World Wide Journal (The New Earth Only)

[The Scandinavians]

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Det Lederen Gone Missing?

15 Harpa, 2017

Mass confusion could be seen throughout the city of Helsingfors this morning as Det Lederen Hylen could not be found at a religious ceremony to commemorate the festival of Thrimilci in the newly annexed city. While the Party has stated that Hylen was not present due to ill health which took hold over him on the flight from Copenhagen last night which required his aircraft to be diverted to Stockholm, many have questioned the sudden influx of military activity within the central Baltic away from the traditional parades and military exercises done in public during the celebration. While a ceremony did happen as the newly appointed Komissionaren of Nyland took over the situation to calm the confused crowds, outside of the statement of Hylen's ill health the Party has been mute about his condition and whereabouts releasing no further statements regarding the situation, prompting some to believe that he could of gone missing during his flight which the military has quickly regarded as "ridiculous rumors" and stated that the increase in military activity is in response to Canadian naval vessels on their way to Europe.

While Det Lederen is reportedly recovering in a hospital the Nordic military forces have continued the process of withdrawing from Denmark in accordance to the agreements of the UFIN conference in Praevalidus, a controversial move among Party officials and the Scandinavian population. Det Lederen personally oversaw the army withdrawing away from the border while in Denmark this weekend and stated that "Scandinavia is committed to keeping a lasting peace in Europe so long as the Germans desire it as well", and deemed the move as "necessary".

[Shengdi]

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Constitutional Convention Ends; Xian Wuying Proclaimed Chancellor

May 3, 2017

The provisional government of Shengdi has finally come to a close today, with the end of the weeks-long Constitutional Convention resulting in the establishment of a legislative body, the Shengdese Parliament, and a federalized republic to rule over a collection of determined Shengdese states. Following an election of the various constituents of the convention, Miss Xian Wuying, the President of the White Lily Society, has been established as the Chancellor with a close victory over Peng Yating, who was supported by many of the provisional authorities across the country. Peng has since promised to uphold the results and to respect the Republic, a major victory for future stability in the country.

During the convention resistance to the popularity of Xian remained consistent, with many doubting the capabilities of the young woman. Some argued that her credibility was based on her service in the WLS, which only came about as an emergency measure following the death of President Chen Tai. Supporters criticized this opinion, and Xian even condemned those who considered her an "opportunistic demagogue", and this minority opinion was viewed as unfair by the majority of the Shengdese present, who recognized that their own positions were founded in much the same way. The more far-reaching opinion shared by a majority of the convention delegates was that Xian is untrustworthy. Her organization's origins were founded on the traditions of Aeurian ideology and lifestyles, as well as an Aeurianist push for academic and cultural directions. During the revolution the society continued agitating for the adoption of Aeurian liberties, as well as sponsoring a regulated capitalist system - in contrast to the more hardline socialists of the movement. Their Social Democratic beliefs, ironic in that they are inspired by a country with failing social welfare systems and mistreatment of minorities, was formed on the basis of Aeurian identity and the unique conditions in Hong Kong best suited its rise.

The convention debates prior to the election focused on this fact, with Peng's faction arguing that Xian would be too biased and corruptible to the wishes of Aeuria, and that her organization's motives were foreign and unwelcome in the convention. Peng pushed for a syncretic and organic government to be formed, where the Republicans would focus on transforming Shengdese culture to the modern age, instead of adopting foreign institutions and thought. Others argued that Xian's social liberal origins would be the death of the country, since her supporters considered Aeuria an example of what to follow; a belief that still confuses many, considering that Aeuria is ranked one of the least democratic places in the world, and that the average citizen has no hope of influencing government policy.

Xian disputed these accusations throughout the convention as baseless, and the delegates on her side were quick to counterattack by painting Peng as a reactionary. The image of Peng as a tribalist was rather popular following the height of the debates, and while not affecting the course of the election, Xian enjoyed increasing popularity from the international world, a thought that likely weighed on the delegates.

She instead ascribed her beliefs, and that of the WLS and other like-minded groups, to a view of history that blurs the lines between fact and revisionism. Xian argued throughout the debate that the Aeurian empire has been historical friends of the Shengdese, but rather the Shengdese Imperial System fostered a degree of confrontational and xenophobic relations between them. Her supporters pointed to the opening of Hong Kong and the willingness of the Shengdese traders of the 18th and 19th centuries to trade with Aeuria, despite the reluctance of the Emperor, as examples of such. This has largely been viewed as mostly factual, although perhaps a gross simplification of Asian history, but following comments from the WLS have raised some brows. Prior to the revolution, the White Lily Society openly stated on their website that "...the history of the Shengdese are derivative of a shift of culture from Aeurian sources...", which while out of context means little, the recent views of the WLS on Aeuria's history and liberties has painted an interesting picture of Xian. The WLS pointed to the history of Greece and Rome, and how Grecian colonists influenced the origins of the Romans as a perfect example of the origins of the relations between Aeuria and Shengdi.

This has of course been rejected by most sources, since it ascribes a cultural shift of ancient Shengdese away from an Aeurian culture, and attempts to argue that Shengdi made use of Aeurian societal conventions to establish theirs. A few Shengdese historians found this belief insulting; implying that Shengdi did not develop at the same time as Aeuria, but rather as a direct result of Aeurian development.

Regardless, Xian was able to shake off most of the criticisms against her, and after a round of further debates in which Peng stood by aristocrats that supported the revolution, Xian rose to the top by conforming to popular sentiments that a noble can never be a functional member of the Republic. She was decreed Chancellor of Shengdi with a mere margin of eleven votes. The convention also established the structure of the government, and decreed a national council composed of elected representatives to function as the Head of Government.

Chancellor Xian has stated her intentions to open the government with a speech at Zíjinchéng - the Emperor's former palace.

[The Scandinavians]

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Svansson Calls for Airstrikes on Military Targets in Estonia

Nordic warplanes seen exercising over the Baltic this week

19 Harpa, 2017

Scandinavia has begun taking military action in Estonia early this morning in retaliation to Estonian forces shooting the previous Lederen Arnt Hylen's plane on Monday, possibly alluding to a new war in the Baltic Sea. The new Lederen and former President of the Union of Scandinavia, Jes Svansson, called for the Nordic military to take action as Scandinavia continues to withdraw its forces from the Danish border in accordance with the agreements made at the UFIN conference in Praevalidus despite the threats of action made by the Edelreich to the south if Scandinavia or neighboring Nowistrana make advances in the eastern Baltic states, a stance with Svansson has claimed "proves the Edelreich's desire for pointless bloodshed". Notably Svansson has maintained that the Scandinavian military will not target civilians or population centers in stark contrast the the actions done by the Nords in Finland and focus entirely on Estonian military installations in an effort to cripple and disarm the Estonian and remnant Finnish militaries and quickly end armed resistance in the state to force them to negotiations.

