News Thread [Kylaris|Canon|IC]

by **Lunas Legion** » Thu Dec 28, 2017 5:21 pm

Stage II of the Southern Economic Plan passed through both the Zhoghov and Senat in an all-day session

Sargis Nalian(@SNalHai)
^{28th December 2017 11:39 PM | Shamiramishen, Denikert}

A pleased-looking Ardavast Krjalian, Nakrarar for Trade, Industry and Energy, leaves his Ministry's building shortly after the results were announced.
Photo courtesy of Azgayin Konvents’ia Photography Group.

Shamiramishen, Denikert:

Today the governing has scored a major victory as its flagship bill, the Stage II of the Southern Economic Plan Act, passed through both the Zhoghov and Senat in a special all-day session called by the Speakers of both Houses to ensure that the act was passed promptly and without any of the delays that have prevented its passing historically.

The Act passed with a majority of 333-222 in the Zhoghov and 61-44 in the Senat.

Notably, there were rebellions among the coalition's ranks within both houses of the legislative; in the Zhoghov, 46 members of the DRP (Democratic Republican Party) and 3 members of the MDP (Millenium Democratic Party) voted against the Bill, while in the Senat 5 members of the DRP (Democratic Republican Party) and 2 members of the MDP (Millenium Democratic Party) also voted against it. The recently fired Ador Galinyan is known to have been a silent critic of the Bill, calling for a fully redone plan instead of an update of the original. Ela Valiani and Aram Kellejian, the current Nakrarars for Law and Land and Marine Transportation respectively prevented the government of Eli Arcahas from passing the Act through the Senat in 2000 by rebelling against the party line, although neither has overtly indicated any opposition to the current Act.

Although these rebels did not prevent the passing of the Act, they seem to be an initial symptom of wide inter-party divides within some members of the governing coalition. Whether these divides are widened further or not remains to be seen, but even if the known rebels do break away, as has been done before, then the current coalition still retains a majority in both houses of the legislative albeit one slimmed down to some extent.

Ardavast Krjalian, Nakrarar for Trade, Industry and Energy, dismissed any worries about a split within the party. 'We've always been a broad church political party with relatively lax enforcement of the party line; we split from the Democratic Party due to the rigid enforcement of the party line, with many candidates being de-listed from elections over perceived rebellions. There is zero chance of a split happening, and even if one did, I highly doubt it will be anywhere near as damaging as that which happened to the Democratic Party.'

The Arrajin Hyupatos, rather than issuing a separate statement on the matter, stated that he 'fully endorsed Mr Krjalian's statement' and that 'if there is a split, it is because the splitters chose to do so, not because we forced their hand.'

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by **Marirana** » Thu Dec 28, 2017 8:28 pm

OPINION - POPULISM MUST BE DEFEATED TOMORROW
The centre has made mistakes in Marirana - but populists of the right and the left will not provide salvation

Virginia Morceli (@MorceliVirginia )
29 December 2017 | Santa Maria, Marirana

Anti-Revolutionary candidate Rose Michelozzi at a campaign event in Santa Maria
Photo courtesy of Gianni Bertolotti.

SANTA MARIA, MARIRANA - The presidential election tomorrow in Marirana will be one of the biggest tests of Mariranan democracy since the return to democracy in 1987. Never before has the conclusion of the country's political future been in such doubt, thanks to the influence of two populists - Lorenzo Occhetto and Alfonso Hatoyama - in the race.

Since the fall of the military dictatorship in 1987 the Coalition of Democratic Action - an electoral alliance of the Sotirian democratic Anti-Revolutionary Party and the liberal Radical Liberal Party - has won every presidential election since whilst maintaining a presidential majority in the House of Councillors and House of Senators. Its easy therefore to see the case Occhetto and Hatoyama (a former president from the CPLD who was expelled from the ruling coalition following an impeachment against him) that the current problems of Marirana are entirely down to the policies of the centrist political elite of the CPLD.

True, the CPLD has especially under the presidency of Giorgio Macciocchi has lurched from crisis to crisis. Whilst the economy has weak growth the 2014-2016 recession has decimated business, increased debt and seen significant rises in poverty. The security crisis has worsened considerably whilst the earthquake embezzlement scandal has discredited large swathes of the political class.

Yet neither Occhetto or Hatoyama can provide the solutions Marirana needs. Occhetto is a radical leftist who seeks to upend Mariranan democracy with his "Social Revolution" and destroy the economy with his "Social Collectivism". Hatoyama's talk of overturning corruption stinks of hypocrisy considering he as president was impeached for corruption. Both candidates if elected would take a sledgehammer to Mariranan democracy and create their own, personalist regimes in its place.

The problem for those in Marirana who wish to continue the current principles of the Mariranan state - constitutional democracy, free-market economics and a pragmatic foreign policy - is that the dis-creditation of the political class has led to several centrist candidates - Paolo Dallavalle, Dario Lorenzin and Maurizio Zanetti - to also contest the presidency. Whilst the proliferation of centrist candidates indicates that the democratic centre of Marirana still holds, it increases the possibility that the centrist vote will be split and allow a run off between Occhetto and Hatoyama - a precursor to disaster.

Rosa Michelozzi - daughter of former President Oliviero Michelozzi and former Prime Minister - may not be the ideal candidate. Indeed, the CPLD might have misread the public mood by nominating a deeply establishment candidate when populism is rife. But the deep social cleavages, economic instability and rampant conflict means Marirana needs firm - not authoritarian - government - and Michelozzi is most suited to this role.

Michelozzi in her time as Prime Minister helped stabilise the economy after the 2014 crash, was instrumental in approving of JDF assistance in counter-insurgency operations and was personally uninvolved in the corruption scandals that have assailed the Macciocchi administration. Her support for an investigation into corruption means that Michelozzi has listened to public concerns regarding corruption and is willing to act upon it in contrast to the caricatures of her painted by Occhetto and Hatoyama.

In foreign affairs Michelozzi is respected by Marirana's allies in contrast to Occhetto - a shrill for Althira - and Hatoyama who has called for good relations with the neo-National Functionalist Rhakhataa. In security affairs, Occhetto will empower the leftist militia's and Hatoyama bring back the military regime of the 1970's - neither such course would occur under Michelozzi.

As stated, a Michelozzi presidency would not be perfect - the failures of governance in the past few years demand a form of change. If the election was on that basis alone, Dallavalle's pro-business, pro-reform programme would be the clearest one to support. Yet the presence of populism renders this moot, and as it stands Michelozzi is the only candidate that can defeat such populism. As such if Mariranan democracy is to survive, a Michelozzi presidency is the only - if imperfect - option on the ballot.

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by **Ruttland** » Fri Dec 29, 2017 7:27 pm

ANALYSIS - CAN THE "PURPLE" GOVERNMENT FINISH ITS TERM?
After ten years in government, the Modern Centre-Cooperative grand coalition could yet unravel as the political extremes flourish

Otto Pfitzner (@Opfitzner)
30 December 2017 | Westbrücken, Werania

Foreign Minister Viktor Oberhauser (left) Chancellor Dietrich Wittmann (right) at an EC summit in October
Photo courtesy of Adele Steinhäusl.

WESTBRÜCKEN, WERANIA - The past decade for the "purple government" of the centre-right Modern Centre and centre-left Cooperative party has been one of surprising success - the Weranian economy has grown at a solid pace recording a surplus this year whilst there has been no serious divisions in policy areas. Abroad Chancellor Wittmann's centrist, pro-Euclean government is hailed as a model for Lévesque-Walker austerity measures with financial markets praising the traditionally social democratic Cooperative Party for supporting Modern Centre's fiscally conservative policies. Largely both parties have avoided any substantial scandal, earning the government even more praise.

However, the government going into the new year may begin to see this run of good luck start to run dry.

The coalition so far has been united on the issue of fiscal responsibility - but with a budget surplus the goal of the government, the elimination of the deficit, has been achieved. In the 2015 election the KOP campaigned on the platform of softening the PMZ government's austerity measures, and with the deficit gone will almost certainly push for greater spending. Meanwhile, the economic liberals within PMZ - such as Welfare Minister Manfred Todenhöfer - have argued that the current government has been to timid in its fiscal policies and that greater cuts in government spending and more expansive privatisation is needed to revive the economy.

Euclean policy also presents an issue for the government. Under Wittmann PMZ has become the most pro-Euclean party in Werania, despite its history of supporting close ties with Vredlandia putting the traditionally pro-Euclean KOP into an uncomfortable position of being the more critical voice of the EC in the coalition - especially since KÖP leader's Viktor Oberhauser's preferred candidate Carolein Dykstra lost to the PMZ-endorsed Alexis Walker in the EC presidency race in October.

Most pressing for the coalition as a whole however is the efforts of Rainier Lautenbach, the leader of the National Consolidation Party, to revive the moribund NKP by refashioning it into a radical right-wing populist force, supporting a form of economic nationalism, anti-immigration sentiment and strident anti-Eucleanism. Whilst the legacy of sectarianism means that few of Modern Centre's voters will back the NKP, such a fact does not hold true to the working class base of the increasingly centrist KOP whom Lautenbach's populist policies could entice. The pro-immigration stance of PMZ thus may again force KOP to stake out a stance in opposition to Wittmann - and once again drive a wedge in the ruling coalition.

The biggest threat Lautenbach presents to the ruling coalition however is by normalising Eucleaspectism into a political position. Until now, Eucleaspectism has been confined to the left-wing Greens and far-right Democratic Alternative - however, if the NKP begin to politicise the issue into their platform than the Eucleaspectic factions of PMZ and especially the KOP could seek to divide the government especially near the parliamentary election in 2019.

Finally, the grand coalition runs the risk of removing differences between the main parties and further encourage the political extremes to rise as a result. Some - such as PMZ backbencher Willy Engels - say that if the two parties continue the purple government there's a "good risk that the moderate parties of the centre will be marginalised. Already the NKP has allowed the extremes to reign freely in an attempt to get power - if people see us as being the same as the centre-left, we risk the same process happening in the coalition parties".

The possibility of the purple government collapsing is fairly small - Wittmann and Oberhauser are still broadly popular and discontent in the parliamentary parties remain on the fringes. Yet both parties should be mindful of the challenges they face in the upcoming year.

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by **Marirana** » Sat Dec 30, 2017 10:50 am

ELECTION '17 - OCCHETTO AND HATOYAMA TO ENTER JANUARY RUN OFF
Right-wing Hatoyama barely edges out centrist Rosa Michelozzi to face leftist Ochetto on the 14 January

Virginia Morceli (@MorceliVirginia )
30 December 2017 | Santa Maria, Marirana

Lorenzo Occhetto (l) and Alfonso Hatoyama (r) will be on the ballot in the second round
Photo courtesy of Gianni Bertolotti.

