Auroran Associated Press

by **Aurinsula** » Sat May 31, 2014 9:59 pm

国民111年06月01日
INTERVENTION BILL REACHES ASSEMBLY
Deployment expected soon

The National Assembly in session

XINJING - The 111 Skorzenia Peace-Keeping Deployment Bill has left the National Defense Committee and will appear before the National Assembly tomorrow as its first order of the day's business.

The bill, which authorizes the National Defense Force to immediately move into the Skorzenian protectorate of New Detroit and restore the authority of the provisional governments of Bolviana, Vuzuenela, and others, was introduced in committee three days ago.

The bill was authored by MA. Peng Kaixin (D-Chengzhou/4), who described the bill as 'a necessity.'

"We have labored under the shadow of Skorzenian threat for twenty years," the member said. "Now that the opportunity presents itself, we must take the matter in hand."

The bill was co-authored by Army Field Marshall Jing Qiliang, whom committee member Gu Pingguo (D-Sujiang) described as 'giving valuable advice about the abilities and dispositions of the armed forces.'

The bill has, however, met with some opposition. Committee member Kong Changzheng (SD-Gaoshan/3) went on record as calling the bill "a bad idea."

"We do not need to involve ourselves in this. This is a problem we don't need. I did not vote for the bill in committee and I will not vote for it on the Assembly floor."

by **Aurinsula** » Mon Jun 02, 2014 12:59 am

国民111年06月02日
INTERVENTION BILL PASSES
LP/SDP SPLIT ON ISSUE

XINJING - The 111 Skorzenia Peace-Keeping Deployment Bill has officially passed the National Assembly 197-144, amid tremendous opposition from many members of the left. It is due for the President's reception tomorrow.

The bill, which authorizes the Aurinsulan Armed Forces under the executive command of Field Marshall Jing Qiliang to deploy to the Skorzenian territory of New Detroit and restore the prior constitutions of its former states, passed in the National Assembly with a single up-down vote.

Tensions ran high during the Liberal defection

The Yellow Coalition cast 152 of its 154 votes in favor of the bill, while the Social Democratic and Socialist Parties both uniformly opposed it. The Liberal Party officially declared against the bill, but a large group of 45 Liberal MAs, however, defected from the party line and voted in favor, giving the bill the votes it needed to pass.

"As much as military violence pains our conscience, the fact remains that this is an opportunity to guarantee Aurinsula's security for a long time," said MA. Rong Fengbiao (L-Xinjing/23), one of the dissenting Liberal MAs.

The voting defection prompted tremendous emotion, leading to a brief physical altercation on the Assembly floor as the two factions of the Liberal Party began to brawl with one another. No serious injuries were reported.

by **Seahold** » Mon Jun 02, 2014 7:43 am

Seahold Daily News

ARMY TO DEPLOY TO INTERNATIONAL ZONE OF IRON BAY

The Grand Duchy of Seahold will take part in the occupation of former Skorzenia; the Minister of War, Mary Sturluson, has announced that Kincardine's Unholy Demons battalion, under the command of Colonel Gladwyn Kingsley, will be deployed to the recently established International Zone of Iron Bay, "to ensure peace and security in the region." "It is of vital importance" said Her Majesty, "that we keep an eye on former Skorzenia; the chaos in which the domain of the Steel Fraternity has fallen could be exploited by our own internal enemies. Such places, ravaged by poverty and lack of governmental control, are also the places where it's easier to obtain weapons, weapons that could be bought by the perpetrators of the unspeakable acts of some days ago - by deploying some of our troops to the International Zone, it will be less likely for such an eventuality to happen."

by **Mediterreania** » Mon Jun 02, 2014 3:14 pm

50 Rial
5 Toman
$0.75 Mogamiland Dollar
0.0006036BTC
83 Drachma

نشوت
NESHUN

2 June 2014

Shahrbani Announces Joint Peacekeeping Mission to Skorzenia
Thalassoš Akropouloš

In the first major action of the new military administration, General Shahrbāni has announced that the Army of the Free Assembly will be deployed to the former territory of Skorzenia, and asked that the Associations-General of the Assembly appropriate additional funds for a long-term occupation.

The General made his announcement on the heels of Aurinsula's National Assembly authorizing the deployment of the Aurinsulan Armed Forces to New Detroit and the Iron Bay. In his own announcement, Shahrbāni cited passages from the National Assembly resolution, as well as the Treaty of Mutual Defense signed in March, justifying the intervention. However, Shahrbāni noted that "the most significant reason for any intervention into Skorzenia is to fight the scourge of Catholic extremism, and avenge the bloody days of May." Already, sources say that militants associated with the Sanfidesti have entered Spanish-speaking regions of Skorzenia. In the wake of the power vacuum left by the collapsing Steel Fraternity, it is expected that Papist militancy will see a resurgence - a scenario feared by military authorities and civilians alike across Mediterranea.

Regulars in the Army of the Free Assembly patrolling the outskirts of Siracusa - soon to become a common sight across the Masaston?

The Central Committee of the Voluntary Popular Republic - formerly the International Proletarian Association - has issued its own statement in favor of intervention. "We, the assembled industrial workers of Achaea and Neopersia, stand behind the Army of the Free Assembly. The time is now to liberate our comrades in Eskorzeniya [sic] and proceed with the collectivization of their industry." Members of the Red Brigade are expected to accompany the peacekeeping force, and already a group of Syndicalist "missionaries" is preparing an expedition to the territories.

Despite the broad enthusiasm for the mission, there are still many issues to work out. As in Siracusa and Arabistan during the Crisis, the Red Brigades and Army of the Free Assembly will no doubt have very different strategies for administering the occupation zones. In addition, the Mediterranean forces will be dependent on Aurinsulan logistical support. Matei Maqabi, professor of international relations at the Military College of Shahr-e-Ketāb, says "While there are no doubt secret provisions in the Treaty of Mutual Defense relating to the partitioning of Skorzenia, this treaty was based on the assumption that the occupation would follow a protracted conflict along the Tinchalian border. The situation now will be dynamic and unpredictable." General Shahrbāni must navigate between the interests of his own military, and those of the Syndicalists and Tinchalians.

by **Aurinsula** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 7:55 am

国民111年06月01日
WANG APPROVES INTERVENTION BILL
Deployment begins at once

XINJING - The Ministry of the Presidential Office has announced that President Wang Gangchuan has officially approved the 111 Skorzenia Peace-Keeping Deployment Bill, commanding the Armed Forces to immediately assume real control of the Skorzenian protectorate of New Detroit.

The Red Palace Ancestor Temple

The move was shocking to many, as the President campaigned for office on the basis of an anti-war and pro-disarmament platform. According to Chief Political Analyst Qiao Pan'ni, this move may seem surprising, but was the President's only choice.

"From a political perspective, he had to approve the bill. If he had placed a veto, then there's a very strong likelihood that the bill would be re-submitted with a super-majority, and the President would have then been powerless to oppose it. By approving the bill, he managed to keep his dignity intact.

During a press conference given by the Ministry of Defense, Army General Fang Xiujie described the imminent military action as 'open-and-shut,' and ensured reporters that victory would be quick and painless.

"This is a multi-lateral project, involving assistance from Norvenia, Regnum Albion, Afalia, Blackledge, Mediterranea, and the Cookish States. We are also in discussion with Mizuyuki and with Florys to give additional assistance. This coalition will bring overwhelming force against what pockets of resistance remain, and ensure a clean and orderly restoration of power to the governments once overthrown by Skorzenia."

As per the bill, executive command of the mission has been given to Field Marshall Jing Qiliang, who was not available for comment and has moved to Forward Headquarters in Huchuanshan.

by **The Republic of Lanos** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 11:47 am

National Broadcasting System
Lanos National News
Freedom, Democracy, Justice!

Lanos to intervene in Skorzenia with Norvenians

President Marina Aruthyan discussion intervention in Skorzenia during a press conference Monday

The first vote on intervention in Skorzenia cleared the Congress with overwhelming support in an international intervention after the collapse of the Steel Fraternity in the span of several months. The vote, authorizing the Defense Forces to engage in action in Skorzenia, is historic as it marks the first time the military would intervene in a foreign conflict for the first time since the 1970s. While the move was praised in political circles in Lanos, the intervention was scorned in others. President Marina Aruthyan requested authorization by Congress on sending military force to assist the Norvenian mission in Skorzenia only after Norvenia formally requested Lanos take part. The intervention, while enjoying public support, is questioned on the grounds of whether or not it could turn into another Underium. The public reacted well to the move because Skorzenia is due south of Lanos and instability could threaten the country if it migrated north.

The Underium comparison took center stage in House and Senate debates as skeptical Congressional members took to the podium to challenge the idea that, since it was a multinational effort, this could not turn into Underium. UDP Senator Ardella Petersen from the State of Trinity was the most vocal on the intervention proposal, condemning as she saw an attempt to rope the country into an eternal mess with no end in sight. Other congressmen were skeptical but approved of the intervention with strings attached to limit involvement to a few brigades and supporting elements and means to pull out if desired. So far, things appear to be on that track as elements of the 1st Infantry Division are to be sent as well as military police and supporting Air Force, Navy, and Marine units. Another brigade from another unnamed division is on call to deploy if required but it is unknown if the mission requires this deployment as well.