The Estonian government has been quick to call for the aid of the Edelreich and every nation willing and able to help them, not wanting to fall victim to a similar fate as neighboring Finland to the north. While Estonia pleads for help from the West some within Scandinavia have questioned if their ally in Nowistrana will come to assist the Nordic intervention in Estonia. While the Foreign Ministry of the Fatherland Party or the Ministry of Defense has yet to make any statements involving a Nowistranan entrance into Estonia, Det Lederen has stated that there will be no invasion and occupation of Estonia should they surrender and enter negotiations with the Union.

[Nova Aralia]

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Aralia Sends Demands to Slovenia Following Attempt on Crown Prince's Life!

4 May 2017

The Royal Office of the Crown has released a statement today revealing most of the information gathered on the attack on Crown Prince Adalrico's life, painting a picture of a Slovene terrorist organization operating on both eastern Aralian and Slovene lands.

On the 1st of May the Crown Prince was attacked while on vacation in Udine, a group of masked men ambushing Adalrico and other aristocrats at a hunting trip in the Natisone Valley. The attackers proceeded to open fire and during the engagement killed multiple of the young men, as well as nearly fatally wounding the Crown Prince. He was rushed to the Udine City Medical Center in critical condition, but has since stabilized according to a report from the Crown. The King was reportedly in Rome during the attack, and was quickly rushed to safety; however after determining no further threat to the royal family, Antonio was spotted by witnesses at the Medical Center.

Almost immediately the government launched an investigation into the attack. Calling it an attempted assassination from the start, the cabinet was divided on the purposes behind the shooting. Many stood by the statement by the Magistrate, who called the incident an act of terror on the Aralian people designed to disrupt the order of the government. Others felt a more isolated attack was more likely, with the annexation of Malta serving as a motivation. However quickly the Office of National Security released information contradicting the previous stance of the government, instead indicating the explicit involvement of a Slovenian terror organization, the United Brothers Front, who knew of the Crown Prince's location in advance. The UBF is a pan-nationalist Slovene group, and while not considered a terror organization domestically, in Aralia they were quickly labeled as one after their participation became known. The leading theory is that the organization reacted against the Maltese annexation, not out of concern for the Maltese, but in order to deliver a message about the existence of Slovene discontent in Aralia.

Historically the most eastern portions of the Aralian countryside have been inhabited by Slovenian peoples, many of which have shared sympathies with the topic of unification with Slovenia. The Aralian administration, since the late 1800s, has been viewed as anti-Slovene by many international watchdog groups. Extensive "Aralianization" campaigns have been directed towards ethnic minorities in the country, noticeably excluding Venetians, with the purpose of assimilating these minorities into a greater Aralian cultural union, something officially supported by the Crown. Some have begun to worry that the attack will influence radical anti-Slovene movements in the country, but for the moment it seems that Aralia is focusing their attention on the country itself.

Today the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a list of official demands to the Slovene government, highlighting the mutual mistrust of each other, and the demand that the Aralian government is allowed to oversee and judicially try the UBF leadership in Aralia. This has elicited an immediate protest by the Slovene embassy in Rome, who viewed the demands as ignoring their right to national sovereignty and was something Slovenia couldn't legally agree to. Since the leadership of the UBF did not cross into Aralian lands, and the three shooters were killed in the fight, Slovenia has insisted that it is their right to investigate any illegal activities of the organization.

Aralia instead proceeded to double down on their demands and announced an ultimatum to the Slovenian government: accept or else.

Already in Rome the cries for war were heard by many of the senators, who voiced their discontent with the refusal of Slovenia to agree to their demands in the first place. One senator, who wished to remain anonymous, considered Aralia's requests to be "fair and equitable to the Slovenes while protecting our family from further attacks." The outright refusal of the initial requests of an Aralian-led investigation has encouraged many to seek immediate retribution, with an online petition to the Crown already with 780,000 signatures, asking the government to "ensure the prosecution of these terrorists through any means." If anything can be said, it is that the Aralian people have taken the attack on the Crown Prince as an attack on themselves, and the nation has seen a level of unity historically uncommon.

[Eslarya]

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Eslar Queen Arrives in Estonia

5/4/2017

The Queen of Eslarya, Julina II, arrived today at Tallinn Airport in Estonia. Met by large crowds despite the announcement being mere hours before, the Queen was largely welcomed. Large crowds of Catholics and several priests from the capital of Estonia welcomed her when she left her royal plane. Travelling with her was the royal archbishop who is serving as her translator and her religious confidant as well as many officials and security personnel. Arriving in a tense moment in Estonia, the Queen seemed to serve as a reassuring figure. Travelling to homeless shelters and walking around the city instead of driving emulated Queen Julina’s longtime semblance as a people’s monarch. Her trip was political though, clear from the speech she gave when she met with the Estonian President though perhaps purposely, not with the Prime Minister. A transcript of the speech is below:

“Estonians are a people of peace. One of kindness and of welcomeness. You are a people of helping your neighbor and being fair, honest. When I traveled here before, when my mother was Queen, I saw a nation that I liked. I saw a nation that demanded respect because it gave respect. A nation that prospered and was fair to its citizens. My mother recognized that when we opened trade with Estonia. And I recognize yet again when I reestablish those ties. Because like Estonia, Eslarya is a nation of fairness and kindness. We extend this to those willing and hold it in high regard to those who demand servitude. Our nation's hold many of the same values close. Yet there are those, and we’ve faced them too, who threaten. Who bully. Who think that respect can be demanded when respect can only be earned. That misconception is the first mistake. But it is up to us to not be afraid to stand up. It is our duty to not back down. While Estonia is not religious per say, our people share religion. And God is with us when our hearts and morals are right - not when we fear threats from barbaric sources. Because that is what it is: Once anyone, any person, any army, any nation, abandons their respect for human life and recognition of human suffering, they are not human. They are barbarians. They are unholy. We cannot be afraid. So I say this clearly: I am not afraid of being killed by the Scandinavians. If it takes the presence, if it takes me being here, to prevent an attack on Estonia, or at very least, it’s capital, I will stay here. Eslarya is not afraid. Neither should Estonia be. You have allies. You have our friendship. And no one, and I mean no one, no army, no nation, can break that. Nothing but God.”