SANTA MARIA, MARIRANA - Official results for the first round of the 2017-2018 presidential election show a surprise result as left-wing candidate Lorenzo Occhetto is projected to face off right-winger and former president Alfonso Hatoyama in a run-off scheduled for the 14 January.

With 98% of ballots counted, the Electoral Authority has stated that Lorenzo Occhetto of the Democratic Left Alliance has overwhelmingly prevailed in the first round with 44.1% of the vote (12 million ballots in all). In a shock result centrist Rosa Michelozzi - widely projected to enter the second round - came third with only 4.5 million votes (16.55) whilst rightist Alfonso Hatoyama got 5 million (16.5%) of the vote. Other candidates such as Paolo Dallavalle, Maurizio Zanetti and Dario Lorenzin got 3 million (11.2%) 1.5 million (5.8%) and 1 million (4.2%) respectively.

The result is a historic rejection of the Mariranan ruling class and an embrace of populist politics as for the first time since the restoration of democracy in 1987 a candidate from the Coalition for Democratic Action (which has ruled Marirana since that date) will not be on the ballot, leaving two political outsiders (Occhetto and Hatoyama) to be in the running for the presidency.

Occhetto has thanked his supporters for "ensuring that the social revolution will be carried through, by beating the powers of the media and the oligarchy" whilst Hatoyama stated that the result "was that of the people demanding that the failure of governance should end. Real democracy starts now". In contrast Michelozzi in a concession speech stressed the election "showed the vibrancy of Mariranan democracy, even with a flawed result".

Why did the centre lose so badly?
The centrist parties went into the election with a disadvantage of being associated with the unpopular Macciocchi administration. Yet no one predicted Rosa Michelozzi, the candidate of the hegemonic CPLD, would tank so badly with a measly 16.5% of the vote.

The spectre of the Macciocchi administration - with its fiscal crisis's, corruption allegations, suspected human right abuses and perceived kowtowing to Asteria - was probably the main factor in the centre's appalling results. But there were also other problems to account for as well. The centre-right policy after dominating Marirana for over three decades is becoming ideologically bankrupt being unable to respond to the current socio-political issues affecting ordinary Mariranans. The political elite have become self-serving and isolated from the real needs of people, only looking out for themselves - evident in that this year they nominated the daughter of a former president who expected the election to be a coronation rather than an expression of the people's will.

Michelozzi was also hampered by the wide range of centrist candidates - Dallavalle, Lorenzin and Zanetti - ran in the election, splitting the vote - this was the key reason Hatoyama entered the second round, as he only mustered under 2% ahead of Michelozzi's vote. The fact that two of the candidates - Dallavalle and Zanetti - ran because of the corruption of the Macciocchi government however shows that even the centre ground of Marirana was unable to fully support the political establishment.

What happens now?
With the results in, both candidates will now need to campaign to voters beyond their base if they are to win in the runoff on the 14 January. Yet with two such polarising candidates with firm populist styles, its not sure which of the 37.7% voters who did not vote for the two candidates they will have to appeal to if they are to clinch victory.

Seemingly Hatoyama has more in common with the centre-right Michelozzi, Dallavalle and Zanetti but all of them have been unflinchingly critical of the former president - Zanetti, who ran on an anti-corruption platform, most so. Yet all of their policies do not coincide with Occhetto's left-wing programme, especially their foreign policy which differs widely from Occhetto's anti-imperialist positioning.

Whilst both candidates could theoretically modify their programmes as a compromise to getting the support of other candidates, such an outcome is unlikely for the simple fact that both Occhetto and Hatoyama have based their campaigns on a message of no compromise - and are unlikely to therefore shift their positions to appease a discredited political centre.

Both Hatoyama and Occhetto benefited from mobilising non-voters - the turnout of 82.3% was mainly boosted by the presence of non-voters voting for the two populist candidates. Both politicians benefited from an anti-incumbency effect against Michelozzi, but face the obstacle that either one could be subjected to an "anything but Occhetto/Hatoyama" campaign given their extremely polarising natures.[/align]

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by **Valentir** » Sun Dec 31, 2017 6:06 pm

PRIME MINISTER MOVES FOR RECONCILIATION WITH DISGRUNTLED COALITION PARTNER
Ahead of a party referendum on its coalition agreement, the Prime Minister comes to the table in an attempt to save his government

Caitlyn Kelley (@caitlynk)
^{31 December 2017 | Valema, Valentir}

With the Assembly still in winter recess, the Prime Minister hopes to secure his coalition before the CDP's vote next year.
Photo courtesy of Riley Townsend

Valema, Valentir -

In a desperate attempt to salvage his coalition government and preserve his premiership, Prime Minister Fairfax announced this morning that he will be negotiating with the leader of the Centre Democratic Party, Olivier Marchal, and his deputy, Gaultier Babineaux, at a conference before the end of New Year's Eve.

The conference, which will be held at the Houses of Parliament this evening, will also be attended by several members of cabinet, including Deputy Prime Minister Atamorie Tamayo (NLP) and Minister for Infrastructure and Urban Development Jonathan Mayer (CDP).

Prompted by an upcoming referendum regarding their party's membership of the government benches, the prime minister hopes to appease the rebellious elements of the CDP by renegotiating the terms of their coalition agreement.

The referendum, introduced at the CDP convention shortly before parliament's winter recess, was approved in a 75 to 30 vote by ranking members of the party. Scheduled for 5 January 2018, the referendum would witness the party's 203,874 registered members vote on whether or not the Centre Democrats should withdraw from the government benches and return to the opposition.

In the event of a successful vote to withdraw from the coalition the National Liberals would be left with a minority government, 31 seats short of a majority.

For the Prime Minister it would be a humiliating defeat that could very well be the end of his tenure. No longer possessing his honeymoon approval ratings in the polls and with few legislative victories under his belt his conference tonight will determine the longevity of his premiership.

After months of turning a blind eye to the increasing discontent within the Centre Democrats, the Prime Minister has assured the progressive elements within his coalition that their concerns have been "acknowledged" and he is committed to "addressing them."

Despite holding the confidence of his party to successfully negotiate its continued hold on the reins of government, the Prime Minister may have to go further than merely "addressing" the myriad of issues that divide his coalition.

Fundamental differences on a series of central foreign and domestic policies and issues, such as the controversial DIADEM Act, Valentiri membership of the Southern Coian Defence Initiative, and the absence of a cohesive legislative agenda have all contributed to the growing rift between the parties. While the list of grievances is quite considerable from the progressive wing of the Centre Democrats, the centrists within the party have also expressed disappointment with the lack of an inclusive manifesto and failed legislative progress.

Indeed there is no hiding the fact that despite promises of hope and change it has been an especially frustrating year for Valentiri as the economy enters a sluggish recovery and the country's relevance worldwide dissipates. Disappointment with the year's progress has also been shared by members of the National Liberals and even the Prime Minister himself, who, along with President Ashton, has indicated an ambitious agenda for next year is in the works.

As the end of the year approaches and the political stability of the country once again appears volatile, all eyes are on the Prime Minister as the future of the coalition and the possibility of another hung parliament and yet another snap election cast doubt on the future of the country.

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by **Hyndana-** » Sun Dec 31, 2017 8:36 pm

Green Solution to a Stinky Problem
Country's Largest Energy Company seeks to make a Profit from Garbage

Jayesh Bhola (@JaBhola)
^{31 December 2017 | Lalpur, Hyndana}

New refinery in the outskirts of Lalpur begins production

LALPUR - The country's largest energy conglomerate, Bhuleshwar Industries Limited, has announced that a new plant processing garbage entered operation last week in the outskirts of Lalpur. This project is the latest bey by Bhuleshwar to find an environmental solution to the garbage crisis of Hyndana. Currently, the country produces around 173,432 tons of garbage per day from its urban population. Less than 20% of daily garbage output ends up being recycling or adequately processed hygienically. Although Bhuleshwar is not a company responsible or tasked to deal with the garbage crisis, its corporate leaders see a potential to profit greatly from garbage refining.

More specifically, the plant that was recently opened aims at producing approximately 76 million liters of methanol and ethanol combined annually. It shall done so by converting 280,000 tons of garbage per year (767.12 tons per day). This method stands out as revolutionary due to its sophisticated use of certain enzymes in order to gasify the material waste, while other methods require the use of furnaces in order to increase the temperature of the garbage to very high levels. Evidently, the latter is less efficient and more energy intensive. It may even have a serious carbon footprint if coal or oil is used. Ultimately, in many cases, with the latter method, the costs make it uneconomical. The Bhuleshwar Enzyme Process (BEP) stands as a proprietary process, held as a trade secret, that has been the product of years of research and dozens of trial-and-errors.

In addition to the methanol/ethanol output, throughout the refining process other solids and inerts are generated. According to experts, these can also be sold as construction material and aggregates. The additional product creates another revenue stream, reducing the overall risk of the project as it does not solely depend on the production of just one thing. To analysts, this factor cannot be a distraction, however. The plant's main goal is to produce methanol and ethanol, and thus both substances remain an essential part of the business model.

Bhuleshwar Industries stated that it will begin the construction of two more identical plants in other major cities. Experts conclude that Bhuleshwar is trying to become a major methanol and ethanol producer in the country. By doing so, it could sell its methanol to industrial producers (such as plastic and pharmaceuticals, among others) and its ethanol to everyday consumers (gasoline containing the substance). The business model is particularly attractive since the company does not spend money to buy the garbage. Instead, it takes it at a discount cost to the local government (usually half of what the traditional landfills and incinerators charge).

An Empire of Garbage?

The conglomerate is already making moves in other countries as well. Similarly to deals within Hydana, the company shall take the garbage and only charge half of what the traditional waste managers charge. If controlled by the government, then it shall be half of what the operation would cost in the market. Bhuleshwar's efforts abroad are seen as a strategy to create economies of scale and expand the coverage of this new business model.

Fars: According to Bhuleshwar, the company has signed an agreement in which the Farsi Government allows the company to acquire up to 70% of the volume of garbage that is currently not being recycled and that is suitable to this project. In exchange, Bhuleshwar will charge half of what other companies are currently charging this government for the handling of this specific volume or the costs that it incurs if the government does so itself. The deal opens a potential industry of approximately 69 million inhabitants.

Phula: With Phula, Bhuleshwar has been able to secure 70% of the volume of garbage that is currently not being recycled by that country and that is suitable for the refineries. Interestingly the proposal falls largely in line with the Phuli Government's green initiatives looking to curtail the pollution in the country. The deal opens a potential industry consisting of approximately 62 million inhabitants.

Federation of Asteria: The spokesperson of Bhuleshwar announced that the deal with the Asterian Federation was "hard won but worth it." After intense negotiations that even included the Hyndanan and Fed Governments, both sides came to a comprehensive agreement. In this specific country, Bhuleshwar will create a subsidiary that will be owned by the former and a major Fed company with expertise in the industry, with equal equity ownership. In the deal between both governments, !Samsung (OOC: NAR, let me know when you got the name of this company so that I can edit this out) agrees to open the Coian continental headquarters in Lalpur in exchange for market access to Hyndana.

