CCA Modern News Thread [Canon|IC]

[Paraboca]

THE ACADRE TRIBUNE
President Miguélez eyes boon in deepening bilateral ties with Caspiaa

Caspiaa is already the second-largest foreign investor in Paraboca, with major stakes in banking, shipping, retail, and the financial sector.

As Parabocan businesses grapple with high inflation and a sharply devalued currency, a recent visit by President Oriol Miguélez to Caspiaa is kindling hopes that deepening bilateral economic ties tween the two countries will open up new avenues of trade and investment with other West Euronian states. Caspiaa is already the second-largest foreign investor in Paraboca after Zamastan, with major stakes in banking, shipping, retail, and the financial sector. While bilateral trade between the two counties is modest, Parabocan traders say it has dramatically gone up in recent years, when Caspiaa endured a three-and-a-half-year recession that finally eased early this year.

Parabocan construction firms, meanwhile, say Caspiaa has provided them with a unique opportunity to showcase work on a global scale – an opening they hope will continue to be available as the West Euronian region continues to emerge from diplomatic tensions on the other side of the world that nearly halted trade. While many details are still unclear, Paraboca and Caspiaa signed more than a dozen agreements during a December 8-9 visit by Miguélez to Viitaniemi. The Parabocan president and Caspiaa's Prime Minister Tullia Grönberg oversaw the seventh major summit to coordinate strategy between the two close allies.

Many of the announced areas of cooperation deal with sharing know-how between government departments dealing with emergency and disaster management, diplomatic training, culture and tourism promotion, health and medical sciences, religious affairs, and media training. Previously they were statements of intention, and now on this trip some of those general agreements have been more defined, put into place, and given more detail. The council has more than 70 members, President Miguélez said – companies that include construction contractors, architectural firms, real estate dealers, and groups dealing with exporting everything from furniture to medical products and health services. There’s even a Parabocan company that provides meals for the Caspiaan Armed Forces, Miguélez said.

With some O$33.2bn in foreign direct investments in Paraboca, Caspiaa is the second-largest single investor in the country. Caspiaa's investments are spread over diverse sectors in Paraboca. Caspiaa Holding has a 42 percent stake, worth nearly O$1bn, in Aia Park, one of Cardoza's largest shopping malls. The Caspiaa Investment Authority has a 10 percent stake in Cardoza Grant, Paraboca’s largest stock exchange. The Viitaniemi-based belN Media Group owns Digiboca, one of Paraboca's largest sports and entertainment broadcasters. The Caspiaa National Bank owns Paraboca's Finansbank, and other Caspiaan firms have major stakes in some of Paraboca's largest banks as well.

[All Russian Peoples]

Politics

SLL Meets in Ivanovgrad

December 10, 2021
By Adrian Yashin
Members of the Slavic Labor League met in Ivanovgrad on Friday for the first annual congress for the SLL. Among the delegates meeting at the congress were SLL representatives in the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, as well as SLL representatives at the state level, and union bosses from across the country.

Erik Sychkin was elected as presiding officer for the congress, which discussed the developments of the past year and the party's strategy and platform for 2022. The indisputable largest victory of 2021 was the overthrow of the Vozhd regime and the introduction of democracy in the Slavic Union. Secondary to that was the SLL winning a plurality in both houses of the National Assembly, forcing the Green Union to form a coalition, but members of the congress expressed worry over public support of Mikhail Franko, who lost the presidential election despite the party’s success in legislative elections.

One major critic of Franko was Senator Robert Kachusov, who has been a staunch critic of Franko ever since the Red-Green coalition was formed and has established himself as the de facto leader of the more radical wing of the party.

The majority of elections in 2022 are local elections, with Franko and his supporters arguing that a greater focus should be made on supporting candidates in mayoral elections while Kachusov’s sect argued in favor of focusing on a 2025 presidential campaign, while notably implying that the candidate in 2025 should not be Franko.

Tensions ran high the entire meeting, but they finally boiled over during discussions on the party’s platform for the future began, Kachusov and his supporters demanded a much more radical platform, and when this was not achieved Kachusov walked out on the congress along with 6 other senators, 20 deputies, and various state representatives.

[Swaraelia]

Mr Doherty wins compromise agreement with Autumnberg
11 December 2021

TOP Swaraelian and Vitan government officials reached agreement at their joint meeting in Baburg last night on the vexed question of trade, customs and deregulation. A compromise formula was achieved shortly after 8pm, and revealed to the press at half nine. Earlier in the month, Swaraelia and Vita clashed sharply on the question, which constitutes an important part of the Liberals' efforts to preserve historic terms.

At the end of the second day of the Baburg summit, the heads of government of Swaraelia and Vita, the Queen and their foreign affairs ministers were making a determined effort to hammer out a compromise formula for the concern of competition and international trade.

The Vitan Foreign Minister Mr George Curtis had earlier said it was in both nations' interests to renegotiate terms of Swaraelian cooperation with its continental partners, putting pressure on Prime Minister Mr Simon Doherty and his delegation by restricting talks to the original deadline to reach consensus by midnight Saturday.

A spokesperson announced at 8:30pm that this agreement had been reached in principle, though release of the full communiqué had been delayed to an hour later due to unspecified concerns. Paired documents outlined additional discussions on joint institutions and the transition process for private individuals and corporations as a result of greater cooperation, the battle against recession, inflation and unemployment and even on recent bilateral agreements between other CCA states: a worthwhile exercise in continental diplomacy reminiscent of old-style conferences between heads of government.

The unfolding of today's events was especially productive: instead of lasting two hours in a morning session and four in the afternoon, as in the original timetable, negotiation efforts spanned four-and-a-half hours, followed by a working luncheon that left officials to discuss amongst themselves, and again until deep into evening, as ministers tackled the thorny issue of customs, checks and competition and the final communiqué.

The afternoon session began at 3:10pm and lasted until 7:50pm. Import-export duties, together with tariffs, proved as expected the hardest nuts for both parties to crack. On the first point, the conference was moving towards some compromise between Swaraelian insistence on punitive rates to encourage domestic manufacturing, and Vitan demands on respecting the coordinated position among consumers that favours greater trade liberalisation, even as Mr Doherty pushed for numerous opt-outs on "sensitive or infant industries".

Swaraelia, it seems, would commit to lowering import quotas on commodities petroleum, and rolling back much of its "antiquated" red tape, as described by Mr Curtis. This includes accepting a number of foreign qualifications and degrees. Additionally, the Swaraelian financial services industry will be able to operate in Vita on terms that hope to encourage the free movement of capital and people. In return, Swaraelia has backed the formation of a bipartite Trade Council, to make recommendations to both governments on a free-market basis, on the lines suggested by Mr Curtis at his press conference in October.

Until the end of the conference Swaraelia was casting itself in the role of the country hard to please. Sources continued to speak in terms of dozens against one, in reference to foreign competition which economists predict could have a positive impact on both economies, but with collateral ramifications on the labour market and competitive advantage that could disproportionately affect some industries over others. Today's summit was unique in striking an in principle deal that would retain some customs restrictions.

Some delegates were at a loss to explain what lay behind the Swaraelian presentation of this morning's discussions, when Vita flatly stated its opposition to what it considered a one-sided agreement that would retain checks on goods that largely originate from the Kingdom. Mr Doherty was quoted by Sloinn as saying at this point: "If that, Mr Prime Minister, is the definitive view of the delegation, then we see no further we see no hope whatsoever of successful negotiations."

There was in fact general resignation in Swaraelia that the deal, expected as early as 2pm after concessions were reported by agencies, might give rise to significant upheavals, though the both delegations continued to insist this was still a hypothetical question which would be dealt with when it arose.

The compromise (in the Vitan wording) would mean retaining respective customs dues on steel, machinery, mechanical appliances, vehicles, mineral fuels and oils and farm levies that were in force prior to 2020, establishing agricultural safeguards and instituting a trade remedy régime that provides a safety net for domestic industry against unfair or injurious trading practices caused by dumped, subsidised or unexpected surges of imports of goods.

In exchange tariff preferences and quotas have been readjusted to a reduced or zero rate based on current and historic flow data, most notably poultry and bovine meat, and existing rules on free movement of capital and sanitary and phytosanitary provisions have been harmonised or superseded. Largely authored by the Vitan delegation, it represented a "landmark decision" in the search for compromise.

At the press briefing beginning 8:30, the Kingdom's spokesperson repeated the seven points of Vita's growth ambition issued by Mr Windsor in his Thursday. Mr Windsor thought the deal allayed a lot of fears. The dramatic question of the past few weeks—was Swaraelia in a mood to cooperate—was now one of the past, the spokesperson said: "It is now in the spirit of our agreement today and the best interest of Swaraelia to adopt a positive attitude to the customs question we have generally resolved today".

Both Mr Doherty and Mr Santosh Nandi, the Swaraelian Foreign Minister, had been calm and cooperative during the latter half of discussions, according to Vitan source La Mondo. The Vitan aim of strengthening its economic position has also been solidified. "Though imperfect," a Business Post columnist concluded, "the in principio agreement by heads of government today is a substantial step forward for this country."

[Angeman]

TINE DAILY

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Tinegardian's Travel Guide to Zamastan
POSTED BY: Elise Strommen

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TOFINO - The earliest memories of my childhood go back to Zamastan, the second largest country on Iearth. My father was a protestant immigrant from Tine. He often took me to Gaviria Park, where I could explore the greenery and gaze in wonder at the Zian Presidential Mansion. Now, don't be fooled by my curiosity and wonder. It took me sixteen years of living in Tofino and traveling Zamastan to understand the culture and the people. Returning to my father's homeland of Tine to visit my mother, she told me that many Tinegardians aren't used to the metropolises of Zamastan. Getting through the airport and transit is different enough for Tinegardians.

The bustling cities and large urban centers of Zamastan can be a dizzying to inexperienced Tinegardian travelers! From the capital of Tofino to the maze of neighborhoods in Providence, this guide will make sure you know the best ways to travel and experience Zamastan. Feeling like a fish out of water? Here are some useful tips and tricks to navigating Zamastan! This first part will be focused on Tofino, the capital of Zamastan.

Tofino
If you're in Tofino, here are the best spots to visit while you're there: Gaviria Park, Tofino Museum of Anthropology, and the Tofino Zoo and Aquarium. Gaviria Park has amazing landmarks around it and is considered a good district to visit if you're interested in the many museums and tourist destinations. The Tofino Museum of Anthropology is considered the city's largest civic museum and has some brilliant exhibits. Good price for admission as well!

The Tofino Zoo and Aquarium is one of the largest zoos in the Crown Cross of Albatross. It can be a maze to figure out, but always keep to the left. Most people are right handed and thus will favor the right side of the path. You can easily navigate the zoo from the left paths. The cougars are my personal favorite exhibit, you don't see many of those in Tine!

Other districts surrounding Gaviria Park have great restaurants for any budget. Olivar Square is another destination for shopping and is known as "the Crossroads of the World" Be wary of pickpockets! Keep everything in a secured location. I recommend using a pocket with a zipper.

Transportation
The Tofino Bus Terminal is a good choice for budget traveling through Tofino. Traveling to other cities from Tofino, I recommend taking the Rapid Transit system. The fares are cheap and can get you across Tofino as well as Zamastan easily. For traveling across the nation, book your tickets 90 days EARLY.

[Zamastan]

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SYDNEY VAYNE RECLAIMS GOLD IN WORLD RECORD RUN

Sydney Vayne, the most prolific winter Olympian Zamastan has to offer, finally secured a gold in the women's downhill alpine event while also securing a world record.