The speech was met with applause and a very enthusiastic crowd. The speech was expected to mostly maintain peace in Estonia despite mounting threats but instead veered to what almost amounted to as a challenge to the Scandinavians. The Royal Palace in Asintal reiterated what the Queen and said no plans were currently in place for when the Queen would return. Experts are unsure whether the move can keep the peace in Estonia or if it will simply be a failed attempt to scare off any foreign attack. Responses from other nations have yet to occur. While the Queen retreated after that speech to her hotel room, several officials have met with their Estonian counterparts on her behalf. What the full extent of this meeting is yet to be seen but already, the Eslaryan navy has been sighted travelling to North Sea, perhaps in preparation for the worst.

[Edelreich]

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German Troops Arrive in Southern Estonia

May 5, 2017

Keeping true to their agreement to help secure Europe against Scandinavian and Nowistranian aggression, a deployment of German military forces have arrived at Parnu, and have quickly moved out to the surrounding provinces of Viljandi and Valga, and a sea battalion has moved to secure the islands of Saaremaa from possible attack. The decision comes after a direct line of request was opened between the Estonian government and Prime Minister Michelle Mader. Estonia has feared for reprisal by the Scandinavians, after a disputed death of Hylen caused by Estonian anti-air installations, but Edelreich maintains in their defense that Scandinavia did not follow proper procedures, and has resisted any cause for war over what they view as a "heinous accident".

The German forces have been instructed to remain largely in the southern provinces according to a statement by the Ministry of Defense, but patrols of Germans headed north have been spotted, and Defense Minister Andreas Karbach has requested Edelreich's air force to defend any and all Estonian military bases by any means necessary.

Officially the Edelreich has not entered into war with the Scandinavians, and the expeditionary forces deployed to Estonia have been operating under joint-command with the Estonian military, as well as assisting the Estonian military in securing population centers against attack. Minister Karbach has openly doubted the statement by Scandinava that they would not target civilian centers, and has ordered a sum of the German forces to establish defensive lines incorporating the cities, up to an outer limit of their deployment area. The Prime Minister has sent a letter of protest to the new leader of Scandinavia, Jes Svansson, demanding that they do not pursue military action against Estonia and for the two governments to enter into talks, with the Edelreich acting as proxy.

[Nowistrana]

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Nowistranian Warships Take Position off Estonia in Response to German Troop Deployment; Nowistranian Border Guards Seize Narwa

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05 May, 2017

The Nowistranian government has announced that Nowistrana will stand by its allies in Scandinavia and will be ready for intervention if Estonia continues its path of futile resistance. According to Nowistranian officials, the attack on previous Lederen Arnt Hylen's plane on Monday has to be considered as an attack on the Scandinavian people and their nation and this is, according to the UFIN Treaty, seen as an attack against all UFIN members. Now Nowistrana is ready to send about 12000 soldiers to military installations near its border with Estonia and holding snap military drills, sparking fears that a Nowistranian invasion is imminent.

Alexandr Rodzaevsky, de facto leader of Nowistrana, ordered his country’s armed forces onto combat alert amid an impending escalation of military tensions along the frontier with Nowistrana and Estonia. The order came a few hours after German troops arrived in Southern Estonia, threatening Nowistranian security and at the same time challenging the Nowistranian military. "I ordered a high-level alert of all units in the region of the Veliky Novgorod Oblast and along the entire border line in Estonia. We talk about 12000 soldiers but more will follow if Edelreich does not withdraw its troops from southern Estonia. This is intolerable and shows the true face of German Imperialists who seek war and death. I hereby advise the Edelian government to withdraw its troops from Estonia within the next days, otherwise, it will have serious consequences for them," Rodzaevsky said after meeting with his national security council.

Over the past few weeks, Nowistrana has bolstered its western borders from which 9500 Nowistranian soldiers are already guarding the Nowistranian-Estonian border. In a quick move, 250 Nowistranian border guards, together with 12 tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, moved into the Estonian city of Narva claiming to withdraw only if German soldiers leave Estonia. 70 Kilometers in the south of Narva another 400 Nowistranian soldiers have been spotted crossing the border moving west towards Jõhvi. Witnesses described seeing military hardware and trucks already arriving near the town of Iisaku. The Nowistranian government has not commented on its troop movement yet.

[Alcase]

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Alcase Pledges Support for Estonia

5 May, 2017

The tension in the Baltic elevate higher and higher as the days pass by. In response to this, the Alcasian Ministry of War has issued a declaration to its service members instructions on intervention.

Among the 211-page-filled file, directives for Alcase's only aircraft carrier in addition to the entirety of the Republican Fleet based in l'Hexagone to be deployed to the baltic. This convoy will include ten fast-attack submarines, sixteen frigates, and several auxiliary vessels. The amphibious assault carrier is currently not issued to move from its port. Military bases across the country were placed on high-alert while the National Assembly assembles in emergency without the presence of the President. If the President does not return before the emergency meeting adjourns, it is very much possible that the Prime Minister will assume responsibility for issuing laws into enforcement in order to provide the Alcasian Republic adequate security.

The Foreign Ministry has begun increasing its security details in the Edelian capital as well, confirming that there is increased activity among the heightened tensions abroad. Travel warnings have been issues concerning the threat of the Scandanavians and Nowistranans, and all Alcasian citizens currently in the area have been contacted to arrange a safe passage returning home.

It appears Europe maybe approaching its second great war.

[Danube Republic]

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Chancellor Erich Hahn: "The Republic Stands with Estonia and the Edelreich"

5 May 2017

The Danubian Republic announced their reactions to the Estonian crisis today, with a swift decision that has aligned their stance to the Edelreich's, and surprised many that the normally neutral country has decided to take an active stance in European politics. At Vienna, Chancellor Erich Hahn established that the Republic would pursue a process of diplomatic integration with the Edelreich, in order to establish a united policy against the aggression that Scandinavia and Nowistrana have displayed. Danube, while far removed from many of the threats that other countries in Europe have faced, now sits at the precipice of a world conflict as Nowistrana continues on their expansionist platform. While Chancellor Hahn focused purely on Estonia, it is clear that many in the government fear the possibility of Ukraine falling to the Slavic Empire, since that would provide a land border to the Republic.

The Chancellor vowed to stand for the rights of every European and regardless of the challenges that lie ahead, openly supported the Edelreich's defensive programs in Central and Eastern Europe. The Republic has had a long relationship with the Edelreich, with many of the Austrian Germans having family and existing connections to the neighboring nation. A pro-Edelreich policy has remained popular in most of the country, primarily with Germanic ethnicities, but Czechs and western Slovaks have benefited from the economic boons that the Edelreich brings to the country. Chancellor Hahn's most important statement was the announcement of military operations in Estonia, to be conducted alongside the German forces. Generalmajor Josef Kopeček has been attached to the German military command and has been instructed to lead the Estland Division, of which numbers 10,000, to assist in Estonia. Historically the Danubian Republic has steered away from participating in foreign military excursions, but the advantages of a joint-operation with the German Landeswehr's leadership is recognized by the Ministry of Defense.

