The Western Isles News

[United Sylvakia]

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Humanitarian air drops begin in the Selumna mountain range

Myron Federov, Human Rights & Political Investigator -- 12 April, 2020

Following several weeks of repairs at the Slava military airbase, the 1st Tactical Transport Squadron has begun airlift operations within the Selumna mountain range, allowing many isolated people to receive much-needed resources such as food, water, medicine, and other vital resources. Due to the natural barrier created by the Selumna mountains, and the adverse temperatures and meteorological conditions this time of year, normal relief operations using land vehicles or helicopters cannot be carried out. This has led to the military being called in to assist the many villages that have been affected by the civil war and are unable to obtain resources themselves.

The operation has been widely applauded as a success, both by the Government and the people, who have taken to congratulate the brave pilots that have taken part in this mission. However, the mission has not been without critics, with some vocal points being that the airlift will not be nearly enough to help communities and that more permanent measures such as infrastructural development should be undertaken. More airdrops are expected to be performed within the following week, with a secondary mission from Cape Vostochny being proposed.

Nation-wide manhunt for former President Hedeon begins

Following the siege of Svyetalin, where the former President, along with his cabinet of military and political advisors escaped via helicopter, militiamen and police along the country have been searching for traces of where the former President might have gone. Mykhailo Hedeon governed the country following the death of President Hryhoriy and has been nationally recognized as a war criminal and one of the worst people in the country's history. As a result, the Government has been determined to bring him to justice and has announced today a bounty of 50.000 Hroshi's for anyone who manages to capture him alive.

While militias in the countryside and police in the urban areas have mobilized along with units of the army, so-called internet ''trolls'' have created a conspiracy theory, in which it is proposed that President Hedeon is actually being guarded by the Government and governing the country in secret. Sylvaki Daily urges all readers to report and denounce these posts, which are highly insensitive and inappropriate.

[Nhoor]

[Corindia]

Carmo, 12:00 PM CNT: At a noon press conference today, the Corindi Election Committee formally started the 2020 Central Government election season. Although informal campaigns previously existed and organized, these campaigns are now allowed to solicit donations and advertise for the June 4th elections which will determine the President and Senators of Corindia until 2025, as well as a host of local governmental positions. Current two time President Lindsay Abelló has reached his term limit, and his anointed successor, current Secretary of Diplomacy Reyes d'Cruz is a current front-runner, although recent controversies as well as a slowdown of economic growth and job creation have led to his electoral bet being far from a certainty, albeit still a strong possibility.

The Corindi Progressive Party's decade long stranglehold on Central Governmental control has been weakening as a flagging economy has led populist and far left groups to question its handling of domestic and foreign affairs, particularly conflicts in Arvan and San Javier, as well as the increasingly expensive MSTO military GDP minimums. The Corindi Worker's Party, a center populist organization with strong support in rural areas, has been particularly critical of these foreign military ties under its new leadership of Marcel Paquet, the controversial Mayor of Gran Lago. Paquet, along with Lucille Mata of the Green Party and Tom Mateu of the United Labor Front, both far to the left of him, have all come into prominence by questioning the longstanding order of a ruling center-left CPP with the center-right Christian Democratic Party of Corindia leading the opposition.

Currently Paquet and d'Cruz are neck and neck in the polls, although the true leader is difficult to determine due to the Instant Run-Off elections. Contreras has seen his campaign collapse in the previous month, while the two front-runners compete to be the second choice for the host of minor and regional parties that have also put forth candidates today.

Senatorial Races: Campaigns have formally begun for Corindia's proportionally elected senate seats, in which each of the 7 Governing Regions is assigned 20 senators, as well as 10 elected from within the Hacopare Iza community who almost unanimously back Hacopare Iza Liberation. The results mirror the patterns seen in the presidential polling, with the CDPC polling as a strong competitor to the CPP in February.

Before a CDPC collapse in favor of the rising CWP, with many voters still left unaligned. Although many have been quick to dismiss the CWP's ascent as a temporary novelty, current polling shows that is has convincingly supplanted the CDPC in many of its former strongholds, and is likely to comprise the main resistance to the incumbent party in the upcoming election.

[Athara Magarat]

April 15th, 2020

Eagle Force conducts air raids into Khumbuwani terrorist camps in Central Canal

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NEW LIBANG, LIBA HANGATE

A day after the Khas New Year, the Magarati air arm of the Athara Magarat National Army launched air raids into "suspected Khumbuwani terrorist camps" in the Central Canal Authority (CCA). A spokeswoman for the Magarati government confirmed that this was in retaliation to a car bomb attack in northern Khumbuwani town of Yamphu; traditional stronghold of the namesake Yamphu clan who are among the Athapahariya Rai (the eight major clans that lead the Khumbuwani separatists). The Yamphu terrorist attack resulted in the deaths of two civilians and one police officer with five more individuals hospitalized.

"The Yamphu terrorist attack is proof that the rebels, aided by nefarious foreign powers like the CCA, will use foreign asylum to continue their war against our federation. The air strikes are a retaliation and warning to the CCA government. They still have time to arrest the Khumbuwani separatists within their borders and return them to us so they can be dealt with according to Magarati law."

The exact details regarding the aerial raids are unclear but some sources and "eyewitnesses" claim two separate squadrons of Gaelfighters and F-123 Falcon Multi-Role Stealth Fighters were involved.

The Athara Magarat National Army released an official statement claiming that its aerial components had killed 30 Khumbuwani separatists in the bombing of suspected terrorist camps along the Magarati-CCA border.

[Alteran Republics]

Central Canal Crisis:
Altera to lead international 'shielding'
operation in Northern Canal District

Aelfred Pendon | Alteran News Network
April 14th, 2020

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An airstrike by Athara Magarathi government forces killed 30 Khumbuwani separatists in the southern Central Canal District, an Athara Magarathi official said today, marking the largest death toll for the region in a single day since the crisis began.