Matthew Ambervelle (@RealAmbervelle00)
KASEMA - Sydney Vayne claimed the medal that has eluded her for the past several years of her illustrious career when she turned in the performance of a lifetime to win gold in the women's downhill, achieving not only the comeback victory she craved, but securing a world record in the process. You could say it was just what the doctor ordered. Vayne, doubtful even to compete in the Olympics when she touched down in Kasema, Kyti, two weeks ago, pushed her painful right shin to the back of her mind as she flew down the undulating Aalderrink course to capture the very top prize in the sport. With the victory, Vayne cements her legacy as not only Zamastan's greatest alpine skier ever, but also one of the world's all-time greats.

Her overall time, 1:33.22, is the new world record to beat. She was able to outpace the Latilli and Drezquenia skiers by nearly 7 seconds in the run. For a neutral observer, the pace of seven seconds may not seem impressive. However, while noting that the world record had been secured only moments before by the Latilli skier, Matti Mathaia, and Vayne managed to out pace it. Sure, it was Vayne's strongest event, and yes, delays and cancellations afforded her extra time to rehab the shin she badly bruised a fortnight ago. But that should not take away from this spirited performance.

An Olympic gold medal in the event, considering the "will she, won't she" circumstances surrounding her availability, must rank as her finest achievement ever. The media scrutiny of the five-time Olympian alone would have been enough to make other, less determined skiers wilt under the limelight. Vayne, skiing 16th out of the 45 competitors, came out of the gate flying, setting the fastest speed of any racer through the top part of the course.

Zamastanian athletes are performing beyond expectation, though upcoming events may take a turn for the worse as more proficiently achieving nations are taking better qualifying positions. Overall, Zamastan has 4 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze medals. Vayne was 0.83 seconds ahead of teammate and temporary leader Julia Osco at the third checkpoint, and although she lost a little bit of time at the bottom of the mountain, she crossed the line more than 6 seconds ahead of any of the other skiers with a time of 1:33.22.

Osco dropped down to fourth, while the Latilli skier held on to take second, 6.1 seconds behind Vayne. While there was a nail-biting finish in the men's event, where third-place finisher came within nine one hundredths of a gold, none of the remaining 29 racers came within a second of the dominant Vayne. The winner of five out of six races heading into Kasema, Vayne skied fantastically well, giving it everything she had, despite the sore shin—which was covered in numbing cream ahead of the race.

She was aggressive and focused, and with the exception of a slight snowplough coming off the final jump to steady herself on the landing, it was nearly flawless. "I had no idea where I was [in the standings] while I was on the course,” said Vayne. “To get to the bottom and see my name at the top was unbelievable, then to see that Julia was right there with me made it even more special." Had Vayne finished second or third, it would have been tricky to place this performance in relation to her other memorable achievements. As it is, this performance will shoot right to the very top of an already-glorious list of accomplishments.

Former-President Foley Sakzi's Interview Details His Administration's Successes and Failures

The former-President sat with Tofino Times reporter Kale Maynard for a rare interview, Sakzi's first since leaving office.

Kale Maynard (@KaleMaynardTimes)
PROVIDENCE - Former-President Foley Sakzi gave a rare interview with the Tofino Times in his first public conversation since leaving office in September of 2020. Meeting with Tofino Times political correspondant and managing editor Kale Maynard, President Sakzi discussed his administration, his percieved highs and lows while in office, his views on the current administration, and his outlook for the future of the country. Maynard met with President Sakzi at his home in Providence, Northern Isle. The full interview will be posted online at tofinotimes.za and will also air on the Zamastan News Network at 8:00PM on Sunday night, December 12th.

When asked about what he considered to be his greatest accomplishment as President, Sakzi discussed the Ossinia military intervention campaign and the ushering in of democratic principle after the toppling of the communist regime of Martin Saint-Yves.

"You know, we had been dealing with significant problems with Ossinia's former regime for decades," Sakzi said, "and it's not in our realm of work to intervene in other nations unless the threat to our national security is a real risk. And in the case of Ossinia and Martin Saint-Yves, it really was a threat. Sailors from dozens of countries had died as a result of the state-sponsored piracy, international shipping was being disrupted in violent methods, and the people of Ossinia were suffering through all of it. So after the ZMS August Vendetta attack, it was only a matter of when and how fast upon the order we could neutralize the threat. We invaded, we knocked out their military within two days, and the operations largely ended within the first week. It's still the most effective military campaign that our nation has ever undertaken, and I was immensely proud of our forces."

Maynard then pressed the President on other topics, primarily any regrets that Sakzi had during his administration. Sakzi pondered for a while before answering, taking claim that his administration's failure to prevent inflation in the economy during widespread tax reform was something that haunted him.

"Look, the Zamastanian economy is a powerful entity," he said. "It takes a lot to bring us down. And we've been in relative stagnation for a while. I honestly believed, especially after my predecessor left office, that more overt conservative fiscal policies and the removal of tax barriers would boost the economy significantly. We overestimated the capability of simply slashing taxes. What, in hindsight, we should have done was attempt to decrease trade dispute with De Yuan, but in our pursuits to one-up them, we ended up staving off a lot of Zamastanian jobs in the process. So while the economy didn't decline, it didn't improve either. I regret that a lot, especially now. And again, we aren't a declining economy by anymeans. We are still the most powerful economy on the face of the planet. We are stagnating, though, and that's something I wish I could have changed."

The former-President also pointed to another regret of his.

"As you and anyone would know, I left office with lower approval ratings than I would have wanted. I'm glad they weren't in the tank completely, at least according to polls, but 46% isn't at all fantastic. And I honestly do contribute a lot of that to my administration's failure to address the Jurrania Shore oil spill. We eventually got that under control, but I wish we had been far more proactive."

"Was there a sense of denial?", Maynard asked the President.

"Sure. There was a sense of denial. We didn't think we would have to encounter a manmade disaster like that after all the precautions that we had taken after the 2005 Bratton spill, and so the thought of environmental catastrophe like that had just passed us by. I honestly, and bluntly, put significant blame on my advisors who may have been too proud of themselves to inform me factually, but I certainly blame myself for being slow to understand the gravity of the situation at the time."

The former-President gave his thoughts surrounding the current administration, and did not mince his words.

"There is a tremendous level of respect that I have for the office of President. I believe President Moreau is a good man, I believe he's truly doing what he thinks is right, but I disagree with him on many, many important measures."

On the topic of the seccession of Mayotte, Auraine, and Alutiana for instance, Sakzi stated "it's a shame. A real shame. There's obviously a lot of people in those provinces that hold the ideals of independence to heart, and I can understand that. But referendums on such a vital issue should not simply be a 51-49% decision like we saw in Mayotte. Or a 52-48% decision in Auraine. Moreau clung to values of seccessionist ideology throughout the campaign, and when he won, he endorsed their movements. Now think about it this way - nearly half, almost exactly half, of the populations of those now dependency-nations, want to live in Zamastan. They don't want to be independent. And in that regard, I think Moreau has done an awful job in abandoning Zamastanians, deepening a divide between ideological boundaries, and holding on to a realm of fear that has gripped our nation's political process."

Maynard ended the interview asking former-President Sakzi what he thinks about the 2022 election, and his views for the future of the country.

"Well, I'm concerned, but cautiously hopeful. I will not endorse any candidate at the moment, I'll need to look at that further down the line. But I can say that while my own concerns may overwhelm my dialogue and my outlook, I do want to reiterate that I believe in this country. On our worst day, we're better than anywhere else. On our best day, we're ultimately unstoppable. Political divide is normal, as frustrating as it is. Interuptions can be returned to regular pace. And at the end of the day, I'm proud to have served and to continue to serve this country."

PICOTHECA GRANT OBTAINS DEAL WITH TINEGARDIAN OIL PRODUCER

The largest Zamastanian crude-oil production conglomorate secured a Z$10 billion deal with TineOil

Jennifer Easten (@JenniferEastenOfficial)
TINEGARD - Picotheca Grant, the Zamastanian crude-oil and mining production conglomorate, reached a Z$10 billion investment deal with the Angeman/Tine oil producer TineOil which will prolong mining contracts in reserve fields both on the Nortuan continental shelf on-shore and off-shore. The nation of Tine, located in Eastern Nortua along the Bay of Laitstadt, is known for its abundant natural resources under the often cold and frozen ground, as the country exists with significant permafrost zones above the northern circle. The PG-TO deal, while being set to provide significant profit for both corporations, will help development and job-creation in underdeveloped regions of Tine.

"This investment will help upgrade mining equipment for TineOil, and this will boost production of crude oil and bring significant economic growth to the country," Picotheca Grant CEO Chant Davide stated in a press release. "This is not only a benefit for both corporations, but it will be a great starting point for future cooperation between the Tinegardian and Zamastanian economies."

The investment project is projected to more than double the output of crude oil that TineOil extracts, and Picotheca Grant's longterm status, though not exclusively monetary, will be to secure more contracts down the line. TineOil is projected to make the most money off this deal, but the notability of PG is what CEO Davide is interested in for the long term interaction.

Environmental protestors set up a demonstration outside the Lower Tariel offices of Picotheca Grant in response to the deal, saying that the increased drilling will pollute areas of environment in Nortua that have not been exposed to widespread industrialisation.

"Whether it's in Tine or along the Northern Isle corridor, Picotheca Grant doesn't care about the damage they leave behind," one protestor exclaimed.

6.8 Magnitude Quake Off Bratton Island Causes Concern

A series of large earthquakes in the extremely active seismic zone in the past two days have raised concern about possible 'mega' quake in near future.

Kieran Betsa (@Betsa_at_theTimes)
POINT BRATTON - One of Euronia's most active fault lines sprung to life on Saturday after a swarm of more than 40 earthquakes -- ranging from a magnitude 3.5 to 6.8 -- rattled off the coast of Bratton Island, catching the attention and concern of hundreds of thousands in the region, and tens of millions in the Horseshoe Bay area. The series of quakes, which began early Friday morning and continued into Saturday, were all clustered between 200-250 miles west of the coastal town of Point Bratton, Jade, far enough to be mostly undetected on land, but given the area's seismic history, it is creating quite a buzz.

"If you had asked me yesterday where would be most likely to produce a bunch of magnitude 5.0+ quakes in a single day, this would have been high on my list," a prominent earthquake researcher stated. The fault line responsible for the quakes is the Romemork Fracture Zone. According to an analysis by the University of Tofino, it is most active fault line in the country, having produced more than 1,500 quakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater since the 1970s. It became most notable after the August 2019 Coastal Valley earthquake, which killed over 4,000 people in the Horseshoe Bay area.

What has been most impressive about this week's quakes is the swarm has included at least 11 tremors reaching a magnitude 5.0 to 6.8, with the majority occurring at a shallow depth of only 10 km. The sheer number of magnitude 5.0 or greater quakes in the region triples the annual average (three 5.0+ quakes per year) since 1980, according to the ZNGS database. Fortunately, according to the National Tsunami Warning Center, none of this week's quakes have triggered a tsunami alert. However, the activity has heightened the concern level for some, as the region is among the most earthquake-prone areas in Euronia and has already produced many of the largest quakes in Western Euronia. The Romemork Fault, which is caused by the subduction of the Olympic Oceanic plate under the Western Euronia shelf, can not only trigger devastating tsunamis but also destructive shaking. Thus, there are fears of a 'mega' earthquake being produced, as was the case in 2019.

