Septentrion Regional Headlines

by **Minilov** » Fri Dec 08, 2017 2:03 pm

Winter coats at the ready

MALJUBAV, Minilov — With cities and towns across the nation are holding special events such as Christmas markets over the weekend, many of us will be venturing out to drink a glass of mulled wine with our friends or to buy the perfect Christmas gifts for our nearest and dearest. However, it is going to be a chilly one so be warned. Temperatures are set to plummet and showers of snow and sleet are forecast in the north of the country.

Although you might not have noticed much this morning, temperatures are set to nose-dive during the afternoon so it might not be a bad idea to take your scarf, hat and winter coat out with you. Today’s top temperatures will be between 0°C and 1°C in the North, between 4°C around lake Min and the central part of Minilov, and 5°C in the south.

There will be wintery showers that will be of snow in the north. Thunder can’t be ruled out in the northwest. The night will be mainly dry with minimum temperatures of -4°C in Uplaninama province. Temperatures will fall to 1°C in the centre of the country. On Saturday it will be mainly cloudy. It will be mainly dry except in Uplaninama, where there could be wintery showers.

Sunday will start off with sleet or snow turning to rain or sleet later. Top temperatures will range between 2°C and 7°C and there will be strong winds.

by **Maverica** » Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:38 pm

Maverican National News Network

Yugoslovenski-Maverican Trade Agreement to take effect January
December 14th, 2017

Today after several months of talks ambassadors from Yugoslovenski and Maverica have come to an agreement concerning establishing a trade deal between the two countries. The agreement will now be signed into effect within the next week by President Nurzan and Yugoslovenski. It will establish Free-Trade between the countries with Free Trade in Maverica being done in desingnated Special Economic Zones throughout the country. The agreement will benifit both countries as Maverican goods can now be exported to Yugoslovenski and in turn sent to multiple other markets in the region. Meanwhile Yugoslovenski goods will be able to enter Maverica without tarrif. The economy of Maverica expects to grow after the deal is made official. Once signed the trade deal will be expected to come into effect on January 1st of the new year.

2017 Summer Harvest Takes Record High

Throughout the summer Maverican farmers whatched the weather anxiously as the summer monsoons rolled through. However their efforts and hardwork has payed off and now the Maverican Agriculture Department reports after the harvest was in that it smashed the previous year's production and the record high from 2015. Many farmers thank increased mechanization and use of technolegy provided by the goverment for their successes. Since colonial times agriculture has been an important feature to the Maverican economy however since the land reform after the civil war in the 1970s output has increased tenfold and now with modern technolegy, equipment and GMO seeds Maverica is considered to be one of the big three in agriculture. Couple fertile land, the monsoon patterns and increased understanding of agriculture Maverican output will only increase from this. Much of the burging surplus will be exported to other countries. Now with the summer harvest over winter planting has begun. Though it is too early to tell how the winter crop will do we can only expect it to follow suit and continue to keep Maverica as the global breadbasket of Septentrion.

by **Minilov** » Sat Dec 16, 2017 11:14 am

Minister Pekmez: "Our nuclear plants are like an old car"

MALJUBAV, Minilov — The Minilovan Interior Minister Ioan Pekmez is confident that the so-called "Energy Pact" will be sealed in the end, avoiding a political crisis. The Minilovan nuclear plants are in the eye of the storm, but Pekmez makes the following comparison: "They are like an old car. You can postpone buying a new one, but in the end, you will have to make the investment anyway", he argues, claiming investments in new, sustainable energy sources will have to be made in the end. The Energy Pact outlines the Minilovan energy policies for the future, until 2050. A pre-accord has been struck already, and the governing political parties have already approved it. The National Assembly us next, to make the deal complete and to seal it. The aim is to have 40 percent of our energy supplies generated by sustainable (green) sources by 2030, and to go for 100 percent by 2050.

COA: "No guaranteed supplies, and a very expensive move"
The Conservative Orthodox Alliance (COA), the smaller opposition party, is against. The report confirms the end of Minilov's old-fashioned nuclear plants by 2025 (10 years later than had been agreed almost 25 years ago), but the COA is afraid Minilov is not ready. COA-leader József Blažej Kocsis commented that: "The closure of the five plants will endanger energy supplies due to lack of alternatives, and it will trigger a price hike for consumers, the COA argues. This is why the COA wants to keep (at least some of) the nuclear plants open beyond 2025. The COA enjoys the support of (part of) the big industrial players in Minilov."

Pekmez: "I can respond to all of the COA's concerns"
Supporters of the plan say alternative energy sources will only receive a real boost when there is clarity: investors will make the effort only when they are certain the nuclear story will come to an end.

Pekmez, a liberal democrat, told the MNTV that he is convinced he can respond to all the N-VA's concerns and reassure them. Pekmez, a great supporter of green, alternative energy sources, compares the nuclear plants to an old car: "You can postpone buying a new car time and again, but in the end you will have to make the investment anyway."

by **Meinkraft** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 12:58 am

“Coke Czar” Executed

Maracaibo, AN - One of the men responsible for the Narcotics Crisis of the turn of the century has finally been brought to justice before a firing squad early this morning. Lino Delgado, drug kingpin of the largest cartel in the Allied Nations was executed after a two week trial that shocked the country. Delgado is well known as the Escape Artist, having managed to evade Army patrols as well as police manhunts for well over a decade. His luck finally ran out last month when navy destroyer Carnatica intercepted and sank his escaping pleasure yacht, which was en route to Verpletterant. On board was at least eighteen million dollars worth of cocaine, a small slice of the fortune he once commanded. All of it was lost to the Gulf upon the sinking of the vessel. Overall, the public can rest a lot easier knowing that one of the most dangerous men in Meridia has been struck with the punishing blow of the law.

--Oscar Vazquez, Associate Editor

Watch the Execution in the Reel Archives!

by **The Soodean Imperium** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 11:30 am

中央日報 중앙일보
Jung'ang Ilbo

Look to the facts when seeking the truth

Supreme Commander Choe Sŭng-min Returns for 30th Anniversary Celebration

Kim Hyŏng-a; 2017 / 12 / 21

In the early morning of December 21st, citizens from across Donggyŏng gathered around the Donggwangsan Palace to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Decembrist Revolution. On a snowy day in 1987, this was the same square in which Choe Sŭng-min, then a young Major-General, led his troops to bring down a regime which had turned against Menghe's people and its illustrious history. In its place, he installed the privileges we are known to enjoy today - Minbon democracy, professional technocracy, and an economic miracle that continues to this day.

In spite of the decade anniversary, this year's celebration was relatively subdued. Members of the Youth Vanguard led with a torchlight parade in the pre-dawn hours, followed by banners, floats, and patriotic singing after sunrise. There was no re-enactment of the assault on the headquarters of the old Communist Party, but footage from Choe Sŭng-min's speech on the palace steps was broadcast on a large screen alongside the square.

Most significant of all was the presence of the Supreme Commander himself. After four months almost completely outside the public spotlight, Choe Sŭng-min himself appeared at the center of the review stand, waving confidently and greeting the people with his signature smile. In response, cheers rang up from the crowd below - "The General's health is our only wish!" "Long live our comrade Choe Sŭng-min!" The Chairman appears to have made a strong recovery, persisting in public duty despite the burden of cancer treatment. Even in his old age, he is still driven to stand as a role model for the nation.

