The Democritus Sun (approved participants only)

[Baratheone]

 

CHAPTER 4

THE TIDES OF SPRING

On one hand, the Spanish Realm in the year 1992 is truly a far cry from its war torn roots. Unlike never before, people across the Spanish Nations live in an unprecedented period of decadence and prosperity. Yet on the other hand, the Realm also continues to reek of the same bitter stench that wreaked havoc across Iberia in the first place. The Realm continues to stare down the barrel of a potential conflict between Castile & Leon and the Basques, despite international efforts to discourage war. The rivalry between Barcelona and Madrid lives to see another year, just Madrid continues to reject Bilbao's right to self determination and its historic homelands.

The Andalusia Republic, the People's Republic of Galicia, the Free Cities of Mursiyah, Sabtah and Maliliyyah continue to be pawns in an ever evolving geopolitical 4D chess. It couldn't have been worse exemplified by a Polish-Danubian backed coup that ousted the BSSR's hardline regime and another coup that exiled Galicia's democratically elected government. The chaos has since displaced 500,000 ethnolinguistic people all across Iberia. Andalusia's President was also notably reelected thanks to C&L dark money, worrying its fellow Moorish states. Andalusia's untimely new kinship with Castile & Leon have pushed Mursiyah, Sabtah and Maliliyyah to diversify their economic ties.

Once thought of only as fable, the Doom of Iberia is worryingly materializing like a self fulfilling prophecy. The House of Bourbon-Anjou has momentum on its side, more confident than ever in its eternal plot to resurrect Spain. With Castile & Leon finally reunited by personal union and the Crown Prince of Castile named the most powerful man in the Heartlands, for once there are real questions as to whether or not the Aragon Confederacy can continue to stand as the Realm's powerhouse against its decades old rival. The Confederacy's central government is out of focus, distracted at home by domestic gridlock and defanged abroad by Portugal's growing influence over the region.

< CHAPTER 3

UNITED KINGDOM OF CASTILE & LEON

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C&L TO WITHDRAW FROM APRIL ARMISTICE

King Ferdinand VIII's televised address reveals he holds true power in the Heartlands

On the eve of Francisco Franco's assassination anniversary, King Ferdinand VIII of Castile emerged onto televisions all across the Heartlands to deliver a rambling and shocking address on what should've been a solemn occasion. The shock did not come from King Ferdinand yet again hailing Franco as a "dear friend" to the House of Bourbon-Anjou. Rather what scrambled many, especially abroad, was the King's surprise call on the Lord Paramount to withdraw Castile & Leon from the April Armistice. There were no teasers prior to the Castilian King's political bomb, leaving many to speculate that he had acted out of his own volition to force the Queen of Leon's hand and his own son, the Lord Paramount.

King Ferdinand VIII's commemoration of Francisco Franco's death and service to the crowns bizarrely morphed into a lecture where he denied Basque statehood and sovereignty, claiming that like the Kingdom of Leon, the Basque Homelands are an "inalienable part of our own history, culture and spirit" as he put it. The King of Castile dismissed the BSSR as a "rogue, terrorist puppet entity," created by Poland and Danubia, continuing on to argue that the BSSR pose an existential threat to Castile & Leon for its illegal invasion of the exclave of Trevino and the funding of terrorist attacks all throughout the Heartlands.

The Castilian King's speech, in some ways is not out of line from his own son's rhetoric. Previously, Lord Prince Juan had similarly claimed that "no legitimate authority exists in the North" for Poland and Danubia's involvement in the October coup d'etat. By all indications though, the Lord Prince's rhetoric seems to have been an angle to negotiate Polish-Danubian withdrawal away from the Kingdom of Leon's borders, as well as the return of Trevino. The Lord Prince Juan even infamously claimed Castile & Leon was "ready for peace," however family unity comes first and any sign of discord would damage the House of Bourbon-Anjou's momentum.

Just an hour after the King's speech, the Lord Paramount's office confirmed that indeed, the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon will withdraw from the April Armistice on March 21, 1992. The Prime Minister of Leon later confirmed to the media that the Queen Isabella III had in fact given her blessing to withdrawal from the Armistice, though in truth she was left no choice to begin with. The Lord Paramount's office also announced the return of Lord Monstrou to government, joining the Joint Task Force command at King Ferdinand's decree. The question is now, whether the Spanish Nations can salvage any type of settlement before Castile & Leon officially withdraw from the Armistice.

[Kalunistas]

King Baudoin of the Belgians had always been a champion of human rights, and his visit to the shelters for victims of human trafficking was no exception. As he walked through the halls of the shelter, he saw the faces of dozens of men and women who had been rescued from the clutches of their captors. They were tired and worn out, but there was a glimmer of hope in their eyes.

The King approached a young woman who was sitting in a quiet corner of the shelter. She looked up at him with a mixture of fear and curiosity.

"What is your name?" he asked her gently.

"Maria," she replied in a small voice.

"Maria, can you tell me how you ended up here?"

Maria hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I was promised a job in a factory, but when I got here, I was forced to work in a brothel. I didn't know anyone, and I was afraid to try to escape."

The King nodded his head sadly. "I'm sorry that happened to you, Maria. But you're safe now, and we're going to make sure that you get the help you need to start a new life."

As he made his way through the shelter, King Baudoin spoke with other survivors, hearing their stories and offering words of comfort and support. He listened intently as they described the horrors they had faced, and he made a promise to them that he would do everything in his power to put an end to human trafficking.

When the visit was over, the King left the shelter with a heavy heart. He knew that there were still many more people out there who were being held against their will, and he vowed to continue the fight for their freedom. He hoped that his visit would shine a light on the issue and inspire others to take action as well.

[Kalunistas]

(As in the map shown above - Belgium is split in seperate parts, 9 to be concrete)

Belgium is not only a country divided by language and culture, but also a country divided by mentality. These factors could lead to catastrophic consequences in a unitary state. Fortunately, the Kingdom of Belgium, as the original idea actually was at the first Belgian revolution in 1790, is a semi-confederation, based on the old Helvetic system.

Belgium is a country with a king, this king is first and foremost head of state, but also foreign representative of the United States of Belgium, or the Kingdom of Belgium. This king, who is currently Baldwin I of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, otherwise has limited power. He is responsible for forming governments in both the Federal and Regional Departments. He not only appoints a Prime Minister, but also Secretary-Generals in the 9 cantons.

These 9 cantons are West Flanders, East Flanders, Antwerp, Brabant, Limburg, Hainaut, Liège, Namur and Hainaut. They are each responsible for subsidizing their own healthcare, education, economy. The Federal government sets the standards that must be achieved in this health care, education and economy. The federal government also takes care of defense, police, law and much more.

Each canton has its own goals, West Flanders wants to focus more on the tourist industry, Antwerp invests mainly in the port. Luxembourg is then mainly engaged in the restoration of old forts and the timber industry. In the center of the country, in Brabant, where the two national languages are spoken, people spend more time on education and health care. Brabant even advocates making this Federal as well.

Other federal states also see more benefit in a federal state. Many analysts believe that this coincides with the fact that many cantons want to benefit from the successes of the port of Antwerp and health care in Brabant. It is mainly the French-speaking cantons that want a unitary state. After the industrial revolution died out and the coal mines could no longer be maintained, industry came to a standstill around Liège and Namur.

Limburg also sees more advantages in working together in a rather unitary state. Limburg, which is located in a remote corner and in a remote part of the country, can hardly experience economic growth. It is therefore the least profitable province in Belgium.