The 2019 Coastal Valley earthquake (also known as the August 2019 Zian earthquake or the Horseshoe Bay Quake) was a massive earthquake which killed nearly 4,300 people and injured nearly 20,000 on 31 August 2019, with a magnitude of 8.3Mw and and a maximum Mercalli Intensity of VIII (Severe). Its epicenter was in Horseshoe Bay, fed by the Olympic Ocean, west of Providence, Northern Isle, Zamastan, and its hypo-center was at a depth of approximately 8.2 km (5.1 mi). It was the worst natural disaster to strike Zamastan since the 1919 Tofino Earthquake, and one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the continent of Euronia since the 2006 West Chanchajilla Earthquake. The ground motion recorded in the capital of Tofino and the Coastal Valley region to the north was of high frequency, which, along with its occurrence at an hour where many people in urban areas were working indoors, increased the loss of property and human lives.

The earthquake triggered a series of avalanches on Grouse Mountain, killing over 130 people. The earthquake triggered another huge avalanche on Mount Qira, where 250 people were reported missing.

Hundreds of thousands of people were made homeless with entire towns along the coastal valley flattened, across many districts of the coastal country. Centuries-old buildings were destroyed at World Heritage Sites in Zasi Old Town. Geophysicists and other experts had warned for decades that Zamastan was vulnerable to a deadly earthquake, particularly because of its geology and urbanization. The measures for earthquake prone architecture failed in many cases, leading to thousands of building collapses. The city of Kelowna, Zian, which sits directly on a fault that shifted during the quake, was one of the hardest hit cities.

Continued aftershocks occurred throughout the Coastal Valley at the intervals of 15–20 minutes, with one shock reaching a magnitude of 6.7 on September 1st. The country also had a continued risk of landslides.

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©TOFINOTIMES 2021

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[All Russian Peoples]

Politics

Robert Kachusov forms new political party

December 12, 2021
By Adrian Yashin
Days after walking out on the first SLL Congress Senator Robert Kachusov has formed the Union Communist Party in cooperation with the other Senators and Deputies involved in the walk out. The move is a major blow to the SLL, the party previously held a slight plurality in both houses of the national assembly, but after 7 senators and 20 deputies left for the UCP the Green Union now has that plurality.

Despite this the Red-Green Coalition still holds a majority, though it is a much shakier one, and the coalition must stay together at any costs if either party wants to achieve anything at all over the next 4 years.

[North Timeria]

Timeria's Most Eligible Bachelor

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Samantha Crosby (@SCrosby)
^{December 13th, 2021 | Infinity, Timeria}

Timeria has a new most eligible bachelor, Prince Stefan Malyna has become a social media sensation overnight as he recently created new personal social media platforms. Prince Stefan created all new social media pages away from his official pages run by a social media team. In a series of posts, Prince Stefan has decided to “take a step back from his role in the royal family…Only temporary”. This came as a surprise as Prince Stefan is currently next in line to the throne and has always been a major figure within the royal family. King Kaz and the Royal Family have yet to comment on this but it’s assumed there was some internal discussion before this decision was made. Prince Stefan has been in the public eye since birth and many especially the older demographics view him as eccentric.

Overnight social media stirred with talks of Prince Stefan being Timeria’s most eligible bachelor after posting a picture captioning it as “Taking time to find myself, connections, love, and explore.” Last year one of Prince Stefan’s classmates Melah Andrews came out and shared that the two had been in a relationship for over a year before ending it. Since then many have wondered about his personal life. Prince Stefan is currently 21 and while he has been in the public eye much about his private life is unknown and many have high hopes that we will get to see a different side of the Prince.

Many are waiting to see Prince Stefan’s next move as he enters this new phase in his life. There has been no change to the line of succession so far and it’s expected that Prince Stefan will remain the heir. As Prince Stefan has all eyes on him it’s unclear yet how this will change the standing of the royal family.

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[Janapa]

JANWARKAN COASTAL
Janapa Leaves Kyti With A Singular Gold Medal, But It Holds Significance


The Two-Man bobsled team, led by Dontrell Geddes and Jeron Samuels, won gold at Kasema

The Janapan Olympic team is rarely known for exceeding in their competitions, but as the conglomerate of athletes near the end of their endeavors in Kyti with the closing of the 2021 Kasema Winter Games, they leave with heads higher than usual. On the first day of the Olympics, the Men's Bobsledding team won gold. It was the only medal the teams would win for the entirety of the Winter Games, but it highlights a rarity of international prestige that the team takes to heart.

"This medal is ours," said bobsledding captain Dontrell Geddes, holding the gold medal in front of his face during an interview with Janwarkan Coastal, tears streaming. "This medal shows that Janapa is great. We know we're great, we know we are a great country. But this medal..."

Geddes broke down in the interview, and handed the medal to his teammate Jeron Samuels, who finished the thoughts on his behalf.

"This medal is the symbol of our nation's pride. It's the symbol of our struggle and our overcoming of it. From storms and depression, literally through the history of hardship our nation endured, we take this and claim it with happiness and joy and pride. For Janapa!"

The 2-man bobsled crew achieved a time of 3:16.90, outpacing the Zamastanian and Unified Sera teams by a factor of two and a half seconds. Additionally, they were only milliseconds from the world record, which was captured that day by another relay in the Women's bobsledding by Caspiaa.

President of Janapa, Kendrick Mehans, was able to witness the historic victory for the Janapan team. He has stated that he plans to dedicate Freedom Medals for the entire Olympic team, not just the bobsledders.

"These men and women highlight our national prestige and the accomplishments that Janapans can reach, here and internationally," President Mehans said.

[Mulfulira]

CHINGOLA TRIBUNE
Mulfulira's Number One News Source
December 13, 2021

HUME: "WE WISH TO JOIN WEDA SOON"

TOFINO - President Tayyib Hume, visiting the Zamastanian capital of Tofino and meeting with President Moreau and top WEDA officials, stating that while talks for Shoassauan and Great Lutharian membership in the multinational defense alliance presents the bulk of negotiations, Mulfuliran politicians seek to join the organization at a near point.

"We wish to join WEDA soon," Hume stated. "We're already key economic and defense partners with the key members, namely Emmiria, Andaluni, and Vitosium. We are continuing conversation to see how Mulfulira can be easily implemented into this prestigious institution, and we are hopeful for the future."

Mulfulira had previously applied for WEDA membership, but lost the bidding to Sulifa. As other organizations grow, however, WEDA has expressed renewed interest in negotiations for Mulfuliran membership.

[Emmiria]

EMMIRIA ENDS WINTER OLYMPICS RUN WITH TWO BRONZE
The higher-than expected performance captured national attention as two medals are brought back from Kasema

Emmiria's Aarifa Ghani and Naana Hosseini during the opening ceremony.

RHAGA - President Akram Sulaiman congratulated the returning Emmirian athletes following a successful bout at the Winter Olympics in Kasema, Kyti, which saw multiple noteworthy performances but the highlights were contained in the two bronze medals won by the Men's Figure Skating star Amahd Harodi and Women's Halfpipe snowboarder Hilmiyya al-Ozer. In total, only 20 athletes attended the games, but the two medals means a figure of ten percent podium-mark, higher than any nation's performance statistically in the 2021 Winter Olympics events.

In a celebratory ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Rhaga, President Sulaiman met with the Olympics team and held the two bronze medals with a smile.

"We often see our athletes excel in Summer games," Sulaiman said, "so to see such a unique performance in a different seasonal event in such high prestige is truly remarkable. We are indebted to the remarkable standings of these men and women."

Amahd Harodi spoke on the moment, saying "I wished for a higher placement, but simply reaching the podium is historic and I recognize the achievement, one I do not take lightly. Thank you to my family and friends and countrymen who cheered me on the whole way, and I promise I will out perform myself at the next Winter Olympics!"

Hilmiyya al-Ozer, who not only made history as the first Emmirian woman to perform in the Winter Olympics, but the first Emmirian woman to win an Olympic medal, spoke on the historic moment saying "This country had my back the entire way, praise Allah. I am cherished and will forever remember this moment as a highlight in my life and the achievements of our great nation."

Emmirians rarely send athletes to the Winter Olympics, and rarely do they ever reach high status in events they participate in. Harodi's medal, the first of the two captured by the Emmirian team, was only the third-ever Winter Olympic medal won by the Emmirians. Al-Ozer's was the fourth. The last time Emmirians won medals in the Winter Olympics was in 1999 in Slanwell, Candatora.

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© GOVERNMENT THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF EMMIRIA 2021

[Kossmil]

THE KOSSMIL PAPER

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THE MAGIC OF THE OLYMPICS

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Kossmil at the opening ceremony

Date- 14 December 2021

Dabatta- After two very historic weeks at the 2021 Winter Olympics in Kasema, the Kossmil Winter Olympic team has returned back to Kossmil as national heroes with the amazing achievement of winning two gold medals, two silver medals and three bronze medals. It was Kossmil first ever appearance at an olympic competition with 81 athletes been send to Kasema in Kyti, the Kossmil olympic committee has set a target of at least winning two medal but after the two days they have already beaten the target with the four-man runs bobsleigh team and women skeleton (Inna Vilukhina) winning both silver medals with the four-mens winning Kossmil first ever medal at the olympic competition. On the fourth day of the Olympics history was made in Kossmilian sports as Alexei Slepyshev won gold at the 5000 meters Men's Speed Skating, beating Timera and Besmenia with a time of 6:09.76, Alexei after he won the race while this was happening Kossmil men and women ice hockey teams were playing their games with both winning their matches against Ruskayn and Vita.

On day 5 of the winter olympics, Kossmil has not win any medals on the Men’s Downhill and Women’s Downhill Alpines while on the ice hockey side, the men ice hockey team has lost 3-0 against Drezquenia but the women team has pulled a big upset against tournament favourite Zamastan as they won the game 2 - 1 which send them to the next round against Drambenburg at the semi finals but the team lost their match 1 - 0, moving the team into bronze medal match against Vitosium. On the last day of the winter olympics, the women ice hockey team played their match against and they won the match 2 - 0 bring home the bronze medals, while on Ski Jumping in the Women's Normal Hill, an bronze medal was won by Svetlana Chernova then on the Men's Large Hill, Maxim Alexeev won Kossmil second gold medal. The last medal that Kossmil won was on the Women's Slopestyle as bronze was won by Yulia Zaitseva.

Maxim Alexeev on the podium

President Nikolai Cherdenko welcomed back the team and congratulated them on their amazing achievement, this was echoed by Prime Minister Anton Krukov when the team meet them at Kossmil parliament building in Dabatta. An interesting fact about the team is that at least have of the athletics have really never grow up or even being born in Kossmil as they families left the nation during the conflicts in the Kossmilian Wars, for example Maxim Alexeev was born in Arinals, Zamastan and that his parents tell him stories of the old country as they left the nation for an better life. “They always talk about returning to Leniya in Kossmil, even though I was never born in the nation but I always see myself as Kossmilian first then an Zamastanian when growing up, I know the language because well my parents always believe that I should return to Kossmil with them when the war ended which I didn't think it would end but miracles happen and that I’m really happy to be back at home, especially bring an gold medal back.”

[Haduastan]

HADUASTAN OFFICIAL PRESS
NEFF Insurgents Fire Missiles into Nidayar, Killing One Soldier
Home | HADUASTAN | International | Politics | Entertainment | Science

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Prime Minister Sartaj Bali stated Haduastani air defences confronted a NEFF missile attack targeting the southern area of the country and a Haduastani soldier was killed, state news agency said on Thursday, citing a military source.