Danube's military, while small in comparison to the gargantuan powers at play, has always been an esteemed organization in the Republic, and dedicated to the protection of the peoples of the state, could serve as a tipping balance in the European power play. Not to mention, the sudden commitment of the Danubian military to German peacekeeping operations will force a rapid replanning of Fascist military policy.

[Aeuria]

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Emperor Aleksander Resigns as Secretary-General, Aeuria to Depart Embattled La Francophonie, Vows European Neutrality

May 5, 2017

His Imperial Majesty, Aleksander XVII (Palace Archive)

In a shock to international relations already heightened by military buildups in and around Estonia, Aeuria's Emperor Aleksander has announced his formal resignation as La Francophonie's Secretary-General and his immediate intention to withdraw his nation from the organization embattled in a deteriorating peace with UFIN. His resignation, made effective immediately, thrusts the Francophonie into further chaos and without a central leadership. The stated intent for an Aeurian departure from the bloc has also dealt a serious blow to the organization's international standing as a frustrated Secretary-General resigns and takes his nation with him.

Citing a "failure of compliance" and a lack of "demonstrated goodwill" by La Francophonie's member states, Emperor Aleksander widely condemned the continued military actions of the Edelreich, Alcase, and Canada in Europe in what he described as a "flippant disregard for the peace settlement reached at great expense". The monarch continued in a similar line of thought throughout his announcement, made from the Imperial Palace. Expressing his frustration at the "opposition" of the Edelreich to cooperate and abide by the terms of the peace settlement mediated by the Commonwealth, the emperor said "continued Aeurian involvement in stabilizing Europe is no longer in the best interests of the Commonwealth". He justified his resignation as Secretary-General by stating his "leadership is clearly no longer respected or desired", again citing member-states refusal to comply with his directives.

Unusually expressive in his announcement, the emperor could at times be heard approaching hostile and aggressive tones as he defended the peace he negotiated but a month ago.

While UFIN's member-states honored the agreement on their own accord, La Francophonie's governments had to be persuaded peace was preferable to war. Even then, a failure of compliance to the settlement's terms by the German government only served to undermine the peace they themselves were unable, or perhaps unwilling, to obtain. While painting their fascist opponents as warmongers and villains, they were the ones who refused to withdraw their forces - even when peace depended on it. They rise and sleep under a blanket of peace which I have provided them and they not only question the manner in which I provided it, but criticize and defy me for providing it. Their work, carried out in ideological defiance, has undermined an already fragile peace to the point of collapse.

The resignation and intent to depart comes as the German military moves into southern Estonia and Canadian and Alcasian naval forces enter the Baltic Sea to challenge the Scandinavian's ultimatum to the Baltic state. With international tensions at a seemingly all-time high, Emperor Aleksander's unprecedented shift in Aeurian foreign policy may spell disaster for Europe. Ever-aware of possible hostilites, the Imperial Foreign Ministry released a statement vowing "total neutrality" in European affairs as it makes preparations for the Commonwealth's departure from an organization it founded over 70 years ago.

[Alcase]

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President Marie Issues Resolution Proposal

May 5, 2017

The following is a direct quote of the message issued to the Edelian, Scandanavian, and Nowistranan Foreign Ministries:

While peace may seem like the uneasy absence of tension between the nations of Europe. I can assure you that, for as long as Europe stands together to resolve its constituents' problems, there will be peaceful peace that can be enjoyed by all of those who share the name, European.

I call upon the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, to do their duty in achieving peace amongst ourselves and provide for those deserving of the best quality of life their dues.

I ask that the Edelian, Canadian, Scandanavian, and Nowistranan Ministers of Foreign Affairs assemble themselves with the Alcasian Minister for Foreign Affairs in Paris to diplomatically, and civilly settle our disputes in the Baltic Sea.

Best regards,

Marie Seiyes, President of the Alcasian Republic

[The Canadiens]

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Canada Supports Estonia

5 May, 2017

VANCOUVER, Addressing the House of Commons on May 5, Canadian Minister of Defense Jeffery Chamber made it clear that Canada “stand firm in our support of Estonia’s sovereignty” and underscored, “We do not, and will not, accept Scandinavian or UFIN efforts to annex another sovereign state.” The secretary of state also pointed to the possibility that the Scandinavian Leader Svansson may reverse his stance on attacking civilian targets: “We noted with alarm the escalating violence along the line of contact and the repeated targeting of civilian infrastructure by Scandinavian-led separatist forces in Finland, a repetition in Estonia poses an elevated risk of a second humanitarian disaster in eastern Europe this year alone.”

In related news, on May 4 the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense announced a proposal to create a new defensive organisation with the Edelreich and Alcase following the Aeurian exit from La Francophonie, marking it's de-facto end. Plans are also being made for Prime Minister Tremblay to visit Paris and Berlin later this month to solidify the plan should talks with their respective governments prove fruitful. The Minister of Foreign Affairs said this new organisation “is part of new effort to maintain the security of democracies in Europe and maintain the open communication between our respective militarizes and governments.” As for Canada's current and increasing military presence in Europe the Ministry of Defense has announced that the Royal Canadian Navy and Air Force will continue exercising in the Edelreich and the Baltic Sea as will be as Mr. Chamber has stated "ready and capable for a potential conflict in Europe."

In regards to the future meeting in Paris intended with the hopes of maintaining peace in Europe the Foreign Ministry has stated that Canada would participate in the talks with the Edelreich, Scandinavia, and Nowistrana on the topic of Estonia should the meeting happen as planned, though some have questioned its likelihood due to Scandinavia and Nowistrana's potential reluctance to deal with their potential enemies over this matter.

[Chunmei]

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Chunmei Affirms Solidarity with Estonia

May 6, 2017

Chunmeian foreign minister Han Yeong-sul, in what is believed to be the first official statement by the national government on the Estonian crisis, made a public showing at the Chunmei Commune Center in Saekyu to properly detail his country's unwavering support for the internationally-recognized government in Tallinn. Describing the relations between the two countries as "having stood firm in the face of insurmountable odds ever since antiquity", Han took the time to condemn Scandinavian actions in northern Europe as "nothing less than a crime against global stability and humanity as a whole" and lamented it as "a sad testament to the ever pervasive scourge of fascism still festering in the darkest corners of our planet."

"Stemming from the Auerian annexation of Indonesia and the subsequent conquest of Kazakhstan by Nowistrana, the year of 2017 has thus far shown us just how far some of these pariah regimes are willing to go in order to satiate their unbridled empire complexes. Scandinavian atrocities in Finland served only to validate our concerns over the fragmenting of our world order, and now the dictators in Stockholm appear all but poised to rain hell down on their southern neighbors in Estonia, no doubt on the back of more farcical 'justifications'. As I have said time and time again since taking up my post, this must be stamped out, and soon."