The deaths were a serious rise in the escalating tensions between Athara Magarat and rogue elements of Central Canal District forces.

The strikes came as a retaliation for the detonation of car bombs in Yamphu, which resulted in the deaths of 3 bystanders and 5 further casualties.

Eyewitnesses state that the strike came from a combined force of Gael-supplied Gaelfighters and Noronica-Alteran built P.123 Falcons; causing some in the Alteran Curia to question Altera's role in the international arms trade.

Whilst senior ministers in the Eastern Commonwealth of Independent States have reiterated their call for an immediate cease-fire and expressed serious concern about the risk to civilians from escalating military actions, many quietly agree or wish to turn a blind eye to the airstrikes.

In response to the airstrikes, Altera is stepping up its role in the Canal District.

Alteran Strategos Keith Ryansan was holding an emergency security meeting in Nova Lantea, according to reports from government sources. Meanwhile, Praetor for Defense Marcelo Q'Long spoke to ECIS and Alteran military leaders via video-conference.

The airstrike came after Alteran Air Defense Force enacted a No-Fly Zone above the Northern Canal District, in an effort to prevent damage and deter an invasion of Athara Magarathi forces north of the canal.

However, the airstrike has prompted elements of the Alteran Ground Defense Force, who appear to have been prepared for such an eventuality, have crossed the border into the Northern Canal District.

"As part of our internationally recognised efforts to maintain peace and stability in the district, I can confirm that elements of the Alteran Defense Force have entered the Canal District.

"Backed by our international partners, who will soon be joining our forces, the A.D.F. [Alteran Defense Force] are in the process of securing key sites across the district.

"Their mission, as requested by Canal District authorities, is to create a shield to protect assets and the population on the north of the Canal.

"Whilst hoping to deter further escalation, our forces are there to work with local militias and police forces to help maintain law and order, as well as root-out suspected elements of their society that would wish to further heighten tensions.

"I completely understand how many will react. This is not an action we wished to take. This is not a path Altera and the citizens of the Canal District wished to partake in, but the threat of destabilising is very real and we must - along with our international partners - do everything in our power to maintain law and order."

Although the Defense Ministry could not comment on exactly what assets have been deployed, and where they are now, sources close to ANN state there is a 'specific type' of deployment at work, with 'more to come' in the future.

According to military and local sources, elements of the A.D.F.'s Rapid Reaction Force have been deployed at key sites across the Northern Canal District.

All five crossings over the canal - including three road bridges, a rail bridge and a road tunnel - have been, or currently being, secured by Alteran and local forces.

As well as transportation networks, key infrastructures - such as power, water and electrical networks - are said to be 'quickly secured' by Alteran and local forces.

Both experts and eye-witness accounts suggest that large aircraft - such as the Pelican STOL Transport and the O.364 Hamerkop - have been airlifting light and armoured vehicles to the furthest points of the district, whilst Elk Tandem Rotor helicopters have airlifted in light vehicles and troops to key points.

Ground elements - mainly comprising of Vortex Armoured Vehicles - have utilised the districts rail and road networks.

Sources close to the Strategos are scarce. What little that is known indicates that the Strategos 'did not want' this escalation and hopes for a 'rapid de-escalation' to the possible conflict between 'rogue elements' of the Canal District at the Athara Magarathi government.

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[Almorea]

APRIL 14, 2020

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Almorea to deploy 450 soldiers to Central Canal, prompting concerns over price tag

Soldiers of the Almorean Marine Regiment wait in a hangar at Ballasolash, Culawee province, on April 14, 2020

ELLSBURGH- President Alasdair Hallowell today announced that Almorea would deploy a force of 450 marines to the Canal District, amid escalating tensions between Athara Magarat and the Central Canal Authority that led to bombings on Tuesday.

Speaking in the north reception room of Carldon Hall, Mr. Hallowell said that Almorea, as a member of the Central Canal Authority (CCA), would "not shirk from fulfilling its obligations to the world." He referred to Magarati intrusions upon the Canal District as "violations of law" and, gesturing freely with his hands, proclaimed Almorea's "commitment to freedom of navigation".

The President was flanked by a group of top diplomats and defense officials, including the secretaries of state and war, as well as Deputy President Nora Soodalter.

Mr. Hallowell said that three companies of the 2nd Battalion, Almorean Marine Regiment, would be deployed to the Northern Canal District from the southeastern port of Ballasolash beginning on Friday. Gen. Walt Langholm, the commander of the Southwestern Military District, told the media that the force, totaling 450 men, would include 11 Piranha fighting vehicles and 3 attack helicopters.

Vice Adm. John Rennan added that ANV St. Michael the Archangel, the nation's only assault carrier, would begin cruising in the Karnali Sea on Thursday, ready to deploy its compliment of Corindi-made SF10 strike fighters to the Canal District.

Today's announcement marks the first overseas deployment of Almorean soldiers in decades. The news comes after airplanes of the Athara Magarat National Army conducted airstrikes on separatist rebel camps in the Southern Canal DIstrict on Tuesday morning. The Magarati attack killed 30 Khumbuwani separatists, according to official sources.

The airstrikes prompted a wave of international condemnation earlier Tuesday, including the announced deployment of Alteran forces to the Northern Canal District. Sources within Carldon Hall say that plans for an Almorean deployment had been in the works since last week, but were hastily polished off and rushed to the public on Tuesday evening, after global news networks were dominated by remarks by Alteran Strategos Keith Ryansan.

Mr. Hallowell was "vehemently opposed" to the deployment, according to insiders on the War Council, which sat for five hours before Almorean intervention was agreed upon. Hawkish advisers- including Mrs. Soodalter- convinced him otherwise, arguing that strong actions on the international stage would boost the President's governing AMP when legislative elections are held at the end of 2020.