Stay tuned.

by **Seahold** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 12:22 pm

Seahold Daily News

EDOMITE SOLDIERS ARRESTED ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT CHARGES - HER MAJESTY: "THEY SHOULD BE PUNISHED, ACCORDING TO EDOMITE LAW"

Two days ago, military police belonging to the Republic of Adiron arrested three Edomite officers on fraternization and sexual harassment charges; the officers, from New Edom's 2nd Transport Battalion, allegedly targeted subordinates, and could be charged with attempted rape as well. The officers can't be convicted in Adiron - they will have to face an Edomite court. Her Majesty voiced her condemnation of the act: "The crimes they have been accused of are, to say the least, grievous; and they are made worse by how they took advantage of their position of power over the victims. I personally hope, as a human being and a woman, that they have been unjustly accused, but if those charges are accurate and truthful, if those officers actually dishonoured their uniform by committing said crimes, I am confident that New Edom's authorities will take the only proper course of action - justice."

The last officers to have been found guilty of rape in Seahold, Rowley Pierce and Millicent Brasher, have been stripped of his rank, expelled from the Navy and castrated; they are currently serving a 15 year sentence in Greenborough's county jail.

by **First Valerian Empire** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 2:31 am

Avalon Chronicle

Market speculation on Skorzenia's oil reserves

By Heinrich Balkan
Published: June 5, 2014

Avalon,Valyrian Empire —With the collapse of the Fraternity government in Skorzenia; oil prices have begun to fluctuate wildly as investors and stock holders speculate on the markets.

In the past Skorzenia was to most Valyrians a far off nation with a long,storied and immensely violent past not unlike Valyria itself; but with the collapse of it's government and the break down of law and order within the country and the lack of any significant leadership, it's name is now tainted with images of civil unrest,violence and mayhem.

The mayhem that is Skorzenia is no longer confined to Skorzenia and within that nation and now seeks to engulf the wider Auroran community.

Up until recently; the Fraternity state of Skorzenia was a major exporter of crude oil, petroleum based products and manufactured goods with some estimates claiming the nation controlled up to a third of the region's non-renewable energy sector and a fifth of the region's manufacturing capacity.

The fraternity's collapse from within has set off a chain of event's that have caused markets,indexes and financial firms the region over to enter a caffeine filled frenzy.Investors and consumers alike are worried and rightly so about the state and future of the country's oil reserves which are reported to be immense as well as attempting to ensure access to their factories and cheap labor is not interrupted.

Skorzenia had previously carved out a niche within the greater Auroran economy as the go to state for cheap manufactured goods which were created on the backs of the nation's underclass. With the fate of the countries population now left in the hands of a coalition of previously anti-Skorzenian powers and the capital Iron Bay under occupation by the same; everyone is asking the same question; ''What happens to their oil?''

It's a question analysts, experts and everyone in between has been silently and not so silently asking since news first broke on the collapse of the Fraternity government.The Empire has submitted a petition to the Auroran International Assembly to act a neutral caretaker of Skorzenia's oil reserves until a new government could be installed and order restored on the streets.

In the interim; oil prices soar as private corporations pull capital from Skorzenia and the energy sector attempts to adjust to the rapidly changing Auroran energy sector.

by **First Valerian Empire** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 2:58 am

Avalon Chronicle

Tensions at a all time high

By Heinrich Balkan
Published: June 5, 2014

Avalon,Valyrian Empire —Tensions between Aurora and Cornellia are at an all time high specifically between Norvenia and New Edom.

According to confidential sources within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Avalon; a confrontation between naval forces belonging to the Commonwealth of Norvenin and the interim government of New Edom engaged in a brief engagement that ended in the destruction of a Norvenian submarine and the crippling of a Edomite vessel in international waters late last week.

The Norvenian force lead by Admiral Nehemiah Wright attempted to intercept and escort a Edomite fleet led by Vice-Admiral Prince Elijah Shalmaneser in International waters between May 26-30. Reportedly Admiral Wright had ordered a submarine escort to shadow the Edomite fleet and when confronted by Edomite Vice-Admiral Shalmaneser ceased on communications. The situation eventually escalated and resulted in the sinking of the submarine and the crippling of a Edomite vessel.

It isn't currently clear if any lives were lost on either side though; the Interim government in New Edom is reportedly furious about the incident. The Chronicle has been unsuccessful in attempts to communicate with the state departments of either state though minor officials within the Norvenian government have stated that things are very tense within the capital.

This marks the first armed skirmish to come to light between the nations of Aurora and Cornellia since tensions began in early 2014 after Norvenian Chancellor Griffiths released a ''Guarantee of Cornellian Democracies'' as well as deploying naval forces to the region; a act seen by many nations within Cornellia as overly aggressive and provoking.

Tensions were thought to have been cooling as Auroran nations' tensions were drawn to the collapse of the Fraternity regime in Skorzenia and Cornellian nations bickered among themselves; this could be the spark that ignites the powder keg once more.

by **First Valerian Empire** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:36 am

Avalon Chronicle

Empire signs oil deal with the Roman Republic

By Heinrich Balkan
Published: June 5, 2014

Avalon,Valyrian Empire —Emperor Napoleon sign a multi-billion Mark energy deal with Aurelian state-owned energy giant, Omega Energy this morning.

The Empire has signed a multi-billion Mark energy deal with the Aurelian energy giant, Omega Energy this morning. Omega Energy is a state-owned Energy giant from the Allied States of Aurelia a nation with significant petroleum, natural gas and uranium reserves and one of the largest oil exporters in the world by extraction to export.

The deal which is being referred to unofficially as the ''International Petroleum Stability Agreement'' or ''IPSA'' is a agreement between the government of Valyria and the state-owned energy corporation, Omega Energy to stabilize energy prices within agreed nations which in this case is only Valyria. Omega will provide petroleum & natural gas to the Empire at a specified price in exchange for reduced tariffs and tax credits for Omega's subsidiaries operating within the Empire. Regulatory agencies within Aurelia are in the process of signing off on the deal, after which it will become effective no later than July 4th, 2014.

Relations with the Allied States have always been warm, owing to both states membership in the International Coalition for Expansion, organization championing freedom and liberty the world over, however it has been reported that members of the Imperial government had reached out to Nova Roma when news first broke on the collapse of law and order in Skorzenia, one of Aurora's major petroleum exporting nations.

The Emperor's press office released a statement shortly after announcing the deal.

''This measure is only the beginning of increased relations between the Valyrian Empire and the Allied States of Aurelia. It will go a long way in securing energy prices the region over and we hope that this is what the future holds not only for our allies but also our enemies; peace and prosperity for all nations regardless of government type, economic status or any other minor quarrel.''

The Aurelian Department of State released a similar statement shortly after.

This agreement between Omega Energy and the government of Valyria is only the first of a series of similar agreements to come later as the gods will it.Gone are the days were nations segregated themselves based on ideology,religion or politics; the days were mutual profit and prosperity reign supreme are upon us. May the gods bless the Republic and the Empire.

The Markets have so far responded positively to the news with the rabid speculation on energy futures slowing down almost immediately as investors were made aware of the agreement.The flight of capital from Skorzenia continues however with early reports claiming almost 60% of all capital within Skorzenia originating in Valyria has been withdrawn.

While Valyria no longer has to worry about inflated energy prices at home; it remains to be seen if other nations will follow the Empire's need and shore up their energy needs elsewhere as well as what will happen to Skorzenia's own energy reserves which will soon be under international control.

by **Seahold** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 6:43 am

Seahold Daily News

ORDER OF SAINT ALARIC DESECRATES NATIVE HOLY SITE, KILLS 7 IN CACHIPA

Yesterday, during a polytheistic religious ceremony in Cachipa, a member of the Order of Saint Alaric opened fire on the crowd, killing seven people and injuring ten. In the ensuing chaos, the terrorist - Arasibo Norris, an unemployed 32 year old - desecrated the ancient petroglyphs of Cachipa by spray-painting crosses over them; he was then killed by the police in the shootout that followed. According to Norris' sister, Anacaona Norris-Ray, the former industrial worker had "become fanatical and paranoid" in the months following the closing of the factory where he worked; on his PC have been found several propaganda documents of the Order of Saint Alaric.

It is clear now, given Norris' fully native heritage, that the Order of Saint Alaric is not, unlike other far-right groups, a racist organization. In fact, prominent scholar Osmond Wesley believes, "the Order might be more popular among mestizos and natives than whites. They blame the poverty of the countryside and the southern counties on the moral decadence of the court, the cities and the northern counties. They wouldn't be the first terrorist group to exploit the poverty and the weakness of the masses."

by **Florys** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 4:57 pm

Hello and welcome to another issue of 'The Trooper', the official journal of the Cavalry Corps and it's attached arms. This month we bring you an exclusive interview with silver screen super-star Quinn Dempsey on his latest film 'That Little Winter War' in which he plays a cavalry corps officer in the heart of the Pinzhaben Insurgency. We also bring you all the latest news from across the Cavalry Corps and the wider world that matters to you, as well as all our usual features and columnists.-Count Taylor Beauregard, (Maj-Retd, 19th Dragoons), Editor.

