely around the targeting of civilian populations. The UST tested an EMP device last week, sending a clear message to our close MDAA ally, Sunrisia. The Secretary of Defense made an announcement in regards to our own methods of deterrence against the Tao.

"The Tao are an aggressive and dangerous nation, determined to develop a weapon of such power that could render an entire city without electricity for days or even weeks. The government of the UST has threatened Sunrisia, one of our closest allies and friends. We will not stand idly by while they proceed to prepare weapons of war against innocent people. The President has approved the creation of the Advanced Technologies Research Division, focused on researching and designing weapons of war and methods of overcoming or destroying them. Currently, as of last Saturday, we have begun researching methods of protection from powerful EMP blasts. ATRD is focused on creating a method of defending large electrical grids against EMP blasts through various methods that we cannot at this time disclose. I can say that we are working as diligently as we can to protect the Pantorran people and the citizens of our friends and neighbors. Aside from defensive countermeasures, we are also developing new weapons who's nature I cannot discuss in any way. Just know that we are, at this time, focused on deterring and protecting you and our allies the best we can."

The Secretary refused to answer any questions related to the new Division of the Defense Department, and clearly instructed everyone at the conference not to ask any questions about the weapons being developed. One might ask, why even say anything about them in the first place? The government probably wouldn't have, had it not been for the Military Disclosure Act of 1994. The act requires the military to inform the public with general knowledge of all programs that tax payer funding is used for, but they do not need to go into detail or elaborate on information that is sensitive to national security.

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Nuclear Power on the Horizon
Yesterday, before leaving for Belantica, the President signed the Nuclear Power Act. The law removes the ban on the creation of Nuclear Power Plants, and encourages power companies to invest in Nuclear Power. The legislation, which will take effect in January, will permit private companies to build up to 15 Nuclear Plants in the next 15 years, expanding the useful energy source to be the nations number one power production method. Companies are required to operate under strict Dept. of Energy regulations and supervision, to ensure public safety, and nuclear plans are required to maintain a distance of 15 miles from city limits. 80 Billion Dollars over the next 5 years will be set aside in a Discretionary Fund for companies who wish to build nuclear Plants, to lessen the cost of doing so.
The Secretary of Energy said that the primary objective of the Department of Energy is to move the grid entirely off of Natural Gas, Coal, and Oil, and onto Nuclear, Wind, and Solar Power by 2030, with a huge majority of the electricity coming from Nuclear Plants. They've laid out hopes that by that time, 60% of all Power will come from Nuclear Plants, while 20% come from Solar and 10% from Wind. The largest source of Uranium in the country, which lies in the North Western section of the country, will likely remain largely unused despite this. The DoE said they have greenlighted the purchase of Uranium and Thorium Ore from Rhodevus for use in the Reactors, in order to preserve Pantorran Reserves for as long as Rhodevus is willing to do business.

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Konetyan Elections Soon to Begin
The State Department announced that they have confirmed three applicants running for President of Konetya. After extensive vetting and background checks, and on the good advice of the Konetyan Government, the State Department has approved Alexei Kuznetsov, Vladmir Petrov, and Alyona Smirnov to run for President of Konetya. All three have been confirmed to have no ties to the Azovskayan Union, and all three were native born Konetyan's- a requirement that President Pearce layed out for the election. Early polling data from a Pantorran sample in Konetya City puts Alecei Kuznetsov, acting President, in the lead, followed by Alyona in a close second and Vladmir in a distant third.
The Election has been open to USA observers and has been very carefully managed by State Department Personnel to ensure the absolute integrity of the results and of the candidates. Each of the candidates has expressed gratitude and strong support toward Pantorrum for its role in the war and in its soon to be extensive efforts to rebuild the country. 32 applicants were rejected in all. 7 were suspected to have ties to the union, 9 were not native born, and 16 didn't meet age requirement set by the state department. Campaign's are being given free broadcasting time over Konetyan Networks at the cost of the Pantorran State Department, which has designated 2 Presidential Debates in the next 4 weeks, each being two weeks apart, and a Presidential Election in 6 weeks. The State Department has decided that Konetya would be divided into 100 evenly populated Districts, each with its own Representative. The restructuring of the government and making of the nations new constitution are well under way by now, and in 6 weeks the long planned government of the Republic of Konetya will be in power. Speculation that this is a 'puppet government' have continued to spread amid international accusations. Is the State Department engineering an election in their favor? Or maybe not? We'll bet on maybe not.

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In Other News
-President Pearce arrived in Belantica for Trade Discussion
-Smoya Cracking Down on Drugs
-Vukmire: "The Centismar is safer."
-Sunrisia arming Guadec Rebels
-Protests in Chemnesia
-Dirkhizistan suppressing Islam? Decide for yourself
-Nikk Korsān...gay?
-Calva in Turmoil
-NVRSKSO = The Bannerless Brotherhood? At least Sunrisia thinks so
-Trouble in the Union, Assassinations yet Again
-Dirkhizistan Expanding Missile Capabilities. Are they a threat?
-Crime on the Rise in the The Seven United
-Molenston Prepares Missile Defense System
Aznazia and Sunrisia, whats going to happen?
Belantica Tests long Range Missile, Range of 6,000 Miles

[Azovskaya]

BREAKING: NVRSKSO assassinates Konetyan presidency candidate Vladimir Petrov

Tensions mount although cease fire remains intact

Novorossiysk Vladimir Petrov, one of the three candidates for the Konetyan presidential elections, was reported to have been assassinated late last night in his hotel room in Sevagrapol along with 13 Konetyan soldiers who were protecting the hotel. The reports detailed an NVRSKSO helicopter landing on top of the 13 story building with 10 soldiers exiting the helicopter and descending down to Petrov's room. According to these reports Petrov and 13 Konetyan troops were killed and 5 wounded within the span of 2 minutes. At first these reports were believed to likely be fake until the NVRSKSO made a shocking move and confirmed the reports themselves, releasing a document detailing the mission meticulously.