Negara: This deal came as a surprised to many experts as both nations are geopolitical opposites. Many interpreted this deal as signaling that in the business world there is still opportunities among corporations to close deals despite the political environment. Bhuleshwar announced that it successfully closed a deal with the Negaran Government where it secured up to 50% of the volume of garbage that is currently not being recycled by that country and that is suitable for the refineries. This is by far one of the largest foreign deals in this area as it opens a potential industry consisting of more than 500 million inhabitants.

Denikert: In Denikert, the energy conglomerate announced that it had secured access to the country's garbage output. The 52 million nation will see a similar deal to the ones closed in other countries. Bhuleshwar announced that the deal will not affect the larger geopolitical forces in the region. In addition, the Hyndanan Government has reassured its allies that it will continue to fulfill its obligations in the future.

Rhakhataa: Bhuleshwar stated that this was one of the most complex deals closed in the marathon to get the project started. Since the nation has accomplished important goals in its recycling, the conglomerate announced it had secured less than 30% of the volume of garbage that is currently not being recycled and that is suitable to this project. The importance of this location however is that the country is a net importer of garbage from the rest of Euclea as well as a generous state in fiscal benefits for green initiatives.

Nematsu: With Nematsu, the energy conglomerate informed investors that it secured 45% of the volume of garbage that is currently not being recycled and that is suitable to this project. The deal with the 120 million nation also comes as a surprise to many analysts and investors as it becomes the first major deal closed in the corporate world between both nations. As was the case with other nations such as Denikert, Bhuleshwar clarified it was not a political deal and would not affect any diplomatic ties.

Roeselle: The energy conglomerate announced that it had secured 60% of the volume of garbage that is currently not being recycled and that is suitable to this project in the Roesellen nation. Similarly to the deal with the Asterian Federation, the Hyndanan Government was involved in closing a larger deal that focused on shipping logistics for the trade routes between Hyndana and Roeselle with Akalia as an important transshipment hub. With this deal the company secures a potential industry consisting of around 87 million people.

Akalia: In Akalia, Bhuleshwar successfully closed a deal that secures 60% of their volume of garbage output that is not currently being recycled and that is suitable for the refineries. In addition, the conglomerate will include the country in its shipping centers list for the movement of relevant goods in order to participate in the deal between both governments. For the conglomerate, a construction of a specialized station to handle methanol and ethanol will be a future project to tackle in the near future, according to their spokesperson.

Amathia: Finally, for Amathia, the energy conglomerate announced that it had secured 65% of the volume of garbage that is currently not being recycled and that is suitable to this affair. The deal also fits perfectly with the Amathian Government's environmental goals which is one of the main reasons why the company secured such a healthy volume. This deal also stands as the first major corporate deal with the nation, signaling the beginning of important relations in the corporate world between both countries.

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by **Alinora** » Mon Jan 01, 2018 12:53 am

A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
Today marks the 87th anniversary of the end of the Battle for Tantan, the Federation's first major battle of the Great War

Ben Underguard (@BenGuard)
January 1st, 2018| Antona, Federation

Federal Marines on the outskirts of Tantan, Akalia - November 10th, 1930
Photo courtesy of the Citadel Department of Picture Records

In Remembrance -

While millions of Asterians take today to celebrate the start of the New Year, reflecting on their experiences in 2017 and planning to make 2018 even better, the Federation also takes today to mourn and remember the sacrifices that were made in defense of this country. 87 years ago today - January 1st, 1931 - the Federation claimed victory over the Entente in the Battle for Tantan after a struggle that lasted over five consecutive months. The battle, which served as the Federation's first major sustained engagement, marked a turning point in the Badawiyan Theater and indeed in the entire Great War.

The Battle for Tantan, a medium-sized coastal city located near the Akalian-Asafiyahan border, began on the 21st of July, 1930. Aided by Akalian resistance fighters, the Federation had spent months driving Gaullican armies from the country with relatively-little resistance. However, reinforcements had arrived from mainland Euclea in June-- launching a counter-attack against Army units in the south and stalling their advance while Marines continued to drive along the coast. As a result, the Marines under the command of Lt. General Robert Titus were flanked, pushed against the coast at Tantan, and pinned.

Marines would hold out against the Gaullican onslaught for over five months, withstanding an estimated total of thirty major attacks, and would suffer over 12,000 casualties. While a large sum, the Marines inflicted over 27,000 casualties on the Gaullican forces. Marines broke their encirclement on January 1st - regrouping with the rest of the Federal Army - and would return on the 23rd to retake the city. A year after the battle's start, on July 21st of 1931, Entente forces would surrender Badawiya at the Battle of Saivan.

Today, the Battle for Tantan is regarded as one of the major turning points of the Great War. It marked the beginning of the end of the Entente's occupation of Badawiya, and set into motion a series of events that would lead to the ultimate defeat of Gaullica and the Entente. President Avery spoke from the State House today in remembrance of those who gave their lives in Tantan. "As Asterians, we hold the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform close to heart. We owe to them our freedom, and it is debt that we can only repay by utilizing the liberties granted to us by their sacrifices to the greatest possible extent. Today marks the end of the Battle for Tantan, where twelve-thousand Asterians made sacrifices for our country-- over seven thousand made the ultimate sacrifice, and gave their lives. We take today, the First of January, to celebrate the start of a new year, but to also mourn and honor those who gave everything they had so that we could live freely, and in peace."

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by **Marirana** » Thu Jan 04, 2018 3:34 pm

GIFA CHIEF DIRECTOR - MARIRANA NEEDS TO RETAIN "COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC STABILITY"
Micheál Fitzpatrick states that "experiments in macroeconomic populism will be dangerous" in perceived swipe at left-wing candidate Lorenzo Occhetto ahead of presidential vote

Virginia Morceli (@MorceliVirginia )
4 January 2018 | Santa Maria, Marirana

Global Institute of Fiscal Affairs Chief Director Micheál Fitzpatrick
Photo courtesy of Gianni Bertolotti.

SANTA MARIA, MARIRANA - In an official statement released from the Global Institute of Fiscal Affairs Chief Director Micheál Fitzpatrick has stated that Marirana needs to maintain a "commitment to economic stability and debt-reduction fiscal strategy" in the coming years if it is to "continue to adhere to the conditions of its Economic Restructuring Programme to ensure economic prosperity". Fitzpatrick further warned that "experiments in macroeconomic populism will be dangerous for longterm economic prospects in Marirana".

Since 2014 Marirana has been in an agreement with GIFA to receive bailout funds from the organisation following the recession that year in return for adhering to several economic restructuring policies including cutting government spending, devaluation of the lira, privatising government industry, liberalising tariffs, removing subsidies and committing to achieving a balanced budget by 2020. Despite the government's policies being successful in restoring growth, there has been an increase in poverty due to cuts in subsidies and social programmes.

Fitzgerald also stated that Marirana's debt reduction strategy is crucial in meeting its GIFA-commitments and has praised the current administration for "ensuring Marirana's fiscal problems are being met" stating significant progress has been made in reviving the Mariranan economy.

The policies promoted by the ERP has been criticised by both the current presidential candidates slated to face off against each other on the 14 Janaury, with right-wing candidate Alfonso Hatoyama vowing to renegotiate the ERP whilst Occhetto has proposed exiting the agreement completely after meeting some kind of agreement with Marirana's creditors, including GIFA. However, political analyst Michele Giannino has stated that Hatoyama does "not present a major threat to creditors, whilst they are more afraid that Occhetto would brush off the agreement as "odious debt"."

Fitzpatrick's comments are seen as a tacit disapproval against an Occhetto presidency, resulting in criticism from certain sectors. Occhetto himself condemned Fitzpatrick for his "blatant disregard for Mariranan sovereignty in his attempt to influence our elections" stating the comment was proof of "GIFA imperialism". Hatoyama conversely has pointed to Fitzpatrick's intervention as "proof of why an Occhetto presidency will be the death of Marirana and the complete wreckage of our economy".

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by **Alinora** » Mon Jan 08, 2018 12:29 pm

LIBERALS PROMISE 'BIG COMEBACK' IN 2018 HOUSE ELECTIONS
Liberals in government plan for a massive-scale "takeback" of the House of Representatives in this years' election

Ben Underguard (@BenGuard)
January 8th, 2018| Antona, Federation

Rep. Phillip DeLuca (L) of Yankton has been leading efforts by the Liberal Party
Photo courtesy of the Joshua Brynt

In Politics -

Though 2018 has only just started, members of the House are already gearing up for this year's Congressional elections, with Liberals gaining much of the attention as they start off the season early. Standing-representatives have already taken the initiative to hold their respective districts, while new candidates have started campaigning to oust their Conservative opponents. House Minority Leader Phillip DeLuca (L) of Yankton's 4th District has been a vocal part of this effort, as he coordinates with Liberal candidates through Yankton, and with fellow Representatives in Congress. He said to the press that "2018 will a big, big year for the Liberal Party", stating that "we have fostered a grassroots movement to reach out directly to the Asterian people and promote true transparency of government." He would add that "Congress has more-closely resembled the Citadel in recent years-- locked up and secretive in their work. Our objective is to shed the overwhelming Conservative majority and restore transparency to our government, and encourage more bi-partisan efforts that benefit the people, not just a single party or demographic."

House Conservatives have yet to offer an organized response, though some members of the House suggest that the party is "unprepared" to match Liberal efforts. House Majority Leader Gregory Ferrand (C) said to Sentinel News that "Conservatives need to meet our Liberal opponents on the grassroots level if we're going to have any chance at maintaining our position this year."

Liberals some to election season this year with a number of talking points, though the primary focus is on rapidly-evolving foreign policy and social issues like gay marriage, transgenderism, and abortion. Liberal political commentator and author Julia Blund spoke on the matter in her recent book Changing Asteria: Analyzing the Federation in the 21st Century. In her book, which was published in 2016, she predicts a large-scale Liberal comeback in this year's election caused by "the rapid change in Conservative policies and principles". She spoke to Sentinel News last on the third, criticizing the "apparent warmongering of the Avery Administration, which violates some of the core principles of Asterian Conservatives that have always advocated for putting Asterian interests first." She also mentioned the potential for Federal intervention in Asafiyah, and the refusal of President Avery to acknowledge the "suffrage of LGBT Asterians". "This if off-putting for lots of Asterians, who were already-split over Avery, and now are learning that he's no different than any other Conservative leader."