Relocation, Relocation Relocation!
If your vehicle hasn't been on radio silence and full CBRN lock-down for the past two months, you'll know that the Cavalry Corps, and indeed, the Tri-Services as a whole, are going through a period of great upheaval. The following article is here to let you know, exactly where the Corps' regiments are going, for how long and why. Firstly the 2nd Lancer Regiment and 8th/9th Regiment of Dragoons have followed the rest of the 1st Motor Rifle Brigade out to the Eastern Auroran isle of Regnum Albion. The move comes with the closer relations that the Florysian and Anglian administrations now enjoy and the signing of the Five Eyes intelligence pact. The relocation of the Brigade comes as little surprise to many, the move had been rumored as far back as April when the first Anglican servicemen arrived at there new station at 'RAF Duchess Regent', Northern Florys. While in Regnum Albion, our boys are expected to make the most of the island's rough highlands and peaks as a brigade level training area to test their skills in unfamiliar, unfriendly terrain , as well as providing force protection to the Air Force intelligence assets at the FAF station in Pitt's Folly.
Another Floro-Anglican joint venture is the move to station the 5th/9th (Airborne) Hussars at the international zone in former Skorzenia, the Hussars are expected to work closely alongside Anglican and other foreign militaries in the restoration of administration, quashing of insurgency and policing Skorzenian nationals in the wake of the Steel Fraternity's fall, the stationing of Hussars and there machines in the former dominion is the first operational deployment of Florysian forces within Aurora proper in Premier Lucas Westman's office and his shelving of the International Stability Assistance Program, and as such, has rustled more than a few political feathers.
Domestically the 4th Armoured Brigade has taken up residence in their new garrison at Fort Aurial. The Brigade which contains a great many Cavalry units has apparently been pleased with the new garrison's scratch built facilities and accommodation.

Blood On The Snow.

CVR(T) Lynx of the 1st Hussars-Pinzhaben, 02/04/05.

The Winter Insurgency of 2004-6 was for many soldiers and officers, one of the most trying points in their careers. With harrowing climatic conditions, equipment faults, little intelligence and a dogged enemy resistance, the Tri-Service deployment to the Isle of

Quinn Dempsey

Pinzhaben will stay with those who served there forever. Now Quinn Dempsey, star of the visceral Thorn Crown trilogy of films and TV 1's critically acclaimed crime drama, 'When Blood Runs White' aims to bring all these hardships to the general public in his new film 'That Little Winter War'.
"I've spoken to many troops that served over there and listening to their experiences was inspiring" said the 26 year old, "I have felt more pressure to get this film nailed than any other, as it is not just my professional pride or an award on the line, it is the portrayal of men who saw and did so much for us, and I don't want to let them down. When questioned about whether he had ever considered a career in the forces himself, he laughed an replied "I think it takes a special kind of man to wear that uniform, and I was privileged to wear it during filming, but boy was I glad to take it off at the end of the shoot!". The film centers around the experiences of fictional cavalry officer,2nd Lieutenant, Baron Murray Ayling, during the first six months of Operation Adagio. "Murray is an unlikely hero" Dempsey tells 'The Trooper, "He's the bottom end of a very long line of cavalry officers from minor nobility, he's there because he has to be, certainly not because he wants to be." We can't give to much of the plot away, but men of the Pinzhaben Wounded Trust, who were invited to an advanced screening of the film have said it was ''A fitting testament to the fallen.'' and ''a grim and dramatic reminder of the realities of war.''

Cavalry Knocked Out Of Army Boxing Cup!

Sgt Hannaway (L) trades blows with Cpl Miller.(R)

After a promising start, the Cavalry Corps has been knocked out in the quarter finals for the Army Boxing Cup. All seemed well with the Corps' light weight and super middle weight competitors flying through the initial heats but it was not to last. Tpr.John 'Lofty' Attic was forced to withdraw from the competition on medical grounds after he was a passenger in an automobile accident, despite no serious injuries to anyone involved, a jarred shoulder and broken fingers saw Lofty, a 'Barbarian III' driver of the 6th Dragoons, out of the running for the light weight title. For super middle weight hopeful Sgt Alan Hannaway, 5th/9th Airborne Hussars, defeat came at the hands of the opposition. In a brutal five round conflict Hannaway battled bravely against Cpl Micheal Miller of the Corps of Infantry's 32nd Motor Rifle Regiment. For a time it looked like the Hussar had the edge but a stunning flurry of punches from the Infantry corporal said other wise, staggering Hannaway and allowing Miller in for a crucial knock out. We here at the Trooper would like to congratulate both Cavalry fighters for getting to the Quarter Finals and showing the other Corps we don't need tanks to fight well!

Have Your Shout.
As always we end this issue of 'The Trooper' by asking you, the men of the Cavalry Corps you opinion on current affairs, this week, Anglo-Florysian relations.

2Lt Johnson Beaumont-14th Lancers:'I think that these relations and treaties could be the earliest steps of something very big indeed. With the signing of the five eyes intelligence agreement sending waves across the region, and the continued improving relations between our governments, militaries and citizens, I can only see our ties improving. The deployment, no matter how small, to the former stomping ground of the Steel Fraternity shows we can and are willing to work as a joint task-force and I would even go as far as to say that, our combined influence in Afrosia and our close intelligence ties, given the right conditions and allies, could substantially shift the region wide balance of power and the dynamic of all of Aurora. In short, I'll be following these events very closely indeed over the next few months.

LCpl Eric 'Swampy' Marsh-4th/16th Dragoons:I must admit I have mixed feelings about this subject, I'm glad that we now have allies in Aurora and we are not just being stationed in Florys or far off intervention campaigns, and I am thrilled about the chance to train alongside foreign armour and be based among new cultures. However, that being said, no one wants any thing for free, we are moving very quickly onto the Auroran stage proper, and already Anglian units are stationed in Florys. Also I am unsure about the situation in Skorzenia, though I am all for us aiding a stricken populace, the deployment of armour and multiple intelligence units make me wonder if there is more than meets the eye. I find myself worried that I am agreeing with the Valyrian point of view that we should let the other nations take what they want and we should focus on what matters the Florys.

by **Aurinsula** » Wed Jun 11, 2014 10:00 am

国民111年06月08日
THE MISSION BEGINS
Jing Qiling invested with Sword of State

XINJING - With the grandest of ceremony, President Wang Gangchuan officially commissioned Field Marshall Jing Qiliang in his mission to subjugate Skorzenian forces in the Three Republics Zone, thus confirming that the mission is to begin immediately and that Marshall Jing officially carries the authority of the President in all military affairs.

The heirloom Sword of State

The ceremony was conducted in Dragon Robes, hearkening back to the President's official status as successor to the Imperial Throne. The Ministers of the Government were all in attendance and garbed in Imperial Court uniforms, most importantly the Minister of National Defense, Liang Xilong. Minister Liang's role in the ceremony was to commend Marshall Jing to the President.

As part of the ritual, Marshall Jing was granted the Sword of State, one of the Imperial Regalia brought over to Aurinsula in 1911. The presence of the Sword in Marshall Jing's hands marks him as the President's personal representative for all military affairs, also referred to as 'Affairs of the Sword.' The investiture is for a minimum period of 500 days, but may be extended as the situation requires.

This ceremony was conducted in imitation of similar ceremonies in Imperial times, when the Emperor would formally command a military official to oversee a specific conflict or a specific area. Perhaps the most famous such ceremony was during the Three Kingdoms era, when Sun Quan of Wu granted the Sword of State to his chief general, Zhou Yu - a scene that has been dramatized many times over in play and film.

The last time a President of the Republic performed such a ceremony was in 1963, when President Fang Rusi sent General Liang Bogui to the Jiangdong Republic in order to support them against the Shangbei Soviet. This is President Wang's first occasion since his inauguration to wear the Dragon Robes.

With the completion of this ceremony, the Skorzenia Campaign will begin immediately.

by **Bratoslovoukia** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 2:57 pm

13 JUNE 2014

EVENING EDITION

Stpetsnan Declares War Recovery Efforts Successful And Ushers In New Era Of "Peace and Prosperity"

By Arkady Kirilenko

In a historic speech at the National Capitol in Arkangelsk, President Pavlik Stpetsnan declared the majority of Bratoslovoukian and Coalition recovery efforts across the nation successful. Highlighting the exponential GDP growth between 2013 and 2014, an astounding 14%, and the current GDP, which rivals antebellum levels, President Stpetsnan lauded the triumphant and resilient spirit of the Bratoslovoukian people as the sole reason for the true recovery of the nation. Stpetsnan refused any responsibility himself, instead placing it upon every single Bratoslovoukian citizen. He also acknowledged the tremendous role of Coalition efforts, primarily consisting of the Cookish aid program and the help provided by the Norvenian troops in bases across the country, as instrumental to the remarkable recovery of the Bratoslovoukian infrastructure and economy. Concluding his speech, Stpetsnan issued a warning to the enemies of freedom, that "the sleeping bear rises again" and that Bratoslovoukia will stand by its allies in the trying days ahead.

The military, which suffered the worst during and was nearly devastated, is reaching a point of near-readiness. Recruits are being trained regularly and skillfully by Norvenian Army personnel in most occupied bases and are being supplied with new weapons from any of the government subsidized arms factories across the country. The AK-12 assault rifle, which was recently announced as the replacement to the AKS-74 and AKM assault rifles currently in service, is becoming a symbol of the rising industry of the new Bratoslovoukia. Sergey Popov, line manager at Izhevsk Arms Factory in Bratavia, has said this of the gun, "like the Bratoslovoukian people, this gun is reliable and durable." New Sukhoi Su-50 stealth fighters are under regular production now, rolling off assembly lines at many factories.

