The Western Isles News

[Martenyika]

Thursday July 21, 2022
RKT - Royal Kessa Times

Report: 30% of Martenyikans Now Online, and Rising

According to a recent report, experts believe that about 8 million Martenyikans now have access to the internet. At about 30% of the population, this is a significant milestone for a nation which has typically lagged behind many others in The Western Isles for telecommunication technologies.

Telecommunications have seen steady growth throughout Martenyika in the past decade, but the expansion and improvement of internet connectivity has seen particularly rapid growth in the past 5-7 years. This includes a gradual shift towards self-sufficient internet access, where families, schools, or other institutions own one or more electronic device capable of connecting to the internet themselves, rather than relying on intermediaries. Traditionally couriers have delivered printed emails and other articles to recipients who can’t access them online, especially in outlying areas, while primarily urban areas benefit from cybercafes and internet kiosks.

Economists believe that there is a strong correlation between this expansion and the nation’s ongoing economic development. With the rise in Martenyikan commercial and industrial sectors over the past few years, businesses are adapting to today’s online world. “Martenyikan businesses—big and small—are beginning to penetrate more into the international market now,” said economist Bernard Amigassou.

The growth of internet access is not just limited to commercial and industrial interests. Far more Martenyikan citizens now also enjoy personal access than ever before. Personal internet access has seen substantial growth year after year since the 2000s, however data suggests that the trend is accelerating at an unprecedented pace as of 2020-2021. At this rate, it would not take long for the nation to breach the 10 million user or 33% thresholds in the near future.

Although largely hailed as a net positive for Martenyika, rapidly expanding access carries its own challenges. More computers, servers, and so forth means even greater electricity consumption for a system that is already beginning to falter. Bandwidth is another concern, as it has not kept up with the pace of internet access, especially outside main metropolitan areas. Fast speeds remain cost prohibitive for many, as do satellite options for huge swathes of Martenyika’s rural areas.

Nonetheless, the data suggests that internet users from other nations can expect to interact with Martenyikans more frequently going forward, whether for business or socialization. According to Zamani Njabulo, an increasingly popular Martenyikan content creator (host of the Zamani Cooks, Zamani Talks, and Zamani Plays channels), “this is a good thing, we [Martenyikans] can share ourselves, our culture, experiences, perspectives with people from all over…we get to learn and connect in exchange. Everyone wins!”

[Lesva]

Lesva introduces the Safety Net

Throngist Movement Party of Lesva approves the Safety Net as a new internet security system

By the recommendation of Minister of Information and Ideology of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Eni Poda, the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva has voted to accept the introduction of a new internet security system in the Throngist Republic of Lesva called simply - the Safety Net. The system is designed to protect Lesva's segment of the World Wide Web from dangerous information, outside influence over Lesva's segment of the internet, hacker incursion and a lot more. The government and state structures have already been controlling the internet quite effective, however, Minister of Information and Ideology Eni Poda said that prior efforts of establishing clear control over Lesva's segment of the internet through separate steps like banning social media was not enough and not productive, thus suggesting to create a clear framework and a clear system for fulfilling the function of protecting and managing Lesva's segment of the internet without cutting the Throngist Republic off from the World Wide Web entirely. Minister of Education and Throngist Ideological Fosterage of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Deren Pova supported the initiative by the colleague from the Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva, while suggesting at some point in time the Throngist Republic of Lesva should consider shutting itself off from the internet and replacing it with a Lesvan intranet, exclusive to the territory of the Throngist Republic and not connected to the global net.

The Honorable Members of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva voted unanimously at the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva in approval of launching the Safety Net. Afterwards, President of the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Ari Iotuke, who recently returned to the position after having briefly been part of the Council of Ministers, declared that the Party voted unanimously for the Safety Net, after which the President of the Supreme National Carto and all other Honorable Members of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva stood up and engaged in a long standing ovation. The author of the project - Minister of Information and Ideology Eni Poda, who was present at the Supreme National Carto during the vote and also addressed the Party from a podium with one final speech of support for the project, joined in for the standing ovation, with clear and deserved pride on the Minister's face and observing the Minister's posture. Minister of Education and Throngist Ideological Fosterage Deren Pova spent the entire time of the standing ovation looking at and positioning the body in the direction of Minister of Information and Ideology Eni Poda as a sign of support for the colleague, a fellow Party member, a fellow compatriot and revolutionary.

[Martenyika]

Troops Deployed Following Deadly Poacher Clash Near Velder Border

Following a bloody clash between poachers and law enforcement near the Velder border, Martenyikan military forces are currently being deployed to the area. The deployment, which was approved by President Maxime Zubele, is intended to supplement the Wildland Ranger Corps and Gendarmerie in securing the region amidst a worrying escalation in poacher violence.

The latest clash resulted in numerous Rangers and Gendarmes killed or injured before the suspects dispersed and escaped close to the border with Veldhaven. “It sounded like a battle, we were very afraid,” one resident of the area described the so-called “Battle of Kambowe” owing to the nearby village. The Wildland Ranger Corps’ all-female “Team Cheetah” is mourning their first fatality just three months after its founding in April. Team leader Nadia Etémé succumbed to serious gunshot wounds which she received over the course of the fight. One of her partners was also wounded, but is currently recovering.

It is believed that an unusually large, well-equipped, and determined group of poachers was responsible for the incident, and may also be responsible for other violent confrontations and illicit activities in the past. There is speculation that they may have been behind the death of two rangers and the injury of one within just 60 days between mid-February and April of 2022.

The government expects the new military presence will prevent this kind of bloodshed from continuing, and will help law enforcement officials track down perpetrators. Checkpoints are currently in place, as are increased border area patrols, and greater presences at crossing points. There are reports of individual, vehicle, and property searches in the region as authorities seek out poaching suspects and their contraband.

President Zubele has declined to confirm or deny suspicions of any foul play from the Velder side of the border, despite the complicity of Velder border and internal security officials in smuggling poached Martenyikan ivory in 2019. “I am not making such accusations now,” the president said in an official release, “however I am acting quickly and decisively to curb this serious issue [poaching] where it is currently manifesting most violently.”

[Veldhaven]

Martenyika Deploys Troops to Border with Veldhaven

Martenyika deployed troops to it's border with Veldhaven today, as a response to a particulalrly violent poaching incident. Numerous fatalities were suffered by the Ranger and Genderarmie teams attempting to stop the poachers, among those one member of the recently formed Team Cheetah. This clash comes after months of buildup along the border. What appears to be a new poaching group is determined to take on more smuggling operations. Reports from the Veldhaven border force suggest that attempted border crossings have increased in the past month, with around 40% of them linked to attempted smuggling.

This comes, of course after renewed interest in "Poacher Gate". An incident in 2019, in which several members of the Border Force and Committee of Internal Federal Investigations (CIFI) were caught smuggling ivory across the Marenyikan border. The operation at the time had totaled over $100 million. With buyers all over The Western Isles. Minister for the Department of Security Herr Rutte was made aware of the scheme and managed to shut it down. After around 87 resignations and 43 arrests. He called it back in 2019 "the biggest poaching operation we have ever thwarted". He now has this to say:

"We are keeping an alert eye on the border right now, as the situation develops. I think we can rule out foul play from our side for now".

Additionally, just 6 hours ago the Border Force arrested two Martenyikan men attempting to smuggle in Ivory. The ivory was confiscated and the two men were deported back to Martenyika.

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The Debt Crisis is now Ballooning

Debt has reached $226 Billion this year, the highest amount since the 1980's. Increased borrowing from the Van de Brondenburg administration has been justified to cover increased trade and welfare expenses. The goverment staunchly holds the position that it's loan agreements are fiscally sound and also neccesary for the nation's finances. Despite debt now consisting of around 35% of the total GDP, the highest level in decades.

Since 2018, borrowing has increased from nearly all sources. Trusted allies such as Dormill and Stiura hold around 15-20% of it, which initially appeased investors and business groups. Trust towards Dormill and Stiura remains high. However, the Van de Brondenburg administration has not hesistated to accept loans from other less trustworthy countries. At least in the eyes of the public. Last year a loan for $2 Billion was approved from Balnik, the year before around $4 Billion from Roendavar and this year negotiations have begun on a loan from New Aapelistan (Aprosia).

The People's Party still holds firm on two positions:
1). The Loans that were signed are repayable and fiscally responsible.
2). One of the reasons Veldhaven might not be able to repay it's loans is that the nations it borrowed from are now raising the interest rates.
The second point is something that many analysts have pointed out as a crucial flaw in mutliple loan deals. Draft agreements seen from the Balnik deal have set the maximum interest rate as high as 33.5%. Something that the government should have either reduced or made sure it was able to repay.

Despite all of these issues, Van de Brondenburg still wants to increase borrowing to an additional $34 Billion this year. Well surpassing the $250 Billion mark set in 1982. As of yet, he has not confirmed from which countries Veldhaven would be receiving these funds from. It is however not hard to speculate.

General Election Date: 8th October 2022

[San Jimenez]

San Jimenez, July, 2022

|CONSECRATION OF TOWNSIDER BISHOP||INTERNATIONAL|CATHOLIC CHURCH|

Pictured above is the most recent addition to the bishops of the Archdiocese of Del Agua, Bishop Nathaniel Reid of the Diocese of Pueblo Junto al Mar.

Archbishop Florencio Casias

Nathaniel Reid, a priest from Townside, was selected by Jimenean Archbishop Florencio Casias as the new bishop of the diocese in Townside. The archbishop, per custom, traveled to Townside for the consecration of Bishop Reid. Bishop Reid will be tasked with administering pastoral care for the Catholic faithful of the country, roughly 47,000 people. The new bishop now finds himself at the helm of the largest Christian church in Townside.

Upon his arrival, Archbishop Casias met first with Reid to discuss matters of pastoral affairs in both San Jimenez and Townside. The dicussion included matters facing the Church in Townside as well as social issues in both countries. With the growing rise of atheism in the country, Archbishop Casias stressed the importance of evangelization in Townside. The archbishop also discussed ways of serving working class Townsiders who make up a large bulk of the Catholic population in that country.

Afterwards, the archbishop consecrated the new bishop before thousands of faithful observers. Two other bishops of the archdiocese acted as co-consecrators for Bishop Reid's consecration, Bishop Miguel Santos of San Jimenez and Bishop Finley Stevens of Yursea. Speaking before the faithful, Archbishop Casias said of Bishop Reid:

You [Catholics], are the life of this diocese, this Church, and this country. I have an overwhelming confidence that under the pastoral care of Bishop Reid, the Church in Townside will find growth and devotion. Our archdiocese is blessed with the addition of Bishop Reid and he, together with other bishops, will ensure that our faith will persevere in times of trial and prosper in times of tranquility. May almighty God, through the intercession of the Blessed Lady of the Eterna, pour his grace upon us and Bishop Reid. Please keep myself, Bishop Reid, and our Church in your prayers.

After meeting with clergy, the archbishop took the opportunity to meet with government leaders in Townside. Archbishop Casias met with Brigadier Matthew Smith, the acting governor, and Chief Justice Warwick Huntingdon-Stafford, acting lieutenant governor. The meeting was mostly ceremonial with brief discussions.

