The Democritus Times (Democritus Only)

[Sovereign Nation of Ladvania]

REINCARNATED?!
After a period of time of the Ladvanian government taking care of national healthcare reforms and other educational programs, the president was finally given time to attend a press conference held by the SNL Congress.
Lenin was asked on the current situation going on next door and has said
"I've been studying and paying much attention to the current incidents happening in our neighboring land, and i will go as far to agree that the Kingdom of Israel does not know what they are doing."
Much attention stirred after he said this.
After the crowd calmed he continued
"How can it be possible that a horrible nation as Orostan was and all the time it took to reform it, that now a similar old Orostan reappeared right next door"
"We do not condemn any of our allies but instead endorse the Kaiser's words and allow france to refuel on ouf land."

Hours after this the Ladvanian's navy in the black see was positioned relatively close to the French fleet in case of attack by the Northern Kingdom.

[Puertollano]

Israeli Theocracy denounced by President

Secular democracy, while it is still very strong in many of the worlds nations, is under threat. The self-proclaimed Israeli Kingdom states that all religious intertwining influences in politics are justified merely because they believe 100% of the population is Jewish. However, I will not indulge in any mud-slinging, sanction placing or provocative militaristic actions; I denounce the current actions of the Israeli Theocracy. I ask the leader to consider the reason for the substantial back-lash from the international community and make change on its' previous actions.

President Isabella Jetil.

[Prustban]

Prustban announces an end to the use of the Death Penalty

Today, Prustbanian Home Marshal Sebastian G Åckerman announced that 31 years after the Intermediary Panic, his government will no longer use execution as a penalty in criminal law. The law had been put in place shortly after order had been restored to Switzerland, and was defended as a necessary measure to maintain stability. Executions were normally carried out by firing squad.

The Home Marshal refused to be drawn on whether criminal law extended to political prisoners, and so while Amnesty Interregional praised the move, they raised concerns about how committed Prustban was to defending human rights.

[Novask]

Social Democrats win the National December Elections | Presydent addresses nation

Translated by Gregor Havel

The results, having been confirmed by the National Voting Office of Novask, showed a 2% lead by the Social Democrat party over the Conservative Party (34%), leading to the Conservatives' leader claiming "unfairness and probable corruption in the Voting Office," demanding a revote.

The Presydent, in his Retirement Address, was "pleased that a politician with sense might lead the country, to avoid yet another outbreak of violence," though a number of people have pointed out the suspicion of a Social Democrat victory, such as social media political critic Marian Krystyn, who "...as a skeptic, I do not think the displeasure with leftism could lead to these results."

Social Democrat leader Tomas Rosicky:

I plan to support the workers and the centre of our good country. I want us to become respected, not a footnote in international politics, and as such shall improve relations with the right nations, the right people, bring greater trade into the economy. I hope to help eliminate dangerous ideological movements in Novask, the same ones that I saw cause a rebellion years before. I thank the people for voting me as their leader.

Finally, the Presydent's Retirement Address (occurs when a president loses a reelection or finishes his terms) spoke of hoping that the future would be "firstly, kind to Novask, and kind to the world," declaring his sorrow for events such as terrorism in Akksum and the growing tensions in the global community. "Thanking my country's people for voting me in two elections ago and thanking [lands] like the United Kingdom for remaining calm in a turbulent period of history," also commending Prustban for its move to abolish the death penalty.
"I am content with stepping down from my position, for a politician with sense might lead the country to avoid yet another outbreak of violence; I am pleased for that."


Military officials have confirmed that a state of emergency is no longer present in Novask, and patrols have stopped.

[New Metropolitan France]

New Hebrides visit

Prime Minister Lamar has visited the French and British governed New Hebrides. The region was split into French and British zones as apart of the Entente Cordiale agreements in the early 20th century, and remained under this arrangement even after the end of the World Wars. A small movement desiring independence had emerged by the late 1970s, but the American-Soviet War ended such discussions as European protection from the warring Super Powers made continuation of the status quo more desirable. Franco-British influence has remained strong to this day. The Prime Minister's visit is seen as an effort to boost the small territory's tourism industry with European visitors, and a chance for him to speak with local authorities in the Francophone zones of the islands.

A Group of Five?

The French Prime Minister, speaking in Port Vila, discussed the possible formation of 'a Group of Five': a gathering of the world's five largest economies, with the aim of increasing economic prosperity. When asked for more details by a member of the media, Lamar remarked that the previous French Administration had briefly discussed the idea with some of the other Great Powers, but these talks had not evolved further. The Prime Minister then officially invited NAF, EotUK, Prussia, and Kalmar Union to join France in establishing this new political forum.