The Bratoslovoukian highway system, which was heavily fragmented as a result of Coalition air strikes, has been largely repaired. The Bratvit and Bratavia subway system and tram lines, which were damaged during airstrikes, have been mostly repaired as well, and are resuming service.

As the anniversary of the Bratoslovoukian surrender at Bratvit on 18 July 2013 nears, many have expressed different feelings regarding this transitional period. It is undeniable that Bratoslovoukia has come a long way since the fall of the Karam regime. Critics of the Stpetsnan government have cited what they believe to be deviation from the constitution laid out by the provisional government, which included President Stpetsnan himself, as a cause for concern at the state of the country. However, it is hard to refute the substantial economic reparations that have been made. Some critics have highlighted Stpetsnan lack of support for the gay community, which is small but growing, and as another cause for concern on the civil liberties front.

Stpetsnan also maintained in his speech that following the collapse of ADTO, that Bratoslovoukia would stay strong in unfamiliar territory and would stand steadfastly as a grateful ally of Norvenia and the Cookish States. His speech was well received by most, and his administration received a bump in the polls. Members of a rival political party, the Reform Party, have derided this speech as "meaningless" and "simply done to garner popular support for his administration". Vice President Wladislaw Szpilman of the Reform Party criticized the speech as well claiming it to be a blatant example of Stpetsnan's policy of "telling, not showing." Stpetsnan, who has been in office for over 6 months, is well into his first term as president and has stated readily that "there are great things coming for Bratoslovoukia in the months ahead."

OTHER NEWS:

Inaugural Launch of COSMOS-1 Rocket Is A Success
Goat Plague Strikes Again
Fertilizer Explosion Rocks Codwaldz

by **Norvenia** » Fri Jun 13, 2014 6:24 pm

The Abacem Times

OSIP KARAM SENTENCED

By: Alison Cramer, Senior Political Correspondent
13 June 2014

Astor-of-Stone, Norvenia – Yesterday, after a trial lasting almost a year, former Bratoslovoukian Prime Minister Osip Karam was convicted of war crimes and sentenced to life imprisonment by a Norvenian court.

Mr. Karam’s rise to power began in the aftermath of Bratoslovoukia’s democratic revolution, which ended centuries of absolute monarchy in the vast North Auroran nation. The son of a wool weaver and a milk maid, Osip Karam was born and raised in the arctic city of Tajin Ra, but earned a full scholarship to Danielsgrad Legal College. After graduating, Mr. Karam worked as a human rights lawyer. When the last Bratoslovoukian monarch - Emperor Daniel Andreiovic, a man well-known for his deeply autocratic tendencies – took the throne, Mr. Karam became an important peaceful protest leader. When the monarchy finally fell, Mr. Karam was widely regarded as a non-violent hero. The underdog Liberalist Party chose him as its candidate against sitting Interim Prime Minister Pavlik Stpetsnan in Bratoslovoukia’s first free elections. To the surprise of everyone involved, the eloquent and inspirational Karam surged ahead in the polls, and took office in late 2012 to international acclaim.

Things almost immediately turned sour. The Karam regime’s blatant electoral fraud (it once reported approval ratings of ninety-four percent) and aggressive saber-rattling against New Edom, Gavinium Magnus, and New Macureus provoked the Cookish States into imposing economic sanctions on Bratoslovoukia. The Cookish Navy attempted to enforce a blockade of Bratoslovoukia in order to give those sanctions bite; the Karam regime responded by firing on Cookish ships. The fighting initially went against the Cookish, then paused as both sides sent delegates to the Edwards Hill summit in Norvenia. In the course of this summit, a Bratoslovoukian submarine launched nuclear torpedoes at the Cookish fleet, in violation of ceasefire. The following day, Norvenia entered the war on the side of the Cookish States and the Shrailleeni Empire, forming what became known as the Coalition.

Mr. Karam at his inauguration as Bratoslovoukia’s Prime Minister in 2012.

In the meantime, Bratoslovoukian forces had invaded the Cookish States near the city of Ciudad Sorto; the fighting was fierce for several weeks, with numerous Bratoslovoukian officers being implicated in atrocities against civilians. In the end, Cookish and Shrailleeni forces pushed the enemy back out of what became known as the Golio Warzone, after the suburb in which the fiercest fighting took place.

Off the coast of Bratoslovoukia, a Norvenian armada arrived on 29 December 2012 and put an end to months of inconclusive and bloody naval warfare with a full-scale bombardment of hypersonic missiles that sank most of the Karam regime’s naval forces in an afternoon. Norvenian forces followed this up by an air assault that systematically annihilated Bratoslovoukia’s air force and air defense grid. Within the United Federation, the Bratoslovoukian people abandoned the Karam regime, with anti-Karam revolutionaries seizing control of key cities and vast numbers of Bratoslovoukian soldiers deserting their posts. Amid this chaos, Norvenian and Cookish forces stormed ashore by sea and air, and drove into Bratvit itself. There, on 22 July 2012, Colonel Anatoly Tolkev, on behalf of the entire Bratoslovoukian military, surrendered unconditionally to Major Henrietta Dalton of the Norvenian New Model Army. The capture of Karam himself followed within a few days, bringing the war to a triumphant close.

As Bratoslovoukia moved to a transitional government under Coalition occupation, and then to a democratic government that became a strong Norvenian ally, Osip Karam was transferred by Cookish and Norvenian special operations forces to the Court of Universal Jurisdiction in Norvenia. The Court of Universal Jurisdiction is the Commonwealth’s judicial body responsible for trying war crimes and crimes against humanity under the legal principal that human rights are owed erga omnes (to the entire world community) and can therefore be tried by any court anywhere. Mr. Karam was charged with more than a hundred counts of violation of the laws of war, including ceasefire violations; with the preemptive use of a nuclear weapon; with facilitation of rape and mass murder in Golio; with more than a hundred counts of the attempted preemptive use of a nuclear weapon; and with attempted mass murder of more than a hundred million people.

As the trial gradually made clear, the root of these charges lay in the discovery of Norvenian and Cookish special forces that, after the fall of Bratvit and the surrender of Bratoslovoukian forces, Mr. Karam had retreated to a fortified compound at Graznoyyelsk Mountain, from which he intended to launch Bratoslovoukia’s sizeable thermonuclear arsenal at Norvenia, the Cookish States, and Bratoslovoukia itself. The details of this plan remain hidden from the public, in order to protect the identities of the National Intelligence Service special operators who helped to uncover and halt the attempted nuclear holocaust.

The Court of Universal Jurisdiction, Norvenia’s judicial body for trying war
crimes and crimes against humanity.

But the testimony of these agents, while classified, was clearly enough to convince the court. After months of deliberation, the Court of Universal Jurisdiction actually cleared Mr. Karam of most of the charges brought against him. Most notably, the Court found in its official decision that “insufficient evidence exists to link the defendant to the use of a nuclear torpedo against a Cookish ship. Insufficient evidence exists to link the defendant to the war crimes committed against Cookish citizens during the Golio campaign. This Court has already sentenced the Bratoslovoukian commanders who chose to violate the laws of war to a fit punishment for their crimes. It will not adjudge Mr. Karam guilty of war crimes on the basis of his own incompetence and inability to control his military officers.”

Ultimately, however, the Court still found Mr. Karam guilty of 129 counts of the attempted preemptive use of a nuclear weapon, and it found him guilty of the attempted mass murder of more than 100 million people. “While neither crime was carried through to completion,” the Court’s decision stated, “both were earnestly attempted, and both were personally authorized by the defendant according to more than a dozen firsthand witnesses.” Thus, while Mr. Karam was acquitted of most of the hundreds of charges against him, he was convicted of 130 war crimes. Accordingly, the Court sentenced Mr. Karam to life imprisonment without parole at Fort Morgan Maximum Security Federal Penitentiary.

The response from Norvenians – facing a peacekeeping deployment to Skorzenia and bracing for a total war with New Edom – has been muted. “We are glad to see that justice has been done,” Chancellor Malcolm Griffiths told the press in a brief statement. That sentiment has been echoed by most of the Christian Socialist and Prosperity Party leadership. The Norvenian public has been equally unresponsive: a spokesman for the Commonwealth Alliance for Human Rights called the Court’s decision “a fair and balanced response to the tragic mistakes of a tyrant.” The strongest reaction has come from Norvenian veterans of the Bratoslovoukian War, who paraded through Astor-of-Stone in celebration of what one sergeant called “justice for all the men and women that we and the Cookish lost in trying to bring that bastard down.”

Osip Karam’s sentence at Fort Morgan is due to begin this Monday. He has declined to appeal his case. “With Osip Karam behind bars for good,” said Karen Lewis, the chief prosecutor on Mr. Karam’s case, “Bratoslovoukia can finally move forward into a new day of liberty and peace.” All signs seem to indicate that she is right.

by **Norvenia** » Fri Jun 13, 2014 6:25 pm

The Abacem Times

”END OF THE BEGINNING” FOR SKORZENIA CAMPAIGN

By: James Montrose, Senior Military Correspondent
13 June 2014

Camp Overlook, Skorzenia – Field Marshal David Keynes announced today that the Sixth Joint Task Force had completed its Phase One operations in southeastern Skorzenia.