Although Congress adjourned for its Easter recess on April 10, lawmakers were abuzz Tuesday night with speculation about the cost of the Hallowell administration's military deployments.

Sen. Elizabeth Knighton (F-Roonmore), a member of the conservative Federal Party, shared an infographic on Twitter claiming that it would cost Almorea over $160 million to maintain a military presence in the Canal District until June 1. Brett Tanner, the leader of the isolationist Coalition for Almorean Exceptionalism, appeared on nighttime politics shows to claim that current plans would shoulder taxpayers with even higher burdens- up to $400 million.

Although liberal lawmakers have attempted to tamp down such suggestions, a fierce debate about the deployments is guaranteed to stretch beyond Friday.

Concerns have also been raised in Ellsburgh that the Almorean military's use of Thunderbolt missiles, made in Magarati factories, could prove compromising if tensions continue to rise. The missiles were purchased in 2019 by the Hallowell administration as part of a wider free-trade agreement, known as AMRETA. Last month, a Thunderbolt missile exploded en route to a naval base in Frasyrland province, killing or wounding 17 soldiers.

The Times of Ellsburgh reserves all rights to this publication. Copyright MMXX.

[Remodio]

*deleted*

[Pohnei]

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The Bantalese United Force renews the conflict
Sembur,Bantal State

It seemed like the agreement between government and BUF was working, almost a year had passed without clashes until yesteday, march 20th 2020.

The BUF ambushed a police patrol in the town of Sembur which was at the epicenter of the regional conflict prior to the informal ceasefire.
2 agents were killed and their patrol car was set on fire.

The stance of the government seems cautious, a manhunt hasn't been ordered out yet, no military action has been taken but various state and federal officials have expressed deep resentment, delusion and warned to not provoke further.

The reason is unknown but speculators say that it may be caused by governor's Saranto surge in polls ahead of state elections.

[Dragao do Mar]

21st of April | Fortaleza, AL

Private schools go bankrupt as public schools now cover 80% of education demands

"Classes suspended!" sign in a private high school in Fortaleza.

Between February of 2019 to April of 2020, the Marian government opened 4,000 (four thousands) public schools. This expressive number was fruit of the Federal investment of 8 billion Iracemas in the infraestructure of education, which was decreed by Prime Minister Paulo Lacerda and approved by the Marian parliament in the beginning of the last year. Before that, public schools attended 50% of education demands, but now state-owned education institutions are covering 80% of demands in Dragão do Mar for elementary and high schools.

"Our goal is to enroll 100% of Marian childs and teenagers in public schools until 2022" said Prime Minister Paulo Lacerda, leader of the Marian Workers' Party (PTM) and Head of Government of Dragão do Mar since January of 2019. "The starting point to end the social inequality in our country is providing the same high standand of education to all Marian youth. In this new system, the government will open schools in all provinces and cities, and there the sons of rich people will be able to live together with sons of poor people, and they will have access to the same excellent educational content while they learn to accept sociocultural differences and become more tolerant persons. At the same time, we will be creating thousands of jobs in civil engeneering and education"

With the increase of capacity of the public education, more than 20 Marian companies and owners of private schools announced bankruptcy. However, the Federal government announced a plan of recuperation for the affected enterprises, where they will end their activities with education and start to attend to other necessities. In partnership with provinces and municipalities, the companies will transform buildings that previously were private schools into condos, houses for homeless people, hotels, restaurants, prisons and many other kinds of services.

The ambitious expansion of the Marian education system was criticized by politicians of opposition parties as the National Democracy Party and conservative religious leaders, claiming that "the decision to estatize the Marian education is a plan of indoctrination of the youth and that it isn't economically sustainable". In the other hand, sociologists and pedagogy professionals praised the measure, and said that it's "an excellent initiative to combat the bad quality of education in the provinces of Solaria and Parangaba, and provide better education for all the Marian families who aren't able to pay for registrations in private schools"

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[Magtel]

21st of April, 2020

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Foreign Volunteer Corp in drive to get more women into special forces

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Marcos Estrellada, El Diario.

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The FVC is opening more special forces roles to women as part of international efforts to tackle terrorism and unconventional warfare.

General Director Lourdes Escudero says that the Foreign Volunteer Corp has called for more women to help resolve conflicts across the Western Isles. Doman-speaking women are among those sought for the unfolding situation in the Argus Canal Region.

At the command centre a few miles outside Puerto Calderon on Sunday, the General Director watched a mock rescue operation where FVC operatives would save fleeing civilians and establish a secure green zone for providing humanitarian aid , the kind of operation conducted often in open war zones.

Ms Escudero said the FVC had to be combat-ready not only in terms of military robotics and other advanced technology, but also "by understanding the terrorists' social and cultural domain".

Ms Escudero further added that "we want to make a significant bid to involve more women in these missions, it's a priority".

In 1999 the Foreign Volunteer Corps opened up most military jobs to women and the proportion of women in it's armed forces is now 19.7%.

The crisis in the Central Canal District escalated last week when an airstrike by the Athara Magarat National Army air arm struck the Magarati-CCA border, killing 30 Khumbuwani separatists according to official sources.

In response, the governments of the Alteran Republics and Almorea have both increased their military involvement in the area, leading many to fear that the crisis could erupt into an international conflict.

"If the violence did indeed start to intensify, then rest assured we would be there to help" said Ms Escudero in a press conference at Benevolencia this morning. Escudero later added "We will be seeking international partners for cooperation, as the situation at the Argus Canal becomes increasingly tense, it will require wider spread cooperation among the governments of the Isles to resolve it"

Aureliano Peinado, leader of the Magtelan opposition party has jumped on Escudero's search for foreign partners, using it as a talking point in his campaign for ending the nation's policy of 'armed neutrality'.

"We should be going there ourselves, not relying on these wannabe mercenary troops to do the right thing" Mr Peinado said in a statement, adding "just because that is the way we have always done things, does not mean we cannot change for the better".

