The Astyrian Network

[Albeinland]

» BREAKING: Labour Act will be voted next Monday
» After a month of discussions, the Government finally settled a date for the matter

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Leonard Spencer (@leospencer)
May 27, 2019 | Castelby

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Speaker Richard Barrow explaining his decision to the Royal Assembly
today.

CASTELBY - After a month of parliamentary discussions and many doubts, the Speaker of the Royal Assembly Richard Barrow (Conservative) finally settled an official date for the votation of the polemical Labour Act that was proposed by the Government of the Chancellor Vincent Lloyd on March and was sent to the Royal Assembly for discussions and ammendments this month. Barrow, who is a supporter of Lloyd and his cabinet, said this morning that the draft is "already ready for the general vote" and expects a victory of his party and coalition without many efforts. The statement, however, was confrotated by Assembly Members of the Social Democratic Party, which is against the bill.

The month of May was busy for Vincent Lloyd and his allies in the Royal Assembly. Although the belief of many specialists and political analysts that the draft could be already approved in May and the fast progress of the proposal through the Royal Assembly's Parliamentary Committee of Economy, Work and Business, the Conservative Party and the Albish Nationalist League demanded more votes as possible to achieve the safe passage of the law in the general vote. However, with the entire opposition being against the project, the only solution that was seen by Lloyd and Barrow was to start talks with the Liberal Party and its leader Suzan Collins. According to Assembly Members and journalists, the first meetings between Lloyd and Collins occurred on May 14, while the first meeting known by the public happened two days later. It's not known what was said in these encounters but after two weeks of expectations in both sides, the Liberal Party, through a dispatch, announced its support to the law, making possible that the draft would be voted next Monday. The main reason for these divergencies between the two parties is due to the visit made by Lloyd in April to Erbonia, which was opposed by Collins and her supporters.

The views on the Labour Act are generally positive, with many opinions about such coming from Albeinland and outside of it. In the Royal Assembly, the majority of 87 out of the 180 AM's gives to the Government the optimism necessary to continue the reforms, with the entirety of its supporters approving these laws too. Latest surveys show that 54% of the population supports the new Labour Act, while 36% opposes. However, the biggest opponent of the project comes from the Government of Nidwalden and its Prime Minister Charlotte Mann, who stated weeks ago that the Lorecian Community should "continue observing the parliamentary situation in the Kingdom of Albeinland in order to protect the freedom and rights of those unprivileged in our nations [sic]." The commentary was criticized by some sectors of the Albish political class although neither the Albish Government or the Lorecian Assembly gave an official response yet.

If the Labour Act is approved next Monday, the text is sent to the Queen to be given Royal Assent. However, if the draft is rejected by the Royal Assembly, the proposal comes back to the parliamentary committees and then the process is restarted.

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Other news:

• Liberal Party will support the Labour Act (5,923)
• Opinion: Thomas Corbyn and the future of the SDP (4,212)
• Nynorsk Stinning Tour in Nortend (2,997)
• New hospital built in Eidenburgh (1,003)

© 2019 The Daily Messenger Corporation

[Blackhelm Confederacy]

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Where Is The LC?

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Arstotskan Cities Burn as the Lorecian Community Looks On

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PARADISE CITY, Blackhelm Confederacy (BCNN) -- Chancellor Octavius Eaglebrand lambasted members of the Lorecian Community for being cowed into allowing a human rights catastrophe during a heated press conference on the subject Wednesday morning.

"We can not play the role of regional policeman going into the 2020's" the Confederate Chancellor told reporters during the mid-morning press conference at the Chancellery in Paradise City. "This is a human right catastrophe and it is up to the nations of Lorecia and the Lorecian Community to do the right thing here."

The Chancellor was referring to the ongoing occupation of Arstotska, which began late last year and was finalized with LC approval earlier in 2019. The Greater Belkan Reich launched a massive surprise attack against the Artsotskan military, quickly overwhelming their defenses to complete a takeover more than twelve years in the making. The Belkans had launched a similar attack in 2007, which was repulsed by a coalition which included the Blackhelm Confederacy when the much more pro-active Chancellor Lucius Blackhelm was still at the helm. Eaglebrand, who has taken stance to support regional allies without overextending the Confederate military, has sad that the Lorecian affair is something that should be resolved by the Lorecians, but he would not sit by and allow a nation to suffer from an illegal occupation without consequence.

Sanctions Issued

Chancellor Eagelbrand has ordered the Senate to begin considerations of sanctions against the Greater Belkan Reich, and he has also invited other Astyrian nations to come together and mull a similar course of action. "It is clear that the Lorecians have no intent to act militarily to bring about peace in their corner of the world," the Chancellor said. "Let us hope that the economic sanctions, at least, can force the Belkans to abandon their illegal occupation of a sovereign Astyrian nation."

At this moment it is unclear exactly what kinds of sanctions the Confederate Senate will enact, but it is likely that some form of sanction will be delivered within the coming days. Already, the Lorecian Community has leveled heavy sanctions of their own, eliminating virtually all trade with the Belkan state. This action was followed up by a similar decision of embargo by the nation of Nikolia, a move which has significantly isolated the Belkans and resulted in increasing pressure on the nation.

Despite these measures, however, many foreign observers believe that more direct action is necessary in order to force Belka to completely abandon their ambitions in Arstotska. Under a recently negotiated withdrawal plan, Belka and the LC agreed that the Belkan military would withdraw from the Western half of Arstotska within 9 months, but the fate of the eastern half of the nation remains unclear.

Tremendous Barbarity

The Greater Belkan Reich has made civilians a prime target in their war of occupation against the Arstotskan people, and they have completely leveled several cities resulting in the deaths of thousands and the displacement of many more. The attack, which was launched by surprise against an unprepared nation, immediately forced the Arstotskan military onto the defensive and many units fought desperate rear-guard actions to buy civilians time to escape. All too often, however, those actions proved fruitless and military and civilian column alike were obliterated by Belkan air and missile units.

"It was a disaster" an unnamed Arstotskan offical told BCNN. "They killed everyone they could. Men, women, children, they just came through and strafed entire refugee columns. And the cities....the cities."

During the fighting Belkan forces hhave been accused of the mass execution of civilians throughout many urban centers, and observers have also accused the Belkan military of sexual violence as well.

"They took the girl who lived next door to me" one Arstotskan told reporters. "I heard her screaming throughout the night. I felt so helpless, what was I to do? They were armed, and I had nothing. In the morning I found her body mutilated and naked, left out in the street."

Even now, millions remain homeless and displaced across Arstotska as the Belkan occupation continues. Many are petitioning other nations to act on their behalf, but with the Blackhelm Confederacy and their Lorecian neighbors unwilling to act, it seems that their fate now remains in the hands of the cruel and oppressive Belkan military.

[Ord Caprica]

The UR's New Model Army or rather New Model Marine Corps

The DOD's reforms changes have impacted the way the URMC fights and wins wars and Commandant General /size]
[size=85]Jame McManus (@JayMcManus)
20 June 2019 0730AM | Ulysses, C.D. , United Republic

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UR Marine takes aim with URI Dronekiller II | UP Photo

_{S T O R Y H E A D L I N E S}

:· NEW:Lorecian Community sanctions Belkan Federations

:· Chancellor Eaglebrand chastises LC

:· Albeinland expected to pass Labor Act

:· Vossian economy grows

:·H. M. G. Swinork damaged in suspicious fire

Ulysses, C.D.(UP) -

Over the past two years, the entire DOD has born the brunt of the Kenway Administration primary defense priority; lethality. Since the beginning, President Kenway has remained committed to his self stated goals of increasing the individual and institutional lethality as well as continuing the process of making the entire military and Department of Defense more efficient.

It started with the appointment of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine General Curtis Manning, following a few years later with Secretary of Defense Marine General Martin Keamy. Kenway was latter accused, mostly quietly, of influencing the Marine Corps decision to appoint Marine General Miles Quaritch to the position of commandant 16 months ago. What all these men have in common besides being Marines dedicated to the Gods, Country and Corps is that the fact that all are combat veterans, and all are dedicated to improving the lethality and effectiveness of our nation's combat troops.

Kenway is no stranger to the military, a military veteran himself, Kenway made the military one of his chief concerns when he took office and it's been one of the greatest successes of his administration. The crowning jewel of this effort was the passing of the Blackwater-Aberdeen Defense Act which enshrined in law, the largest changes to the organization, responsibilities and funding for the DOD in a generation. Of it's provisions, the the sequestering of over 40 independent bases and the consolidation into more than 100 newly christened Joint installations were among the most significant. But beyond this, the institutionalization of joint operations as a fundamental tenet of the Caprican would have far more wide reaching consequences.

Under a new initiative, sponsored by by none other than Secretary of Defense General Martin Keamy(ret), the expanded joint force structure will be taking on a new form. The Keamy Amendment as it's being called, will see the combatant commands abolished and replaced with a system based almost entirely upon the standing Marine Air Ground Task Force; which let's services compose ad hoc integrated, task oriented, combined arms formations for the accomplishment of a task. This is mainly visible in the Marine Expeditionary Units which patrol the globe and are involved in tandem with the UR Navy with anti-piracy, anti-terrorism and freedom of navigation exercises around the world. That system will remain unchanged and will be expanded to include the other two services, the UR Army and the UR Air Force. In the future, we will likely see Marine infantry forces supported not only by internal Marine artillery but Army and Air Force assets which will have to be adapted to provide the level of strategic and tactical mobility that only Marine units are used to.