The foreign minister's remarks drew significant applause from the crowd in the nation's capital, and most seat-holders from the Democratic and Socialist parties have levied their own shows of support for Han's stance on the crisis. However, numerous other ministers have come out to express their dismay at Han's choice of language in his statement, particularly from the National Front leadership. Party leader Hak Min-su described the foreign minister's speech as "admirable but utterly reckless" and professed his concern over the possibility of a negative overall reaction from Chunmei's immediate neighbors "if this sort of rhetoric continues."

[Shengdi]

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Aeurian Investors Take Early Bites at Developing Shengdese Economy

May 6, 2017

In order to attract a new breed of venture capitalists and investors to enable the industrialization of Shengdi, Chancellor Xian has promised an economic five-year plan of development that critics have panned as deliberately favoring Aeurian-backed businesses in the country at the expense of other international companies. After taking away from her speech in Beijing support from the majority of the former peasantry and urban proletariat, Xian has declared her intentions to bring Shengdi from a formerly protectionist economy to an enlightened example of a competitive free market. Economists have long theorized that the Shengdese economy, primarily composed of natural resources and a massive population surplus, could become one of the most successful economies on the planet provided a successful industrialization occurs.

The Shengdese economy for decades has mainly been closed to international banking and trading associations. Only Hong Kong operated as a free city for trade, and most of the world's businesses that believed they could find a profit in the closed country based themselves there. Traditionally most of Shengdi's exports were resources and artisan crafts, the craftsmanship of Shengdese furniture and other luxuries being resoundingly popular with the Aeurian elite. These "house industries", as they bare a marked resemblance to 18th century cottage industries, were often family owned and provided an artisan class unique to Shengdi. Being largely non-industrialized, the Shengdese economy operated on a peer-to-peer scale, with the supermajority of international sales coming from Aeurian collectors and Shengdophiles.

With the only industrialized and remotely modern examples of businesses existing in the lumber and mining sectors, Chancellor Xian and the rest of the government have their work cut out for them. Xian's own ambitious plans have surprised many, declaring a goal of doubling the nation's wealth each year. In order to assist with this, Xian has negotiated trade agreements with a number of Aeurian businesses and financial magnates, hoping to encourage investors to back growing Shengdese businesses. Some have worried that as the Shengdese business sector grows, the influence and stocks that Aeuria bought in Shengdi will as well, meaning a foreign dominance of the Shengdese economy.

Most of Xian's efforts have been concentrated in Beijing, with her goals being to bring most of the headquarters of Shengdese-ran businesses to the capital, as well as attracting foreign branches to base there instead of Hong Kong. One of the most important steps in the Chancellor's five-year plan is the establishment of a financial and insurance sector, as well as the hopeful creation of a Beijing-led Shengdese stock exchange.

Some resistance to the government's move has been found largely by the middle-class and rural citizens, who argue that the rapid industrialization of their country will lead to the death of the Shengdese culture, as the nation adopts the traditions and societal customs of foreign nations. Others have pushed for a system of gradual reduction to the historic protectionist policies, but the Beijing has refused to continue the vast amount of former imperial programs.

[The Noiharan Union]

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Noihara Pledges Support for Nowistrana and Scandinavia in Case of Hostilities

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08 May, 2017

The Noihara is sending new tanks and soldiers to Nowistrana and Scandinavia to counter a perceived threat from La Francophonie and their sympathizers. It's part of the biggest Noiharan military deployment in Europe in decades. Noihara started transporting 1,800 tanks, trucks and other military equipment from the Noiharan main island to Manshu, from where they would be transported by rail to Western and Northern Europe as part of a buildup of UFIN reinforcements against "Francophonie expansion". The Noiharan soldiers landed in Pskov, home to a key Nowistranian air base near the Estonian border. The Noiharan deployment is part of operation Sugihara, aimed at showing the West Noihara's commitment to its allies, the ministry said.

"It was the Francophonie warmongering and the unlawful deployment to Estonia that forced the deployments", said Lt. Gen. Youji Keitel, the commander of Noiharan army ground forces in Nowistrana, ahead of a frigid Sunday ceremony on a military exercise range outside the Nowistranian town of Pskov, where a Nowistranian military band played “Das Staatslied” to welcome their Noiharan counterparts. "The last Noiharan tank left a few weeks ago because we all hoped the West will become our partner. Now we have to bring all this back,” Keitel said.

"It is surprising to us that the West is risking a war for a small country like Estonia which undeniably made itself guilty by killing the Scandinavian Lederen and therefore attacking the Scandinavian people. They think they can play around with us, but they are wrong," said the Noiharan ambassador to Nowistrana Laura Nakahara at the event. The Noiharan Prime Minister Irina Kazane, the star guest at the event, gave a speech in which she again underlined that Noihara and all of the UFIN will not back down because of criminals and that "We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in Estonia, Nowistrana and Scandinavia, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength, we shall defend our values, our nations, our people, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender".

The speech was followed by immense applause and chanting of the Noiharan and Nowistranian national anthem. Nowistranian leaders even said they were delighted to be able to welcome their friends again in their country. After the celebratory speeches, Nowistranian and Noiharan tanks and heavy artillery conducted live-fire exercises intended to show that they could work together to fend off a common enemy.

[Edelreich]

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Edelreich Criticizes Nowistrana-Noihara Deployments as Provoking War

May 8, 2017

In today's morning address Prime Minister Michelle Mader raised a bout of criticism against the actions of Nowistrana and Noihara, decrying their military deployments and operations in eastern Estonia as deliberately provocative and violating Estonia's sovereignty. Noihara recently announced the continuance of UFIN military cooperation, with the transferring of armored vehicles and military equipment to western Nowistrana, along with the deployment of Noiharan soldiers to Pskov. This follows on the back on Nowistrana's own commitment to Scandinavia in the crisis, and probably comes as a retaliation to the Edelreich's threats against Nowistranian border excursions. The Edelreich's own military forces have been stationed in the south-western regions, but operating in unison with the Estonian defense forces, have worked steadily to reinforce Estonia against attack.

Noihara's deployments have turned an already volatile German public towards anger, with the decision coming shortly before a summit in Alcase designed to find peace in both Europe and Estonia. Parliament has issued a protest to the Noiharan embassy, citing what it sees as the violation of an unwritten agreement to deescalate the Estonian crisis until the summit can convene. President von Eichenberg, who has reportedly been in disagreement with Prime Minister Mader over the country's direction, openly questioned the validity of UFIN's commitment to peace.