Norvenian intervention in Skorzenia came in the aftermath of the internal collapse of the Steel Fraternity, the totalitarian and technocratic cabal that has governed that troubled nation since the nuclear war of 1984 between different Skorzenian factions. Norvenia had long set itself up in opposition to the Steel Fraternity, just as the Commonwealth had opposed the oligopolistic laissez-faire regimes that held power in the years preceding 1984. Skorzenian-Norvenian tensions only escalated after an invasion of Skorzenia by its democratic neighbors, backed by Norvenia and the Cookish States, badly backfired in 1996. By 2000, the Steel Fraternity was in control of all the territory stretching to the Aurinsulan border. It held onto power with an iron fist, starving its illiterate industrial workforce – known as the Proles – in order to pay for Aurora’s largest military-industrial complex and a mighty arsenal of nuclear weapons.

For decades, Norvenia had taken the lead in seeking to contain this threat. ADTO itself was largely conceived as a tool of collective security against Skorzenian aggression. National Intelligence Service operations systematically armed, trained, and organized Skorzenia’s Prole resistance forces. Norvenian nuclear power provided the only credible deterrent in Aurora to Skorzenia’s vast arsenal of weapons of mass destruction. And fully three of the New Model Army’s ten Joint Task Forces were dedicated to CENTCOM, the regional command responsible for holding the Steel Fraternity in check. The Fourth Joint Task Force, or “Lionhearts,” stood watch on Skorzenia’s northern frontier from Fort Unity in the Cookish States; the Fifth Joint Task Force, or “Watchmen,” guarded the western approach to Aurinsula from Fort Deliverance; and the Sixth Joint Task Force, the “Peacemakers,” waited in Norvenia for an opportunity to strike the killing blow.

That opportunity came just a few weeks ago, when – after months in which Skorzenia had been mysteriously silent and inactive on the world stage - reports at last emerged of a Steel Fraternity fractured by internal disputes and sliding into collapse. The vaunted military machine of Skorzenia seemed to have largely disintegrated as Prole forces took advantage of the chaos to desert. “The winds of freedom,” said Justina Evans, the director of the Commonwealth Alliance for Human Rights, “are blowing in Skorzenia at last.”

Chancellor House seized the opportunity with which it was presented. Acting as part of a controversial plan to divide Skorzenia up into four zones of occupation – a northern Cookish area, a western Aurinsulan zone, a central Anglo-Afalian zone, and a southeastern Norvenian area – the Sixth Joint Task Force stormed ashore in Skorzenia’s most densely populated area. The Norvenian zone of occupation surrounds the capital of Iron Bay, which has been put under international mandate. It is the traditional heart of Steel Fraternity power, and represents the industrial heartland of Skorzenia. It is also the most populous and heavily urbanized area of the country, and the most strategically vital, including as it does the heavily fortified northern shore of the Skorzenian Straits. Those straits form the only passage from eastern to western Aurora between the Quinlay Inlet and the southern coast of Afrosia, and are the most important waterway in the region.

A trooper from the Third Salem Heavy Infantry clears a Prole tenement in
search of remnant Steel Fraternity fighters.

Nor did Norvenia intervene alone. Chancellor House formally invited the Republic of Lanos to provide brigade-strength forces, primarily of military police, to help the Commonwealth fulfill its mission in Skorzenia. Transported primarily on Norvenian military aircraft from the Commonwealth’s military bases within Lanos, these allied forces will serve under overall Norvenian command. Field Marshal Keynes, the head of the Sixth Joint Task Force and the overall commander of Norvenian and Lanosian forces in Skorzenia, told the press that “the Peacemakers welcome the opportunity to work alongside our Lanosian allies, whose professionalism and steadfastness is an inspiration to us all. I hope that we will be able to share some of the blessings of our own experience and capabilities with the Lanosian forces under my command, to the benefit of both of our nations.”

Not all aspects of intervention have met with such approval. Numerous voices in the New Model Army, in the Commonwealth Alliance for Human Rights, and in the Senate itself have expressed grave reservations about the plans to include troops from Blackledge and Seahold in the occupation of Skorzenia. “We did not spend thirty years standing guard over this monster,” said Senator Paul Curtis (CS-Long Landing), “just so that our supposed allies could invite troops from other dictatorships to impose a new variety of tyranny now. “ Senator Curtis also warned that “while a division of Skorzenia into international zones may make sense in the short term, it poses profound threats to the future life of a unified, democratic, strong and proud Skorzenia. We must bear in mind that our mission is to restore a single democratic government to the whole of Skorzenia as quickly as possible; there is no room here for empire-building, by anyone.” Curtis’ remarks have been influential; many Christian Socialist leaders have praised them, and a spokesman for Chancellor House noted that “we are paying close attention to Senator Curtis’ insightful reading of the situation.”

The Sixth Joint Task Force, or “Peacemakers,” are responsible for administering and securing the Norvenain zone of occupation; having been trained for years for exactly this operation, the men and women of the Sixth JTF are well trained in Skorzenian language, culture, and society. The Peacemakers’ Ground Combat Element includes the Fourth Mercy Beach Regiment of Heavy Horse, the Third Salem Regiment of Heavy Infantry, the Second North Watch Regiment of Light Infantry, and the Second Calvin Regiment of Light Horse – units hardened in the initial stage of the Underium War. Its Air Combat Element represents the Sixth Air Superiority Wing, the Sixth Fighter Wing, the Sixth Bomber Wing, the Sixth Ground Support Wing, the Eleventh and Twelfth Transport Wings, and the Sixth Skyguard Regiment – a total force including more than a hundred stealth fighters, with the capacity to pose a credible threat to any enemy force. The Peacemeakers’ Logistics Element – crucial in a force dedicated to peacekeeping, education, and infrastructure improvement – includes the Twenty-fifth, Twenty-sixth, and Twenty-seventh Combat Logistics Regiments, alongside the Sixtieth Logistics Support Regiment and the Seventieth Medical Support Regiment. Finally, the Sixth Joint Task Force includes a full carrier group, led by the Scimitar-class nuclear supercarrier CNS Cyril, and backed up by a Monarch-class nuclear battleship, two Falchion-class nuclear destroyers, three Hatchet-class frigates, a Waarden-class escort cruiser, five Pijl-class arsenal ships, and a Vampier-class attack submarine. A brigade-sized force of Lanosian military police and light infantry will support the Peacemakers in their operations.

The overall commander of Norvenian and Lanosian forces in Skorzenia is the head of the Sixth Joint Task Force itself, Field Marshal David Keynes. A distinguished officer with a background in logistics and a reputation for utter reliability, Field Marshal Keynes is one of only ten officers in the New Model Army to hold the coveted baton that signifies command of a Joint Task Force. Assisting him will be a number of Foreign Office representatives, responsible for coordinating civilian work in the Norvenian zone and for overseeing the development of Skorzenian civil society and government. In this, a Foreign Office statement said, “we will be working closely with representatives of non-governmental organizations here in Norvenia, and with academics who have developed vital expertise in economics, political science, sociology, and constitutional law.”

This diverse group of soldiers, diplomats, aid workers, and scholars will be running the most populous and strategically vital area of Skorzenia from a command post at Camp Overlook, the repurposed Skorzenian fortifications overlooking the Straits themselves. More local affairs will be handled by senior New Model Army officers, each of whom will have executive power over a parish-sized area. These local commanding officers will be advised by representatives of the area’s residents and by Norvenian diplomats and humanitarians. Local officers will report to a hierarchy of commanders; each rank of these commanders will be responsible for a larger area, up to the high command at Camp Overlook itself, which is responsible for the whole Norvenian zone. Field Marshal Keynes has already expressed an interest in transferring local government back into Skorzenian hands within a year, allowing Proles to have experience of democracy at a local level before zone-wide elections are held.

The primary objective of Norvenian and Lanosian forces in Skorzenia, says David Keynes, is “to transfer sovereignty to a democratically elected government in as swift and as responsible a manner as possible.” He intends to do that through the New Model Army’s standard five-phase plan of military intervention. In Phase One, Norvenian forces have arrived in Skorzenia, established control of their zone of operations, crushed all viable military opposition, arrested all known members of the Steel Fraternity leadership, secured all known weapons of mass destruction and military facilities, and begun to make safe Skorzenia’s nuclear arsenal. According to Field Marshal Keynes, this phase is already reaching its conclusion; “after a short period of high-intensity combat,” Mr. Keynes announced, “the Sixth Joint Task Force has comprehensively defeated the remains of the Steel Fraternity’s military forces, arrested hundreds of Fraternity leaders, taken possession of thousands of nuclear warheads, and established firm Norvenian control over most of our zone of operations.”

Next will come Phase Two, in which Norvenian forces will shift their focus to providing security for the new Skorzenia’s developing economy and civil society. Troops will move to control the borders of the Norvenian zone (though David Keynes has stated that he will not attempt to control population movement except in extraordinary cases). Norvenian forces will begin constant patrols and law enforcement operations in order to bring safety to the streets of Skorzenia’s most urban area. Troopers will crack down on and rampant violence, and begin aggressive campaigns against the Steel Fraternity loyalists who are expected to attempt to organize an insurgency. The objective of Phase Two, says Colonel Marlene Carlson of the Commonwealth War College, is “to create conditions of safety under which a free and prosperous society can begin to develop.”

Special Forces operatives, supposedly associated with the National
Intelligence Service, arrest a fleeing Steel Fraternity leader.