To conclude his trip to Townside, Archbishop Casias met with the archbishop of the Anglican Church in Townside. The Anglican Church in Townside, the second largest Christian church in the country, encompasses about 25,000 adherents. The two religious leaders discussed ways of cooperation between the two churches in Townside as well as improving relations between the two. Despite doctrinal differences, primarily on the ordination of women and the blessings of same-sex unions, the archbishop stressed cooperation. However, he reminded the faithful that the Catholic Church and its leaders in Townside must avoid making doctrinal concessions for the sake of cooperation.

|SAN JIMENEZ-LAEDEN AGREEMENT RATIFIED||INTERNATIONAL|

On July 26, the State Synod of San Jimenez ratified the agreements signed in June by President Lucas Canone and Laedenian Vice-President Gaston Delacroix. The agreements involved a variety of topics, the most notable being an agricultural partnership between the two countries as well as joint military exercises that will take place.

The agricultural agreement was ratified in a vote of 252-48. The Common Accord Party, joined by Build Breakthrough and the People's Conservative Union, overwhelmingly voted in favor of the agreement. The specifications include the establishment of the Joint Agricultural Development Agency that will be funded by the governments of both countries in order to conduct research and agricultural techniques. This has also led to an alignment of the prices of agricultural exports. Opposition to the agreement was led by the Completely Clean Coalition who questioned the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals attached to certain agricultural practices on the island.

The military exercise agreement was ratified in a narrow vote of 168-132. The Common Accord Party was split on the vote with 92 representatives in favor and 66 against. Build Breakthrough was also split 31-22 in favor. The representatives in favor were joined by a unanimous People's Conservative Union and a unanimous Jimenean Nationalist Movement. The opposition was joined by a unanimous Completely Clean Coalition and a unanimous Socialist Party of San Jimenez. Opponents of the agreement cited dangers to Jimenean pacifism and neutrality in foreign military affairs. President Canone assured the public that the exercises would be carried out as a symbol of partnership and national security. Critics in the State Synod continue to question the implications of the exercises.

Despite a sizeable opposition to military exercises, President Canone has indicated his desire for future partnership with Laeden and the pursuit of closer economic/military ties. He again cited his administration's desire for national security and economic prosperity as he welcomed the ratification by the State Synod.

[Lesva]

Balnik, Aprosia and Lesva begin a joint military exercise in Cane Islo, Lesva

Countries of the Eastern Tripartite launch joint drills in Cane Islo (Silver Island), Lesva

Cane Islo (Silver Island) has become the very first location in the Throngist Republic of Lesva to hold a historic role and have a historic honor to host the very first Eastern Tripartite (ET) joint military exercise on our Homeland's territory. Overall, this is the third joint military exercise by ET member states, with the Federation of Balnik having hosted the first one, Aprosian People's Democratic Union having hosted the second one and now time has come for the Throngist Republic of Lesva to have its' turn and host the third one, thus completing the first full circle of military drills by ET. The armed forces of Aprosia, Balnik and Lesva held the very first joint ET drill in Kotlumi mountains, Balnik, the second one in Tamín Islands, Aprosia and now the third one in Cane Islo, Lesva, our country's only island in a strategically important position. Like the first drill, the current joint military exercise will be more comprehensive and will involve the army, the air forces and the navy, including training and war games on all primary fronts - land, air and water. The drill will simulate defensive war scenarios against invasion forces, as well as counter-terrorist anti-insurgency operations against domestic threats, including training to fight on all primary fronts that a battle could ever take place on. First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Giva Tesin, Minister of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces Captain General Noie Verant, Chief of the General Staff of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces Lieutenant General Cito Pacaita have all personally arrived to Cane Islo to observe the ET joint drill.

In other news

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• Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Taica Berislavić to inspect the progress of the trans-Gael railway project on Lesva's territory.

[Renet]

The Cary Print
By Kevin Morris

Nanney announces Military Appointments

President Seth Nanney announced a slew of military appointments this morning. President Nanney has announced he will nominate General Jack Morris, currently Army Minister, for the rank of Field Marshal and the office of Defense Minister, to replace the retiring Fleet Admiral James Miller. Morris previously served as Vice Minister of the Army and as a Lieutenant General led the Renetian ground forces attached to the Coalition that conducted Operation Swift Resolution, which established the demilitarized zone between the two Charbagnian nations. Vice Minister of the Army General Brianna Bryan will be nominated to succeed Morris as Army Minister. General Ryan Daniels, currently leader of the Army's Armored Branch, is going to be nominated for the position of Vice Army Minister. Lieutenant General Victoria Mason, Daniels's deputy, has been nominated for promotion to the rank of full General and to serve as the Commanding General of the Armored Branch. Major General Samuel Lewis, the younger brother of current Interim Commerce Minister Jonathan Lewis, has been nominated for promotion to Lieutenant General and the position of Deputy Commanding General of the Armored Branch to replace Mason
Admiral Peter Hall, the current Navy Minister, will retain his position for now, but there will more on him later in this article.

Confirmation of these appointments is overwhemingly likely, as military nominations are rarely contested by the Assembly. Indeed, Assembly Speaker Lana Edwards of the United Republicans and Assembly Opposition Leader Alexandria Fowler of the National Progressives have both voiced approval for these nominations. These appointments were announced as tensions have simmered between numerous nations abroad in recent months, and directly after the beginning of an Eastern Triparite military exercise in Lesva.

It is also speculated President Nanney will announce political appointments as well. Prime Minister Logan is rumored to be considering a return to the private sector and Foreign Minister Baker has been under consideration for an ambassadorship to a friendly nation. Who he might choose for Foreign Minister is unknown, but Admiral Hall and Education Minister Jeffrey Smith have been considered to replace Logan as Prime Minister. Hall was former President Warren's military advisor as a Commodore and later served as a political advisor to President Davis while retaining his rank of Rear Admiral. After his promotion to Vice Admiral, he served as leader of the Renetian naval forces assigned to the Coalition that conducted Swift Resolution in 2018. Jeffrey Smith previously served as Prime Minister under the Warren presidency and succeeded Nanney as Foreign Minister under former President Dave Davis. Smith has remained silent but Hall has issued a rare press statement stated if chosen and confirmed he would retire from the Renetian Navy before being sworn in, fueling the rumors more.
We'll find out if these rumors are true or not.

[Lesva]

Honorable Taica Berislavić appointed First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva

Throngist Movement Party of Lesva appoints Honorable Taica Berislavić as First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva

Today, at the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva, the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva has appointed Honorable Taica Berislavić, the outgoing Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva, the new First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva, succeeding the Honorable Giva Tesin, who served as the second First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva since the foundation of the Throngist Republic. At today's session of the Supreme National Carto, the Members of the Party voted unanimously in favor of the appointed, with President of the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Ari Iotuke later declaring that vote has passed unanimously and the decision was made.

Traditionally, Honorable Taica Berislavić addressed the Party from the podium, offering resignation from the position of Chairman of the Council of Ministers, an office which the Honorable Taica Berislavić held twice since the foundation of the Throngist Republic, with this having been a second time. Honorable Taica Berislavić was fourth and sixth Chairman of the Council of Ministers. After Honorable Taica Berislavić was done with the address, outgoing First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Honorable Giva Tesin then gave an address before the Party, also offering resignation. Honorable Giva Tesin was second acting head of state during the Transitional Period prior to the foundation of the Throngist Republic, the second and second First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva.

Afterwards, Honorable Taica Berislavić appeared before the podium, accepting the appointment as third First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva from Throngist Movement Party of Lesva, taking over the position for the first time. After the appointment of Honorable Taica Berislavić as First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva, the entire Supreme National Carto moved towards a prolonged standing ovation for the new Head of the Party.

Honorable Frei Jauca appointed Chairman of the Council of Ministers

Throngist Movement Party of Lesva appoints Honorable Frei Jauca as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva

As the position of Chairman of the Council of Ministers was left vacant, the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva moved towards appointing the new head of government with the new First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Honorable Taica Berislavić having supported a successor nominated by him. The successor is Honorable Frei Jauca, the second acting head of government during the Transitional Period prior to the foundation of the Throngist Republic, the third Chairman of the Council of Ministers and outgoing Minister of Ethnic and Cultural Issues of the Throngist Republic of Lesva. Honorable Frei Jauca spoke from a podium before the Party with the first address, offering resignation from the position of Minister of Ethnic and Cultural Issues. After the Party accepted the resignation, Honorable Frei Jauca gave a second address, accepting the appointment as Chairman of the Council of Ministers and a return to this position, becoming the seventh Chairman of the Council of Ministers, previously having served as the third. The appointment was followed by prolonged applause across the Supreme National Carto by Members of the Party.

Honorable Giva Tesin appointed Minister of Ethnic and Cultural Issues

Throngist Movement Party of Lesva appoints Honorable Giva Tesin as Minister of Ethnic and Cultural Issues of the Throngist Republic of Lesva

Finally, it was time to fill the vacant position of the Minister of Ethnic and Cultural Issues and Honorable Giva Tesin, who has just transferred the position of the First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva, was chosen. Standing at the podium for a second time in this Supreme National Carto session, Honorable Giva Tesin accepted the appointment as the new Minister of Ethnic and Cultural Issues. Following the appointment, the Supreme National Carto once again moved towards prolonged applause with the Party congratulating the colleague and Fellow Member.

[Veldhaven]

Cross Party Electoral Commission Publishes Report: Highlights Illegal Activities Within Current Government

The cross party Electoral Comission, made up primarily of opposition members of the Senate has now published it's full report. Set up in 2020 to cover initial accusations of foul play in the department split deals that the People's Party lead Commons gave to the Senate back in 2018. It has since widened it's scope looking at any other irregularities in governance and protocools that members of the People's Party in the Commons may have committed. The Commission contains members of nearly every opposition party, bar of course the National Party and Freedom Party who's members declined to join.

The Commissions findings are listed below. They include at least 4 instances where members of the government broke the law, parliamentary regulations or decades of established protocol.

• Department Deals: Members of the government did in fact break parliamentary regulations where they decided to offer deals that split the departments 12-6 to the Commons. The following suggestions of 11-7 and 10-8 were also deemed to have broken regulations.
• Lying: Minister of the Department of the Treasury Martin Ruebeck did infact lie four times to the Commons about the inflation rate and the rate of debt repayments. He lied in four seperate occassions, twice in departmental committee meetings. Once to his staff and once to the entire Commons. Each time he purposely cited the wrong number for the relevant statistic, either citing last month's figures or making one up on the spot.
• Staff Pay: Mark Van de Brondenburg didn't notify his staff in time as he planned to decrease their salary by at least 7%. Legally an employer is obligated to notify their employees when their salary decreases by 5% or more. Van de Brondenburg didn't just break regulations, he broke the law.
• Ceremonial Errors: Second Minister in Opposition Stefan Hollenburg declined to shake hands with or officially greet the Second Minister Out of Opposition and Leader of the Senate Stefan Vijmand druing the opening of the Parliament. He also forgot to screen submitted white papers from his own party past the Leader, something which he is required to do. As well as delaying votes on a number of adminstrative issues and jeering the Senate majority without cause. Each time he violated Parliamentary protocols.