Petrov was campaigning in a larger town called Sevagrapol, home to around 140,000 people and around 10 kilometers from the Azovskayan-Konetyan border. At around 9:13 that night the Azovskayan helicopter landed on top of the hotel building and 10 NVRSKSO operatives stepped out and descended into the hotel. The soldiers split into two groups, one quickly taking out Petrov, who was in his room on the 13th floor, while the other moved down to the floor below and focused on taking out the Konetyan troops in the hotel. Several more Konetyan troops arrived from outside the hotel only to be gunned down by the first group who flanked around the opposite side of the hotel and moved down to the 12th floor, catching the Konetyan forces off guard. The NVRSKSO soldiers then returned to the roof, firing on several more Konetyan troops who were still outside before taking off and returning to Azovskaya.

Both Azovskaya and Konetyan-Pantorran forces have begun building up troops along the border and increasing defenses as a result of the assassination. No side has yet to fire any more shots at the other, leaving the cease fire presumably in effect. Pantorran officials have yet to make a statement on the attack. "This could either be a potentially dangerous move from the NVRSKSO" says Azovskayan political expert Tole Yusliov. "If war were to once again break out then Ophioneus might decide against the merge as they may not want to become entangled in a war with Pantorrum and potentially their allies. However, it may also be a smart move from the NVRSKSO- provoking a Pantorran attack on Azovskayan forces may mean that Ophioneus will use the conflict as an opportunity to make an example of Pantorrum and show the world the consequences of meddling in Ophion. Not much is known from Ophioneus, it's new government, and it's foreign policy, meaning at the end of the day we really don't know what to expect. This may not affect the merger at all, it may compromise it, or even help Azovskaya win the war."

In other news:
-Azovskayan Premier League Season Opener: Chernomorets defeat Spartak Gatchina 4-3 in thrilling comeback

[Tadruydan]

Naequloes|Tadruydan supports dictator Kasutu

Like colonizer, like colony, as one could say......

The Shakobi'i Republic, officially the Union of Guadec, to some, a former Tadruydani Colony, is facing the bloodiest year of its war, seeing nearly 100,000 deaths, making 2017 accounting for nearly half of the deaths in the war. While ignored by international media, with the war intensifying, headlines have finally been made concerning the current conflict, and foreign powers are now interfering in the war. Dictator Kasutu has always enjoyed warm relations with Tadruydan, the country's former colonizer. Historically, Tadruydan has always been Guadec's largest trading partner, and even after the fall of the Xevrye Dictatorship the nation still continues to be so. With Sunrisia supplying Pro-Democracy Forces, Tadruydan fears that this could be the end of the Sunafrican Nation's reliance on Tadruydan.

The National Assembly has officially declared that they will be aiding Government Forces, claiming that Kasutu Family staying in power is vital to the very survival of the nation. Tadruydan has officially announced the training of government forces and people are starting to believe that Tadruydan might deploy troops later on in the war to secure a loyalist victory. The Tadruydan Minister of Foreign Affairs has stated that: "Sunrisia is helping terrorists take over the once prosperous nation of Guadec. This is, undoubtedly, a imperialistic attempt made by the corrupt Sunrisian Government to expand its influence into Ziambian and its threatening the very existence of the Guadecese State. Tadruydan States with the Guadecese Government and will do anything in our power to stop those self proclaimed 'Freedom Fighters' from taking office.

The Tadruydani Government starts taking a stance against the Sunrisian Government, saying: "For the past few years, Sunrisia has started to expand its influence across the world, covering their imperialistic actions as attempts to spread democracy across. Many nations across the world have and are falling victim to the growing might of Sunrisian Imperialism, It is time to take a stance on that!". A temporary ban on Sunrisian Exports have been initiated, as well a a travel ban.

[Rhodevus]

Rhodeve News

New Marine Reserve Borders are Announced

Earlier today, a joint statement by the federal Ministry of Conservation and the provincial ministry of the environment announced today that they have come to an agreement with local peoples for the creation of the Imiq Maritime Nature Reserve. This reserve, to be located in the Imiq Bay of Iylan will become Rhodevus's largest maritime reserve. By itself, it will double the amount of protected marine territory of Rhodevus, as it encompasses 2% of Rhodeve territorial waters. The IMNR has been given a few different regulations than the other natural parks around Rhodevus, such as allowing for fishing and hunting by the local native reservation, who has historically used Imiq Bay for their source of food. Trophy hunting, mass-fishing and other harmful activities will be made illegal, especially during whale season, when Orca and Beluga populations travel through.

"This massive achievement between the Rhodeve government, Iylan government and the Suhk-Ti reservation will help us work towards our 2017 goal and further into our 2020 goal of 10% protected marine borders. We are still falling short, with only 4% protection, come September when these borders are signed into existence. But, it is a great step forward for environmental protection for this country."

Pantorrans to Board CSS

It was recently announced that in 2018, 3 Pantorrans will be given the opportunity to conduct research and experiments on board the Commonwealth Space Station. The astronauts, still to be determined by Pantorran authorities on the matter will be travelling to the space station in August of 2018 to perform tests and other important scientific pursuits alongside the Rhodeve and Rezuan team which will be on board at the same time. The Rhodeve Commonwealth signed an agreement with the Pantorrum government to allow mutually beneficial research into space, medicine, biology and botany to be conducted on board the space station.

"This is our opportunity to grow and work together with all parts of the scientific community for the betterment of mankind. In space, there are no borders or sides, just common well-being and discovery. I am excited to continue working with those in Pantorrum and hope to extend our hand to others in the future."

In Other News
- Rhodeve-Pantorran uranium deal is reached
- Hit television show SamuraiWorld is renewed for a second season
-Cundas declares grizzly bear trophy hunting illegal

[Allentyr]

Royal Allentyrian Navy Ship Damaged By Unknown Object -- by Mikkel Damsgaard

Atlantic Ocean, near Rhodeve waters -- A collision with an large unknown object at night had left RANS Anna Knudsen (J307), a Gunnarsen-class frigate of the Royal Allentyrian Navy severely damaged with several crew members thrown overboard. The frigate was on a routine patrol in the northern Atlantic when it ran into an object, which is currently thought to be an unexpected chunk of ice. A breach in the underside of the ship had caused minor flooding which was quickly dealt with by the crew while a hit to the side of the ship had left a significant portion severely damaged.

