The Democritus Sun (approved participants only)

[Grandes Terres]

9th of November 1990

FEDERATION AID PACKAGE FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF POLAND

Today the federal government revealed a second aid package for Poland focused on the rebuilding of homes and vital infrastructure. This is the second reconstruction package delivered, the first a smaller round of funding committed at the wars conclusion. The reconstruction and renovation of damaged and destroyed buildings by a task force of FFBR government civil engineers has already seen several large apartment buildings either renovated for rebuilt from the ground up, displaying the Federal governments commitment to the reconstruction of Poland and giving tangible results to the Polish people.

The government has defended its track record on supporting Poland in its conflict against the USSR, with President of the Federation Jacques Chirac stating "We sent some of the largest numbers of lethal aid to Poland, including 100 Mirage fighter jets and an abundance of air defence weapons, so I think we should be proud of what we have done, and even more proud now that we are assisting in the reconstruction efforts as well. Supporting the nation that sits between us and the USSR is a key national security policy of the administration."

Thousands of volunteers from across the FFBR have been involved in charity work and aid work on behalf of the federal government, undertaking a variety of tasks from driving delivery vehicles, building homes or even just sweeping the streets of debris. Buildings renovated by federally-sourced funding have had the message 'Finansowane przez FFBR' printed and sometimes engraved onto them, as this is a condition of federally funded projects overseas in order to somewhat 'advertise' the works funded by the FFBR abroad.

Pictured: An apartment building in Warsaw that was renovated by Franco-British construction crews after being damaged during the war, with 'Finansowane przez FFBR' printed above the highest floor.

[Calindelo]

1986 Coup Attempt
21, February 1986

Footage from a local news report showing the advancement of RAM troops towards Malacañang Palace.

The Reform the Armed Forces Movement, or RAM for short, formed by disgruntled military officers and enlistees who were displeased by the rampant corruption and nepotism of the Armed Forces of the Philippines due to the Marcos regime, conducted a coup upon the Philippine Government. These troops, mostly defectors from the 2nd Marine Brigade and other military units, are headed by Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, Colonel Gringo Honasan, and other army majors disloyal to the regime.

On the night of the 21st of February, gunfire engulfed the Philippine Islands as RAM attacked and occupied key strategic points such as several highways, the Manila International Airport, the Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo, and the residence of Ferdinand Marcos, the Malacañang Palace.

Although executed almost perfectly, the efforts of RAM proved to be done in vain, as troops loyal to Marcos launched a successful counter-offensive to take back control of RAM occupied points. By morning, they have re-taken the Malacañang and have secured the President and his family, by the next couple of days, most of RAM has surrendered, and by the 28th of February, the coup was officially thwarted.

Colonel Honasan and Minister Enrile would be apprehended and jailed in a military prison. An enraged Marcos cracked down on public protesters, especially of Corazon Aquino's, and those who plan to depose him. He purged military officers and government officials that may not be loyal to the regime.

Several years later, Honasan and Enrile would escape prison, helped by the military prison staff sympathetic to the idea of toppling Ferdinand Marcos. Democracy hangs in the balance as the Filipino people get more and more brave to fight for freedom against the Marcos Regime.

Marcos is Dead!
28, September 1989

A protester announcing the Inauguration of Corazon Aquino with the use of a newspaper.

On a cold and rainy morning on the 28th of September, 1989, a chilling news report from a state owned station rocked the nation, perhaps even the world. "Ferdinand Marcos is dead."

Instead of mourning, the majority of the Filipino erupted in cheers as they rejoice; the dictator is dead! But sadly, the regime is still well and alive. Marcos' vice president and the family's puppet, Arturo Tolentino, assumed office, and shortly thereafter, was inaugurated into the presidency. But at this point, the Filipino people are overwhelmed with emotion and took to the streets to celebrate, and to protest Tolentino's assuming of the presidency. The revolution is now in full swing.

For the next few days, with the help of figures such as Juan Ponce Enrile, Gringo Honasan, and Corazon Aquino, the people rallied and occupied EDSA, a major highway in Manila. Over two million people participated in the protests. Tolentino retaliated by mobilizing troops to disperse and put an end to the protests, but most of the enlisted personnel in the Armed Forces of the Philippines either refused to follow orders or joined the protesters. During the dead of night on October 3rd, Tolentino, along with the Marcos Family and their most trusted associates and allies, fled the country and settled overseas in exile.

The protesters seized Malacañang Palace and declared a snap election, with Corazon Aquino winning in a landslide, with 77% of the popular vote. After Aquino's inauguration, she quickly abolished the current constitution written by the regime, and adopted a temporary provisional constitution, regaining the rights of the Filipino people.



The Philippine Civil War
25, December 1989

Pro-Marcos soldiers atop a footbridge firing upon Pro-Aquino soldiers.

On Christmas morning, several weeks into Aquino's presidency, shots rang out in several military bases around Manila as soldiers led by high-ranking military and government officials with ties to the Marcos clan defected in the hopes to depose the current Aquino administration and replace it with the exiled Tolentino and Imelda Marcos, Ferdinand Marcos' wife.

Aquino declared martial law as fighting ensued but are mostly concentrated in Manila, and other military installations across the nation. Both sides also fought for broadcasting stations to churn out propaganda and suppress the opposing side. Although the fighting is more or less minor, it took a toll to the government's stability, global recognition, and already failing economy.

It is now the November of 1990, almost a year into the civil war and a decade left until the new millennium. A total of 6,000 civilians and soldiers from both sides are dead. Most of the Marcos loyalists have already surrendered and the leaders are willing to initiate a dialogue.

Finally, peace among the Philippine Islands is upon us. The question is, will the nation recover from the horrors of the Marcos Regime and once again top the international stage? Will it crumble and result in the armageddon of the Filipino people? Only time will tell.

[Grandes Terres]

12th November 1990

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES GLOBAL AIRLINE

Today the Federal government announced the launching of a national airline for the FFBR. Named FEDair (FED standing for Federal), the airline will operate globally from it's two main hubs of London Heathrow (LHR) and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), competing with British Airways and Air France, each of which are owned by their respective state governments and were not transferred to Federal control following the Act of Union that formed the FFBR.

From it's hubs FEDair will operate daily flights to the Overseas Departments of the Federation, from the Caribbean islands to the Pacific islands it is hoped that FEDair's high frequency of flights will help to better connect the Departments to the mainland, whilst also offering inter-Department flights that have previously been very limited, with new routes such as Martinique to Réunion, Réunion to Noumea and Cayenne to Papeete. As well as this, FEDair will operate more profitable and competitive long-haul routes such as transatlantic and East Asian routes as well a significant number of flights to Africa, particularly Francophone and Commonwealth nations in Africa. These long-haul routes will be served by Airbus' new a330 wide-body jet as well as the new a340 for extra long routes that require a 4 engined aircraft such as when flying over the pacific. For premium transatlantic routes FEDair will utilise a small fleet of Concorde's in order to compete with the Concorde service offered by British Airways and Air France, however a smaller number of Concorde's will be owned by FEDair compared to the fleets of British Airways and Air France.

On the short-haul and domestic side FEDair will primarily operate short haul flights across Europe and North Africa, whilst also offering short haul services within the Caribbean islands (including French Guiana), the Indian Ocean islands (including Pondicherry territories) and the Pacific islands. For these short haul services FEDair has purchased the Airbus a320 and a321 to account for variations in the passenger numbers of different routes.

FEDair a330 livery:

[Lendenburgh]

Sunni militiaman and Arab Federation soldier pictured together near the border in Chebaa

November 12, 1990
Vienna Press- Beirut
Fighting continues in the capital city of Lebanon. General Aoun's forces have now completely surrounded the city, cutting it off from the rest of government controlled territory in the country. The Arab Federation's confirmation of military intervention has sent shockwaves through the many factions across Lebanon. Sunni militias in the rural East and North of the Country have opened up many key border crossings and have promised to help the Federation's forces to retake their country. While Aoun concentrates his forces near Beirut to lay siege to the city, this has left a power vacuum which the Shia militant group Hezbollah has rushed to fill. In just a few days, Hezbollah fighters were able to seize the city of Sidon, and drive the last of the government forces out of the South of the country. Adding to the confusion, the Arab Federation carried out air-strikes on both a government-controlled airfield and an airfield controlled by Aoun's forces. Military analysts suggest this may be because of the risk of the airforce defecting to Aoun, but the government now exiled in Tripoli is hesitating to officially endorse the Arab Federation's intervention in the country because of their strike on Qleiat.