The Commission advises reprimanding each individual named in the report.

Due to their findings the Electoral Commission will now oversee the upcoming elections, citing it's purpose to prevent further foul play.

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Outstanding long lines of Ships Wait Outside Velder Ports

Standing by the edge of the docks in Amberstad (Buckland), one of Veldhaven's largest ports, it's a bleak sight looking out to sea. As far as the eye can see, stands a long line of grey ships waiting to unload their cargo. Most of it is natural gas or more spefically LNG. shipped over from Balnik, Aizcona,Dormill and Stiura and New Aapellistan(Aprosia). All of this is in order to combat the rising price of gas and fuel, but is it actually working? The idea was to flood the market with exported gas, but this is hardly a flood. More of a slow drip.

The LNG terminal at Amberstad docks, one of five in the country, is arguably the biggest in South Argus. Operating at maximum efficiency it process around 1,000,000 litres of LNG per week. Far more than any other terminal. Currently it is being crewed by 75 workers, working day and night. The manager has pleaded with the Federal Government to utilise any of the existing Federal Work Programs to get more workers in. This at the moment seems unlikely to happen, as 3 weeks ago Mark Van de Brondenburg ruled out any further use of the Works Programs to help the current crisis.

This morning the minimum price for a 50L cannister of natural gas (the national standard) was $120. In some cases this went up to $340 or even well into the $500s. Experts claim that the slow progress of signing a trade deal with Aprosia is what's causing the biggest jumps in price. Since the start of 2021, imports of natural gas in any form have doubled. This has lead the Federal Government to start using almost 5% of the Federal Stragetic Reserve to stablise import prices and cover the costs for businesses.

Still, while diplomats argue on over export fees, our docks are clogged up. The import lanes now resemble shopping centre queues in the 1970's, while the export lanes are still moving albiet at a reduced rate from what many remember seeing 4 years ago. In the end a 5% reduction in tariffs doesn't matter, when an airplane ticket to near by Laeden costs $700 per person. Oh, if you are lucky enough to find an open airport that is.

General Election Date: 8th October 2022

June 29th

Party	Vote
People’s Party	34.0%
Democratic Socialists	33.0%
Providence Party	16.0%
National Party	10.0%
Liberal Party	4.0%
Small Parties Coalition	1.0%
Independent Coalition	1.0%
Freedom Party	1.0%

July 29th

Party	Vote
Democratic Socialists	35.0%
People’s Party	30.0%
Providence Party	18.0%
Liberal Party	8.0%
National Party	6.0%
Small Parties Coalition	1.5%
Independent Coalition	1.0%
Freedom Party	0.5%

[Lesva]

Professor Lecam Ceru explains what makes the Throngist regime in Lesva different from other dictatorships

Tonight's report will be dedicated to a conversation with Professor Lecam Ceru, a political analyst and historian, who became a dissident forced to flee Lesva because of personal opposition to the Throngist regime ruling Lesva, as well as opposition to dictatorship in general. Now, the Professor and like-minded allies comprised of other Lesvan dissidents, are doing whatever they can to contribute to the achievement of a democratic transition in Lesva. In tonight's exclusive interview, which Professor agreed to give us, we are going to receive a professional's look at why the Throngist regime in Lesva might be a more difficult challenge for the pro-democracy forces than expected and what makes it stand out from other dictatorships in TWI, including the ones that came before, the ones that exist currently and possibly even the ones that might appear in the future.

Interviewer: "Professor, thank you for agreeing to talk to us."

Professor Lecam Ceru: "It is my pleasure."

Interviewer: "Let us move straight towards your main message that you have been trying to project to your allies and would be allies. You said that in order to begin a fight against the Throngist regime in Lesva, what needs to be done first is to understand the specifics of this regime, otherwise the fight would be ineffective. You said that according to your opinion many dissidents, and possibly even other countries, do not necessarily understand the Throngist regime in Lesva and thus can't put up a decent fight against the dictatorship. What did you mean by that?"

Professor Lecam Ceru: "Well, the first thing what needs to be understood about the Throngist regime is that it is not a personalist dictatorship or personalist regime. Other dictatorships, whether authoritarian or outright totalitarian, often had one tyrant with a cult of personality running the country for a lifetime and if that tyrant manages to hold on to power, they would usually choose a successor, often from their direct family-related descendants, to continue the regime's lifespan in that same direction. In the Throngist regime's case, it's a different situation. The Throngist regime is a collective dictatorship of a single party and a single political force, made up of many people, who basically comprise a single organism. We have seen them change the First Secretary of the Party or Chairman of the Council of Ministers frequently in a short time and absolutely nothing changed. Regardless of whatever "individual" or whatever surname is holding certain position, it didn't and doesn't matter, because it's the party and the ideology that is truly in power and not a single tyrant with a cult of personality."

Interviewer: "Well, since the Throngist regime officially took over, there have been three First Secretaries of the Party already and seven Chairmen of the Council of Ministers. And you are confident that it has no influence whether it is Pacton Inca, Giva Tesin or Taica Berislavić in power? Or any of the seven people that held the position of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, including the three aforementioned names? Wouldn't they bring some individual traits to their leadership?"

Professor Lecam Ceru: "It has absolutely no influence because none of these people are individuals. Individuals don't exist in the Throngist regime. The individual gets absolutely absorbed by the Party, because their ideology's main agenda is the destruction of an individual and their merger into some sort of a collective organism, which is stronger when united like that, instead of on their own. It is a symbiotic relationship. Whatever the Party says, all of these people are supposed to voice as a face or figurehead of the party, but their position is largely ceremonial, whether they are the First Secretary, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, the President of the Supreme National Carto, top military officials, intelligence officials, etc. And that applies not only to government officials, but citizens as well."

Interviewer: "Okay, but what is so unique about that? The Throngist regime in Lesva is not the first and not the last dictatorship not to be ruled by a single tyrant-dictator, but by a dominant party consisting of many people."

Professor Lecam Ceru: "That is right because these two categories of a dictatorship have both been widespread enough. On one side you have authoritarian and totalitarian regimes of a personalist category, where you have a single person or a single family ruling the country. and on the other you have collective dictatorships like a one-party system or a junta, which are ruled by many co-dependent people. In some cases, you had instances where there has been a hybrid of both, where there is supposedly a single ruling party of many people in power, but their leader is not just a face of the party dependent on their party, but that he is actually a supreme leader and a tyrant ruling the country, who has the entire party and the society dependent solely on the tyrant. Or you could have the dictatorship start out as a one-party system controlled by many people, but they transition to a personalist dictatorship, because a highly scheming and opportunistic person finds how to transform the system into their personalist dictatorship and the party is fully dependent on them. We have seen those kinds of examples as well.

But if we were to take the case of solely traditional collective dictatorships, which is what is the most accurate to us at the moment, have usually been more successful, because they can create the illusion that the country's one-party system does not depend on just one person, but on a collective that comprises the party, which means that there probably supposed to be some sort of system of checks and balances. Also, you can create an illusion of a change of power or a transition of leadership, by having one person succeed another frequently or after a duration of one term, which creates the illusion that the heads of state and heads of government are changing. But all of that is a lie, because all of these heads of state and heads of government are members of the same dominant ruling party, so there is no change of government in reality."

Interviewer: "Which is what we have been observing in Lesva, right? These frequent changes of head of state and heads of government and heads of the parliament."

Professor Lecam Ceru: "Exactly, it is all an illusion. It's all just a kaleidoscope. It might seem like there is some sort of process taking place and separate pieces are moving from one place of another, but in the end, everything remain in a single space. it's just the same party conducting a rotation within itself, with no true change to the leadership of the country."

Interviewer: "Okay, but what makes the Throngist regime stand out, if we have both agreed that there have been and are similar or nearly identical one-party systems in other countries as well."

Professor Lecam Ceru: "The first thing is that this regime has a brand new ideology created. Even if it is not entirely new, because it often sounds like a hybrid of both right-wing and left-wing totalitarian ideologies that have existed before, they are presenting it as something new. It has a new name, it has borrowed certain elements for the universal understanding of human dignity and what people dream about as an idealistic picture of life, and it can also claim that is still a young ideology, thus it is trying to find itself and define itself. Finally, they can claim that their ideology is uniquely looking how to blend the best of both worlds.

Secondly, it is what we have mentioned before - this frequent change in heads of state, heads of government, ministers, etc, creates the illusion of a pragmatic system, where officials frequently change just like in a democracy, where in reality all of them are from the same ruling party and their simply switching chairs from left to right, right to left or in a circle.

Thirdly, the Throngist regime did implement some populist policies, some of which are even unprecedented, which none of the previous Lesvan government had introduced for one reason or another. Therefore, the people will associate these policies with the Throngist regime and see them as the fruits of the Throngist ideology, even though in reality, at least some of them could have sooner or later been implement under a democratic system. That includes free universal healthcare, free education, the decriminalization of cannabis and the decriminalization of intercourse for money. These policies could have sooner or later been implemented under a democratic system, although, they would probably have needed a debate before that could happen. In the Throngist regime nobody needs to ask anybody of anything and thus the party can simply do whatever it deems necessary. And admittedly, these policies are aimed at improving the quality of life and introduce civil freedoms unavailable before, which means that people will unfortunately credit the Throngist regime for their achievement in the future. This is a populist move. There has also been a policy of abandoning the institution of marriage, which the Throngist regime introduced not too long ago. That one will definitely be credited to this regime, because in present day there have been not that many countries that have taken such a move. In Lesvan society it was implemented very easily because of our country's low marriage rates and cultural tendency towards polyamory."

Interviewer: "So you are saying that the Throngist regime is more unique, because of its' flexibility for lack of a better word?"

Professor Lecam Ceru: "Partially, you see, authoritarian and totalitarian regimes usually are associated with disciplined and repressive systems, which often focus on consolidating power and not necessarily improving the quality of life, whereas the Throngists took the opportunity to implement these populist policies, which citizens will inevitably give them credit for, unfortunately. People will no longer prioritize democratic values, freedom of speech or human rights, but instead focus on the "practical results" of the Throngist policies. So we need to recognize who we are dealing with."

Interviewer: "So we are narrowing it down to a new ideology, which incorporates popular elements from other pre-existing ideologies while also introducing some new ones, as well as the imitation of a regular change of power and populist policies, which the citizens support, right?"

Professor Lecam Ceru: "Yes. Well, there is also the basic wish of people wanting to belong to something greater than themselves and fight for something greater than themselves. The Throngists reject an individualist and consumerist lifestyle, which often leaves people in societies that are technically free and democratic, empty inside, detached from purpose, happiness and togetherness. Under the Throngist ideology, they feel like they are creating a new society and are part of some kind of a new revolution, which started from their homeland, so that gives them a lot of life energy and a lot of motivation. That is how they get you."

Interviewer: "Last question on the topic of personalist vs collectivist dictatorships. Do you think that the military government led by the late General Pava Sari that ruled Lesva after the Saela Spring, the Transitional Period and prior to the foundation of the Throngist Republic, was a personalist dictatorship?"