The ship broadcasted an SOS signal, which was picked up by a Royal Rhodeve Navy ship in the area. 14 crew members suffered injuries with 5 being thrown into the water, but those overboard were quickly recovered and all injured are currently being treated. An investigation is underway to determine the nature of the object and as to how the crew had not been able to see and avoid it.

In Other News

Residents of Prestfoss hold a gay pride parade
A car accidentally drove into a fast food restaurant while in the drive-thru, leaving the driver injured with workers and patrons shocked in the capital.
Children all over Allentyr are preparing for the school break

[Nordenvas]

NORDENVAS OBSERVES NORDANIAN PRIDE DAY.

Oisin-Thy, Nordenvas
Cities and rural areas alike are gathering together to celebrate a Nordanian national holiday known as Nordanian Pride Day. Nordanian Pride Day is a celebration that takes place every August 15th to commemorate the founding of the Modern Queendom of Nordenvas in the 1200s. From 875 AD until the 1200s, Rezua had control over the territories, While a Christian Kingdom, Rezua never sought to remove the worship of the Gods from our people, resulting in warm relations between Nordanian Pagans and Rezuan Catholics. Many Rezuan-Nordanians joined in the celebrations, and were welcomed accordingly. Odinists make up 65% of the population, Atheists and Agnostics make up 25% of the population, Christians (Almost Exclusively Revonic Catholics) and Muslims take the remaining 10%, each taking 5% per followers. Nordanian Pride Day is observed by drinking at bars, dressing up as viking warriors, and religious ceremonies consisting of devotionals praising the Gods.

Nordanian Twitter

In Other News
-Smoya Cracking Down on Drugs
-Vukmire: "The Centismar is safer."
-Sunrisia arming Guadec Rebels
-Protests in Chemnesia
-Dirkhizistan suppressing Islam? Decide for yourself
-Nikk Korsān...gay?
-Calva in Turmoil
-NVRSKSO = The Bannerless Brotherhood? At least Sunrisia thinks so
-Trouble in the Union, Assassinations yet Again
-Dirkhizistan Expanding Missile Capabilities. Are they a threat?
-Crime on the Rise in the The Seven United
-Molenston Prepares Missile Defense System
Aznazia and Sunrisia, whats going to happen?
Belantica Tests long Range Missile, Range of 6,000 Miles

[Sunrisia]

Sunrisia Fires Back At Tadruydan With Its Own Sanctions Over Guadec

Sunrisia has re-imposed sanctions on Tadruydan following a clash over the situation in Guadec, as well as Tadruydan’s imposition of sanctions on Sunrisia and intention to intervene in Guadec in support of the authoritarian government. The Sunrisian government’s original intention was to impose personal sanctions on the leadership of Tadruydan, in order to punish the regime and not the country or the people. However, after a ban on Sunrisian imports was imposed, our country has decided to respond symmetrically, because a lighter response would not have worked, especially in another case of a rogue state having to be met with strength. Any Tadruydani imports had been banned and a travel ban on the country has also been imposed, although the government is arguing to apply the ban only to officials and not to civilians, migrants, refugees, defectors, etc. Previously, Sunrisia had an entire embargo on Tadruydan, but after regime change and hints towards a democratic future for Tadruydan, Sunrisia lifted the embargo in order not to damage its development process. Now the situation is different, as sanctions had been imposed and not an embargo, however, the government says that we need to see how the situation will develop.

Sunrisian officials said that tougher sanctions on Tadruydan were an accumulation of that country’s own sanctions, as well as, Tadruydan’s intentions to militarily support an openly dictatorial regime with genocidal tendencies and responsible for war crimes, all in order to protect Tadruydani national interests and secure influence over a former colony. That is something that the Tadruydani media is not even hiding that well in their own coverage of the events. Unlike Sunrisia, Tadruydan already has presence on the ground in Guadec, stating that its military is training the Guadec government forces and did not rule out the possibility of combat troops joining the fight on the government side. The Department of Security stated that Sunrisian and Tadruydani involvement are asymmetrical, because Sunrisia is only sending supplies, including non-lethal humanitarian ones, while Tadruydan is already training a belligerent in the war and even plans to directly fight in another country’s civil war, taking the word “civil” out of it and instead making it a Tadruydani war in Guadec. Tadruydan’s “contribution” would only be a lethal and destructive one. In response to accusations that Sunrisia was threatening the statehood of Guadec, the Department of International Relations said that it was the Tadruydani intervention that threatened Guadec statehood, as it will mean that the people of Guadec will additionally have to fight their former colonizer to secure their independence.

The Department of International Relations also added that Tadruydan is in no position to accused Sunrisia of imperialism, because Tadruydan is getting directly involved into a fight in what used to be its former colony. Unlike Tadruydan, Sunrisia never had a colony, never took over foreign land and itself has many times escaped becoming a colony.

In other news:

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• Anti-drug operations renewing in Latin Corentia. Sunrisia preparing an action plan.
  
  
• Fáustîtár administration accuses Vukmire of political blackmail through economic manipulation, in reference to Vukmire’s closure of an oil pipeline with Pantorrum as punishment for Pantorrum’s MDAA participation.
  
  
• Pantorrum says it has low dependency on Vukmiri oil, therefore, the pipeline closure is a small loss.
  
  
• Protests in Dirkhizistan calling for de-secularization.
  
  
• Azovskayan Union sabotaging Konetya’s democratic processes, as NVRSKSO assassinates Konetyan presidential candidate – Vladimir Petrov.
  
  
• Ship of the Royal Allentyrian Navy collides with an unknown object in the northern Atlantic.
  
  
• Nordenvas celebrates Nordanian Pride Day.