The call for the FVC to be assimilated into the Magtelan Defence Forces in a transition away from 'armed neutrality' has recently gained traction among Magtelan voters, but in the meantime, the organisation continues to train and expand in anticipation of the Central Canal crisis.

Join in on the conversation, using our hashtag #eldiario on Twitter, or commenting on our Facebook page.

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[Alteran Republics]

Horizon and A.N.S.A.'s GlobalLink satellite
internet to launch Beta phase "within 3 months"

Cacistus Leon | Alteran News Network
April 24th, 2020

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Horizon CEO and Strategos Keith Ryansan today released yet more details about the "GlobalLink" project - born out of a partnership with the regional tech giant and A.N.S.A. the Alteran semi-privatised Space Agency.

For those not in the know, GlobalLink is set to be a low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite internet service. Ryansan stated at a private summit with tech companies that a private beta for GlobalLink would begin in around three months, with a public beta to begin within three-to-six months after that.

The satellite constellation has also sturred the media recently, being spotted in the night sky of some areas of Altera and the Canal District this week.

The initial beta test will apply to those located in “high latitudes,” - to a select group of nations in the north of the region.

In a document released by the tech giant, Horizon has stated that GlobalLink service will initially be made available to customers in Altera, Noronica, Vancouvia, Roendavar and Norstham in 2020.

Horizon also promised that additional nations would be added in the public Beta, including nations as far south as Townside, Athara Magarat and Nhoor.

When quizzed by journalists as to whether Almorea would be classified as "high latitude", spokespersons for the A.N.S.A. stated that the nation would be included - which opens up the possibility that other nations may be included in the private beta.

Late last year, Ryansan live-streamed saying he was using a GlobalLink satellite connection to do so, and since then the company has launched six batches of 60 satellites each to build out its network.

The small satellites work by flying around the planet in low orbit, passing off the connection between one another to ensure consistent service is provided to ground stations.

They orbit lower than geostationary communications satellites, which provides latency and speed benefits, but don’t remain in a fixed position so a large number of them are required to provide consistent connectivity.

Horizon ultimately aims to use GlobalLink to provide low-cost, high-speed broadband connectivity to customers globally, with the specific goal of offering service to customers who don’t currently have reliable or quality access due to their remote location or poor national infrastructure.

If the company achieves what it sets out to complete, GlobalLink will supply a constant internet connection across the region, offering speeds of up to 1GBps with a latency of between 13 to 90ms when at full capacity.

In order to launch the 60 satellites into orbit, so far A.N.S.A. has utilised its Scheme 7 and 9 MALLARD shuttles, as Atri-Rosa has been put on hold due to technical faults with the rockets' engines.

However, with plans for a new low-orbit satellite launch platform said to be in works, the future looks bright for satellite-based internet communications.

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[Almorea]

NEWSWIRE

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Oil consortium bids to build nation's tallest building

Kingsford (APA)- In a press release today, the Almorean Oil Consortium announced that it will fund the construction of a tower in Kingsford which, if built, would rank as the tallest in the country.

The proposed Langley Tower, which would be built in Almorea's largest city, would stand at 2,100 feet and would contain over 1.5 million square feet of floor space. Almorea's current tallest building, the TMR Tower in east Kingsford, is 1,544 feet in height.

The skyscraper is named after John Langley, the CEO of the Almorean Oil Consortium and a longtime financier who was named "the most powerful man in Almorea" by stock market magazines in 2019. The Consortium he presides over is Almorea's second-largest employer, after the federal bureaucracy. In 2018, it employed almost 2 million people and made over $27 billion annually.

The Trade Regulation and Enforcement Authority (TREA), which serves as the federal government's financial watchdog, approved the Consortium's massive $5.3 billion contract to four construction companies, including the Adashawnee Development Company (ADC), which is Almorea's largest building firm. Taigh Bancaidh, the country's wealthiest bank, announced a $400 million investment in the project.

Trade Secretary Landon Brosnahan, who oversees the TREA, said that the contract was "legal". The Consortium's stock rose over 18% after the announcement was made.

Kingsford, home to over 3 million people, is the economic hub of Adashawnee province and Almorea's financial capital. The city serves as the headquarters of many of the nation's largest companies, including Norton Electronics and the Hygeia healthcare conglomerate.

According to the Consortium's announcement, work on the Langley Tower will begin in September 2020 and is scheduled for completion in 2024.

Hallowell cedes ALDRATO chair to Marian leader Lacerda

ELLSBURGH (APA)- Secretary of State Kirk Thurson confirmed during a press conference today that President Alasdair Hallowell has transferred the presidency of the ALDRATO alliance to Paulo Lacerda, the prime minister of Dragão do Mar.

President Hallowell, who was chosen as the first president of ALDRATO in February 2019, officially stepped down from the position yesterday, three months after his term's official expiration on February 1.

Mr. Thurson said that the delay was due to ALDRATO leaders "ironing out" the process of succession. The secretary told reporters that Mr. Lacerda, who was elected prime minister in late 2018, will serve as ALDRATO president until May 2021.

ALDRATO is an alliance between Almorea, Dragão do Mar, and the Totzkan Union. Although historic enemies, the three countries have drifted closer in recent years for economic and political reasons.

According to analysts, the collapse of autocracy in Totzka, the growing wealth of Dragão do Mar, and the rise of liberal governments in Almorea from the 1970s until the early 2000s all helped to shift national attitudes towards alliance.

In recent months, Almorean and Marian officials have consulted in developing a fighter jet, for service in all three ALDRATO air forces.

In a statement, former president Andrew F. Crawford, who was designated last week as the future ambassador to the Raedlon Organization of States, invited Dragão do Mar to consider membership in the new organization. The ROS currently includes Almorea and Nhoor.