As mentioned in the first paragraph, the cultural differences in Belgium, which are not improving or which have not been worked on post-war, may become a bigger problem than the economic problems are now. French is and will always be the most prominent state language in Belgium, while Dutch is the most widely spoken language. The Dutch federated states also have the most economic prosperity and better social security.

What will the Belgians choose, economic doom or cultural conflict?

[Lusophone]

NEWS ADVERTISEMENT

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Jorge Bettencourt aims to make Portugal a global power

Can the President's ambitious 'Portuguese Dream' win him a coveted second term?

LUANDA — In the bustling Estádio da Cidadela, thousands of supporters of President Jorge Bettencourt's Partido Conservador gathered to celebrate "Ultramar Day," commemorating Portugal's transition to a pluricontinental republic.

As the country marks its eighteenth anniversary, President Bettencourt's ambitious plans for Portugal's future take center stage, including his vision of the "Portuguese Dream" as a solution to the country's challenges.

At the heart of the President's strategy is Portugal's economic expansion and global influence. The Bettencourt administration has prioritized key industries such as agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing, and invested in infrastructure projects, including the acquisition of foreign ports in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America. These efforts have been further supported by Portugal's presence in the Global South, providing access to oil reserves estimated to be around 9 billion barrels.

However, challenges persist. For one, Portugal's overseas provinces and pluricontinentalism risk social unrest and tensions that threaten the legitimacy of the ruling Partido Conservador. President Bettencourt has since championed policies aimed at promoting national unity and a single Portuguese identity, applauded by some for its inclusive approach of embracing local customs and traditions.

Critics also raise concerns about Portugal's influence over the Comunidade Financeira Lusófona, a group of countries whose currency is pegged to the Portuguese Escudo, limiting their ability to implement independent monetary policies. Some have seen this as a form of neocolonialism, since Portugal could potentially exert economic and political control over its former colonies.

Despite these challenges, President Bettencourt remains committed to his vision of a more equitable and multipolar world, where Portugal plays a leading role. He has implemented policies aimed at addressing the social challenges of pluricontinentalism and promoting national unity, while also investing in economic growth and infrastructure projects.

As the 1992 Presidential Election approaches, President Bettencourt's bid for a second term could mean four more years of the Partido Conservador's rule, which has been in power for much of Portugal's post-colonial existence. However, critics have raised concerns about the President's age and potential health issues, as well as the Partido Conservador's ability to address social and economic inequalities that threaten to undermine the country's stability and progress.

In the end, Portugal's ambitions and goals as a rising global power are complex and evolving, and require a delicate balance between economic growth, geopolitical ambition, and addressing the social challenges of pluricontinentalism. President Bettencourt and the Partido Conservador must navigate these challenges carefully if they hope to maintain their legitimacy and position Portugal as a key player in the global order.

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[Baratheone]

ARAGON CONFEDERACY

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POLITICAL CRISIS FUELED BY CASTILE & LEON

The Joint Task Force of Castile & Leon seen blocking refugees from returning to the UKCL.

The United Kingdom of Castile & Leon has been accused of using refugees as political weapons against the Aragon Confederacy in a bid to manufacture a crisis against its historic rival. This accusation was made by Chancellor Elena Asesina, whose government continues to face political gridlock due to the massive influx of over 200,000 refugees resulting from coups in the People’s Republic of Galicia and the Basque Soviet Republics in October 1991. Many refugees have journeyed toward Confederacy as their primary destination since countries like Portugal and the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon have instituted refugee caps.

The Aragon Confederacy's open refugee policy has overwhelmed its capacity to manage and integrate these migrants into their society, causing a political crisis. In the Confederate Congress, members of the Chancellor’s own party are blocking bills in protest of her refusal to listen to their demands, including an immediate halt to the processing of aslyum seekers. Among the bills lawmakers are blocking is the budget for the current year, making a government shutdown inevitable with no compromise in sight.

Chancellor Asesina has accused the Castilian-Leonese of using refugees as pawns in a larger political game, citing their decision to send refugees towards the Confederacy as evidence of their intent to undermine their main rival in the Realm. She has also criticized Poland and Danubia for their roles in the coups that brought about the refugee crisis, in an attempt to deflect blame from her unpopular government.

The Lord Paramount of Castile & Leon has so far denied the accusations, claiming that his country has “simply hit its refugee cap” and is redirecting refugees to toward the Confederacy "out of compassion." However, the actions of his government suggest otherwise, with substatiated reports demonstrating that the UKCL have been relocating refugees at gunpoint from its border with the Basque Soviet Republics to its border with the Aragon Confederacy. The Chancellor has additionally accused the UKCL of “state sponsored human trafficking.”

Princess Alizia I, who has history of refugee and humanitarian work, has also condemened the UKCL's actions in a rare break from her apoliticism as the Confederacy’s sovereign. Her public statement underscores the gravity of the situation. "The United Kingdom of Castile & Leon’s actions are unconscionable," Princess Alizia said in her statement. “I am personally calling on my cousin, the Lord Prince Juan, to end the unjustified and inhumane relocation of refugees against their will.”

[Lusophone]

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Portugal Takes Action to Ensure Regional Stability

PRESS RELEASE — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal has announced that the government has developed a series of measures in response to the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon's (UKCL) interference in the domestic affairs of its strategic partner, the Aragon Confederacy, and its decision to withdraw from the April Armistice, both of which threaten stability in the Iberian Peninsula.

As a major creditor to Castile & Leon with a commitment to the stability and prosperity of its periphery, Portugal will not tolerate any actions that undermine its interests and those of its partners. Therefore, after careful consideration of the situation in the Iberian Peninsula, the Portuguese government has decided to take action and hold Castile & Leon accountable for its destabilizing actions.

The measures announced by the Portuguese government include:

• Imposing tariffs on major Castilian-Leonese products, such as wine, olive oil, cork, textiles, electronics, automotive parts, cosmetics, and household appliances. The tariffs are intended to significantly impact Castile & Leon's ability to export these products to international markets and serve as a warning to the UKCL that its actions are have repercussions.
• Refusing to allow Castilian-Leonese merchant ships to dock in the foreign ports owned by Portugal through dual-use agreements. This measure is intended to make it difficult and expensive for Castile & Leon to export its goods and make it more difficult for the UKCL to conduct international trade.
• Seizing Castilian-Leonese assets in Portugal to repay its long owed debt of 41 billion. This measure is intended to have a direct impact on the UKCL's financial stability and serves as a strong warning to the UKCL to respect its financial obligations to Portugal, which include responsible international behavior.

These measures are necessary to ensure that stability and order are maintained in the Iberian Peninsula. While the Portuguese government understands the potential impact of these measures on the economic well-being of Castile & Leon, they are necessary to ensure that Castile & Leon understands the severity of its actions and the consequences of its behavior.

The Portuguese government urges Castile & Leon to reconsider its behavior and engage in regional diplomacy. Should Castile & Leon refuse to stop interfering in the Aragon Confederacy's domestic affairs and continue its plans to leave the April Armistice, the Portuguese government is prepared to immediately impose these measures. Portugal is undeterred in its commitment to stability in the region and will take all necessary measures to protect its interests and those of its partners.

The government calls on the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon to engage in constructive dialogue with its neighbors, including the Aragon Confederacy. The situation will be closely monitored, and the Portuguese government will escalate these measures if necessary to safeguard the stability and prosperity of the Iberian Peninsula.