As Sunni militias fall back from offensive positions in preparation for the Arab Federation's advance, Aoun's forces have seized parts of the Beqaa governate, as well as the critical reservoir of Lake Qaraoun. Fierce fighting against government forces in Beirut and against Hezbollah in Sidon have stretched the General thin, however. The only major border crossing which remains in Aoun's hands is that between Maarboun and Serghaya. When the Arab Federation's offensive begins, not only will they have near-complete air superiority, but Sunni loyalist positions will put them within 25km of the outskirts of Beirut. This may explain Aoun's focus on taking the city at the expense of other military targets. Government forces were able to push Aoun loyalists back from their advanced positions near Tripoli and Byblos, securing most of the Northern Coast of the country in the Harawi government's hands. While Aoun's chances of achieving his goal of 'liberating' the country from joint-Muslim-Christian control seem slimmer and slimmer by the day, the resurgent Hezbollah may pose serious problems for any occupation of the country by the Arab Federation.

Hezbollah = Green
Harawi Government = Yellow
General Aoun = Red
Sunni militias loyal to the Arab Federation = Black
Arab Federation Air strikes = Stars

[Zackaroth]

RoA and CoA push KoSA forces back to Riyadh despite foreign help, Houthi’s suffer massive losses despite withholding CoA onslaught.

Nov 12th, 1990

The KoSA is barely hanging on, despite aid from its northern neighbour. Supplied with weapons, the KoSA army suffered two massive defeats at both the hands of the RoA and the CoA. It is theorised that the KoSA army is not very well trained and that many of the mercenaries hired to aid it are either fleeing Arabia or do not have the will to keep fighting. Not only that, but inept leaders caused much of the arms gained to both fall into the RoA’s and the CoA’s hands during the latest push. The King is still considering burning the oil fields but the RoA has promised a destructive retribution if such an action occurs. The Arab’s Federation troops have taken positions around the Oil Field, promising a fight should the CoA or the RoA get that far.

Riyadh is hunkering down for the expected two prong attack and both the RoA and the CoA are preparing forces to invade the city. This will be a three way battle that the world has never seen before. Meanwhile, the RoA and CoA’s attacks on their Western Flanks have slowed but not ceased as the RoA struggles to push mile by mile to contain it’s radical enemy. Further complicating matters is the Arab Federation’s shelling on the border, forcing the RoA to pull back after minor casualties. The RoA does not seem interested in fighting the Arab Federation but is keeping guard as a defensive tactic. It’s been rumored that General Nassar Akram has reached out to Poland, Danubia and other European countries, asking for aid in order to turn Arabia into a true, free republic.

Meanwhile, the CoA continues its war against the Houthi Incursion and the Shia Muslims that have sought protection. The Houthi’s were able to repel a violent assault but lost many troops in the resulting battle. It’s becoming clear the incursion can no longer sustain itself and must retreat back into Yemen.

Current Map:

[Zackaroth]

Civil War enters another Stalemate as RoA and CoA forces converge on Riyadh, Houthi Incursion holds on.

Nov 20th

The civil war in Arabia has entered another stalemate as both the CoA and RoA have begun making direct attacks on Riyadh. The RoA has begun attacking the city from the north. However, these battles are small skirmishes. The RoA has won a majority of them and is pushing closer to the city but not as fast as they seemingly would like. The CoA tried it’s hand by attacking from the west but were repelled by KoSA forces. It seems the RoA and CoA’s refusal to pause fighting against each other on their fronts is affecting the battle for Riyadh. Neither is fully willing to commit its forces for massive assaults on the city by weakening the line against one another.

This is especially apparent as the RoA pushed towards Medina but were repelled by the CoA. However, the CoA suffered many casualties during the defence, making their victory shaky at best. Compounding matters is the refusal of the Houthi Incursion to roll over and die. Though their territory has shrunk, the Incursion refuses to fully retreat in light of recent events and is attempting to evacuate as many Shia muslims from CoA and KoSA territories as possible. It’s expected the Battle for Riyadh will be taking up resources from both sides for a while as the KoSA entrenches itself deeper in the city.

Current Map:

[Georgian Kingdom]

Operation Tadmeer (annhiliation)

As the fighting continues on the ground, the UAF Air Force is trying to achieve air superiority over Lebanon after destorying the two major airfields of Lebanon. Controlling the skies over Lebanon was the UAF's primary mission. In order to suppress any air defenses of the Kataeb's forces, the Arab Army artillery continues pounding the enemy positions supported by the air forces.

While the loyalist Sunni militias act as a buffer to protect the southern flank from the Hezbullah, the middle Arab divison consisting of 3 brigades and comanded by Lieutenant General Abdul-Hamid Mahmud, started its advance towards Jounieh (north of Beirut) to cut Aoun's supplies and divide Aoun-controlled territory into two parts. This manuever was done to reduce Aoun's capabilities.

Meanwhile, the 29th armored division under Maj. General Yasin al-Jazrawi, was advancing west. The aim of the 29th divison was to advance towards the city of Aley and then ultimately take Beirut. Various UAF paramilitary units went first to soften the enemy up. Zealous ISIL fighters were advancing first and then, various conscripts who were recently drafted into the army from prisons or homeless/impoverished folk having high hopes for spoils of war, were following them. And then the third wave consisted of professional better-tained troops of the regular UAF army. While they were advancing west trying to reach Aley, paratroopers were landing behind the enemy lines to sow confusion and weaken the enemy from behind while the main force keeps advancing deeper into Lebanon towards the capital.


Southern Front

Deafeating the Hezbullah movement is not a priority for the UAF military leadership. The main priority is to reduce Aoun's ability to pose any meaningful resistance and prevent Aoun's forces from taking the capital so the main efforts are being made for that purpose.

For now, Damascus keeps arming the Sunni militias to prepare them for future assault on Hezbullah-controlled territory.

Situation with Saudi Arabia

As the so-called "Republic of Arabia" keeps advancing further into the Saudi territory, Damascus is starting to make more drastic measures to assist its fellow monarchy. 5,000 troops from the UAF army were deployed on the UAF-RoA border to keep the pressure on the RoA forces so they would spread themselves thin. More artillery pieces were on the way as well.

5 SCUD missiles were fired at the capital of RoA from the base near the border trying to neutralize as many government officials as possible.

Government in Exile

The UAF is preparing a plan to create a “Saudi government with the current dynasty in exile” on the territory of the Arab Federation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the publication, Damascus can help the “government in exile” in organising “guerrilla operations” in the country, the Ministry reported.

Naval Blockade

King al-Jameel announced that he ordered the UAF Navy to impose a naval blockade on the RoA by submarines, surface vessels and mines. While the coastline of the RoA is still short, the Arab Federation hopes to increase the economic pressure on the RoA to aid the Saudis. UAF is also preparing other plans to try to further weaken the RoA's resolve and put pressure on their econom using other methods.

[Anxiety Cafe]

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Argentina Breaks Relations with Lebanon, Enacts Sanctions
Buenos Aires — 20 November 1990

Al-Ahmad Mosque, owned by a Syrian Arab Community Association

Less than three weeks after the terrorist attack on the UAF Embassy in La Plata, Prime Minister Aguirre today signed a bill officially branding General Aoun's Kataeb Party as a terrorist organization, after it passed through the National Parliament near-unanimously. In an emotional speech after signing the bill, PM Aguirre paid tribute to the 21 victims of the bombing, and called on international partners to also "take a stand against extremism."

The bill places sanctions on General Aoun himself and 13 high-ranking officials of his paramilitary organization, seizing any and all assets they have in Argentina and barring their entry into the country. Argentina maintains recognition of Lebanese Harawi government and considers Aoun's movement to be an insurgency. PM Aguirre has made clear that, should Aoun's forces prevail, Argentina will not recognize his administration nor establish diplomatic or economic relations with it.

The move comes after a joint Argentine-UAF investigation into the bombing intercepted messages showing the Kataeb party had prior knowledge of the impending attack, and did nothing to stop it or warn the proper authorities. A police force raid of the perpetrator's temporary residence discovered further evidence of Kataeb involvement as well as plans to attack the Al-Ahmad Mosque in Buenos Aires, the premiere icon of Islamic culture and architecture in the country.