"It is simply untrue that we operate in Estonia illegally," the President said speaking to Parliament. "The Estonian government invited us to follow through on our agreement with them, and it is our obligation to defend our allies against attack." The President went on to disparage Noihara's accusations, arguing that a transnational deployment to support Nowistrana in war is far more concerning than a coalition ensuring peace in Estonia.

Prime Minister Mader levied her own concerns as well, asserting that Noihara and Nowistrana have ignored any notions of peace, and she pondered aloud if Estonia would even still be around for the Paris summit. During her address she promised further support for Estonia and warned UFIN that any further violations of Estonian sovereignty would be met with German reprisal. The Nowistranian border guard intrusions into eastern Estonia have already raised concerns among the military elite that the Edelreich isn't assertive enough of its demands, and the General Staff has purportedly derided the Prime Minister's cabinet for refusing to let them act.

This perception of Prime Minister Mader as unwilling to commit to military operations against UFIN is sure to lose her support among the most conservative echelons of German society, and many Germans feel that the government has taken too much of a reconciliatory response to UFIN aggression. As one anonymous citizen asked, "why are we apologizing for our actions and stepping down when they're invading other people?"

With the German election in the future, this could be a symptom of reaction against the Prime Minister's cabinet. Already the National Republican Union (NRU) has made significant gains in the Edelreich, with their promises of avoiding foreign entanglements like la Francophonie and standing up to UFIN popular with many. Klaus von Altenau, the chairman for the NRU, controversially called the Prime Minister an "idiot" last week, citing the government's attempts at appeasement as ignorance.

"The Edelreich needs a strong government willing to stand up for the Republic. If Prime Minister Mader can not offer that, than what purpose does she have to remain?"

[Nowistrana]

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Masked Gunmen Seize Several Strategic Locations in Crimea



Unidentified armed men patrol outside of Simferopol airport

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May 09, 2017

Ukraine accused Nowistrana of a “military invasion and occupation” as masked gunmen with no insignia appeared on the Crimean Peninsula occupying strategically important points, saying that those gunmen belong to the Nowistranian military. Nowistrana kept silent on those accusations but confirmed that armored vehicles from its Black Sea Fleet were moving around Crimea for “security” reasons as the crisis deepened between the two countries. Any Nowistranian military incursion in Crimea would dramatically raise the stakes in the international conflict between the UFIN and the West. While the Ukrainian government largely is in favor of Ukrainian independence, more and more people in Ukraine sympathize with the idea of merging with Nowistrana into a bigger Slavic empire.

Even the population itself is divided in loyalties between Nowistrana and the West, with much of western Ukraine advocating closer ties with the West while eastern and southern regions look to Nowistrana for support and security within a Slavic empire. Crimea, a southeastern peninsula of Ukraine that has semi-autonomous status, was once the crown jewel in the Nowistranian empire. Crimea was annexed by Ukraine after the 1917 Fascist revolution when Ukranian nationalists seized the peninsula from a weakened Nowistranian empire. The Peace Treaty of Voronezh, the official document saying Crimea is part of Ukraine, expired after 100 years on April 27. Nowistranian politicians now demand that Crimea should return to Nowistrana.

Nowistrana, however, has vowed to protect Nowistranian-speaking Ukrainians in Crimea, where it has a major naval base while warning Ukraine and the West have to stay away and to let "Nowistranians and Slavs in Ukraine to decide on their own future". In Kyiv, Ukraine’s parliament adopted a resolution demanding that Nowistrana halt steps it says are aimed against Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and mobilizing its armed forces. This, however, seems to produce more trouble than it actually solves: The majority of the Ukrainian military is pro-Nowistrana resulting in a large number of Ukrainian Armed Forces defectors joining the masked gunmen in Crimea.

Journalists in Crimea spotted a convoy of nine Nowistranian armored personnel carriers and a truck on a road between the port city of Sevastopol and the regional capital, Sinferopol. The Nowistranian Foreign Ministry said movements of armored vehicles belonging to the Nowistranian Black Sea Fleet were prompted by the need to ensure security of its base and didn’t contradict the lease terms. Other journalists approaching the Sevastopol airport found the road leading up to it blocked by two military trucks and a handful of gunmen wearing camouflage uniforms and carrying assault rifles.

Tensions between the two countries are high, however. Nowistrana continued with massive combat readiness exercises involving most of its troops in western and southern Nowistrana that it said were unrelated to Crimea.

[The Noiharan Union]

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Noiharan Supreme Leader invites Asian Politicians to Kuromorinime



Noiharan capital Kuromorinime at night

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09 May 2017

The following message was issued to the Aeurian, Shengdese, Chunmeian and Nowistranian Foreign Ministries:

While the situation in Europe creates many worries around the world, we here in Asia should organize ourselves and do our best to avoid entering the same path as the nations in Europe. Noihara seeks the dialogue with all nations in Asia and wishes to reach out the idea of an enhanced Asian cooperation in the name of peace, well-being and progress.

Therefore I, Akio vi Noihara, leader of the Noiharan people and the Noiharan nation, invite the Aeurian, Shengdese, Chunmeian and Nowistranian leaders or their respective representatives to the Seitenshi Palace in the Noiharan capital Kuromorinime to discuss the aforementioned topics in a comfortable, fair and productive meeting.

Best wishes,

Akio vi Noihara, Noiharan Supreme Leader

[Edelreich]

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Edelreich Establishes Finnish Government in Exile

May 10, 2017

An exiled Finnish government has been established in Berlin after a Scandinavian airstrike that killed Finnish President Timo Seppälä. The Edelreich has recognized the organization as being the rightful government of the Finnish nation, which they maintain as the only lawful entity to reign in Finland. The Scandinavian administration established various puppet regimes since their invasion, with the Swedish Bothnians now ruling over a Nyland which disrespects the rights of the Finnish and pushes for their eventual expulsion from the land.

President Seppälä was killed in the Baltic state of Estonia after deciding to forgo a German protection. He was visiting various holdouts of Finnish forces in Estonia, as well as hoping to run a short campaign of "brotherhood" and mutual assistance between the Estonians and Fins in their respective fights for independence. The death came as a sharp blow to many of the Finnish freedom fighters, Seppälä representing the heart and soul of a movement that may be forced to wait decades before their goals can be realized. A number of the guerrillas decided to withdraw from service in the besieged group, instead immigrating to the Edelreich or other welcoming countries. This has provided some difficulties, since while the Edelreich supports the Finnish recovery of their homeland, the activities of the Finnish irregulars in Estonia and abroad have sometimes verged on terrorism. Berlin made it clear that they would not tolerate these acts either, and has pushed for the new government-in-exile to accept a German direction instead. However since the groups do not operate on German soil, the Edelreich has only promised to prosecute individuals suspected of taking part in illegal activities, not just those affiliated with the forces.