Nevertheless, there are still signs that Choe's days may be numbered. Online, many everyday commenters watching the broadcast noted that in spite of his bulky winter overcoat, the Chairman appeared even thinner than usual, his face gaunt. Beneath the brim of his military cap, he appeared to have either shaved or lost his hair, which was still dyed black before he entered the Bŏdŭl-Ri Hospital for treatment. He gave only a brief speech, and did so after the first half of the ceremony had finished, somewhat later than usual.

Other observers paid attention to the order of the other officials arranged on the viewing stand. Vice-Marshal Kim Pyŏng-so stood on Choe's right, but Mun Jae-sin, the Minister of National Economic Development, stood immediately to his left, which some took as a sign that he had risen in importance along the informal chain of power. Minister Mun, who holds no military office, played a prominent role in public media during Choe's disappearance from center stage, and there is widespread speculation that Choe wishes to use his economic expertise to offset Kim Pyŏng-so's military focus in any future ruling arrangement. How exactly the two men will share power in the future remains an open question, and one that the Menghe Socialist Party has not publicly discussed.

As for the near future, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture has reported that a larger parade and celebration are planned for May 25th, the 30th anniversary of the formal establishment of the Socialist Republic. This event will include a grand exhibition tracking the great progress made in all aspects of Menghean society in the three decades under the Menghe Socialist Party: among them, political revitalization, military modernization, and a revolutionary improvement in the quality of life. Many expect that Choe will use this event to formally declare the achievement of a "moderately prosperous society," a major milestone on the road to national reconstruction - and a crowning achievement in the Supreme Commander's own time in office.

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Other News

Mayor of Hwasŏng Resigns after Apartment Fire Kills Dozens
The conflagration, largest among many since the start of winter, raised serious questions about safety regulations in Menghe's fourth largest city - and its poorest major metropolis. Mayor Gwŏn's interim replacement, Ri Hyŏn-su, stated that she will strictly enforce an unpopular city law banning the use of indoor coal-fed space heaters, which police investigators have tentatively identified as the source of the blaze. In the long term, the city also looks to demolish outdated housing stock and improve building codes. more

High-Speed Train Line from Junggyŏng to Jinjŏng Makes First Journey
Timed to match the anniversary of the Decembrist Revolution, the "Chŏllima" train reached a top speed of 350 kilometers per hour in its inaugural run. The new rail line aims to integrate the isolated city of Jinjŏng into the national economy, and will be the first link in the "Northern Road" transnational infrastructure project linking Menghe, Dzhungestan, and Themiclesia. more

Jo Tae-u: Wild Panda Population Recovering, but Challenges Remain
Thanks to a renewed crackdown on poaching, an initiative to restore cleared bamboo forests, and the release of animals raised in captivity, the Giant Panda population in upper Sanchŏn Province increased in 2017, experts say. Yet the area of suitable habitat has declined sharply, and is still rated as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. A full recovery of the species, which the Minister of Environmental Protection promised in 2013, remains far off. more

by **Minilov** » Sat Dec 23, 2017 9:03 am

Central bank declares Bitcoin "not a currency"

MALJUBAV, Minilov — Ioan Tijesto, the governor of Minilov's central bank, has issued a warning with regard to the cyber currency bitcoin. Mr Tijesto says that people should take heed: "Investing in bitcoin can lead to big losses". The central banker believes that bitcoin has the potential to encroach upon global financial stability.

Mr Tijesto told MNTV: "Let's stop calling bitcoin a currency. In contrast with the ruble, bitcoin is not guaranteed as a means of payment by any central bank or any other authority."

Minilov's central bank is monitoring the evolution of bitcoin because of the potential impact on financial stability, though Mr Tijesto insists that at the minute the risk is small.

The central banker adds that the spending power of bitcoin isn't guaranteed, unlike with the ruble where the Central Bank guarantees price stability. He also points to the evolution of the value of bitcoin that was worth less than 1.000 NS dollars at the beginning of the year and has risen to 20.000 dollars before falling back to 12.000.

by **Minilov** » Sat Dec 30, 2017 10:00 am

Mlaz Airways reaches milestone of 9 million passengers

MALJUBAV, Minilov — It was their ambition, and they just managed to achieve it: Mlaz Airways will have carried 9 million passengers this year. The Minilovan airline says it is "looking back to a successful 15th birthday." Mlaz Airways (MLAZ) was born after the bankruptcy of MalAir (Maljubav Airlines) in 2002. It is proud of "15 years of Minilovan aviation expertise."

While MLAZ had 7.7 million passengers last year, this number rose firmly to 9 million. MLAZ say there was an increase on the year for every single month of 2017. The further growth was triggered thanks to new destinations like Donggyong in Menghe. In all, MLAZ announced 26 new destinations this year.

MLAZ also integrated the activities of Franjo Hov Airlines, which allowed them to expand their services to a number of Casaterran and Hemithean destinations. The Minilovan airline should have a total of 122 destinations when everything is fully operational.

by **Vyzhva** » Sat Dec 30, 2017 2:14 pm

█ Ⰲ Ⱂ Ⰵ Ⱃ Ⰵ Ⰴ

New Public Housing Units To Be Built In The Myrcha Commune

Ilsat Garayev
20/11/2017 - Melna, People's State of Vyzhva

Photo Courtesy: Bohdan Lutsenko

YESTERDAY, OUR GLORIOUS

Approved By The Ministry of Domestic Information
© Ⰲ Ⱂ Ⰵ Ⱃ Ⰵ Ⰴ !

by **Roskian Federation** » Sat Dec 30, 2017 5:06 pm

Pancevo Times

Cellular service: A boon to infrastructure efforts

In 1993, as Yugoslovenski pulled itself out of a brutal and bloody civil war, it faced the daunting task of rebuilding critical infrastructure: Electricity and Telephone Lines, Water Mains and Sewer systems were all destroyed or severely damaged in the 3 year war, which also saw the invasion from the Federation of Soviet Republics. The Government pushed forward with Electricity and Water, seeing them as critical to the massive and rapid return to "normalcy", the official economic policy outline as stated by Parliament in 1997. By 2001, these were mostly fixed; and roads, which had also been severely battered, were in mostly operational capacity, spare a few rural roads. However, telephone lines remained in critical state, almost nothing had been done to repair the telephone system by this point for the majority of people - streets and major buildings had central telephones, but houses and apartments rarely did. Instead - communication turned towards cellular - towers, far cheaper to install than lines, began to dot the landscape as western phone entities quickly enter the battered landscape, looking to profit on the new devastated market.

By 2005, 3rd Generation Data Transfer (3G) held 98% of telephone access in the country, and telephone lines were seen as unimportant - civilians could cheaply buy "smart phones" - or cell phones that could access the internet, play games,
and carry complex files over such connection. Still, Yugoslovenski had only 57% access to telephones, or cell phones, making it leagues behind other casaterran states at the time.

By 2015, the scene had changed entirely. 91% of Yugoslovenskians owned a cell phone - now on 4th Generation Long Term Evolution (4G LTE), making 99.99% of telephone service done entirely through mobile devices.

As Yugoslovenski moved forward with copper replacements to destroyed wires, electronic communication expanded rapidly, and in 2006 - the government decided to push forward with Fibre Optics, a cable form that uses light instead of electricity to transfer information. Approximately 12.4% of the country uses Fibre Optic, with a goal of 20% by 2030.