Mr. Hallowell, whose mother is Marian, told reporters that he considered prime minister Lacerda to be a "great friend". The President praised Dragão do Mar and Nhoor as "great countries" and added that he hopes to place a call to Francisco Améro, the president of the Totzkan Union, "tomorrow[...] or next week".

ALMOREAN PRESS ASSOCIATION- ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ©MMXX

[Havalland]

The Royal Cryer

AN HEIR IS BORN

Today at 3:24 pm her royal highness Queen Magdalena gave birth to King Leon’s first child, the royal couple picked the name Arthur and was blessed by a priest. Prince Arthur Wolf will assume the position as heir to the white throne and to Havalland, Price Arthur will be groomed to understand the intricacies of ruling the nation and will be taught by the greatest minds of political philosophy.

We do not know what Havalland will look like by the time of King Arthur, but we hope he will take after his father and become a beloved ruler. For the time being it is our duty as loyal citizens of Havalland to protect the royal family as they protect us, we are all Havallish and we are in this together until the end.

[Dragao do Mar]

8th of May | Fortaleza, AL

Dragão do Mar joins the ROS, which PM Lacerda calls "a promising instrument"

Paulo Lacerda at the Chamber of Deputies of Dragão do Mar.

Today, May 8th, Prime Minister Paulo Lacerda approved the entrance of Dragão do Mar in the Raedlon Organization of States. In a special plenary session at the Chamber of Deputies, Lacerda proposed a talk between deputies of the opposition and deputies of the government alliance, until he expressed his final stance in favor of the Marian entrance to the organization and signed a bunch of papers formalizing the process.

The ROS, which was created recently by Almorea and Nhoor, was defined in the Chamber of Deputies by Paulo Lacerda as "a promising instrument for productive discussions between all Raedloni countries about various matters."

The Marian prime minister, who has assumed the leadership of ALDRATO in the past week, declared in a press conference that "great news about the Aquila fighter jet are soon to be announced". The project of development of the aircraft started in few time after the establishment of ALDRATO in February 2019, and according to Lacerda, "the alliance has employed tirelessly all the research capabilities of its members and also counts with important participation of Scantarbia". Lacerda hasn't commented on the ongoing Central Canal crisis.

Furthermore, the head of government of Dragão do Mar was very praised due to the great improvements on the Marian public education. However, he was criticized by the opposition after commenting that "Dragão do Mar has much to learn with socialist countries". Lacerda answered the critics saying "an intelligent foreign policy must establish ties to most countries as possible. With that in mind, I expect that the next months will be fruitful for the Marian diplomacy, as I will be visiting a group of countries from subregions as the Mesder Sea, Argus and the Southern Sea."

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[Sulamze]

May 10th, 2020
The Sulamze Spectacle
Sulamze, Nationwide

Demonstrators marching in Pinesville, South Salmon

Anti-Monarchists Hold Rally in South Salmon Commune

Yesterday anti-monarchism protesters, organized by the Republican Union, held a demonstration in the South Salmon Commune. Starting from the edge of Pinesville, people marched down Main Street to the commune's town hall, stopping on occasion to interrupt trains and buses. Demonstrators could be heard chanting and holding signs promoting various calls to action against Sulamze association with monarchies across the Isles. Overall the event remained non-violent.

The economy of the South Salmon Commune was functionally put on hold for the day, with may workers participating in the rally. L.L.O.M. has set new goals for the commune in response to the disruption, but there has yet to be any response as to if the commune will adopt the new recommendations.

L.L.O.M. to Undergo Update 7.15

Engineers who work with L.L.O.M. have announced their intentions to upgrade L.L.O.M. to version 7.15, saying that the growing economy must be accompanied by a growth in the computers processing capabilities.

"For the most part the program will work in the same way. This update is mostly optimization. We can expect some down time for certain servers as the update takes place but this should only happen on older hardware." - Guy Beachum, L.L.O.M. software engineer.

[Alteran Republics]

]

Central Canal Crisis:
Further Altera airstrikes prove one thing;
the C.C.A. is no more.

Aelfred Pendon | Alteran News Network
May 11th, 2020

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A source from the Council for Defense revealed that 48 airstrikes in several provinces of the Central Canal District over the course of 24 hours.

The daring, night-time strikes were carried out primarily by Alteran Air Defense Force P.125 Ospreys and P.123 Falcons, targetting insurgent and separatist forces hostile to the CCA and Coalition Peacekeeping Force.

All A.A.D.F. aircraft returned safely back to their airbases in Altera and the Northern Central Canal Authority.

Whilst sources within the separatist movement state that none of the strikes were successful, Coalition forces unveiled photographic and video footage of the strikes; clearly showing munitions destroying a variety of buildings, infantry and armoured vehicles.

Combat aircraft also inflicted 12 attacks on suspected supply columns moving northwards towards the canal, the source added.

This would suggest that coalition forces had struck targets in the southern portion of the C.C.A., currently occupied by Athara Magarath forces.

In April of this year, forces wishing the break away from the internationally-backed Central Canal Authority started a campaign of terror and military action in their bid for independence.

In turn, Athara Magarat and the Alteran-led coalition lent support to the C.C.A. in an attempt to stabilise the situation.

However, in early May, the C.C.A. government in the Northern District of the Canal Authority collapsed - forcing the Alteran-led coalition to step in and take further control of the region.

Whilst many are concerned that both Altera and Athara Magarath appear to be taking advantage of the Canal Authority's weakened position; there is no doubt that both countries had to take action.

With thousands of vessel travelling through the canal each year, both nations knew that they could not allow international trade to be impacted by a destabilised canal.

Worst still, the recent airstrikes and heightened military presence shows an alarming state of affairs and a desperate truth; the Central Canal Authority - in its past state - was not fit to govern.

The only question remains - who should rebuild and maintain control over the canal? A reformed, international back authority; or a joint Alteran and Athara Magarati endeavour?