Prime Minister Lamar then congratulated the Social Democrats in Novask for their successful election campaign.

[Puertollano]

Party Leadership Coup results with new President!

The ministers within the cabinet of Isabella Jetils administration voted anonymously to establish a new leader for the Liberty Party (hence changing the President of Puertollano). The previous minister of communications, Nicolo Castillo, received 75% of the preferences. This action will now establish Nicolo Castillo officially the President of Puertollano, and rendering Isabella Jetil as a mere 'back-bencher' or a lesser member of the Liberty Party. It was highly unexpected, and although her appearance to the voter had diminished from her first election, her party seemed to be quite stable. Within these first minutes of the news breaking, politcal analysts have appeared on national television, stating that the motive behind the leadership change was due to rising unemployment, disenfranchised indigenous voters and a reluctance to change with minimum wage laws. While Jetil is in Galicia, speaking with the French President over the nuclear warhead, Nicolo has spoken to the media about the recent happenings.

I am so humble to be here, speaking to all of you, with words I am happy to announce. I, Nicolo Castillo, am the new President of Puertollano. We had a behind closed doors discussion with the rest of the party, and we were all certain it was a time for change. As I do respect Jetil for what she has done for the nation, she has installed problems we were just not expecting. Skyrocketing unemployment, 30% increase in indigenous suicide, and her inactive role in finally implementing a minimum wage. I shall bring real socialism to Puertollano, I shall, as the first indigenous President, will unite our peoples again! Viva la Puertollano!

[Bourbon Duo-Sicilie]

The KTU's Jewish Community


El Ghriba Synagogue in Djerba, oldest active synagogue in Kingdom of Two-Sicilies.

Michele Emiliano, Senior Minorities and Religious Writer
Sicilian Central News (SCN)

NAPLES, KTS - Over the past few weeks I looked into the growing, and largest minority group in the KTS, the Jewish Population. From the latest census, the those who identify Judaism as their religion are at 13.5% of the Population (Up from 12% in 2008, and 11.2% in 2000). Those who identify Jewish as their primary ethnicity are at 10.9% (Up from 10% in 2008, and 9.3% in 2000). The KTU has remained a very secular country within Europe, but none the less compassionate towards all religions and ethnicity. The KTU has adopted many protections for its Jewish Population including the Religious Freedom Act of 1971 which raised penalties on damaging or destroying property of synagogues, and all religious institutions to felonies. Religious institutions are considered 'peaceful and sanctuary areas', only Christianity, Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Judaism where put under the protections of this law. The Religious Freedom Act of 1971 was expanded in 1980 to include the prohibition of hate speech towards minority religions like Judaism. With a long combination pacifist and progressive policies it has brought a safe haven in a fairly radical Europe for minority religions like Judaism, since 1937 their has always been a Jewish member in the National Parliament, and since 1940 their has always been at least one Jewish Justice in the high court system. The KTS has a almost open border policy, and accepts most immigration as well without any bias towards ethnicity and religion. The Chief Rabbi for the KTS stated that "the KTS has always been accepting, protecting, and welcoming of the Jewish people many times when European powers and other World powers have turned their back. The Monarchs have always stood up and have been fascinated by the religion and acknowledging the mass of what the Jewish people can contribute to society."

As minority religions, cultures, and ethnicity like the Jewish faith flourish and are protected by a neutral and progressive society it stands as a model for Europe to be more open and accepting. From a flash poll conducted yesterday, 54% of KTS citizens say they are welcoming of more cultures and see their growth as a positive, 36% say they are neutral or do not mind, and only 10% saw it as a negative.

[Virrgo]

A New Economic Plan
The Commissar of the Soviet Union, Falon has announced plans to reform the previous five year plans of a Ms. Anastasia, citing that with the re-taxation of the Trans-Eurasian pipeline the need to adjust revenue has become all the more present.

Further, in line with new populist views in the nation has announced that the Five Year Plan will be adjusted to not only work on an purely economic level but of that on a social level as well. Changed to be included are:

-Restructuring of the Education System(establishing classes to deal in the fields of the humanities, science, and general life)

-Establishing state-linked as well as the government purchasing up to 33% percent in private companies to generate revenue from these companies abroad.

-Grow the national reserves as to pursue more projects in the direction of greener energy and commitment as well as desalination.

-Reorganize the borders of the SSRs as to make them less racially intrusive as well as pursuing a strategy of easing racial relations through adopting a work culture based on meritocratic principles, reestablishing the "nuclear family", giving equal access to both the work force and education sector.