As technology continues to advance, the task of rebuilding infrastructure slightly eases, and this path will help keep Yugoslovenski competitive to come

by **Letnev** » Sun Dec 31, 2017 12:07 am

A Chervak Return to Soviet Times?
Has the West Lost it's War to Transform the Turov Pact?
Opinion Piece by Gonzalo Carballo
January 2nd, 2016 | Chandler, Sylva

Praska, Chervakian Socialist Republic —Chervak Prime Minister Vladimír Růže today signed into law a bill that effectively muzzles foreign press. The law in question dubs foreign press as "foreign agents", allowing the Chervak Government to place foreign media and press under intense scrutiny and observation. The Chervak government insists that this law is needed for the "security and integrity of the Chervak peoples".

This law has drawn intense criticism from the international stage, notably from the Organized States and other members of the Grand Alliance. The Colombian diplomat in Chervakia called the law "a degradation of Chervakian Democracy, erasing years of progress". The Tyran Government officially condemned the law, and the President of Asumus called it "an insult to Western Ideals".

According to Political Analyst James Keyn, the law follows a series of similar laws re-centralizing the power of the Chervak government to it's Cold War level. He,
along with many other Western Analysts and Researchers, claim that this is only one of many recent symptoms of a larger problem: that after over ten years of Western economic incentive, free press, and Democracy, Chervakia has decided to return to it's authoritarian practices. While the days of Soviet-style communism appear to be long gone, many in the country still support similar practices. According to recent nonpartisan polls, approximately 72% of Chervaks agree that some form of Socialism is "preferable to Western Capitalism", and 58% would prefer a government that is "supportive of the FSR and it's policies", while only 19% of Chervaks would prefer a "Government in favor of supporting or joining the Grand Alliance".

Chervak Electronics are an important part of many
people's everyday lives

However, a return to authoritarianism isn't the only growing problem the West has with Chervakia. In an attempt to lure the newly formed Chervak Republic away from the socialist practices of it's neighbor in 2001, the Grand Alliance offered it a number of lucrative technology contracts in order to support it's growing technology industry. With every step that the country made towards Liberal Democracy, the GA would dangle more contracts or research in front of the now powerful industry, which would in turn influence the government. Already prominent in the Soviet era and the most advanced of the Turov Pact countries, the Chervak Electronics Industry benefited greatly from Western technical knowledge. By 2012, technology defined the country. Many of the millions of personal computers, phones, and tablets in Casaterra were made from Chervak processors. Soviet and Sylvan, Maldanian and Eisen: to all Chervakia was synonymous with electronics. Engineers and Computer Scientists from around the globe flocked to the newly prestigious Chervak Universities.

For many years, the Western world championed Chervakia as a great success story: the Communist country that transitioned to Democracy and gained from it. In retrospect, such praise and policies seem foolish. In 2014, the FSR's newest 5th generation fighter jets appeared to have a modern Chervak engine; a rumor which was confirmed the next year by the Růže Group, a Chervak arms and electronics company. This came as a shock to many, but in retrospect makes sense. The country itself is only vaguely "Democratic", if even at all. The main opposition party in Chervakia, the Social Republicans, lost 32 seats to the ruling Christian Socialist party in a questionable vote this last year. While there are major elections every year, the Christian Socialist party has dominated the government since the Republic's reformation. Now, many freedoms and liberties are being eroded in the country as the party solidifies it's rule.

When will the West stop treating Chervakia as a fellow Democracy, and instead as what Chervakia itself claims to be: a Socialist Republic?

Please note that this article is an opinion piece and not the official view of RadioFreeCasaterra or it's affiliated networks

by **Themiclesia** » Sun Dec 31, 2017 8:59 am

December 31, 2017

Prime Minister hosts New Year's Eve gala at Palace: Peace in the New Year

Lok-iang • In keeping with a time-honoured tradition, the Prime Minister hosts a gala to which all ambassadors (and envoys of international bodies) are invited. It is usual for the head of government to deliver a formal address to the Diplomatic Corps about some policies to be introduced after the new year in addition to the customary small-talk between leaders. While few surprises ever comes of these announcements, guests reactions' at them have been a staple for journalists for some time, and interactions between these diplomats in such a public event are sometimes regarded with informative value.

"As head of the government of Themiclesia," the premier said, "I can assure all in attendance and all not in attendance [chuckles], that this government is committed towards the preservation of peace between all nations and the encouragement of mutually beneficial relationships."

The normally morose and chilly Audience Hall of the Department of Library Administration was lit with cordial applause and smiles.

by **Nova Sylva** » Sun Dec 31, 2017 12:42 pm

Sylvan and Letnevian church leaders issued a first-ever joint statement that urged Casaterrans to remember their roots, and to return to them during this time of “widespread concern for (the) future” of Casaterra.

“...our societies are turning to their spiritual resources, to draw out means of responding to the situation that Casaterra is experiencing, and to trace the path ahead for a future full of hope and greater confidence,” the leaders said.

The statement was made during the ongoing Council of Svergino where Church leaders from across the Christian world are meeting to discuss “theological similarities.” It’s part of an ongoing effort the last few years to bring the Sylvan and Letnevian Churches back into communion with one another. They originally split in 1454 during the Great Schism.

If the two churches joined once more, it would fundamentally change both the world’s theological and geopolitical stage. Sylva and Letnev are two of Casaterra’s most powerful nations and the only two where Church and State have not been separated. With religion so closely intertwined with government in both states, it wouldn’t be hard to believe that an era of cooperation might follow.

The two Churches also said in their statement: While governments guarantee the “fundamental rights of the human person,” many forces are currently at work that seek to marginalize or eliminate religion from the public square, the leaders said.

“We believe that Casaterra needs more than ever the breath of faith in Christ and the hope that it provides,” they said. “Christianity is a marker of identity that does not deny others their human rights, but seeks to cooperate with all for the realization of the common good.”

They focused in particular on the effects that terrorism and extreme secularization have on young people. Often, they noted, radicalized terrorists are distraught young people who see violence as an outlet, and as a way to exact revenge on non-believers and “infidels” whom they’ve been taught to see as “other.”

“Youth, however, is the time of hope and of building the future. We invite all young people to commit themselves to building a fraternal world that excludes no one,” they said.

“We do not hesitate to recall that our Churches themselves have undertaken just such a work to gain a deeper understanding of the word of God in the Scriptures not according to ‘the letter that kills’ but according to ‘the Spirit that gives life’ (2 Corinthians 3:6).”

They also noted the effect that some concepts of secularism are having on the young people of Europe, which have led “entire generations to a form of religious illiteracy which deprives citizens of the basic knowledge that is necessary for them to understand their own cultural heritage, as well as the cultural heritage of other traditions that are inspired by religion.”

Ignoring the religious heritage of Casaterra often leads, even if unintentionally, to discrimination and persecution within societies that claim to be open, they said.

“Cultural relativism, devoid of truth or moral good, cannot be established as dogma, because this actually leads to division between human beings.”
Addressing the large waves of migrants that Europe has experienced in the past few years, the leaders described welcoming the stranger as a Christian duty, and urged them to remember Abraham, whom Christians, Jews and Muslims have in common as a father in faith. They added that migrants in turn have a duty to peacefully integrate into their host countries, which must be united by a foundation that respects the religious and human rights of all people.