William Bennett, a Sentinel News contributor and renowned right-winger, refuted Julia Blund's claims. "The Asterian people haven't in-large been disenfranchised or betrayed by Conservatives the way it's being portrayed-- that was Ronald White alone, and that problem was rectified when Avery won the primaries, and then the election. The idea that the Asterian people are going to suddenly have some Liberal Epiphany and pull a total 180 on beliefs they've held their entire lives is not only stupid, it's dishonest, and it's being pressed by the Liberal establishment as some new scare tactic aimed at the average Conservative Asterian. They're saying: 'your side has failed you, they're failing this country, and if you don't vote for me then you're voting for war and the suppression of civil rights.' It is utter nonsense, especially considering the fact that Avery was handed the war in Mariana, and has actually reversed a number of discriminatory White-era policies-- the Mason Acts, for example."

With Liberals and Conservatives already gearing up for election season, political analysts in Jackson suspect that this year's House elections will be more intense than 2016's, and could mean big changes. It may become harder for Conservatives to pass certain bills, though an increased Liberal presence would likely promote more bipartisan efforts.

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by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Mon Jan 08, 2018 5:43 pm

THE DEAL TO SECURE FARSI CHEMICAL WEAPONS IS A THREAT TO OUR DIPLOMATIC CREDIBILITY

Frank Casarnach - Guest Columnist (@fcasarnach)
^{7 January 2018 | Spálgleann, Glytter}

Foreign Minister Julie Royce, Glytter's top diplomat, was reportedly side-lined during the negotiation process.

The deal made by the government of Taoiseach Jimmy O’Reilly and the Farsi regime is horribly flawed. Not only did it sideline international protocol, but it does nothing to hold the military regime of Fars accountable for violating international statues the country ratified. O’Reilly allowed the Farsi government to get away with its crimes. This damages Glytter’s international standing in the world and is detrimental to our national security.

For nearly two months, the O’Reilly Government undermined efforts to apply sanctions to Fars for violating the agreement in both the EC and the CN, preventing the international community from effectively applying pressure on the Farsi regime. This is a break from a long diplomatic tradition of leading efforts to hold states accountable for their actions, not shield them. It was revealed that, in the end, O’Reilly moved to shield Fars as he secretly hashed out a deal with the regime over their chemical weapons program. It appears that, in exchange for a lack of international sanctions, Fars was willing to hand over its chemical weapons stockpile, and those it says are responsible for it.

O’Reilly had no right to pursue this deal. This is not a bilateral issue. Fars violated international law, not Glytteronian law. Not only is this an issue for the international community, but for every signatory of the statue against chemical weapons of which Fars violated by illegally acquiring its stockpile. This was not an issue for the Glytteronian government to to negotiate on its own. It is not the only interested party.

Sources within Clare House indicate that Foreign Minister Royce had “little to no role” in the deal. According to sources within the Cabinet, Royce submitted her resignation back in November. Since then, it has been reported on numerous occasions that Royce and her staff are frustrated with O’Reilly.

As reported by TRN in mid-December, one senior official within Clare House said that the Taoiseach was “simply ignorant” when it came to diplomatic relations. While this is expected of a Taoiseach young in his tenure with little foreign policy experience, there is usually a procedure in place. In this instance, the selection of Royce, a principled and internationally respected figure with a deep understanding of both foreign policy and the armed forces, should have been the remedy. While I was disappointed with O’Reilly’s decision to dismiss me from my post, I was relieved to know that Royce would be taking my place. However, it is apparent that O’Reilly is blatantly ignoring the most experienced diplomat in his administration. That is why this disastrous deal with Fars was not only negotiated in secret, implemented without international monitoring.

If this was done properly, O’Reilly would have offered to host a series of talks between Fars and the international community, most likely represented by the Security and Legal Councils of the CN. Our unique status as a non-aligned country with strong diplomatic credibility would have allowed us to mediate between the Farsi regime and the international community. Thus, a proper deal, with the consent of the international community, could have been achieved out in the open instead of in secret behind closed doors.

We still do not know who negotiated on behalf of the Glytteronian government, but leaks indicate that Royce was not involved. Without the country’s senior diplomat negotiating for us, one must wonder who in this freshmen administration did. Was it O’Reilly himself? Or perhaps it was his chief of staff, the equally inexperienced and unqualified Darren McGovern. Either way, it was a mistake not to have Royce negotiate on behalf of our government. The Farsi regime could have easily manipulated O’Reilly with false promises. Thus far they appear to have been compliant, but with no binding agreement between Fars and the international community there is no procedure to ensure that they remain committed to this botched deal.

Instead of taking the Farsi for their word, which I do not mean to call into question too severely, an international commission should have been tasked with overseeing the transportation of and subsequent destruction of Fars’ chemical weapons stockpile. Instead, the Farsi regime is tasked with doing this virtually on their own. While they will be handing the weapons over to the CN for destruction, they will be transporting them unsupervised. This commission should have also been tasked with inspecting storehouses and taking an independent inventory of the stockpile. While we have no reason to suspect the Farsi government is withholding information, it is standard diplomatic protocol to independently verify these things. Given that the Farsi military maintains significant influence over the civilian government, if the Farsi top brass decide they want to keep some of the illegal chemical weapons, who is going to stop them? How can we trust them to hand over the weapons on their word alone?

Besides, has anyone ever heard of any of the Farsi officials arrested by the Farsi regime over the issue? They all maintain low profiles or are subservient to higher ups. These men are nothing more than scapegoats. Sure, they took part in the violation of international law, it is extremely unlikely that key figures within the Farsi military were not involved. Yet, not a single one of the criminals being handed over to the international courts in Estmere is from the military. They are all nameless civil servants or legislators. The Farsi military knew damn well about this illegal program, it was, after all, the party who stored the stockpiles. At a minimum, it was complacent. At most, it was behind the initiative. O’Reilly prevented a full, independent, international investigation from taking place when he agreed to the terms of this deal.

The irresponsible nature of the O’Reilly Government has put now President Walker in an awkward position. Walker has publicly indicated she was “reluctant” to accept Fars word on the issue. O’Reilly, being a novice diplomat, failed to enter into any formal talks with the Farsi regime. There are no accords, there is no resolution signed by Fars committing it to the arrangement.

It has been reported that, in private, Walker called the deal a “regrettable gaffe” that could render “disastrous results”. A spokesperson for the EC President has consistently declined to comment, saying that Walker’s private remarks are private.

Walker is one of many international figures raising the alarm over the deal. Within the EC, the Director for Foreign Affairs raise similar concerns. Likewise, officials and diplomats alike across the world have raised concerns.

Denikert, Fars’ fierce adversary and the presumed target of the chemical weapons program, has been one of the loudest critics of the agreement. It’s membership in both the CN and the International Council for Democracy could spell trouble for Glytter.

In Carcosa, where the chemical weapons are scheduled to stop, elected officials have raised opposition to increased ties to Farsi companies and the transport of the weapons.

The Federation’s Ambassador Reichart, their top representative within the CN, said she was “deeply troubled” by the lack of CN involvement. President Avery took a hard stance against the Farsi regime over the issue and indicated that the Federation would be involved in any measures to bring about the destruction of the weapons. It is a fair analysis that he is most likely displeased by this deal for that reason alone.

In addition, a plethora of CN diplomats and representatives of NGOs have criticized the deal.

It is no secret that O’Reilly views BHIGS as invaluable and has publicly called for close ties between its membership. It is most likely that he has acted to shield Fars in its interests. However, unlike the rest of the organization Fars is a very flawed democracy. It’s regime cannot act freely of the military. While strong ties with Fars, an oil-rich nation, may be good for our economic standing in the world, our diplomatic reputation should not suffer.

Does the fact that the O’Reilly Government initially acted to suppress any mention of Glytteronian involvement in the deal say anything? Yes, it says a lot. It says that O’Reilly was not willing to put his name on this, a strong indication that this deal is slated to end in diplomatic disaster.

This deal is horribly flawed. I hope that O’Reilly learns from his mistakes before it is too late. I hope that he gives Royce a seat at the table again and listens to her expert advice on this issue, and all other matters of foreign policy.

Glytter stands alone on this deal. O’Reilly must own it. If it is a roaring success, good on him. He played a risky game and it paid off. However, if it fails, he must also own it then. His name cannot be disassociated with this deal.

Frank Casarnach served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2014 to 2017. Previously he served as Minister of Petroleum and as COO of RPG. He is currently TC for Bulfawst North and the leader of the Margadh Coinbhinsiún, the right-wring group of Liberty Party TCs. His opinions are his own, and do not represent the Glytteronian Broadcasting Federation or the Kylaris Union of Broadcasting.

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by **Kisinger** » Tue Jan 09, 2018 9:50 pm

LAST MONTHS ELECTIONS LEAD TO THE GREATEST POLITICAL CHANGE IN NEGARAN HISTORY
The elections that were held last month are the most important since the first in Negaran History.

Hamdani Kuwat @kuwathamdani
July 21st 2017| Kota Merdeka, Negara

Photo courtesy of Agung Ary Santoso.

Kota Merdeka -

The Recent Negara Assembly Elections coupled with the subsequent Head Director election, have become known as one of the largest upsets in the history of Negaran Politics.

The results of which caused the ‘Negaran Party of Social Democracy’ to hit its lowest amount of representation in the Negaran Assembly securing only 33% of the vote, with the PArty of Workers and Farmers securing almost 54% of all votes cast with the other 17% going to either minor regional parties or independence parties.
While the elections are widely considered a upset, it appears the numerous crises amid the Directorate following the discovery of numerous Negaran Intelligence officers in Pualu Emerald, and the accusations of adultery and pedohilia amid the ‘Negaran Party of Social Democracy’ in the Assembly and Directorate. The instigation of conflict by the Head Director also greatly caused fear in many Negarans who previously viewed Gaullica as a trading partner and a fellow member of the ICD. These mishaps appear to have tarnished their long standing reputation as the leading Negaran political party.

No on the other side of the coin, the ‘Party of Workers and Farmers’ secured a majority of the Negaran Assembly as well, won the Head Director elections, giving them a guaranteed majority on the Directorate as well. Though they were plagued by some controversy especially after Yuda Ambonta revealed sensitive information, and the Directorate was continually split, in the end their resistance to conflict with Gaullica won them the assembly, Directorate, and Yida Ambonta the position of Head Director.

Overall, this election has permanently changed the landscape of Negara and will most likely usher in, hopefully, a period of friendlier relations with Gaullica following the Pualu Emerald Crisis

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by **Liecthenbourg** » Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:40 am

ALEXIS WALKER IS THE PRESIDENT THE EUCLEAN COMMUNITY NEEDS.
"Alexis Walker represents a consistent variable that has proven to work."

Alexandre Lévesque - Guest Columnist
^{10 January, 2018| Verlois, Gaullica}

President of the Euclean Community Alexis Walker.
Photo courtesy of the Office of the Community President

Kesselbourg City, Kesselbourg -

Since her electoral victory on October 22nd, I've heard many people call President Walker, my friend Alexis, numerous things. Boring. Uncharismatic. A stick in the mud. Others claimed that Euclea needed not a Glytteronian Libertarian to guide its course.