The Finnish government, operating out of their former embassy in downtown Berlin, has elected Arsi Niinimaa as the new provisional President. The divided state of the Finnish people at this moment, either abroad in countries like the Edelreich, Canada, Alcase and elsewhere; or fighting a movement of resistance in the east; or living under the new Scandinavian government in Finland itself, has made any elections for a new president effectively impossible, and the Finnish government instead opted for a temporary stand-in.

Currently the government is in discussions with Berlin, asking for a greater role of decision-making in foreign policy against Scandinavia and to have any future action against Scandinavian Finland reviewed by them first.

[Alcase]

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Alcase Stakes Investment Claim in Shengdi Development

10 May, 2017

The Foreign Ministry of Alcase has announced just last night that the Alcasian Republic "will officially steer its foreign policy away from conflict with UFIN, and towards the peaceful progression of both social and economic development in both domestic and foreign opportunities."

This follows high tensions from the UFIN conflicts in the Baltic, which still involves all remaining La Francophonie members as well as the Edelian military. The Foreign Ministry has released a proposal to Parliament to approve multiple budget resolutions that will increase foreign investment incentive by introducing tax credits as well as subsidies to small businesses. The Ministry has also announced its intent to work closely with more foreign astronautical corporations in a plan to produce a permanent, international space research center that will remain in low-earth orbit. The Foreign Ministry and Alcase's prime space agency has been working closely to make this a reality, seeing as "humanity's future rests in the starts," according to the Alcasian Space Director's cheery reply to Canada's efforts in space.

Many in Alcase are confident in humanity's efforts to establish an international space station, and many are happy to see its full fledged support by multiple international governments.

[Alcase]

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Photo taken by John Kraus, we strongly support purchasing one of his awe-inspiring photos

Initial ISRL Components Launched

12 May, 2017

Across the globe, several rocket launches were approved and executed in preparation for the globally-cooperative International Space Research Lab program. Combining the efforts of the Canadian, Alcasian, and Aeurian space programmes, the ISRL will house a floating space station that will house astronauts from all countries whose primary missions will be to conduct research focused on the advancement of human technology and innovation.

In the Alcasian territory of Guyane, the Aeurian islands of Marshall, and Canada's Manatobia spaceport, heavy-duty uncrewed rockets were launched carrying the initial components of the ISRL's electronic and life-support systems. While travelling 27,600 kilometres per hour (12,200 mph) at an altitude of 405 kilometres above our heads, on-board intelligent robotic systems will assembly the beginning of the ISRL.

These constructive efforts serve as beacons of hope of a peaceful future for humanity in the face of high tensions between democracies and fascist states.

[Shengdi]

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Chancellor Xian Declares "Great Republican Thought"

May 13 2017

Chancellor Xian Wuying has announced an expansion of the military as well as introducing legal practices similar to "defensive democracy", declaring her actions as representative of the Great Republican Thought that is becoming rapidly popular among the poor and former peasantry of the Empire.

In Shengdi the political and social consequences of the revolution are finally coming into effect, with thousands of former nobles and entitled gentlemen protesting their treatment under the new Republican government. Chancellor Xian has controversially, at least with the metropolitan elite, stated that former noblemen and the wealthy that took part in the imperial system will never be able to participate in the new government. Rather, the Chancellor has described them as a fifth column that will work to undue all of the revolution's progress, and called for the people themselves to be vigilant and to hold government officials personally accountable. Many of the former magistrates and military officials of the Empire have retreated to the country's interior, where guerrilla warfare has continued even after the proclamation of Xian as Chancellor.

"The wealthy elite; the nobleman, the gentleman and the lord are our eternal enemies," Xian said during her official statement. "They wish only for the destruction of our republic, and for all of us now freed men and women to be forced back into chains. We will not tolerate this. We will not tolerate them."

Chancellor Xian's immense popularity with the former peasantry and urban proletariat, as well as a remarkable presence among the academic youth, has assisted in giving rise to this "Republican Period", as Beijing calls it. During her address Xian personally called upon the urban proletariat and the rural farmer to enforce the watchfulness necessary of a new Republic; that is, preventing the rise of non-democratic groups and to prevent imperial resistance movements in the hinterlands. Departing from similar movements in other countries, and perhaps taking a page from the Alcasian Revolution, Xian believes that it is the duty of every citizen to personally protect their democracy and republic from harm.

To prevent the revival of the imperial system's elite, Chancellor Xian called upon the nation's Great Republican Thought to defend it. The ideology is a unique one to Shengdi, and has been developed by Xian and a number of her former colleagues. Its main tenants call upon a cultural revolution: the removal of the bourgeoisie elite and former imperial leaders from all positions of power, as well as rooting out fifth column elements that remain hidden. This falls in line with the majority of Xian's beliefs, which revolve around the duty of the people to violently overthrow non-democratic institutions, and the theory that a democratic world can only be brought about by a national, popular, democratic, anti-feudal and anti-imperialist revolution.

A mistake must not be made in assuming that the Shengdese government is socialist, however. While the Republic has been organized along the lines of Social Democracy, and Xian has permitted the establishment of agricultural communes and cooperatives, Beijing has stood by a form of regulated capitalism. Chancellor Xian's announcement of a rapid five-year plan of urban industrialization is symbolic of this. Xian's administration has spoken out against anti-government socialists, considering that the path to democracy can only be protected by a government with a politically aware population. Xian's duty, as she considers it, is to create a new cultural force in Shengdi that values the politics and civil responsibilities asked of a republican nation.

The military was also promised increased funding for its operations; a much-needed and praised decision as the Shengdese Armed Forces forbade the service of any former non-revolutionary member in their ranks. The armed forces' new purpose was described as the mission to protect the Shengdese Republic and democracy, both from outside forces and domestic influences. The military was forced to declare a new oath, both to the Chancellor and to the protection of the Republic, and vowed to harbor no politics that would position them against such duties. Beijing's military is already quite large, but the new budget will be going towards modernizing the military into a fighting force capable of defending the nation in the 21st century. The majority of Shengdese soldiers do without body armor and automatic weaponry, and have generally subsisted on generational surplus and imperialist arms developments. The development of the military is clearly intended to send a message to neighboring Asian powers that Shengdi will not remain undefended, and Shengdi's presence on the world stage is sure to reflect their new united future.