Professor Lecam Ceru: "Not at all. General Sari was in cahoots with those carrying out the coup, which would ultimately end carrying out the military coup, which led to the situation that we are in today. The military was used as a tool to supposedly protect Lesvan democracy from an authoritarian leadership, which tried to further usurp power through a rigged election. The junta that took over was a military body, which General Sari was a chairman of, but he was only a figurehead and not a dictator or national leader. When the new regime finally decided to establish a Throngist totalitarian state, the previously non-party General Sari later joined the party. It could have either been opportunism or a genuine attempt to become a full part of a new system, which they wanted to establish all along."

Interviewer: "So why did the Throngist have him executed then?"

Professor Lecam Ceru: "Most likely there was a simple lack of trust. General Pava Sari was the Chief of the General Staff of the military under the previous government, which the Throngists overthrew. And for a while, General Sari was non-partisan and only later joined the party. These two reasons were probably the main motivators why they couldn't fully trust Sari, so they decided to simply have him killed. Whether that was only a reason for the execution not based on truth is not that easy to answer. Maybe Sari really wasn't a big fan of the Throngist regime and was planning to launch a second coup to overthrow them this time. We might never know."

Interviewer: "What about Vio Kosar, the first Head of the intelligence under the Throngist regime and also the first head of government during the Transitional Period?"

Professor Lecam Ceru: "There are a lot of conspiracy theories about his death, so I don't want to get too much into it, until we approach a point where we know more. But obviously the most popular theory is assassination, because a car does not explode every day. Even the Throngists are talking about assassination of their fellow party member and are investigating it as an assassination, although most likely that case is going to go cold, while they continue to imitate like the investigation is still ongoing. It might have been inter-party fighting, because some fellow party members saw Kosar as a rival or wanted his position. But also, it could have been a case identical to General Sari. After all, Kosar was likewise a nonpartisan and only joined the party later, so maybe the Throngists decided they can't fully trust him either."

Interviewer: "What do you think is the role of the Lesvan Presidential Republic government in exile and the Council of the President of the Republic of Lesva in exile in fighting the Throngist regime? Can they truly take the lead in this fight?"

Professor Lecam Ceru: "To be honest, it is very ambiguous. On one hand, it is good that they have created two parallel governments and alternative leaderships of Lesva in exile to challenge the full power of the Throngists, who are currently holding Lesva hostage. This creates hope that Lesva is not doomed to be under the Throngists forever and that the possible vacuum left by them can be quickly filled by others pretty quickly and not just one political force, but even two of them. Moreover, having even two governments-in-exile is better than one, because two make up a stronger force than one and creates a larger challenge for the Throngist regime. Also, they are two clear centers of power that could serve the function of consolidating all dissident, expat, opposition, pro-democracy forces that are located beyond Lesva's borders, while also encouraging the resistance inside of Lesva.

Unfortunately, both these governments are set up by the officials of the previous regime, which the Throngists ousted. And that regime wasn't a democracy either. This regime was an authoritarian leadership, which started isolating Lesva from the rest of the world since 2010 after many years of stable democracy. For no real reason, apart from personal thirst for power, they started consolidating power and cracking down on freedoms inside the country, while confronting other countries or cutting Lesva off from them. And they also tried to rig the presidential election, which arguably made us end up in the mess that we are in today in the first place. Now, these two governments in exile are both direct successors of that authoritarian regime and if they somehow manage to remove the Throngist regime and replace them, it is highly likely they would just restore their old authoritarian regime after returning to power. They could even make it more oppressive in order to never loose power again like they did. And, just like I already said, both are direct successors of that old authoritarian regime that lost power to a military junta and afterwards the Throngists. The Council of the President of the Republic of Lesva in exile isn't even hiding that it is a successor of that old regime, because it is led by ex-President Puicu Gevin and they even use the old pre-Throngist national flag of Lesva - the purple variant, which is one of two flags used by dissidents including myself. The Lesvan Presidential Republic government in exile positions itself as a separate government-in-exile, which even kind of competes with the Council of the President of the Republic of Lesva and symbolically uses the alternative national flag of the silver variant, the other flag used by Lesvan dissidents, even though it is led by ex-Prime Minister Pagala Ira, who was head of government under ex-President Puicu Gevin. And the Presidential Republic government in general consists of other officials of that same old authoritarian government of ex-President Puicu Gevin and ex-Prime Minister Pagala Ira, such as Agen Vopal and Jer Headar. And now, they are supposedly functioning apart from each other and even competing. To me, it only shows that both sides, which are actually the same side, are greedy and they have broken into two rival alternative governments which are both against the Throngists, because they don't want to share power and each wants to take over after the Throngist falls with a monopoly on power. There's no guarantee these two would not engage in a civil war, in case the Throngist regime does fall and a power vacuum develops. With a disintegrated alternative leadership like that, it is hard to imagine how they could effectively lead all anti-Throngist forces together. Moreover, given their authoritarian history, they could restore an autocratic regime or create a worse regime, while trying to gain support by pretending to fight for the restoration of democracy in Lesva."

Interviewer: "So, we are technically forced to choose between the lesser of two evils, in a way?"

Professor Lecam Ceru: "Unfortunately, yes. And if we were to choose between the two, I feel like the old regime's officials would still be better because they led an authoritarian leadership, but they looked like they were sane pragmatic autocrats, while the Throngist regime is led by complete ideological psychopaths, who feel like they have a sacred mission and are ready to do anything to achieve it and they are leading a totalitarian regime, whereas the previous ones led an authoritarian one, which was better by comparison. But I think our ultimate goal should be not choose between these evils, but to achieve democracy in Lesva."

Interviewer: "We have seen that the Throngist regime has been behaving highly militaristic recently - purchasing military tech from Balnik and Aprosia, engaging in frequent individual military exercises and trying to initiate large joint Eastern Tripartite exercises, unofficially flirting with the idea of developing a nuclear weapon and other WMDs, having frequently declared martial law and closed its borders without warning to neighbors, including Ainslie. What do you think is their goal and what role does the Eastern Tripartite play here?"

Professor Lecam Ceru: "It could be either one of the two reasons or it could be both of them at the same time. One reason is that they want to keep their power, which means they will keep cracking down on anti-regime forces inside Lesva and also try to intimidate other countries through frequent drills and military posturing, in order to demonstrate that Lesva is a country that nobody wants to pick a fight with and thus possibly threaten the Throngist regime's existence. However, I don't think it is limited only to defense and deterrence, most definitely not because dictatorships are never peaceful or can coexist with others, despite the Throngists trying to imitate like they get along with other countries and are even helping other countries through the humanitarian internationalist policy.

I think they have geopolitical ambitions which go beyond Lesva's borders, but they just don't talk about it or are denying it, when they are confronted with such allegations. The so-called "Throngist Revolution" is not meant to end with Lesva. It is an international project for them. It is not a coincidence that after the Throngist ideology formally announced its' existence in Lesva that many other Throngist parties, political movements and even militia groups rose in other countries soon after, with many countries trying to rightfully outlaw them or repress them. They could not have appeared without Lesvan covert support, despite them having denied any support. The Throngist regime in Lesva denied association with other Throngists in other countries, but still always stood up for them and declared at least moral support openly, but it is clear this has been all a cover up. The Throngist militias that tried to take power in some countries clearly received all of their military support, including Lesvan military advisors training them and possibly even Lesvan combat troops fighting alongside them. Obviously, if there were ways to help Throngists come to power without a fight, they used those opportunities too to help the Throngists come to power through democratic election, which could become a real Trojan Horse for any country that could go through something like this.

As for the Tripartite, it can be argued which country has the most influence there. So far, it seems like they are all counterbalancing each other and the Balniki and Aprosian leaderships do not seem to currently be demonstrating the same ambitions as the Lesvan Throngist regime, which fortunately could undermine the Throngist attempt to use the Tripartite for their geopolitical ambitions to spread Throngism, threaten other countries and support totalitarianism all-together internationally. However, it cannot be excluded that all members of the Tripartite, including full ones and observers, do not have an ambition to turn the Tripartite into a new center of power to rival other alliances in the TWI and plunge us all into a tense international confrontation. We have to be ready for any scenario for the sake of our homeland, which we hope to come back to one day, and for the international community."

Interviewer: "Professor, thank you for the talk."

Professor Lecam Ceru: "Thank you for the questions. Come back soon. Hopefully, we can talk again one day in a free Lesva."

Interviewer: "Thank you. I sincerely hope so."

Professor Lecam Ceru: "I hope so too."

[Townside]

5 August 2022
Townside Broadcasting Corporation (TBC)
Government House, Townside Borough
Weather (Celsius) - Max: 22; Min: 12

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The Governor and the Lieutenant Governor excludes Greens MP Nanny Duke from Parliament for disloyalty

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Greens MP Nanny Duke raised her fist when she made the disloyal statement.

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Government House has published a joint statement issued by the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor of Townside containing a formal warning directed at Greens Member of Parliament Nanny Duke, for her "disloyal" conduct during her recent swearing in ceremony.

Nanny Duke was recently elected at a by-election in May this year for the constituency of Dickson to replace her colleague Gift Way, who was forced to resign after controversial comments made against the LGBT community in Townside. As the sole Green Party MP in the House of Assembly, Ms Duke became leader of that envronmentalist party upon her election.

At the first stting of Parliament after the by-election, Ms Duke, like all other newly elected or returned Members of Parliament, was required to swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty The Queen as Townside's head of state in the presence of The Right Honourable Amelia Parsonage, being the Chief Commoner and Speaker of the House of Assembly, as authorised by the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor of Townside under the provisions of the Constitution Act 1855.

As Ms Duke stepped before the Speaker, Ms Duke instead chose to affirm that "I, Nanny Duke, a sovereign citizen, will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Colonising Majesty The Colonising Queen". This elicited an uproar across the House of Assembly, but order was restored when Ms Parsonage interjected, explaining to Ms Duke the gravity of her conduct. In this conversation in the presence of the whole House of Assembly, Ms Parsonage cautioned that Ms Duke may have just excluded herself from sitting in the House of Assembly. In response, Ms Duke reaffirmed her faithfulness and allegiance in the correct words as printed on a card provided by the Speaker.

The Premier, Benjamin Chancellor, later stated that Members who are incapable of taking the oath should simply not take on the job, stating that a politician was not an MP if they did not do it [the oath or affirmtion] properly. The Premier invited Ms Duke to be an abstentionist, that is, to refuse to take her seat in order to avoid taking the oath or affirmation. "This has been done in the past by outspoken Townsider republicans, and we also have precedence for this elsewhere", the Premier explained.

The Premier lambasted Ms Duke, saying "there is definitely a level of immaturity about that kind of behaviour. If she wants to be a protester, then this Honourable House of Assembly is not the place for it. Ms Duke is welcomed to join the Resistance, but we in this Honourable House of Assembly are here to be legislators for the benefit of our country."

The Office of the Speaker and Chief Commoner has confirmed that this constitutes "disruptive and contemptuous behaviour", and that the Speaker is duty bound to report the incident to the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor.