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[Baratheone]

UNITED KINGDOM OF CASTILE & LEON

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CASTILE & LEON EXITS APRIL ARMISTICE

Lord Prince Juan of Asturias, moments before his televised address went live

The Lord Paramount of Castile & Leon, Crown Prince Juan, has announced his country's immediate withdrawal from April Armistice, citing an "international conspiracy" to weaken and isolate the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon. The decision comes in response to recent measures by Portugal and accusations of interference by the Aragon Confederacy. The April Armistice was signed in 1939 and was instrumental in pausing the Spanish Civil War, subsequently giving birth to the Spanish Nations. The Lord Prince delivered his speech on national television, urging all citizens to stand together in what he called a "time of crisis." The transcript of his full speech is below:

Dear citizens of the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon,

It is with great sadness that I address you today. Our beloved nation is facing a grave threat, not just from our neighbors, but from an international conspiracy that seeks to weaken and isolate our great country. I speak today to tell you that we will not stand idly by while our sovereignty is threatened. We will take every necessary action to protect our interests and defend our people.

For too long, we have been unfairly treated by our neighbors and the international community. The collapse of Spain in 1949 was a tragedy, one that we have borne the brunt of ever since. We are the legitimate successor of Spain, with a proud national identity and a god-given right to the Iberian Peninsula. We have a responsibility to defend our interests, and we will do so with every means at our disposal. We must remember that our neighbors, including the Basque Soviet Republics and the Aragon Confederacy, are undeniably connected to us by the Spanish language, culture, and heritage.

Portugal's recent announcement of measures against us, and the Aragon Confederacy's accusations of interference in their domestic affairs, are all part of an international plot to weaken and isolate us. We know that Poland and Danubia played a role in the coups that brought about the refugee crisis that is now threatening to infiltrate our borders.

We know that the Basque Soviet Republics have funded terrorist organizations that have attacked our people for decades. And we will never forget their illegal annexation of our exclave Trevino, as a major grievance for our people. We continue to deny the sovereignty of the Basque Soviet Republics. This rogue puppet entity was created by Poland and Danubia to further their own interests, and we will never recognize its legitimacy.

We must exact retribution for the historical injustices that have been perpetrated against us, and we must not rest until our destiny is recognized and respected. Therefore, today we make the difficult decision to immediately withdraw from the April Armistice. This decision is not taken lightly, but it is a necessary response to the international plot to weaken and isolate us. The April Armistice, signed to give independence to Spain's former autonomous communities, was a agreement we were forced to sign to begin with.

We will not allow our sovereignty to be threatened, and we will not allow our people to be weakened by the actions of others. We are a strong and proud nation, and we will not be broken. I call on all Castilian-Leonese citizens to all stand together in this time of crisis. Our destiny is within grasp, and we must unapologetically with our hands. We are the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon, and we will not be weakened by anyone.

[Lendenburgh]

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March, 1992
People's Congress issues unilateral memo regarding Iberia policy
Trimarium withdraws from Vienna and Warsaw talks

Citing the breakdown in the common goals between the Trimarium and Portugal, as well as the deteriorating situation on the peninsula, attachés to the Polish delegation as well as the Danubian Foreign ministry confirmed late last night that the Vienna talks were essentially over. With increasing focus on stabilization in the Yugoslav region, and the ongoing trial of Slobodan Milošević, Danubia no longer has 'the diplomatic bandwidth to dedicate to appeasing capitalist powers in the West, and will independently pursue its security goals.'

The Trimarium has made clear that it remains open to jointly-sponsoring monitored elections in Galicia, should the Castille-Leonese government pledge to recognize the sovereignty of this government and the Basque Republics. Until Castille-Leon is able to reign in its imperialist, revaunchist motivations, the Trimarium will maintain security forces in the Basque Country. The Danubian military has unilaterally pledged not to complete any more above-ground nuclear tests, but disagreements with the Portuguese over the presence of naval forces in the Iberian region have lead to some difficulty in an overall security agreement with the Trimarium.

The Danubian government has officially declared it will not tolerate any violation of Basque territory, and considers itself a guarantor of Basque sovereignty. However, it has left open the door to diplomacy with Portugal, lauding their support for the Aragonese refugee policy, and expressing hope for a future security agreement, especially with regard to Galician elections and the eventual draw down of Trimarian troops in the region.

[Anxiety Cafe]

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Chaos in Paraguay as Governor Resigns and Protests turn Violent
Buenos Aires — 6 March 1992

Governor of Paraguay Hugo Duarte has officially tendered his resignation from office as of this past Thursday, following the release of a scathing report from Clarín alleging that Duarte had used his office to evade the rule of law in the pursuit of personal enrichment for him and his political allies. The official 210-page report, described as "the biggest breakthrough in Argentine investigative journalism in the new decade," includes potentially incriminating photographs, bank statements, communication transcripts, and personal testimonies from several anonymous sources.

The report's primary author, Ope Argimón, claims that he had begun investigating Duarte several years ago, after a source contacted him claiming to have proof of the politician's criminal activities. Argimón's investigation revealed that Duarte had received payments from several local and international criminal groups, concentrated in the Ciudad del Este area, in return for political favors and cover-ups. Duarte's partners included even terrorist groups such as Euskadi Ta Askatasuna and Al-Tanzim; this latter organization is responsible for the attack in Buenos Aires that left over 20 dead two years ago. Duarte also appears to have ordered Ciudad del Este police to cover-up the unexpectedly high-profile murders of the Salamanca family, which has resulted in citywide protests.

Governor Duarte declared that Clarín's report was "entirely fabricated" and indicated that he would be pursuing legal action against the news company for "its politically-motivated slander." The former governor, who hails from the Duarte political dynasty, has considerable support both in Paraguay and beyond, while the Montevideo-based Clarín has increasingly faced the ire of right-wing administrations at the provincial and national level. Despite his comments on the report itself, Duarte denied that it had any impact on his decision to resign, which he claimed has been planned for years to allow him to spend more time with his family.

The political scandal has resulted in violence in Ciudad del Este, where protesters have barricaded the city's police headquarters and closed off several surrounding city blocks as they clash with both the local police and provincial security forces, on orders from Duarte's successor. Solidarity protests are underway in Buenos Aires and La Plata; some call for the resignation of Sebastián Duarte, the former governor's brother and current high-ranking member of the Aguirre administration. The Prime Minister's Office has not addressed Governor Duarte's situation or the violence in Ciudad del Este.

[Baratheone]

ANDALUSIA REPUBLIC

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UMAYYAH QUESTIONS APRIL ARMISTICE

Lord Prince Juan of Asturias (left) welcomes President Umayyah (right) to Madrid

The growing coziness between the Andalusia Republic and the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon are raising eyebrows in the Iberian Peninsula. Many speculate that the foreign policy of Andalusia's President, Nicolas Umayyah may be driven by ties to a Castilian-Leonese bank, linked to the Castilian-Leonese House of Bourbon, which financed his re-election. The Andalusian President's trip to Madrid, his second in just a short span of months, only adds to concerns over his potential conflicts of interest.

During his latest trip to Madrid, President Umayyah committed to a free trade agreement between Andalusia and the UKCL. The Lord Paramount of Castile & Leon joined him in making the announcement, expressing confidence over the benefits of such an agreement. The timing of the proposed free trade agreement is very suspect, especially in the context of Portuguese tariffs on major Castilian-Leonese products and the ban on Castilian-Leonese merchant ships to dock in Portuguese-owned Mediterranean ports. If implemented, the free trade agreement could help the UCKL offset some effects of Portugal's embargo.