“At around 12:50am (23:50 GMT Wednesday), the insurgent enemy carried out an air raid with several missiles in the direction of our Nidayar province and targeting several positions in the south,” according to a military source quoted by the HOP.

The air defences managed to “shoot down most of the missiles”, the source added, who specified that “the aggression caused the death of a soldier and material damage”.

Since a low-level insurgency broke out in northern Elastan in 2012, Haduastan has staged hundreds of strikes on targets inside areas controlled by the government in Eritba, but rarely acknowledges or discusses such operations. The insurgents, known as the Northern Elastan Freedom Front (NEFF), tend to launch attacks against both Elastani and Haduastani military and civilian targets.

Earlier this month, Elastan's military said Haduastani fighter jets fired missiles on the city of Habamila, damaging containers but without inflicting casualties. The NEFF had captured a neighborhood in the city home to weapons factories, a vital facility where much of Elastan's military equipment is produced domestically.

In late November, NEFF missile attacks in the easr of Nidayar province also killed five people.

Haduastan and Elastan have been working in tandem to fight the insurgents, who are Islamic fundamentalist separatists wanting to establish a sovereign "North Elastan".

[Zamastan]

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FORMER-PRESIDENT JOSIAH ELLIOTT DIES AT THE AGE OF 100

Former-President Elliott (GLP) served in the Zamastanian Army, was the Tregueux Provincial Attorney, and was President from 1986 to 1990.

Matthew Ambervelle (@RealAmbervelle00)
WHITE ROCK - Former-President Elliott, a man whose legacy was marked with extreme highs and extreme lows both during, before, and after his administration, passed away at his home in White Rock on Thursday at the age of 100. He had been battling a progressive form of cancer since July, and with his advanced age he had openly stated that he was expecting his own passing. His wife, the former-First Lady 89-year old Vanessa Elliott, released a statement calling her husband "a loving father and a caring man. He served his country with pride from his teenage years until the very end. We will miss the former-President dearly."

Josiah Robert Elliott was born on April 2nd, 1921 in Tregueux to Robert and Miriam Elliott. His father was a wealthy attorney, and his mother was a notable socialite in the economic boom of the early 20's. Josiah attended the University of Duncan in Redeemer's Land province, studying law. However, his early life took a different path when he joined the army in 1943. As a soldier, he saw combat in the 7-day 1945 Danaska Conflict, where he gained notability within the ranks when he charged a Gladysynthian machine gun bunker. Only four years later, he once again saw war on a wider scale during the World War (1949-54), where he climbed to the rank of captain and led missions in northern Drambenburg and Shoassau.

After the war, Josiah Elliott went into a career of law, working for the Bainsea-based law firm Anderson&Irsa. Eventually, Elliott was appointed as the Tregueux Provincial Attorney after working multiple high profile cases. Law wouldn't be his entire life direction, though, as in 1978 he pursued and won an election for a seat in Congressional Hall. He made himself a powerful figure in the Green Liberal Party, becoming noteworthy as an endorser of Quinn Werner's administration and the post-Gaviria liberal-reforms. When President Lorrie died and Cassious Castovia ascended to the presidency, Elliott led the GLP National Committee to counter the sweep of conservative policies ushered in by the Castovia era politicians.

In 1983, Castovia was riding a wave of approval following the bombing of the Alanis Pride Parade and the invasion of Vulkaria to combat and defeat the Malvarian Liberation Front insurgent extremist groups. Elliott and a number of liberals opposed military involvement, but the war went on. However, Castovia's approval began to decline as the war progressed and intensified in violence. Thus, Elliott challenged Castovia for the presidency in 1986, and won on a platform of anti-war policy. While Elliott promised that the war would end by the end of 1988, he recognized the quagmire that the Zamastanian-led coalition had gotten itself into and instead pledged more forces to the conflict. He won reelection in 1988, but his popularity was dropping dramatically. The GLP National Committee, dissapointed in Elliott's leadership, dropped him from the party's ticket and replaced him with David Macentire in 1990. Elliott fell out of favor with the GLP, and Progressive Party candidate Elijah Daniels won the presidency, removed Zamastanian troops from Vulkaria, and was able to usher in more liberal policies in peacetime.

Elliott remained active in politics following his presidency, returning to Congressional Hall as a senator in 1991. He retired from public office in 1999. He continued supporting liberal politicians in their campaigns for President, endorsing Abram Mullen and Camren Ellison throughout their administrations even as renewed conflict broke out in Vulkaria. He also backed Cain Blackwater in all of his unsuccessful presidential campaigns against returned-candidate Cassious Castovia. After leaving office, Elliott also joined the Tofino firm Arnard and Hand, where he was a registered lobbyist on behalf of foreign governments (including those of Tasiastan, Haduastan, and Barangadesh); the Zian Airways company; and the Whiskey Industry Coalition.

President Atticus Moreau released a statement following the news of President Josiah Elliott's death, stating "President Elliott was a remarkable statesman. For any faults he had, he was truly a patriot and honored this country with his years of service in the military, the public sector, and the contributions made through his tireless efforts beyond his presidency. He will be missed dearly, and this country owes him a debt of gratitude."

Other notable Zamastanian political figures also made statements for the late-President Elliott.

Former-President Foley Sakzi: "President Elliott was a towering figure, a champion of his beliefs, and a great Zamastanian. Hannah and I join the country in prayers for him and his family, including the former-First Lady. God be with President Josiah Robert Elliott."

Former-President Anya Bishop: "May President Elliott rest in eternal peace. A great countryman. I was honored to know him and have his counsel during my administration."

Former-President Zacharias Castovia: "President Elliott once came into my office during my time as President and sat with me and my officials to give input on decisive measures we were about to take. I always admired his quick wit and confidence, as well as his intuition into problems that needed solving. He was a great man and a great Zamastanian patriot. I will miss him very much, as I know our country will. In the days ahead, I will continue to pray for the Elliott family, First Lady Vanessa Elliott, and those who knew and adored President Elliott as I did."

Former-President Camren Ellison: "President Elliott was once the darling of liberals, and though we didn't always agree, he was my dear friend. I will miss him incredibly. He served his country faithfully and with endurance, and his legacy will live on. I am grateful to him for his committment to his fellow Zamastanians and the protection of freedom throughout our country and the world."

Former-President Abram Mullen: "Rest in peace, President Josiah Elliott. I am indebted to you for your service, your kindness and generosity that you showed me and my predecessor during a difficult period in our nation's history. Thank you for your service to this country and your unwavering patriotism."

Former-President Elijah Daniels: "I will never forget the day that President Elliott called to congratulate me on my victory on election day 1990. He had such respect and admiration for others, even those of us who had great disagreement with him. I am honored to have called him my friend dispite our disagreements, because that is the epitomy of what made Josiah Elliott a remarkable and amazing man. This country has rarely seen such an example of bipartisan action and engaging personality as Elliott strung. From the battlefields of Drambenburg and Shoassau, to the commanding position as President in wartime, he saw every angle of our nation's most vital moments. I hope that history looks well on President Elliott, as he truly balanced the most of what any individual in his position would ever have to endure. Rest in peace, my deepest dearest friend."

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©TOFINOTIMES 2021

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TOFINO TIMES HEADLINES

• Is Tirikan lost? And does that mean war? Defense Department dodges statements after key-rebel city falls.
• Sabine Armitage: "Brunelle needs to drop out and let me lead this party to victory."
• 2021 Kasema Winter Olympics: Zamastan wins five gold, takes home record 17 winter medals
• Central Ausiana Flood Relief: How You Can Help and Where You Can Donate
• Tributes pour in following the death of Former-President Elliott

[Zamastan]

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STATE FUNERAL OF PRESIDENT ELLIOTT

Former-Senator Allen Elliott delivers a eulogy for his father, the late Former-President Josiah Elliott. Elliott was honored in the National Cathedral in Tofino ahead of his burial in White Rock later this week.

Matthew Ambervelle (@RealAmbervelle00)
TOFINO - Former-President Josiah Elliott, who passed away at the age of 100 on Thursday, December 16th, has been laid to rest in a state funeral. Presidents Atticus Moreau, Elijah Daniels, and Camren Ellison delivered eulogies, as did former Speaker of the Chamber Cain Blackwater and former Secretary of State Brice Loup, both of whom served during Elliott's presidency. Guests at the state funeral included all former Presidents, a remarkable sight in the first group gathering of all former Presidents since the death of Cassious Castovia in 2015. President Atticus Moreau, who on Thursday declared two weeks of national mourning, was the first to speak, calling Elliott a "true patriot and a defender of Zamastanian values."

Former president Josiah Elliott had struggled with health issues for several years leading up to his death. In 2014, he was diagnosed with brain cancer, necessitating the use of a mobility scooter, limiting his speech and his ability to travel across the world (due to this, he did not participate at the memorial services of Presidents Avery, Abotsford, and Werner in 2020, and opted to send messages of condolence to their respective families. He was hospitalized numerous times in serious condition, most notably missing the inauguration of Atticus Moreau due to being in the intensive care unit at White Rock Methodist Hospital.

By night on December 16th, his health again worsened and death was imminent. Caspiaan tenor Aldrich Tynan came and sang two songs for Elliott, as his family and friends gathered at the household to say their goodbyes. Elliott's last words were "I love you too", spoken to his son, former Senator Allen Elliott, over a speakerphone. Shortly after that conversation, at 10:10 p.m., Elliott died at the age of 100, with Elliott's former Secretary of State Loup describing his death as "peaceful" and adding "If those things could be sweet, it was sweet".

Within hours of his death, the former president's office issued a statement indicating that funeral arrangements would be announced "as soon as practical". The exact cause of death was not immediately announced.

At mid-morning on December 16, President Moreau proclaimed December 17th to be a national day of mourning. The proclamation further decreed that Zamastanian flags "on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in Tofino and throughout Zamastan and its Territories and possessions" be lowered to half staff until December 30, 2021. In addition, all agencies of the Government throughout the country were ordered closed on the day of mourning and the Supreme Court announced it would postpone hearing oral arguments in cases which had been previously scheduled for that day.

Former-President Elijah Daniels took the stage following Ellison, Blackwater, and Loup, eulogizing Elliott while breaking down in tears while calling him "a dear friend, the dearest you could have." He epitomized Elliott's kindness and helpfulness to him in his administration and during the First War in Vulkaria.

"Josiah Elliott, a man with whom I had consistent disagreement and argument, never failed to one up me on one thing: he was patient, kind, and easy. And these are qualities that he taught me to embrace through our friendship. He was a dear, dear friend. A dear friend, the dearest you could have. History will look kindly on him for his care and passion to this nation, as we all should look kindly on him and we do."

As customary, pallbearers during each movement of the casket containing Elliott's remains were drawn from personnel of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. In addition, honorary pallbearers were selected for most movements of the casket.

SATELLITE IMAGERY SHOWS SYRARANTOAN TROOP BUILDUP, MISSILES AIMED AT CONSTANTIO

The major escalation in military provocation is sending alarms throughout the Zamastanian command ranks as the military weighs its options alongside SBU allies.

Kale Maynard (@KaleMaynardTimes)
NORASA - The commander of Zamastanian troops deployed alongside SBU defensive forces in Constantio released a report detailing Syrarantoan military buildup near the city of Rabibea, a Syrarantoan federal stronghold about 40 miles from the border of Constantio. Along with the presence of more than 75,000 troops, which were initially thought to be a contingency for the ongoing battle in the rebel-held city of Tirikan, satellite imagery captured a series of mobile surface-to-air missile platforms and short-range rockets that were aimed towards the Constantio border, specifically towards important Constantioan urban centers like Norasa, Trapapolis, and Tunaka.