The Governor and the Lieutenant Governor's response was the joint statement just issued by Government House, warning Ms Duke that the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor sees Ms Duke's continued presence in the House of Assembly as untenable. Whilst accepting that Ms Duke did eventually affirm her faithfulness and allegiance in the correct form, this was done a mere few seconds after Ms Duke's disloyal first attempt. This, the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor reasoned in their joint statement, does not ameliorate the improper intention evinced by Ms Duke at the first instance.

The statement then reasons by way of analogy that "just as a Justice of the Peace or a Notary Public cannot accept a Citizen's statement as true and correct if they have good reason to believe that the Citizen's statement is false and incorrect, so similarly, the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor have been given good reason to believe that Ms Duke's second affirmation of faithfulness and allegiance was not true".

The statement finishes by stating that until such time as Ms Duke proves her true faithfulness and allegiance to The Queen, she is prevented from taking up her seat in the House of Assembly.

Nanny Duke's defence

Nanny Duke was outraged by the statement from Government House, stating that she will not listen to "colonist sympathisers". One of Ms Duke's supporters, Mx. Magnolia Coral, who does not live in Ms Duke's constituency of Dickson, but who is a long-time Green Party supporter and voter, travelled to Ms Duke's constituency office to protest and show support for the MP.

"This is a f*cking disgrace!" says Mx. Coral "who do the Governors think they are to order a duly elected representative out of Parliament like that!? They should be swearing to serve the people! And what about, I don't know, f*cking parliamentary privilege!? Yeah, I learned about that in my politics class! What about f*cking parliamentary privilege! And anyway, we in Townside are Sovereign Citizens. We are answerable only to our interpretations of the law, not to any government statutes or proceedings, unless WE consent to them! F*ck the establishment! F*ck patriarchy! Long live the Resistance!"

In response, an irritated passer-by shouted back "it's treason, you f*cktard!"

Constitutional expert: Everything was within the constitution

The TBC interviewed Marjory Twomey, a leading constitutional expert from the University of Townside's School of Law. Ms. Twomey would not be drawn into discussing the Sovereign Citizen movement, except to say that the ideas behind the movement amounted to pseudolaw and was not the correct way to view how the laws of Townside worked.

However, Ms. Twomey did engage with the question of parliamentary privilege. Ms. Twomey explained that parliamentary privilege is a legal immunity enjoyed by MPs that grant them protection against civil or criminal liability for actions done or statements made in the course of their legislative duties.

"The problem for Ms Duke," Ms. Twomey explained "was that her statements were made before she had become a member of Parliament, so the Privilege does not apply to her. A person is only a member of Parliament once they take that oath or affirmation. Additionally, the oath or affirmation is not part of an MP's legislative duties. It is a requirement before an MP can take up said legislative duties."

Regarding whether it was appropriate for the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor to have been involved in this matter, considering they are meant to be the impartial representatives of Her Majesty The Queen, Ms. Twomey's response was "Yes".

"The Governor and the Lieutenant Governor are, contrary to popular belief, not merely ceremonial pieces. They are an integral part of Townside's uncodified constitutional structure. For example, together, they have charge of the Royal Prerogative, which are sweeping powers akin to Reserve Powers."

"However," Ms. Twomey continued "unlike many parts of the Townsider constitution that is left up to unwritten convention, the matter of the Oath or Affirmation of allegiance is written down in the Constitution Act 1855. Even the humblest student of law with a little bit of effortless research will know that section 44 [XLIV in the original document] states that no Member [of Parliament] is to sit or Vote until they have taken the Oath of Allegiance as laid out in the Constitution Act itself. The Governor and the Lieutenant Governor were rightly upholding the provisions of the Constitution Act, which is a centrepiece of Townside's uncodified constitution."

"Moreover, as Bagehot once said - "The Sovereign has, under a constitutional monarchy such as ours, three rights - the right to be consulted, the right to encourage, the right to warn." His authoritative writings now form part of Townside's uncodified constitution, and we have seen this in action. The Governor and the Lieutenant Governor's right to be consulted on behalf of The Queen was engaged when the Speaker of the House of Assembly reported the incident to them, and the statement out of Government House today was an exercise of the Right to Warn on behalf of The Queen."

On the question of treason, Ms. Twomey was similarly unequivocal in her answer: "No. There is no treason. There is only treason in five circumstances, namely: (1) compassing or imagining the death of The Queen or her heir; (2) violating The Princess Royal; (3) levying war against the Queen; (4) slaying any of The Queen's justices, judges, or magistates; and (5) endeavouring to hinder a succession to the throne. Ms. Duke's conduct does not fall into any of these five categories, so the Treason Act does not apply.

Political Commentator: A problem for the Green Party of Townside

Our reporters on the ground interviewed some passers-by on the streets of the constituency of Dickson. A small number expressed support for Ms Duke's conduct. Most, however, were ambivalent. A significant number were troubled by the fact that Ms Duke's conduct has excluded her from Parliament, which leaves the constituency without an MP and a voice in Parliament, again.

"We've all got to go through some sort of induction before we start work, right?" observed Mr. Donovan Sudworth "When I started my job, I had a whole induction day, with this boring c*nt talking about safety and admin and sh*t. I was bored half to death. What sort of w*nker can't even be ars*d to say a few words properly? Ms Duke needs to just do what's required of her to get on with the job we elected her to do."

Others expressed similar frustration with the Green Party. This is not the first time the Green Party has been involved in controversy. The constituency was left effectively without an MP for a few months before the May by-election due to the resignation of Ms Duke's predecessor Greens MP, Gift Way. Ms. Way was allegedly assaulted outside a gay nightclub, and thereafter said out loud "f*ck the LG family" and "I will make sure all these f*ggots die".

Eleanore Mcqueen, a frustrated Dickson voter, stated that if a recall petition was started, she would sign it. Recall petitions can be institued at any time, and if it receives more than 2,000 signatures, the MP will be "recalled", and a by-election will take place. The average constituency in Townside has 4,000 people.

"She's not particularly bright either," Ms McQueen said unsympathetically of Ms Duke "I remember during the by-election campaign, Ms Duke scolded the Attorney General for being a man and mansplaining."

The Attorney General, Dolores Cunningham, is a woman.

Concerned local Billy Green summarised well what other interviewees on the streets have told the TBC about the Green Party as a whole "Every time I might be starting to agree with the Greens on something, they push a crackpot to remind me they're nothing but a bunch of loons detached from reality. The Greens are some of the worst egotists in politics. Just as they are edging closer to gaining enough votes to make a difference, they push even more alienating views and p*ss off 95% of the population. Less people are going to vote for them next election. This is how you get people offside".

[Renet]

The Cary Post

Logan and Baker Announce Resignations, Political Shuffle, Other News
By: Kenneth Braith


Cary Business District this afternoon

As rumored, Prime Minister David Logan announced his resignation from office effective immedieately, to pursue a renewed career in business. Deputy Prime Minister Joseph Adams, former Northwestern Province Governor and the 2014 United Republican presidential nominee, will serve as Interim Prime Minister of Renet until a successor is nominated and confirmed by the Assembly. Right now, Dr. Jeffrey Smith, current Education Minister, the former Prime Minister under the past Presidency of Paul Warren, and Admiral Peter Hall, current Navy Minister, are the top two candidates to succeed him, also as expected.

Foreign Minister Steven Baker has also announced his resignation, but this time until a successor is nominated and confirmed. Interim Prime Minister Joseph Adams has been considered for the role, alongside Interim Commerce Minister Jonathan Lewis and Assembly Speaker Lana Edwards. Another candidate is Supreme Court Associate Justice Jack Vann, who served as
Adams's precedessor as Governor of the Northwestern Province. We'll find out eventually, but it may take sometime.

On a related note, General Jack Morris has been confirmed by the Assembly for promotion to Field Marshal and service as Defense Minister, assuming those roles as of this afternoon. General Brianna Bryan was confirmed for the position of Army Minister and has assumed those roles after Morris's ceremony. Mason's and Lewis's are expected to come in the next few days. More is to follow, so stay tuned for more with the Cary Post!

[Lesva]

Throngist Movement Party of Lesva sacks Chief of MISS Iner Scleda

Throngist Movement Party of Lesva removes Chief of the Main Intelligence and Security Service (MISS) of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Iner Scleda from position

The Throngist Movement Party of Lesva has sacked Chief of the Main Intelligence and Security Service (MISS) of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Iner Scleda. The removing of the head intelligence official from the position was voted on at the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva. As the voting was done, President of the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Ari Iotuke announced that all Honorable Members of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva have voted unanimously to sack the outgoing Chief of MISS, who was not present at the Supreme National Carto during his removal. First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Taica Berislavić applauded the decision and vote in favor of it. The First Secretary was the one, who recommended to sack Dishonored Iner Scleda from the position of Chief of the Main Intelligence and Security Service (MISS), but did not publicly speak of the reasons why, instead personally speaking with the Party Members and explaining it to them in confidentiality, asking them to support the sacking of Dishonored Iner Scleda. Afterwards, First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Taica Berislavić thanked fellow Party Members and told the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva that he would soon nominate the candidate for replacement, presenting that person before the Party.

Now-former Chief of MISS Iner Scleda took over the position of head of the primary, largest and the most powerful intelligence agency of the Throngist Republic of Lesva, after predecessor the Late Honorable Vio Kosar died in a car explosion or rather got killed by a car bomb, leading to an assassination being investigated. Prior to becoming the new Chief of the Main Intelligence and Security Service (MISS), Iner Scleda was Minister of Information and Ideology of the Throngist Republic of Lesva. After being removed from the position of Chief of MISS, where will Iner Scleda go is not yet known, however, it will also depend on what information did First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Taica Berislavić find out and give to other Members of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva to give justification for the Party to sack Iner Scleda.

In other news

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• Minister of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces Captain General Noie Verant: "We are currently in negotiations. We have successfully bought an effective air defense system from our ally - the Federation of Balnik and now, the Throngist Republic of Lesva is looking to buy an anti-missile system, which could counter hostile ballistic missiles. Ultimately, the Party wants to have systems that could counter all nuclear weapons - short-range missiles, medium-range missiles, long-range missiles, ICBMs, atomic bombs, hydrogen bombs and others. Lesva is not a nuclear state but since other countries are, we do not want to risk becoming a target."

[Veldhaven]

Election 2022: Democratic Socialist Campaign "The Federal Government will be back and bigger than ever"

Speaking in a rally yesterday, Democratic Socialist leader Sebestian Stuk clarified the party's economic plans. They stand in stark opposition to the current People's Party platform and are seen as a head on challenge to Van de Brondenburg's policies. The platform does not shy away from expanding the state, public services and the size of the Federal Government. This would be a major reversal of the economic policy of the past 11 years.

"The Federal Government will be back and bigger than ever, it is time to tackle the nation's problems head on and grip our economic situation by the throat"

-Sebestian Stuk, speaking at a rally in Aarndam yesterday

The proposal contains six key pillars in policy changes that are expected to be the foundation of the Democratic Socialist campaign this year.