''The Marine Corps is exhausted and with tensions in Lorecia and around the globe showing no signs of easing, it's important that we leverage all the assets our NDE(National Defense Establishment) currently possesses to meet the unique and critical strategic and tactical demands imposed upon us.'' Said Marine Commandant Miles Quaritch, speaking to at the annual security conference sponsored by the Institute for Government Research.

Combatant Commands will be replaced by five joint level commands that will oversee operations that defense officials say have the biggest impact on combat readiness and global operations. UR Strategic Command will see it's responsibilities increase to cover a variety of theater and strategic operations as well as being operationally in charge of important assets such as the UR's nuclear deterrent. UR Cyber Command will receive a major increase in funding, manpower and responsibility in the coming years, being tasked not only with the conducting of offensive cyber operations but also the protection of all military, government and vital civil assets in cyberspace. UR Special Operations Command will be elevated in standing to become what some people are describing at the tip of the tip of the spear for military operations. With a four star General at it's head, it's poised to become even more influential in defense policy discussions heading into the 2020s. The UR Transportation Command is a relatively inconspicuous addition but the one that received the lion-share if not all of the attention from people involved in the planning process of the amendment. URTRANSCOM will be assume responsibility for all strategic transportation within the DOD, including that which occurs stateside. Supporters with inside knowledge of the leg work being done to make this amendment possible, say that '' TRANSCOM is the real meat of the amendment. We're now be able to not only leverage all of the DOD's transportation assets to achieve strategic missions but ensure that adequate funding and support is available to secure those lines of transport. It's a real game changer if we've got to go 1,2 or 3 thousand kilometers away.'' URCENTCOM will become the central hub and nexus of all joint level communication, coordination and tasking. Previously DOD missions and planing was done under the purview of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Citadel in Ulysses, C.D. but under the new system; CENTCOM will be the end all, be all for joint operations for the UR military with the JCS being freed up to ensure each of their respective service branches are willing and able to accomplish their missions.

UR military spending which under the Blackwater-Aberdeen Defense Act or DAPAR has been mandated at no less than 2% of the nation's GDP will now be put to even more effective use as parallel means of productions and support are eliminated and new, more effective weapons systems can be brought online.

The Marine Corps is already ahead of the game in that regard. Since 2017, the Corps has effectively spearheaded the DOD and Armed Forces in readiness and improving combat effectiveness and lethality against both insurgent groups and potential peer and near peer powers.

The Corps adopted new night vision devices in October 2016, the Enhanced Night Vision Device, which are expected to ''allow Marines to operate in a reduce light environment with no noticeable effect on lethality and effectiveness.'' In early 2017, the Marine Corps adopted the 6.35mm M18 Infantry Automatic Rifle, named after the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment which tested the weapon throughout it's development, during deployments to Kamalbia and peacekeeping operations in Insula Fera. The rifle reverses a decades long UR military doctrine of semi-automatic rifles and fully automatic squad support weapons being dispersed throughout rifle platoons. Under this new system currently implemented in Marine Corps units, all the majority of infantrymen in rifle platoons will be equipped with the new M18 IAR with Squad Automatic Weapons being given to an enlarged Weapons Company which can then lend automatic support to needed platoons. In addition to the M18, the Marine Corps acquired the new Integrated Combat Optic-Networked, a digital variable power 6x scope that allows rapid target acquisition of near and far targets while increasing first and second hit probability for the individual rifleman.

New, lightweight body armor systems, helmets and helmet mounted digital displays, anti-tank and anti-air systems, smart mortars and guided munitions are all in the pipeline or already being fielded by the Marine Corps. All with the aim of increasing the lethality of the individual rifleman. Improved load bearing equipment and automatic logistics systems will ensure that the new equipment doesn't place an undue physical strain of infantryman and the development and deployment of unmanned aerial and ground based systems are all being used to bring the maximum amount of firepower upon the enemy and lowest cost in human lives possible.

The focus on engaging in both counter insurgency efforts and conventional conflicts with near peer adversaries has lead to a service and DOD wide push to reduce the logistical burden at all levels and increase the lethality of all service members, while neutralizing or countering enemy weapons systems being fielded to negate the advantages the UR military possesses.

''Our mission is to dominate our adversaries in every way and theirs is to do the same thing. For the UR to come out on top, we need to anticipate and prepare for the threat environment and develop both training and weapons that will allow us to impose our will on the enemy no matter what he does. This is warfare in the 21st century and we will be prepared. '' Commandant Miles Quaritch.

With the amendment aligning the entirety of our armed forces with the goals and realities of defeated our enemies in their own backyard, it frees up our service members to do exactly what they're paid to do; which is win wars.

In the short term, the Marine Corps is being used a testbed for a variety of different strategies and weapons systems that are destined to be used throughout the armed services and with that, comes some changes. The Marine Corps which has been our country's premier expeditionary fighting force for more than 240 years, was just told that it's component strength which has been just under 192,000 since the end of the Insula Fera intervention will be brought up to an end strength of 212,500 active and reserve Marines by 2025, a 22,000 increase, all of which are earmarked for active duty service.

In preparation for this proposed increase, General Quaritch released a number of revised orders indicating a relaxed recruited policy. The Marine Corps tattoo policy which previously had been criticized as the most restrictive of the service branches will be rolled back, allowing a wider pool of recruits to be brought into the service along with an expansion of the Corps' alcohol and criminal conduct waivers, increasing the total number of waivers available from 1,200 to 6,000.[/blocktext]

[Ord Caprica]

Vice President Chase withdraws from EATA

Vice President Chase iniated formal actions to remove the United Republic from the East Astyrian Treaty Alliance
Jame McManus (@JayMcManus)
20 June 2019 4:30 PM | Ulysses, C.D. , United Republic

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VP Chase speaking at a rally in Alexandria, North Yankton | UP Photo

_{S T O R Y H E A D L I N E S}

:· NEW:Lorecian Community sanctions Belkan Federations

:· Chancellor Eaglebrand chastises LC

:· Albeinland expected to pass Labor Act

:· Vossian economy grows

:·H. M. G. Swinork damaged in suspicious fire

Ulysses, C.D.(UP) -

Speaking at a political rally late this afternoon in Alexandria, North Yankton, U.R. Acting President James Chase announced that the U.R had just submitted a notice to it's allies in the East Astyrian Treaty Alliance that it would be downgrading it's membership to observer status this Thursday.

The ambassador to the EATA, Marcus Smith had this to say; '' The EATA is a wonderful organization and it serves a purpose in the balance of power in the region, however at the moment, the interests of the alliance and that of the U.R government are not completely aligned and it's better if the U.R. is able to free up some of it's resources to put them to better use in areas that are more pertinent to the government. Make no mistake that the U.R government will honor all commitments to the EATA for the foreseeable future. ''

The State Department has echoed that statement, saying '' The U.R government will continue to work closely with our EATA partners and this move in no way lessens our commitment to global and East Astyrian security. '

Foreign policy experts have speculated that this move is not one directly advocated by VP Chase but one championed by President Kenway before the attempted assassination months ago. Chase, has for all intents and purposes has continued to honor policy directives set out by the President and this move is considered by many to be a long term goal of President Kenway.

Gauis Datames, Ph.D, a senior fellow at the prestigious Institute for Government Research has said that the U.R moving away from the EATA is a logical step as geopolitical blocs have matured and evolved away from the potential for coalition on coalition engagements to more peer on peer and counter insurgency operations. '' The EATA and by extension, the ATO and TARP blocs are relics of a bygone age. They were unnecessary jingoist reactions during their own time and now have finally outlived their usefulness. The administration is now looking to redefine Caprica's global role and it wants to do that outside the confines as East Astyria's so-called Arsenal of Democracy. What we are likely to see in the coming months is both a reaffirming of traditional commitments and a pivot of sorts towards addressing security concerns that directly affect the United Republic.

The administration has yet to comment to questions regarding what will happen to military bases both within Caprica and abroad that were established under EATA protocols, specifically the sprawling naval base in Northwestern Caprica known as Joint Naval Station Anchorhead (JNSA)which occupies 10 kilometers of waterfront space and 20 km of pier and wharf space, making it one of the largest, if not largest naval bases in the world by a large margin. It is home to 4 out 7 Carrier Strike Groups, 4 Destroyer Squadrons, and the entirety of the Navy's amphibious operations fleet. The base population includes more than 65,000 active duty personnel, 90,000 family members and 30,000 civilians and that's only counting UR military personnel. The Naval base accounts for more than a full third of the state's economy and is a vital source of jobs, medical care and advocacy for the community.

EATA ally, the Blackhelm Confederacy rents a base on JNSA along with naval forces from the Kingdom of Aquitayne and many in the area are already questioning what will happen if the government asks them to leave, removing a large piece of what makes Anchorhead, Anchorhead.