As if what we required was a red-shirted bureaucrat from Kesselbourg, for instance.

But contrary to the foundationless opinions of these remarks, they could not be further from the truth.

President Walker is a much needed consistency that the Euclean Community requires. Her platform is strong and stable, economically sound, and already she has managed to renew the coalition of natural governance; the Euclean Triumvirate - the Socialist Alternative for Euclea, the Alliance of Conservatives and Democrats for Euclea and the Euclean Liberal Party. This, to me, does not sound like the management of an uncharismatic individual as a President.

The President's plan and agenda are fitting of a modern state concerning itself with international finance, the threats of global instability, the resurgence of the 'Great Game', environmental problems and the expansion of our ever closer union.

Her proposals to streamline the processes of deregulation, to make them more than arbitrary cuts in the hopes of doing something, aim to make Euclean industry the most competitive they have been in years. With the continued rise of the Southern Coius Workshops of the World; Negara, Songguo and Hyndana - it is essential for the Euclean Economies to undergo these much needed processes.

Her radical defence of the citizens of Nouvel Anglet as Euclean Citizens prove to me - as they should prove to you - that Madame Walker is a woman with strong convictions, who will fight for her beliefs in our beloved Community. This also proves to me that she has the determination, demeanor and resolve to wither the storm that is the crisis brewing in the deserts and flood plains of Asafiyah.

Like many across Euclea, Alexis Walker is also an ardent supporter of Euclean Military independence from both large players near her doorstep, the Federation of Asteria and the Althirian Union. Walker aims on building upon the legacies of my administration, and those before me, by bringing together the militaries of Euclea in a more expansive Joint Defence Programme. The much discussed revelation of the suggestion of the Euclean Academy and what it represents highlights that she will not be the 'Glytteronian Pacifist' that many perceived her to potentially be, given her home's large dedication to political neutrality.

In the fight for Global Education, Walker was fundamental in the creation of the Euclean University programme as Taioseach of Glytter. I can imagine her commitments to the proposals and deals we made will continue further beyond under her tenure.

Ultimately however, Alexis Walker represents a consistent variable that is proven to work.

She is bringing in change that all can support.

And this must be discussed in her proposals and promises to reform the commitment of Euclean Debt. Walker proposes that the Euclean Community take upon the debts of her member-states. Many of my fellow Conservatives may snuff their nose at the Community intervening further in the direct economic affairs of its member-states, but this is how it has always been. The mission statement of the Community is one of fostering the economic development of all the Euclean Economies within its umbrella. Those riddled or cramped with debt will be extensively relieved by the Community fostering their weight. Once the states themselves become economically sufficient, then can they pay their debt back off to the Community. Such a trade-off, in Walker's plans, makes economically sound sense for the member-states and any potentially joining member state.

The former Taioseach of Glytter was an excellent choice for the President of the Community, one that I am sure will see us prosper as we enter the third decade of the 21st century.

Alexandre Lévesque served as President of the Euclean Community from 2009 to 2017. Previously he served as President of Gaullica from 2002 to 2008 and as a Senator in the First Chamber of the Gaullican Senate as a member of the Gaullican Conservatives. Additionally, he was Minister of the Overseas States under the Heaux Administration. He currently manages a trust fund in his name, as well as sitting on the Board of Directors for Carrefour. His opinions are his own, and do not represent Le Monde or the Kylaris Union of Broadcasting.

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by **Marirana** » Thu Jan 11, 2018 10:59 am

OCCHETTO - "STRONG CHANCE THE ELECTION WILL BE RIGGED AGAINST ME"
Left-wing presidential candidate also blasts GIFA Chief Director Fitzpatrick for "meddling in Mariranan affairs" and calls opponent Hatoyama a "corrupt puppet of foreign parasites"

Virginia Morceli (@MorceliVirginia )
11 January 2018 | Santa Maria, Marirana

Lorenzo Occhetto giving a press conference
Photo courtesy of Gianni Bertolotti.

SANTA MARIA, MARIRANA - Speaking to reporters today, left-wing presidential candidate and front-runner Lorenzo Occhetto has claimed that there's a "strong chance that the election will be rigged against me" due to "corrupt foreign forces who seek to undermine the independence of Marirana". Occhetto stated that the Mariranan government has "a history of electoral fraud, because the elite do not want the people to win" and has warned "if there is malpractice, we will lead a revolution against the elite, against the corrupt".

Occhetto's accusations come at a point where the left-wing candidate has a commanding lead in the polls against his right-wing opponent Alfonso Hatoyama, despite the majority of former presidential candidates including Rosa Michelozzi and Paolo Dallavalle endorsing the former president. Occhetto criticised the right-wing presidential candidate as a "corrupt puppet of foreign parasites" for "cooperating with forces that could undermine Mariranan democracy". In a further criticism of Hatoyama Occhetto pointed out that the former had "been a member of the [Party of National Reconstruction] during the dictatorship...any spawn of that regime can't be trusted with Marirana". Occhetto stated that if he was elected he would "repeal the 1988 amnesty law that protects those who brought great crimes upon Marirana...Hatoyama, as a creature of that regime, would continue to ensure those people who killed our people, raped our women, brutalised our children, remain free".

In his diatribe Occhetto also criticised GIFA chief director Micheál Fitzpatrick for "meddling in Mariranan affairs" in his announcement regarding the election, with Occhetto stating "Fitzpatrick and his kind have already leeched off the Mariranan people and subjected them to his free-market dogma. We don't need to hear from him and his cronies anymore." Occhetto during the press conference reiterated his desire to restructure Marirana's debt, and denied that he would write it off as "odious debt".

"Look, it's a lie that we seek to write the debt off. That would hurt rather than help people. However, it is clear that the debt needs to be restructured if creditors want a guaranteed return. What we're proposing would benefit both the people of Marirana and creditors in the long term; moreso than committing to policies that have been proven to fail, as the current government and Hatoyama have pledged to do".

Occhetto also reiterated his desire to negotiate with groups considered to be terrorist organisations by the JDF, such as the 26 May Movement and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Indigenous Peoples, stating such groups are "essentially reasonable...we are still committed to stamping out drug cartels. They are the real cancer, but as long as the Federation, Roeselle and the government keep wasting time on these groups we are letting the cartels tear apart our country."

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by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Thu Jan 11, 2018 10:55 pm

O'REILLY GOVERNMENT DOGGED BY CONTINUED CRITICISM OF FARSI CHEMICAL WEAPONS DEAL
A normally easy week for the government has seen the government defending itself from international criticism

Catherine O'Neil (@cathyogbf)
^{11 January 2018 | Spálgleann, Glytter}

Minister of Foreign Affairs Julie Royce has reportedly been sidelined on this issue due to personal opposition.

SPÁLGLEANN – Foreign and domestic criticism has intensified in recent days over the chemical weapons agreement made between the Glytteronian and Farsi governments.

In what is normally an easy week for the government after it unveils its priorities during the King’s Speech, the O’Reilly government has found itself on the defensive.

The deal made between Glytter and Fars regarding the latter’s illegal stockpile of chemical weapons has been at the center of an international debate.

A plethora of foreign elected officials and diplomats have decried the deal.

Euclean President Alexis Walker, Taoiseach Jimmy O’Reilly’s predecessor, ramped up her criticism of the deal as concerns continued to grow.
“While this deal was pursued with nothing but good intentions, it is unfortunately flawed” Ms. Walker said yesterday.

“This should have been pursued in conjunction with the international community at large, I regret that this was done bilaterally. The EC will be increasing its efforts to ensure that Fars remains committed to this deal”.

A senior official within the Euclean Commission indicated to the Gaullican Le Monde that, should Fars renege on the deal, the EC would impose a series of potentially crippling sanctions on the Farsi economy.

“The Farsi regime must be held accountable for such a flagrant violation of international law” the official, who spoke to Le Monde on the condition of anonymity, said.

“What’s done is done, but what we can do is ensure the Farsi government remains committed to handing over its chemical weapons stockpile”.
The Federation’s President Avery both “dangerous” and “misguided” after the country’s ambassador to the Community of Nations continued her own criticism of the agreement.

Fars’ closest ally, Hyndana, has also, somewhat unexpectedly, criticized the terms of the agreement. The country’s Foreign Minister described the deal as “ignominious” on Twitter, adding that the “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”.

Another unexpected critic of the deal was the Valentiri government, whose Foreign Minister described the deal as “imprudent compromise that threatens the stability of the region”. Valentir is a member of BHIGS, the economic group to which Fars and Glytter also belong.

In the wake of intensified foreign criticism, Loveland House has largely declined to refute the criticism directly. Instead, a statement released by Loveland House said that the deal “prevented the use of illegally acquired chemical weapons during wartime and marked a desire of the Farsi government to abandon a doctrine of unconventional warfare”.

A source close to the Taoiseach said that Mr. O’Reilly was acting in order to ensure Fars did not pull away from the international community and enter a period of militarized isolation.

“If the Farsi military felt threatened by the international community, the consequences would have been disastrous. Democracy would have been fully suspended in Fars and the civilian government would have lost control of the country as the military moved to ensure it was in a position to defend itself” the source said.

However, many within the Liberty Party are declining to defend the Taoiseach or the deal.

Foreign Minister Julie Royce, who was reportedly excluded from the negotiations leading up to the handover deal, has consistently refused to comment on the subject.

A spokesperson for Clare House said that it would be “improper” of Ms. Royce to comment on “classified information”.
However, senior officials within Clare House have consistently criticized the Taoiseach over the deal and have leaked sensitive information about it.

The most recent leak was of a memo written by Ms. Royce sent to her top staffers. The memo said that the Foreign Minister had advised Taoiseach O’Reilly to pursue a “policy of full transparency” regarding the deal, but that Mr. O’Reilly rejected this advice.

“In lieu of this, we will continue business as usual. We cannot make classified information public knowledge without [Taoiseach O’Reilly’s] consent, and as such we will not” she said, interpreted by many as a swipe at Clare House officials behind the leaks.

However, the Taoiseach’s apparent rejection of Ms. Royce’s advice indicates that he will continue to sideline Glytter’s most senior diplomat on the issue, something bemoaned by ex-Foreign Minister Frank Casarnach in an opinion piece published on Sunday.

Mr. Casarnach’s op-ed reignited the debate over the chemical weapons deal domestically. Following its publication, many of the opposition parties have since to attacked the deal.

Stiofán Mac Suibhne, the leader of the Social Democrats, has repeatedly called the deal “dangerous” and “irresponsible”.

“We cannot abandon our principles to shield our international partners from the ridicule they deserve for violating international standards and conventions simply because it is convenient to our agenda” Mr. Mac Suibhne said this morning as he continued to criticize the deal.

“This has seriously caused me to question the ability of the government to effectively conduct foreign policy”.

The National Party has also heavily criticized the chemical weapons deal, with its party leader calling it “absolutely destructive”.