A manifesto released by Al-Tanzim, the organization responsible for the attack, claims that the bombing was necessary due to the major trading agreement between the Southern Cross Pact, of which Argentina is a founding member, and the UAF, as well as what it referred to as "the Islamization of the Argentine Arab community." Argentina is home to one of the largest Arab populations in the world, almost entirely of Levantine origin, and Christianity predominates in these communities.

Pierre Nassif and Elie Hawi, the accomplices to the attack, have not yet been found. They are believed to have exited the country through Ciudad del Este, and returned to Lebanon from there.

Although officially neutral in the military conflict in Lebanon, several sources indicate that Argentina is unofficially conducting dialogue with the UAF government to potentially negotiate an alliance between the UAF and the Lebanese Harawi government against General Aoun's forces. This is considered one of Argentina's highest priorities in the region.

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Obelisco Station: Opening Ceremony on Buenos Aires' New Central Station
Buenos Aires — 20 November 1990

The location of Obelisco Station

The long-awaited opening of the Obelisco Station in Buenos Aires finally occurred this afternoon, with attendance by Mayor Alfonso Mendoza as well as Governor Lorenza Mesa. The completion of Obelisco Station provides the city with, for the first time, a central rail transportation hub. Prior to Obelisco, the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area's extensive 815 km commuter rail network (as well as longer intercity rail lines) terminated in three separate stations: Retiro, Once, and Constitución, which had no direct connection with one another. Commuters were instead forced through several transfers between the several lines of the commuter rail network and the city's Subte, or subway system. Additionally, there was no unified commuter rail system; instead, six separate ones operated their own line(s).

Obelisco Station, located adjacent to the city's iconic obelisk, has six levels. It's aboveground portion includes three floors. The ground floor includes offices, ticketing services, and a waiting area for the bus stop. The second and third floors are dedicated to restaurants and commercial businesses; both include large open-air areas for passengers to experience the Plaza of the Kingdom and its surroundings.

The first underground level is where passengers can access lines A, B, C, and D of the Buenos Aires Subte. These tunnels were pre-existing and allow travel to most areas within the city limits of Buenos Aires. This level also includes access to a new tunnel, to Once Station to the east. The singular line of the Sarmiento commuter rail system will run through tihs tunnel.

The second underground level connects tunnels from Retiro Station to the north to Constitución Station to the south. Four tunnels begin from Retiro Station: one for the San Martín commuter line, one for the Belgrano Norte commuter line, and two for the Mitre lines beginning in Tigre and José L. Suárez. The remaining Mitre line (beginning at Mitre Station) will maintain its terminus at Retiro station. From Constitución Station, five tunnels were constructed. Four correspond to the four lines of the Roca system that terminate at Constitución; the remaining tunnel corresponds to the Belgrano Sur line.

The Obelisco Station connects all six of the metropolitan area's commuter rail systems, which will henceforth be administered as a single unit by Ferrobaires, owned by the province of Buenos Aires. As a result, passengers can travel from one end of the metropolitan area to another with a single transfer at Obelisco Station. Because intercity routes use the same tracks as the commuter rail system, this also simplifies travel between areas of Argentina's extreme south, such as Bahía Blanca, to the rest of the country. Ferrobaires and the Subte will utilize the same ticketing system, which is also compatible with FerroDelta's system.

[Anxiety Cafe]

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Salta Governor Ulloa Blocks the Trans-Chaco Pipeline
Buenos Aires — 3 December 1990

Running close to 700 km from the outskirts of Orán in Salta to the city of Asunción, the Trans-Chaco Pipeline would for the first time bring natural gas directly from the fields in Salta and Andea to the Northeast; currently, the gas must be burned elsewhere and injected into the national electrical transmission system. The pipeline also leaves open the possibility of expansion to the border with Brazil, where gas can be exported into the neighboring country’s system close to its major demand centers. The Prime Minister’s Office when announcing the project championed its economic benefits, citing a reduction in electricity costs for the Northeast and an increase in Argentina’s energy security. However, Governor of Salta Hernan Ulloa was quick to come out in opposition to the project, which he said had been announced without consulting provincial authorities.

The province of Salta’s contribution to the national energy matrix has traditionally been one of the area’s main economic activities for decades. Containing all of Argentina’s share of the Tarija Gas Basin (shared with Andea) and the nation’s only international pipeline link to the rich Andean gas fields to the north, Salta is currently the sole major supplier of gas to the nation. However, the recent discovery of vast deposits of gas in Chile’s Neuquén Basin (which also crosses into Argentina) and ongoing exploration activities off the coast of Buenos Aires threaten this lucrative status.

Despite these developments, Governor Ulloa’s announcement shocked many. Belonging to the Justicialist Party, which is allied with PM Aguirre’s at the national level, Ulloa has been a strong supporter of Aguirre’s policies. But that relationship was apparently not enough to prevent Ulloa from threatening to block further progress on the Trans-Chaco Pipeline unless his demands were met.

These demands include the establishment of petrochemical, gas processing, and thermal power plants in the province. Although Salta is the nation’s main gas supplier, most of these facilities are located elsewhere—primarily in the Pampas region, where energy can easily be injected into the nation’s electricity grid and exports can depart from major ports.

Governor Ulloa, however, expressed discontent with this setup: “The established infrastructure contributes to an extractive, almost colonial relationship. Salta’s natural resources are used to benefit faraway economies with none of the wealth returning to the province. That is not right, and it cannot continue.”

As energy use increases into the hottest month of the year, especially in the Northeast, the other terminus of the Trans-Chaco Pipelines, pressure on PM Aguirre and YPF to acquiesce to Ulloa’s demands is heating up. And several political figures from neighboring provinces in the Northwest have thrown their support behind his initiative.

But opinion in Santa Fe and Córdoba, the centers of the Argentine hydrocarbon processing industry, is starkly different. Several sources have reported that Córdoba Senators Daniela Saá and Juan Larrete and Santa Fe Governor Mariano Tagliaferri are all in opposition to Ulloa’s move. Detractors believe Ulloa to be holding hostage “a project of critical national importance” in an attempt to maintain Salta’s relevancy in the domestic hydrocarbon market as sources diversify.

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Cuyo Wine Tours: Tourism on the Rise
Buenos Aires — 3 December 1990

A survey released by researchers from the National University of Cuyo found a remarkable trend: enotourism, or wine-based tourism, had experienced an unprecedented increase in the province in recent years, with close to 800,000 tourists visiting the province’s internationally-renowned vineyards.

Producing over half of the nation’s wine on more than 500,000 acres of vineyards, Cuyo is well-known domestically and abroad for its high quality wines. Malbec wines are Argentina’s most well-known variety; Douce noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are also grown in large quantities. White wine varietals are less prominent, but include Pedro Giménez and Torrontés grapes.

Argentina is unique in the world for avoiding infestations by grape phylloxera, an insect pest forcing vintners globally to graft their wines and use pesticides. Many wines in Argentina, and especially in Cuyo, however, are entirely organic. Argentina’s most highly-rated wines are grown at high altitudes in the Andean Valleys; in the Uco Valley of Cuyo, wines are grown at an elevation of over 1,500 meters above sea level.

The province has actively capitalized on these peculiarities to distinguish itself in the global wine market. And as the reputation of Cuyan wines domestically and internationally has increased, it has increasingly welcomed and encouraged visitors to its vineyards, where tourists can travel on wine routes through the Mendoza and San Juan wine regions. Activities differ between wineries, but often include wine tastings, guided vineyard walks, and more.

Cuyo has traditionally not been one of Argentina’s main tourist regions; its aridity and mountainous topography have precluded established ecotourism such as exists for Iguazu Falls. The rise in wine tourism and increase in prestige for the region’s wines paint a new, bright future for its tourism industry; one that may also affect how other Argentine wine regions market themselves.

[Arela]

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Crisis in the Palace

3rd December 1990

A transportation protest in Lima

LIMA - Hundreds of vehicles block a key highway intersection. Blaring horns, burning buildings, and furious chants light up the street. The coalition of transportation workers have brought an array of taxis, busses, and combis - vans and minivans which act as makeshift mini-busses.

The protests originally called for government support due to spiked oil prices. But as the months drag on, the protests have increasingly shifted towards calling for the resignation of the government and early elections.

The inability to deal with the protests have been a major blemish for the Sanchez administration, in addition to keeping Lima starved of vital food imports from the rest of the country. In grocery chains across the capital, potatoes, bananas, and carrots have virtually disappeared from the shelves, with the few remaining stocks being imported produce - far too expensive for the common folk.