Elsewhere, many are also asking what will happen with this move the EATA objects to the U.R's departure as an active member of the alliance. The U.R was a founding member of the organization and many can argue that it has been instrumental in the alliance's success ever since. The U.R has participated in every EATA operation and armed intervention the alliance has undertaken and despite a graduated withdrawal from Kamalbia 2 years ago, U.R troops are still on the ground there working to bring freedom and democracy to the area. If the UR leaves active service in the alliance will the alliance be hard pressed to replace those troops or will the alliance shoulder on without them and more importantly, will adversaries in the area take advantage of the situation to make a resurgence after being mostly defeated by coalition forces?

[Ord Caprica]

Kenway returns to office

President Kenway returns to Bright Hill
Jame McManus (@JayMcManus)
20 June 2019 9:30 PM | Ulysses, C.D. , United Republic

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Kenway heading back to work at the Executive Mansion | UP Photo

_{S T O R Y H E A D L I N E S}

:· NEW:Lorecian Community sanctions Belkan Federations

:· Chancellor Eaglebrand chastises LC

:· Albeinland expected to pass Labor Act

:· Vossian economy grows

:·H. M. G. Swinork damaged in suspicious fire

Ulysses, C.D.(UP) -

After being shot multiple times during a rally in Alexandria, North Yankton, U.R late this February and a miraculous recover, President Kenway is expected to return to work as earlier as this weekend.

Kenway who by all accounts was not expected to survival is encounter with the would be assassins has made what can only be described as a miracle of a recovery from the incident with reports indicating a clean bill of health and no adverse effects from the event.

President Kenway who has at times being a particularly controversial figure both domestically and abroad was giving a speech at a political at an auditorium belonging to a local university when he was shot five times by a pair of assassins, Johanne Strauss and Max Zorin, a pair of disillusioned Belkan expats. Both Zorin and Strauss were killed following a shootout with Secret Service agents protecting the President. The assailants fired a total of 12 shots wounding two bystanders and Secret Service agent Frank Horrigan, all of whom survived the attack.

The attempt is the first in 40 years on a sitting U.R President and had it succeeded would have been the first successful attempt in over 190 years when President Vande was assassinated at the close of the Unification Wars.

Kenway and the administration have been extremely tight lipped about the attempt, insisting the public wait for the conclusion of the Congressional investigation which is expected to close some time latter this year. Family and friends close to the President have said that he has remained in high spirits and that the first family has remained by the President's side during the entire ordeal. First Lady Miranda Kenway has been an extremely vocal advocate for both the privacy of the First Family and for support of the administration since the administration, becoming known as the unofficial official mouthpiece of the President while he was incapacitated.

The President had just won reelection and inaugurated just over a month previously was fighting to reacquire his traditionally high approval ratings which had hovered consistently above 70 percent for the majority of his first term before dipping into the mid 50s as election time neared. He narrowly defeated independent challenger Atlas CEO Daniel Irons during the general elections, shocking some observers and was in the middle of his victory tour when he was shot. Kenway was facing increasing criticism for failing to mount an effective response to Belkan aggression in Lorecia and a slight downturn during the run up to the election but managed to fend off attacks at his Administrations' record enough to secure the nation's most prestigious office a second time.

Support was quick to return to the administration and the Prosperity party in the aftermath, with bipartisan support for legislation at an all time high. With acting President James Chase leading the charge in what was thought as an effort to secure the President's legacy, spearheading initiatives to reform the UR's armed forces and introduce economic measures to restore confidence in the economy.

President Kenway is expected back in office as early as Monday morning and he will have a full agenda on his plate with more expected as the year enters it's second half. Here's what to expect.

The President will have to quickly decide whether or not the UR will piggyback on what is rapidly becoming a growing number of nations hitting the Belkan Federation with full economic sanctions regarding it's actions in Arstotska. The Lorecian Community and the Kingdom of Nikolia have already slapped severe economic sanctions on the psuedo fascist regime with the UR's ally, the Blackhelm Confederacy expected to follow suit shortly. There is immense public pressure to take some form of retaliatory action against the country after it's invasion of it's neighbor Arstotska in mid-2018. It's predicted this issue will take precedence in foreign policy circles for the foreseeable future.

While many believe the recent announcement of the UR's intention to downgrade it's role in the EATA to observer status was a policy objective for Kenway, VP Chase's acting on that goal this afternoon leaves the actual logistics of the situation squarely on the President. What if any will the UR's future commitment to the alliance, what will change and what will stay the same and how will the UR navigate the Lorecian situation without the combined muscle of the EATA at it's back?

Chase implemented a number of stop gap measures aimed at easing economic tension in Caprica's economy, these have not been comprehensive by any stretch of the imagination. What will the President be doing to stave of what some are already calling the ''Lesser Recession''. With economic growth stagnating and in some areas regressing, it's an issue that will require immediate and effective action. Analysts are predicting a second quarter retraction of the economy by .01% which is small but significant enough in a country that had until 2018 been used to seeing 5-6% increases.

With some news sources reporting a humanitarian crisis rapidly developing in Arstotska, there are concerns that there will be a flood of refugees seeing safety, shelter and permanent asylum. Current UR immigration laws cap annual immigration at no more 100,000 total and implement further controls to ensure that no more than 10% of all UR residents are born abroad. This rule has served to preserve the demographic homogeneous composition of the United Republic for more than 100 years. For the past two years the United Republic has hit it's 100,000 annual request mark with the majority of immigrants coming from allied nations within the East Astyria Treaty Alliance which received expedited processing of requests, with the Blackhelm Confederacy taking the lion-share at 39% of applicants. With the overall aging of the United Republic's population this has served as major counter balance to major demographic change within the country.

Arstotska, which was previously a country home to just under 60 million souls is believed to no longer function as a state and conservative estimates say that more than 500,000 of those people are looking to flee the country abroad either on foot, by plane, train or ship. There have been no official reports of Aswickan, Aquitaynian, Nikolian or Confederate intentions to receive and care for these potential refugees. Current UR policy indicates that no more 15% or 15,000 of the 100,000 annual immigration requests are allowed to be from refugees, taking a numerical approach to the whole business.

Historically, there is a precedent for adjusting the policy to account for major international events. During the Great Astyrian War, the policy itself was suspended and all applicants that were found to be with merit were admitted to the country, swelling the population over a 5 year period by more than a million people. In the 40s and again in the 60s, the annual cap was increased, first to 150,00 and in the 60s to 250,000.

In the past, the President's Prosperity Party has spoken in favor of maintaining the status quo in relation to the immigration cap and some Congressmen in the party's right wing have gone so far as to advocate for it being lowered to 50,000.

Domestically, Kenway's reelection campaign ran a promise to examine and implement Federal and State education reform. Currently, the UR is rated as middle of the pact globally and many industry analysts are worried that if something isn't done that the UR could fall behind the pack and lose the edge. The administration has issued relatively new guidance under Vice President Chase intent on bringing federal guidelines more in line with the international standard but the country seems hungry for comprehensive reform.

Kenway missed his first 100 days benchmark with the unexpected attempt on his life, however with his return he's getting a second shot. The entirety of the country will be watching to see if he can manage to save his administration and set the ton for a potential third term, a feat only two other Presidents have managed to accomplish. With his historically high approval ratings and relative youth in comparison to potential challengers, it's not to early to say it's possible.

[Albeinland]

» BREAKING: Labour Act is approved in the Royal Assembly
» Leader of the Opposition Thomas Corbyn could resign this week; thousands protest and celebrate on the streets

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Leonard Spencer (@leospencer)
Jun 3, 2019 | Castelby

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The Royal Assembly's chamber after today's voting.

CASTELBY - After almost six months of parliamentary efforts on both sides, the Labour Act of 2019 was approved today in the Royal Assembly, receiving 96 "ayes" and 64 "nays". The session, who lasted six hours, was headed by the Speaker Richard Barrow (Conservative) who said to the press after the voting that the Royal Assembly "made its duty of representing the people." Chancellor Lloyd and the First Lord of the Exchequer Paul Huxley also were present in the voting and said to The Daily Messenger that "everything went fine as expected" and stated that the Labour Act will "ensure jobs for thousands of unemployed people." The Leader of the Opposition Thomas Corbyn (SDP) didn't say anything after the session and went to his house in Alverville.

Before the start of the voting, thousands of citizens protested against or in favour of the passage of the draft, which lead to the Metropolitan Constabulary of the Albish Police Service (APS) to create a special security force to deal with the protesters and avoid any possible tumult. According to the Spokesperson of the APS Boris Hayward, circa 500 additional police officers were deployed in consequence of the voting as well as other concerns such as terrorism. Hayward also said that only two people present in the protests are arrested due to a fight next to a pub in Luffton, and no other major issue happened. The session officially began at 9 AM, with all AMs already present. First, the draft was read by the last time and in sequence, a series of questions were asked to both Lloyd and Huxley. During these questions, a small incident between Chancellor Lloyd and the Leader of the Opposition Thomas Corbyn happened, with Corbyn calling Lloyd "fascist" and the Leader of the Liberal Party Suzan Collins "traitor".