[Belantica]

Drug Cartels Stirring Up Trouble In Rural Areas, Southern Wilderness
With recent trouble seemingly restarting in Corentia, it seems as though cartels are also trying to gain a foothold in Belantica, in particular, rural and the sparsely populated state of Swanson. Despite major efforts on the mainland and the reduction of cartel influence, there is what looks like a possible resurgence in this. For Belantica's case, informants of the Bureau of Vice and Firearms (BVA) said that cartels are coming to Belantica to take advantage of the legalized cannabis (which can be just as easily bought as alcohol and tobacco) and the low cost of medical-grade pharmaceuticals, which are intended to be used by those who have a medical prescription or emergencies. It is believed that the processing of such purchases by the cartels are happening in rural Montessett, Suffolk, and Swanson, where it is then it loaded onto trucks and containers to be sent either to other parts of Belantica, or to countries abroad. At this point, it can be hard to trace where it was sourced. There has also been an increase of gun violence in these areas, as more and more paramedics and police are responding to calling involving gunshot wounds.

However, officials in Belantica are coming up with clever ways in order to curb any cartel-related crimes in those areas. For starters, it is estimated that security and routine checks at major ports will be increased in order to intercept any drugs set to leave the Royal States, and look for other objects such as high-grade weaponry without the proper paperwork. Another plan is to start tracking down the trucks that are doing these runs as a way to slow the drug trade. The RHP believes that signs of a drug-running truck or van including excessive speeding, sudden movements, and aggressive driving habits. There is hope that some of these trucks will be intercepted at DUI checkpoints across the country. One solution is to past gun control measures in these areas, but due to high gun ownership, it is very unlikely that any such measure would be, metaphorically, shot down. Another solution is that for areas where there isn't many people living in an area, that the military can assist police, customs, and narcotics officers in finding and stopping cartels from rising.

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Ventura Gives Go-Ahead For Stadium Highway Project, New Expressway to Norfolk

The Chauncy-Simms Expressway (E4) in Montessett
Due to the Commonwealth Games in 2020, the state of San Mateo and the city of Ventura have planned and begun work on two projects- a new ring highway around the stadium complexes and a new expressway (numbered as "E21") to it's southern neighbor of Norfolk. The reason this has been commenced was the simple fact that the state will have heavier traffic demands during the game, and according to SMDOT and BEXA, wants "traffic to have many ways of getting in and out of the parking areas, and to make sure that many Belanticans who will drive in won't be sitting in a jam on one of the other highways. This will also future-proof any demands that the growing region might have as well." It said said that the ring highway will be completed in 2018 and have a maximum speed limit of 60 MPH due to being in the metro area. The expressway will be done in mid 2020, which may not be completed in time for the games, but BEXA plans to "keep it moving ahead" in order to have it open by then. Overall, 380 new miles of highway will be built in all. BEXA also says that there will be a competition to name E21.

In Other News
- Pantorran President to visit Belantica, Center City prepared for his arrival
-Trade with Pantorrum and Sunrisia soon a reality? Many business experts think so
-Anti-Sunrisian groups disapprove of the Queen "trying to be friendly" with a "untrustworthy nation", the Ministry of State said that "we can find reason within both parties"
-Belantic Security Official: Like it or not, the Bannerless Brotherhood will do it's best to hit us hard
-Crown brand of vehicles proving to be popular among the nouveau riche
-NVRSKSO assassinating multiple VIPs within Azovskaya/Konetya, awaiting Pantorran response
-Allentyrian navel vessel damaged by an unknown object
-Nordenvas celebrates their cultural pride day
-State legislatures in Nuranto passed a "zero tolerance" law on DUI, increaed fines and punishment times to deter DUI offenders

[Cafleau]

The Cafleau National
Coup falters in the face of a hostilc public
The coup attempted launched by Albek Etluhovy and his suppertoers has been called off after four days of nationwide protest. Lhostenbiy Orkvasovy has been restored to the presidency and vowed to weed out the "reactionary and anti-Cafleauian elements within the military. The ringleaders of the coup have been arrested and are awaiting trial. Calm has started to return to the streets after the chaotic week with many returning to their homes. The current causalities are unknown but it is believed so far that 5 people have been declared dead with a dozen more in various states of injury. This had been CN so you tomorrow night Cafleau

[Nordenvas]

SOLDIERS OF ODIN TO DIRKHISTAN'S NON-MUSLIMS: COME TO NORDENVAS, ODIN WANTS TO SAVE YOU.

Egebjerg, Nordenvas
In response to the growing persecution of non-Muslims in Dirkhizistan, A group called the Soldiers of Odin sent an open invitation to Non-Muslims wishing to escape persecution at the hands of the increasingly radicalized Islamic population of Dirkhizistan. Leader Thomas Krona delivered a speech to the world regarding the situation of Non-muslims in Dirkhizistan.

Citizens of Dirkhizistan who do not follow islam, please come to Nordenvas. Odin and the Gods know your suffering. They have seen your plight, You Christians, Hindus. Odin knows you are facing a major battle: The persecuted who stand form in their beliefs are warriors more than worthy of Valhalla. It is to this end that I say that All those who are able to come, please, do so NOW, for the government that protects your rights may not last much longer. To the government of Dirkhizistan, please, keep fighting, use every bit of strength you have to keep these Islamists from destroying your nation. Please, let us take in those who do not follow Islam, and to my brothers and sisters over in Rezua, please, tell Ymira to help too. These people need all the help they can get. By Odin's hand, These people WILL find safety and freedom in Nordenvas and Rezua. May Odin guide these souls, and ours, to valhalla.

In Other News
Sunrisia sanctions Tadruydan
Drug Cartels Stirring Up Trouble In Rural Areas of Belantics

[Dirkhizistan]

]
Kheshkek will have new skyscraper in it's skyline

Kheshkek construction companies announced the beginning of construction for the Kok Aspan Mining Tower part of the Kheshkek Eastern Plaza project, a 102 story skyscraper designed by architect Aziz Adiradyev. The tower's completion deadline is set to be 2019. It will become to tallest building in Dirkhizistan beating the Tuzhz Spire as the tallest. The building will cost over 128.2 Million Dirkhizyns(-Д). The tower will be Dirkhizistan's largest mining company, The Kok Aspan Mining Company's new headquarters, the construction will start in Mid October of this year.

WHY DO I NEED GOOD grAMUR?