“This deal serves to appease a military regime. It does absolutely nothing to hold the regime accountable. Yes, it secures the weapons, but where is the punishment? The Farsi government illegally produced chemical weapons to use on civilian populations, and our Taoiseach is helping them get away with that” Liam Ó Cuillinn, who has led the party since its establishment last year, said in a statement.

Mr. Ó Cuillinn told reporters last night that he is “seriously considering tabling a motion of no-confidence” against Taoiseach O’Reilly.

“I have very little confidence that he can effectively lead us, and as such it is only logical to consider this measure”.

He also criticized Glytteronian membership in BHIGS and Mr. O’Reilly’s plans to expand Glytter’s role within the organization.

“We have to wonder what Glytter, which is often rated as the world’s most democratic state, has in common with a proto-military regime across the world. I fail to understand why [Taoiseach O’Reilly] insists on bringing us closer to such a regime when we could instead work closely with actual democratic states, both within the EC and the Asterian Development Council”.

The Centre Party and Glytter Democrats, who serve as the junior partners in the governing coalition, have stood by Taoiseach O’Reilly.
A spokesperson for the Centre Party said the deal “removed illegally produced weapons of mass destruction from the hands of a powerful and unpredictable military”.

Interior Minister and Glyt Dems leader Máire Mac Briain told reporters that the deal was “essential to ensuring the safety of the civilian populations of Fars’ neighbors”.

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by **The Amathian DR** » Fri Jan 12, 2018 10:30 am

EXPLOSION DAMAGES THE "ASTRUL PURPURIU" OIL PLATFORM
An explosion damaged an oil platform in the Snagov Lake, while Amathian authorities are struggling to deal with the disaster

Alexandra Verescu (@averescu)
12 January 2018|Cararia, Amathia

The Astrul Purpuriu oil platform, roughly 20 minutes after the explosion
Photo courtesy of George Arun

Cararia, Amathia -
An otherwise peaceful night was ruined at 21:56 AST, on the 11th of January, when a fire was reported on the Astrul Purpuriu oil platform in the Snagov Lake by one of the employees. The crew apparently panicked, and their confused and somewhat chaotic response is rumored to have found no trace of fire on board of the rig. And yet, 10 minutes later, at 00:06 on the 12th, two explosions shook the platform. Fire quickly engulfed the platform, and the employees made no efforts to keep it under control, and at 00:10, the crew was ordered to abandon the platform, right before a third explosion was apparently felt, in a hasty evacuation that is rumored to have abandoned at least 10 of the crew's 96 members on the platform. As oil was spilled in the water surrounding the platform, the boats of the crew quickly distanced themselves from the doomed installation. Despite the fact that the fire was even visible from the coast in that very night due to the very clear and calm weather, and despite the fact that it was obviously visible from the other platforms that were surrounding it, the incident was reported to the Amathian Coast Guard (Paza de Coastă Amathiană-P.C.A.) only at 00:30. For reasons still unexplained, the response of the Coast Guard was incredibly slow and unorganized, with civilian boats arriving first in order to help the survivors. Ships of the P.C.A. only arrived at the scene at 01:15, but those ships were poorly equipped to deal with such a disaster. The platform continued to burn, releasing toxic smoke into the air and spilling oil into the water surrounding it for another hour, with the first properly equipped ships arriving only at 02:15. As this article is being written, at 21:00 the fire is still raging on, but the authorities are claiming that everything is under control and that the fire will be quenched soon. As Amathia and the rest of the world is waking up in front of such a disaster, a single question seems to be present in everyone's minds. How did something like this happen? And why did the authorities respond as slowly and ineffectively as they did?

In a televised speech at 07:30 in the morning, Carmen Dan, the Minister of Internal Affairs (Ministrul Afacerilor Interne - M.A.I.) on behalf of the Frontul de Centru (the Center Front) party, gave only a few explanations, mostly blaming the crew of the platform for the incident. An investigation is apparently under place, but the carefully chosen words of the Minister were unable to hide the fact that the Amathian authorities have absolutely no idea about what had just happened. Mrs. Dan has also been unable to give a proper answer on how the Coast Guard and the Ministry of Internal Affairs are going to deal with what seems to be one of the biggest environmental disasters of the decade - the oil spill that is currently spreading in the Snagov Lake. Mrs. Dan claimed that environmental damage will be minimal, and that the M.A.I. is mobilizing an armada of ships and aircraft to contain the oil slick. Several NGO's have already claimed that the M.A.I. has no idea what it's doing. The hazard of an accident on the oil platforms in the Snagov Lake had already been reported by several organizations last year, but the Coast Guard and the M.A.I. were apparently poorly prepared to deal with such a disaster. The Government has also apparently refused to call for help from the Euclean Community, claiming that it has everything under control - but right now, the water currents are pushing the oil slick towards Rhakhataa. Sources inside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs claim that the Rhakhese Government has still not been officially contacted, but the validity of this claims is contested. A response from Rhakhataa is however still awaited.

The platform is reportedly owned by the well known Gaullican company République Pétrolière, but the company has not yet released an official statement in regards to this incident. While it is still far too early to know what has happened on board of the Astrul Purpuriu during the night, some sort of an accident or failure seems to be the most likely explanation, with various theories, ranging from a terrorist attack, to an internal conspiracy or to an alien operation have been spreading on social media. Surprisingly enough, while the response of the Government has been slow and disorganized - the Prime Minister and most of the members of the Presidency still have to release their statements - Augustin Valeria and Maria Vereș, the members of the Presidency on behalf of Soria and Preida, noted for their membership in the opposition parties of the League of Equalists and Democrats, and of the Constitutional-Democratic Union respectively, have both released their statements in the morning, well before the speech of Mrs. Dan. Mr. Valeria and Ms. Vereș have released their statements at roughly around 04:00 in the morning, criticizing the response of the competent authorities, and asking for a coordinated response from the authorities and organizations in question. Both have highlighted the possibility of this accident turning into a major environmental disaster. It seems that the Astrul Purpuriu incident, as the press has started to call it, might shake the Amathian politics to their core. Many people have arrived in the city of Cararia early in the morning, with the city being the closest coastal settlement to the platform, and the police has deployed more units than usually in order to keep everything under control.

Adevărul will continue to keep you posted on this horrible incident.

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by **Marirana** » Fri Jan 12, 2018 11:34 am

HATOYAMA UNDER FIRE FOR LINKS TO DICTATORSHIP
Evidence uncovered by our reporters indicate Hatoyama was "substantially involved" in the 1972-1986 civic-military regime

Virginia Morceli (@MorceliVirginia )
12 January 2018 | Santa Maria, Marirana

Stock photo of Hatoyama, 2015
Photo courtesy of Lauretta Savoldo.

MONTICELLO, MARIRANA - New evidence uncovered by investigative reporters has revealed that right-wing candidate for president Alfonso Hatoyama allegedly been an informant for the then secret police, the Inter-Provincial Security Agency (ASIP), during the civic-military dictatorship of 1972-1986. According to the documents, Hatoyama had received payments from ASIP to inform on members of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Action after he joined the organisation in 1980 under the codename "Wong".

Hatoyama - who worked as an economic adviser to the regime from 1975-1980 - has previously denied that he was an informant for the regime during the 198-0's, stating such evidence was fabricated by the regime and political opponents to discredit him.However the evidence discovered today according to the National Archives is "fairly conclusive" of Hatoyama's involvement.

Hatoyama is protected from any legal charges as per the 1988 amnesty law which dictates that any individual part of the regime who committed crimes during that period is cleared of any wrongdoing; Hatoyama has indicated that if elected president he would maintain the law on the grounds that he "does wish to open national divisions from the past again".

However, the allegations are damaging as they come at a time when Hatoyama is trailing in the polls behind left-wing challenger Lorenzo Occhetto, who has said Hatoyama's plans for temporary military governance in regions worst affected by the insurgency was a smokescreen for the restoration of the former military regime. Hatoyama has denied such claims, albeit he did praise the regime for its "firm policies against fifth columnists".

Political analyst Gianno di Rupio opinionated that the evidence "is not going to change opinions of Hatoyama - those who think he was the stooge already of the regime will just see their views confirmed, those who don't care aren't going to change their minds. What is going to change is what happens when whoever is elected. Occhetto has pledged to repeal the amnesty law, so there's a very real chance that he would go after Hatoyama for such links once the law is repealed."

"As for if Hatoyama is elected, expect the reaction from civil society to be very strong. There's no way Occhetto won't mobilise his supporters to oppose Hatoyama's policies if he is elected, and expect such resistance to be far more serious now.

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by **Commonwealth of Hank the Cat** » Fri Jan 12, 2018 3:08 pm

STEINHAFEN SELECTED BY JDF FOR 2018 CONFERENCE

Francais Baldrik(@realFrancaisBalrik)
12 January 2018 | Steinhafen, Eisenkuste

Overseer Hamlim will represent Eisenkuste at the conference
Photo courtesy of Parliament.

STEINHAFEN, EISENKUSTE - The JDF High Command has announced that it has selected Steinhafen as the host for the upcoming three-day conference involving the leadership of all JDF nations. The JDF claims that the city will be of "strategic benefit" to the conference, as Eisenkuste's location away from Marirana - whose ongoing coopertivist insurgency will be a major topic at the conference - will prevent the conference from being attacked by terrorists.

The four-day conference will involve all of the JDF leaders, including figures such as the Supreme Commander of the Joint Defense Force in Asteria Charles Collins and president of the Federation of Asteria, President Avery discussing issues such as the Mariranan Insurgency and human trafficking currently plaguing the JDF nations, along with scheduling wargaming and joint training exercises for 2018 between the JDF member state's militaries.

For the duration of the conference, JDF joint command troops will be present alongside units of the Eisenkuste National Army in Steinhafen to provide security in the conference.

Eisenkuste has recently sent troops to the JDF Joint Command in Marirana to help combat the insurgency. Public opinion towards the pledge in Eisenkuste has recently been split after the Asterian Federation launched a airstrike on a insurgent-held location in Marirana, causing the death of around 15-18 civilians. Many have begun to criticize Overseer Hamlin for the pledge. A public protest was held on January 10th by anti-intervention activists, and was suppressed by local police figures. Despite this, Overseer Hamlin's approval rating's remain high. Overseer Hamlin has promised to address the issue of the attack in the conference. Some analysts in Eisenkuste predict that the small movement will bolster with size if the insurgency, in it's current state, continues poorly for the JDF, and will involve into a general anti-war movement.

The Steinhafen city government has warned residents and visitors that many areas may be blocked off during the conference and will be working with the JDF security forces to do as much as it can to reduce the impact on local business and transport throughout the city.

The ruling National Party has stated that they expect "good tidings" from the conference. Federation Overseer Adalbert Hamlin and Federation President Hannibal Hidlebrand represent Eisenkuste as the conference.