“Pluralistic societies are a real challenge for contemporary mankind, especially in Casaterra. Our long Christian tradition has taught us that the Gospel of Jesus has been able – and is still able – to bring men and women of every origin together in one single people of faith,” they said.

Ultimately, they said, in order for peace to prevail in Casaterra, the continent must be willing to engage in a dialogue with people of different faiths, and to return to its Christian roots, which provided Casaterra with “its universalist vision, its notion of the dignity of the human person and its moral principles.”

“If you are cut off from your roots, you will come adrift,” they said. “The emptiness within especially exposes the youngest people to the worst temptations. We firmly repeat that the Christian faith reconciles all the personal and social dimensions that are found in the human person.”

by **Jedoria** » Sun Dec 31, 2017 9:49 pm

Archon remains hopeful for 2018

STRANA MECHTY – Speaking outside the Citadel, Archon Jaan Kask expressed a firm “hope for the future”, touching on several points including domestic development, infrastructure, and increasing foreign trade. Above all, the Archon urged Jedorii everywhere to look to the future, and plan for 2018 to be a year of advancement, both culturally and technologically.

The Archon closed out a year marked by a number of uncertainties and concerns; growing tension with Socialist Republic of Aversgard, an unstable economic climate, and fears that planned developmental projects would not be completed in time. These worries did not seem to trouble the Archon, who instead spoke of the various accomplishments of the Federated Combine in 2017, including final repairs to the Luminovian Canal, establishment of the so-called “safety net”, and new investment opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

Members of the Archon’s New Order echoed the sentiments from the National Council and the Federal Assembly. The New Order’s party representatives officially released a statement outlining some of the other goals the party hoped to accomplish in 2018.

Overall, the government of the Federated Combine made it clear they view 2018 as a year of opportunities.

by **Maltecna** » Mon Jan 01, 2018 12:48 am

Ostland Today
Ostland heute

Alliance coalition grows
In a shocking turn of events the Ostland Horizon Coalition has bolstered in members, the smaller Horizon Party officially announced in a party congress that they would join the political coalition between the NCP and CDP. Effectively establishing majority control of the Reichstag. The Horizon Party announced the party joining the coalition in an effort to gain majority seat control of the Reichstag to push for the passing of new tax reform. After the coalition was announced the Coalition offically named Alliance now currently has 205 seats out of 709 seats in the Reichstag. Subsequently this caused a crisis between Center-Left parties which lost their majority control of Parliament which had lasted since 2004. Due to the expansion of Alliance the Liberal Party and Socialist Dawn party announced a coalition effectively taking control of 153 seats, being the second largest in control, but not enough to oppose any bills proposed by the Alliance.

New foreign income tax reform
In sight of the expansion of the Alliance political coalition, the Foreign Tax Reform bill was passed with majority votes being yes. With the passing of the bill the foreign income tax on companies manufacturing in Ostland was lowered from 20% to 15%, with this its expected to bring more foreign companies into Ostland to expand its manufacturing exports. Though initial profit will decrease in sight of the tax reform increased foreign company involvement is expected to supplement the profit loss, and thus the Ostlandian government is closely monitoring manufacturing growth, and according to statements made by the Government, the bill may be repealed if it proves to be more negative than positive to the Ostlandian economy.

4th Nuclear Energy plant begins operations
Following the beginning of construction in 2011 the Ruchenveld Nuclear power plant has finally begun operations. The Ruchenveld Nuclear Power plant represents a wave new energy projects started by the Ostlandian government in 2008, which first began with the construction of the Oslko wind farm which opened two years later. The Ruchenveld Nuclear power plant (RNP) is expected to provide a majority of its energy output to Ruchenveld and nearby towns. And subsequently three coal power plants will close thanks to the RNP beginning power opertations. The Ostlandian Government in 2016 stated in the Ostland Power plan that the Ostlandian government plans to have 8 Nuclear power plants by 2027.

Third Autobahn route opened along the Ost Mountain range
After 6 years of construction and one year long delay Autobahn Route #3 has opened, route #3 hugs along the Ost mountain range which effectively cuts the country in half except for in the North where the Krossa plains reside. The original construction plan was said to cut through the mountain range, but after transportation budget cuts it was decided for the route to hug the range itself, in 2011 the route began construction and finally finished just on time to open on New Years day. The Ostlandian government has already announced that it will increase the budget for the construction of more Autobahn routes to streamline commutes to cities across the nation, though the Socialist Coalition in the Reichstag is skeptical of the budgetary increase, stating that ''Funding should be devoted to welfare for poor citizens'', major debates have already sprung out regarding this issue.

by **The Soodean Imperium** » Tue Jan 02, 2018 11:53 am

中央日報 중앙일보
Jung'ang Ilbo

Look to the facts when seeking the truth

Special Liaison to Innominada Approves Argentstani Independence Vote

Ro Ǔn-a; 2018 / 01 / 02

SUMQAYIT (Jung'ang Ilbo) - After months of uncertainty and deliberation, a spokesperson for Menghe's Special Liaison to Innominada announced that the Menghean government would not move to block a planned referendum on independence in the Lower Argentstan region, removing the last obstacle to the planned vote. This represents a major victory for Argentstani independence activists, who have long argued that their region's indigenous culture and language should distinguish it from Western Innominada, which has a larger settler and creole population.

Official proposal for the independence referendum,
including claimed land in Nothwest Innominada.

Under the referendum's proposed terms, the independent state of Argentstan would consist of the three provinces of Chaco, San Luis, and Flores. The city of Nueva Meridia, which has a large Sylvan-colonial population, would remain part of Innominada as a separate enclave. The independent state of Argentstan would also formally lay claim to three additional provinces with Argentan ethnic majorities in the People's Republic of Innominada, which remains under Maverican occupation.

Notably, this is not the first time the Argent region has considered secession. Aspirations for independence in Northeast Innominada, long suppressed by Sylvan and later Maverican oversight, date back centuries, ever since the peninsula north of Portcullia came under Sylvan colonial rule. During the Pan-Septentrion War, Menghean forces liberated the entire region as the Kingdom of Argentstan, but the flame of independence was soon extinguished at the war's end.

After smoldering quietly for decades, however, debates over Argentstani independence finally reawakened in 2014, when the "Innominadan Crisis" compelled the Menghean armed forces to intervene in defense of regional stability and sovereignty. A Menghean proposal in December of that year would have split the non-Maverican-occupied zone into an Innominadan state and an Argentan one, roughly following the borders currently under referendum. In the end, this proposal was shelved as part of an effort to promote unity and ethnic harmony within a federal Innominadan government. But after three years of continued tension and inequality, Argentan activists continue to insist on the need for their own state.

In the three years from 2015 to 2018, the question of Argentstani independence divided policymakers in both Menghe and Innominada. Etibar Azərsoy, a prominent figure in Argentan politics, gained respect and notoriety for promoting a message of ethnic unity with Innominadan creoles. For a long time, the Menghean government also endorsed the unity message, out of fear that Argentstani secession could plunge the fragile country back into civil war. Yet other prominent Argentans, including İsmayil Agillı and Cavid Musaoğlu, argued that their people still faced discrimination and mistreatment from Sylvan-colonial creoles. The Republic of Innominada's Ethno-Federal government, which drew provincial lines to match ethnic majorities, guaranteed partial autonomy to Argentan regions, and allowed the formation of Uzeri ethnic parties, created an environment which intensified these debates, gathering more support for the independence movement.