IN OTHER NEWS:
Nordenvas asks for Dirkhiz christians and hindus to leave nation from concerning unrest

Dirkhiz Officials say "The problem in our nation is concerning but not dangerous"

Tadruydan supports Kasutu, Sunrisia fires back

NCRSKSO's assassinations concern Dirkhiz vice-president, says he feels unsafe

Large Dirkhiz group of reform muslims back government's actions against radicals

[Aznazia]

(Chancellor Pudikov Speaks On Television Show)

Chancellor's Tone Changes on Sunrisia after Threat of Tariffs
By: Jack Burton

UPDATED: 8 Am August 16th

Some critics of the Chancellor's recent foreign policy had their faith restored in the nation's leader after he went on television Tuesday afternoon to blast the proposed tariff increase by Sunrisia. "If Sunrisia enacts tariffs against us then we will have no choice but to act in kind. The statement from the Chancellor shows a swift change in tone and the stance of the Chancellor in the recent spat between the Northern and Southern powers. Chancellor Pudikov added that, "This is not just an economic threat to us, but it also targets our Allies Rhodevus and Oblaren. I urge Sunrisia to not implement these tariffs and for the President Nóv Fáustîtár to accept my invitation to sit down and discuss how to resolve the tensions. Sunrisia should not be a foe for Aznazia since we both strive to provide aid to those less fortunate and promote democracy in a world plagued by the violent coups". Initial polling by the Crawford Daily shows that the public has supported the Chancellors remarks. "I feel as if he is finally sticking up for us", said one anonymous participant.

Meanwhile the Legislative branch has continued to push back against Sunrisia's threats with the Senate approving a bill to limit study abroad programs as well as reduce the number of diplomats between Aznazia and Sunrisia. The bill passed by a margin of 46 for and 31 against on Monday afternoon with almost every member of the Federal and Bison parties supporting the bill. However before the bill becomes a reality, it must be approved by the National Assembly and the Chancellor. It is still unknown how the National Assembly will vote but political analysts believe that the vote will be harder to call than the Senate since many members of the Federal Party are more "cautious" than those in the Senate. Even if the bill does pass the National Assembly it must get past the Chancellor who has said he would veto the bill. Time and Sunrisia's decisions will most likely decide if the Chancellor keeps to his statement or if he approves the bill and calls for increased tariffs against Sunrisia.

Although the vast majority of the Senate supports Aznazia standing against Sunrisia's "aggression", there is still debate over how the matter will be dealt with. More conservative members of the Federal Party as well as the Silver party have called for the free market to decide the matter. "I am sure that Sunrisian consumers will call for these tariffs to be removed once they realize the increase in the price of steel, vegetables and renewable energy systems that Aznazia exports", said Silver Party Senator Maria Truss. Meanwhile National Assembly member Anthony Scullia of the Saphaire party called for Aznazia to hit back with its own tariffs. He was quoted saying that "We are a very self-reliant nation with many other trade partners who do not go around bullying nations across Corwen Strait with military and economic threats".

In other news
- Security Officials warn that Aznaz-Sunrisian Anti-Terror Operations "Are essential to security"
- The Senate could soon vote to remove Gasoline Cars from Roads by 2040
- Aznazia and Rhodevus renew historic Uranium deal for nuclear power plants
- Why has Aznazia not become involved in Ventismar?
- Endless Frontiers CEO says the company will put a Man on Ares By 2028
- Allentyr warship though to have hit an iceberg

[Sunrisia]

Convet Approves Tariff Increase: President Nóv Fáustîtár Signs Bill

The Sunrisian Convet has passed a resolution authorizing increased tariffs on Aznazia, Oblaren and Rhodevus. The bill was signed by President Nóv Fáustîtár without much hesitation, allowing it to go into law. Under the new policy, the tariff towards select Dogmanan countries would now be identical to particular Ophionite states and some Ventismarien countries that Sunrisia does not have special trade agreements with and is not as economically attached to. As the new law went into force, Sunrisian Minister of Finance and Economic Development Pârsīn Sîlvá gave the following statement to the media in a news conference:

“There shouldn’t be much drama about these tariffs, since it’s not the same as sanctions, unless you take them as so. Trade will still continue, at least that’s what I can say from the Sunrisian side. We are simply trying to place these countries on equal terms with our other more distant partners around the world. It is natural, because we need to differentiate between Sunrisia’s closer and more distant partners by applying different rules to them. Based on particular reasons, interactions and history, Sunrisia is choosing its closer and more distant partners, its friends, acquaintances and enemies.

We are also trying to distance ourselves and be less attached to countries that had been in the ranks of economic centers of the world, which other countries rely on, like planets revolving around the Sun. Count us out. We are not speaking for others, just for ourselves. Sunrisia has its alternatives, a big number in fact, and will continue to find them. These countries that the new law applies to, will have their role in our market decreased and all that free space that will build up, will be taken by our allies and economic treaty partners, including new partners that we will continue to find around the world. The President is meeting with new leaders in the Presidential Palace and negotiating new trade deals daily, which is why there will be no problems for Sunrisia with this policy. In fact, it will be greatly beneficial to our current enhanced and free trade partners, as well as our new ones, because so much new free space will open up in Sunrisia’s market. Mr. Anthony Scullia, an Aznazian parliamentarian, has said that Aznazia is very self-reliant with many other trade partners around the world. So is Sunrisia, therefore, there is no problem. You have your close partners, we have our close partners, as for the both of us, well, the situation is different. And it’s not all just about the benefits of trade with other countries, but also new victories for the Sunrisian manufacturer. If Dogmanans fire back with their tariffs, no problem. Not the first time we or any other country had to deal with something like this. In fact, with the increasing number of trade treaties, Sunrisia is now tariffed by less countries than in the past, because of the increase of free trade and low-tariff enhanced trade with more countries regularly. We will just focus more on the markets of our allies and enhanced trade partners around the world, where we don’t have to worry about tariffs.

Our tariff policy means that Sunrisia will not be changing our border-crossing policies and customs will continue working. We will make sure that no trade scheming or smuggling is conducted and that goods from tariffed countries will not be able to access Sunrisia through our free trade partners under a different label. Just come into Sunrisia fairly and accept that tariff. Again, Sunrisia’s policy applies to the way our country trades and will not affect WECOFTA or any other free trade areas or economic zones that we have developed with multiple countries.”