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by **Ostrozskan Provinces** » Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:46 pm

PRIME MINISTER TO ANNOUNCE CABINET RESUFFLE ON TUESDAY
Prime Minister Ladislav Kovarik will reshuffle the almost four-year-old OSLP-CAO government on Tuesday after months of delay

Leoš Blažek (@LeosBlazek)
^{12 January 2017 | Rýmařov, Ostrozska}

A highly anticipated shake-up, the PM has held off for months on a potential reshuffle for unspecified reasons.
Photo courtesy of Libor Bartoš

Rýmařov, Ostrozska -

As the grand coalition government between the Ostrozskan Social Labour Party and Civic Alliance of Ostrozska approaches its fourth year in power Prime Minister Ladislav Kovarik announced this morning that he will be reshuffling his veteran cabinet on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister's spokesperson, Ivo Polak, informed the Rymarov Times that the reshuffle and subsequent swearing-in "should take place around noon on Tuesday."

The reshuffle, overseen and finalized by both the Prime Minister and his deputy, Kazimír Dvořák, will see one-third of the cabinet either sacked or promoted in one the most ambitious reshuffles in recent memory.

While it is currently unknown which ministries will see a change in leadership there is sufficient evidence to suggest that Marián Radek, the Minister of Internal Affairs, and Valentin Kryštof Martin, the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, are due to expect promotions. Sources from within the government as well as a number of political commentators state that both individuals are possible replacements for the retiring Deputy Prime Minister.

There is also an abundance of rumours surrounding Ludvík Řezník, the Minister of Health, who has clashed regularly with members of the Civic Alliance regarding the government's health policy. Despite remaining a key ally of the Prime Minister it is within the realm of possibility that he will be out of the cabinet on Tuesday.

A passionate, no-compromise politician, Řezník is a likely obstacle for the coalition as the government begins to draft its new healthcare plan for 2018.

OSLP Party Chairman Nina Klimy and Chief Whip of the House of Deputies Přemek Máselník are both retiring on the 15th which opens up either position for Řezník should the Prime Minister desire to remove him from government but keep him within the party as part of the governing apparatus of the OSLP.

Although none of the details concerning the reshuffle are set in stone it is clear that the Prime Minister is starting the new year with a renewed sense of authority as the end of his term approaches.

With elections scheduled for September of this year the OSLP-CAO coalition has laid out an ambitious legislative agenda for the new session of Parliament. With new ministers at the helm it is expected to be an extremely busy year for MP's as they tackle the numerous issues currently on the table.

Both the cabinet reshuffle and new legislative agenda signal to many within the political sphere that both parties are committed to maintaining their grand coalition for the 2018 elections as the polls illustrate a positive approval of the government's performance over the past four years.

A detailed list for the coalition's legislative agenda is expected to be released the following Friday after the reshuffle.

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by **The Ik Ka Ek Akai** » Sat Jan 13, 2018 10:12 am

OIL SPILL SHOCKS ALL SURROUNDING
An Amathian oil spill threatens the entire vicinity with heavy pollution

Mohan Kunsang ( @MKFlopot )
13 01 2018 11:30 AM | Pushkarma, Phula

An aerial view of an oil spill, with characteristic "rainbow stoner reflections" shining off of the ocean surface.
Photo courtesy of Ajay Joshi.

CARARIA, AMATHIA - Early yesterday morning, a fire spread out of control on an Amathian oil rig, culminating in an explosive disaster. The fire continued to burn well into the night, and though we have received no official report about whether or not it was finally quenched, we can only hope for the best. Even still, after quenching, there will be much pollution to worry about as the remaining oil continues to spill and spread. Survivors were rescued from the water by an early civilian response, with the coast guard making their appearance later to attempt to control the situation. The question on everyone's minds, however, is not how this happened, but why?

The first and foremost issue that has been discussed was the slow response of the coast guard, to the degree that civilians were the first to respond and the primary saviors of those left floating in the water against an inevitable flaming spread. Although Amathia is not the wealthiest country in Euclea, and it holds a sizable coastline, and even with the knowledge that the fire was in a lake, it is still baffling that they were unable to respond in due time. Had it not been for the efforts of the civilians, a much greater tragedy could've occurred, and because of their failure to contain the problem within short order, there is much tragedy still to come. The pollution will, undoubtedly, begin to effect the natural ecosystem of the area.

The civilians are not entirely free of blame, however. According to available details, despite the unusually clear conditions and the bright burning of the fire, it took over 20 minutes for anyone to report the explosions and the bright blaze to authorities. This is blatantly irresponsible behavior for any sentinel of the environment, but also endangered the lives of dozens in their refusal to act in lieu of not reporting. Phula may be a landlocked country, but this author is certain that all of that time was not squandered preparing rescue boats. The inexplicable delay, then, at which these people operated has had no explanation given and can only be assumed to by a symptom of apathy and a lack of community. Indeed, this may be a moral tale for many years to come.

It is not entirely the fault of the onshore groups. Even the corporation involved failed to take any precautions regarding the incident. As custodians of their employees, and wardens of their own profit, one would think that those in charge of the rig would have every incentive to keep it safe and operational. Yet, despite this expectation, a blatant disregard for safety was deployed instead. When the fire was initially reported, no steps were taken to defeat the blaze while it was in a small and controlled state. The negligence of the crew or any of the authoritative figures on the rig led to two explosions, followed by procedures abandoning crew members on the flaming vessel. Up to 10 workers have been reported missing since the evacuation, and authorities fear the worst about the events aboard the rig and the situation of the missing employees.

The organized disorganization cannot be pinned on any singular group, and the lack of preparation when a group deals with something as volatile as oil is an astonishing reminder to all fossil-fuel based energy economies of the danger and need for caution associated with the field. It is a reminder that authorities must be ready and plan for such incidents. It is a reminder that authority figures aboard the decks of these machines must be orderly and prepared to avoid the unfortunate casualties of accidents. It is a reminder that the citizens of these economies must be responsible- no response can be too large, no incident can be reported too many times, but if one is not reported at all then the situation gets out of control.

Nearby Rhakhataa is believed to be threatened by the spill, despite having strict beliefs and protections to prevent such events. Had this been contained to Amathia, then the citizens of the world could shake their heads idly and say that they had brought it upon themselves, but due to the threat it poses to neighbors and the ecosystem as a whole, it simply cannot be ignored. In an even more confusing move, the Amathian government has refused to call upon its allies to aid in the cleanup and recovery effort- a move that threatens to allow the spill to continue to grow faster than it might be able to be cleaned and to cause exponential damage to the local environment for years to come.

Some in Phula state that the word should move to a cleaner energy source entirely. Throughout the country, wind turbines and nuclear energy plants provide a great degree of the nation's electrical needs. Phula is also known to sell this energy to nearby states in what it calls "the Green Effort". To many, it is incidents like these which give the Green Effort so much popularity in Phula, and one of the driving reasons that the Phuli government constantly pushes its allies to develop ever-stronger alternative energy sectors. Now, with the Amathian spill making the news, it's possible that the government may make even harder pushes in years to come.

In summary, a host of irresponsible practices led to a great disaster that spreads its threat well beyond those responsible for it, and the environment is likely to be damaged for years after cleanup efforts cease. Many hope for a push towards a much greener economy after the disaster, and an investigation into the incident is an absolute necessity to determine the root of the issue, what went wrong, and to prevent such a disaster from happening again. Although Amathia has not requested outside aid in cleanup efforts, it may cease to be an option they can ignore in the coming week. We here at Flowerpot Magazine will keep you covered on all the details as they come.

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[/quote]

by **Marirana** » Sun Jan 14, 2018 8:41 am

OCCHETTO WINS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WITH 59.3% OF THE VOTE
Avanti Marirana candidate on track to become the first left-wing president in Mariranan history

Virginia Morceli (@MorceliVirginia )
14 January 2018 | Santa Maria, Marirana

Occhetto waving to supporters following the announcement of his history
Photo courtesy of Lauretta Savoldo.

SANTA MARIA, MARIRANA - Early results for the presidential election indicate that left-wing candidate Lorenzo Occhetto has clinched the presidency of Marirana with 59.3% of the vote beating right-wing candidate Alfonso Hatoyama who got 40.7%, ending over 30 year of centre-right government and becoming the first socialist president in Mariranan history. Turnout was 84.9% with 6.6% of votes being invalid.

In a victory speech to supporters Occhetto stated that "this is a victory for Marirana, a victory for the common people against the elite interests. The era of neoliberalism and imperialism is now over - we need to now build a safe country, a prosperous country where the people not the elite have real democratic power".

Occhetto's victory could be the precursor to a radical realignment in Mariranan domestic and foreign policy. In the latter particularly, Occhetto has been critical of the Federation and other members of the JDF whilst promoting better relations with developing countries and left-wing states like Althira. Occhetto has also proposed entering a dialogue with left-wing insurgent groups, a policy opposed by Asterian President Avery. However, Occhetto has stated that drug cartels are "vermin who need to be exterminated" stating "no deals will be made with cartels and other organised crime outlets".

Occhetto's victory came after a presidential race dominated by issues such as corruption, national security and poverty. The governing Coalition for Democratic Action had become discredited after presiding over an economic and security crisis - whilst growth has increased by 3% in 2017 and unemployment has been reduced to 5.5% from its high of 16% in 2014, poverty currently stands at 62.7%, the highest rate since the 1990's. Occhetto has proposed institutional reforms to deal with corruption whilst also pursuing new anti-poverty programs, explicitly ruling out "neoliberal solutions to our current economic crisis".

Hatoyama disputed Occhetto's victory, stating "there is fraud - the elite and the left have conspired to keep our movement out of power"
and has urged his supporters to take to the streets to protest the result. President Giorgio Macciocchi has congratulated Occhetto for his victory, albeit has also stated that "hopes Occhetto will govern in the national not sectional interests".

Voting was largely peaceful with the army and federal police force being deployed outside polling stations to protect voters from violence.

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by **Alleniana** » Sun Jan 14, 2018 9:02 am

by **Liecthenbourg** » Sun Jan 14, 2018 9:25 am

GAULLICAN GOVERNMENT AND RÉPUBLIQUE PÉTROLIÈRE APOLOGISE TO AMATHIA AND RHAKHATHAA
The incident aboard the Astrul Purpuriu has sparked numerous responses from the Gaullican government and République Pétrolière.

Antoinette Giourd (@agiourd)
^{14 January, 2018| Verlois, Gaullica}

Maxence Poussin, CEO of République Pétrolière.
Photo courtesy of République Pétrolière

Verlois, Gaullica -

The environmental disaster on the oil rig Astrul Purpuriu within the Snagov Lake, which is owned by the Gaullican Company République Pétrolière, has sparked numerous reactions from Gaullica's governmental ministers and the public at large.