Other conflicts lay in the Menghean armed forces, which still retain an above-average political voice when guiding Innominadan affairs. The Menghean Army staunchly promoted separation as a reward to the local Argentan fighters who had supported Menghe's intervention. Army planners also believed that it would end the morale crisis in the Republic of Innominada Army, by allowing Argentans to fight on behalf of a cause they believed in. The Menghean Navy, by contrast, had argued for a unified Innominada, fearing that secession would set off instability and anger in the southwestern region of the country, endangering its newfound bases there. Navy leaders also pointed to a vaguely-worded provision in the Menghean-Innominadan armistice which guaranteed Innominada's territorial integrity, expressing concern that support for secession could be read as a betrayal in Innominadan policy circles.

Some news analysts have read the independence vote's approval as a sign that the Army leadership won out in the struggle. Marshal Kang Yŏng-nam, head of the Menghean Army, had been a prominent voice for the creation of an Argentan state, especially during the Fall and Winter of 2017. Choe Sŭng-min, for his part, had pursued a neutral course after 2014, but after yesterday's announcement his publicity office issued a brief statement affirming that Menghe would recognize the referendum's outcome as legitimate.

The referendum is scheduled to take place next week. In order to avoid violence and intimidation, the Menghean Army and the Argentan Federal Police will maintain security at polling stations. Informal polls show a strong majority of locals support independence, especially after the months of protest and campaigning that led up to it. Yet opposition to Argentstani independence is also very strong among Sylvan-creole Innominadans, and while the Republic of Innominada government is unable to substantively resist now that Menghe has endorsed the referendum as legal, there are fears in both governments that a successful referendum could lead to protests and resignations throughout the west of the country.

Even if the "yes" side succeeds, however, there will still be major challenges to resolve before independence can be made official. These include the creation of new government agencies, and which federal bodies should be inherited by Argentstan; the question of whether Argentan minorities living in the rest of Innominada should be granted citizenship; and, perhaps most significantly, how the Innominadan Armed Forces will be partitioned between the two states.

At a broader level, there are also a number of concerns over how Argentstani independence could impact geopolitical stability in the region. Ever since its domestic government collapsed, Innominada remains partitioned into two halves, under Menghean and Maverican guidance respectively, and neither side fully recognizes the other as legitimate. The partition zone represents a dangerous fault line in Hemithean geopolitics, and whatever its outcome, the referendum will produce instability. Anger over secession could leave the Republic of Innominada weak, intensifying its government's lingering resentment over Menghean involvement. It may also generate sympathy among Argentans and Daryz peoples living on the Maverican side of the border, where they are denied independence of their own.

Perhaps the greatest danger is the possibility, remote but still present, that Maverican forces will take advantage of the rioting and instability by supporting further terrorist attacks by creole nationalists, or even by launching a land invasion. For his part, Marshal Kang Yŏng-nam has stated that the Menghean Army in Innominada will be placed on high alert for the coming weeks, and that any invaders or insurgents will be met with a swift and ruthless counterattack.

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Other News

Menghean Shipyard Launches World's Largest Container Ship
At 415 meters in length, and with a freight capacity of over 22,000 TEUs, the record-breaking vessel was officially launched on Monday from the Gyŏngsan Heavy Shipyard, operated by the Samsan Heavy Industries Group. After a few months in fitting-out, it will make its maiden voyage in April under the MCM shipping corporation, a subsidiary of the Mengguk-Jŏngjin Group. Four more ships of its size are already under construction. more

Ministry of Public Health Implements Tighter Standards for Medical Safety
Timed to enter into effect on January 1st, 2018, the new regulations require additional tests before new medicines are approved for production, and impose stricter penalties on producers and retailers which distribute unsafe products. This change takes place concurrently with a longer-term increase in the consistency of enforcement, including a crackdown on bribery and corruption in the medical-regulatory sphere. more

National Assembly Discusses Timeline for Internal Migration Reform
The proposed reforms, which began anew after the NSCC's major conference in November, will eventually allow rural migrants to apply for local citizenship in the cities where they arrive, ending a long-standing source of resentment and inequality. Barriers to implementation remain great, however, and there is still disagreement over how quickly to move toward full equality and whether to retain a modified Household Registration system. more

by **Meinkraft** » Wed Jan 03, 2018 5:18 am

Plastic Bag Ban in Effect

Maracaibo, AN - Following legislation in the National Assembly in 2016, the use of plastic shopping bags for commercial use has been made completely illegal in all nine provinces. After a phase-out period of one year, starting today, all shopping bags should be either reusable or made of a biodegradable material. The motion aims to greatly reduce the country’s ecological footprint, and prevent unnecessary waste. The writer of the bill, Governor Miguel Perez, publicly stated that he hoped the new ban would “bolster citizen interest in environmental protection, and keep our beautiful oceans clean.” The effect on the tourism economy is as of yet unforseen.

Reactor Number Two Comes Online

Gulfline, AN - The second nuclear reactor chamber in the Amazona Facility comes online today, bringing more power for an ever-developing Gulf Coast metro area. Laid down in 2009, the project was postponed for three years before construction began in earnest in 2012. It is estimated that the reactor will have an output of 8800 gigawatt-hours per year. This will add a significant power reserve to the nation, taking the stress off of the Loggerhead Hydroelectric Dam, which will be undergoing extensive renovation starting in the fall of this year. The Energy Department is reminding farmers living around the facility that their way of life will not be harmed, and the exhaust from the cooling towers is “merely water vapor”.

Matéo Barnes announces bid for Presidency in 2018

Maracaibo, AN - Matéo Barnes, part of the third generation of the Allied Nation’s most affluent political dynasty, announced yesterday his plans for candidacy for the upcoming 2018 Presidential Election. He blazes a new trail his forefathers had never attempted before, both being provincial governors for many terms. It is unclear as of yet what the nature of Mr. Barnes’ political platform is, but many citizens are saying that if it is anything like that of his father, they are willing to put their vote behind him. After all, time and time again the family has delivered on its promises of stability and job growth in the economy. Still many others have their doubts. Not everyone is convinced in the apparent “magic” behind the name, and current polls place Barnes at rough parity with the other five candidates vying to replace the departing President Kerman later this year. There is no comment as of yet from his two siblings, but the attitude has been described by close friends as “generally supportive”.

by **Minilov** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 5:58 am

National Bank optimistic about growth

MALJUBAV, Minilov — The National Bank of Minilov has revised up its growth prediction for 2017 and 2018. The National Bank also says that the labour market is doing “very well”. Six months ago the National Bank predicted growth of 1,6% for 2016 and 2018. The Governor of the National Bank Ioan Tijesto told journalists that “2017 can be branded a good year for the Minilovan economy.”

"Economic growth was stronger than we had envisaged. We see that growth is being underpinned by dynamics within the country and in rich in job creation.”

One of the things Mr Tijesto points to as a force behind the positive figures is the tax shift. Growth in 2016 was 1,5%. The National Bank predicts 1.6% growth in 2019, this is up from a prediction of 1,5% 6 months ago. Growth is predicted to remain constant over the coming years before tailing off.