The President of Andalusia's comments on the April Armistice have also sparked concern in the region. He called the agreement "outdated" and suggested that the Andalusia withdrawing could encourage a modern agreement to be written. The April Armistice has been a cornerstone of regional stability since 1949 and yet another signatory's exit could shift the power structure among the Spanish Nations.

Despite the concerns, the closer economic ties between Andalusia and the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon could bring significant benefits to both nations. The United Kingdom of Castile & Leon is Andalusia's largest trading partner, and closer economic ties could lead to increased prosperity for both countries. Andalusia, which is heavily reliant on its port and rail services for exports, could benefit from increased access to the UKCL's markets. The landlocked UKCL, on the other hand, could benefit from increased access to Andalusian port facilities.

[Baratheone]

PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF GALICIA

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CASTILE & LEON VIOLATE GALICIAN AIRSPACE

A Castilian-Leonese fighter pictured just 2 meters away from a Basque commercial flight

Amid escalating tensions in the Iberian Peninsula, a new report has come to reveal that yesterday, a Castilian-Leonese fighter jet dangerously approached a Basque commercial flight over the Basque Soviet Republics’ shared western border with the People's Republic of Galicia. According to the Galician Liberation Army Air Force, the commercial plane was en route to Vigo from Vitoria-Gasteiz when the fighter jet aggressively maneuvered against it, forcing the pilot to suddenly undertake an evasive move.

The incident marks the first time the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon's military activities have been reported over Galician airspace, fueling more concerns across the region that Castile & Leon's revanchism may not stop with the Basque Soviet Republics. The fighter jet's illegal presence over Galician airspace raises questions about Castilian-Leonese intentions, with the incident potentially seen as a provocation aimed at testing the Galician regime's resolve, and potentially setting the stage for a future military intervention. It remains unclear how the Workers Party regime in Galicia will respond to the incident.

Many fear that the fighter jet's illegal presence over Galician airspace suggests that the Workers Party regime, which took power through the October 1991 coup, may be under threat from the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon's revanchism. Castile & Leon's recent military activities are seen by some as part of a broader effort to intimidate and undermine its neighboring countries, including the Aragon Confederacy. Experts warn that Castile & Leon may plan to deny Galician sovereignty as it has done against the Basque Homelands.

The General Secretary of the Basque Soviet Republics, Marshal Mario Neta-Poloca, plans to responded to the incident in a press conference with international media this week. The press conference will also address the UKCL's withdrawal from the April Armistice and continued military buildup on its borders. The fighter jet incident in Galician airspace is the latest development to exacerbate the already high tensions between the Basque Soviet Republics and the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon. The situation in the Iberian Peninsula is extremely volatile, with any given incident or accident potentially triggering the Doom of Iberia.

[Nowa Polonie]

Poland Affirms Iberian Commitments - Condemns Castillian Aggression

While the recent Vienna Conference between the leading Trimarian nations of Poland and Danubia failed to achieve the full sprectrum of positive outcomes diplomats had hoped for, it has signaled a normalisation in relations between the Trimarium bloc and the Portuguese, the premier power in Iberia, after the preceding years' Bay of Biscay Crisis, which triggered the greatest diplomatic split between the Western and Central Europeans in recent history, prompting a flurry of diplomatic efforts by the Poles to ease tensions, and months long negotiations to not only return to, but build upon prior relations.

Despite one of the greatest promises Poland had made in this effort to normalize relations with Portugal being the eventual withdrawal of its military forces present in Iberia, with its influence in the region taking on a humanitarian role, with the recent actions of the Castillian government, Poland's President, Lech Walesa, held an emergency council with both Poland's Foreign and Defense Ministers. In the wake of this, he has, 'with measurable regret', announced that the withdrawal of Poland's remaining forces in the BSSR has been indefinitely freezed, citing the ongoing defense concerns of the small nation - likewise, despite previous support for a pan-Iberian arms embargo, he has cited the need to provide the means of self-defense to both Galicia and the BSSR as a greater concern. In a statement, the President said;

In the wake of the Third Polish-Soviet War, in which we in this country ourselves were subject to a deliberate and revanchist policy of military harassment, we can say with some certainty that we can foresee the direction Castillian policy is taking - Poland's commitment to fighting the spread of totalitarianism, both across the world, and especially within the European continent, is unshakable, be it against the dogmatism of Soviet Bolshevism, or now in Iberia, the Crypto-Fascism of those in Castille who wish to venerate the bloody legacy of Francisco Franco. As such, it would be an abject failure on our part on our part to play our part in upholding the security and democracy of our European continent. If we fail as democracies to support and protect what has been nascent reformism in both the Basque Republics and Galicia, then we will only have ourselves to blame if they are forced to look elsewhere for protection.

While the President has said that an increase in Poland's military commitment to Iberia should not be expected, he has refused to rule it out, stating that talks with local actors, as well as the foreign ministry of Poland, are essential before Poland takes a step towards firmly redefining its commitments in Iberia.

In other news:

- Poland's Economic Ministry announces sanctions package on Castille-Leon, in line with the example set by the Portuguese.
- 'No Limit' by band 2Unlimited tops Polish Top 40 Music Charts
- Two men and a horse in Czestachowa reported injured after traffic collision

[Anxiety Cafe]

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Amidst Criticism at Home, Sánchez Flexes International Influence
Buenos Aires — 12 March 1992

Just days after protesters gained national attention for their emotionally-charged vigil honoring the Salamanca family on the steps of the National Parliament, Prime Minister Sánchez has yet to comment on the growing scandal highlighting corruption in his National Party. The scandal began with Paraguayan Governor Hugo Duarte, and quickly spread to other provincial and federal politicians as further information was released. Protesters seek, among other demands, the removal of Sebastián Duarte from the PM’s Cabinet, as well as increased transparency concerning the finances of elected officials. Political opponents and party members alike have criticized Sánchez’s silence.

With dwindling approval numbers while an apparent gridlock paralyzes National Party action, PM Sánchez has turned his attention abroad. The Prime Minister’s Office revealed that Argentina has offered and committed to mediate between the United Kingdom of Castile-Leon and other Iberian nations as the peninsula’s decades-long era of peace appears to be spiraling prematurely towards its conclusion.

Appearing together with King Alberto, Sánchez announced that Argentina will be host to the Buenos Aires Summit, seeking to pursue a diplomatic solution to the conflicting goals of the UKCL and the other nations. Argentina has officially directly invited the United Kingdom of Castile-Leon, the Aragon Confederacy, and Portugal, while also extending a general invitation to peninsular and regional nations seeking to have some sway on the negotiations.

The Summit, expected to be held within the coming weeks, will be Argentina’s first major foray into the world of international diplomacy, and comes from the confounding effects of the nation’s strict adherence to a policy of neutrality as well as its commitments to regional partners, especially Portugal. Argentina, according to Sánchez, is “steadfastly dedicated to the maintenance of peace in the Iberian Peninsula,” and will go to great lengths in pursuit of that goal.

[Baratheone]

ARAGON CONFEDERACY

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ASESINA RESIGNS TO END SHUTDOWN

Asesina resigns after 6 years as the Confederacy's 1st female Chancellor

The Aragon Confederacy, long considered a beacon of independent democracy in the Iberian Peninsula, has its faced its first historic shutdown following months of political gridlock over its open refugee policy. Chancellor Elena Asesina’s resignation, as part of a deal to end the shutdown, has shocked the nation and raises concerns about the country’s future direction.