In Phase Three, Norvenian forces will shift their focus to directly facilitating the creation of that free and prosperous society. Norvenian troops will help to rebuild or replace Skorzenia’s dilapidated civilian infrastructure; they will use microfinance programs to stimulate local business and build equitable prosperity; they will build new medical facilities, staffed by military professionals, in order to boost the overall health of Proles in the Norvenian zone; they will provide professional training for Skorzenians in key trades like law enforcement, legal practice, medicine, and education; and they will support the growth of civil society organizations within Skorzenian communities. Above all, Norvenian forces will use a comprehensive educational program for Skorzenians of every age and class in order to inculcate the values and ideals of democracy in a nation that has never known true liberty.

In Phase Four, Norvenian forces will return power to an elected Skorzenian government. Hopefully, this will occur gradually, as local government is slowly returned to Skorzenian hands one district at a time. Eventually, Norvenian forces will organize and provide security for a zone-wide process of constitutional consultation, which will produce a frame of government derived from the desires and values of the Skorzenian people. Then, Norvenian troops will organize and provide security for new elections, to be held in accordance with this constitution, for a zone-wide government. When this government takes office, Chancellor House will extend full diplomatic recognition to it, and all further Norvenian operations in Skorzenia will occur only by the permission of this elected government. The first diplomatic business of this Skorzenian democracy will be to negotiate a reasonable timeline for the withdrawal of Norvenian forces, a timetable based on the wishes of the Skorzenian people.

Finally, in Phase Five, Norvenian forces will gradually and responsibly transfer the responsibility for the Norvenian zone’s security to Skorzenian forces. As the capability of native Skorzenian forces grows, Norvenia will involve itself in security operations in gradually diminishing ways, allowing Skorzenia to take more and more responsibility for its own security. Eventually, Skorzenian forces will no longer require large-scale Norvenian assistance; at that time, Norvenian forces will either leave Skorzenia or remain on an overseas base as guests of the democratic Skorzenian government. “At that point,” says Field Marshal Keynes, “our work here will be done.”

The long-term timeframe for Norvenian operations in Skorzenia remains unclear. Field Marshal Keynes has said that: “We are now nearing the end of the beginning – the completion of Phase One operations. Norvenian and Lanosian forces have largely been deployed to their final positions, pockets of Steel Fraternity opposition have been destroyed, and the majority of the Fraternity’s weapons of mass destruction and senior leadership is in Norvenian hands.” Asked when zone-wide elections might be held, the Field Marshal said that he could not give a definite date, but set a goal of five years between the beginning of Phase One and the end of Phase Four. “After elections are held, of course,” Mr. Keynes concluded, “the timetable of our operations is in the hands of the free Skorzenian people.”

Operations in Skorzenia have met with a significant level of public and political support. A majority of Christian Socialist senators have made public statements supporting the Peacemakers’ deployment to Skorzenia, praising what Paul Curtis called “the final realization of a decades-old dream of freedom.” Senate Majority Leader Gabrielle Stern (CS - Wrenwatch), however, warned that “we cannot yield Skorzenia from the hands of one tyrant and into the grasp of another. The presence of Blackledgic and Seaholder troops on free Skorzenian soil is absolutely intolerable. I have confidence that the Anglican people will see through the glamor of Blackledgic promises to the very real problems of a Faustian bargain with right-wing totalitarianism.”

Many Prosperity Party senators, including Minority Leader Marc Ribbentrop (P – Fastness) have given conditional support to preliminary Norvenian military action, but warned against long-term entanglements. “It would be short-sighted to pass up this opportunity to remove the gravest and oldest threat to Norvenian security,” Senator Ribbentrop told the press, “but it would be equally short-sighted to allow ourselves to be dragged into yet another long and bitter war in the name of imposing democracy. Our goal should be the removal of the Steel Fraternity’s leadership and nuclear arsenal – nothing more.”

Senator Henry Larkmoor (P – Calvin) broke ranks with his party’s leadership in suggesting that even that much intervention was ill-advised. “On the brink of total war with New Edom – an aggressive foe that actually has attacked us and threatened our national security – can we really afford yet another pointless deployment? We do not have the troops or the resources to spend in securing Skorzenia. Those forces are needed to defend what is and must be our first priority: our home, Norvenia.”

Chancellor House, for its part, has been steadfast in defense of its decision to intervene. Foreign Secretary Amelia O’Donnell explained that “we are acting in accordance with the demands of national security, with the requirements of morality, in close partnership with our allies, and in line with international law. Norvenia is committed to achieving its goals through multilateral action, and that is exactly what we are doing here.” For the most part, the Norvenian public seems to agree: in a recent poll, more than eighty percent of citizens approved of the deployment of Norvenian forces to Skorzenia. Samantha Peters, of Long Landing, seemed to sum up the popular feeling in a now-viral interview with NCB News: “We have been promising for my entire lifetime that Skorzenia would one day be free,” she said. “How can we fail to act, now that we have the chance to keep that promise at last?”

For ordinary Skorzenians in the Norvenian zone, life is already changing in profound and hitherto unimaginable ways. For the first time in two generations, the Steel Fraternity’s iron fist is no longer to be feared. For the first time, Proles can speak their minds without trembling, and hope for a better future for their children. In a brief public appearance, Chancellor Griffiths explained that “what we are seeing in Skorzenia is proof that even chaos, frightening as it is, is always preferable to totalitarian oppression. In chaos lies the opportunity for rebirth and liberty; in tyranny, there exists only the potential for everlasting misery.” But perhaps the best explanation of what the Norvenian mission to Skorzenia truly means lies in the words of Robert Erikson, a former Prole who now works as a cultural advisor here at Camp Overlook: “We may not be safe,” he told me, “but we were never safe. Now, at last, we are free.”

by **The Republic of Lanos** » Fri Jun 13, 2014 7:20 pm

National Broadcasting System
Lanos National News
Freedom, Democracy, Justice!

BREAKING NEWS
Norvenia goes after New Edom Fleet over submarine
War measures being taken

Live from our Astor-of-Stone news bureau, we have our Norvenia correspondent Alan Lynch. Alan.

Ladies and gentlemen, I and our crew here in Astor are making preparations in the event of conflict as, this just crossing the wires now, that the Norvenians are going after New Edom forces in Aurora, where reportedly a Norvenian submarine CNS Glimmer was sunk shadowing a New Edom fleet in international waters of the Afrosian Sea. From the information we have received, the submarine badly damaged an Edomite cruiser before it was sunk. The Norvenian Senate has voted to pass their War Economics Act and from what we can observe here in Astor is that the populace is taking to a war economy footing with civilians preparing for war in all possible areas. Just to recap, a Norvenian submarine was sunk in the Afrosian Sea while Norvenia has declared its intent to go after the New Edom fleet responsible. Back to Keinsteinem.

This is just crossing the wires in our HQ too. President Aruthyan has issued a recall of all active forces to their bases while ordering reserve force personnel to active duty. All peacekeepers deployed are being recalled home at this time. Reservists across Lanos are being told to maintain a state of readiness in the event hostilities break out against Lanos as it is reported now civil defense measures are being passed out to civilians to carry out in Lanos and war measures are being taken by the government. It is being recommended at this time that Lanosians check their bomb shelters and stockpiles now before it would be too late.

We don't know at this time the expected reactions from those in Cornellia or the rest of the region here in Aurora but political reactions at home are muted, if not spoken at all. We can see from congressional and government officials here in the National Capital District that there was no general comment on the matter until after the President gives a statement on the matter We will present that statement when it comes.

Stay tuned.

by **Afalia** » Sat Jun 14, 2014 7:37 am

Shaw Elected Leader Amid Cornelian Crisis Escalation
14th June 2014-Last Updated 15:12 AST-Afalia's Most Popular Quality Newspaper Online

Jessica Shaw was interviewed by the media on top of party headquarters in Kingwalk following her victory.

JESSICA SHAW HAS been elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party. Shaw was announced as the new leader in a press conference at party headquarters in Kingwalk earlier today, an announcement overshadowed by the ongoing crisis between Norvenia and New Edom. Shaw will take over from Christopher Kelly as Prime Minister on Wednesday the 25th of June, ending his 11-year premiership.

The current Chancellor of the Exchequer beat off home secretary Simon Hue and former Chancellor Elizabeth Jackson in two rounds of voting. Her campaign, which was managed by foreign secretary Jonathan Charles, was said to be the most successful of the three campaigns. Whilst Elizabeth Jackson was originally said to be more popular amongst party MPs, by just one vote, the centrist nature of Jessica Shaw was said to have won over ordinary party members, ensuring a large victory for her in the second round of voting.

FIRST ROUND
In the first round of voting Simon Hue was eliminated with 27% of the party’s membership votes, including MPs and ordinary party members. At this stage Elizabeth Jackson was actually ahead of Jessica Shaw with 37% of the votes cast in contrast to Shaw’s 36%. More MPs voted for Jackson than Shaw in the first round, though Shaw received more ordinary votes than Jackson.

SECOND ROUND
In the second and final round Shaw won with a sizeable majority of 62%, in contrast to Jackson’s 38%. In this round, interestingly, though Shaw took the support of MPs who backed Simon Hue, more MPs still voted for Elizabeth Jackson with 45 MPs backing Jackson and 44 backing Shaw. Whilst the difference is negligible it may come back to haunt Shaw at a later date. In terms of ordinary party members however Shaw steamed ahead winning more than 300,000 more votes than Jackson.