-Creating specialized economic zones within the major cities of Moscow, Sochi, Leningrad, and Volgograd.

[Puertollano]

'Liberian invasion is baseless'

In his first interview as President of Puertollano, Nicolo Castillo spoke about the happenings in Africa and the Liberian War:

The invasion of Liberia is completely baseless. This again is another failure of western imperialism and yet they still do not recognise the issues they personally grow themselves. Echoing the brave leaders in Thailand, South Africa, Mongolia etc etc, this is just another attempt by France and its puppet state Prussia to build nations and tell natives what to do. Puertollano, under my administration will not sit back and let these wars to continue on. It seems strange that they so readily launch their nations into war in the hope to make the world 'a better place'. Other than that, it must be a good coincidence that a great majority of Liberia are against the invasion of their homeland; funny that. I can tell you this, if France and all the other nations involved in that ludicrous conflict leave and cease fighting, I shall return the French warhead.

[Empire of the United Kingdom]

Puertollano's President Jetil
Isabella Jetil, the ex-President of Puertollano, was "dethroned" by a party "coup".
While the Imperial Parliament - the representative of the entire Empire's leaders and populace - have congratulated the new President, the Parliament also pointed out that the individual does not have a mandate to rule, due to the presidential leadership, and not the prime ministerial leadership.
While Puertollano remains a strong, favourable ally, the legitimacy of a prime ministerial party coup in a presidential system has been questioned.

In other news, the prime ministers of the Imperial Parliament have unanimously agreed to France's invitation. The British, Indian, Egyptian, and Island Territory prime ministers had no opposition within their governments, and little among their ministers.

Finally, in Novask a new party has begun to form their government. The new government has been endorsed, and the Indian Prime Minister has announced that they wish to establish a new trade agrement.

[Imperialist Sweden]

Kalmar Union Accepts French Invitation to "Group of Five"
The Kalmar Union under the Löfven administration has been a lot more quiet due to a successful policy of non-intervention, instead investing money in foreign aid and economic growth within and outside of Scandinavian borders; however, the Löfven administration came out today and announced that they will be accepting France's invitation to join the Group of Five, an organization planned to include the five largest economies, the North American Federation, France, the British Empire, the Kalmar Union, and Prussia, most of these Great Powers already having strong alliances amongst one another, citing that this could "increase economic cooperation among powers to pave the way for a more peaceful globe." A bill will be going through the Riksdag to pass the Kalmar Union's role in this organization into law, but it is mostly ceremonial, as the majority of the Scandinavian Social Democratic Party has expressed approval for the Group of Five.

Kalmar Union Official Denounces Radical Theocracy, Labels the "Kingdom of Israel"
The Löfven Administration officially denounced radical theocracy, naming it a "threat to secularism" and a "plague on the sovereign right of the individual to choose their own beliefs without coercion". It has labeled the "Kingdom of Israel" as the only radical theocracy on its list, and sanctions are expected to be passed by the Riksdag in the coming days.

When questioned on why he did not include Givati or the Papal States on this list, the Prime Minister explained, "You'll find that if you talk to their leaders that they're a lot more moderate than they may seem." This has drawn widespread criticism as realpolitik rather than an ideological move because of the Papal States' participation in the EIM and Givati's alliance with France; however, many people of all ideological grounds are defending his move and arguing that Givati and the Papal States show no signs of radicalism on the scale that the Kingdom of Israel have and not posing any real threat to the modern world.

[Puertollano]

Relations with the USSR

Touching down in Moscow today, controversial Puertollanoan President Nicolo Castillo made his way out of the Presidential jet as the press took photos. Castillo was in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for a diplomatic summit regarding national relations; never previously pursued. They both met in the Kremlin to begin talks, both publicly and privately. The Commisar Falon Mer and the President later announced that the two nations would share a Free Trade Agreement and a Mutual Defense Pact. To the media, the President said that he wishes the Puertollano-USSR relation to flourish further in the future and rejoiced on the new bond between these two peoples.

[The Northern Kingdom of Israel]

Israel responds to Sweden, Puertollano, and others...