[Alcase]

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Renaissance of Street Art throughout Alcase

17 May, 2017

The cities of Paris, Bordeaux, and Lyon, among several others, have been reporting thousands of new paintings on the urban buildings that stand in the cities. While graffiti had been a massive hit among youth groups twenty years ago, it appears that more and more citizens of Alcase are expressing themselves through the canvas of concrete and bricks.

The police of the cities have issued statements condemning the acts, but entrepreneurs have found themselves profiting off of graffiti at art shows throughout the major population centers of Europe. Through street art, it seems as though Paris will be keeping its title of the Center of Culture.

[Shengdi]

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"Republican Goon Squads Killing Hundreds," Claims International Report

May 22 2017

Following the promise of Beijing to remove influences of the old imperial system from the government, an international committee has launched an investigation into the mass killings and paramilitary forces roving the country. Chancellor Xian's declaration of the Great Republican Thought, which has become one of the official mantras of the state, has encouraged the growth of peasant militias and for people to take the safety of the Republic into their own hands. Reports of lynchings and mob violence against members of the former aristocracy has risen, and civil rights watchdogs have placed Shengdi on their list of "troubled states".

The largest group, the Republican Guards, is a paramilitary force of rural citizens and student groups, and has launched a fanatic assault across the interior of the country; promising to bring to justice every member of the old regime. While the majority of Shengdi has been pacified, especially enough for the new government to begin work in developing their foreign relations, many parts of the countryside have remained under aristocratic or imperial military control. Chancellor Xian specifically decried these groups as "petty warlords" and criticized them for prolonging the violence and bloodshed felt by the lower classes.

Citizens' militias have taken to protecting most of the agrarian communes of the state, and beyond the metropolitan areas much of the country is virtually lawless. Violence and crime have become a way of life for the rural citizen, and these militia groups have been popularly held as the solution to theft and crime. Paramilitary groups like the Republican Guards are considerably better equipped, and from an outside view look almost like a military force of their own. The Republican Guards have established their movement in the cities, where the fears of an aristocratic bourgeoisie reaction have turned many to their ranks. The militia group has promised to enforce the unionist approaches of the government, and incidences of uncooperative bosses have been met with violence.

While the republican militias remain a popular mass movement in new-age Shengdi, many watchdog groups and self-proclaimed civil rights activists have taken issue with the extra-judicial killing sponsored by the groups. Most of the states are still transferring over from provisional bodies, and the lack of readily available courts has many organizations doubting the guilt of the accused in many of the cases. Chancellor Xian's support for the movement has divided many in the upper government and the capitalist entrepreneurs of the country over the degree of radicalism expressed by her. Even members of the aristocracy who expropriated themselves to the revolution are now facing encouraged death squads and vigilante mobs.

[Freehland]

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Freehland's Enigmatic Leader Dead at 87

May 27, 2017

Montgomery "Father" Freeh IX

The reclusive Chairman Montgomery IX of Freehland has died, age 87. The news, released by the Freeh family's spokesman, has taken the small nation-state by surprise as its longtime de facto Head of State, affectionately known as "Father Freeh", is no more. Having served Freehland in its highest and only permanent political office for 42 years as Chairman of the Confederate Council - which itself is only convened in times of national crisis - Montgomery IX was a beloved national icon famous for his mild-mannered disposition and powers of mediation. While his political position was one without vested powers, he commanded immense influence throughout the Confederation's many communes.

Such has been the political landscape of Freehland since its founding nearly 200 years ago. Founded by Marquis Montgomery Freeh I on the Baja Peninsula in 1820 as a political refuge for Aeuria's political minorities - namely his own anarcho-syndicalists - Freeland's sovereignty as an independent state was recognized by the imperial government a mere 8 years later. Since then, hundreds of independent communes have developed on the peninsula, forming a Confederation for collective defense and internal trade. While no permanent central government exists, in times of crisis or great need the Confederation's communes nominate a 12-member "Confederate Council" chaired by the patriarch of the still-influential Freeh family.

Montgomery Freeh X, Freehland's New Chairman

Despite the Confederation's anarchist foundations, the Freeh family occupies the strange, and at times antithetical, status of Freehland's "First Family" - a matter and title of fierce debate. In defiance of their national creed of "No Gods, No Masters", Freehland has made an exception for the dynasty of its founder. Regarded universally as the Confederation's mediator, the position of Chairman of the Confederate Council has, since its inception in 1821, been occupied by a member of the Freeh family. Originally designed after a deadly clash between two of the Confederation's communes, the Confederate Council's primary purpose is to mediate internal disputes that have elevated to a degree of extreme severity. Montgomery Freeh I served as the first Chairman, by unanimous consideration, and it has been through sheer national demand that his family has retained their control of the Council.

Without a central government, the lack of a national identity in Freehland has often been cited as the source of the Confederation's seemingly-constant sectarian conflict. To combat this, the Freeh family has, in various attitudes from reluctant to honored, occupied the Chairmanship of the Confederate Council as the ultimate neutral mediator who is not personally affiliated with any specific commune. Strangely, the Chairmanship is a hereditary office tied to the Freeh family - a fact some have noted as being suspiciously similar to House Fairfax's rule of the Imperial Throne of Aeuria.

Despite its controversy however, most Freehs overwhelmingly support the family's continued role in the Confederation's governance. With the death of Montgomery IX, his eldest son Montgomery Freeh X, has been named the Confederation's new Chairman following a unanimous proclamation by the Confederate Council. Montgomery X, a 62 year-old archaeology professor currently abroad in Aelturia, has accepted the nomination releasing the following statement:

It is with a heavy heart I give this address,
My father and yours, Montgomery Freeh IX, has indeed died. While I mourn the loss of a father, friend, and mentor, I know too the nation he so happily called home requires strength at this time. I feel all too well the pain Freehland now suffers with the passing of our Chairman, our Father. But to honor him and what he stood for is to be strong - to ready ourselves to continue our work, to carry on the revolution, and to always enjoy the freedoms achieved by this nation. While many throughout the world will simply shrug at the death of a peaceful and quiet man of unequaled kindness, I know many will also mourn with us. My father fostered friendships, however informal, with many of the world's leaders. Despite our isolation, he knew the importance of staying up to date, of staying relevant. And so it is in the spirit of my father and with the humblest gratitude that I accept my nomination to the position of Chairman. Peace be with you.

While the death of Montgomery IX will prove a challenge to the harmonious balance of interests in Freehland, the nation's largest communes have already publicly endorsed Montgomery X to "ensure a peaceful and lawful transition of authority" while the Confederate Council has declared a "National Week of Remembrance" to celebrate the life of Montgomery IX. The new Chairman is expected to cut his trip to Aelturia short to return home while the Freeh Family has announced their intentions for a private funeral and cremation, as per the late Montgomery's wishes, and has asked news organizations to "respect our privacy at this trying time".