In addition to the physical buildup of regime forces, Syrarantoan dictator Kyriakos Tasoulas made another threat against the Constantioan government. In a video released by state television, Tasoulas said "Constantio, their perpetual disowning leaders like Blanian and Shepard, and their support for terrorists in Tirikan, must be dealt a blow to end their meddling in affairs of our state. They will be met with destruction if need be. And their allies, Zamastan and WEDA namely, will suffer the same."

In response, Secretary of Defense Camille Boffrand ordered an increase in forces to the region, up from 5,000 to 7,500 troops, and the continued presence of a Zamastanian carrier fleet stationed in the port of Balgita and consistent monitoring of the Sotoa Sea.

"Tasoulas' threats might not be serious under normal circumstances," Boffrand stated, "but they come with physical evidence of a possible intent to strike, as well as the confirmed presence of nuclear weapons. There's a distinct line that they cannot cross. If they carry out military or assertive action of anykind against the Sotoan Basin Union, that will provoke a strict and calculated response from not only the Zamastanian military and the SBU, but WEDA and other allies of ours. The President has made it increasingly clear that we will not tolerate any action against our allies."

The buildup and increased tension comes more than a month after a major flareup of regime action against rebels in the city of Tirikan, which has been under seige since July of 2020. Zamastan maintains that they do not support any rebel groups in Syraranto's civil war, as there is evidence of extremist groups springing up around the battlefields of the wartorn nation. However, the Sotoan Basin Union has indicated that they've thrown support behind a few rebel cells, most notably the Balgita Nationalist Front and the Free Syrarantoan Army. Rebel forces in the civil war are not united under a common banner, and thus various factions are often in conflict with one another as well as with the regime of Tasoulas.

MOREAU'S CHIEF OF STAFF RESIGNS

Josephine Champernon, President Moreau's Chief of Staff, resigned on Sunday citing continued disagreements with the President and senior administration officials.

Jennifer Easten (@JenniferEastenOfficial)
TOFINO - Chief of Staff to President Atticus Moreau, Josephine Champernon, resigned on Sunday after expressing "continued disagreements" with senior administration officials and staff members, as well as an ongoing public spat with Moreau which spilled into news interviews that were not officially sanctioned by the Moreau administration. Numerous leaks from meetings involving Moreau and Chempernon detailed extensive fighting over policy measures stemming from economic and foreign decisions.

In a statement released by Champernon's spokesperson, the former-Chief of Staff said "it has been the honor of a lifetime to work for the President and oversee his staff and immediate Secretaries. My decision to submit my resignation is along the lines of ongoing disagreements that I have expressed with the President and senior cabinet officials, and they have heard my complaints. I appreciate the work that we accomplished in agreements, and I appreciate the input of disagreements in others. Nevertheless, I am resigning my post immediately and thank the President for entrusting me with service for the past year and three months."

The Chief of Staff of Zamastan has traditionally been the highest-ranking non-elected employee of the Zian Presidential Mansion. The Chief of Staff position is the successor to the earlier role of the President's private secretary. The role was formalized as the Assistant to the President in 1923 and acquired its current title in 1975. The current official title is Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff is a political appointee of the President who does not require Senate confirmation, and who serves at the pleasure of the President. Although not a legally required role, incoming presidents since Marvin Gaviria have appointed a chief of staff.

It is unknown at this time who Moreau will choose as a successor to Champernon for Chief of Staff, which comes at a decisive period for Moreau's ongoing political disputes with Congressional Hall on multiple major policy decisions and legislative proposals.
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©TOFINOTIMES 2021

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TOFINO TIMES HEADLINES

• Clashes along Haduastan-Elastan border raises concern of regional conflict in Nidayar
• Brunnele Suspends Presidential Campaign, Endorses Sabine Armitage
• 2021 Kasema Winter Olympics: Zamastan wins five gold, takes home record 17 winter medals
• Central Ausiana Flood Relief: How You Can Help and Where You Can Donate
• Former-President Elliott laid to rest in White Rock

[Beatavic]

MARLIJN ZALLANDT VOWS TO DEFEND SBU MEMBERS IF ATTACKED BY SYRARANTO, ORDERS MILITARY EXERCISES NATIONWIDE, PRIMARIES BEGIN

AMSTELVOORT, BEATAVIC - At a press conference earlier today, Marlijn Zallandt has vowed to defend SBU members if ever attacked by Syraranto. When asked about his thoughts on the Syrarantoan troop buildup, he called it horrifying and called the regime a threat to world peace. A few hours later he ordered military exercises nationwide due to the threat that Syraranto poses.

In addition to the threat of war, the regime made another threat directed at the Constantioan government, stating, "Constantio, their perpetual disowning leaders like Blanian and Shepard, and their support for terrorists in Tirikan, must be dealt a blow to end their meddling in affairs of our state. They will be met with destruction if need be. And their allies, Zamastan and WEDA namely, will suffer the same."


A military squad training 50km east of Amstelvoort

Primaries for the 2022 general elections began on December 9th with 742 people have filed to run for Prime Minister, most notably incumbent Marlijn Zallandt of the Labour Party, Carter Nelson of the United Conservative Party, who is currently serving as Lieutenant Governor of Liverly, and Kinsley Kouffeld, the However, most withdrew, and 90 remain throughout all parties.

POLLS

LABOUR

Marlijn Zallandt 39%

Franklin Hale 18%

Roland Fitzgerald 13%

Robbert van den Bos 10%

Others 20%

Conservative

Carter Nelson 46%

Pablo Pittman 26%

Gijsbert Woelders 15%

Harm Veldtjans 11%

Others 2%

[Latilli]

AMBALIANA TRIBUNE
Edda Colabella: From student protest leader to Latilli's president

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Namazio Marra (@NMarra)
^{December 20th, 2021 | Ambaliana, Latilli}

Former student protest leader Edda Colabella has won a historic victory to become Latilli's youngest ever president. The 35-year-old has promised ambitious changes for a country that has been rocked in recent years by mass demonstrations against inequality and corruption.

When Ms Colabella won the candidacy of her leftist bloc to run for president, she made a bold pledge. "If Latilli was the cradle of neoliberalism, it will also be its grave," she said. "Do not be afraid of the youth changing this country."

And so she ran on a platform promising radical reforms to the free-market economic model imposed by former President Mel Gallagher. One that, she says, is the root of the country's deep inequality, imbalances that came to the surface during protests in 2019 that triggered an official redraft of the constitution.

After a polarising campaign, Ms Colabella defeated far-right rival Solocone Licari in the second round of the presidential election by a surprising large margin, ushering in a new chapter in the country's political history.

"We are a generation that emerged in public life demanding our rights be respected as rights and not treated like consumer goods or a business," Colabella said in her victory speech to thousands of supporters, most of them young people.

"We know there continues to be justice for the rich, and justice for the poor, and we no longer will [we] permit that the poor keep paying the price of Latilli's inequality."

Colabella not only faces a divided country but also a fractured parliament, worried investors and a slowed economy that is the result of the recent political upheaval.

Born on 11 April 1986 in the port city of Acencona, she came to prominence a decade ago when she led mass demonstrations demanding improved and cheaper education.

She was then a law student at the University of Latilli, but she never finished her studies, deciding instead to focus on politics. In 2013, she was elected to Congress as an independent, representing her home region, and was later re-elected to a second term with a landslide victory.

Calobella represented a break from the traditional image of presidential candidates. During the campaign, she spoke about her diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder, saying it was "good that Latilli talked about mental health". Critics, however, say she is inexperienced, and she herself has conceded he has "much to learn".

Ms Calobella, who says she is an avid reader of poetry and history, describes herself as a moderate socialist. She has abandoned the long hair of her activist days, and jackets now often cover her tattoos on both arms.

She has also softened some of her views while keeping her promises to overhaul the pension system, expand social services including universal health insurance, increase taxes for big companies and wealthy individuals, and create a greener economy.

Her resounding win in the run-off vote of the presidential election, after trailing Mr Chiera in the first round, came after she secured support beyond her base in the capital and attracted voters in rural areas. A supporter of same-sex marriage and abortion rights, she was also backed by huge numbers of women.

In her victory speech, when she was joined by her boyfriend, she promised to be a "president for all Latillians", saying: "Today hope trumped fear".

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• Syraranto Threats Sees SBU Bind Together in Unity

[North Timeria]

Prince Stefan Guest on David Tembend Show

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Samantha Crosby (@SCrosby)
^{December 20th, 2021 | Kataveza, Vitosium}

Special Thanks to Vitosium for helping/writing this article

Last night Prince Stefan appeared as a special guest on The David Timbend Show in Vitosium following his announcement to step back from his royal duties. This has been his first interview since 2017 and his only without his parents. Millions of people from Timeria, Vitosium, and international tuned in to watch the interview.


David Timbend: "We have a special guest tonight! He is the 1st in line to the Timerian Throne! Prince Stefan, everybody!

Prince Stefan: Thank you for having me tonight. It’s a pleasure to be here.

David Timbend: "You are 21 and the first in line to the throne. How has that impacted your daily life?"

Prince Stefan: Oh man in every way possible! Living under a microscope sometimes but I’ve come to accept it and embrace it. When I was younger I used to hate it, I felt like I couldn’t do anything without hearing about it later. As I grew older I guess I grew into it and now I’m trying to take control of it and just be transparent. I already know everything about my life will be somewhere on the news so I guess I’m hoping to take control of the narrative and just be who I am, show people Stefan.

David Timbend: "What was it like growing up as a royal?"

Prince Stefan: I can’t really complain about growing up in my situation. I have two great parents, everything I need is provided for me. It can be hard growing up in the public eye but I guess that’s just what comes with it. It was fun though and being in this position has provided some great opportunities for me and I hope to use them to not only benefit me but every Timerian.

David Timbend: "Your mother, Queen Noni, was a singer and an amazing one at that. I actually have a few of her albums with my favourite being "Blackbird". Growing up with a musician, has music influenced your life and, if so, how much?"

Prince Stefan: Yea growing up with my mom was really great… We were always surrounded by music and she encouraged us to try it a little. As she got older she didn’t really make much music but I’ve heard a few of the songs she’s done recently and she still sounds amazing.

David Timbend: "Many media outlets will talk about rumours and have even theorized about you being some sort of 'wild child'. However, I'd like to talk about something more important. You are a very well known philanthropist, Prince Stefan. What inspired you to pursue charity work?"

Prince Stefan: Yea the wild child thing is expected I guess. Diego McKenzie actually inspired me to start this journey. When I went with him to Galina it really gave me a first-hand look at some of the issues in our country. I always knew of courses there’s poverty and people struggle but that was a moment where I really got it. Like my life has been extremely privileged… probably one of the most privileged in Timeria.

David Timbend: "In 2016, you visited the McKenzie Transitional Housing Project in Galina with TFA player Diego McKenzie. Do you still do work for the McKenzie Transitional Housing Project?"

Prince Stefan: Yea I still work with Diego a lot. We’ve built a friendship and we have a lot of things we want to accomplish. Right now he’s focused on football but he always makes time. I don’t know how he does it or what his schedule is like but he does a lot… Man I wish I could be as active as him.

David Timbend: "Almost one year ago, you, F1 driver Ana Rivera, and some classmates led a New Year’s event that raised money for communities suffering from gentrification, notably in Palm City. Starting in 2018, you worked on an annual event to bring awareness to urban problems and conceptualize solutions. It is clear that, when it comes to housing, this is an important issue for you. Could you tell us why?"