"It has come to our attention that some politicians from abroad have made false statements about the godly Kingdom of Israel. Particularly, we would like to address the accusation of us being a theocracy. Israel is not ruled by whims and desires of the clergymen but it is ruled by the people who want to keep the current lifestyle. The Kingdom of Israel managed to achieve a true peaceful coexistence between the Muslims and Jews, the first group of which were granted a big mosque in the capital downtown. The Two Sicilies refused to extend their protection law on mosques but different minorities are well-protected and their places of worship are guarded by the Israeli Armed forces on the territory of Israel. "

-Ministry of the Exterior

Air Patrols

Israeli planes began flying near the French ships to ensure they are not breaking the rules and conspiring against the Kingdom

[Empire of the United Kingdom]

Automobiles Downstaged
Automobile production facilities within the United Kingdom have been warned that they will no longer be subsidised for internal sales, and will be offered incentives to export.
Public transport is being heavily funded, while cars with certain emission levels are not allowed in certain areas of the country.
The government claims that oil consumption is a priority, and plans to reduce oil use for purely industrial and military based purposes.

[United Democratic Christian States]

Group of five

After Prussia's most valuable ally invited them into a "group of five" a group for the five biggest economies. Which where all previously valuable allies anyway, Kaiser Wilhelm graciously accepted.
"Economic ties are always welcome in the empire"
-Kaiser Wilhelm

North Atlantic Fleet Splits!

After growing need for a Mediterranean Fleet from the Greco-Turkish war, invasion of Syria and possible invasion of the Crimean peninsula, Admiral Müller, the head of the navy officially moved the North Atlantic Fleet Division 2 to the Mediterranean Sea. The fleet will be docked at Duo-Silicie because of its centralized location in the sea.

Puppet of France?

"The new leadership of Puertollano a previous thought to be possible ally, has turned in recent times starting with the theft of the warhead, which under the Jetil admin was thought to be returned, but now uncertain under the new leadership. Then this "new leadership" labels Prussia as a puppet of France? We are a global power damnit not a puppet state! We have done things without France in the past.....half a year of heavy cooperation means nothing......my father would be disgusted, but anyway let me conclude by asking, 'what happened to the previous leadership of the UCC?"
-Kaiser Wilhelm

The few, the proud, the Prussian marines?

Over the past few weeks much discussion has been made Parliment about a possible Marine Core a new branch in the military that will deal with amphibious assault and be stationed on the regular navel ships and travel with the fleets. However the army will still do ground campaigns and supply the Marines with tanks and AFVs(for now at least).

[Empire of the United Kingdom]

Family of Bourbon Invited to Akrotiri
Duo-Sicilie is a country with friendly relations, notably due to the neutrality towards the Empire recently.
The ruling head of state and family of Bourbon have been invited for special talks in the British colony of Akrotiri, in Cyrpus. Talks will cover international issues, and the diplomatic future for both the Empire and Duo-Sicilie.


[OOC: TG me.]

[Orostan]

Liberian Intervention

Following the imperialistic invasion of the small harmless African country of Libera by European powers, Orostan has decided to intervene. The rebels will be aided with military aid and supplies. Orostani aircraft will airdrop aid to the people of Liberia, even if they are not rebels. The Orostani Assembly has voted to ask the Imperialistic Europeans, in less accusing words, to withdraw from Liberia and let the people of that country vote to determine their nations outcome. The country may be given protectorate status after this is over. Orostan is open to peaceful negotiation, and is open for a peace meeting before military units are sent, however aid shipments to the citizens of Liberia will commence anyway.

[Puertollano]

Response to Kaiser

Magnet enthusiast and military Kaiser of the Prussian Dominion, Wilhelm, has threatened Puertollano, stating that his nation is a 'global power damnit'. He refutes the claim that Prussia is doing as the French leaderships wishes, despite the fact that he has invaded Liberia because the French wanted him to. Kaiser, if you listen to this, it is a message to you - prove to the international community that you are not a puppet by pulling out of the Liberian war. If you do, I shall take back all my remarks. I shall even hold a celebration in Puertollano celebrating your name and invite you for tea in my home. As for France, if you give up on the war yourself, I will return the warhead.

[Empire of the United Kingdom]

Puertollano Praised for Remarks
The small South American nation of Puertollano has been a major player of world affairs in recent months.
The nation, arguably Britain's closest non-Entente ally, has been challenging acts of war in Liberia. While Britain has already stated wishes to prevent engagement with such a petty conflict, Prussia - another Entente member - decided to intervene anyway.
Puertollano's new head of state has been invited to the Falklands for a discussion with the Imperial Government.

Cor Blimey, Orostan
The unstable nation of Orostan has yet again teetered world relations on the edge of World War 3, with an operation to """aid""" rebels in Liberia. While the Egyptian Parliament is being called into house to debate what has happened, no further information is available.

[OOC: TG me, Puertollano.]

[United Democratic Christian States]

Responce to Puertollano

The Kaiser frowned at "magnet enthusiasts" as it was a bad reminder, but he wasn't troubled.....