Growth is translating into new jobs. Over the past year there was a net gain of 69.000 jobs in Minilov. It is predicted that next year the net increase will be around 54.000 jobs. The National Bank believes that between 2014 and 2020 the net growth in jobs will be 309.000, of which 190.000 will have been created between 2014 and 2017.

Finally, the National Bank expects the budget deficit this year to be 1,2%. This is well down on its previous forecast of 2%.

by **Minilov** » Sat Jan 13, 2018 7:54 pm

Socialist rail union issues strike notice

MALJUBAV, Minilov — The socialist rail unions MSR have issued a strike notice for Friday 19 January, the day of a national demonstration against the government’s pensions’ reforms. The unions reassure commuters that it is not their intention to bring the country to a standstill nor do they envisage a general strike. However, they want to give their member the opportunity to take part in the demonstration against the centre-right government reforms if they wish.

The rail union’s Secretary Mihail Abdissi told journalists that MSR simply wants to ensure that their members are “covered” if they are absent from work to take part in the demonstration.Under the reforms, railway workers are going to have to work for longer and will receive between 9% and 10% less pension when they retire.

Two weeks ago the office of the Pension’s Minister Danilo Bakelit announced transitional measures for those railway staff that are approaching pension age. However, the unions reject the proposals saying that they “are unacceptable”.

by **The Soodean Imperium** » Sun Jan 14, 2018 3:04 pm

中央日報 중앙일보
Jung'ang Ilbo

Look to the facts when seeking the truth

Argentsanti Independence Vote Sets Off Riots across Innominada

Ro Ǔn-a; 2018 / 01 / 12

SUMQAYIT (Jung'ang Ilbo) - Riots and violent protests broke out across the Republic of Innominada yesterday after the results from a controversial secession referendum revealed a large majority supporting Argentsanti independence.

In the final numbers released by the Northeast Regional Election Commission (CERN), 84% of voting individuals in the provinces of Chaco, San Luis, and Flores cast ballots in favor of the referendum, which would establish an independent state for the country's Argentan minority. Throughout Innominadan history, the Argentans have endured unequal treatment and violent intolerance from the Sylvan-Creole majority, and while the Republic of Innominada was established in 2015 under federal-consociational principles, many Argentans still feared injustice at the hands of their Creole neighbors. An independent state, while a drastic measure, seems to be the only outcome which can end racial-religious violence in the region.

A Sylvan-Creole rioter prepares to throw a stone during a riot in Gran Triunfo.

Innominadan Creoles, however, do not see things this way. Many stress the territorial integrity of Innominada - neglecting the fact that its borders were drawn arbitrarily by colonial authorities and then repopulated by settlers.

Their reaction, however, seems to have affirmed the Argentans' worst fears. Even before the vote took place, angry demonstrations by Creole supremacists filled public squares in the west of the country. After the results were announced, the situation only grew worse. While the supremacist groups only make up a small fringe of the population, their strong anti-Argentan and anti-Shahidic views have poisoned the political atmosphere in Innominada.

The violence was most intense in Nueva Meridia, a coastal city near the Argentan region. While the city is excluded from the proposed boundaries of Argentstan, it has a large Argentan minority in the outskirts, and violence between the two groups has erupted in the past. On Christmas Eve in 2004, over two hundred people were killed after the local branch of the Creole Democratic Alliance provoked violence and defaced a mosque, a move which led the former Innominadan government to sanction a punitive bombing campaign against Ummayah.

In the interest of restoring stability, Supreme Commander Choe Sŭng-min authorized Kang Yŏng-nam, head of the Menghean Army, to mobilize the 5th Army, composed mainly of reservists. If the Innominadan Federal Government determines that they are unable to maintain order, they will be able to call on the 5th Army for support. Menghean and Namhae Front forces on the border were also called to high alert, out of fear that Maverica may attempt to exploit social instability with a conventional land invasion.

Until then, all eyes are on the Innominadan Federal Assembly, which is required to approve the referendum in order for it to go into effect. Although the legally binding referendum bars the Federal Assembly from voting down the measure, they can still delay its implementation, and many international observers speculate that they might. While not openly ethno-nationalist, the leading Federal-Republican Party has openly voiced its opposition to any secession plan, and Menghe's support for the referendum severely strained the two countries' partnership. If the stalemate is unable to advance, and the violence intensifies, there is a very real risk that the situation could break down into a new civil war.

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Other News

National Assembly Announces New Limits on the Death Penalty
The new law, one step in a long line of reforms, aims to reduce the number of death sentences handed out in Menghean courts, with the stated aim of eventually abolishing the policy altogether. In particular, it will abolish the use of the death penalty in high-profile drug trafficking cases, where actual death sentences have already become increasingly rare since their peak in the 1990s. more

Menghean Automakers Embrace Electric Cars
At last week's All-Nation Innovation Auto Show, Samsan Motors unveiled its new SE-2500 series, an all-electric car which caters to urban and suburban residents. Chŏnsŏ unveiled its own electric line last year. With their large production facilities and extensive manufacturing expertise, these large enterprises aim to "democratize" the electric car market, offering lower prices, better reliability, and greater range than emerging electric car companies in the West. more

Editorial: Does Menghe Really Need More Submarines?
The Office of the Navy has announced that it will not lay down a new aircraft carrier this year, instead focusing on the country's fleet of nuclear attack submarines. Our defense correspondent argues that this strategy may be short-sighted: while nuclear attack submarines suit Menghe's current needs, in the next 20 years Menghe may surpass the OS as Septentrion's main economic power, a role which demands the kind of global presence that only carriers can provide. more

by **Maverica** » Mon Jan 15, 2018 7:18 pm

Volk Zeitung

South Indonamian elite defects

GRANDA NORTH INNOMINADA - This morning at around 3:30 several South Innominadian citizens turned themselves into North Innominada authorities after crossing the heavily militarized border escaping the violence and choas in South Innominada after the Menghe supported Argentstani separatists voted to succeed from the South Innominada Republic. Among the defectors is Miguel Benichi, a representative in the Federal Assembly and a staunch opposer to Argentstani independence. He has been a staunch supporter for the continued coexistence in Innominada saying that Argentstani independence will weaken the already divided country for both Argentstani and Sylvan Creole populations making Menghean exploitation even easier. Miguel reportedly was threatened by Argentstani terrorists for not supporting the independence vote as the Federal Assembly soon votes on the bill effectively making Argentstan a independent nation. With the choas, riots and threats becoming more and more real Miguel smuggled himself and his family out of the country to defect to North Innominada for safety. When asked if South Innominada could recover his answer was flat and simple. The Socialist and national ideals in Innominada is dead thanks to Menghe. North Innominada authorities have also reported several other cases similar to this as South Innominada citizens begin to flee the country. The North Innominada goverment is now worried that this trickle could turn into a river of defectors if the violence continues and has mobilized reserves and police to prepare for any defectors crossing the border. Miguel ended his interview by saying that the only way for Innominada to return to its former glory is to break down walls and unite, not build more in a already divided nation. Do you really want to be mere puppets?