Prince Stefan: Yea… well I have to give credit to Diego again, he’s the one who really sparked that in me. When I went to Galina with him he really showed me a lot and that’s where he lived as a child so hearing what he had to say made me want to look into it deeper. I just think that everyone should have a home, somewhere that’s safe, provides a sense of community, protection I truly feel this way. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like growing up without adequate housing… I grew up in White Rock so to think someone out there is homeless or struggling to put a roof over their head… I just thought why not me. If I can use my platform to help I should.

David Timbend: "What is next in the world of philanthropy for you?"

Prince Stefan: I’m not really sure. I will admit I have put my philanthropy on the backburner; just temporarily. I’ll still be working towards my goals but I’m really just focused on myself right now. And I think that’s okay.

David Timbend: "What led to your decision to take a gap year break from Kennedy University?"

Prince Stefan: I really just wanted some time to focus on myself and grow as a person. I also felt really sheltered there. Don’t get me wrong KU is a great school but I like to spread my wings a little… Do you know the saying ‘a wise man learns from the mistakes of others’? It may sound crazy but I want to make a few mistakes. Also, I wanted to take some time to travel the world, not on some official visit or royal vacation.

David Timbend: "How has being a royal affected your dating life?"
Prince Stefan: What dating life? A lot of girls get scared when I tell them all of the protocols if we get serious. I feel like my dating life is jumping through hoops pretty much. But if you don’t mind an instructive background check and 24/7 monitoring I’m single and looking.

David Timbend: "We know you play the guitar but what other hobbies do you have?"

Prince Stefan: I still like to play sports and be active. I train with Diego sometimes in the offseason so that’s always fun. I think my favorite hobby right now is photography. I’m not very good yet but I’m working on it. I still like to work on music also, if you ask my mom I think she’ll tell you I’m the most musically inclined out of all her kids.

More leading articles

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[Quetana]

QUETANA EXPELS SYRARANTO DIPLOMATS AFTER TASOULAS BLAMES OBSERVERS FOR LEAKING NUCLEAR PROGRAM SECRETS

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Abe Manadabe (@AbeManadabe)
21 December, 2021|VONGANE

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President Emília Medeiros is in Tofino, Zamastan, for a state visit with President Atticus Moreau as the tensions between WEDA, the SBU, and Syraranto grow.

President Emília Medeiros and her cabinet officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have ordered two Syrarantoan diplomats to leave in response to the expulsion of nuclear-observer envoys after a Tasoulas regime court’s ruling that blamed Quetana for leaking details about the country's nuclear weapons program. Vongane has angrily rejected the regime court’s verdict and the Quetanan foreign ministry summoned the Syrarantoan ambassador on Monday to inform him about the diplomats’ expulsion in what it said was a “symmetrical response to the unfriendly decision by the Tasoulas government”.

Quetana is the only WEDA member state that maintains some form of diplomatic contact with the Kyriakos Tasoulas regime in Syraranto, but President Medeiros has expressed an interest in removing it entirely, having joined international positions in denouncing the Tasoulas government in the midst of a brutal civil war in the Nortuan nation which has left over 300,000 people dead, millions of refugees having fled, and hundreds of thousands at risk of starvation.

The ministry warned that Quetana will continue to respond in kind to any “potential confrontational moves by Covijo”. It did not say when the Syrarantoan diplomats needed to leave Quetana.

The accusations levied by the Syraranto government about Quetanan nuclear observers came after an August 15th inspection at a nuclear plant in the south of the country unveiled enriched uranium in suspicious and detached sections of the facility. Observers reported "a dangerous degree of mishandling for a regular nuclear energy procedure", and a "suspicious and alarming degree of enrichment beyond the limit and guidelines of established precedent." The report went on to say "the facility's misappropriated amounts of uranium are just past a limit that would qualify weapons grade."

The report, which was released on August 15th, 2021, preceded the regime's atmospheric nuclear weapons test by only three weeks. The test was condemned internationally as a major violation of international law regarding nuclear weapons as established in 1972's Treaty of Forgeheim, which removed Syraranto's legal allowance to own nuclear weapons due to past aggressions. In the Quetanan government, Medeiros called on all Syrarantoan diplomats to be expelled, but the Socialist Party-controlled National Assembly, in a rare show of side-stepping their political ally in the President, overruled the call. However, since the restarting of violent clashes between Syrarantoan rebels and the federal regime forces, National Assembly has been leaning more towards Medeiros' position.

Medeiros, who is in Tofino, Zamastan, having attended the state funeral for former-President Josiah Elliott and for a continued state visit with President Atticus Moreau, said that "the diplomats have to leave, not only for the flagrantly false accusations against our observers, but for the human rights abuses committed by the Tasoulas regime and threats levied to our peace-loving allies in the region."

Quetana, as a member of WEDA, has stated that they will help defend the Sotoan Basin Union (SBU) if Tasoulas follows through on continued threats against SBU members, specifically Constantio and North Icadania. Zamastanian forces, who number 7,500 troops and a carrier group, have been deployed to the region as a deterrent to Tasoulas and a show of support for the SBU.

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OTHER NEWS

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• Apatonia Peacekeeping Mission Once Again Falls Under Fire. 1 Quetanan Soldier Wounded.
• TAFCA Inclusion Proposal Will Be Voted Upon in National Assembly
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© VONGANE JOURNAL 2021

[Swaraelia]

National Steel strike to commence after peace talks collapse
22 December 2021
The National Steel strike called for 2 January is to go ahead after peace talks between industry executives and trade unionists fell through late yesterday. Furnacemen have also decided to support the stoppage first called by the Swaraelia Industrial Workers' Union.

The government has been informed that a new pay offer tabled by the National Steel Foundry to union negotiators was unanimously rejected by the alliance of steel and ironworkers, including wire drawers, house men, tube workers and now furnacemen; there is now zero practical chance in averting the nationalised corporation's first all-out strike, the largest in Swaraelian industry history for its size and scope.

An exhausted Mr Andrew Mulryan, the Union's chief representative in yesterday's back-and-forth told reporters: "It [the strike] could escalate into something horrific when it comes to confrontation"; the government is expected to take responsibility due to the crippling impact of the strike on the Swaraelian economy.

At the meeting between the "punctilious" representatives and their counterparts at National Steel, the corporation increased its baseline pay offer from four to seven per cent, but insisted workers loosen their demands for lay-off pay that cost the company about 20 million florins a year.

Mr Riobárd Butler, chief executive of National Steel, said after the talks: "We remained distant in our demands. They have no appetite for settlement [...] it is feasible the industry emerges from this even smaller and less competitive than our present 10 million tonnes a year capacity would imply. By going on strike at this critical time for our country, we are taking on a great risk."

In the short term, strikes across the eleven facilities used for manufacturing, distribution and research and development and the port of Yarm-on-Sea would deprive key industries of its basic raw material. Many factories in Swaraelia and across the world rely on National Steel for shipbuilding, heavy engineering and construction, particularly as the country battles a record trade deficit. The last Prime Minister, Mr Seóirse O'Fahy set higher tariffs on steel and aluminium in 2012, which Mr Simon Doherty has been reluctant to adjust.

Mr Séan MacIntyre, the Union's general secretary and key figure in past negotiations, including a settlement with O'Reilly Metalworks earlier this month, predicted the strikes would last "for weeks, perhaps. Certainly, as long as it takes for National Steel to improve their offer." A former furnaceman himself, MacIntyre was instrumental in organising their resistance, which he said would set back iron production "by the very least, three weeks".

The dispute has all the signs showing of the protracted strikes seen in 2016 and 2014. The government response has been muted thus far, though it had sent the Minister for Finance Mr Marcin Ogrodowski to hold separate talks and assess the impact of the strike on jobs and the economy in general.

The prognosis seems grim, and the chance of successful intervention low: the corporation announced ahead of the Christmas holiday talks have been aborted. To the Business Post Butler also worried they could not find the money to satisfy "demands of this extremity". The executive board will be called into an emergency session "the sooner the better", and there will be "ready coordination" with officials from the Central Bank and the government.

The Union received support from several undisclosed unions, it was revealed to Sloinn, and is seeking wider backing still. One ally, the smaller Union of Ore Miners, Coke, Forge and Smelt Workers promised the kindred trades would block raw materials bound for National Steel, while the National Union of Dockhands promised to respect workers' picket lines.

In presenting their latest and potentially final offer yesterday, National Steel emphasised the financial realities it was facing in the present global economy, saying its offer to suspend aspects of the lay-off pay agreement would be necessary to counterbalance the significant rate hike. It was the Union's demands for an unconditional raise, it argued, that so jeopardised any agreement.

Mr MacIntyre is being called to Corbally 27 December to hammer out a deal with top ministers and Teachtaí Dála. Additionally, several National Steel executives, including Mr Butler have made themselves available through the Christmas and New Years' holiday if there is an unexpected compromise effort, for which they are "all ears". But the shortage of time suggests the strike is now unavoidable, despite anyone's best efforts. Parliamentary committees went into recess with the rest of the Dáil last week, and there are no plans for its recall; the Prime Minister is at his beach home in Quetana.

[International Inquirer]

Note: The International Inquirer may mention canon events, but the contents and assertions within are non-canon.

← ⟳ → | https://truthishere.xx/new_editorial/readnow/

REAL NEWS | TRUTH SEEKER PODCAST | FEATURED EVIDENCE | UFO WATCH | EDITORIALS | TECHNOLOGY

BREAKING: SERAN PRIME MINISTER IMPLICATED IN COVER-UP AND GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION

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I snapped this picture during a stake out in Raptures South side.

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Michael Dingleforb (@SeekTheTruth)
^{December 2021 | Undisclosed Location}

INQUIRER HQ – Hello again, Truth Seekers! It's been awhile. It isnt my fault, honest. You might expect me to say "an intern tripped over the power cable and next thing you know we're having to reboot the IG servers", yet in actuality I put myself out there on the front lines of this newest story. I swear, it's something juicy. Hey, since I have your attention... Remember that time an airline tried to sue the Inquirer? They tried to silence us - and they almost suceeded. But the truth can never be silenced. That ideal is one the current Prime Minister of the United States of Sera is learning the hard way. Tsk tsk tsk Mr. Khalfani, what horrible conspiracies have you gotten up to and it isn't even the end of your first term?

You must be wondering what could possibly be so horrendous that we're risking posting from a corporate VPN. Come close, Seekers. I'll lift the curtain on this story, but you might not like what's hiding behind it.

If you aren't up to date with Seran news, the city of Rapture has recently been locked down following an outbreak of a virus. We aren't going to be casting doubt on the virus or anything (we aren't insane), however what we will be discussing is the origin of said virus. The Seran government has been extremely tight lipped about where exactly the virus originiated; even going as far as to institute a city-wide quarantine and martial law complete with a good old fashioned media black out. No information can come into the city, and nothing can escape. That's when I realized I needed to leave the confidentiality of IQ HQ and sneak into the city proper.

What I found there is something much deeper than anything I could have imagined.

I met up with a few people living in the city who gave me a general rundown of what was going on. It wasn't really anything too out of the ordinary from what the government was peddling. That is, until they mentioned the strange event a few months ago where a military truck tipped over after being hijacked by a gang of casteless Serans. According to them, the military descended upon the area like Zamastan descends on a poor country lacking "freedom". Ever since then, they noticed more and more military vehicles and equipment in the city.