At least bread remained plentiful, but even Lima’s pompous elite remain wary of copying the French experience. WIthin Avante’s ranks, discussion is bitter and turbulent. Only 11 months ago the Sanchez Administration seemed to have a bright future. 11 months later, only infighting remains within the tattered government.

Throughout the months, the right-wing of the Avante party increasingly coalesced with the Liberals, rallying against the left’s calls for price controls and consumer subsidies. The left in turn accused the right of betrayal and collaboration with the “corrupt” Liberal Party.

***

Citing the transportation protests and “anti-patriotic” behavior from Andea’s polítical class, President Sanchez declared a state of emergency. Within hours of declaring the state of emergency, Sanchez signed a decree annulling the elections of parliamentarians previously charged with corruption. This had the effect of impeaching much of the Liberal MPs, thus giving a decisive advantage to the left-wing of Avante.

“Coup! Coup!” Unsurprisingly, many parliamentarians were unhappy with the new state of emergency. The right-wing of Avante, supported by the Liberals, signed a decree accusing Sanchez of violating the constitution and democratic norms. They thus called for the Army and National Police to remove Sanchez from office.

For days there was a deafening silence. This remained the case until 0500 hrs on the 2nd of December, when the Navy announced its support for “the constitutional authority of the Executive.” The Navy also called for “all sides to act in an ordered and responsible manner.” The National Police was next to join the Navy’s stance, followed by the Air Force, and finally the Army.

Seeing how the armed forces had opted to back the left, the parliamentarian opposition had little choice but to fold. A wave of mass resignations followed, either to not give Sanchez the privilege of expelling them from Congress or as a show of solidarity against the so-called “Great Purge.”

***

The new administration was quick to announce a “reorganization plan” for the transportation section. Andea’s transportation sector consists of privately owned vehicles operated by “driver-owners.” Sanchez’s left-wing advisers pointed out that this led to much pointless redundancy and inefficiency. Instead, they called for a national-run transport collective, that would be coordinated by the Ministry of Public Transportation.

President Sanchez announced that a similar plan would be implemented. First of all, the minority of vehicles that were not owned by their drivers would be nationalized by the state. Although they are few in numbers, they largely consist of newer and larger buses, while driver-operated buses tend to be more run-down by comparison.

However, driver-owners were given the option to join the collective voluntarily. They driver would sign a contract with the Ministry of Public Transport (MPT) ranging from 1 to 5 years. During this time period, the MPT would provide salaries and transport routes for its employees. Buses and combis would be the most tightly regulated, with everything from the stops to vehicle maintenance and fuel needs being cared for by the state. Over time, the MPT will seek to phase out older busses and combis with newer systems.

On the other hand, while taxi drivers in the collective would act more independently. The Ministry of Public Transport would regulate the number of taxis and the areas in which they can operate in. It would also provide subsidized fuel, a base wage, and collective insurance for its drivers. However, drivers would be responsible for day-to-day maintenance of their cars.

[Arela]

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Socialism at a snails pace

7th December 1990

A street market in Lima

CALLAO - A tense mood surrounds Alicorp’s headquarter. The consumer good giant, which sells everything from food to oil to soap bars, will be subject to Democracy in the Workplace Act.

The bill will require companies that earn over $100 million USD (inflation adjusted) in revenue to gradually hand over 20% of company equity to an employee fund. Employees will “buy out” their company through payroll taxes at discounted equity prices. Additionally, affected companies are also to place 40% of their board of directors under worker control over a 3 year period.

President Sanchez has denied allegations that the bill represents a move towards communism or socialism. Instead, he insisted that it was Andea choosing a “Third Way” between socialism and capitalism.

Business leaders have decried Sanchez’s ‘dictatorial moves,’ saying that the bill will degrade property rights and economic growth in Andea. However, the general public has more optimistic outlook, saying that it will lead to a fairer distribution of wealth.

***

Constitution to recognize ‘Catholic Legacy’

Following Avante’s left turn, many feared that the country would shift to institutionalized atheism, like the Soviet Union of the old - or a twisted corrupted remnant of the Church - like that in Danubia. To placate fears, Parliament passed a constitutional amendment recognizing the Catholic Church's role as "an important element in Andea’s historical, cultural, and moral development.”

While short of giving further powers to the Church, the amendment signals Avante’s newfound willingness to cooperate with the Church. Avante has pointed to Liberation Theology and the Worker-Priest movement as shining examples of the Church’s good deeds. Several religious leaders pointed to this as a reason to doubt Avante’s stance of the church, instead fearing that it may try to co-opt it into its leftist agenda.

[Nowa Polonie]

The Christ of Nations - Poland's Religious Resurrection

'The Christ of Nations', or 'The Christ of Europe' - a Romantic epithet applied to the land of Poland by both the Polish, and many of her sympathetic neighbors, represents a pillar stone of the fundamental mindset of the Polish in their affairs, both at home, and abroad. Born out of the collapse of their first Commonwealth, and a subsequent Century of subjugation underneath her imperial neighbours, it was the Romantic hope of the Polish nation that, like Christ, their country was to suffer for the sake of others, but like Christ, to be resurrected, raised from death more glorious and powerful than before. The idea, though born of the late 18th and early 19th Century, has found resurgences among the Polish intelligentsia - first in the 1920s, when Poland regained her full sovereignty after more than a Century, and now again, in the 1990s, almost two-hundred years after its first earnest expression.

As Christmas Day approaches, and Christians across the world celebrate the birth of Christ, in Poland, a different celebration is taking place - faced with a war that to them, and to all around, seemed to be a Davidic struggle against the atheistic Soviet Union, many in Poland, in startling contrast to the outrage regarding controversies that seemed to rock the Catholic Church within Poland at the start of the year, are embracing a wave of religious revivalism. The nature of this revival has been centred around the centuries-old 'Christ of Nations' doctrine; namely that the persecution and suffering of the Poles was to bring salvation to other persecuted nations, just as the death of Christ – crucified by his neighbors – brought redemption to mankind. As the rancor of war is cast aside, and a new-found national vitality of reconstruction sets in, many Poles have reflected that, like Christ, their country's suffering has brought with it resurrection and rejuvenation, and that their trials have been for the sake of others; while in the immediate post-War, many expressed discontent with the perceived inaction of their Western neighbors during Poland's struggle, with aide arriving and the immediate grief subsiding, their has been a re-assessment of events, promoted by both the Government and Polish intelligentsia - bizarrely in fact, the Polish neo-Romantic movement finds itself most in bed with proponents of the Army in promoting this narrative; the neo-Romantics, perhaps, seeking the capture in what has been the lowest point in their nation's recent history a sense of renewed national pride, while the Army, perhaps more cynically, would use this narrative to reinforce not only its role within Poland, but its broader role as Europe's 'shield' against the East.

While before, the Church was increasingly being seen as a cloistered, increasingly obsolescent relic of a national past that was no longer fit for purpose in the modern day, in the face of the threat of the imposition of Soviet totalitarianism, with all the frills of cultural and religious repression that would come with it, it would seem that many Poles, realizing what they might stand to lose if they should abandon parts of their history, increasingly hold their faith and traditions much closer to heart than before - in Warszawa, among Christmas shoppers, the largest processions in decades remind the public that Christmas, far from being an occasion simply to give and receive gifts, eat and drink with friends and family, and to take time off work, is indeed a much greater religious occasion, marking the birth of their messiah.



Pope John Paul II declares Archbishop Oscar Romero 'Servant of God'



Murdered in 1980 while administering Mass, Salvadorian Archbiship Oscar Romero was considered an important proponent within that country of the school of Liberation Theology, advocating social justice, the emancipation of the poor and dialogue in the face of growing violence, his public assassination by members of the Far-Right ARENA political party provoked widespread international condemnation.

Perhaps in a nod to the growing influence of Liberation Theology throughout Latin America, and a growing impulse within the Catholic world towards re-focusing the Church's efforts on addressing not only the spiritual, but temporal, needs of the poor and down-trodden, the Pontiff John-Paul II (b. name Karol Wojtyla), marked the official recognition of Salvadorian Dr. Oscar Romero as a 'Servant of God', considered to be the first official step taken in beatification, and perhaps eventual Sainthood. Already widely considered a martyr across the Latin American World, and indeed outside of it by many of the Catholic faithful, the announcement was accompanied by statements from the Pontiff denouncing political violence, and reminding the world at large of the principles the late Romero stood for; namely for Christian dialogue in the face of civic unrest, for the end to political repression, and for the unending striving towards both civil and global peace.