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[Noronica]

^-INTERNATIONAL_-
GREYHOUND: BOOTS ARE SAFELY ON THE GROUND IN CCA

Angela McSechlan | Saltire Media

Published 12 May 2020

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CENTRAL CANAL - The roads of the Central Canal are undeniably different when compared to the past months, as military checkpoints are stationed en masse across the landscape and allied aircraft pass by every so often on their routine patrols. Despite the initial chaos of entering the territory, one cannot help but notice there is a general feeling of safety and security in the once worryingly unstable political landscape of the Central Canal Authority. Athara Magarati, Alteran and Noronnican troops now march side-by-side and the populace are not afraid to ask for aid from these principled peacekeepers who defend them from the dangers of separatist terrorists and a government who all too easily gave up on them.

The Ministry of Defence released official statistics of Noronnican assets present in the Central Canal with copies sent to Saltire Media to be published for the public. The Navy sent in the UPS Motherbase, one of the four 170,974 tonnes Afloat Foward Staging Bases procured by the Navy in recent years. It is used in conjunction with the United Prefectures Marine Corp as a floating staging base for their operations. Refitted merchant ships, these giants are extremely useful and less costly than the Devastator-Class aircraft carriers. The ship was guarded by two Truiadh Class destroyers, the UPS Sword and UPS Grenadier, both of which had been diverted from their original destination for routine annual Charbagnian defence. The Navy's First Sea Lord, Admiral Thomas Dunhade, has said that the Navy is willing to invest 'as much as possible to ensure that the Central Canal is stable once more'.

The Truiadh Class warships carry Axe Cruise Missiles, which have been authorised for use, 'should the need arise'. With allied airstrikes on insurgent targets announced yesterday, it is likely that Noronnican missiles from air or sea will be needed to support this effort.

The 4th Commando Brigade of the United Prefectures Marine Corps supported by the 2nd Marine Air Group arrived on UPS Motherbase. The Marines have been swift in their operation to support allied units in their efforts to maintain peace and to combat the threats posed to the local population and allied troops. Exact movements are not public knowledge, but Brigadier Margaret McClure told Saltire Media that 'the efforts of the brigade have been exemplary and every marine has shown an impressive discipline in supporting this difficult operation.' The Air Group, comprised of the multi-national F-123 Falcons, is supporting the efforts to police the skies of the canal from UPS Motherbase. NAS Vert, Noronica's airbase in Arván, has been put on standby in the event that further air assets are required.

The Prefectorial Order Bureau has also deployed units to support policing efforts with non-military police personnel in the territory and to support whatever decisions are made by the allied forces over the territory.

State Director of Defence Martyn Greyhound told Saltire Media that, "Noronica understands that it is vital to return the rule of law to the Central Canal, and unfortunately as things stand, the current status quo has been deemed unqualified for this task. The Noronnican Armed Forces will do whatever is necessary to support its allies in this endeavour to return peace and prosperity to this territory, which is essential to trade between east and west."

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[Suyak]

A Message From The King
Our glorious King has done a miracle once more. He freed hundreds of men, women, and children from the horrors that are a sweatshop. The rickety, abandoned factory just outside Kali was creating almost 10,000 spools of fabric and barely paying its workers. There were no breaks, no water, no food. Last Monday, the King sent his Guard to arrest the owners of the factory. The two men, whose
names have not been revealed, are now serving jail time.
The workers were a wide range of people. Men, old and young, children as young as 10, even women. Poor women who should be in the safety of home, caring for their husbands and children, are working long hours with men. No one knows how long these immoral things have been happening, but they end now.
“Kahtizi would never want this to happen, Women fraternizing with men, children acting like adults. This is sick, and as your King, I am deeply ashamed of my country”
~King Laith Hirayama

[Segentova]

Claudine Lussier|Toulon
Fri, 15 May, 2020

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Government announces intent of deploying troops to the CCA

Earlier this day, at 13:15, to be exact, a Military-Spokesman announced at a press conference that the Government has full intent to commit troops to the CCA. Stating that

"Securing our borders has historically always been the first priority of our military. If you have been following recent developments in the international news media. You should have seen by now that the CCA is quickly tearing itself apart. We have deemed that securing our southern thus is of utmost importance. The Government hence wishes me to inform you all that we have decided to close the border to the CCA. Anyone going in to or out of the area will now require a visa, which can be obtained through the ministry of internal affairs and justice. We further wish to notify the media that we have decided to commit a military task-force to the northern district of the CCA in order to secure our citizens living and working in the area, in a joint operation with the Alteran armed forces. Our task force will be consisting of a Cohort of the Segentovan legion, one Armored Brigade, as well as two Infantry regiments. The whole unit will comprise approximately 12.000 men, support, and logistics, notwithstanding, to be sourced from actively serving personnel on a volunteer basis. Initial deployment is expected to commence over the summer, but maybe pushed forwards should the situation escalate any further "

The precarious situation in the CCA in the last months and weeks has already led several nations to commit the military to the area in an effort to keep the peace. Yet the league has still failed to agree to any meaningful response regarding the situation, which currently seems to devolve more and more into a free-for-all over who can get a presence in the CCA and play the game of hearts and minds best. To put it frankly, dear reader, I am surprised our Government has taken this long to respond to the situation, which raises several questions. Is this just incompetence, or are they concerned about the broader strategical implications that such a military deployment can have for our country? One thing is sure; I'll tell you that. The league should stop sitting on their ass eating who's at fault here. By whining and shifting the blame, they've done nothing but allowed the situation to escalate while they should have been looking for a solution to the problem!

[Nhoor]

[Alteran Republics]

EXCLUSIVE: Strategos Ryansan's interview
regarding the Central Canal Crisis

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The following is a transcript of Strategos Ryansan's May 15th interview with the Alteran News Network.