The Confederacy, which has long rivaled the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon, faced shutdown after an influx of 250,000 refugees, brought by coups in the People’s Republic of Galicia and Basque Soviet Republics. The en masse arrival of asylum seekers has strained the Confederacy’s resources and has negatively affected public confidence in the Chancellor and her government.

While the Chancellor’s open refugee policy has expectedly seen criticism from members of the opposition, it was ultimately members of her own party who forced her resignation. The Chancellor’s perceived weakness in the face of Castile & Leon’s aggressions in the region also contributed to her downfall. Corroborated reports have shown Castile & Leon forcibly trafficking innocent refugees attempting to enter its own borders toward the Aragon Confederacy, in an attempt to overwhelm the country’s resources and destabilize its government.

Elena Asesina’s resignation marks a low point in the deep rooted tensions between Castile & Leon and the Confederacy, further diluting the viability of peace in the Iberian Peninsula. The Aragon Confederacy has historically rivaled Castile & Leon as a leader among the Spanish Nations. While the Castilian-Leonese were shunned for their ties to Francisco Franco following the Spring of Violence, it was the Confederacy that was seen as a beacon of sovereignty, democracy and humanitarianism.

In a statement, Chancellor Elena Asesina stated, “I have resigned as Chancellor of the Aragon Confederacy, in order to allow for a resolution to the current crisis and to preserve the integrity of the government. It is my hope that my successor will be able to navigate the challenges facing our country and uphold the values of democracy, sovereignty, and humanitarianism.”

The resignation of Chancellor Asesina marks a significant turning point for the Aragon Confederacy, which now faces an uncertain future. As the Confederacy reels from its domestic troubles, all eyes are now on the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon, not only for its role in the Confederacy’s political crisis, but its unwelcome desires to exact “retribution” for the collapse of Spain.

[Baratheone]

ARAGON CONFEDERACY

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CONFEDERACY INTERCEPTS UKCL FIGHTER JET

Defense Minister Fernandez reports the UCKL's violation of the Aragon Confederacy's airspace

In a startling development, a fighter jet from the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon was intercepted above the skies of the Aragon Confederacy by an Aragonese fighter jet. The encounter comes in the midst of political turmoil in the Confederacy, with the recent resignation of Chancellor Elena Asesina and continued gridlock over the nation’s refugee policy.

According to a report from the Confederate Defense Ministry, the Castile-Leonese fighter jet was detected by the Aragonese air defense system and immediately intercepted. The encounter occurred near the border of the two countries and lasted for several minutes, with both jets performing maneuvers and attempting to outmaneuver each other.

The report details how the Castile-Leonese fighter jet was flying in an erratic manner and had entered the airspace of the Aragon Confederacy without prior authorization. The Aragonese fighter jet was scrambled to intercept the Castile-Leonese jet and after several tense moments, the Castile-Leonese jet retreated back to its own airspace.

The United Kingdom of Castile & Leon has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident, and it is unclear at this time what the purpose of the fighter jet's presence in the airspace of the Aragon Confederacy was. However, some analysts speculate that it may have been an attempt to test the Confederacy's air defense capabilities or to send a message to the Confederate government. The incident has raised concerns about the escalating tensions between the Aragon Confederacy and the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon.

With the recent influx of refugees from Castile & Leon pushing the Confederacy into a shutdown, many in the Confederacy believe that the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon is responsible for the political turmoil and may be looking for ways to further destabilize the situation. The Aragon Confederacy has accused the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon of orchestrating the recent political turmoil in the Confederacy, by sending refugees to overwhelm the Confederacy's capacity and push the Confederate government into a shutdown.

The resignation of Chancellor Elena Asesina, who had been in power since 1986, was seen as a victory for the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon, which has long sought to expand its influence in the Iberian Peninsula. Asesina had been a vocal opponent of Castile & Leon’s revanchism, and her departure has left a power vacuum among the Spanish Nations.

Maria Dolores Fernandez, the Aragonese Minister of Defense, has issued a statement condemning the actions of the Castile-Leonese fighter jet and warning that any further incursions into their airspace will not be tolerated. In her statement, Fernandez called for calm and restraint, but has also vowed to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any threats. Fernandez also called on the international community to take notice of Castile & Leon’s unprecedented and increasingly dangerous behavior in recent months.

[Segentaea]

Breaking News: Mexico

This just in: The government of Mexico has approved for the State of Yucatán to hold a referendum amongst it's citizens to determine whether to secede from the nation of Mexico. This decision comes after peaceful protests all around Yucatán. After talks between key members of the Free Yucatán Party and the current government, different criteria must be met for this secession to be legal in the eyes of the Mexican Government. The vote must be passed by 60% of the votes cast, Mexico is owed some sum of money (the amount has not been exposed at this time), and the Yucatán government and Mexican government would enter a protectionary period where they agree to a military treaty for two months after the date of the ratification of a Yucatán constitution. The people of the Yucatán now have a large decision to make, as the Free Yucatán Party wishes to form a democracy outside of their current union with Mexico. The vote is scheduled for the 19th of March, 1992.

Current flag of Yucatán, it will not be changed if the referendum passes.

[Nowa Polonie]

Polish Peace-Keeping Operations in the Balkans Stepped Down

In light of the capture of Belgrade, and the effective cessation of organised Serbian resistance to the joint-Trimarium intervention into the territories of ex-Yugoslavia, the Polish Army, which had previously committed an estimated 40,000 troops into the theater has dramatically reduced its troops commitments to the region. The Polish ambassador to the nascent state of Illyria has stated that in accordance with the wishes of the domestic government there, a roll-back of troop engagement will take place, with a force of 3,000 Polish troops remaining in country, primarily for the purposes of continued anti-insurgency and troop training exercises. While this marks a dramatic downturn in Poland's military involvement in the ongoing Balkan conflicts, which are expected to continue at a low-intensity for years to come, it will continue to supply an annual line of credit to the nascent Illyrian Republic - Polish analysts have stated that Polish policy in the Balkans, so far as its ally's military needs are concerned, will be decided primarily by the successes of the Trimarium's joint humanitarian efforts in the region, as well as the needs of local actors in combating ongoing issues with local paramilitary activities.

Bilbao, Basque SSR...

For practically the first time since the successful coup that ousted the Basque Hardline faction, which in prior years, had seemed poised to ignite the Iberian powder-keg, a Polish cargo-plane, laden with arms, touched down in the capital of the Basque Soviets. It was not alone, followed by several more planes, hour after hour - the planes themselves operating under the colours of the Kingdom of Monaco, with ample greasing provided by Swiss accounts, linked by several proxies, ultimately to the Central Bank of Poland - small arms, heavy munitions, and especially, anti-aircraft weapons, roll from the loading ramp, into the hands of the expectant Basques. Polish Intelligence Officers, wearing plain-clothes, exchange discourse with their Basque counter-parts, some of whom, only several months prior, they had tutored in the methods of carrying out the coup that had placed the current Basque regime in place. For this continued support, the Polish are resolute - the continued reformism of Basque politics; and in return, the ongoing flow of Polish material support locally, and political support abroad - in similar circumstances, in Galicia, in Barcelona, and across the entirety of non-Castillian Iberia, Polish agents, both military and civilian, with munitions, funds and promises, seek to form an anti-Castillian modus vivendi - time will tell what their efforts achieve.