[Anxiety Cafe]

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Uruguayan Parliament to Discuss Secular Education
Buenos Aires — 22 December 1990

UdelU's Law School, where the petition began

With more than one million signatures backing a petition initiated in support of secular education in the province, Uruguay's Parliament, once it returns to session, will be mandated by the province's constitution to consider the demands of the initiative and pass legislation on the topic. Initially circulated by students of the University of Uruguay (UdelU) months ago in protest of the proselytizing activities of the nearby Catholic University of Uruguay (UCU), the petition only exploded in popularity more recently. Its rapid rise to prominence is likely a result of widespread backlash to a mandate from the government of Paraguay establishing the Roman Catholic faith as "an indispensable element of the provincial culture" and enforcing Catholic religious education at all levels in that province.

Uruguay has long been the nation's least-religious province; indeed, the original text of the province's constitution, which went into force in 1830, explicitly establishes a government of secular character. Now, only two-thirds of the province's population self-identify as Catholic, and less than 5% report attending religious services regularly. The "secular character" of the provincial government implicitly secures the right of Uruguayans to secular education, which the province enforces in all public schools. Private educational institutions, however, including the UCU, are free to pursue their own policies regarding the role of religion in the curriculum.

That's soon to end, if the demands of the popular petition are met. The initiative calls for the end of provincial subsidies for private schools that mandate religious education or discriminate on the basis of faith, effectively forcing religious schools to cease mandatory religious instruction and to relax acceptance guidelines—the UCU has especially been subject to public scrutiny for its rejection of applicants who "do not adhere to the moral and traditional values of the institution," including divorcees and followers of non-Catholic faiths.

The petition is likely to be passed into law with minimal modifications. José Mujica, the Uruguayan governor, is a strong supporter of it, and has himself signed the petition in solidarity. His Broad Front coalition, which currently governs the province, has added to its official policy platform "the maintenance and expansion of secular government." Their fear, seemingly shared by many Uruguayans, is that the renewed interest of the Vatican in Latin America, as well as the revival of close church-state relations in Andea, may infringe on religious liberties in Argentina. Like its provincial counterpart, the national constitution secures the right to freedom of religion; however, secular government is not codified, and the Roman Catholic Church is in fact constitutionally elevated to "special status" in the nation.

[Anxiety Cafe]

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A Christmas Present: Aguirre’s Plan to Battle Energy Costs
Buenos Aires — 26 December 1990

A day after Argentines celebrated a tense Christmas, forced to mute festivities as rising energy costs cause irreparable damage to many families’ finances, PM Aguirre’s Office announced its plan to stabilize the domestic energy market—a plan that has since received widespread criticism.

In the midst of what has been termed “a global energy crisis” as political instability and violence in many of the world’s greatest hydrocarbon exporters restricts the supply of petroleum and natural gas, the Prime Minister’s plan forces a dramatic restructuring of Argentina’s energy landscape. Described as “the most significant change in the history of Argentine energy policy,” the Energy Security Package includes, among other moves, the privatization of some of Argentina’s oldest and most profitable state-owned enterprises.

Most of these changes are to be associated with Energía Argentina (ENARSA), a newly-created wholly state-owned holding company to consolidate Argentine energy assets. State-owned hydroelectric and nuclear power generation plants are to be transferred to ENARSA, as well as ownership of the national electrical transmission and distribution grid. These assets are currently distributed between several state-owned apparatuses; integration under ENARSA aims to eliminate millions in bureaucratic and operating costs to which the Argentine energy sector had previously been subject.

In the hydrocarbon sector, the Energy Security Package included the privatization of several high-profile public companies: among them YPF and Gas del Estado. The two companies, focused on petroleum and natural gas, respectively, are among Argentina’s largest, and certainly the largest by revenue among the government portfolio. With operations in hydrocarbon exploration, production, refining, and retailing, the two have held virtual monopolies in the Argentine hydrocarbon market for decades. PM Aguirre categorizes their existence as “a gross overreach” and seeks to liberalize and deregulate the hydrocarbon markets to attract foreign investment. This includes, apparently privatizations and invitations to foreign companies to take advantage of the country’s resources.

The privatization initiatives of the Package are proving especially difficult to accept. Many question the utility of selling YPF to increase domestic oil production, while others fear that Argentina’s natural resources will be exploited for faraway markets with little benefit at home. And with discontent rising alongside electricity prices, PM Aguirre’s approval ratings have been on a consistent, if somewhat slight, decline.

[Zackaroth]

Rwandan Troubles end for now

What was feared to be an opening salvo in a possible civil war ended abruptly two months ago. The Rwandan government's forces, along with a strong presence from the FFBR, have managed to push the RPF out of Rwanda. After a stunning display that took the country off guard, the RPF immediately faltered and was easily and defeated. The scattered remnants of the RPF are said to have either fled into Uganda or the Virunga Mountains. It's unknown what exactly caused the RPF to collapse so suddenly, but rumor has it that one of their commanding officers was killed early in the war, causing the entire movement to destabilize. The government has declared the rebellion is over and that peace has once again returned to Rwanda. The FFBR's attempts at diplomacy have had little success as no one has stepped forwards as the RPF leader and the government seems uninterested in negotiating with rebels they view as defeated.

However, despite the FFBR's presence, relations between the Tutsi and Hutu's people continue to decline. While nothing has happened in the capital, the air waves are a different story. Radio Rwanda has ben agitating the Hutu populace, blaming the deaths and rebellion on the Tutsi people. Such agitation lead to what is being described as a deliberate massacare of Tutsi people in the Gisenyi Province of the country. It's been reported that up to 381 people where killed in the violence and many more injured or worse. The supposed ring leader of this was arrested, but its unknown where he is being held and has been described as a local of authority of the area. It's also being claimed he was only arrested to appease the FFBR and has actually been freed but in hiding. The RPF may have been defeated but Rwanda's troubles are far from over.

[Arela]

Classified - Yugoslavia

Mid-December, 1990

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The Slovenian independence referendum was now imminent, and possibly to the dissolution of Yugoslavia. With little time to act, Andea decided to launch its second trans-Atlantic intervention, only preceded by the Georgian catastrophe. Time was of the essence, and all possible contacts would have to be leveled.

Germany was a neutral power throughout the entire Cold War, and thus was deemed unlikely to have an effective counter-espionage network. It is also one of Yugoslavia’s main trade partners, and has a sizable Catholic population. Following that, there’s the remnants of Catholic Austria, providing a land bridge to Yugoslavia.

The idea was to establish emergency funding for the Church in Slovenia and Croatia. Monetary funding would be smuggled through trade networks to respective parishes and other Church institutions. Andea would contribute $50,000 in emergency funding, raised from both government and Church funding.

Part of Andean propaganda would be the danger of allowing parts of Yugoslavia to fall to Danubia and to vote “no” on joining Danubia. Danubia was to be painted as a nation that promoted discrimination against its Catholic population, and a nation that mandated schisms against the Catholic Church.

Yugoslavia, although it was de-facto state atheist, didn’t have an anti-theism that focused uniquely against Catholicism. Additionally, since it was in a state of crisis, Andean handlers advised that Yugoslavia could potentially be “molded” and “reformed.” They thus advised the Church in Yugoslavia to negotiate “vigilantly” but “in good faith” with Yugoslav officials for concessions on democratic reforms and freedom of religion.

Andean advisers warned that it was more likely than not that Milošević would reject any reforms, but said that it would increase sympathy for their cause.

[Lusophone]

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Bettencourt approval undermined by Angola coup

President Jorge Bettencourt and his administration earned poor marks for their strict non-inference policy in Angola, following the November coup that saw the ouster of Jonas Savimbi from power in Nova Lisboa (Huambo) according to a new RTP poll released Tuesday.

By large margins, Portuguese were not satisfied with the way Bettencourt handled the news of coup — 54% of respondents disapproved, while only 40% were satisfied. The RTP poll also found that 48% of respondents believe that the coup could have been prevented had Portugal intervened.

With Porto Metropolitan President Guilherme Cardoso leading the way, top Partido Liberal members have accused the Bettencourt administration of either being “guilty of colossal incompetence or enabling a coup," as Cardoso said in a fiery conference speech two weeks ago.

Angolan President Jonas Savimbi was traveling to Lisbon for his first bilateral sit-down with President Jorge Bettencourt when he learned of his ouster; he was hoping to enter Angola into the CFL Escudo common currency used by Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique, fellow former Portuguese territories.