In other news:

---

• President Nóv Fáustîtár searching for a replacement for the retiring Vice President Édér Cólum. VP says he will honorably remain in his position, until a replacement is found.
  
  
• A Vice President in Sunrisia used to be elected like the President, however, the Constitution was amended to allow the President to pick a Vice President.
  
  
• Sunrisia increases visa-free regime with The Seven United from 90 days to 180 days. Experts say the economic situation in The Seven United has improved. Sunrisians happy over the neighbors success.
  
  
• Sunrisia says it does not intend to cease support to Aznazia against the Red Hand and Rhodevus against the Bannerless Brotherhood, unless those countries decide otherwise.
  
  
• National Defense Council to hold a meeting over the renewed cartel activities in Latin Corentia.
  
  
• Department of Security says Sunrisia has been speaking with Smoya about cartel resurgence in Latin Corentia.
  
  
• Situation between Calva and Austine uncertain.
  
  
• Coup in Cafleu not prevailing over lack of public support.
  
  
• Melanera, northwestern Sunrisia, to hold a crafted beer festival this weekend.

[Rhodevus]

Rhodevus to Ban Asbestos by 2019


Asbestos Found in Walls

In the 1950s, Rhodevus was one of the largest Asbestos producers in the world, selling this extremely valuable and useful product around the entire world. Since then, Rhodevus had begun to distance itself from asbestos, which became linked to numerous health hazards, killing thousands around the world every year.

The country began passing anti-asbestos laws in the 1980s which limited the amount of asbestos would be used in Rhodevus for construction and home improvement. But, while Rhodevus limited its use domestically, it continued to sell internationally. This slowed in 2003 until in 2015 Rhodevus finally halted all asbestos production facilities and ending it's international trade of the product. Asbestos was banned from construction and other facilities in Rhodevus in 2000.

Finally, the Rhodeve government has declared that it plans to make Rhodevus asbestos free by 2019. "This will be an incredibly difficult goal." Said Matthew Hamilton from the Conservative Party, a member of the team of 30 senators from three major parties who came together to construct this bill. "We placed ourselves on an immediate time crunch. Asbestos is used in numerous households and facilities nationwide and it will cost a lot to find and replace the harmful product with other more beneficial products. But, we all agree that it will benefit Rhodevus in the long run."

He then went on to show scientific studies about how reducing asbestos from households improves quality of life and reduces harmful lung diseases in children and the elderly.

In Other News:

• Rhodeve Government upset with Sunrisia for increasing Tariffs on Rhodeve trade, says it will not end joint programs to counter Brotherhood Terrorists
• Steel worker strike which had lasted on and off for 7 months finally comes to an end. Steel workers go back to work with a vengeance, producing record levels of steel
• Extremely heavy rainfall around Rhodevus has lead to low yields of wheat, barley and other grains nationwide

[Austine]

The Peoples Paper

Your only legal source of current events

Anti Government Troops and Calvan soldiers defeated in attempt to take land in south of Austine

Greetings Loyal Citizens of Austine today was a momentous day for our great army and our great queen as they quelled the rise of an anti government Militia and Calvan troops after they tried to take land in the south of Austine.

Ministry of Social Order and Peace Builitin

This is an announcement from the Ministry of Social Order and Peace, Aiding anti government forces is a crime of treason and is punishable by life imprisonment or death, Citizens are reminded not to collaborate with any terrorist groups

[Cafleau]

The Cafleau National
Trial/Pruge of the militaty begans
Today the trial of former president Ketsu Tuglanovy and others involved with the previous government have started today. The defendants stand accused of murder, crimes against humanity, crimes against the people of Cafleau, etc and potentially face the death penalty if found guilty. Over 100 officals are being tried in the various cases brought agisnt the previous government.

Ketsu being escorted into her first day of trial
The news of the trial was accompanied by a wave of arrests targeting people with known or suspected involvement with the failed coup. hundreds have been arrested from both the military and the civil service in the largest arrest since the break up of the miners strike in 1931. The date of their trials is so far unknown and it is uncertain how vigorously the government will pursue the cases.
This had been CN so you tomorrow night Cafleau.

In other news
Protests outside of courtroom holding Ketsu trail
Potential speedup of election timetable, insider says
Islamic clerics form political "association".

[Calva]

Calvan Times

200 dead brought back for their funerals from failed Occupation attempt in south austine

Last night Calvas occupation of south Austine has backfired leaving 200 Calvan and Anti Government troops dead as the clashed with Austinian Soldiers in the South around 1 am last night, This morning the bodies of the 100 dead Calvan soldiers were taken to Ludvigsburg square where they were buried with honours.

[The Bohin]

Devils have been Expelled!

Through the wise council of our leaders, it had been decided earlier today that all the diplomats and messengers of evil sent by Rhodevus will be expelled from this country. The 22 Rhodevans have been granted a 12 hour amnesty period for which they will be allowed to pass through the no-man's land between The Bohin and into our Occupied Territory presently owned by Molenston. After this amnesty period, for which many of our people are criticizing us over, they will and our armies will be given free reign to imprison them. Being affiliated with Rhodevus, Molenston, Rezua and Sunrisia will be declared illegal next week. The punishment being life in prison with a possible death penalty for the worst of assailants. The past embassy of Rhodevus will be given as a consulate to Vukmire if they wish to keep it.

"This is a truly brilliant day for the people of the Bohin. Finally we are on track to bringing about a golden age for our country. With the lord on our side, we will be able to vanquish those which come from the underworld and the darkest circles of hell."