CACISTUS LEON: Strategos Ryansan, once again - thank you for being with us this evening.

RYANSAN: Thank you, it's a pleasure to be on the network, as always.

CACISTUS LEON: It certainly has an interesting few weeks for yourself - both in terms of the nation and your company, Horizon Inc. But first, on the Central Canal. Many are asking why did we get involved? What was your motivation for Altera to get itself into this situation?

RYANSAN: Yes, it indeed has been an ... an interesting couple of weeks; Horizon is set to go live with its global satellite internet service - GlobalLink - and of course, the Central Canal. As our direct neighbour to the south, and with so much of our country - and the international community - invested in the district, it was important that swift action was taken.

CACISTUS LEON: Many have questioned the speed of Altera's response - why was it so rapid?

RYANSAN: As you know, the Central Canal Authority is a hub of international trade and business. Not only that, but there are tens of thousands of foreign workers and companies - including a large population of Alteran and Segentova nationals - who commute to or live and work in the district. We simply didn't have the luxury of sitting idly by and discussing the situation when our own people, and those of our allies, were in danger.

CACISTUS LEON: Members of League have asked why wasn't it brought to them?

RYANSAN: The way the League has responded to this crisis is precisely the reason we choose not to be a signatory of the League. This crisis has been raging for weeks, even longer if you factor in the terrorist activities in Athara Magarat and here within Altera. Did the League offer assistance? Did they lend aid, or words of wisdom? They barely - if at all - spoke of these major destabilising developments. Gracious, I'd be surprised if they even lifted a finger when our central government was callously murdered in cold blood!

CACISTUS LEON: Could the League not have offered more legitimacy to the intervention, or indeed more support?

RYANSAN: We'd get a swifter response from the League had they been entirely staffed by sloths. As for legitimacy - our coalition is formed of Noronicans, Alterans, Magtelians, Almorea, Segentovians - with many more nations contacting us daily to lend us support in materiel, peacekeepers and words of support; what more legitimacy do we need than from the International community? Words of support from career hungry politicians and bumbling clerks in the League?

CACISTUS LEON: It is many in the League that are accusing us of land-grabbing - occupying the district in order to claim back land.

RYANSAN: The issue with this claim, is that the "missing territory" is literally an area of less than a hundred square miles of the Central Canal Authority territory. Both that claims from the League, and indeed the inaccuracies and mistranslations of our Athara Magarathi counterparts, have confused the issue. We're not there to take the land, or assets, or the canal - we're there to stabilise the district so it can return to independent rule, and rid the district of terrorists and their support networks. I'll admit the League have a point when they go back in time and do something more than protest when Vancouvia moved into the I.D.

CACISTUS LEON: It is hard to justify that stance, when Alteran boots are on the ground in the District.

RYANSAN: Whilst it's difficult for some in the League to grasp this concept, we do not have the luxury of discussing the crisis for weeks on end in the safety of the International District, when there is essentially a civil war - risking the lives of our own people and citizens of those idle League members - on our very doorstep. Should we continue to sit in the League and discuss, argue and counter-argue points of political intrigue whilst our citizens, friends and family are at risk of death? I do not believe that any leader worth their merit can callously sit idly whilst human lives are in danger.

CACISTUS LEON: Many are asking; how long does Altera stay in the Central Canal District?

RYANSAN: For one, I don't want citizens in the Central Canal District to feel like they're under the jackboot of foreign powers; that's why we're working with the international coalition we've formed to restore order, reorganise their government and restore their faith in their leaders. The previous governors of the Central Canal District were too quick to crumble and give-in at the first sign of trouble, so we need to assist in any way we can to rebuild their trust in a government that can represent them.

CACISTUS LEON: And for Alteran rule in the Canal District?

RYANSAN: No, let me spell this out clearly. We are not taking over. We are not conquerors. We are not colonists. We are stabilising a very unstable region, meeting terrorists and murders head-on with cold, Alteran steel and restoring hope to a beleaguered state.

CACISTUS LEON: That's difficult to justify when there are Alteran troops on the ground there.

RYANSAN: What would they have us do, send a letter of protest? Sit at the border and hold a "Pray for the District" sing-a-long? No - we needed to take swift and difficult decisions and not toy with lives of innocents. I say the League should look to themselves and hang their heads in shame at their lack-luster and pathetic response to this and every crisis that's rolled onto their doorstep.

CACISTUS LEON: Moving on to the domestic policy, it's clear that Horizon is once again making headlines - investing large sums of money into foreign tech markets. Is the Curia abusing its power for your personal profits?

RYANSAN: The Alteran Trade Commission is dedicated to expanding Altera interests through trade, part of that strategy is creating investment opportunities in foreign markets. Horizon, Conway, Rowlands, Conta, AAe - they're all companies that are working with the ATC to create wealth and prosperity for Alterans and foreign nations through our trade and technical expertise. Diplomacy through Trade is our motto, and by the Architect, we'll continue to do so.

CACISTUS LEON: Speaking of commerce, recent statistics put the percentage of female C.E.O.s in the Alteran top 100 businesses has increased to 35% - up from 30%. Is this a trend you'd like to see continue.

RYANSAN: I couldn't care less if the C.E.O. is male, female, black, white, Alteran, Miklanian or from the moon - so long as the best person for the job is in the chair - that's all that matters.

CACISTUS LEON: Mr Strategos, thank you for your time.

RYANSAN: You're welcome.

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The following is a paid advertisement.

[Aruia]

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President Valerio Del'falco leaves presidential office before election: "The staggering of choosing a date for election went too long, the office became a burden".

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President Valerio Del’falco officially resigned his seat as president of Aruia after struggling to push for election earlier than march. He moved all his presidential duties and responsibilities to the chief of Senate Alisa Edal. “The staggering to choose an early date for election turned the office into a burden. I wish the best of luck to my party and wish the future president to contribute his full heart to the better of Aruia its neighbors and Gael.”