Savimbi’s standing among top UNITA power brokers had deteriorated over the years as he begun publicly criticizing top party members, including Angolan Army General Aníbal Zezé Guerra, whom Savimbi accused of misappropriating Army funds in Angola’s state-sanctioned and only newspaper. Savimbi had also previously reduced Guerra’s post as Commander of All Armed Forces to Commander of the Angolan Army, citing that new leadership was needed to see an end to the 17-year conflict with MPLA insurgents.

General Aníbal Zezé Guerra launched a coup on 25 November, while President Savimbi was in the air, having learned that Savimbi was planning to arrest him for embezzlement once he returned. Army and military police forces loyal to Guerra moved to secure strategic positions in and around Nova Lisboa. The putschists sealed off Nova Lisboa International Airport to prevent Savimbi's return, and tanks and soldiers patrolled the streets of Angola’s major cities.

Savimbi's residence was surrounded, major roads were blocked and a nighttime curfew was imposed by pro-Guerra forces. Overall, Savimbi loyalists were too disorganized to offer an effective resistance and were quickly overwhelmed. By 4:30PM, it was announced that Army and police forces under Guerra's leadership had control of the entire country. Angolan radio broadcasts accused Savimbi’s government of corruption and giving preferential treatment to certain regions of the country. The broadcast was reportedly met with cheering crowds in the capital.

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Partex S.A. takes over first state-owned oil company founded outside Soviet Union

BUENOS AIRES — Lisbon-based multinational corporation Partex S.A. alongside representatives of the Peterson Group, property of the Eskenazi family of Buenos Aires, has announced that their bid to take over YPF, Argentina’s state-owned oil enterprise, has been approved.

The acquisition of the company will take on the name Partex-YPF, with Partex paying for every share in cash at a 12.5 percent premium over the closing price for YPF shares on the Buenos Aires stock exchange. The joint acquisition with the Peterson Group will see Partex purchase 51% of YPF shares for 1.9 billion (USD), including all public sector and outstanding investor shares.

The newly combined company will oversee more than half of the gasoline-station market in Argentina and present potential for expansion in Andea and Brazil. Argentina’s Gas del Estado is not included in the proposal and remains state-owned, however insiders within the Portuguese firm Galp Energia reveal it may only be a matter of time.

Partex-YPF will retain its concessions concerning oil exploration and production within Argentina and its maritime space and will also dedicate a similar amount of resources as prior to the sale (or greater) to the continued exploration and production of Argentine hydrocarbons. Partex-YPF will also gain ownership of oil refineries, petrochemical plants, retail facilities, and other YPF assets.

Oil’s increased value due to previous global tensions in the Gulf of Mexico, Eastern Europe and Middle East are expected to make YPF shares rise in value as well. Partex commits to shareholders an increase in earnings per share roughly 20% from 1990 to 1994 and a rise in return on assets from 11% now to 15% by 1994.

The new company will be highly leveraged at first, initially with an unsecured bridge loan at floating interest rates. By the end of the decade however, the company's debt should be between 48% and 50% of the combined company's capital structure. To pare down debt, several YPF assets will be sold and a new issue of stock, intended to raise more than 700 million (USD), will be being arranged with Portugal’s Banco Totta as the lead underwriter.

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Portuguese economy sees record-breaking GDP growth in Q4

Since emerging from its period of relative international isolation under the Estado Novo, Portugal has steadily built a more attractive and important profile in international affairs.

Undergoing the remarkable transformation from a once poor, agrarian economy to a now large and industrialized economy, Portugal has experienced one of the strongest rates of GDP growth in Europe, driven by strong domestic demand and productive changes. To date, the Portuguese economy is now valued at 1,269.2 trillion (USD.)

Portugal's international economic profile has grown appreciably in recent years, ranking among the world’s top 20 largest exporters. This year, the total value of Portugal's exports represented an sizeable increase in the volume of trade from the previous year.

Once heavily reliant on agriculture, by the new millennium, the Portuguese economy is projected to be dominated by services, currently accounting for nearly half of all employment and total GDP. Energy continues to be particularly important however; the country remains rich in mineral deposits and sits on crude oil reserves only rivaled by a handful few such as the Arab Federation and the Soviet Union.

Consecutively elected to government since the 1973 Carnation Revolution, the Conservadores have focused on making the Portuguese economy more internationally competitive through a series of financial incentives and legal reforms. Key elements include cutbacks in government expenditure, income tax cuts, labor market reforms, liberalization of the telecommunications sector, and large-scale privatisation of state enterprises.

The privitization program begun in 1980 under President Rafael Renaldo and has since significantly reduced state ownership of Portuguese industry, public services, utilities and transport. The program is nearly complete, with only a few small companies remaining to be privatized. Recent reforms under his successor, Jorge Bettencourt, have concentrated on the privatization of telecommunications companies, energy groups and TAP Air Portugal.

The Conservadores’ ambitious program to transfer state-owned enterprise assets to the private sector has steadily stimulated large inflow of foreign direct investment into Portugal. Foreign multinationals quickly took advantage of the lower-cost environment, buying into and restructuring many industries like the chemicals, pharmaceuticals and food and beverage sectors.

In the last eight years, Portugal has consistently been one of the largest recipients of foreign direct investment in Europe. Recent global events threatening food and energy security forecast slower global economic growth however, Portugal continues to present a welcoming environment for foreign investment overall. One of Portugal’s main economic challenges remain to be high unemployment despite a slight drop that has been attributed to labor market reform.

President Jorge Bettencourt’s administration is angling for Portugal to become a net exporter of foreign direct investment by the end of his first term, with the growth of Portuguese investment abroad primarily streaming from Latin America. Portuguese foreign direct investment in the region is currently concentrated in the financial services, telecommunications and energy sectors of the region. Portuguese companies are leading these sectors in Argentina with planned in-roads to Andea and Brazil.

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THE STORY SO FAR | MAP | TAG(S): PORTUGAL, PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC, LUSOPHONE

[Anxiety Cafe]

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Aguirre Addresses YPF Controversy
Buenos Aires — 31 December 1990

Facing backlash for the recent privatization of YPF, Argentina’s largest state-owned company and one of the largest in the nation, Prime Minister Aguirre held a press hearing to allay the fears of detractors and others unhappy with the move:

My fellow Argentines; I understand your concern about the sale of YPF. I more than most am intricately aware of the iconic status the company has in the minds of many, as well as the important role it plays in the Argentine oil industry and larger economy. Its privatization was not a unilateral decision made lightly; it comes after months of discussions and negotiations with diverse stakeholders, from your representatives in Parliament to the nation’s top economists to executives from YPF itself.

Our nation is at a crossroads; I’m sure you all are aware of the troubling political developments occurring abroad, and even if you are not, you have had to deal with the consequences regardless. Argentina’s imported fuel supplies have been drastically affected by these events, and domestic cost of electricity is increasing as a result. I assure you that I, personally, alongside the rest of my administration, are doing everything in our power to find alternate fuel sources and to search for ways to ease the excess financial burdens placed on you.

But what of the next crisis in the Middle East? The next coup in Angola? The next Soviet war? We cannot be caught unprepared again. Argentina must exit this current energy crisis more resilient to external energy shocks, and we have a unique opportunity to set our country onto a better path for the future. Our studies show that privatizing YPF is one of the first major steps we can enact towards the achievement of that goal. An enforced state monopoly in the oil market has clearly not succeeded at providing for our domestic supply; what it has succeeded at is forcing out foreign companies, and with them, the investments that spur competition, creativity, and, ultimately, oil production.

I am aware that privatizing YPF and Gas del Estado is and will likely continue to be surrounded by controversy. But it is in the interest of our great nation that these acts, although difficult, must be done.

I also know these words may not allay some of your concerns. That is why, in addition to the already-allocated increase in budget for the Ministry of Public Works, the entirety of the revenue obtained from the sale of YPF will be placed in a fund dedicated to increasing Argentine energy resiliency, alongside the revenue from the future sale of Gas del Estado. Right now, the vulnerability of our energy supply is our greatest threat, and we will all have to make sacrifices to endure it. But these actions will ensure that no crisis of this nature and magnitude will ever affect us again.

Thank you, Argentina. Happy New Year, and may God bless you.

[Grandes Terres]

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UPDATE ON ONGOING OPERATIONS IN RWANDA
03 01 1991 | 18:50

The federal government has announced the changing of operational procedures of the federal armed forces currently involved in peacekeeping within Rwanda.