President Antonio Fernández speaks out on Argentstani independence

SALVADOR NORTH INNOMINADA- Today President Fernández commented on the recent events revolving around Argentstani separatists particularly in South Innominada. "It is sad to see certian countries particularly Menghe, exploiting these circumstances to divide our country even more" said the President. He went on and said how South Innominada is being forced to allow the succession of Southern Argentstan by Menghe who should instead preach unity and cooperation not division and violence. When asked about North Innominada's own Argentstani and Daryz population and the minor riots in these regions wanting independence the President replied with this. "Unlike South Innominada who is forced to allow succession and further exploitation of their country by Menghe. North Innominada is fortunate to have the guidence of our historical brother country Maverica, that in their own country preach ethnic unity and cooperation. Me and many others in my country wish to handle our Argentstani separatists much differently than the South. We wish to stay united and not fracture even more and for this reason we will under any circumstances allow further fracturing." Fernández later said that his administration is willing to work with the North's Argentstani and Daryz populations in establishing possible autonomous states to confront possible inequality between Creoles and natives. However stressing the fact that it is more important to regard eachother as Innominadians rather than Argentstani or Creole. As both groups are intertwined as one with similar culture, history and language. For separating into two nations and in this case three adding South Innominada, would be catastrophic for any rebuilding of Innominada and would betray the socialist ideals of the country.

Meanwhile in Hickorysburg, Maverican President Alzar Nurzan commented on the Argentstani question while on his way to dedicate a new destroyer. Nurzan responded by first saying how the Southern Innominada goverment is being a victim of Menghean imperialism as it is further ripped apart by the occupiers under the guise of "freeing deprived" Argentstani citizens from the ethnic tyranny of Creole "elites". He went on with saying Menghe has betrayed the socialist ideals by pitting worker against worker based on his or her ethnicity. This has always been the downfall of Menghean "socialism" As it abandons the idea of a unified workers state of multiple ethnicities for a ethnic conflict among workers creating smaller weaker nations that can't fend for themselves. When asked about Argentstani protests and riots in the North Nurzan said that President Fernández has a generally good idea how to handle it as he has contained the demonstrations and offered to work towards a compromise of establishing autonomous zones for increased self government among Argentstani and Daryz populations without weakening the already divided country. He added saying that Maverica will support this solution not only for the north but also for the Menghean occupied south. Innominada will return to its former glory only of the various people who make up the nation remember that they are all Innominadian and unite.

In Other News

Annual National Jr. Rifle Competition begins preparations
Outside of Yanarksburg in the surrounding countryside preparations are being made to host the annual National Jr. Rifle Competition. Children from the age of eight to eighteen come from all over the country to participate in the highest level of prestige a member of his or her school's rifle squad can get. These young marksman representing their school are in the final championship bracket after passing through their state's championship course. Targets are being set up outside the city ranging from long range sniping courses to quick short-range moving targets. Like the adult championship it is a fight for honor and prestige to win in your age group. Most of these kids have been shooting since they could hold a gun and many have become skilled marksmen. It is considered a rite of passage in Maverica to join your school's rifle squad. The Championship will begin in a month and last a week.

by **Minilov** » Sun Jan 21, 2018 5:05 am

"Shortage of teachers needs to be addressed now"

MALJUBAV, Minilov — In an interview with Sunday’s edition of The Minilov Korrespondent, the Head of Minilov’s Orthodox Education Board Draga Lopov has called for a campaign to be launched to the teaching profession among graduates. The campaign would form part of a wider action plan to attract young people and those seeking a career switch into teacher training and to make the range of tasks performed by teachers more attractive to those deciding on a career.

"There has been a shortage of teachers for years now”, Mr Lopov told the paper. "This was especially acute in technical subjects and Minilovan language. However, this is now slowly spreading to other subjects”.

The Orthodox schools' supremo cites four major factors that have caused the shortage. First of all, there has been an increase in the number of teachers retiring in recent years. Secondly, the economy is doing worse which means that graduates have fewer career options. Thirdly there are more secondary school pupils than there were a few years ago and finally, fewer young people are choosing to train as teachers.

"At the beginning of the school year, it is usually still possible to find teachers to teach most subjects. However, it has become very difficult to find a replacement teacher if someone goes on a sick leave or maternity leave”, Mr Lopov said.

A growing number of schools have staffing issues. Teachers that are qualified to teach a subject are required if pupils are to have a fair chance of passing their exams.

“We would like a large-scale promotional campaign to be launched. However, this should be just one of a wide range of measures”, Mr Lopov said.

Last week a survey was launched among teachers to find out how much time they need to perform certain tasks. On the basis of the figures that will be drawn from the survey, the Minilovan Education Minister, the unions and the education boards will hold talks aimed at drawing up measures to make a job in teaching more attractive.

Two of the points up for discussion will be making a job in teaching more varied and how to provide more career development opportunities for teaching staff. For example, a teacher could opt either to spend more hours teaching classes or decided that he/she would prefer to spend time coaching new teachers or work on the development of school projects.

"This will all be essential if more motivated young people are to join the profession. If we do nothing we will end up with schools in which certain subjects are no longer taught. We really need to take action now”, Mr Lopov warned.

by **Minilov** » Sun Jan 28, 2018 3:27 pm

Changing bank to become easier from February 1st

MALJUBAV, Minilov — It will soon become much easier to change bank. From next Thursday your new bank will make all the necessary arrangements for you through a brand new service.

Currently, anyone wishing to change bank has to do all the administration themselves. They have to inform all the recipients of their direct debits and standing order (for example utility companies, landlords…).

Furthermore, those from whom they receive money on a regular basis such as their employers and their health mutual also need to be told of their new account number.

From Thursday this will all become a thing of the past because from then the new bank will take care of everything through a new centralised service.

Creditors and those that owe the account holder money will all be informed of the change and the bank cards and the current account at the old bank will be scrapped and any funds transferred to the new account.

Last year almost 38,000 people in Minilov changed bank. The number of people changing bank falls each year.

by **The Soodean Imperium** » Mon Jan 29, 2018 5:46 pm

Breaking Report: Menghean Forces Launch Crackdown in Innominada
Hundreds Feared Dead as
Reporting by Harry Seow and Rafael González
January 20th, 2018 | Altagracia

Pictured: Armored cars clash with protesters in Puerto Alegre.
Some Innominadan police units have joined the armed intervention,
while others joined the sovereignty movement.

San Miguel, Republic of Innominada — In a shocking and violent move, tanks and armored vehicles of the Menghean Army staged an armed intervention in the southern Republic of Innominada, seizing control of government buildings and firing on protesters with a combination of tear gas and live ammunition. The move comes a little more than a week after a divisive referendum on Argentstani independence, which set off protests and riots around the country.

The referendum itself took place on January 10th. According to the official ballot count, 84% of voters supported Argentstani independence, but many irregularities surrounded the voting process. Despite repeated petitions to enter, impartial international observers were denied authorization to oversee the referendum, and several of our reporters filmed Menghean and ethnic Argentan soldiers stationed outside polling stations.

Suspicions of foul play resonated among the rest of the Innominadan population, including prominent Argentans who advocated for ethnic unity. The Menghean government is hardly known for fair electoral practices, and the Menghean Army reportedly has a vested interest of its own in establishing an Argentan client state on the militarized border.

Shortly after the referendum, these suspicions boiled over into violence. In a pattern reminiscent of the Christmas Riots of 2004, crowds of Innominadan Sylvan-Creoles attacked members of the Argentan minority and defaced Shahidic mosques. Creole-Argentan resentment runs deep in Innominada, and dates back to discriminatory policies put in place by Sylvan colonists. It is a major driver of the Argentan independence movement.