In Other News:
-The Bohin's Tank Army remains stationed in Kalkufa.
-The 3rd Bohinian Army will be moved to the border to maintain the safety of our border

[Belantica]

Pantorran President Visits Belantica, New Trade Deal Signed
Over the last couple of days, President William Pearce of Pantorrum met with Queen Karen and other top officials in the capital region to discuss how the two countries are building better relations. Due to the change of Belantica's government, going from a republic to a monarchy, many relations with republican nations were either halted or hindered due to the rise of the queen's reign. However, substancial progress has been made to heal any wounds that this may have caused. Signing a trade deal with Pantorrum is one of those steps. While he was here, Preisdent Pearce not only discussed trade and relations with the queen, but also went on a tour of Center City and was taken on a trip on some of Belantica's road and rail networks, in which he described as, "Vast, beautiful, and well maintained. Something that the world should look up to and aspire to attain." The employees and management of those who run and maintain these modes of transport were "honored to hear such things, and will continued to work harder to make it even better." Needless to say, many assume that Pearce enjoyed his visit to Belantica, and the city has asked him to visit again sometime, whether it be on business or on a holiday. As for the details of the deal, Belantic auto and rail vehicle manufacturers are now allowed to open up shop and compete with local makes, while Belantica is importing some Pantorran-made cars and various fruits, as Belantica doesn't have much area to grow tropical fruits, and thus needs to import them from elsewhere. The Ministry of State says that hopefully, more deals would be made and that "it will benefit both nations. The Ministry also stated that it wants to re-establish good relations with Aznazia, which they they said "Is still much to be desired left, as they did not take the switch in government as well as other nations, but we believe that it will slowly start to open up again."

In Other News
-Future funk: A real genre?
-Techies say that human-like androids "will be a reality someday"
-The Regal Class destroyers approved by the Ministry of Defense
-Military Purges in Cafleau
-Rhodevus to ban Asbestos, in which the DPH said "About time"
-Tariff battles between Dogmana and Sunrisia, and how it doesn't apply to Belantica
-Queen Karen "I'm still waiting for any form of Surnisian offical to at least send me an email or a quick skype conversation, because we got to try to play nice rather than spit on each other"

[Sunrisia]

Sunrisia Withdraws Its Left-Over Troops And Other Personnel From The Bohin

The Department of Security has announced that Sunrisia has authorized the withdrawal of its unspecified number of soldiers from The Bohin, after the country formally placed Sunrisia in the list of its adversaries alongside Molenston and some other Rhodeve Commonwealth countries. The Department said that it was not surprised by The Bohin’s decision, seeing to how Sunrisia and The Bohin had been at odds since military tension between The Bohin and Molenston reactivated and Sunrisia took the side of Molenston.

The Bohin has been openly called out as a provocateur and an aggressor by the Fáustîtár administration for its actions towards Molenston and a number of open threats of attack or invasion. With the risk of more border clashes between the two neighboring Ziamban countries over disputed territories leading towards a bigger war, Sunrisia conducted joint military drills with Molenston and later deployed a 100 troops to the country. Formally, it was and still is for reconnaissance, but Sunrisia sought to keep a vague role to deter The Bohin’s further moves, as it would not be clear how our country might respond in case of a large advance against Molenston.

Overtime, Rhodeve Commonwealth countries had begun increasing their forces in Molenston to defend their fellow member and an unmediated international deterrence strategy against The Bohin had been built up since then. Defending Molenston and deterring The Bohin had become an active topic in the Rhodeve Commonwealth and in MDAA, though both organizations had not collaborated on it. As the confrontation grew on the frontlines, back at home, Sunrisian officials had begun to more actively criticize The Bohin’s human rights record, the overall authoritarian system of the country and its rogue foreign policy towards Molenston. However, while viewing each other as enemies on one frontline, something different had been happening on the other side, which remained unchanged until recently.

Following the outbreak in The Bohin, Sunrisia was allowed to come in and work on the cure in order to help the sick and contain its spread across the rest of The Bohin, Ziamban and possibly beyond. Sunrisian troops assisted many outbreak containment efforts and humanitarian operations with non-combat goals. The mission was long and continued into the latest crisis between Molenston and The Bohin, where Sunrisia sided with Molenston. There were hopes that the battle against the outbreak in The Bohin and eradicating the remains of the disease would be kept separate from the situation with Molenston and for a while it seemed to be the case, however, it was only a matter of time for the situation to change. Sunrisian forces were authorized to safely leave The Bohin, however, the officers that led the outbreak containment mission say that their job in terms of the virus seems to have been completed successfully, so leaving The Bohin is not too early. Members of the Convet say that with Sunrisia currently being viewed as an adversary by The Bohin for a good reason, it was only a logical decision to authorize the withdrawal of our military personnel from the country for everyone’s safety. The presence of soldiers from an adversary country in The Bohin would only cause intimidation and also put Sunrisian troops and non-military humanitarian personnel in danger, a lot of whom had been advised to leave The Bohin too, though many say they’d wish to do it only temporarily.

Minister of Security Armăs Fórtídâ said the following on the recent developments:

“I respect and commend the decision of our government. For any “tough guys” who might think that withdrawing from The Bohin is a sign of weakness or a missed opportunity to overthrow the regime in The Bohin, I would like to remind you that those soldiers had been there long enough and it was not what they were there for. They had their orders, those orders were non-combat humanitarian ones and we were not about to suddenly give them an order to carry out a questionable mission like that. They were told to leave and we are awaiting them back home with open arms. However, on the other side, our personnel will continue the orders given, which is to conduct reconnaissance, deter The Bohin and support Molenston.”

In other news:

---

• The Sunrisian Convet debates sanctioning The Bohin. Some say it would not have much effect at this point due to little bilateral trade already, while others say that like for other rogue states, Sunrisia must use the same measures.
  
  
• The White Dove (WD) representatives say that sanctioning more Ziambani countries would be bad for Sunrisia's long-term goal of helping Ziamban become a developed continent.
  
  
• Sunrisia in preparation for renewed operations against drug cartels in Latin Corentia, according to the Department of Security.
  
  
• Coat of Arms of Sunrisia altered, with white suns replacing white stars.
  
  
• President Nóv Fáustîtár picks Dêc Grétân as the new Vice President of Sunrisia.
  
  
• Retiring Vice President Édér Cólum personally congratulated his successor.
  
  
• President Nóv Fáustîtár thanked outgoing Vice President Édér Cólum for his long service and reflected on their close personal friendship.
  
  
• Sunrisian–Belantican contact is hinted to be happening.
  
  
• Sunrisia offers humanitarian aid to those affected in Calva and Austine from the armed conflict.