[Baratheone]

BASQUE SOVIET REPUBLICS

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POLOCA: BSSR IN A SORRY STATE OF AFFAIR

Marshal Mario Neta-Poloca speaks to international press

In an rare move for the hermit state, Marshal Mario Neta-Poloca, the General Secretary of the Basque Homelands, held a press conference to discuss the dire economic situation in his country and the challenges they face in the current geopolitical climate. The conference notably invited members of independent and international media, seen not only as a reflection of Neta-Poloca's style of transparency but as part of a broader effort to bring attention to the domestic and international situation his country faces. Here is his speech:

Esteemed members of the press and citizens of the world,

I am Marshal Mario Neta-Poloca, the General Secretary of the Basque Soviet Republics. I come before you today to address the dire economic situation in my country and the challenges we face in the current geopolitical climate. We have witnessed recent events that have caused great concern, not only for our nation but for all those who believe in peace and stability in this region.

The United Kingdom of Castile & Leon's exit from the April Armistice is a clear indication that their government is not interested in peace, but rather in continued aggression and expansionism. The incident over Galicia is yet another example of their disregard for the sovereignty of their neighbors and their willingness to use force to achieve their aims.

Castile & Leon's military build-up is alarming, and we fear that it is only a matter of time before they use this military might to further their aggressive agenda. This military build-up is a direct threat the Basque Homelands and to the stability of the entire region, and we call upon the international community to take notice of this dangerous situation.

Furthermore, we have seen Castile & Leon's denial of our sovereignty, continuing to ignore the Basque people’s right to self-determination. This denial of our sovereignty is not only a violation of the fundamental April Armistice, but a clear indication of Castile & Leon's intentions to oppress and subjugate our people. Their claims of an international conspiracy are unfounded, and their portrayal of themselves as a victim is disingenuous. The reality is that their actions have destabilized the region and put the lives of our citizens at risk.

The situation in the Basque Soviet Republics is dire. We are still transitioning from decades of Juan Ramos thought. Our people are struggling to afford basic necessities, such as natural gas, medicine, and medical equipment, and our country is facing a famine crisis, hyperinflation, and a lack of capital.

We are at a crossroads. The situation in the Basque Soviet Republics cannot continue like this. We need the support of the international community to help us rebuild our country and address the economic and humanitarian crises we face. We need to find ways to attract foreign investment and create jobs for our people. We need to be able to import the resources we need to rebuild our infrastructure and provide for our citizens.

In light of all this, we cannot afford to maintain our militarized state, particularly in the face of aggression from the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon. However, we remain optimistic in the defense of our homeland thanks to the friendship of the Polish and Danubian people. We will never forget their unwavering support.

I call upon the international community to urge the Castile & Leon to cease its aggressions and push them to heed Prime Minister Sanchez of Argentina’s offer of meditation in the Peninsula. I urge the world to keep their watchful eye and support us in our time of need. We are a peaceful nation, and we want nothing more than to simply exist.

[Lendenburgh]

Má vlast
My Fatherland

People's Congress Declares Peace with Serbia-Montenegro
Nobody can claim the mantle of Yugoslavia, except for the Danubians. Serbian power lies in ruins. Pushed back from the Danube, Belgrade occupied, Serbian nationals fleeing Bosnia in the hundreds of thousands, Milošević's dream of a greater Serbia is more fiction than history at this point. The Black Army maintains an iron grip over the North of Serbia, preventing any upstart militia groups from spilling into the ethnically fragile lands of Bosnia. Polish peacekeepers, though greatly reduced in number, continue to manage the mass-migration of ethnic Serbians out of the newly established Illyrian Confederation. Danubian military support has secured the entirety of the Republic of Croatia for Illyrian forces, whose government now controls the entire coastline. The most stubborn and unstable regions of Bosnia remain uncontrolled, and regions for intermittent fighting between Serbian, and Croat and Bosniak militias. However, the result is clear: genocide has been avoided. Complete Danubian air control over the whole of the former Yugoslavia, along with the hasty deployment of peacekeeping forces, has kept the situation in the Balkans from devolving beyond a regional conflict. Thought the nations of Europe may not recognize the service that Danubia has provided humanity by avoiding this disaster, they will eventually thank the Poles and the Black Army for the work they have done in stabilizing the continent.

The trial of Milošević continues, with much contention. Danubia's best lawyers have been appointed to his legal defense, and though the evidence continues to mount against him for war crimes, there remains a possibility that he will be able to escape the trial with his life. The Danubian government has stated unequivocally that they will abide by the jury's decision, but should he be declared innocent of the war crime charges, he also faces prison time at the municipal level for property damage, involuntary manslaughter, and a litany of other minor crimes from his time as the commander and chief of the Yugoslav Armed Forces.

The whole of the Danube River, from the border with Austria, remains under the control of the Danubian navy, with a hefty toll still intact. Only vessels bound for Danubia are permitted to enter from the Austrian side, while foreign vessels from the Black Sea are only allowed if they are bound for Romania or Danubia, effectively giving Danubia a monopoly on the river trade of Europe... only Danubia's vessels are allowed to traverse from Rotterdam to Constanța unimpeded.

Reaction to the Iberian situation
As the Monarchists in Castille-Leon continue to escalate against the Basque Republics, Danubia has no choice but to turn its diplomatic focus back towards the peninsula. Tensions with the Portuguese remain at somewhat low levels, but Danubia must follow the Polish lead in protecting the BSSR from their revaunchist, imperialist neighbors. The Danubian Air Force, already providing training assistance and a limited amount of aircraft to the Basques, has been ordered to prepare another expeditionary force in the wake of Castillian-Leonese planes violating Basque airspace. Should their government accept, 15 additional Saab Viggens, under the control of Danubian air crews, will be deployed to Pamplona and Oviedo.

The Danubian People's Congress has also prepared an aid package which will provide for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Bilbao, 10 million tonnes of cereal crops over the next two years, and line of credit to assist with fuel imports.

[Baratheone]

ARAGON CONFEDERACY

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WHO WILL SUCCEED ELENA ASESINA?

Chancellor Asesina (left) with Defense Minister Fernandez (right)

In the wake of Chancellor Elena Asesina’s announced resignation, the Aragon Confederacy is scrambling to find a suitable replacement. Many experts believe that Maria Dolores Fernandez, the current Minister of Defense, is the most likely candidate to take on the role. In the face of the current developments among the Spanish Nations, Fernandez's experience in defense and security matters may prove invaluable, especially in the face of growing tensions between the Confederacy and the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon.

Maria Fernandez's experience and leadership in the defense sector, as well as her track record of successfully upgrading the Confederacy's defense, make her a strong contender for the position. As Minister of Defense, Fernandez has overseen the acquisition of advanced military equipment from France and Portugal, which has significantly boosted the Confederacy's military capabilities. Under her leadership, the Defenese Ministry has also promoted gender diversity in its ranks.

Among members of the Confederate Congress, Fernandez's background as a career and predictable bureaucrat make her a promising candidate for the job. She is highly respected within government and her focus on defense and security resonate with the general public, who polls show increasingly prioritize security in the face of a critical time for the Spanish Nations. Key party figures also see her as potentially a unifying figure who can bring the Confederacy together and provide a steady hand out of the Confederacy's unprecedented political infighting

The Aragon Confederacy remains the only alternative to the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon to take a leading role among the Spanish Nations, and many believe that Fernandez has the experience necessary to guide the Confederacy through this challenging period. With the recent incident involving a Castile-Leonese fighter jet flying into Aragonese airspace, many believe that a strong and capable leader is needed to ensure the safety and sovereignty of the Aragon Confederacy. Despite her strong credentials and support within the Confederate Congress, Fernandez faces significant challenges in the race for the chancellorship.