The Liberal Party was crucial for the passage of the Labour Act thanks to a deal made by Lloyd and Collins last month due to the fact that, without any kind of deal, the act would be approved by a narrow margin. However, this deal didn't have the support of the entire party mainly because of the Liberal Scandal of 2016, with 6 out of the 13 liberal AMs voting against such. According to many political specialists, the shift of Collins to the right could aggravate even more the current crisis in her party. Nevertheless, the vote of these 7 AMs still was crucial for the passage of the Labour Act, who happened in today's evening. This is the first major conservative victory after Lloyd's election on November 2018 and the biggest defeat for the SDP and its opposition coalition in the new government. Corbyn, who left the Orwell House soon after the end of the session, could resign this week due to his disaffection with more moderate factions within his party.

Now, the Labour Act is going to be sent next week to the Queen to be given Royal Assent. It's expected that the law is going to officially come into force on Monday, July 1.

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Other news:

• Opinion: Thomas Corbyn will be defeated (again) (9,933)
• The protests against and in favour of the Labour Act (7,372)
• Two men arrested in a pub in Luffton (3,180)
• Fireman decorated in Lenderpool (1,119)

© 2019 The Daily Messenger Corporation

[Nildwalden]

[Great Nortend]

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FRIDAY · 22 JUNE MMXIX · PRINTED IN LENDERT · ONE PENNY

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[Andamonia]

» Several dead and dozens injured following attack on Kylarnatian temple in Palafuyin

By Temalha Petlaxli, 09/01/'17

At least six people are confirmed dead and thirty-eight injured after an apparent terrorist attack on a temple of the Silvier Sacerdotium in Palafuyin.

Members of the Sacerdotium, the Kylarnatian state religion, were attending a ceremony for the dedication of the temple's new ossuary. The temple is the only dedicated place of Kylarnatian worship in Andamonia. A priestess of the Sacerdotium is understood to have been present in the temple to perform the ceremony, the first time a priestess has visited the country. It is not yet known whether she is among the casualties.

The Sacerdotium claims only a few hundred adherents in Andamonia, with about half of these concentrated in the city of Palafuyin. It is not believed that there was any history of religious tension or discrimination against the faith in Andamonia. The temple, on the tree-lined Nacre Avenue, stands at the heart of Palafuyin's so-called 'Kylarnatian Quarter'; today, a column of smoke rises from the usually tranquil compound. It appears that there was an explosion followed by several minutes of gunfire with a semi-automatic weapon, but the details remain shrouded in the same smoke that casts a pall over downtown Palafuyin.

Urban police have cordoned off a three-street area around the temple, restricting access to emergency responders only. According to reports, "dozens" of ambulances have attended the scene, driving fears that the casualty rate could be high.

"It's a worrying scene - heartbreaking, even," said local councillor Sisinan Qlamati, interviewed outside the police cordon. "Kylarnatian people are a valuable part of our community. Whoever committed this atrocity is an abominable person. Palafuyin does not share in his hatred."

President Timaloc's office described the incident as "truly horrific" and expressed hope that Palafuyin's police would quickly apprehend the perpetrator.

Related: Former Palafuyin councillor faces corruption charges | Religious tensions rise in the republic | Rihasanai ostracised for inflammatory remarks | President Timaloc: "Andamonia yearns for peace"

[Valkea]

[Trellin]

Crown backs new e-charging network
Fifty thousand new charging points for electric cars by 2020

Last updated: 2:46 PM TCT | 25/06/2019


The Queen's office has unveiled a plan calculated to make Trellin Astyria's greenest country: adding fifty thousand new charging points for electric cars before the end of the year. In the first phase of the new initiative, one in four of the empire's petrol stations will receive between two and five charging points, part of the ongoing drive towards electrifying Trellin's transport network.

2020 is expected to see an expansion of the scheme, with charging points installed at most of the empire's other petrol stations in coming years. Additionally, the imperial energy authority has announced that no new licences will be issued to petrol stations ― unless they provide for electric cars.

A spokesman for the monarchy stated, "This is just one of many new initiatives that will drive the new eco-friendly economy. Expect to hear much more about electric cars in the near future."

Indeed, Trellin is not the first to announce grand plans for going electric. This morning saw Valkea's capital, Varen Livet, reveal its new wireless charging points at five locations across the city, and other Astyrian capitals are likely to follow in a similar vein. But no other country has made such a big single step towards electric cars.

Trellin ― together with Hysera, Velar and Txekrikar ― has more than 56,500 petrol stations, and approximately 15,000 of these will come under the remit of the proposed scheme during the next six months. There are a further six thousand stations among the protectorates, and these are expected to follow suit in short order.

The scheme is already projected to be a huge capital investment, possibly one of the largest of Azara's reign. Although the cost estimates have not yet been disclosed, it will undoubtedly cost billions. There are rumours that renewable energy giant TL Fünselg will shoulder much of the financial burden in exchange for substantial concessions in taxes and operating rights, but the Sidereal Crown's press office is so far keeping the details to itself.

The initiative, it is hoped, will be a major push for people to consider buying electric. Despite Azara's flagship New Leaf project, the average Trellinese driver hasn't even considered an electric car, and they are only slowly becoming regular sights on the empire's roads. Part of the problem has always been range: no one wants to run out of charge halfway through the Namijan rainforest or Khataxan desert. By furnishing petrol stations with charging points, this project will eliminate that key objection.

Environmentalist commentators hope Azara will accelerate the drive toward all-electric by levying higher taxes on petrol and diesel fuel, but nothing to this effect has yet been indicated. A full charge still costs substantially less than a full tank, but an electric car costs much more to buy than one that runs on traditional fuels, and Azara is rightly loath to alienate the many people for whom that extra cost is too much. What is clear, however, is that Azara is sticking to her environmentalist credentials and keeping Trellin at the forefront of the greening of Astyria.

Peliz Üarenar
Mar'theqa

[Blackhelm Confederacy]

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Eaglebrand Deploys Additional Troops to Caledonia

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Nearly 4,000 additional soldiers have been deployed to Caledonia to confront Belkan aggression in the area

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PARADISE CITY, Blackhelm Confederacy (BCNN) -- Chancellor Octavius Eaglebrand has authorized the deployment of an additional brigade to Caledonia in a bid to reassure the nation against Belkan aggression

Blackhelm Confederate forces have been deployed to Caledonia as the Confederate government moves to reassure regional allies that their security will not be placed in jeopardy as the Greater Belkan Reich continues aggressive posturing in Arstotska, just south of the Caledonian border.

The roughly 4,000-man strong force is part of a Senate-approved packaged that aims to increase stability in the region and dissuade the Belkan government from any further aggression in eastern Lorecia. This deployment will boost Confederate troop strength in the area to more than 9,000, as this brigade will also be reinforcing Confederate forces already stationed at the demilitarized zone along the Belkan-Adelerite border.

Caledonian Commitment

"The deployment of forces to Caledonia is a re-affirmation of the security assurances that the Blackhelm Confederacy made in 2007," Chancellor Octavius Eaglebrand said during a press conference. "At that time, Caledonian sovereignty was threatened by an aggressive Belkan Reich, and a resurgent Reich seems intent on threatening regional sovereignty once again. This time, however, the region is prepared to face that aggression, and we will not allow a repeat of what happened over a decade ago."

The Confederate forces are going to begin training with and drilling with the Caledonian forces along the southern border. According to representatives from the Confederate Ministry of War, the region of Arstotska bordering Caledonia is largely out of the control of the Belkan government and has fallen into a state of lawlessness. In addition to reassuring the Caledonian government, the Confederate soldiers are also expected to assist in Caledonian border controls by helping to prevent lawless terrorist and criminal groups such as Agnes Dei from turning the Caledonian border region into a safe haven to conduct illicit operations from.

Feeling the Pinch

Officials in the Confederate government have expressed their agreement that the international sanctions should begin having their effect on the Greater Belkan Reich soon, and that the Belkan government should have no choice but to act if it wishes to stave off an economic catastrophe in their nation.

"We are absolutely delighted to see that the Astyrian community can finally agree on something," Cornelius Pureheart, the Head of the Confederate Senate told BCNN. "As a region, we need to make it blatant and clear - aggression and annexations have no place in the 21st century, and we will work together to bring an end to the oppression in Arstotska through whatever diplomatic means are available to us."

The conflict in Arstotska is believed to have killed tens of thousands of people, and millions of Arstotskans are believed to be currently living in concentration camps throughout the country. Many others are also believed to be engaged in a system of forced labor meant to bolster the Belkan economy.

Several Confederate observers have begun to fear that the sanction might have an adverse effect, and could ramp up the use of Arstotskan forced labor as the Belkan Reich tries to compensate for lost money. The Confederate government, however, has dismissed these claims and remains adamant that the continued sanctions will provide enough pressure to force the Belkans to reverse course and withdraw from Arstotska.

[Albeinland]

» The Belkan Crisis hits Albeinland
» Albish Government condemns Belkan aggression; Foreign Office reports 1000 requests of political asylum

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Patrick Beasley (@pbeasley)
Jun 23, 2019 | Castelby

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The 377th Royal Infantry Regiment in Keffingley, Cambria.