• Bring back the Federal Price Levy Scheme to control rising prices
• Use the "full force" of the Federal Works Programs to staff LNG terminals and airports
• Expand general regulations for businesses
• Ensure good debt practices for private companies are mandated by law
• Pass a Consumer Protections Act
• Effectively and responsably manage the Federal Stragetic Reserve

These policies are certain to cause a stir in public opinion, with rising discontent towards the relaxed and hands off approach the People's Party have shown. Many voters may find these proposals extremely popular in October, with Democratic Socialists expected to rise by around 4-5% in the polls. Although, this could also push many voters towards the Liberal Party has a more free market may still be the safer, more marketable option.

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Wondering why you can still fill up your tank for $20? Thank the Federal Stragetic Reserve

Even as oil prices rise, domestic consumers haven't felt the bite. You can still go to a petrol station and fill up a 4 gallon tank for around $20, pretty much the same price as 2 years ago. Although, international facing businesses are facing the highest import costs in a decade. Why is this?

First of all, let's explain the Federal Stragetic Reserve (FSR for short). It is a reserve fund of money meant to be used to alleviate in tough economic circumstances and help spur growth. It works in two ways: a portion of the money is stored in order for it to be always availabe, while the other portion is invested into the local economy. This is done both to promote economic growth and to appreciate the value of the fund. The FSR can be used to affect the price of import and export goods, as well as help the economy recover from a recession. Money is distributed to the fund from tax spending, usually around 1-2% of the budget every year although it can be higher. The fund can also be used to service debt repayments, however this is usually as a last resort if the money allocated in the budget for debt repayments falls through. The FSR currently stands at a value of $34 Billion, around 5% of GDP.

For businesses importing oil the fund hasn't been used yet, at least not for major international firms. Multiple businesses sent out a request for the FSR to cover rising import costs, but in May last year Mark Van de Brondenburg ruled out any use of the Reserve in this way. This explains the high cost of oil and fuel for businesses, but about domestic consumers? I.e the general population. Well, the Reserve has been used for this. Mainly to supplement the prices for domestic motorvehicle fuel consumption. This is why petrol prices in stations remain relatively low. The FSR is paying for the surplus in price, to prevent an increase. If prices are $7.80 for a litre of petrol to import, but sold at $3.15 at a station the FSR is spending the additional $4.65 to cover the cost. It has also done this for many delivery businesses, aswell as national supply chains and transport companies. Not however for the aviation industry.

At the moment, the Federal Strategic Reserve is under considerable strain. It is paying for the import of oil, the export of agricultural products (to maintan price competitiveness) and may be called upon the service debt. This is looking more likely, if the reports from parliament are anything to go by. Omitting Martin Ruebeck's lies, it seems entirely possible that the fund may have to service debt because from documents we have been able to gather the government's assigned spending in this area falls short.

General Election Date: 8th October 2022

[Lesva]

Throngist Movement Party of Lesva sacks Minister of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces Captain General Noie Verant and Chief of the General Staff of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces Lieutenant General Cito Pacaita

Throngist Movement Party of Lesva removes Minister of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces Captain General Noie Verant and Chief of the General Staff of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces Lieutenant General Cito Pacaita from their positions

After sacking Chief of the Main Intelligence and Security Service (MISS) of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Iner Scleda yesterday, who before held the post of the the Minister of Information and Ideology of the Throngist Republic of Lesva, the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva has now sacked two other officials and not just politicians and military officials. The Throngist Movement Party of Lesva sacked Minister of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces Captain General Noie Verant and Chief of the General Staff of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces Lieutenant General Cito Pacaita. The removal of the two military officials was done by the vote at the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva. After all Members of the Party voted, President of the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Ari Iotuke declared that the vote has passed and that all Members of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva have voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Just like the removal of Iner Scleda yesterday, today's sacking of Captain General Noie Verant and Lieutenant General Cito Pacaita was done at the request of First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Taica Berislavić, who convinced the Party Members to remove both military officials from the positions they were holding. During their sacking, Captain General Noie Verant and Lieutenant General Cito Pacaita were not present at the Supreme National Carto. Just yesterday, Captain General Noie Verant, who was still Minister of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces at that point, was talking about how Lesva was in negotiations with undeclared partners to buy anti-missile systems to counter hostile ballistic missiles and also looking for weapons' systems that could counter all types of nuclear weapons. After the vote, First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Taica Berislavić spoke before the Party from a podium and declared the following:

"I know that these might seem like rapid changes in a short amount of time, but they only seem so, because have been preparing for these processes and these changes behind the scenes for a while and have now only carried them out in the last 48 hours. I want to assure the Party and the citizens of our homeland that the vacating of the positions of Chief of the Main Intelligence and Security Service (MISS) of the Throngist Republic of Lesva, Minister of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces and Chief of the General Staff of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces, is not leaving our country vulnerable. Until proper replacements and successors are appointed by the Party and I am already to talking to our fellow Party Members about those replacements and successors, who will be entirely new faces, I personally take the responsibility for carrying out all functions that these three positions are responsible for carrying out. That is my responsibility as the First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva and I am taking that responsibility. The Throngist Revolution goes on."

In other news

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• Protestant preacher from Garoire executed by the order of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva for criticizing Lesva's abandoning of the institution of marriage in the Throngist Republic.

[San Jimenez]

San Jimenez, August, 2022

|PRESIDENT CANONE MAKES VISIT TO SAN MIGUEL||SAN JIMENEZ|

San Miguel is an agricultural hub in San Jimenez near the capital of Gran Teran. The settlement is known for its production of cotton which is usually harvested by the poor inhabitants that live in the area. In recent years, rising tensions between landowners and farmworkers have steadily risen as working conditions continue to worsen. Farmworkers in that area generally consist of a mix of poor Jimenos and Jimenean Gaeltics.

President Canone addressing farmworkers

In recent weeks, strikes and protests among cotton harvesters have gripped the San Miguel region. Concerns over insufficient wages and inadequate working conditions have remained at the forefront of the movement. Productivity in this cotton epicenter has hit an all-time low.

"The [Common Accord] party continues to tell us they're the party of families," a woman told the GTG, "of mothers and fathers. Yet, those same mothers and fathers go to sleep hungry to feed their children. It's insane what they expect."

In the last State Synod election, the Common Accord Party narrowly secured a majority of seats. Most seats were won after hingeing on the presidential campaign success of Lucas Canone in 2021. President Canone won a majority of the country over by appealing to Jimeno, Catholic, and poor Jimenean voters. Fiscal conservatives within the Common Accord Party, however, have made most voters dissatisfied with the current situation in Gran Teran as opposition to regulations on companies continues. The split within the CAP has left the party almost completely paralyzed in responding to social issues in the country.

In an unannounced visit to San Miguel, President Lucas Canone met with leaders of the cotton strikes. President Canone shared his sympathies with the workers while also renewing his commitment to alleviating poverty in the region.

"It's tragic that in this country, with a party in power that claims its commitment to the average Jimenean, there are still those who feel disenfranchised by their own government. There is no reason that there should be parents in this country who have to go to sleep hungry so their children can sleep comfortably with full stomachs. We're not advocating for permanent reliance on welfare. However, we can't expect Jimeneans not to rely on welfare when having a job that lasts from sunrise to sunset doesn't even put bread on the table. The State Synod must pass reform. We cannot appear ready for global investment when our own citizens aren't being invested in. From education to healthcare to wages, we must invest in Jimeneans.

In many instances, many children of farm working families are kept out of the education system so they can be used in harvesting. For most families, having children in harvesting operations remains the only way some families are able to make a living.

President Canone met with city officials and leaders of the worker strikes in an effort to mend the situation. President Canone made a tour of the area to meet with families and individuals who were impacted by the poor working conditions of some employers. In numerous instances, the president abandoned the presidential motorcade in order to speak and shake hands with onlookers.

The entire affair was generally successful as the president enjoyed a welcoming reception by the region's farmworkers. After renewed calls by the president for action from the State Synod and city officials, many now wait patiently to see if any action by the legislature will be taken. Also a major point of interest to watch out for is the CAP response and seeing how much sway the president with members of the party.

|JIMENEAN ENVOY ARRIVES IN AINSLIE TO DISCUSS G4 AND OTHER ECONOMIC AMBITIONS||INTERNATIONAL|

Two months ago, Ambassador Tevin Josephs of Dormill and Stiura and Jimenean Ambassador Fernán Santiago met to discuss relations between the two countries. Points of discussion included topics such as trade, diplomatic collaboration, and the presence of the ET in the region.

Recently, a Jimenean envoy arrived in Arnton, Ainslie, to discuss nearly the same issues as discussed with Dormill and Stiura. The envoy is to remain a permanent delegation in Ainslie to oversee San Jimenez's application process into being admitted into the G4. The delegation is headed by Minister Marina Coronil who was chosen by President Lucas Canone.

Upon the envoy's arrival, the Jimeneans were greeted by Ahnslen diplomatic representatives before departing for Arnton. The envoy first met with the San Jimenez embassy staff. Ambassador Rolando Meyer and Minister Marina Coronil spoke briefly with the Jimenean delegation before the envoy began meetings with Ahnslen diplomats.

The Jimenean delegation first met with Ahnslen Foreign Minister Aaron Gerslin and Judicial General Ander Kentarre. The meeting was kept brief and the Jimenean minister was able to exchange a few discussions before leaving to meet with the Ahnslen prime minister. Foreign Minister Gerslin accompanied the delegation as they traveled through Arnton to meet with Prime Minister Gifford.

The meeting with Prime Minister Gifford was noteworthy as it symbolized, among other things, the growing diplomatic relationship between the two countries. To add to the symbolism, Minister Coronil presented Prime Minster Gifford with a framed photograph of President Canone and his wife with the Jimenean and Ahnslen flag crossed at staffs below the photo. Signed below the photograph read, "To Mrs. Gifford and the people of Ainslie with our most sincere regards." The delegation discussed with the prime minister Jimenean initiatives and ambitions for opening markets in San Jimenez for Gaeltic investment. Minister Coronil also discussed Jimenean initiatives in partnership with other Eternan states in an effort to stabilize and grow the developing Jimenean economy.

After the meeting with the prime minister, the Jimeneans met with G4 Ahnslen Commissioner Ellias Darner to discuss plans for San Jimenez's entry into the economic organization. As San Jimenez looks abroad for economic growth, questions on whether the country would join the G4 have always been on the table. Although the Eterna Sea remains the country's largest source of trade, Gael has been a hopeful prospect for San Jimenez. Now, after a visit with the Ahnslen commissioner, it is certain that San Jimenez plans on joining the G4. Jimenean and G4 interests are generally aligned, especially regarding the ET and Balnik. "We are confident that San Jimenez will be a crucial asset to the organization in the future," spoke Minister Coronil to Jimenean news reporters. "San Jimenez is committed to our friends and neighbors in the Eterna Sea and in Gael. In order for our nation to reach its full potential, continued cooperation with our trusted partners is essential."