- Expansion of operations outside of Kigali, with emphasis placed on northern Rwanda along the Ugandan border and Gisenyi Province.

- Stabilisation of relations between Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups through enhanced visual patrols in areas deemed at risk of violence.

- Public awareness campaign publishing and distributing images and personal information of those identified as being involved in recent violence against the Tutsi people.

- Arrest and detention (or targeted killings where necessary) of non-governmental figureheads and agitators promoting and conducting violence in Rwanda.

- Additional 2,000 personnel (and associated equipment) and 12 precision strike fighters to be deployed to Rwanda to allow for the greater geographic reach of the evolving operation.

- Increased oversight of Rwandan government and military operations by federation armed forces.

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Published by: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS in collaboration with MINISTRY OF DEFENCE.

[Lendenburgh]

Redde Danubius quae sunt Danubii
Rend unto Danubia what is Danubian

We are the victims of conspiracy; The enemies of the country circle in the water looking for any sign of weakness. None shall come. The Western capitalists hope to prop Milošević up, they condemn our defence of the Slovenian people, and they criticize our morals from the sinner's pulpit. Our detractors will be crushed under foot.

On December 20th, Danubian troops crossed into Slovenia. The government in Ljubljana coordinated with Danubia to protect polling places during the independence referendum, and increase border controls with the rest of Yugoslavia. Since then, intelligence reports show the Federal Yugoslav Army moving into position to invade Slovenia. Tensions are also rising on the border between Hungary and the Vojvoidine, with troops beginning to amass on both sides. Trade has almost completely fallen apart- where Yugoslavia and Danubia once were each other's second largest trading partner, almost no goods are crossing the border today. To formalize the economic break, the People's Congress has authorized an embargo on all military goods and heavy industrial equipment to Yugoslavia. The rest of the Trimarium and Romania are expected to follow suit with these trade restrictions.

Key infrastructure including highway and rail crossings into Serbia have been demolished by the Army, and the People's Congress has voted to pause the demobilization of soldiers from the Soviet War. Some of the most experienced units, which would've been the last to demobilize, have immediately been moved to the Serbian border. With nearly 5,000 men on the ground in Slovenia, and another 20,000 stationed directly along the Yugoslav border, a peaceful resolution seems increasingly unlikely. However, the People's Congress has made an ultimatum to Milošević:

1. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia shall be formally dissolved
2. The Federal Republic of Serbia and Montenegro will recognize the independence and sovereignty of Slovenia, Croatia, and Macedonia
3. Serbia and Montenegro will re-establish the autonomous districts of Vojvoidina and Kosovo
4. Serbia and Montenegro will hold a referendum for the independence of the districts of Vojvoidina and Kosovo
5. Serbia and Montenegro will hold democratic and fair elections in the next year
6. Slobodan Milošević shall not be permitted to stand for office in any further elections in Serbia and Montenegro

Should Milošević reject the ultimatum, a state of war will exist between Danubia and the Serbian putschists who claim to rule Yugoslavia

De ecclesia
The Church

An excerpt from Jan Hus' famed manuscript criticizing the Roman Catholic church has been officially adopted by the Church of the Czech Republic as doctrine. The ecclesiastical meetings which have been occurring since the Czech schism have, evidently, not been making progress in re-unifying the Church in Danubia. While Slovakia and the Czech Republic remain firm in their new religious doctrines, the call for the reform of the Roman church has almost been entirely drowned out in Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia. The publishing of the new doctrine may lead to increased religious tensions with the Polish across the border, who still remain one of the most fiercely Catholic nations in the world.

The decretal of Boniface closes "to be subject to the Roman pontiff is for every human being altogether necessary for salvation." But, did the Lord not say in John, "They shall become one fold and one shepherd..."? If every man is of necessity subjected by this declaration to the Roman pontiff, with the proposition that the Pontiff is the head of the church and the cardinals its body, then that church is not the holy universal and apostolic church.

Christ alone is the head of the catholic (universal) church, which is itself a part of nothing. Blessed be God Almighty, who ordains that His militant church shall have such life that, when a pope is dead, she is not on that account without a head or dead! Because not upon the pope but upon the head, Christ, does her life depend. It is evident that if a pope or other superior command the priest not to preach, who is disposed to do so (as has been said), or the rich not to give alms, the inferior ought not to obey. Wherefore, depending on this command of the Lord, I have not obeyed Pope Alexander's command in regard to not preaching and hence will humbly bear excommunication, confident that I will secure to myself the benediction of my God.

[Calindelo]

The End of the Civil War
14 January, 1991

Silence engulfs a Manila street several hours after the last remnants of Marcos' forces lay down their arms and surrender.

In a press conference, The Honorable President Corazon Aquino has considered the demands of the Marcos separatists and our very own Armed Forces of the Philippines to modernize the military. President Aquino has proposed plans to modernize the equipment of the military to international standards before the turn of the century, increase the quality and the efficiency of the education and training for the armed forces, and to increase the salary and benefits of enlisted forces.

Diplomatic talks with the nation of Andea ended in success, as within the year, the Philippines will be periodically sending students of the Philippine Military Academy to a training school in the city of Lima for several semesters. Furthermore, Andea is also willing to share modern military technology with the Philippines through licensed production, which will last for 5 years. After the given amount of time, the technology would be rightfully owned by the Philippine government.

This early morning, following the press conference of President Aquino the day before, the last remnants of the Pro-Marcos forces in Metro Manila, along with long time ally of Ferdinand Marcos and a key figure in the civil war, General Fabian Ver, has surrendered to the Philippine Army after occupying an office block in Manila for eight days. Twenty-seven individuals, including Ver, have been transferred to Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, to be questioned and imprisoned until a trial is to take place; a total of 100 more surrendered outside Metro Manila. Over 2700 people have been charged for treason and murder, among other charges. This means every person is to be subjected to Reclusión perpetua, or lifetime imprisonment. Due to the new 1990 constitution of the Philippines, capital punishment has been abolished and will not apply to those involved in the civil war, to the dismay of the people.

Meanwhile, Arturo Tolentino, another key figure in the civil war who proclaimed himself to be the successor and the 'supposed' president of the Philippines, is nowhere to be found. It is speculated that he and his family have fled the country and has regrouped with the still missing exiled Marcos family.

The Marcos Question
14, January 1991

Former Dictator Ferdinand Marcos (circa 1987)

It has been sixteen months since the Marcos family disappeared without a trace, along with 600 Billion Philippine Pesos in wealth and assets. Ferdinand Marcos robbed the Filipino people blind, leaving behind a nation in debt and ruin. President Aquino has every intention of getting back every cent stolen during the Marcos administration.

In a recent press conference, President Aquino publicly condemned the Marcos family who fled overseas and asked them to return the billions of Pesos stolen and for them to also come home and face accountability for their actions. The president also asked foreign nations to seek out the family and to extradite them back to the Philippines. Not to mention their secret bank accounts housing their ill-gotten wealth.

As of now, 2 Billion pesos in assets have been seized from the family through local bank accounts and property. It will take years, decades, perhaps even never, to retrieve all the stolen wealth, especially if the family is never found.

[Anxiety Cafe]

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Two Dead In Murder-Suicide in Ciudad del Este
Ciudad del Este — 11 January 1991

Police removing protesters

Residents in the Carolina neighborhood of Ciudad del Este expressed shock and outrage after the discovery of the bodies of Hugo and Silvana Salamanca inside their home, just hours before the couple were to headline an anti-corruption protest against the city's government. The two are well-renowned in their community for the convenience store their family owns and operates, and were inspired into action by the death of their daughter, Maria Salamanca, which the two maintained was covered up by the Ciudad del Este police force.

Police reported that both had died from bullet wounds to the head, and that they had found both the murder weapon and shell casings adjacent to the bodies. They are launching a "full investigation" into the situation surrounding the death of the recently high-profile couple, although "all signs point to a domestic violence spat turned fatal."

The protests outside the police station are still taking place, albeit with a somber mood. After the news of the Salamancas' death became known, some attempted to create a memorial to the Salamanca family on the road leading into the station, although many were removed from the road and arrested for interfering with police operations. Police encouraged protesters to exercise their freedoms elsewhere through a registered event, where police presence could provide security and prevent disruptions to traffic and to police activities.

One protester, who chose to remain anonymous, believed the police had orchestrated the death of the Salamancas. Relaying that the Salamancas had recently received undeniable proof of police involvement with the gangs of the area, the protester said the police were likely trying to prevent that information from being made public. The Salamancas' house, as well as their convenience store, are both closed to public access due to their association with the investigation.