I, just like you, could already smell something funky and it wasn't the street vendor selling fufu. Luckily, I had a few contacts to burn in the Seran military that could point me in the direction of someone who was dying to blow the whistle on this operation. I can't disclose their name, but they're a member of Sera's Center for Disease Control and Eradication and in charge of operations in Rapture's eastern district. I asked about that was going on. This is what they had to say:

"...No, no. You aren't listening. This is more than just the Seran government trying to heroically swoop in and save everyone from a virus that they accidentally released. Governments and agencies around the world experiment with viruses and bacteria to find cures and treatments all the time. Hell, some of those governments probably build bio-weapons to use against their adversaries. Sometimes they breach containment and cause a problem. Big whoop. No, this is deeper than that. When we sequenced the genome of this virus - something any virologist will tell you is important for creating a cure or treatment for a disease - we found that this virus was specifically engineered to attack Serans with specific genetic markers that are usually found in the casteless and designed to attach itself to foodstuffs usually consumed by said Serans. According to some of my colleagues in the CDCE, word came down from somewhere very high that we couldn't tell anyone about what we found and if we did, it was high treason. Someone in control of the military."

That's right.

The truck that tipped over was carrying a biological agent through Rapture that was designed to wipe out Sera's caste problem. The government, or at least someone high up in Sera's command structure, was planning on comitting genocide against their own people and threatened the brave government pawns with treason if they blew the whistle on what was really going on.

But did you catch the most important part of what my source said? I'll write it again in case you missed it. "...Someone in control of the military." Sera's Articles of Federation only gives one branch the power to command the military outside of the generals and officers therein...

The Executive Office.

Whether or not Prime Minister Khalfani was the one pulling the strings is up in the air and should be investigated by Parliament, yet no matter what it is happening under his watch and he should be held accountable.

It's a hefty charge to lay at the feet of a world leader, but let's be honest...

Leaders have done worse throughout history and will do worse in the future. That will never change.

Until next time, Truth Seekers.

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By CocoMuhPuffs - 11 mins Ago

I don't usually believe what you post, but this... This seems worth looking into.

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By Mclovin - 15 mins Ago

How are we supposed to know for sure? Who can we trust in the goverment?

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By Dingleberry29 - 16 mins Ago

I don't have any words for this. I always knew Khalfani seemed shady, but this is next level. If this is true then what...
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By PutaBunInYoOven - 25 mins Ago

I knew about this already Mikey. They're playing checkers while I'm playing 3D chess. There is no virus. It's all a government conspiracy to...
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By Live_Life_Prosper - 26 min Ago

How to share article how to send article to kids how to tag kids

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[Unified Sera Government]

← ⟳ → | https://ayotimes.us/breaking/featured_articles/

FEATURED NEWS | INTERNATIONAL NEWS | LOCAL NEWS | WEATHER | FINANCE | EDITORIALS | TECHNOLOGY

BREAKING: EMERGENCY ELECTION CALLED AS KHALFANI'S APPROVAL RATING DIPS BELOW 30% AMID CONTROVERSIES

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Clockwise: Sen. Claudia Leontia ya Latinius, Rep. Busar Chane ya Sakhile, Baraka Anansa ya Mbaku, and Nalo Nkechi ya Koga.

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Teton Seesi (@TSee)
^{Mid December 2021 | Invicta, Aeminium, Unified Sera}

INVICTA – Following the events that transpired a few weeks ago which saw the Ayotola City Police forcefully removing protestors rallying against social injustice, reports of localized protests and even violence in some cases, and the bombshell report from controversial political conspiracy website The International Inquirer, Prime Minister Khalfani has become the first PM in Seran history to have Article 4 Section 11 of the Articles of Federation enacted due to his abysmal approval rating. As of this writing, Khalfani's approval rating has dropped to 26%; breaking the threshold required for the automatic triggering of the clause. Prime Minister Khalfani has decided to run again for prime minister against the wishes of his party. He believes he can turn the current state of things around and keep Sera strong. He maintains that despite the problems, Sera has had unprecedented growth and and continues to show promise in the international community.

When PM Khalfani's approval rating hit 35% two months ago, Sera's four authorized political parties immediately began emergency primaries to select candidates in case Khalfani's approval rating dipped any further. With news breaking from Parliament today about the PM's astoundingly low approval, it seems as though holding emergency primaries was the right call. Although the primaries that were held are not required by law to participate in, voter participation in the general election that will be held in the coming months is required. To that end, voters will have their choice between four separate candidates including the incumbent Prime Minister Akan Khalfani ya Mbaku who has decided to run to maintain his seat.

The progressive Senator from Reginum Rep. Claudia Leontia ya Latinius alongside her running mate Mr. Placus Aeminius will be running for the Latinius party. Senator Claudia is expected to do well in the first two rounds of the general election, however her popularity (or rather, the lack thereof) within her own party puts her in jeopardy if in the coming months her progressivism is blasted by the other parties as being "too extreme". These sentiments largely stem from her choice of running mate; a casteless Seran who would be the first casteless person to run for such a high political office in Sera's long history. Her platform revolves around abolishing capital punishment, increase governmental funds for affordable housing, break up large corporations, increase taxes on corporate entities and high-income earners, address income inequality through social programs, overhaul the caste and Crucible system, reduce the size of the military, increase foreign aid spending, eliminate conscription, and eliminate the restrictions on casteless Serans.

Representative Busar Chane ya Sakhile and Senator Jata Kufu, two staunchly libertarian candidates running out of Mansa for the Sakhile party could also find themselves in a precarious position should their constituents feel they are not "libertarian enough". Chane supports lowering taxes through eliminating state-subsidized healthcare and replacing it with individual-supported savings accounts that will instead pay for medical issues, lowering social security support and other social programs, and defunding and shrinking government agencies. Chane has also vowed to look into abolishing drug laws, loosening restrictions on corporations and high-income earners, and a massive deregulation of economic restrictions. Chane has also vowed to "look into" the plight of the casteless.

Major General Baraka Anansa ya Mbaku and Lieutenant Colonel Jafari Habib ya Mbaku were chosen to represent Mbaku voters in the upcoming general election after soundly defeating their opponents during the primaries. Anansa received acclaim during the Invasion of Sparta where he was responsible for Sera's campaign that saw the capture of Sparta Eternal's island chain leading to the Spartan homeland. Outside of his own party, Anansa has garnered support even among moderates according to the latest polling data. Politically, Anansa supports conscription, the Crucible, loosening of some taxes and restrictions on corporations and high-income earners, slight deregulation of economic restrictions, minor reduction in taxes through the elimination of some social support programs and shrinking of government agencies, and a boost in military spending and defense contracts. Moreover, Anansa has gone on record as being against an increase in the federal minimum wage, against government regulation on medical pricing, and against Sera's state-subsidized healthcare program. With his support of the Crucible and the caste system, many Serans worry that the nation helmed by Anansa would simply be more of the same.

Finally, Mrs. Nalo Nkechi ya Koga and her running mate Issa Kaluwa round out the roster with the Koga's more moderate and centrist picks. The duo has the advantage of being able to garner support from more moderate leaning voters from the various parties and hold the added benefit of already being proven and solid choices in the seat. Mrs. Nkechi had an overwhelmingly popular tenure as Prime Minister before leaving the office due to the deteriorating health of her father. After his passing and with the sponsorship of King Tu'Aruc, Nalo Nkechi has a solid chance of clinching victory from the other four candidates. She is running on a platform similar to the one she ran on 5 years ago: a slight tax increase to support the military and social programs, a focus on the plight of the casteless in Sera's society, strengthening the state-subsidized healthcare program, and limiting the scope of the federal government and returning power to the states to self-govern.

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[Zamastan]

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Syrarantoan Attack Jets Buzz Zamastanian Warships in Riskiest Encounter in Decades

A Syrarantoan Sugya-9 fighter buzzes past the aircraft carrier ZMS Kordia in the Sotoa Sea

Matthew Ambervelle (@RealAmbervelle00)
APELNISSE - Zamastanian forces in Western Nortua are on high alert following multiple close encounters with Syrarantoan military flybys of 2nd Fleet naval vessels in the Sotoa Sea, including past the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier ZMS Kordia. The 2nd Fleet, operating out of Balgita, Constantio, had been conducting patrols in the sea alongside SBU naval vessels from Constantio, Vuswistan, and Sopita, when squadrons of multiple Syrarantoan Sugya-9 fighter jets intercepted the fleet and performed "dangerous and reckless fly-by manuevers," according to Department of Defense statements.

The incidents are the first direct interactions between Zamastanian and Syrarantoan regime forces. In at least one moment, a Syrarantoan jet came within 30ft of a Zamastanian destroyer, the ZMS Andrews, conducting exercises with the fleet. Admiral Clement Kisiner of the 2nd Fleet described it as a “simulated attack” – one of the closest and riskiest encounters between the two countries’ armed forces in more than 30 years.

Other videos showed Sugya-9 fighter jets flying low over the sea and “buzzing” the ZMS Narsete – a destroyer of the Percilius-class – which carries guided missiles and which had just made a call at the Albanovi port of Tavinhos. According to the Zamastanian Nortua Command (ZAMNORCOM or NORCOM) in Norasa, and reinforced by statements from alternate headquarter sites in Allengin, Elbresia, there were a number of such close encounters on Sunday and Monday, involving both Syrarantoan fighter jets and helicopters, while the fleets were in international waters in the Sotoa Sea, off the coast of Constantio. Those waters are also close to the Syrarantoan island of Fasharaz.

A navy spokesperson said that in the closest pass, on Monday, a fighter jet came within 30ft (9 metres) of the ZMS Narsete, at an altitude of 100ft, as the Zamastanian navy was practising helicopter landings on the ship’s deck, and an allied helicopter was on the deck refuelling. The drills were stopped because of the danger presented by the Syrarantoan overflights, he said. Other reports said that helicopter involved in the aborted exercise had been Vuswistani.

President Atticus Moreau, when asked about the encounter in a press briefing, said the behavior was “entirely inconsistent with the professional norms of militaries operating in proximity to each other in international waters and international airspace”.

There was no direct response from Covijo, but the pro-government news service described the flypast as a “minor incident” which had got the Zamastanian Defense Department “up in arms”.

There had not been "reckless" encounters between Syrarantoan and Zamastanian forces since 1994, when a Syrarantoan fighter jet was shot down by the Zamastanian Tavoka-class frigate ZMS Gravelle. That incident occured at the height of the Chezian War (1992-95). Nearly 30 years later, Monday's incidents were the first since the beginning of the ongoing civil war in Syraranto.

Syrarantoan dictator Kyriakos Tasoulas has levied a series of intensive threats against the SBU and its allies in recent months in response to sanctions and condemnations of their ongoing nuclear weapons program and shelling of civilian areas. Zamastanian forces has increased inthe region as a precaution to a military buildup along Constantio's border with Syraranto, which many believe is either a show of force or a prelude to a military strike against the SBU powerhead.

Major Flooding Hits Elk Valley

Record rainfall, mixed with glacial runoff from the Zian Mountains and months of drought, resulted in flash flooding throughout the Elk Valley and inundated parts of the cities of Elkford, Grouseville, and Steldon.

Kale Maynard (@KaleMaynardTimes)
ELKFORD - After a summer of deadly heat and uncontrolled wildfires, the province of Zian was hit by record rainfalls that forced the evacuation of towns and destroyed highways and rail lines. The intense rains and heavy winds that descended last week on Zian, the province known for its mountains, coastline and majestic forests, forced 27,000 people from their homes, emptying entire towns and inundating farms. Arinals, Zamastan’s second-largest city, lost many of its road and rail links to the rest of the country, cut off by washed-out bridges and landslides. Only bridge and tunnel connections from the capital of Tofino maintain a wider connection. The interior Elk Valley, however, which runs along the Zian and Blackfoot rivers, is entirely cut off.