EIDENBURGH - Yesterday, the Royal Chancellery issued an official dispatch about the current situation in the Republic of Arstotska, a sovereign country located on northeastern Lorecia which shares borders with Albeinland. The dispatch explicitly condemns the invasion of the Great Belkan Reich - a fascist state in Lorecia - against Arstotska as well as the various confirmed cases of sexual abuse and genocide committed by Belkan soldiers. This would be reinforced an hour later by Chancellor Lloyd through a tweet, saying that the Belkan aggression is a "barbaric act" that "should not have place in a democratic continent that is Lorecia." In the same day, the Foreign Minister Charlotte Hastings (Conservative) had a special meeting with Lloyd and military advisors about the crisis, saying to the ABS that the Albish Government is doing "the possible to avoid more bloodbaths."

The First Lord of the Exchequer Paul Huxley also said to journalists that Albeinland will follow LC's recommendation of issuing severe sanctions against Belka, with all commercial ties going to be cut in the next days. The Foreign Office also issued a note regarding the humanitarian crisis in which says that since the beginning of the current offensive, around a thousand of Arstotskans requested political asylum while other 4,000 managed to reach the Albish border in Cambria. Although not confirmed, it's expected that both cases are going to be accepted, with the refugees going to a humanitarian centre in Lochfield. Also, the Foreign Office reported that almost all Albish residents living in Arstotska went to Albeinland or other safe places such as Caledonia despite affirming that doesn't have an official number of Albish citizens dead in the attacks. In Belka, many Albish citizens and reporters already left the country since the closure of the Albish embassy in Dinsmark.

Her Majesty The Queen released a communiqué in the Betfield Palace last Friday (21) which was signed by all members of the Royal Family condemning the abusive use of force in the crisis and hoping for the best and most peaceful end for the conflict. The Duke of Neville Edmund Aisley, who is Chief of the General Staff - which is responsible to command the Albish Army - said to journalists that the three military branches - Army, Navy and Air Force - are "ready for combat if necessary." Several military moves were made during the last days in the province of Cambria - which borders Arstotska - as a "precautionary act" according to many military figures. In Cambria's capital Eidenburgh and second largest city Lochfield, the presence of soldiers in the streets has been increasing in the last days. During a military march held in last Friday, many citizens stand against and in favour of the military forces. According to the Royal Commissary of the Cambria Office Oliver Cattenach (Liberal) to a local newspaper, "no citizen's right will be removed."

In the next week, Chancellor Lloyd will have another meeting with members of his cabinet and members of the Privy Council regarding the current crisis. In turn, the Duke of Neville will hold another conference with Albish, Caledonian and Confederate generals to discuss better solutions to the crisis as a whole.

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Other news:

• Opinion: Lorecia is not a place for fascism (7,345)
• Charlotte Mann criticises Labour Act (6,998)
• Confederate Chancellor Eaglebrand deploys more soldiers to Caledonia (5,443)
• Opinion: We must contain Belka (3,782)

© 2019 The Daily Messenger Corporation

[Kylarnatia]

BREAKING NEWS: Attack on Sacerdotium Temple in Palafuyin; Six confirmed dead
More casualties expected; Police cordon in effect; Fate of Vestal still unknown
^{By Josie Whitehall (@josiewhitehall) and Melika Haghjoo (@melikah)}

A member of the faith tries desperately to find out the fate of her family (Palafuyin, Andamonia)

Palafuyin, Andamonia - Residents of Palafuyin are looking on with horror and dismay down Nacre Avenue - widely regarded by the community as one of the cities most beautiful and tranquil spots - as smoke continues to billow forth from the structure of the Templum Dei Mater Terra, known in Common as the Temple of Mother Earth, the full tragedy of the scene obscured by the smoke and the trees. A police cordon is in effect around a three-street area, as dozens of ambulances and other emergency crews rush in to try and tackle the carnage and save those still trapped in the debris.

Six have already been confirmed dead though have yet to be identified, with more to be expected. While no official estimate has been given so far as to how many people were present at the temple at the time of the attack, it's likely to have been in the triple digits, making up a sizeable proportion of the Sacerdotium's adherents here in the city.

Today had initially been a cause for celebration and devotion. A special call to prayer was issued less than two hours ago, as a Vestal all the way from the Magna Mater Basilica in Krytopia - in a rare international appearance - had arrived to help open the Temple's new crypts, allowing the faithful to receive the proper funerary rites. Just one hour and a half later, however, and the blessed and beautiful tones of the faithful gave way to sounds of explosions and semi-automatic gunfire. Some bystanders have also claimed to have heard screaming. Those of the faith, as well as the friends and loved ones of the faithful, have gathered together either close to the site or in local establishments close by to try and make sense of what has happened. They comfort each other, some wandering aimlessly with pictures of the people they knew there, asking with broken voices and teary eyes if anyone has seen them. So far, nobody has been able to give a definitive answer.

Officially, the Palafuyin Police Department has declared the incident to have been "a suspected attack" though as of yet has failed to clarify of what nature or whether the individual(s) responsible have been identified and/or apprehended. Local city council members - both of the small but visible Kylarnatian community and the wider city - have turned out to support their constituents and condemn the attacks. President Timaloc has denounced the attacks as "truly horrific" via an office spokesperson but has of yet not given an official statement. The Imperium's Embassy in the capital of Zadé Axochizin has said it is "attempting to cooperate with the relevant authorities to obtain more information", while the Consulate here in Palafuyin was unavailable for comment as it has likely been inundated with calls and visits from distressed Kylarnatian locals seeking whatever little help they can provide at this stage.

In Krytopia, there has yet to be any official statement from either the Fangthane Palace or the Ministry for Foreign and Imperial Affairs, other than to confirm that the Caesar is aware and that the situation is being closely monitored. The Sacerdotium meanwhile has issued an initial statement, delivered in the last fifteen minutes by a spokeswoman. In it she said:

"In the past hour and a half it has been brought to the attention of the Ecclesiastical Council that a suspected attack has targeted the Temple of the Earthly Mother located in the city of Palafuyin of the Republic of Andamonia, leading to multiple fatalities and perhaps many more injuries. The Council is heavily alarmed and dismayed by these reports, and feels great pain and anguish for the victims and their loved ones. The Council commends the bravery of the local emergency services for doing all they can to act in the wake of this terrible tragedy, but regrets deeply that even now reports are still vague as to what has happened. It calls for further clarity, and hopes that the leadership of the Republic of Andamonia will not only come out hard against this atrocity and those who perpetrated it, but will commit to an open dialogue with the Council to ensure everything is being done.

An emergency session of the Council has been called by Her Imperial Majesty and will convene in the next few hours, where she and the other Archpriestess' of the faith available will attend and deliberate on a response once more is known."

The spokeswoman did not take any questions after the statement, but when pressed for a comment on potential courses of action, did not rule out the possibility of the Sacerdotium requesting to send its own Inquisitors in order to aid the investigation efforts and to get a clearer picture of what has transpired. With those among the dead being Kylarnatian citizens - and potentially, dare we say it, a blessed Vestal - both the Sacerdotium's and wider Imperium's patience will likely begin to thin as time marches on. One anonymous source within the Ministry for Foreign and Imperial Affairs said: "These Andamonian's are in absolute pandaemonium at the minute, which means so are we. They better get their heads screwed on tight soon, or we're going to start getting ******."

Melika Haghjoo is Kylarnatian Imperial News International's Chief Andamonian correspondent, reporting from Palafuyin. Josie Whitehall is the Chief Editor of Foreign Affairs for Kylarnatian Imperial News International, reporting from Krytopia.

• LIVE UPDATES: Palafuyin Attack - Latest News and Reactions
• Religious tensions forecast dangerous waters for the young Andamonian Republic

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© Kylarnatian Imperial News International

[Mizialand]

EDITORIAL: STATE CAPITALISM - THE WAY FORWARD

Unlike other economies of the Lorecian Community, State Capitalism will be a major driver of growth

The Economy Minister's remark during the 2019-20 Budget Presentation that for sustained growth Mizialand needs a shift from state capitalism to "democratic capitalism", or the Third Way, not only to better integrate itself in the Lorecian Community but also as a means to achieve sustained growth, needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. While not indicative of in the present budget, such a remark suggests a change, or at least thoughts of change in the government policy. As we enter into the 2020s where 'sustainable' and not 'sustained' growth is expected to be a focus, the continuing role of the State in the economy remain crucial.

The data from Das (2015) suggests the striking role the State plays in the economy: : eight of the 10 largest firms by assets were state-owned in 2015. More importantly these firms are in the area of petroleum, natural gas, coal and steel providing the key capital goods for the economy. Waterbury (1993) described these firms as "cash-guzzling dinosaurs, characterized by ‘sloth, waste, and inefficiency’ thanks to the ‘genetic flaw’ of their links with government"; yet they have looked remarkably healthy. Despite increased competition from the private sector, they are more profitable and more efficient than their private counterparts (Moeun, 2017).

Lazzaarini in 2014 described three problems of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs): the agency problem of poor managerial selection, incentive, and monitoring, the social problem of multiple objectives and the political problem of political interference and corruption. Due to these problems, the Lorecian Community and rest of the developed world, beginning from the 1970s, began to turn away from this model. This was when the nature of State Capitalism in Mizialand began to change. We did not abandon this path but reformed it to sustain in an increasingly competitive world.