The Prime Minister Christopher Kelly officially handed over power over the party to Jessica Shaw in a private meeting a few minutes after the announcement. He will visit Blackdonian Palace on the 25th of June to officially resign, at which point the Queen will invite Jessica Shaw to form a new government.

Speaking briefly to the press outside party headquarters Mrs. Shaw said, ‘It is unbelievable. I’d like to thank my opponents for a clean, sensible, calm campaign in which the focus was on the issues and ideology, not the personalities or backgrounds of those involved. I want to go forward now, as a party, as a whole, bridging the gap between the different wings and governing for the benefit of all Afalians. I have been given a mandate to lead this party in that purpose and that is what I intend to do.

The Prime Minister, commenting on the recent results told reporters he was, ‘extremely pleased and had complete confidence in Jessica Shaw to lead the party forward.’ Comments from Fairfax House were brief in the wake of the recent escalation of hostilities between Norvenia and New Edom, but private sources have suggested that Christopher Kelly is pleased with the selection of Jessica Shaw. ‘She will carry on and improve his legacy,’ one backbench MP close to the Prime Minister said.

Celebrations for the new leader were cut short however as a special emergency cabinet meeting was held in response to the developing Cornelian crisis. An official statement from the government has yet to be made but a press spokesman told the Daily Journal that, ‘the Cabinet is working in conjunction with parliament, the armed forces and opposition leaders on a way to best respond to the Norvenian declaration and recent escalation of hostilities.’ The spokesman added that, ‘it is the hope of Her Majesty’s Government that tensions can be reduced and both Norvenia and New Edom can come to the table for talks before any further blood is spilt.’

In a short statement issued earlier the Prime Minister expressed his, ‘deepest sympathies to the Commonwealth of Norvenia for the loss of sixty two brave Norvenian submariners.’ Aside from this brief comment and the suggestion that the government hopes for talks between the two sides, an official statement on the matter has yet to be released, although one is expected later today. Sources inside the foreign office have suggested that of most pressing concern is the possibility of a Norvenian attack on New Edomite forces in Seahold which could, under the terms of the Stenmark defence agreement, bring Regnum Albion and Norvenia into direct conflict.

Despite the rise in tension the government also confirmed that scheduled events, such as the Coronation next Friday had not and ‘would not’ be postponed. The commissioning of RAS Queen Amelia, the International Fleet Review and the Coronation on the 20th of June were all expected to go ahead, in one of Christopher Kelly’s last acts as Prime Minister. Afalian forces worldwide were however placed on high alert today and ships from the naval element of the East Auroran Treaty Joint Expeditionary Forces began extra patrols around Afalian territorial waters.

Analysis:
Linda Nichols, Political Editor
The announcement of Jessica Shaw’s succession to the party leadership comes at an immensely tense time in foreign affairs. Not only is Afalia sending troops to help defend Itailia in Pardes, but the recent declaration that all New Edomite forces must withdraw from Aurora within twenty four hours has sparked fears of war between the Commonwealth and Cornelian regime.

Since the Titanican War in 2013 Christopher Kelly’s premiership has been dominated by foreign policy. Now it seems that Jessica Shaw’s premiership will also be dominated by the issues of foreign affairs, more so than her soon to be predecessor. Sources inside the foreign office have suggested that whilst Mrs. Shaw is ‘more inclined towards intervention,’ her foreign policy is largely aligned with that of the prime minister, meaning no great shifts in Afalian foreign policy will be expected.

What will change however is the government’s approach to the HFA. The Catholic faith of Jessica Shaw will give her some credibility in dealing with the group and her promise of a dual approach of a tough military line and reforms including the removal of protestant domination will undoubtedly shake things up. Rumours around Kingwalk have also suggested that the new leader may support a policy of a legislative assembly, similar to Nicholas Christie’s proposal, which failed due to a parliamentary rebellion in 1999.

Some of her proposed social policies may also be controversial. A source close to the new leader said they didn’t expect her drug reforms to be passed without a fight. Nor too will her desire to return the country to more of an interventionist pre-Christie economy be implemented easily. Some backbench MPs I talked to have told me that Shaw will possibly be the most dividing leader in the party since Christie, isolating and alienating the traditional centre-right who view her as a puppet of the party’s centre left.

Beyond anything else Afalia’s new leader will become a symbol of the multicultural society the country has embraced. The first female, mixed race and catholic prime minister, as well as the youngest to take the office. What her premiership will bring is, as of yet, unclear but the expectations on her are huge, from all communities within the country.

OTHER NEWS

Cornelian Crisis: Ongoing Live Coverage [ 2178 ]
Seahold Situation 'Worries' Government [ 1803 ]
Skorenzian Deployment: Long Term Goals Explored [ 1067 ]
Karam Sentenced To Life For War Crimes [ 852 ]
Coronation Security Measures Increased In Wake Of HFA Cyber activity [ 954 ]
Prime Minister Shaw: What Can We Expect [ 796 ]

by **The Republic of Lanos** » Sat Jun 14, 2014 2:24 pm

National Broadcasting System
Lanos National News
Freedom, Democracy, Justice!

Lanos threatens to cut off oil to Norvenian in event of war
Measures cited as reason in Aruthyan letter to Chancellor

President Aruthyan meets with the Cabinet and Congressional leaders in the wake of Norvenian escalation

In the wake of the Lanosian government declaring neutrality in the international crisis between Aurora and Cornellia, the Lanosians upped regional pressure on Norvenia by declaring that all petrochemicals sent to Norvenia will be subject to an embargo in the event Norvenia starts hostilities against New Edomite forces, especially those in Aurora. A letter by President Aruthyan was sent to the Norvenian Chancellor earlier today on the subject. The fleet being chased after for sinking a Norvenian submarine, the CNS Glimmer, of which a New Edomite cruiser was torpedoed and damaged badly that resulted in 16 killed, 54 wounded. The subject of the letter was not on the sinking but on the possible consequences of Norvenian efforts to intercept the fleet held responsible unless it retreated from Aurora along with all Edomite forces.

Cutting off the petrochemicals was threatened as a means to pressure the Norvenians from engaging in hostilities in a hope to force them to back down. However, the trigger is if and when the Edomite fleet was attacked by Norvenian forces. The trigger is likely to be enacted within 24 hours as the Norvenians are pursuing the Edomite fleet, of which no reports have pinpointed its location in the region. The letter further threatened further sanctions as events warrant and that military preparations for a conflict independent of Norvenian actions continued apace.

The Defense Forces continued its mobilization today as preparing to arm and train the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force in combined arms exercises to defend Lanos against any potential Cornellian and Auroran aggressors. General Felix, Supreme Commander, confirmed the exercises were defensive in nature but did not allow for outside observers to participate. The exercises are scheduled to last a week and then the military will remain in its state of readiness until the ending of the crisis.

Stay tuned.

by **Seahold** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 12:34 pm

Seahold Daily News

SEAHOLDER SOLDIERS TO LEAVE SKORZENIA

[...] The battalion stationed in the International Zone of Skorzenia will return to Seahold, to "defend the country from foreign aggression" - said the Minister of War, Lady Mary Sturluson. The date and place of the return of Kincardine's Unholy Demons, commanded by Colonel Gladwyn Kingsley, has not been made public. [...]

by **Aurinsula** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 3:34 pm

国民111年06月19日
ENGINE TROUBLES STALL ADVANCE
BAD TRANSMISSIONS DISABLE NDF ARMOR

MONTO BLANCO, THREE REPUBLICS ZONE - Cai Xinping, Chief Director of Logistics and Supply for the Aurinsulan Army, has officially ordered all 2,200 active-deployed J-3 "Rhinoceros" tanks to return to base until further notice due to unforeseen flaws in their transmission systems, putting a serious delay on the Army's planned "four weeks" campaign.

At least they look good

The J-3 design won initial acclaim for its innovative In-Arm Suspension Unit (ISU), which allowed the tank to "flex" on its treads and change its shape, improving its all-terrain mobility and improving its ability to fire up and down steep inclines. According to sources within the Military Department of Logistics and Supply, it was this feature that won Pearlmount Armaments the contract to supply the tank.

The ISU also made the J-3 an internet sensation. Shortly after its acceptance, Pearlmount posted a video on popular video site Kanniu.co.jd with of a J-3 prototype 'dancing' on its treads to the tune of Li-Ma's 2007 break-beat hit 'Bounce.' The video, entitled 'Boogie in Green,' quickly won 6 million views.

Unfortunately, hard field usage showed that the ISU was critically to both maintenance shortages and to the heavy mud situations common in the northern parts of the Aurinsulan Zone. They have also proven easy to disable and sensitive to impact, as blows that otherwise wouldn't penetrate the J-3's armor have damaged the ISU and thus immobilized the tank.

Pearlmount's engineers have been scrambling day-and-night to supply a fix, but until they do, all 2,200 J-3 tanks must return to base wait out the fight. Spokesmen from Pearlmount could not be reached for comment.

by **Afalia** » Thu Jun 19, 2014 10:27 am

Queen Oversees Massive International Fleet Review
19th June 2014-Evening Edition-Afalia's Most Popular Quality Newspaper Online

Warships of the Royal Afalian Navy and foreign navies make their way through Blackdon Harbour this morning in preparation for review by the Queen. Larger warships were reviewed in Blackdon Bay whilst smaller ones were reviewed inside the harbour.