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Economy: Investors buy stock and shareholding in Dormil, Roendavar and Ainslie

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Earlier this month it was announced by the Aruian Trade and Commerce center that several Aruian investors pushed to buy stocks and shareholding in Dormil & Stiura, Ainslie and Roendavar that would be considered prime in priority. The main Bank of Aruia has stated the buying and transactions were processed through De’Vira Investments through branches of Bank of Lidra that sit in those nations. When asked over the nature of the stocks and businesses the Bank of Aruia had no comments over it as the trade portfolio were not fully acquired at the time

[Brulafi]

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Basketball After-Party in Dudelej-Kraj Turns into Brawl; 13 Injured

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DUDELEJ-KRAJ—It's no secret that basketball, for many Brulafis, is more a way of life than just a simple game. Indeed, National League games bring thousands of visitors to host cities in Brulafi and a specialized "Basketball Exit Visa" exists for fans traveling to see Brulafi teams perform abroad. This obsession with the national sport can have its downsides, though, as people are likely to defend such passions with intense means, even violence. Hooliganism is a rare, but not unknown, sight in Brulafi. Such an incident blew up in Dudelej-Kraj last night after a tightly contested game between the Dudelej-Kraj Marsijaleg and the Turbaj Marinjereg. The score was 102-104 Marsijaleg, with a controversial three-point shot in the last seconds of the game that launched the home team into winning. This sudden change of fate for the Marinjereg angered many of the diehard fans staying in Dudelej-Kraj, which led to their anger being taken out on the similarly diehard fans of the Marsijaleg. A riot quickly broke out and encompassed the entirety of Victory Square outside the stadium, with hundreds and potentially thousands of people being involved in the carnage.

Local Milițija units managed to quash the civil unrest, but not after 13 people were seriously injured and several buildings were damaged. This riot has been the largest that the city has seen in decades, and the most destructive since the 1970s. Local officials have explained away the size and damage of the riots by citing inflamed tensions between ethnic Brulafis and Barams after the second intervention in Magarat was announced earlier this year. A sizable minority of ethnic Barams live in Dudelej-Kraj, and the attacking citizens of Turbaj may have been exercising ethnic anger as well as regular sports hooliganism. An additional factor may have been the use of social media among locals. This likely caused many to leave their homes in order to get involved in the scrap, which inflated the carnage further.

This event has been labelled by officials in both Dudelej-Kraj and Turbaj as a national embarrassment, and the Party Council of Turbaj has formally issued an apology to their counterparts in Dudelej-Kraj. Many of those involved in starting the riot have been arrested by the Milițija, and if found guilty, are likely to be sentenced to community service. Then, they will be able to rebuild the buildings and streets so thoroughly trashed by the largest bout of hooliganism this country has yet seen.

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[Martenyika]

Monday May 18, 2020
RKT - Royal Kessa Times

Straits of Hazhar Safer Due to Anti-Piracy Patrolling, Navy Reports


RKT photographer captures sailor standing guard over suspects

The Navy reports that it's recent anti-piracy patrol northwest of Martenyika's shore was fruitful and has rendered the passage safer for passing merchant shipping and vessels of all kind. The Navy Corvette Savannah intercepted a pair of boats during its mission to patrol Martenyikan waters northwest of Hazhariland, roughly west of neighboring Doravo's shore. According to a Navy public relations official, the Savannah encountered a pair of vessels Sunday afternoon who were positively identified as vessels being used for piracy. While one vessel's occupants gave up without incident, the second came under heavy punitive fire...READ MORE >>>

President Zubele Announces Imminent Economic Conference with Aizcona

In a press conference President Maxime Zubele revealed that his administration has been coordinating talks with the Estral Republic of Aizcona. According to the administration, the talks would primarily be concerned with economic matters. The President himself characterized the upcoming interface as "a conference on a mutual economic future between two nations within Argus who want the best for their people." President Zubele also explained that he hopes both nations' economies can work together to help each other, and that this will be an opportunity to develop Martenyika's domestic textile industry among others. The venue for the talks is yet to be confirmed. The Estral Republic of Aizcona boasts a powerful economy, and Martenyikan economists believe that there is a lot to learn from Aizcona...READ MORE >>>

[Segentova]

Claudine Lussier|Toulon
Mon, 18 May, 2020

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NPM calls for annexation of northern CCA, rallies in Toulon

The leadership of the far-right party, MPN ("Mouvement Populaire National ", or "National Popular Movement") released a joint statement via Social media yesterday, proclaiming that a rally will be held in the government-district of Champs d'Août in Toulon. Customarily parties, organizations, and citizens initiatives will hold rallies there if they wish to attract the immediate attention of the Government. The purpose of the said rally was stated to protest the government's continued occupation of the CCA. The MPN is known to favor more expansionist ideology, and would likely favor outright annexation over the current strategy, which is, according to the government more of a peacekeeping mission than anything else. Whether the MPN tactic of showing popular support will be successful remains to be seen, and to me, it depends entirely on how many supporters they can conjure up. For those not in the know, the MPN traces its roots back to the turbulent 1920s and 30s, Though Segentova did not participate in the first world war, these years would be very troublesome for our country, political crises, only exacerbated by the financial crisis lead to a surge in political radicalism. The MPN has historically been associated with the Protestant right of Segentova and often finds itself at odds, not just with socialists and centrists, but also with other organizations on the far-right. Chiefly among these is the FNS ("Falange National de Syndicalistes" "National Falange of Syndicalists"). Following the Second Imperial war, though never able to form a government, the Movement's momentum stagnated, and poll-numbers fell sharply. Nowadays it consistently manages to secure just enough seats in parliament to be a lingering presence in our politics. Now that our nation seems poised to face a new set of troubles, following the Governments in intervention in the CCA, it seems the vultures may be back, trying to exploit the situation.