State Capitalism 2.0

This 'State Capitalism' (let us call it, unlovingly State Capitalism 2.0) is state steered. While the State continues to play an active role in the process of investment and innovation, it attempts to stimulate and not replace the private sector. Now, this leads to a change in the operating environment of the SOEs: first, they are exposed to disciplining power of the market to force efficiency, and second, by increasing their autonomy and endowing them with the trappings of corporate governance. How far these measures have been successful, depends on empirical evidence.

As the rest of Lorecian Community embarked on, or in some cases were the harbinger of 'absolute private ownership', in the 1930s, Queen Marjoline asserted a modified role of the SOEs. She commented that 'State Owned Enterprises' shall be granted complete autonomy to enable them to compete with the emerging private enterprises in the post war economy boom. This was reasserted by the 'Corporate Governance Act, 1951' which stipulated that in SOEs, based on their performance and future prospects will be granted financial and managerial autonomy and powers to incur capital expenditure. A second measure, entry of minority stakeholders also modified the SOEs future prospectus. Have these measures ensured their survival in an increasingly competitive world? The answer is mixed. While 389 SOEs have been privatized and 113 bankrupt since 1967, majority of SOEs today are profitable, growing at an average of 14 percent in fiscal 2017-18. However, while they behave as market players, they certainly benefit from preferential treatment by Her Majesty's Government, for example access to cheap land, railway freight, and finance via public sector banks.

Exploiting the SOEs

The aforementioned three problems described by Lazzaarini do, to some extent, haunt the SOEs. The enterprises healthy profits provide a regular stream of revenue for Her Majesty's Government. Continued political interference and nepotism, despite provisions to tackle them remains a major problem. The board still remains within control of Her Majesty's Government with the controlling line of ministers having little formal roles and responsibilities. The older ‘social’ and ‘political’ considerations—like provision of government revenues, employment, and social objectives—have not disappeared. Beyond corporate profitability CPSEs continue to advance state goals and provide a source of patronage. It is well known that their managing directors are appointed through politicized processes.

They fund a multiplicity of subsidies, which go both to private firms and continue to pacify rival groups that demand a share of the spoils—through cheap power for wealthy agriculturalists and residential consumers, for example. They provide regular dividends and other revenues for the government. At times of financial hardship they are mined still harder for resources: when the Economy Minister promised to limit the overall budget deficit in the face of the financial slowdown, he relied in part on extracting a special interim dividend of $2.6 billion from MiziaPEC.

Conclusion

Yet the SOEs continue to perform well, even in the face of increasing competition. MiziPEC is one of the largest corporation by revenue in Astyria. Majority of the SOEs have an operating ratio of 70 or less. Privatization, at least for now, remains at a slow place. And most importantly, the Mizia economy continues to grow at a healthy rate of 2,3%, thanks to the profiting SOEs.

In this regard, the Minister's remarks rather seem to suggest an upcoming shift in the government's policy, perhaps an approach to fit Mizia economy better into the puzzling complexities of the developed world, not to mention that the Mizia Economy is itself complicated. Mizialand's entry into the Lorecian Community provides the SOEs with an expanding and vibrant consumer base and new avenues of capital and international financing. Further streamlining and making them adaptive to a changing market environment can augment their profits, though the challenges of an integrated and liberalized economy demands an ever evolving operating environment.

[CaIedonia]

» Caledonia reacts against Belkan aggression
» Thousands of soldiers were deployed into the Arstotskan border as violence escalates in the region

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Beatrice Dunn (@beatricedunn)
Jun 25, 2019 | Baltyre

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Caledonian soldiers in Kirlshire, next to the Arstotskan border.

BALTYRE - After the monstrous and barbaric attack made by the Belkan Reich against the sovereign country of Arstotska, the Caledonian Government, as well as the Caledonian Defence Forces, quickly reacted to avoid any possible enemy advance in national soil. In a press conference realized in the same day of the Belkan attack against the neighbouring country, the Commandant of the Caledonian Army Stewart Turnbull announced to the press the deployment of 86,000 reserves to the province of Kirlshire - which borders Arstotska - as a precaution measure. Other precautionary acts include the creation of an operation to welcome and take care of Arstotskan refugees and soldiers who managed to escape the occupied country. The same actions were realized by the Caledonian Navy, the Caledonian Air Force and the National Defence System (NDS), which called reserves back and increased their capacity to react against any possible invasion. Protocols which dates back to the 2007 Belkan invasion in Caledonia are going to be used too.

After statements of military leaders, President Ainslie McKinnel gave a speech on the radio and television hours later in which said that the horrific attack in Arstotska is a "shame that will never be removed in the modern history of Astyria." McKinnel also asked the Lorecian Community, its nation-members and other international organizations to "stand up against Belka's tyranny" and ended up the speech saying that she and her military advisors are doing the best to "contain this awful menace" and "maintain the peace in our country." The Cruinneachadh - the national Caledonian legislature - supported en masse McKinnel's speech, with the Leader of the Opposition Caoihme Hepburn (Democratic Party) stating that the actual moment "doesn't allow the division of the Caledonian people." On the following day, the Spokesperson of the Presidency Edward Bràigheach said to the media that Caledonia will deploy more soldiers to the southern border, given the escalation of the violence and the rising of terrorist groups in the region.

According to information from Kirlshire's Police Department and the National Defence System, violence escalated in the first days after the Belkan invasion in the Caledonian-Arstotskan border, which led to more military engagement in the region to contain such growth. The Caledonian Air Force also identified several provisory bases that don't belong either to Caledonia or Arstotska, with investigations assuming that these barracks comes from a possible terrorist group named Agnus Dei. This and other reasons made President McKinnel accept Confederate soldiers to reinforce the current troops - a move that didn't please even the majority of its party. McKinnel also agreed to reinforce the current Caledonian contingent in Plätteisen Adler as a way to create a "harsh line of defence" against Belkan soldiers. Although most of the information is classified as secret and thereof not accessible to the public, many military advisors see the current Caledonian plan as more defensive than offensive, which is positive in the case of any enemy retaliation.

Probably, Albeinland will assist in the creation of this defensive line and other military moves given the Albish condemnation of the Belkan regime days ago. According to the Albish newspaper The Daily Messenger, the Commander of the General Staff (which is responsible to lead the Albish Army) Edmund Aisley announced that has plans to visit Caledonia - something well-received by the government. It's possible that a meeting between Albish, Caledonian and Confederate generals are going to be held in the next days or weeks.

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Other news:

• Opinion: We must destroy Belka (11,982)
• Opinion: A war is inevitable, here's why (9,077)
• McKinnel: "This is a shame that will never be removed in the modern history of Astyria" (5,871)
• Caledonian Defence Forces reinforce current contingent in Plätteisen Adler (4,566)

© 2019 An Naísean Group

[Blackhelm Confederacy]

Senator Marius Whitewater Outraged By Racism Charges

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Senator Marius Whitewater shouted at reporters who accused him of racism earlier this week

PARADISE CITY—Defending himself against recent charges of racism from some members of the Confederate media, Senator Marius Whitewater angrily reminded the press that he is far from racist, and mentioned that he had never once publicly complained about the Senate's integrated restroom situation.

“It’s patently absurd to learn that anyone would slander me with these charges when I have shared a bathroom with Hesperidesian natives for over a decade and never once have I complained about it,” said the veteran Senator, citing his long history of tolerance that included letting native staffers use the same door into the Senate building and waiting patiently in line behind them in the cafeteria without demanding to be served first.

“Shame on the foreign instigators in the press for these false and nakedly political attacks against me when they know full well that I have never called the police on a single native for talking to a white woman, nor have I once asked my maid to remain past midnight even if my suits very much needed ironing for the next day. If anything, the real racists are the scoundrels making these outrageous accusations against me.”

Whitewater added that he has had a stellar record of concern for the improvement of the native community in the Blackhelm Confederacy, a concern which was evident from his history of comments suggesting they remain in their villages and avoid moving to cities so that they might better maintain their culture and traditions in peace.

[Great Nortend]

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TUESDAY · 17 SEPTEMBER MMXIX · PRINTED IN LENDERT · ONE PENNY

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  Bread a farthing more as corn prices rise

   COMING SOON AFTER reports of a poor wheat harvest this previous summer, bread prices are set to increase by a farthing per pound under a little known emergency provision in the Bread Act 2 Guliel. II p. 22. The Most W'shipful Compagnie of Bakers yesterday explained in a letter dispergenda that the poor harvest would send the average price of wheat corn up by more than 25%, necessitating the invocation of the so-called “farthing section” of the Act. The section provides that when the price of milling wheat corn rises above 12d a bushel, the maximum legal price of bread is increased by a farthing per penny of increase in the price of milling wheat corn per bushel. The market price for such corn is projected to reach 14d within the month; therefore, the maximum price of a standard two pound white loaf will thus increase by halfpenny, to fourpence, and a brown loaf to threepence halfpenny. The maximum price of a pound of black bread will remain at one penny, although mixed breads may increase in price by their proportion of wheaten flour.