[Sunrisia]

Drug Wars Renewed: Sunrisia Sends Drones To Latin Corentia To Hunt For Cartels

Sunrisia is resuming its participation in the drug wars in Latin Corentia, which had begun to heat up again. It was confirmed in a declaration by the Department of Security. Drug trade, smuggling, production, crime and other cartel activities had become active again in the Latin part of the Corentian continent, after many countries in Corentia were ready to declare the drug wars as practically being over on a large military scale and being reduced to small crime for the police to take care of. Now, it looks like the frontier is opening up again.

After the initial heated phase of the drug wars had passed, cartel activity was still reported in Librira and in The Seven United, but as isolated incidents. Those were still significant situations to the Sunrisian government, showing the danger of cartel spread across Corentia. It showed that drug lords and gangs were active not only in Latin Corentian countries, but also Western and Northern Corentian states. Still, those situations did not launch another heated wave of the drug wars.

A week ago, a large drug operation was busted by the authorities in Corao, Smoya, a province in the country’s southwest. In recent times, statistics had been showing a rise in drug-related deaths in Smoya and southern provinces were proven to be the most vulnerable, due to their geographic positioning. That is because the drug flow into Smoya has been unsurprisingly coming from the territories south of the border – the initial arena of the Latin Corentian Drug Wars. Presently, those areas, which act as sources of the drug flow, are unclaimed by any country and have no sovereignty over them, despite being populated. Therefore, they exist in anarchic conditions with no system of government or laws, which makes it a perfect crime and terrorist breeding ground. The Smoyan government did not wait long to take action and the administration of President Jackson Perrin had begun taking action. Smoya had sent drones into the area and the Congress had put forward a bill to allow the deployment of Special Smoyan Forces for land operations against the cartels in those areas, currently being referred to as – “No Man’s Land.”

In Belantica, cartels had become active in the rural areas, especially the state of Swanson. It is possible that local cartels might be surfacing, but Belantican authorities suggest that they had come from the Corentian mainland. It might be either way or it might be a mixture of both. Other Belantican states of Montessett and Suffolk had seen cartel presence as well. All 3 states had their rural areas turned into breeding ground and bases of operations, but the exact scale taking the size of whole Belantica into account, is yet to be determined on a national level. So far, the scope does not seem to be as serious, due to the Belantican authorities handling the situation on a level of common crime with the help of police and other structures, rather than on a military level like it was required in mainland Corentia. However, the danger is that the international drug trade might get momentum from Belantica rather than from mainland Corentia, because of the different levels of crackdown.

The events in Smoya and Belantica have shown our continent that the Latin Corentian Drug Wars are definitely not over, despite it seeming otherwise not that long ago. Sunrisia had scale down and its role and poured in less resources in recent times of seeming cartel inactivity and large defeat, however, our country never withdrew or declared a conclusion to its operations, in case there is ever a cartel resurgence. Such a day has come and the National Defense Council had recently held a special meeting to decide on an action plan.

Sunrisia had sent combat and non-combat drones to the no man’s land/gray area south of Smoya to scout for and bomb cartels, their camps, their concentrations and their movements, without targeting innocent inhabitants. Drone strikes would be performed only during moments when collateral damage can be 100% avoided, therefore, with the cartels most likely purposely trying to blend in with the crowds for human shields, it is likely that reconnaissance drones will have more to do than combat drones. Military officials are optimistic that Sunrisia will be able to conduct many successful targeted drone strikes, killing only cartels and not hurting a single peaceful inhabitant, due to many years of experience in this kind of warfare. Meanwhile, the Prime Intelligence Division (PID) would resume the hunt for cartels as always, having in fact continued it ever since it started and without stopping, while the role of the military was reduced over time. Sunrisian Minister of International Relations Ectrăr Álienan stated the following:

“The recent reports of a rising number in drug-related deaths in Smoya and the fact that the drug cartels had made their way to Belantica, receiving a large opening to the international waters, which means a larger international drug trade that might affect more people around the world – all of this is exactly the reason why we are in this fight. For those who think that drug cartels distributing poison for youths on the streets or pirates assaulting ships at sea, can be justified by desperation, for they are out of options in a big cruel world, stop now. The mentality that every man is for himself in this world and we are all doing what we can to make ends meet, is destructive and cynical. That kind of mentality is destroying the world. It is the mentality of arms dealers, drug dealers, human traffickers, murderers, muggers, terrorists, warlords, corrupt politicians, con artists. There is no justification, because there is always an alternate way to blatant, cynical and destructive crime.”

Meanwhile, Sunrisian Minister of Security Armăs Fórtídâ stated:

“In the past, our role was so large that we were involved with everything you could think of. We had weapons supplies, equipment supplies, artillery supplies, intelligence support, reconnaissance support, logistics, drone strikes and we had our own soldiers as advisors on the ground. That is just to name some of our own input and resources. At that point, the only step left and one we officially did not take, unless our troops were attacked, was to actually step in and fight the cartels ourselves. We still left the armed forces and police of Latin Corentian countries lead the fight. We naturally drew back our involvement, as the level of intensity had plummeted and the drug wars were close from being declared over. Today, our role is not as large, because the cartel activity has not been as large, but now many think that we should start coming back again. We had already sent out drones, but whether we can do more at this point is still tough to say, because there are no local forces we could work together with. It was okay for us to arm, equip, train and advice the regular armed forces of sovereign states, but with the absence of their equivalents in the no man’s land, many of these measures are not a possibility. We cannot work together with militias, volunteers, vigilantes or mercenaries, because helping grow unsanctioned armed formations for a particular goal, can have bad consequences. That is how many terrorist groups had their start. Which is why now, we can only stick to drones or send our own forces out there or, if we were to relaunch the entire drug war program that we had before, for now we could only cooperate with the Smoyan forces in the no man’s land and Belantican forces in Belantica. That is me saying what we are capable of doing and it is a completely different story on whether the Smoyans and the Belanticans will want to work together. Personally, I have more confidence with Smoya as our partner and external MDAA associate, as well as because we actually have military-level drug wars in mainland Corentia. In Belantica, the situation has not quite reached that level of intensity, so local authorities will likely control the situation, unless they would be interested in another level of cooperation with Sunrisia.”