Yet there were genuine democratic movements as well. A mixed body of Argentan and Creole students occupied the main building of San Miguel University, where they made speeches in favor of pan-ethnic unity and began organizing a petition for a new referendum that would be open to the whole population. Representatives in the Federal Assembly, including several Argentans, complained that the vote had gone ahead only because of outside coercion from Menghe, and called for a genuine, long-term process of reckoning within Innominada to resolve disputes peacefully. Few of these accounts surfaced in Menghean and South Innominadan news media, which tar all protesters with the brush of racial extremism.

Unrest also extended deep into the government itself. Several prominent officials, including Miguel Benichi, defected to the People's Republic of Innominada, where they criticized the overbearing influence of Menghean military interests in Innominadan domestic politics. Others stayed behind to resist. The National Assembly refused to ratify the results of the referendum, which a majority of representatives declared to have been illegal in procedure. A growing faction, with the tacit approval of Prime Minister Hernan Martínez, began drafting a bill which would condemn Menghe's intrusion into Innominadan foreign affairs and withdraw the country from the Menghe-led Namhae Front.

Even if the rioting had been exclusively driven by racial hate, this still would not have justified the events that followed. Early in the morning on January 20th, Menghean troops already within the country rushed into the major cities, seizing control of government buildings and military bases. Regular operations in the Federal Assembly were suspended, and scores of government officials were arrested and detained, including Prime Minister Hernan Martínez. For all intents and purposes, the country is being brought under martial law.

Allegedly, Menghean troops intervened after the South Innominadan Foreign Minister, Mateo Moya, sent an urgent communique to the Menghean government claiming that rioters were in danger of overthrowing the government and that the Federal Assembly was working in collaboration with them. So far, independent foreign media have not confirmed the exact content of this communique, or even determined whether it exists.

The Menghean government simultaneously embarked on a censorship and misinformation campaign to cover up the true course of events in Innominada. Soldiers and military police detained any independent journalists who attempted to cover the internal invasion, including two of our own correspondents, and power outages around the capital appeared timed to disrupt cell and internet service. Official Menghean news sources universally uphold the account given in the alleged Moya communique, and continue to portray all opposition groups as racially motivated extremists.

Also absent from official reports is any mention of popular resistance to the operation. In all cities where our correspondents are active, local citizens ran out to block the advancing troops, especially after news came in that they had dissolved the civilian government. Particularly large crowds appeared around the Federal Assembly building, where they tried to stop one of the armored vehicles carrying away arrested representatives. As an initial response, the Mengheans launched tear gas and beat the demonstrators back with bayonets fixed; when this failed, they opened fire with live ammunition. The death toll, which, though still uncertain on the first day of fighting, is likely to reach into the hundreds or even the thousands.

Thus far, the Innominadan Republican Army has been unable to resist the invasion, paralyzed by its own internal divides. The Regional Commander of the Namhae Front ordered all ERI (Ejército de la Republica de Innominada) units in the country to remain in their barracks until the violence subsides, possibly out of a concern that the ethnically mixed but majority-Creole Army would side with the protesters. Already, there are reports that some units have broken out of their bases and defected.

Even with their support, though, the situation for supporters of a sovereign Innominada looks dire. Large militias appear to have formed in several outlying minor cities and some of the districts of San Miguel, but Menghean forces were thorough when combing the country for illicit arms after their invasion in 2014, and all of the militias our sources met carried only one or two rifles among them. Furthermore, given the speed and ruthlessness of the "invasion from within," all major centers of government have fallen under Menghean military control, leaving no space to organize a resistance movement. While the hopes of Innominadan democracy and independence have not yet faded, the country's future hangs in the balance.

by **Themiclesia** » Thu Feb 01, 2018 4:53 am

Feb. 1st, 2018

Marines to Celebrate 700th Anniversary; Foreign Troops in Attendance

Kien-k'ang—The Themiclesian Marine Corps is due to celebrate the 700th anniversary of its founding on the 14th this February instant. Admidst the festivity in preparation for Lunar New Year, it seemed an especially appropriate occasion to celebrate what, for a military force, is a feat of longevity.

"The Marines in their soon-to-be 700 years of existence, count over 2,380 documented conflicts under their belt. For a naval infantry formation, this may very well be a world record," says military historian George Brown. "It is a venerable history of a very capable force that deserves recognition."

A special exhibit has been set up in honour of the force in the basement of the Navy Headquarters. The Navy's store of artefacts will, for the first time, be open to public viewing, and many articles in it are expected to bear direct relation to the Marines. Known exhibits are battleaxes that were presented to the Imperial Court as trophies of their victory in the 15th Century, pots and pans from their canteens on long-vanished ships, and even a fish-tag (a tag suspended from a belt, in the shape of a fish, stating the name and origin of its bearer) from a Marine who died in action in the summer of 1482.

The occasion celebrates, in reality, the first appointment of an "Officer of Maritime Infantry", in 1318, who was responsible for administering the Marines. The force had been in existence for some time before then, but its precise date of birth, like much of Themiclesia, cannot be determined with any certainty. The Army, for example, considers itself too ancient for birthdays—stating officially it was founded in "time immemorial".

"We are honoured and overjoyed that allied forces will be showing their faces for our 700th birthday on the 14th," stated the Captain-General of Maritime Infantry, the commander of the Marines, "and in the ensuing few days, we have arranged a few activities intended to strengthen the spiritual and operational communalism between similar forces from many friendly states and us."

The Themiclesian Marines have no shortage of famed allumni. 17th Century Prime Minister, Kriang Miuan-nen, was allegedly a Marine, a suggestion corroborated by surviving enlistment records; however, due to the low status of soldiers at the time, he fervently denied that he was ever under arms after he entered public life. At least two Marines have become successful poets, gaining places of literary immortality by the inclusion of their works in the Imperial Poetry Anthology. At least five Marines have also made it as concert pianists.

Spokespersons from the Organized States, New Tyran, Tol Galen, Maverica, and Heliokhora have already accepted the invitation to which the Captain-General alluded. At least seven or eight other nations are expected to follow suit.

by **Roskian Federation** » Fri Feb 02, 2018 8:05 pm

Yugoslovenski Federal Times

January in Review

Parliament votes 89% in favor of "recognizing homosexual activity and making sure no penalties can be levied"

A shattering vote on January 29th, a bill expected to fail turns into an overwhelming win for the LGBT community, as homosexuality, previously regarded as non-existant, was officially recognized and fully legalized, although the bill does not provide for marriage or civil unions still for homosexuals. Declared "the first step" on the road to victory, the move was well received, in spite of protests last year which ended in a massacre.

Yugoslovenski ponders restarting domestic fighter project

Before the fall of communism in 1991, Yugoslovenski company SOKO designed a "Avion Novo" fourth generation multirole fighter. Tabled as the war went into full swing, military planners consider bringing back the aeroplane, despite the delivery of 12 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters early this month.

Yugoslovenski's aggressive free trade policy

Maverica introduced to a standing list of countries who have free trade with Yugoslovenski this year shows just how aggressive the plan is for Yugoslovenski. Maldania, the first state to have free trade with, started Yugoslovenski's aggressive path to total economic freedom of trade in 1998

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