It was the second time in six months that the province had endured a major weather-related emergency, and experts say the two disasters are probably related to changes in the climate. Zian has been besieged this year by record-breaking heat, wildfires and floods. The disasters have killed hundreds — including at least thirteen people in the recent rains — and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. The impact has rippled across Zamastan after hobbling the province and its main road and rail networks, which is vital to the country’s economy.

“In the last six months, our province has both burned and drowned,” said Alouise Smith, the executive director of Clean Energy Zamastan, a climate program at the University of Tofino. “So there’s really no greater evidence of climate change right now than here in Zian.”

In July, record temperatures as high as 121 degrees Fahrenheit brought drought and uncontrollable wildfires. The heat, which was concentrated in the province’s interior, killed 595 people from June to August, and fire consumed an entire town. The floods last week have spared more lives but have destroyed vital infrastructure and left freight to pile up at key rail crossings. The country’s supply lines have been disrupted as well at a time when many ports are too backed up to offer much help.

Experts said that events in this sequence — heat, fire, drought, flood — could produce so-called compound effects. A drought can dry out vegetation, which in turn can fuel and intensify fires. Fire itself can weaken or kill plants and make the soil less permeable, meaning that rain is more likely to run off rather than soak in, causing flash floods and landslides.

Rachel McEllis, a professor at the University of Providence who studies how large-scale atmospheric patterns contribute to extreme weather, said it was impossible to say for sure whether the extraordinary heat and the devastating rains resulted directly from climate change.

“We need to do more research to really try and understand what’s going on here,” she said. “Is this also a sign of climate change or did Zian Province just get incredibly unlucky this year?”

However, she said, one thing is certain: “These events were made worse because of climate change.”

A common weather event known as an “atmospheric river” led to the province’s devastating flooding and set rainfall records in several communities. A moisture conveyor belt, perhaps better known as the Horseshoe Express, it is a relatively narrow but very long band of fast-moving, moisture-laden air that forms in the mid Olympic Ocean and crosses east over Caspiaa before slopping towards Zamastan. Normally, such systems release that moisture as intense rain once they reach Zian’s coastal mountains and peter out before they enter the dry interior region on the other side. But this atmospheric river was different, said a meteorologist with the weather service at Environment and Climate Change Zamastan.

“This had so much potency to it that it was able to ride up those mountains and really unleash into what is otherwise the dry belt,” he said.

Thomas Usre, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Duncan, added that the phenomenon was notable for its scale. The interior town of Steldon, for instance, was hit with 11.6 inches of rain in 52 hours, about a third more than the amount of rain it usually receives in all of December.

“What’s not normal is to have atmospheric river events that are this large,” he said, adding that in terms of rainfall, these events “are nearly equaling the historic record. Because the interior region had already had an usually wet fall, the ground was saturated before the storm hit. Compounding the situation, there was relatively little snow at higher altitudes to soak up water. In addition, the summer of extreme heat, drought and wildfires had left little vegetation to slow or prevent mudslides. When you have those sequences set up right, you produce even more extreme conditions.”

Human meddling with geography has also made things worse. Much of the fertile farmland near Elkford was created 200 years ago by draining the Amas Lake, a process that forced Indigenous people onto other land. While pumps and levees held back some of the water, the storm last week allowed the lake to reassert itself after a century. As the rain poured down and roads closed, panicked shoppers cleared out several grocery stores, particularly in the Tofino-Arinals area.

Rebuilding lost bridges, roadways and railways could take months. But Randolph Wilson, the director of government relations in Zian for the Retail Council of Zamastan, said that widespread shortages were not likely in the province. Fresh produce can still arrive on the highway from Tofino, the route much of it usually follows to supply the region this time of year.

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©TOFINOTIMES 2021

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109,811 comments

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TOFINO TIMES HEADLINES

• Clashes along Haduastan-Elastan border raises concern of regional conflict in Nidayar
• Brunnele Suspends Presidential Campaign, Endorses Sabine Armitage
• 2021 Kasema Winter Olympics: Zamastan wins five gold, takes home record 17 winter medals
• Central Ausiana Flood Relief: How You Can Help and Where You Can Donate
• Former-President Elliott laid to rest in White Rock

[Quetana]

TAFCA MEMBERSHIP APPROVED IN LAST-MINUTE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY VOTE

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Abe Manadabe (@AbeManadabe)
27 December, 2021|VONGANE

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Prime Minister Ian Abril speaks to reporters after the TAFCA Membership vote is passed.

National Assembly has passed the proposal to adopt TAFCA membership after years of negotiations that began in 2015. Prime Minister Ian Abril (SP) led the motion to begin voting at the last minute, as the deadline for voting set by the Social Democratic opposition party ahead of the October general election. The final vote, 198-152, means that the final approval is prepared to be signed by President Emília Medeiros, who has long endorsed the membership. What was anticipated to be a vote along party lines, however, was far closer than previously thought. National Assembly is split with an abundantly clear majority, with the Socialist Party ruling with 252 seats and the Social Democrats holding 88, the other seats held by more minor parties. In this vein, nearly 60 SP members split from their party to join the opposition vote. So although the ambitions of President Medeiros are clearly passed, it signs a moment of problematic foreshadowing for her party.

Some opposition to TAFCA can be tied to the history of Quetana's notably isolationist policy. Incidents where votes on international cooperation have been narrow can be seen with WEDA and the Coalition Trade Organization membership that Quetana holds high leadership roles in, but has been threatened with removal by opposition parties within its own legislatures. TAFCA has gone to vote three times since 2015, and those votes either were too narrow to grant a clear margin to approve, or they were postponed. Thus, the avoidance of direct declining votes has meant the TAFCA proposal has long sat at the Prime Minister's desk, and in October with the general election, the Social Democratic Party called for a final vote on December 28th, 2021. PM Abril pushed the vote to the 27th to avoid a stalemate by opposition leaders who had been garnering support for anti-TAFCA lobbying.

The Trans Adula Fair Commerce Accord, often shortened to TAFCA, is an international trade agreement between a select number of member countries who have signed the accord. The accord establishes cooperation between members to reduce trade barriers, import quotas and tariffs, to enhance liberalization of trade in services, and to increase trade of goods and services with each other. The agreement is an "economic integration agreement", which is the unification of economic policies between the different members, through the partial or full abolition of tariff and non-tariff restrictions on trade. Additionally, due to the nature of the agreement, a nation must be a part of Adula as per the name. TAFCA was created on May 6th, 2011, by governing parties of several major economies on the continent, namely North Timeria, Austrolis I, and Vitosium.

President Medeiros cited her excitement over the passage of the proposal, ignoring questions about the major swath of her political party allies that abandoned the crucial 'yes' vote, saying "all I want to say is that it has been a long time coming, and thankfully the Parliament did the right thing. Quetana's membership in TAFCA should be fully approved by the middle of January, at which point I will be thrilled to finalize this years-long process and integrate Quetana further into the wider Adula community."

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• Apatonia Peacekeeping Mission Once Again Falls Under Fire. 1 Quetanan Soldier Wounded.
• TAFCA Inclusion Proposal Will Be Voted Upon in National Assembly
• OPINION: Yuan's Market Manipulation Looms as First Stage in Wider Plan

© VONGANE JOURNAL 2021

[Andaluni]

NORA TIMES

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Andaluni Scrambling to Contain What it Calls 'Deadliest Wildlife Disaster' in its History
President Capolva stated that all government environmental resources are being dedicated to combatting a rapidly developing bird flu, 12/28/21

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Michael Tist (@MikeTistNews)
^{28 Dec 2021 15:00 | Nora, Andaluni}

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Chicken farms are under tense pressure as a strain of bird flu sweeps the migratory bird population of Andaluni.
Photo courtesy of Nora Times.

NORA, ANDALUNI - President Zuzana Capolva instructed the Andaluni government to scramble to contain what authorities call the deadliest wildlife disaster in the country's history, as a bird flu outbreak strikes the northern part of the nation. At least 5,200 migratory cranes have been killed, with farmers forced to slaughter hundreds of thousands of chickens. The situation is still not under control, Hari Gadia, a senior scientist at the Andaluni Parks and Nature Authority, said.

"Many of the birds are dead in the middle of the water body so it's difficult for them to be taken out," Gadia said Tuesday.

Workers were removing bird carcasses as fast as they could, as there are concerns they would potentially infect other wildlife, said Ben Michaeli, spokesman for the Aula Lake park, where most of the crane population is located.

Nora University Professor of Zoology Harshal Painuly said there have already been carcasses of other birds, like pelicans and egrets, that were discovered, according to The Nora Times.

"The extent of the damage is still unclear," Environmental Protection Minister Luv Kansal said in a statement.

This situation is "the most serious damage to wildlife in the history of the country," Environmental Protection Minister Luv Kansal said.

There have been no Andalunians reported to have been infected with the bird flu, but those exposed are taking the antiviral Lamiflu.

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© Nora Times 2020

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[Apatonia]

LE DOCUMENT DE MISAMBA

Intensifying row between president and prime minister, as well as the ongoing LDF insurgency, sparks concerns as the country struggles to hold long-delayed elections.

Apatonia's allies fear instability as political crisis deepens

Apatonia's allies and international observers have expressed alarm over the escalating power struggle between the country’s president Mlamuli Ngotsha and prime minister Michel Lukonde, as heavily armed factions patrolled parts of the capital, Sifondo. Soldiers loyal to Prime Minister Michel Lukonde on Tuesday took up positions near the presidential palace, reports citing witnesses said, while others paraded the streets.

“They are not far away from the main security checkpoints of the presidential palace, they are armed with heavy machine guns and RPGs [rocket-propelled grenades]”, Harrison Saïdou, a Sifondo resident, told the Le Document De Misamba news agency.

Another local, Charles Diyanè, said that although the situation appeared to be calm, he was “really worried” about the potential for violence.

It came a day after President Ngotsha, announced the suspension of Lukonde's powers for suspected corruption, a move the prime minister described as a coup attempt. Relations between the pair have long been frosty, but the latest developments have sparked concerns for Apatonia's stability as the country struggles to hold long-delayed elections and faces a growing insurgency from the Lundia Defense Forces rebel group.

Observers have urged both sides to resolve the festering dispute, which is widely seen by allies as distracting the internationally-backed government from fighting an armed campaign by LDF, an al-Fijar-linked armed group. On Tuesday, the South Adula Bureau of Zamastan's State Department warned that Tofino was “prepared to act against those who obstruct Apatonia's path to peace,” going on to say that "the attempted suspension of the Apatonian Prime Minister is alarming, and we support his efforts for rapid and credible elections. All parties must desist from escalatory actions & statements."

Neighboring Unified Sera Government has been discussing routes of military intervention as a refugee crisis grows along its border, and as the insurgency in Lundia grows closer to their border. Upwards of 3,000 civilians have been killed since the LDF's newest offensive began in September, with massacres reported provincewide. Seran observers, along with international allies, released a statement expressing “deep concern” over the crisis.

“We call on Apatonia's leaders to put the country’s interests first, to de-escalate rising political tensions, and to refrain from provocation or use of force that could undermine peace and stability,” the joint statement said. “International partners have repeatedly expressed growing concern over procedural irregularities and delays in the Apatonia electoral process.”