[Lesva]

BREAKING NEWS

Throngist Movement Party of Lesva sacks Chairman Frei Jauca and the entire Council of Ministers

Throngist Movement Party of Lesva removes Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Frei Jauca and the entire Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva from their positions

We have breaking news coming from the government ranks. After major removals of intelligence and military officials from their positions in the past two days, the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva has now performed the first and biggest of these removals in what appears to be another major reshuffle in our Homeland's Leadership. The Throngist Movement Party of Lesva has sacked Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Frei Jauca and the entire Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva. Like the previous removals, this major one was done with a vote by the Members of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva. The vote was conducted by the Members of the Party at the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva. After the voting, President of the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Ari Iotuke announced that the vote had passed and was unanimous, making it effective immediately.

Frei Jauca was removed from the position of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva after only eleven days of the second term as the head of government. Frei Jauca was appointed the seventh Chairman of the Council of Ministers alongside the appointment of First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Taica Berislavić as Head of the Party and Head of State. Frei Jauca was nominated by First Secretary Taica Berislavić to become the Chairman of the Council of Ministers. However, right now, the sacking of the head of government and the entire cabinet was done at the request of the First Secretary Himself, just like the previous sackings. Neither Frei Jauca nor any officials of the sacked Council of Ministers were present at the Supreme National Carto at the time of their removal. First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Taica Berislavić told the Party that He and appointed interim officials and Party Members will handle the functions of the Council of Ministers until more permanent official replacements will be appointed, which the First Secretary said would be made up of new faces and a new political generation. First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Taica Berislavić reaffirmed that these dismissals were additionally necessary, because there was compromising information found on the Chairman and all the Council of Ministers' officials just like with the removed Chief of the Main Intelligence and Security Service (MISS) of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Iner Scleda, the removed Minister of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces Captain General Noie Verant and the removed Chief of the General Staff of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces Lieutenant General Cito Pacaita.

List of former officials of the sacked Council of Ministers:

• Frei Jauca - Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Yoca Bames - Minister of Economy of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Pacton Inca - Minister of Technocratic Advancements and Development of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Eni Poda - Minister of Information and Ideology of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Grai Pagen - Minister of the Interior of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Terr Curso - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Fari Arpeigun - Minister of Justice of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Rai Flesa - Minister of Emergency Management of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Deren Pova - Minister of Education and Throngist Ideological Fosterage of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Tobala Sveca - Minister of Health of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Otli Pargresas - Minister of Science, Technology and Environment of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Neia Sterra - Minister of Industry of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Atezi Sivi - Minister of Tourism of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Giva Tesin - Minister of Ethnic and Cultural Issues of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
  Note: The position of Minister of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces was already vacant after its' holder Captain General Noie Verant was sacked by the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva a day earlier.

[Martenyika]

Tuesday August 9, 2022
RKT - Royal Kessa Times

Velder Hunter Arrested on Poaching Suspicions

The Gendarmerie has confirmed rumors that it recently detained a Velder citizen, identified as 44 year old hunter Andres Moltzer. Moltzer is currently being held on suspicions of poaching and committing poaching related offenses. The Wildland Ranger Corps released official preliminary statements this morning outlining the circumstances of the incident and why the Velder man was taken into custody.

Moltzer's encounter with Martenyikan law enforcement happened two days ago, when he was approached by rangers on hunting grounds relatively close to the Velder border. The rangers claim that they were alarmed when one of the lions they had been observing suddenly recoiled from the impact of a bullet. The wounded lion was "ethically dispatched," according to official statements, due to the location of the wound. Moltzer was taken into custody once the rangers began tracking and searching for the source of the shot.

Although usually legal, and regulated, recent events have prompted a temporary moratorium on such big game hunting in the Martenyikan-Velder border regions. Motlzer is alleged to have violated this law, which falls under the category of poaching. Additionally, while documents such as his passport were in order, his hunting license recently expired, and he had not secured authorization to hunt lion or other similar game even before the moratorium. Normally, all hunters of large game or other at-risk species in Martenyika must receive approval from the Wildland Ranger Corps and have their weapon and ammunition checked for ethical compliance. Moltzer's primary armament appears to have been a .270 caliber rifle, although the WRC's minimum legal caliber for lion is .375 caliber.

Andres Moltzer has been able to get out his side of the story, which contradicts law enforcement testimony and investigations at the scene. According to the suspect, he was hunting a springbok at the time, and was unaware that a lion could be within range. "I had no idea a lion was possibly in my line of fire. The springbok moved all of a sudden, so I missed my shot--it went high...I was shocked and confused to hear about the lion at first."

This comes after the Martenyikan government's heightened concerns over poaching and poaching related violence along the border with Veldhaven. Martenyikan troops have continued to support anti-poaching efforts in border areas after they were deployed there last week. It also comes after the deportation of two Martenyikan ivory smugglers caught by Velder border forces last week, an action which proved to be promising in the fight against the supply of poached goods to foreign markets. Martenyikan and Velder officials are certain to negotiate in the coming days, and some speculate that the previous good-will displayed by Veldhaven will help resolve the matter in time.

[San Jimenez]

San Jimenez, August, 2022

|TERROR ARRIVES IN GRAN TERAN||SAN JIMENEZ|INTERNATIONAL|

Early this morning, the noise of a large explosion could be heard throughout downtown Gran Teran. The site of the blast was the Doraltic embassy in the downtown area. Following the explosion were sounds of the federal police, firefighters, and ambulances rushing to the scene of the chaos. As of now, seven individuals, both Doraltic and Jimenean, have been confirmed dead. Multiple are critically injured and are being administered in St. Anthony's Emergency Care Center.

President Canone during the emergency press conference

Three individuals, two Doraltic nationals (Matthieu Derocles and Adrien Tremblay) and one Jimenean national (Noah Hunter) have been connected to the terror bombing of the embassy. Both Derocles and Hunter have been arrested. Adrien Tremblay died in the attack.

The terror attack began as the two Doraltic nationals drove a pickup truck into bystanders around the downtown embassy before plunging the vehicle into the embassy building. Matthieu Derocles was ejected from the vehicle before it made contact with the building. Upon entry, explosives in the vehicle detonated with Adrien Tremblay still inside. Jimenean national Noah Hunter acted as a stakeout to confirm the Doraltic ambassador's presence in the building. Human error on the part of Hunter prevented the death of Doraltic Ambassador Tevin Josephs. Derocles was apprehended immediately by bystanders while Hunter was apprehended by federal police while trying to flee the scene.

In the last few months, Jimenean foreign policy has been aimed at boosting connections with the Gaeltic governments (Dormill and Stiura in particular). Two months ago, ambassadors from the two countries met in Gran Teran to discuss diplomatic interests without any indication of a threat. Last night, the Doraltic ambassador met with Jimenean Attorney General Christopher Canone (the younger brother of President Lucas Canone). The meeting was a clear signal of expanded closeness between the two governments. Due to the meeting occurring at the Department of Justice, Ambassador Tevin Josephs was not in the embassy at the time of the explosion.

The individuals who orchestrated the attack have been connected to a terror organization, Aegis, whose apparent aim is to dissuade and discourage connection to the current Doraltic government. This is the first instance in the country in which violence has emerged over the Canone administration's foreign policy initiative. President Canone, in an emergency press conference, condemned the attacks by Aegis and renewed his commitment to Jimenean allies and partners.

"Today, I had the privilege and heartbreaking obligation to visit with the families of those whose lives were cut short in Gran Teran. This attack, aimed at intimidating San Jimenez into a state of fear and doubt, was carried out with reckless regard for the implications. Innocent Jimenean lives were taken from us and we, as one nation, mourn the loss of our people. The perpetrators of this attack accomplished what they set out to do. They've inspired hate, fear, and anger in the Jimenean people who are foreign to those sorts of sentiments. We will not be intimidated and we will continue to pursue a more promising future for our country through diplomatic exchange. I've spoken with President Dyson who shares the same sorrow and concern that I do. Together with our allies in Gael and the Eterna Sea, San Jimenez will assure the promises we have made to those here and abroad. We will continue our efforts to secure the happiness of those that we were elected to serve. Lastly, through the grace of God, we will have the blessing of peace on our island again."

As of now, the Doraltic embassy staff has been relocated to offices in the Jimenean State Synod where they are being secured by the national guard. The site of the explosion is also under surveillance by authorities of the national guard. Matthieu Derocles and Noah Hunter remain in custody as an investigation of the event continues.

[Veldhaven]

Velder Citizen arrested in Martenyika on Poaching suspicions

The Gendarmie confirmed that it recently detained 44 year old Andres Moltzer on poaching suspicions. Moltzer was said to have been illegally hunting lions, for which he does not have a permit. Officials state that both his weapon and his hunting license were not in line with regulations. Moltzer denies any accusation that he was in fact lion hunting.

Moltzer claims that he was hunting springbok. When he aimed, he unwittlingly hit a lion instead. He maintains that the lion was out of his line of sight and that he was alarmed at the springbok's sudden movements. He says that the news of the lion both shocked and confused.

Regardless of Moltzer's initial intentions, his hunting license was expired and his gun was outside the calibre range for such game. Usually the WRC permits a calibre of 0.375 for lion hunting. Moltzer's gun was well outside this range at 0.270. His hunting license had expired roughly two days before hand. Moltzer clearly unaware had not extended it or applied for a new one.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Heisen Van Banburg held a phone call with with Martenyikan Minister of Foreign Affairs Ashon Tolessa. He said that the phone call they had was very productive.

"I do believe that we can secure the release of Andres Moltzer. I just had a very productive phone call with my Martenyikan counterpart, there's is the will to negotiate on both sides. I am also working with the Department of Security to tighten and restrict further poaching incidents. There is still not much we can do in terms of personal lapses in responsibility and such incidents might still occur. I'm sure Andres Moltzer will see his family again soon"

There may be some goodwill caused by the deportation of two Martenyikan ivory smugglers by the border force last week. However, officials are still worried that the heightend levels of poaching seen.

[Lesva]

Lesva finalizes the purchase of anti-missile systems from Aprosia

Under First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Taica Berislavić, the Throngist Republic of Lesva finalizes the purchase of several anti-missile batteries from the Aprosian People's Democratic Union

First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Taica Berislavić has announced that the Throngist Republic of Lesva has finalized the purchase of anti-missile systems from the Aprosian People's Democratic Union. This announcement was made by the First Secretary before Party Members at the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva. The Head of the Party stated that since Lesva currently does not have the Minister of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces or the Chief of the General Staff of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces, because those positions are presently vacant since their last holders had been sacked recently, therefore, First Secretary Taica Berislavić personally took over the responsibility of finalizing the purchase and will also oversee the delivery of the systems from Aprosia to Lesva. The First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva said that with the previous purchase of an air defense system from Balnik and now having purchased anti-missile batteries to destroy hostile ballistic missiles in the air, Lesva was now more secure than ever before under an utouchable defensive iron and fire dome. However, the Leader added that Lesva should still pursue an ambition to acquire or maybe even develop weapons' systems that could destroy all types of nuclear weapons and also to develop technology that could counter chemical weapons and other types of WMDs. The Head of the Party suggested that maybe Lesva could modernize the current weapons' systems it has purchased from its' Eastern Tripartite allies and also suggest for ET to potentially start jointly developing these anti-nuclear defensive weapons and equipment for the guaranteed security of all ET members.