  De Stanfield assures importers: No disruption

   THE LORD Master of Trade, The Baron de Stanfield, yesterday reassured international importers of Erbonian wheat corn that there would be no disruptions to their supplies. Great Nortend exports nearly 1·5 million chaldrons of wheat corn per annum abroad, valued at nearly 5 million pounds marten. Reports of a poor wheat harvest this summer have stoked worries that the price of wheat will rise by up to 25 per cent, from their present market price of 10·2833d per bushel of 42 lb/sft wheat corn to potentially over a shilling per bushel thereof.

   The Minister said in letter of comfort addressed to several key import markets, in particular, the Blackhelm Confederacy, that : “His Majesty's Government is confident that the recent decreased harvest of wheat-corn in areas of Greater Erbonia will not adversely impact any export shipments abroad.” The Government warranted supply of “all existing commitments”, which helped to at least temporarily bring back an earlier spike in the market price in the Lendert commodity halls.

   The letter comes after indications that the poor harvest, owing to several prolonged periods of heavy rain across much of east Greater Erbonia, will potentially result in the proclamation of farthing rates for bread and flour under the Bread Act. Typical harvests of around 18 million tons of wheat per annum are projected to drop to only 13 million. The Minister refused to be drawn on whether the Government was prioritising export shipments over domestic supply, but confirmed that the Cabinet was “looking into any contingency measures which may be required in any exigent circumstances as may arise.”

[Nildwalden]

[Scottopian Isles]

COAST GUARD SEIZES BELKAN TANKER OFF HUNTINGTON ISLES

A MOD released photograh from the late night operation, where members of the Coast Guards Maritime Security Response Unit took command of the BRV Ashkenazic off the Scottopian Coast

PORT ELISABETH - In the early hours of the morning, the Scottopian Coast Guard apprehended crew members & detained a tanker suspected of carrying embargoed oil to the Greater Belkan Reich, the first such detention of a ship under the Pan-Astyrian sanctions targeting supplies to the rouge regime outside the immediate conflict zone. The transportation appears to violate the terms of Albeinlandian, Blackhelm, Caledonian as well as several Lorecian Community members embargo's on energy deliveries to the belligerent government which orchestrated an occupation of neighboring Arstotska earlier this year. Along with others, the Royal Commonwealth had issued a proclamation to fully support the international condemnation of Belka by enforcing restrictions upon their economy in all sectors while regional partners where delegated to mitigate the situation.

A world away from the crisis in the Northern Hemisphere however, here in the Scottopian Isles, suspicions are arising not just to where the cargo originated from but the cause for its unusual route. Idea's suggest an circuitous journey to avoid detection in the heavily transited Putin Strait, the continental divide between Lorecia & Teudallum, by heading into the open oceans. All topics will be researched during the investigation. What is known is that the tanker was last recorded as being in the Mederano Sea back in August, where a review of shipping data suggested the tanker looked full, weighed down with cargo, prior to the implantation of sanctions against the country.

Coast Guardsmen transferring the interned crew of the vessel onto other boats following daybreak, to take them ashore to holding facilities in Port Elisabeth

The operation was launched after the Ministry of Defense received information that offered “reasonable grounds” to conclude that the vessel was likely to be delivering its load to Belka in breach of sanctions on that country, according to a issued statement from the government this morning. "The Coast Guard was chosen to lead the way while other authorities prepared ashore for the call to board the ship in the early hours", said a Scottopian Defense Ministry spokeswoman. "45 Coast Guardsmen from the Maritime Security Response Unit boarded the ship from boats and helicopters deployed from Squadron V, the ship was taken without a shot fired or any lives lost. A outstanding success that will have far reaching consequences at the destination.". Vessels included in the operation were: -SICGV Nova Iquoria; CG05, -SICGV Kaka'ako; IC05, -SICGV O'ahu; IC17, -SICGV Constantinoble; PC05 & -SICGV Pydna; PC15

Originally not involved in the initial coalition, this is the first time the Royal Commonwealth has sought measures against Belka since the ongoing conflict there erupted in the summer. Opting out of supplying any materialistic or personal far from home, the Scottopian government has instead offered intelligence to other regional players related to the occupation that has now persisted for months. Few nations have publicly come out to align themselves with the regime throughout the war in North Lorecia, but analysts agree their has to be outside partners behind the scenes in an effort to sustain the Reich's dictatorship's hold on power in order to stall the international community this long. The Blackhelm Confederacy imposed deeper sanctions in early October that went further than the first set of measures, targeting shipping owners, insurers & other third-parties associated with transportation of goods to the Belkan Reich as well as the suppliers to those continued to be affiliated with the barred country, requesting EATA partners to also enforce the policy. This mornings incident is expected to trigger new tensions for the crumpling countries economy as it is thought their reserves will soon begin to deplete.

The BRV Ashkenazic will remain in Scottopian waters, anchored just outside the cities harbour, while the investigation on the crew & cargo persists

BLUEBIRDS SEAL PLACE IN ASTYCUP ROUND OF 16

Scottopian Isles take all 3 points from Match 2 with a single goal
Fans of the national football team rejoiced after a late goal in a tight game ended with a 1-0 victory for the Scottopian Isles over Group C competitors, Kobolis. Nick Russel, forward for the New Greenock United displayed great skill before netting the finishing touch after a lobbing cross from the wing in the 82nd minute. The victory, coupled with that against Costa de Ouro earlier in game 1 of the AstyCup, picks up 6 points in 2 games which automatically sends the Bluebirds into the next round along with Romberg, who also defeated the teams of Kobolis & Costa de Ouro. A final Game 3 will pit both 1st & 2nd place against each other where the Scottopians sit on top of the group due to a greater goal difference than their Rombergian opposition, who have come across as the dark horse of the group. Costa de Ouro currently in 4th place looks to dislodge Kobolis in 3rd place in order to gain that last entry spot in the next round from Group C for the 2019 AstyCup.

Hosts Aswick defeated Hifax 3-0 to go top of Group A, but all 4 teams now have 3 points making the last game of Group Stages anybody's for the taking. Champions from the 2017 Astycup, Khade, lead Group B after a strong 2-1 win over last years hosts Nidwalden. The Aurora Confderacy maintained 2 wins aswll to top Group D, where as Ord Caprica lost a chance to automatically qualify from Group E after a 1-1 draw against a struggling Kamalbia squad. The final Group hosted by Aswick in this years Astycup, Group F, both Trellin & Consular each coming off victories after their Game 1 draw to lead the group.

Aquitayne lost 5-1 to a dominating Polarus squad which sent some of the local support home early, slipping the co-host to 2nd place in Group G. Many goals were scored in Group H, where Nova Deseret put 3 past Scanonia without reply to climb to first place, while 2018 Champions Nynorsk Ostlijord maintained 2nd place with a win 4-2 over Cassone. With a squad consisting mainly of players from the League 1 Championship winning Colchester Landing FC of the 2018 Hesperidesian Soccer League, the Colchester Landing national team has taken first place over San Joaquin Valley in Group I. Hindia Belanda & Kyashi both have a chance to gain the final 3rd entry into the next round. Albeinland held out for a 2-2 draw against Group J favorites Nikolia which places them in first place over their competition. It would have been more entertaining watching paint dry over at the Mesoland-Serettes match, which ended goalless at 0-0. In Group K, Riysa beat Bhormakaro 3-0 to take first place where in Group L, a 4-0 win by Zitru over Equinoxiale qualified them for Round of 16 action. The final match of the group stages, Game 3, is to take place on Tuesday in both host nations, Aswick & Aquaityane. Who will continue their Shot at Glory & who will take early flights home?

[Equinoxiale]

le petit monde
English Version

Nationale Gendarmerie Responds to Repeated Border Incursions

Journalists photograph of economic migrants caught in the spotlight climbing the border fence in Aguichante

MARQUEVILLE - It is estimated that approximately 500 migrants stormed the triple-layered border fence in the communauté of Aguichante on Wednesday morning, with over 100 successfully navigating the barriers in what is said to be the largest such incident of its kind since the initial ATO-EATA deployments of 2016. The pre-dawn assault to cross into the colony was suppressed by police & National Gendarmerie reinforcements by daybreak but not before 114 made it across the division between the 2 countries, according to authorities investigating the breech. This large scale event follows 2 similar attempts at piercing the border in the past 5 days that has left authorities analyzing current patrols & strategic strong points to contend with the ongoing situation.

"The group made no attempt to disguise themselves or their intentions. Their behavior was typical of such economic migrants: they sang songs, joked with each other & lit fires through various parts of the Kamalbian country-side" a government official said in a statement. The assault reportedly began shortly after 4am as the crowd assembled on the opposite side of the border where initial camera footage monitored the congregation growing en mass. However, before police could be placed into positions of deterrence, waves of intruders transcended on multiple points along the security fence. "The crossing was also marred by the throwing of all kinds of objects, from stones, sticks and glass bottles at the responding police" the statement noted, where several officers were treated afterwards for their injuries.

Some 300 migrants stormed the border in Vacherie on Saturday afternoon with another 300 on Sunday morning in Dernier. These events began a 48 hour closure of the nearest entry points, but a combined 80-90 individuals successfully made it through all 3 barriers in what an official described as a "very violent" weekend that left 7 police injured. "To prevent officers from approaching the area where the entry attempt was taking place, the migrants used violence including defensive material such as homemade shields and threw tubes and bottles. They used aerosol cans as flame throwers, hurling sticks & stones." the statement included. Authorities claim 19 illegal entrants are still un-accounted for within the colony from those crossings.