THE QUEEN HAS reviewed over 200 ships during an International Fleet Review as part of her coronation celebrations. Ahead of the Queen's coronation tomorrow the Queen, joined by her husband Prince Frederick, reviewed 236 ships and submarines from Afalia and 17 foreign nations. It is the first Fleet Review since the formation of the new Royal Afalian Navy last year following the conclusion of the Titanican War.

Setting off from Port King in West Blackdon this morning at nine o'clock onboard the new Fleet Flagship RAS Queen Amelia, which was commissioned yesterday into Blackdon Bay. After greeting the crew of the new aircraft carrier the Queen and Prince Frederick were transferred to RAS Royal Sovereign, a resolute class multi-purpose patrol boat to review the assembled fleet. 100 ships from the Royal Afalian Navy, including aircraft carriers, capital ships, destroyers, frigates, patrol boats and support ships were present, as well as a fleet of nuclear fleet submarines. Other historic ships which were present for the review included the RAS King George, the only surviving Afalian battlecruiser from the Great War of 1912 and 1915, and RAS Arthur, the 360 ton bark ship which carried Anglican sailors who discovered Afalia in 1757, the oldest ship in Afalia.

Foreign nations contributed generously to the Fleet Review with ships from Auroran, Pardesian and other regions sending ships for the fleet. In total foreign navies contributed 136 vessels for the review, ranging from the smallest support and repair ships to aircraft carriers and historic dreadnought battleships. Regnum Albion, Emmeria, Itailia, Valyria, Mizuyuki, Blackledge, Aurinsula, Florys, Cestyr Liberia and Ausitoria, New Hayesalia, Symphonia, Caspiria, the Liberated Countries, Aurelia, the New Lowlands and others all sent ships for the review.

It took about four hours for the Queen to review the assembled fleet between midday and four o'clock in the afternoon. Observing the fleet from a specially constructed platform the Queen made her way, reviewing ships along the way, from the shallow waters of Blackdon Harbour out into the open waters of Blackdon Bay and along the Fowler seawall. As the Queen passed each ship she was saluted by its crew.

In total around 45,000 to 50,000 sailors were present in Blackdon waters earlier today. Ships for the Fleet Review began arriving a week ago in preparation. A spokesman for the Royal Afalian Navy, who co-ordinated the Fleet Review, said it was the largest logistical operation they had ever carried out. Security was provided by a group of navy patrol ships carrying armed police and soldiers of the Royal Guards regiment.

At the start of the Review the national and royal anthems were sung, followed by a 21 gun salute in honour of the Queen. They were joined on RAS Royal Sovereign by the chief of the defence staff Simon Dawson, security secretary Alice Cook and the First Sea Lord Admiral Patricia Linns.

At the end of the review the special Flying Volos of the Royal Afalian Air Force performed a series of stunts and fly overs to impress the crowds who had gathered in Blackdon Harbour. After the review the Queen and her husband, joined by other members of the Royal Family, went aboard RAS Queen Amelia for a special meal and celebration. The Band of the Royal Afalian Navy and performers from other nations will sing traditional naval songs, including the official navy march 'Heart of Oak' and other sea sings onboard the Queen Amelia to celebrate. Later tonight a fireworks display will be held.

In tomorrow's coronation the Queen will be joined by the heads of state and representatives of hundreds of different nations. Afalians will celebrate a bank holiday as part of the celebrations. Amelia ascended to the throne on the 13th of December last year following the death of he grandfather King George. Her coronation will take place almost 200 days after her ascension. She will be crowned Queen at approximately midday in St. Nicholas' Cathedral in Kingwalk, Blackdon.

Our defence correspondent Eleanor Hughes said that, 'Whilst the review is primarily a piece of pomp and circumstance, a celebration of the Royal family and Afalian patriotism, it also serves an underlining message to Afalia's enemies, that they have allies and are prepared to fight. The fear of Afalian military planners of a second attack by Titanica or another vastly numerically superior tyrannical force is huge, like a dark spectre hanging over the nation. Fleet Reviews like this act to show potential enemies that Afalia is prepared to fight.'

Not everyone has been supportive of the review. A spokesman for the Taxpayers Alliance told the Blackdon Daily Journal that, 'We love the Queen and the Royals, but the fact is in this modern day and age there is absolutely no call for spectacles of this nature which do nothing but uphold ancient, obsolete traditions and waste millions of taxpayer's hard earnt money.' A snap opinion poll conducted by the Journal however suggested that 78% welcomed the Fleet Review.

NOTABLE FOREIGN SHIPS PRESENT
HMS Indefatigable-The Anglican aircraft carrier.
URS Majestic-The Emmerian aircraft carrier which aided Afalia during the Titanican War.
DDG-963 Emperor Taizong-The Aurinsulan destroyer.
INS Itailia-An Itailian longsword class battleship stationed as part of Itailia's naval contingency and a veteran of the Titanican War.
HGS Mars-The Florysian destroyer.
RCS Tuscarora-The Cestyr frigate.

by **Florys** » Fri Jun 20, 2014 5:32 am

The Coronation Queen Amelia of Afalia.

His Grace, Grand Duke Julius Sylvan I

Just hours before this issue went to press, 'The Florysian' has been able to confirm that H.G Grand Duke Julius I and his family, have boarded a

HM, Queen Amelia

chartered plane from Deliverance Rose international airport to begin their journey to the East Auroran kingdom of Afalia. The Grand Duke has been personally invited by HM Queen Amelia of the nation, who's impending coronation has captured the imagination and hearts of the Auroran peoples. The Florysian delegation, which also includes H.G Duchess Natalie is set to arrive in Afalia at around 6 pm Local Time. Whenever possible, the event will be covered via live stream from FTV Channel 2, available on TV and on the FTV2 website. It will be the first time His Grace has met the Afalian monarch, yet it seems only fitting with the increased military, cultural and political partnership between the two countries. A source from Fleetstrande Palace assures us that the Grand Duke and his wife are both in 'Exceptionally high spirits' and that they are looking forward to meeting not only Afalian royalty but the great and the good of Auroran high society in their first trip outside Florysian borders this year. In other coronation news, the Florysian naval group sent to represent the Grand Electoral Duchy has began preparations for it's journey home. The squadron, lead by the state of the art Ares Class destroyer, HGS Mars, will be visited by His Grace before setting full steam back to Florys or other theaters of operations.

'Nightshade' Claims Another Victims

The city of Coralport, specifically the infamous White Sand Strip area, means many things to young Florysian and Auroran holiday makers, loud music, cheap alcohol, a hedonistic atmosphere and plenty of interaction with the opposite sex. However the party feel has been soured of late by the

Liara, pictured here on Left

fourth death of a clubber involving the new 'in drug', Nightshade. Liara Blake (21) of Dawnsong, eastern Florys, was found dead in her hotel room by a friend in the early hours of yesterday morning. The twenty one year old had been out on 'The Strip' enjoying a long weekend with friends after successfully completing the final exams of her teaching degree. Her death marks is the fourth in as many months related the narcotic that seems only to be growing in popularity with young adults out for a good time. The drug, which gets it's name from it's deep purple coloration, is a liquid that in usually ingested via small pipettes, often in night club toilets or even the dance floor.A joint task force of detectives, narcotics experts, toxicologists and forensic experts from multiple law enforcement agencies have been working round the clock to identify what exact components of the narcotic are but so far to no avail. Captain Micheal Reed of the City of Coralport Constabulary and head of the task force had this to say in a lunchtime press conference yesterday "The tragedy of Miss Blake's passing, and the continued flow of the narcotic Nightshade has only strengthened our resolve and expedited our efforts to see an end to the untimely death of so many promising youngsters, our targets involve not only working out the make up of the drug, but also stopping the entire supply and production chain, you have my personal and professional promise, this dark hour will pass. Our thoughts are with the family of Miss Blake, and indeed the three other victims of this evil substance'

Joint Naval Task Force Formed.

Taskforce: Justicar
HGS Mars (Destroyer)
HGS Dianna(Destroyer)
HGS Redoubtable (Frigate)
HGS Foreseeing (Frigate)
HGS Indefatigable (Frigate)
HGS Atlas (Tanker)
HMS Dreadnought (Destroyer)
HMS Swarm (Frigate)
HMS Umpire (LSC)
HMS Union (LSC)
HMS Vulcan (Corvette)

HGS Mars, in southern Florysian waters

After a series of talks with their Anglican counterparts, Ministry of Defence officials have declared the formation of 'Taskforce Justicar' an joint Naval group including ships from both the Florysian Navy's 2nd Expeditionary Group and the Royal Navy's 18th Littoral Combat Group. The mission of the Taskforce is simple, co-operate with partner nations to ensure stability against piracy, drug smugglers, traffickers and naval aggression along the problem areas of the Afrosian coastline. The fleet is likely going to focus is efforts on the coast of Songhai, a haven for maritime criminals and their employers alike. Rumors have been herd however that, the real motivation behind the effort is in fact to deter naval interdiction from foreign states, following the recent skirmish between the Norvernian and New Edmomite fleets far off in the Afrosian sea. Whatever the motive, a concentration of warships with this common purpose is sure to change the continent's dynamics, and effect that in some areas, could only be a good thing. We'll be sure to bring you more on this story, and Taskforce Justicar's progress, as it develops.

Auroran Associated Press

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