The political turmoil and gridlock over the nation’s refugee policy have left many feeling disillusioned with the government, and Fernandez will need to work hard to rebuild trust and confidence among the public. There are also concerns about Fernandez’s potential hawkish or militaristic approach. Some worry that her defense background and work on bolstering military readiness may lead to further tensions with the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon and only serve to worsen the crisis.

[Lusophone]

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UCKL faces sanctions for unprecedented aggression

New measures out of Belém Palace seek to penalize Castile & Leon for unraveling the Iberian Peninsula's established peace.

LISBON — In what President Jorge Bettencourt denounced as a “deliberate destabilization of Portugal’s periphery," the Ministry of Finance has swiftly implemented a set of coordinated punishments the administration had warned the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon about imposing, just a few weeks ago.

Amid shocking reports of Castilian-Leonese interference in the domestic affairs of the Aragon Confederacy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicized a plan of action meant to dissuade the UKCL's saber-rattling, including its planned exit from the April Armistice.

The realization of harsh economic measures were conditional on the UKCL’s willingness to reconsider its behavior and engage in good-faith diplomacy. However since then, the UKCL has fully withdrawn from the April Armistice, disregarding a decades-long recognition of respect and sovereignty among the Spanish Nations. Most recently, the Aragon Confederacy, Portugal's key strategic partner in the region, has also seen the unauthorized presence of Castilian-Leonese fighter jets over their airspace.

Speaking from the lawn of Belém Palace, Mr. Bettencourt condemned the UKCL, including the Joint Task Force of Castile & Leon's incursion, asserting “my administration has made it clear as day that Castile & Leon’s continued revanchist behavior would not go unchecked.” In addition to the penalties his administration had previously warned of, President Bettencourt's announcement also expanded the scope of what is already interpreted as a restrictive set of measures, intended to hamper what he called “armed harrassment” by Castile & Leon.

The sanctions announced by the Bettencourt administration will come into immediate effect and are intended to significantly impact the UKCL’s ability to export its key products, access to international markets, and conduct international trade. According to the Ministry of Finance, the sanctions are also intended to remind the UKCL of its financial 41 billion (USD) obligation to Portugal, which include “responsible international conduct.”

The full list of sanctions is below:

• Seizure of Castilian-Leonese assets in Portugal to repay its owed 41 billion debt
• Cease and desist of scientific and technical cooperation with Castilian-Leonese nationals
• Freezing of assets and travel ban against all persons associated with the Joint Task Force of Castile & Leon
• Comprehensive monitoring over the activities of financial institutions with banks and entities linked to the UKCL
• Ban on the trade of arms and military equipment, dual-use technologies, vehicles, industrial machinery, and metals
• Tariffs on major Castilian-Leonese products, including electronics, automotive parts and household appliances
• Ban on merchant ships bound for Castile & Leon to dock in Portuguese-owned foreign ports
  (Mediterranean, South America, Southeast Asia, Southwest Africa)

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[Baratheone]

 

CHAPTER 5

THE END OF AN ERA

The signing of the April Armistice in 1949 brought an unprecedented period of progress to the Iberian Peninsula, not only bringing a pause to the bloody Spanish Civil War, but giving independence to all of Spain's ethnolinguistic communities. The Spanish Nations, as they are now known, include the Andalusia Republic, Aragon Confederacy, Basque Soviet Republics, Emirate of Mursiyah, Free Archipelago of the Canaries, Free Cities of Gharnata, People’s Republic of Galicia, and the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon. For decades, these new countries tried to put aside their grievances in the name of peaceful coexistence.

However, this era is now coming to an end, threatened by the aggressive revanchism of the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon. The hopes and dreams that had emerged out of 1949 fades, as Castile & Leon forcefully marches toward reuniting the Iberian Peninsula under its dominion. The events of the past few years have culminated to real fears of conflict, fueled by ETA's terrorism, coups in the BSSR and Galicia and the resulting refugee crisis, the Confederacy's political breakdown and the UKCL's exit from the April Armistice. Like never before, the Spanish Nations stand on the edge of the prophesied Doom of Iberia, as Castile & Leon exacts its desire to resusitate the corpse of Spain. With confidence, many now say that the foretold war and destruction to once and for all conclude the Spanish Civil War is at its precipice.

< CHAPTER 4

ARAGON CONFEDERACY

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FERNANDEZ APPROVED AS NEXT CHANCELLOR

Elena Asesina (right) congratulates Maria Fernandez (left) as her successor

In the aftermath of historic political gridlock and struggle, the Aragon Confederacy will see the resignation of its once beloved Chancellor, Elena Asesina, by the end of this week. The Confederacy’s first female Chancellor was elected 6 years ago in 1986 and will remain notable for her policies that led to the country's economic success while valuing humanitarianism. As Chancellor, Asesina implemented policies that put the Confederacy at the forefront of economic growth among its fellow Spanish Nations. She was a staunch humanitarian, providing food, shelter, and medical care to over 250,000 refugees, escaping political instability in Galicia and the Basques.

Early on in her tenure, Asesina also rang the alarm bells about the revanchist motivations of the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon, which has shocked the world for its brazen attempt to rewrite history. Asesina warned that the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon was a threat to the stability of the Iberian Peninsula, but her warnings went unheeded until it was too late. The chaos that led to Asesina's downfall are attributed to the UKCL, which flooded the Confederacy with refugees in an attempt to overwhelm its capacity to provide for them. The economic strain and lack of international support made it difficult for Asesina to continue in office.

Asesina's successor, Defense Minister Maria Dolores Fernandez will have big shoes to fill. Confirmed late last night in the Confederate Congress, Maria Fernandez received 197 votes in favor, 103 votes against, and one abstention as the next Chancellor. Fernandez comes into office amid fears that the country's economic success and commitment to humanitarianism will suffer without Asesina at the helm. But Elena Asesina will forever be remembered as a leader ahead of her time and as someone who stood by her moral commitment to people.

Maria Fernandez’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the Aragon Confederacy, which faces increasing challenges from Castile & Leon. During her confirmation hearing, Fernandez emphasized her commitment to maintaining the Confederacy’s independence and stability, as well as promoting growth and job creation in the country. Chancellor Elena Asesina abstained from the vote, in accordance with impartiality rules.

[Lusophone]

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Novo Banco announces Tekstilbank acquisition

Portugal’s second largest private bank seeks to leverage its position in Türkiye's financial sector.

LISBON — One of Türkiye's leading banks, Tekstilbank, will soon become an affiliate of Novo Banco S.A., marking the first time a Portuguese bank has acquired a major controlling stake in a Turkish lender.

The news was made public during Novo Banco's latest investor conference, during which CEO António Ramalho informed shareholders that the bank had entered into a joint acquisition of Tekstilbank with Turkish conglomerate Calik Holding, for a total of 316 million (USD). Tekstilbank, currently owned by GSD Holding, has been operating with strong record of profitable growth since 1986. Novo Banco's expansion is indicative of the growing presence of Portuguese acquisitive lenders in emerging markets around the globe.

"Türkiye is an important market for us," said Novo Banco CEO António Ramalho. "With Tekstilbank's extensive network and experienced management team, we are confident that we can achieve our growth objectives and deliver value to Türkiye's growing middle class." Ramalho went on to say that the acquisition of Tekstilbank was part of its strategy to expand its overseas business, and noted that Türkiye's strategic location as the gateway between Europe and Asia make it an attractive destination for investment.