The 420 person-capacity immigration center in Saint-James has overflowed in recent days, brimming with more than 800 detainee's where officials struggle to process a 100 cases a day. It was noted security forces had uncovered evidence that dozens of people from the recent incursions where foreign & had traveled from outside Kamalbia. More worrisome however is that at least 2 dozen have been placed upon international watch lists by either the bloc-alliances or the unstable Kamalbian government, which bars them from legal travel & entry to Equinoxiale. In response to these findings, the government has announced plans to double the amount of with units of the National Gendarmerie present on the border, but some speaking on behalf of opposition groups claim that will not solve the problem only burden law-abiding commuters & local taxpayers. Concerned citizens have called upon their communauté leaders for alternative action from the top levels of government, but lawmakers & le Gouverneur have received both harsh criticism from human rights groups & pressure from international organizations across Astyria with no clear direct assistance from Berique on the matter.

The Border Control Point in Vacherie was closed late Saturday afternoon until Monday evening

[Nynorsk Ostlijord]

Konungdæmið Blaðið

NEW ARCTIC ISLANDS DISCOVERED

MAGNÚSSON - Modern age explorers recently mapped & claimed 47 new islands that have 'appeared' as ice recedes from what was once considered the coastline. Interest has been growing in arctic shipping, much has been invested into the development of new extraction techniques for economic resources as well as military operations in the region, pushing the government to act. Changes brought on by climate change have inevitably given Magnusson more territory to work with in the far North, leading to an expedition that had sailors and researchers exploring new islands in the Arctic Ocean during June through September. The islands, ranging in size from about 18,000 square feet to almost 8 1/2 square miles, were first spotted from approximately 2013-2018, but not officially confirmed until this expedition by Royal Nynorsk Ostlijord Navy & the Landfræðifélag Nynosrk Ostlijord (Geographical Society). The Alþingishúsið, or National Parliament, is expected to discuss the new findings at their next session mid-November, however any confirmation on official names or territorial boundaries is still well off at this point.

"The new islands have been associated with the melting of ice for the past decade or so..." said expedition leader Vice Admiral Kanna. "...Previously there were glaciers pushing far beyond the coastline, but the melting of ice led to the islands emerging bringing with them benefits & challenges." The discoveries come as Magnusson has boosted its funding to our military for Arctic operations by refurbishing bases that will be used by each branch, training specialized units in efforts to get forces better acclimated to the harsh conditions at higher latitudes, opening ports & utilizing runways that have had but limited civilian use in the past years. Recent deployments of modernized radar and air-defense systems guard our national interest in the northern frontier. As the region of Astyria as a whole comes to terms with the new arctic environment, Nynorsk Ostlijord is staying a step ahead.

Trio Merge To Form Lögsögu Landsvæði

RAUDUAR - Three territories in the North-Eastern portions of the nation voted to become a single-entity to be known as Lögsögu. The regions will be consolidated to form the largest landsvæði in the country, running almost from coast to coast. Residents voted to consolidate the three territories of Blar, Gretarsson & Lovenkrands under a unified local government with the regional seat located in Rauduar, former capitol of Gretarsson. The new province will be the second largest in Nynorsk Ostlijord geographically with an area over 27,250 square miles, almost 1/8th the nations size, but will only contain around 180,000 residents.

Voter turnout was relatively high in all three jurisdictions, where Gretarsson had the highest voter turnout at 91%, followed by Lovenkrands at 82% & Blar at 76%. The smallest of the three however, Blar, surprisingly showed the lowest voter turnout but residents were the most supportive of consolidation, with 98% voting for the merger to become apart of Lögsögu. Voters in an nationwide opinion poll were supportive of the merger overall, with 86% voting in agreement with proposal. The decision is the first change to the electoral boundaries within the kingdom since 2006, when the city of Vasterplatte gained its special status similar to that of Magnússon.

Their is a plan to hold a second round of elections next spring for the new local government. While the council will now have 17 representatives who are responsible for the entire landsvæði, each of the three regions will also retain a council of three members with more localized authority. The concept is built on experimental provisions on governance in 2011 legislation concerning local government. This will be the first time the provision is applied.

[Great Nortend]

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TUESDAY · 12 NOVEMBER MMXX · PRINTED IN LENDERT · ONE PENNY

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PARENTS SAY BOYS TOO YOUNG FOR COLLARS

  PARENTS of pupils at St Alban's Junior School in Harrowshot have brought a bill to the Bishop of Polton regarding recent changes in the uniform policy which newly mandates stiffly starched collars for boys. Though education policy at state schools are prescribed by the Board of Schooling, uniform and discipline are matters reserved to the Diocese. The bill of complaint, which instigates legal proceedings in the Consistory Court of the Diocese of Polton, states that boys as young as five or six should not be expected to wear the stiffly starched collars traditionally worn by older children. Previous complaints to the Headmaster, Mr R. Bake, and Principal, Mr L. Seedleigh, were rejected. The Usher, Mr P. Little, told the Regal Post that the change was welcomed by most parents, and that it had been made with community consultation and announced six weeks earlier at Sunday Mattins and Vespers.

  The fifty-six parents named on the bill, of the three hundred or thereabouts recorded on the school registers, argue that it has been the case the junior schools are only permitted to prescribe a general uniform “acceptable” to the families of the area. Junior schools do not typically prescribe a school uniform per se, rather often describing a general code of dress. The St Alban's parents claim that starched collars are “unacceptable” to them, as they are more costly to launder, are difficult to put on and take off, and allegedly inhibit “active and healthful exercise”.

  One parent, who was not listed on the bill, said that the matter was the making of a mountain out of a molehill. She suggested that the new provision be strongly recommended, but ultimately made option. “Those parents who value cleanliness and smartness can choose to send their boys in collars. Parents with other concerns can elect to not.” However, Mrs Batty of the bill of complaint said that the aforementioned parent's proposition was “wrong” and that all of the parents listed on the bill launder their children's collars regularly. “We do not send our children to school in dirty collars.”

[Nildwalden]

[Greater Rhomais]

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Thursday 21st September MMXIX

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SYNODOS CONVOKED

Yesterday, shortly after the Palace Orthros, at about the third hour, the imperial First Secretary published a prostagmatic decree signed by the hand of the Most August Sovereign, commanding that a winter session of the Temporal Synod be convoked. The decree also instructed the First Secretary to prepare a schedule of business to be published on the first Monday before the opening session of the Synod on the 5th December. The Synod is expected to complete its deliberations before the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord, and inside sources have suggested that the most important item of business will be the question of whether or not to raise the tariff levied on all goods imported from countries fallen into the Latin heresy. The Ecumenical Patriarch Gennadios caused outrage amongst the Latin Christian community of Leopolis in September when he commented that the excesses of the Roman Church had become so great that its leaders barely warranted the name 'Christian'. It is thought that the Megas Doux's desire, only very recently expressed, to construct a number of new warships for the Rhomean fleet will require additional funding to be drawn either from levies on the tolerated communities or by a small increase in the imperial head tax. According to a now long-established custom, the Basileus will not raise the head tax without the assent of the Synod.

St Eirini church

Winter Synods are unusual, though not without precedent. The Temporal Synod typically meets from Spring-Autumn every year or every two years. The Synod usually only called at an unusual time if there is an immediate need for its consultation, such as in the case of finances, wars, scandals, or other important matters. The Most August Father of the present Basileus, Leo IX of blessed memory, called regular Synods throughout his reign, and sometimes calling several per year. His son, Basileus Christianos, is therefore not departing from his father's footsteps.

Citizens are encouraged to write to the secretary of the City Prefect, or to one of the city's councillors on the Synod, if they have a matter which they wish to be raised. Petitions are also to be submitted to the Palace by midnight on the 30th November. As is expected, the location for this winter's Synod has been set at the church of St Eirini, to the Northeast of the Palace-St Sophia complex.

Gendarme Honoured for Bravery

Gold Cross of the OS

Michaïl Branas of the Royal Gendarmerie was honoured by the August Basilissa Alexandra this week for his bravery in the line of duty, being awarded the Gold Cross of the Order of the Saviour. He was also promoted to the rank of Hypenomotarchis (Gendarme Sergeant) on the same day. Sergeant Branas was called to the village of Kyrerai in the Leopolis Eparchy, after reports of an armed individual attempting to rob passing vehicles on the road. On arrival he was shot at by the assailant and wounded in the left arm, but despite his injuries he managed to overpower the robber and call for other officers. The robber, named as Petros Gregoridis, is being held in Leopolis' Tourion Prison, where he awaits trial for robbery on a public highway, and assaulting a praetor-level official.

"It is men like these," the Basilissa said in her speech, "who preserve the integrity of our commonwealth." Ho Leon reached out to the inhabitants of Kyrerai for comment. One of them, Balsamon, who has farmed the land there for all his life, said, "It was amazing to see. I have never seen a man with such strength. He kept us safe." However, Margarita, his wife, said "Don't listen to anything Balsamon says. The man lives in his own imagination."

See pp. 10-11 for double-page report on the Peirassa fisheries