"Silly Puertollano....avoiding my question are we? Well if I remember correctly it was Puertollano who captured leaders from the previous UCC instead of us Europeans......therefore Puertollano only has itself to blame for this uprising....."

IN OTHER NEWS:

A unconfirmed source has reported that the empire might experiment with the leopard 3 by adding amphibious version.....

[New Metropolitan France]

President Leonard Breaks Silence

The French President today issued a statement to all relevant media in regards to the Liberian War and French weapon held in Puertollano custody.

I recently concluded a meeting with President Jetil, where it was agreed by both of the head of states that the nuclear warhead be returned to France. I outlined security and operational details surrounding French Nuclear Weapons, and the North Atlantic Fleet. Unfortunately, this parliamentary uprising has apparently thrown the deal into disarray. As such, I hereby announce that we will be beginning legal action in the Capital Territory against Puertollano unless our warhead is returned intact.

I would also like to attest that Prussia is a sovereign state in it's own right, and the sole successor state to the divided Germany. This has not changed.

Another major topic of discussion recently is Liberia. President Castillo has condemned 'Western Imperialism' as a major cause for this conflict, however they seem to have forgotten that Puertollano took part in the first Liberian campaign, and they themselves overthrew the fascist regime that half of the rebels now fight to put back into power. I call upon President Castillo to admit that the previous Puertollano government is equally as 'guilty' as France in this affair, and stop interfering in operations aimed at restoring a stable democracy to Liberia. We are not the enemy. The Liberian people are not the enemy. The enemy is resurgent Fascism. The enemy is anarchy.

- Henry Stiles

[Sovereign Nation of Ladvania]

SET WEARY
After notorious stone cold nation Orostan mentioned it's recent plans to aid the rebels in fighting against Ladvania's allies France and Prussia and Calindelo by providing military aid and supplies, Joseph Lenin has said he will not take this lightly.
In response to this he said "Orostan has recently gone through several processes to change their leadership in order to prevent a World War 3 but here they are out and about again, I asure you Ladvania stayed of the war by a hair in the congressional vote, if you step foot in Liberia against the allied coalition I will personally make sure Orostan cripples."

Joseph Lenin rubbed his neck in sign of stress as he transitioned to other questions by the press regarding new leadership in allied Puertollano
"I assure you our embassy will remain open and it will continue to provide the Puertollanean people with a chance to share life with us. It is to early to say if I agree with Castillo or not but i do hope we may remain Allies and economic associates."

In other news, Ladvania once again is left wondering if the UK and Ladvania will ever come to be friends in the international community. It raised some hands in frustration when Duo-Sicily was embraced by the EotUK when Ladvania has continuously tried to reach them.

[Puertollano]

Castillo speaks of Nuke, Prussia and Liberia

"What do you think of the recent proclamation from the French President regarding the nuclear missile?"

This nuclear missile issue is becoming an irritant to all sides of the argument, and to be frank - I have no position on this. The missile has no use whatsoever to Puertollano nor does it serve a positive attribute to either us or France. In fact, the real target Leonard should be focusing his anger towards should be the previous President! I never stole it! With that said, we shall return it in good motives, I don't want needless fighting with the French.

"The Prussian Kaiswr has said you've been avoiding his question, what do you have to say in reply?"

I know, 'Silly Puertollano' is to blame for the current carpet bombing by coalition forces in Liberia, yes, yes. In all seriousness, does the Kaiswr understand what we did in Africa during the United Caucasion Commonwealth civil war? Our special forces hunted down the fascist leaders responsible for many war crimes and deserved a trial for their said actions yet blame us for the local militias fighting against their invading forces.

[New Metropolitan France]

Security Precautions

The French Fleet in the Black Sea has begun to make reports of attempts by aircraft originating from the Crimean Peninsula to patrol near it's vessels. Each of the aircraft is monitored as they approach by Hawkeye AWACS from the Super Carrier New Republic, who then assign two Rafales to escort them (with their missile radars locked on to trigger the Crimean threat warning systems). At the same time, due to the possibility of a surprise attack against the Fleet, French ships and aircraft cooperate to overload the radars of the non-French patrol planes with interference, making any accurate attack against French forces next to impossible.

[The Underground Movement Union]

British-American Cooperation
Recently, the MI6 and a few North American Intellegence agencies have been working together as of recently.
North American Military Weapons Testing In French Polynesia
As of recently, the North American Federation was given permission to test several new weapons in French Polynesia, mainly looking at how effective they would be in given scenarios, how effective they are overall, and ecetra. The weapons that're being tested will be remained a secret, at least until 2017.