ⓘ A previous version of this article reported on the speculation of some protesters in regards to the deaths of the Salamancas. This section has been removed to prevent the spread of misinformation.

[Zackaroth]

RoA refuses to give up as supply crisis looms, KoSA pushes CoA back but falters against RoSA, Houthi Incursion refuses to fall.

Jan 18th, 1991

The civil war in Arabia goes on as it drags into yet another year of desperate fighting from all factions. The RoA have been blocked off from receiving any supplies via the Persian Gulf and may experience a supply crisis in the short term future. Not only that but SCUD attacks have been launched at what is presumed to be their capital city. However, this has had the opposite effect. While a limited number of officials were killed in the attack, the RoA is purposely keeping the location of their most important officials secret. While the official capital is Arar, or atleast the staging ground from the start, The RoA has not stated where most of its planning is. Large scale protests have erupted across the RoA and even in parts of the KoSA against King al-Jameel and the northern nation, demanding they stop interfering with the rightful movement.

The KoSA can do nothing to stop these movements either. Their limited men and terrority is draining quickly. While they have managed to beat back the CoA from taking Riyadh, the RoA has nearly broken their lines and is on the verge of taking the city. Not only that but the RoA has also managed to push the CoA lines and is closing in towards Medina. If they manage to take the city, they may be also able to open up the Red Sea and begin taking the coast from the CoA, making it nearly impossible to effectively blockade.

The CoA itself continues to have trouble as the Houthi Incursion holds on despite all efforts to wipe them out. It is still acting as an evacuation zone for Shia Muslims seeking to escape the CoA.

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[Georgian Kingdom]

Damascus Praises Argentina's decisions

UAF welcomes Argentina's solidarity and support in its fight against the Kataeb party. From the start of the recent hostilities, UAF has been in close cooperation with Buenos Aires to bring the ones responsible for the bombing to justice. UAF once again extends condolences to the families of those killed and injured. Finding the ones who are guilty is only the first step to solving the situation. The Ministry of Treasury of the Arab Federation is working with its colleagues in Argentina to devise more plans to improve the effectiveness of the sanctions to weaken the Kataeb movement and bring peace to the Middle East. King al-Jameel mentioned that one of the first steps to having an effective alliance with Argentina is to come up with a good extradition treaty to facilitate our fight against injustice. However, the two nations are still in talks about the terms and conditions since important treaties, such as this one, take time and effort. Strong cultural connections unite Argentina and the Arab Federation with the former having a sizeabale community of Levantine Arabs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Federation deeply appreciates Argentina's efforts to protect the rights of its Arab residents.

King al-Jameel discussing UAF-Argentina relations

10 People Killed amid clashes in Ashdod

Multiple Jewish settlers were injured in clashes with the Arab authorities in the coastal city of Ashdod in Palestine. Being the most diverse region in the Arab Federation, Palestine is a melting pot with many ethnicities and cultures coexisting and living together in one place. However lately, there have been clashes between Jewish settlers and the local Arab residents. After the police could no longer control the situation, the troops were called in to Ashdod. Gunfire and explosions were heard while the Jewish settlers and Arab residents were fighting in different areas of the city. Multiple people were hospitalized. The Jewish residents demanded more repressentation and autonomy from official Damascus. Some ultraorthodox Jewish leaders and Zionist sympathizers were calling to create local militias, Haganah-type formations, to resist the Arab rule and create an independent Jewish state on the territory of Palestine. However, the military claims that everything is under control.

UAF will not tolerate any help to the RoA

Head of the National Council, Asad al-Harith, stated that the UAF Armed forces will not sit idly by while the terrorist movement of the RoA is getting assitance elsewhere. Any attempt to assist the RoA movement will be met with force. UAF Air force and navy in the southern regions were put on heightened alert to prevent any conteaband or unauthorized access to the RoA. The UAF is committed to finding and eliminating all sources of help to the RoA.

The UAF forces were carrying out artillery strikes on King Khalid Military City, which is south of Hafar al-Batin, with a high emphasis on the airfield to weaken the RoA air capabilities. Due to the close proximity to the UAF border, the King Khalid military city and airfield were great targets for the artillery. Several missiles also hit the Khafji port trying to degrade RoA's capabilities to establish any international trade

[Zackaroth]

RoA takes Riyadh, begins an assault on Medina. KoSA in chaos as CoA devotes more resources to defending against RoA instead of wiping out Houthis

Jan 24th, 1991

In a dramatic battle yesterday, the RoA has pushed the KoSA out of Riyadh and is currently asserting control over the city. Despite efforts of the Arab Federation to both isolate the RoA and support the KoSA, the RoA has refused to give up. However, this has come at a cost. With any sea access blocked off, the RoA has had to force a system of rationing among its populace, especially with food and water. The RoA has directly called out the Arab Federation for this abuse of its people. Nassar Akram, former general under the KoSA and now leader of the RoA spoke to the people in a radio address hours after the taking of the capital city.

“People of Arabia and people of the world. I am General Nassar Akram, current general and leader of the resistance group known as the Republic of Arabia. For years our country has been in total crisis. A failure of our leaders, both political and religious, has led to the near destruction of our home land and our way of life. Many of you have suffered under the brutality of the Caphiliate or begged for scraps from what is left of the Kingdom. I am here to tell you, it no longer has to be that way.

Our victory in Riyadh signals our cause is just and our mission is true. Arabia will no longer be a nation run by a King who is too afraid to confront those who twist and undermine our religion. Arabia will not be run by those who use our religion to execute, pillage and torture those under them. The words of our Prophet will no longer be twisted by those who seek control, wealth and unanswerable power. The Republic is committed to bringing together Arabians of all faiths and backgrounds. Our new country will be a land where opportunity is open to everyone and the leaders in charge will be accountable for their actions. Where everyone will have a voice in a democratic process that benefits not the leaders, the corporations or the religious leaders, but the people who are the lifeblood of this nation. A country united under the banner of being Arab, not just followers of Islam.

The days ahead will be hard. There is still much to be done and blood will be shed. There are those in the world who do not wish to see a free Arabia. There are those in the world who cast a blind eye to our suffering. They will not win and they will be forced to see us rise from the ashes of civil war into a competent and free nation. Steel your hearts my friends, my people, of Arabia. We have won a momentous victory today but the battle goes on”

Meanwhile, the Arab Federation launched an aerial attack at one of the RoA’s main military bases. Despite both sides having access to aerial weaponry, neither side has used them due to lack of trained pilots. However, the Federation would most likely be surprised by the RoA’s counter attack. It’s been reported that during the attack, the RoA fired Shahine, aka Crotale, surface to air missiles at the incoming Federation Mig 29s and Mig 25s. These missiles are more than capable anti-aircraft weaponry and would be a threat to even most modern aircraft. While its unknown if the Federation suffered any losses, at least 20 service members were killed in the attack, and some aerial attack craft were lost. The runway was almost damaged but because of the layout of most of the country as flat desert, it’s suspected the RoA will repair the runway quickly, make use of the capital's airport and also begin building new, smaller runways within the desert.

And that was not all. The RoA also managed a massive push against a confused CoA. Still reeling from the loss against the KoSA and its inability to defeat the Houthi Incursion, the RoA smashed into the CoA lines leading to Medinia. The city has been heavily fortified but in another stunning move, the RoA has used it’s SCUD missiles for the first time in the war. Completely caught off guard, many of the CoA’s fortifications outside the city were destroyed and its defensive army forced to retreat back into the city as the RoA prepared a second assault on a main city. It’s theorised the RoA did this as a warning to the Arab Federation as well, a show of strength that if they wished, they could strike deep into Iraq or other targets if they wished. The RoA is strengthening it’s guard on the borders and it’s been rumoured the faction is beginning to consider using its limited artillery and armoured vehicle stockpile as it gains control of more and more of the KoSA stockpile.

The KoSA itself is chaotic. It has set up a new capital at Dammam. King Anwar al-Abood was evacuated in time and is still in the country, but much of his wealth is gone and while the oil fields are still guarded by Arab Federation troops, its own ability to ship the oil is severely hindered, ironically by the Federations mining of the Persian Gulf. Many of the mercenaries hired by the King are either fleeing the country or have been killed in the fighting. This has caused the house of Saud supporters taking refuge in the Arab Federation to doubt his ability to lead but none of them can agree on how the new successor should be. It’s unclear what the next move the KoSA will make.

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