The Gaullican Government, which owns shares within République Pétrolière, has been led on a spearhead charge by Environmental Minister Élisabeth Lalonde. Mlle Lalonde has called for "immense action" on behalf of the Gaullican government to "properly address this Euclean Economic Catastrophe." The Gaullican government has confirmed the dispatching of several 'clean-up teams' to assist in the efforts within Amathia, and within Rhakhataa if their government permits it.

A diplomatic request, the Foreign Ministry has confirmed, was launched earlier today to the rogue state's ambassadors within Verlois.

President Vallette, during a speech about the incident at midday today, announced "deep regret and sorrow" for the incident and declared the Gaullican state "apologised for the actions it has a hand in" due to the state owned shares within the RP oil company.

Maxence Poussin, CEO of République Pétrolière, too announced that he and the company were "indebted" to the states due to the incident and put forward that "across all our oil rigs around the world we are conducting rigorous tests to make sure this does not happen again." RP has also pledged to donate a sum of its firstly economic quarter profits into the cleanup.

However, despite this show of solidarity and responsibility, Mlle Lalonde has called for "a shift away from the Gaullican state and government from associating itself with such polluting and damaging industries."

Members of the government have not yet commented on her decisions. Opposition Leader Devereaux however called for the "complete privatisation of [the industry]" under the pretext to avoid the government being associated in future environmental disasters.

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by **The Ik Ka Ek Akai** » Sun Jan 14, 2018 11:14 am

OLD HABITS DIE HARD 2
Following the violent incident involving illegal loggers in the Celestial Isles, yet another environmental disaster appears

Kai Ao'a ( @KaoTele )
01 14 2018 12:30 PM | Makuahine, Celestial Isles

Leftover tumbled logs from the illegal logging incident several months ago
Photo courtesy of the Yocatullic government

CARARIA, AMATHIA- An environmental disaster rocks the Euclean continent as Gaullican corporation RP allows its own rig to explode. Due to expectations of moral behavior from such companies, the citizens and government were slow to produce a response in the face of this disaster, leading to at least ten dead and many others injured. This injustice has yet to be punished, as though a small apology would be enough to overturn the massive environmental damage that has occurred within the lake already. That the company thought to drill there in the first place, despite most nations touching the lake explicitly banning such a thing, only brings to mind an all-too-familiar feeling of disappointment that many Yocatullic people have come to know all too well.

Several months back, a Gaullican company was caught illegally logging in the Yocatullic rainforest. They were met with a violent response by the natives, who took charge in arresting the criminals. Luckily, given that the loggers were aware of their illegality and had set up precautions, nobody was killed in the incident. After a brief hospital stay, the loggers were deported back to Gaullica where they were severely reprimanded. At the time, it was believed that this would be the end, but lately many have started questioning whether the large backlash of the incident would be enough to deter other corporations from attempting similar stunts in the future. To protect its land, the Celestial Isles has implemented semiregular sweeps using traditional scouting techniques to determine signs of activity. These sweeps can take up to a month in full, but they are necessary to ensure that no newcomers can further damage the environment.

As of this incident, the debate has been sparked again. In a move deemed highly illegal by most governments involved, the Amathian rig was allowed to drill in the relevant lake. While some pin the incident on Amathia, many others in the international Sublustrian community state that the Amathian government was working under the assumption that the rig would use all necessary safety precautions to ensure there would be no disaster. They point out that the slow response time by government and civilians was due to this expectation. Many in the community also point out that, just as with the logging operation, it was yet another Gaullican corporation conducting the affair. This brings them to question the culture that these corporations are allowed to operate in, and the ethics, or lack thereof, that are impressed upon businessmen in Gaullica. Of all the countries in the world, of all the industrialized states in the world, that it is two large Gaullican corporations showing blatant carelessness for the environment of foreign states regardless of the potential diplomatic and ecological crises that it may cause is astronomical odds.

The Gaullican government, which owns a large chunk of the shares of the corporation, has issued a formal apology. The corporation itself is dedicating a portion of its profits to the cleanup effort. Civilians, meanwhile, question the sincerity of these statements- having caused the spill to begin with, the corporation is not willing to cover the actual cost of cleanup on its own. Furthermore, had they truly been full of concern, they would not have allowed the incident to occur in the first place. Even more, they may have never chosen to drill in such a sensitive ecosystem with such wide-ranging consequences. These issues lead many to wonder the true nature of these entities and whether or not they are truly quite apathetic and only fear the backlash that comes after these incidents already occur, rather than seeking to prevent them in the first place.

It has been noted by other media outlets that the corporation has a stake in preventing these incidents from happening, as all the oil lost is profit lost from them, and the cleanup effort is a large drain on their profit likewise. Furthermore, the bad publicity they get from such accidents would deter other corporate entities and shareholders from associating with them in the future. However, others argue that the profit they get from not installing proper safety measures in their rigs, not training for safety protocols, and avoiding legal regulations around the globe more than makes up for the profit they lose in accidents. These same people also state that passing it off as unexpected accidents and dedicating themselves to the cleanup effort boosts their public relations and gives a facade of actually caring. If they are allowed to donate only partially to clean up the mess which falls solely on their shoulders, are they truly even taking a loss or dedicating themselves to the effort?

One observer, who wished to remain anonymous, had this to say: "It is deplorable how they are allowed to shamble and shuffle around without actually putting in an effort to fix their own mess. They rely on everyone else to do the actual work while they sit on the side making even more problems. Disgraceful, that's all it is. It's as shallow as all those politicians who send their thoughts and prayers without actually demanding something be done to fix the problem, and maybe even continue to enable it! These sorts of people go destroying the environment all around the world because they think it will never affect them, and that's disgusting. Well, guess what? This time, it's coming for you. If you don't fix this, the waters will carry it all the way back to Gaullica, and then everyone will see the poison and disaster you fat pigs bring to the world."

If our readers cannot tell, this commentator was particularly passionate about the environmental cause. Like many, he feels cheated and robbed by these corporations. Like many, he is disgusted that these incidents keep happening. Like many, he is now clamoring for much tighter regulations than ever before to put a final death-blow to the "corporate scheming" and "profiteering", and that business ethics be "reintroduced and forced upon them". What this author supposes, then, is that we must all ask ourselves why these companies are allowed to conduct themselves in such a manner until public backlash peaks. Furthermore, we must all ask ourselves why the company is named the Petrol Republic, and how true it may hold for its home nation.

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by **Alinora** » Sun Jan 14, 2018 12:55 pm

OCCETTO WINS MARIRANAN PRESIDENCY
Left-wing candidate wins Mariana's presidential election with 59.3% of the vote, becoming the first Leftist president in the nation's history

Ben Underguard (@BenGuard)
January 14th, 2018| Antona, Federation

President-elect Occetto shortly after his victory
Photo courtesy of Quotidiano Nazionale

Marirana -

In what appeared to be a landslide-victory, Left-wing candidate Lorenzo Occhetto has successfully won the Mariranan presidency, becoming the first Leftist to be elected to the seat of President in the nation's history. Occhetto won the election with 59.3% of the vote, with Right-wing candidate Alfonso Hatoyama slugging far behind at 40.7%. A remarkable 84.9% of Mariranans voted this year, with 6.6% of the votes being invalid.

President Avery was quick to congratulate Occhetto for his victory, though some speculate that this historic change in the Mariranan political establishment could greatly-jeopardize the relationship between Marirana, the Federation, and the greater JDF. During the campaign, Occhetto repeatedly displayed discontent towards the Federation and JDF and its military intervention in the country. He expressed desires to "open communication channels" with Left-wing paramilitary and insurgent organizations, expressing a "clear bias" as Speaker Richard Craft (C) said weeks ago.

President Avery made brief remarks to the Press this morning. "This Administration plans on promoting continued-cooperation with Marirana, though we do find it troubling that President-elect Occhetto seeks to reach out to Leftist insurgent groups that are plaguing the country. This is an apolitical conflict-- all of these organizations are cartels and are involved in the industry, even if they may hide behind a Coopertavist mask. If we are to see an end to this conflict, we can not afford to appease our enemies simply because they claim to be 'Left-wing'." Avery suggested that this topic will be discussed further at next month's JDF conference.

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by **The Ecclesiastical State of Tibernum** » Sun Jan 14, 2018 3:56 pm

HIS HOLINESS APPROACHES NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT OCCHETTO TO HELP BRING PEACE TO MARIRANA.
Tibernum Officials have confirmed that during his sermon early this Sunday, His Holiness did indeed suggest to become a mediator in ending the Mariranan Insurgency.

Julio Mendez (@MENDEZJ)
^{14th January, 2017| Tibernum, The Ecclesiastical State}

"President Occhetto speaks of peace, and dialogue - it is time we let people beat evil, and not let it rest on the fate of bullets and bombs."
Photo courtesy of Enrico Maxwell

Tibernum, The Ecclesiastical State -

"A Spectre haunts southern Asteria Superior." Pope Joseph mentioned during his sermon today at St Peter's Basilica. It was a hallmark to a previous speech, given last September, when his topic of choice was, once again the Mariranan Insurgency. "The spectre of narcotics. With a hand in every heart, holding the innocent, the weak,
the young, to ransom." The Insurgency has plagued a large part of his Papacy, and he has long advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, at least with its less-extreme members.

Not many thought it would be possible, for no matter how potent the Pope's words, Asteria's military industrial complex and the wishes of the Mariranan Government would always prevail.

But today, as the Pope declared, "Marirana has changed. Marirana willed changed. Marirana will change."

Left-Wing Candidate of the 'Avanti Marirana!' movement, Lorezno Occhetto, beat his competitor Alfonso Hatoyama to secure the Presidency of the country. Occhetto, who achieved almost 60% of the vote (59.3%) led a comfortable margin over Hatoyama, who was left in the far behind at 40% (40.7%)

Lorenzo Occhetto is a self-proclaimed "devout Catholic", which no doubt helped him greatly in the election, and has harked for consistent dialogue and diplomacy to bring peace to Marirana. Indeed, he has called for an 'end' to 'Asterian Imperialism', which puts his country's membership within the JDF - and its continued involvement in the Insurgency - into question. With such an 'unknown' in geopolitics, it is without a doubt that when His Holiness declared that "I seek to bring peace to Marirana." he did indeed mean to do so literally.

Clerical Secretary Bittencourt confirmed that "His Holiness indeed wishes to assist President Occhetto into bringing peace to Marirana."

The Pope himself has declared that he "knows" groups such as the 26th of May Movement and the DFLIP would be willing to come to the negotiating table. It is only the extremist, narcotic producing cartels that the Pope has described as "a troublesome development, one which event the President has had difficulty into bringing into his ideas of Mariranan Peace."

Close confidants of the Pope have also confirmed that His Holiness has opened communications with President Occhetto, having spoken to him to congratulate him on his victory and to "finally end" the Mariranan Crisis.

It is speculated that the Pope has also tried to communicate with the 26th of May Movement and the leaders of the DFLIP.

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