Under the terms of the deal, Novo Banco will take over the operations of Tekstilbank, including its network of branches, ATMs, staff, as well as retail and commercial clients. During the investor conference, CEO António Ramalho also discussed that Novo Banco plans to inject an addition capital worth 50 million (USD) into its Turkish affiliate, part of a marketing campaign to retain confused customers as Novo Banco plans to the change Tekstilbank's name to Novo Banco Türkiye.

Since Commerce Secretary Chui Sai-Cheong's trip to Ankarra, interest among Portuguese businesses seeking to expand operations in Türkiye have grown. The signing of the High-Priority Partnership between Portugal and Türkiye, as well as the formation of a bilateral Chamber of Commerce have attracted the likes of Novo Banco to enter the Turkish financial sector, where it has a competitive advantage in catering to a strong demand for high-quality financial services. The Capital Markets Board of Türkiye is expected to approve the acquisition later this week, with members of Turkish President Alparslan Turkesh's government having been personally involved in sheperding the deal.

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Diogo Cão CV in Barcelona after UKCL incursion

As regional order unravels, the Portuguese Navy makes a port call to the Confederacy.

BARCELONA — Towering above the gentle waves of Barcelona's sandy coastline, the Portuguese Navy has deployed to the Iberian Peninsula for the first time, amid increasing tensions.

Named after Portuguese explorer Diogo Cão, the aircraft carrier's presence in the Aragon Confederacy comes just a week after a fighter jet from the Joint Task Force of Castile & Leon had been intercepted over sovereign Aragonese airspace, in a signal of Lisbon's continued commitment to its strategic partner in the region as it overcomes domestic political turmoil instigated by the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon.

President Jorge Bettencourt's administration has not released an official statement on the deployment, but many interpret Diego Cão CV's presence as a message not only intended to provide reassurance to its key partner, but convey a message of resolute deterrence to further Castilian-Leonese aggression against the Aragon Confederacy. The carrier is a forward-deployed vessel equipped with fixed-wing V/STOL and helicopter air operations, command and control operations, and the transport of military or civil personnel and heavy vehicles.

While in Barcelona, members of the crew will also participate in joint activities with the Aragonese Navy, as well as engagements with charity groups. "Our mission is to demonstrate Portugal's unwavering commitment to our friends and to show that we are capable of dettering any challenges posed to stability and order in Portugal's periphery," said Rear Admiral Andre Cavalco of the Diego Cão Carrier Strike Group.

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[Baratheone]

UNITED KINGDOM OF CASTILE & LEON

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BASQUES DEVELOPING NUCLEAR WEAPONS

The Lord Paramount of Castile & Leon speaking to members of the press

In a press conference held in Madrid yesterday, Crown Prince Juan of the United Kingdom of Castile & Leon accused the Basque Soviet Republics of developing nuclear weapons with the help of Poland and Danubia. The Lord Paramount backed up his claims by citing recent news out of the Danubian People's Congress, which has prepared an aid package to complete the construction of the BSSR's unfinished Lemóniz Nuclear Power Plant. Lord Prince Juan's office also provided the press with heaps of travel logs, revealing the Joint Task Force of Castile & Leon's discoveries of several Polish inbound cargo planes to Bilbao.

The Lord Paramount's claims are the latest in a string of accusations made by Castile & Leon against the Basque Homelands, including claims of an international plot to weaken the UKCL and deprive his country of its legitimacy as the successor of Spain. For months now, the UKCL has also continued to deny Basque sovereignty, dismissing the BSSR as a rogue terrorist entity created by the Trimarium. Basque General Secretary Mario Neta-Poloca for his part, has vehemently denied the Crown Prince's accusations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.

During his speech, Lord Prince Juan stated that the Polish inbound cargo planes "were suspect from the beginning," given that the planes that flew under the banner of the Kingdom of Monaco. The Lord Paramount suggested that the delivery were nuclear material and alleged that the BSSR's sole Lemóniz Nuclear Power Plant, is a merely a front to develop nuclear weapons. The BSSR's Ministry of External Affairs have disputed the Crown Prince's allegations, stating that the plant ceased construction in 1983 because the Ramos regime could not afford its completion.

In response to the Basque Homelands' alleged nuclear development, Lord Prince Juan announced the Joint Task Force of Castile & Leon will establish new logistical support installations, across the Leonese provinces of Zamora, Leon, Palencia and Burgos, which border the BSSR. According to the Lord Paramount, the purpose of the installations is solely "to enhance the UKCL's ability to detect nuclear proliferation." The nature of these installations however, include the deployment of 10,000 more soliders from the Leonese Self Defense Forces, bringing the total number of Joint Task Force troops in the Kingdom of Leon to 50,000.

The large concentration of Joint Task Force troops, including motorized infantry, battle tanks and rocket artillery, dot the Leonese provinces of Zamora, Leon, Palencia and Burgos, where service members who live in forward bases have brought new life to the local economies of small towns. Lord Monstrou, who joined the Joint Task Force's command at King Ferdinand VIII's decree, continues to justify the presence of the JTF as "necessary against the unacceptable Trimarium military presence on our borders and the existence of an ETA-linked entity in the North."

[Georgian Kingdom]

Turkiye elections: Alparslan Turkesh wins the elections

Turkish long-standing leader Bashboug(chieftain) Alparslan Turkesh has won a new five-year term as the president after his outright victory in the final round of a presidential poll.

Turkesh got nearly 73% with almost all votes counted. His closest rival Necmettin Erbakan from Refah Partisi was on 15%.

He will now assume sweeping new powers with the post of Prime Minister being abolished in the near future.

Mr Erbakan accepted the result on the basis of poll figures.

Alparslan Turkesh has presided over a strong economy after the second Turkish civil war with the New Reformation Process and heavily invested in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and military. With the help of the Soviet Union, Turkesh's government managed to suppress the remaining kemalists and stabilize the country cracking down on opponents and putting some 50,000 people in jail.

Alpqrslan Turkesh gave a victory speech near the Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, declaring that every Turkish citizen is a winner as a result of his victory.

"Today, we have won in our homeland. It is a monumentous moment for our citizens as well as our Turkic brethren all over the world. With strong government at home, we will be able to improve the lives of the Turks living elsewhere. Soon, we will achieve our dream in liberating our Turkic brethren in Central Asia, Caucasus, East Turkestan and unite them under one flag!" said Turkesh in his speech.

Tekstilbank becomes the first Portuguese bank in Turkiye

(broadcast by the Turanist World Network, major pro-government propaganda news agency)

Novo Banco has acquired 75% share of Turkiye's Tekstilbank.

This monumentous deal is another proof of our President Alparslan Turkesh's fruitful reforms and selfless efforts. Thanks to our Chieftain, Turkiye has now an extensive network of connections all over the world. After the Tekstilbank deal was signed, Portugal will invest into the Turkish economy which is expected to improve the overall economic situation and make the lives of Turkish citizens better. Due to the government's efforts, Turkiye is viewed favorably by investors and more countries are racing to do business with our great nation. Portugal's Novo Banco will take over all of the Tekstilbank's operations which will contribute to the diversification of the Turkish economy and attract even more capital in the long run. The acquasition of Tekstilbank by Portugal will combine the superb management skills of Turkiye's experts working in the field as well as rich experience of the Portuguese counterparts which will result in a better customer service and more jobs for our citizens.

The signing of the deal came just before the 1992 Presidential elections which is thought to be an important factor in Alparslan's re-election.