In other news

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• Law enforcement and security forces prohibit sacked former government, intelligence and military officials to leave the territory of the Throngist Republic of Lesva for an unspecified period.
  
  
• An explosion occurs in the Doraltic Embassy in Gran Teran, San Jimenez, suspected to be a terrorist attack.

[Lesva]

BREAKING NEWS

President of the Supreme National Carto Ari Iotuke resigns at the request of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva

President of the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Ari Iotuke leaves office at the request of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva

President of the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva has just announced resignation from office before Members of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva at the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva. Ari Iotuke has been the longest holder of the position of the President of the Supreme National Carto since the foundation of the Throngist Republic of Lesva, but Iotuke was not the only holder of the position. For a short while, the position was held by the current First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Taica Berislavić, who took over the position at the time and Iotuke had to take over the position of Minister of Technocratic Advancements and Development of the Throngist Republic of Lesva before eventually returning back to the original long-held post. Reportedly, Ari Iotuke resigned at the request of First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Taica Berislavić and also of Members of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva. The position now remains vacant. First Secretary Taica Berislavić said that until the appointment of the next President of the Supreme National Carto, who would be someone entirely new, the Supreme National Carto would have to function without anyone presiding over it and that the Party would have to keep the chamber running collectively until that time.

[Costavozka]

The Truth of Costavozka

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August 12^th, 2022

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New Bill Hastens Process of Authorization for Humanitarian Relief to San Javier

NEW EDEVAR, August 1 -
As the resurgence of the infamous Anliana Cartel continues, Costavozka’s response begins to ramp up. With both international aid and peacekeeping operations being heavily considered, the Costavozkan Council has passed legislation enabling all government-led humanitarian aid missions to foreign nations to bypass authorization from the Council and needing only authorization from the chancellor’s office. Previously, Council authorization was required due to past misuses of spending on foreign aid, but it seems that the majority of the Council has deemed these measures no longer necessary. For supporters of this bill and of the foreign aid campaign, this is an excellent sign that relief will be provided as quickly as possible. We here at the Truth of Costavozka will continue to update you as this situation progresses.

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Tech Company Startup Offers Modern Computers

NEW EDEVAR, August 10 -
As the demand for more modern, affordable, and capable computers increases, Costavozka's tight trade restrictions and lack of prominent technology companies have not made it easy for the demand to be met. However, New Edevar based startup DigiTek Industries LLC seeks to change that. Taking inspiration from foreign devices, DigiTek Industries aims for their computers to be affordable and capable to compete on the region-wide market by Fall 2023- a lofty goal that leaves some questioning the company's potential to achieve the goal. Despite this, sales of DigiTek stock and devices are high, and the future looks bright for the company.

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|| Other News: Ministry of Transportation announces creation of national airline- Air Costavozka- to start operations in Fall 2022. | Ministry of Economics eyes further relaxation of international trade restrictions. | Costavozkan Navy, United Republic Navy of Solaryia to hold joint naval drills in Karnali Sea. ||

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A Notice to Our Readers

With the constant growth of digital media, and with the expansion of multiple news outlets within Costavozka to internet-based platforms, we here ath the Truth of Costavozka- your most reliable source of news happenings within North Argus- are proud to announce that we are working on setting up a website for our company. This site, in addition to acting as an archive for older news stories and displaying live news, weather, and stock data, will allow you- our loyal readers- to nominate stories for us to investigate and report on, regardless of your location in the Western Isles! We wish that you will pay us a visit online once we have this set up. Thank you.

-The Truth of Costavozka media team

[Lesva]

Lesva arrests former government, military and intelligence officials

By the order of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva, the former government, military and intelligence officials have been arrested by the Throngist Republic of Lesva

It has been announced that law enforcement and security forces have arrested a list of former government, military and intelligence officials, most of whom have recently been sacked or resigned. First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Taica Berislavić has announced that these officials have been arrested on conspiracy charges, believed to be collaborating in planning a counter-revolution to overthrow the Throngist Republic of Lesva. The First Secretary announced that the information regarding a conspiracy and the list of participants was secretly given to the Party Leadership by the he Main Intelligence and Security Service (MISS) of the Throngist Republic of Lesva, who are operating under a new leadership after the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva sacked the previous Chief of MISS - Iner Scleda. Under the new leadership, MISS has managed to discover and provide information that their own former head was part of this conspiracy. First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Taica Berislavić said that this information on conspiracy was given to him and later the Party Leader informed the Members of the Party on it, which is why the Party supported these removals. Because of this information, each of these officials were removed from their position. The information was kept discrete and was only known by Party Members until the last minute, which is today, with all of them having supported a decision to remove the traitors after having been informed on the conspiracy. The information provision and the agreement to take such action was done behind the scenes and the information was not made public, so that the culprits could not attempt to flee their arrest. Earlier, law enforcement already prohibited each of them from leaving the territory of the Throngist Republic of Lesva and that ban was effective for an undetermined period of time. Now that the arrest operation has been successfully fulfilled, the information no longer needs to be secret. First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Taica Berislavić expressed disappointment from the entire Party that former colleagues were actually disguised traitors and that thirst for power could drive them to a counter-revolution, stating that this proved their absence of values, ideals and that they did not actually believe in Throngism like they claimed, only proving that some could call themselves Throngist purely for opportunistic purposes and not actually believing in the revolution. The First Secretary called on attentiveness and said that everybody needed to be on the bigger lookout for traitors in the Party and the closest circle, saying that Party Members and citizens had a responsibility to expose these traitors, who are threatening the foundation.

List of arrested former officials:

• Ari Iotuke - President of the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (resigned at the request of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva).
  
  
• Iner Scleda - Chief of the Main Intelligence and Security Service (MISS) of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Captain General Noie Verant - Minister of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces (sacked).
  
  
• Lieutenant General Cito Pacaita - Chief of the General Staff of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces (sacked).
  
  
• Frei Jauca - Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Yoca Bames - Minister of Economy of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Pacton Inca - Minister of Technocratic Advancements and Development of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Eni Poda - Minister of Information and Ideology of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Grai Pagen - Minister of the Interior of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Terr Curso - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Fari Arpeigun - Minister of Justice of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Rai Flesa - Minister of Emergency Management of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Deren Pova - Minister of Education and Throngist Ideological Fosterage of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Tobala Sveca - Minister of Health of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Otli Pargresas - Minister of Science, Technology and Environment of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Neia Sterra - Minister of Industry of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Atezi Sivi - Minister of Tourism of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).
  
  
• Giva Tesin - Minister of Ethnic and Cultural Issues of the Throngist Republic of Lesva (sacked).

[Aeteros]

The Sonaris Star:
8/14/22

One Last Ride:
Longtime captain of the Aeterosan Avocets, Tomás Arreña has announced that this next upcoming year will be his last with the club. Tomás was first signed onto the team over a decade and a half ago in 2006, helping to turn what was a troubled club into a regular contender and eventual champion. After a few years of impressive play and great leadership within the locker room he was made captain of the team in 2012. His career is among the most impressive in the history of the sport with over 15 years of top level play. A generational prospect in his youth he attended college at The University of Sonaris where he was courted by several teams before eventually deciding to play for his home of Aeteros. When in a recent press conference he was asked about his favorite moment with the team, to which he responded "Well, I think hoisting the cup with my teammates after an incredible tournament and fierce competition is probably something I will keep with me for as long as I live, I have to admit I was actually very tempted to just call it quits right then and there, and retire on top but then I thought to myself 'Why not go for one more?' right?"

The President of the Aeterosan National Team Markus Grant on Tomás's announcement "I have nothing but good things to say about the man, he is a force to be reckoned with on the field but off the field he is one of the kindest and most generous people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing, he does a great deal of charity work and other things to improve his home country and has been as good of a team captain as anyone could hope for, for a decade. That being said we have full confidence that even after his retirement Solomon [The most likely team captain after Tomás] and the rest of the team will continue to be contenders and continue to play at a high level"

We also secured exclusive interviews with several of Tomás's teammates on his career and legacy.

Solomon Bridger: "Its definitely going to be some gargantuan shoes to fill, he is the heart and soul of this team and his leadership will be sorely missed, as well as his play on the field"

Seya Honaia: "He his one of the kindest men I've ever known, the amount of charity events I've seen him sponsoring or even running entirely on his own is genuinely impressive, there are definitely plenty of people in this sport who put on the appearance of being a great person but behind closed doors they're not, he is absolutely not one of those people. Just a genuinely good person through and through"

Patrick O'Dare: "When I first got my spot on the team it was kind of hard to not feel like I didn't belong. everyone else was established professionals and I was just some guy who lucked onto the team through some decent playing at the tryouts. But Tomás went out of his way to make me feel welcome and was really my first friend on the team and I think that went a long way to help me adjust, and we have since become great friends"

Tomás Arreña has stated that he will play for one more year and the team seems to be gearing towards a massive push to secure their second cup in as many years, time will tell if Tomás will go out on top or if he should have retired this year.

A Very Odd Wakeup Call:
A farmer outside of Sonaris had a very strange wakeup call this past weekend when one of his cows fell through the roof into his kitchen, luckily neither the farmer, his family, or somehow even the cow was hurt during this incident but it did leave local officials scratching their heads as to how the cow actually got onto the roof.
"Its not like the house is up against a hill, if anything its on the highest ground in the surrounding area, I genuinely am extremely confused as to how on earth this cow got up there" Said local city council member Maria Avos.
A charity fund has been started in order to help the farmer pay for the strange damage to his house and due to the strange nature of the situation, this charity has actually garnered national attention. Do you have an idea as to how the cow got onto the roof? call The Sonaris Star with your ideas!

A Shocking Discovery:
A recent scientific survey of marine life in The Northern Bank has revealed a new subspecies of the Octopus, the "Aeterosan Red Ring" as it has been dubbed is a close cousin of the Blue Ring Octopus, but due to some sort of pigmentation mutation, the rings in this species are red and as far as researches have been able to determine, it exists only in The Northern Bank, this discovery will only aid in conservation efforts within the bank as it is a truly unique body of water with fantastic biodiversity. Local officials expect the new species to aid in an already massive tourist pull that is the environment of Aeteros. This is one of three new species discovered in Aeterosan waters this year alone, with a new species of Jellyfish (The Ring Eyed Jellyfish), and a new species of Shark (The Aeterosan Sixgill).

A New Flavor for Aeteros:
A new restaurant in Sonaris aims to bring a unique flavor and flair to the nations palette. With unique dishes from across The Western Isles the Tas'da'el or "taste of all" is looking to capture the interest of a growing city population as well as providing "a taste of home" for the many immigrants within the country.
The owner of the restaurant Santiago Corozal was interviewed on his longterm goals for his restaurant.
"Obviously at the end of the day as long as we stay open that's a win, the margin for restaurants is incredibly low and while so far we've been very lucky and you never know at the end of the day, but what I'm hoping for is the ability to expand into other cities in the nation and after that, maybe even beyond, who knows?"