Yukon Begins Pt. II [IC | Region Only]

[46566]

Grand Duke Agrees to Trodenhiem proposals
Midgar-The Grand Duke of 46566 has officially put his stamp of approval to the treaty from the Empire of Trodenhiem. The trade bill ended up passing the Imperial Senate 351 to 149 with surprisingly a majority of the Communist party voting for the treaties. The bulk of the EPP party voted against the trade treaty citing the possibility of the loss of jobs to foreign countries. The formal recognition treaty was directly signed by the Grand Duke. Unlike treaties with trade parts or trade agreements the Grand Duke is allowed to directly sign political and diplomatic agreements he wishes. This movement is the first formal treaties the Grand Duchy has signed in Yukon.

Imperial Senate and Grand Duke formally send a Trade agreement to Samakia
Midgar- The Imperial Senate has passed a Trade bill headed by the Grand Duchies Communist party to formally send a trade agreement to Samakia. The bill passed by the same margin as the Trodenhiem trade bill 351-149. The treaty is written as follows:

1)Agreement on mutual none tariffs trade in raw resources between the two(2) countries.
2)Limits tariffs on manufactured goods to no more then five(5) percent.
3)Limited investment opportunities in each nation.

Grand Duchy proposes Yukon Monetary Fund
Midgar- The Grand Duchy of 46566 has formally announced it's interest in forming a in a international monetary organization called the Yukon Monetary Fund. The organization is to help stabilize foreign trade by independently track currency exchanges,National GDP,population and other factors due to trade. At this time the proposal is a weak agreement of passive control and view of each members economy. The organization also seeks to help establish a series of credit ratings for each member nation to state how safe investment is for each nation. The Grand Duchy would like to nominate the city of Fourside as the formal headquarters of the proposed organization but states that each nation will have a home office. The organization will be staffed by a combination of all member populations.

Finance points 150 spent on resource stat points. This gives me 2 extra tier 1 resources and one tier 2 resources. gains tier 1 Clean Water and Lead resources. Gains Tier 2 Silver resource.

[Vvarden]

Zoroshthurvan News Service: Foreign Edition

Construction On New City Begins


"Construction has started for the city of Relsdran, planned to be
built near the Saratogan border. The basic municipalities and services
of Relsdran is estimated to be built within five years. The city
is being built to help cope with the current
population boom as more Vvardeni started having several children"

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Senate Commissions Archaeological Expedition In Northwest Vvarden


"The Senate has commissioned the Vvardeni Archaeological Society
to excavate ruins found near the borders of the Grand Duchy,
believing they may be remains of some of the cities within the Seven States.
The Seven States period was instrumental to Vvarden and it's people
and it is likely that an even larger expedition will soon follow.
The ruins lie under the town of Bolastar-Tobrelo, which is believed
to be built on top of the former capital of the Kingdom of Hlaao.
Bolastar-Tobrelo is a famous tourist site due to the many ruins
found throughout the landscape nearby."

A portrait of the Grand Speaker painted just after he became ruler of Vvarden

Top Headline: Saratogan Summit
After much discussion, the Vvardeni Restored Oligarchic Senate has decided to send a diplomatic team to Saratoga in order to debate solutions of the ownership of the Dulo Isles. The team, lead by the Grand Speaker and his foreign minister, Luaosi Telaandil is being sent in the hopes of reaching an agreement to help the Senate and the people of Vvarden.

The Grand Speaker is known to be a shrewd, clever and somewhat gifted diplomat, and this among many of his other traits rose him to prominence in the First Senatorial Elections only a few years ago, when he was known by the name Lord Ralos Nivastar tred Zorosh, before which a caretaker government under Ineyan Samaendas took over government in Vvarden. Vvarden is a relatively new nation on the national stage, with the Grand Speaker having surpassed three of his twenty years in office. He won the crowds early due to his effective arguments along with an added appeal of being the last descendant of the Last Emperor, which gave the people of Vvarden a confidence that things would change. There were some blunders though in the election, and near the end it became almost a tie between the Grand Speaker and his running opponent Salnziah Selanos, who represented the Nationalist Faction within the Senate. She is no longer the leader of her Faction, and is now a retired Speaker. The Grand Speaker has announced his Co-Speaker would rule Vvarden whilst the Grand Speaker was away for the Summit. Much like his Samakian counterpart, the Grand Speaker has allowed the main arguments of his side in the debate to be viewed and published by media.



The Restored Oligarchic Senate's demands are as follows:

• The continuation of the Vvardeni occupation of the the Dulo Isles
• The continuation of the Vvardeni occupation of the Isle of Sehaambelnim
• That the Samakian Government allow Vvardeni fishermen and merchants to travel to the Samakian mainland
• That the Samakian Goernment renounce any claims they have on the Dulo Isles
• That a joint-nation Vvardeni-controlled archaeological team excavate any archaeological sites for equal distribution between the countries for display in museums and educational purposes

These demands may yet change with time.

More news updates will occur shortly.

[St Saratoga]

Saratogan Times - International
"Keeping Saratoga informed of all of the affairs domestic & international."
Busy day for the Senate & Chancellor Durr!

Cost: K$ 1.50

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Senate Chambers, Rogerbei, Saratoga -- The Senate voted on 2 majors proposals today, First being the Gulf Union which was voted down 315-235, Seconding being a request for military assistances from Vvarden to assist in their fight against domestic terrorism which was approved 441-212. Lastly, Saratoga will be hosting peace discussions between Vvarden & Samakia for the Dulo Isles dispute.

The Senate voted down the Gulf Union proposed by 46566 yesterday after ferocious debate over the Union in the last hours of the session. The trade union contained resources which Saratoga is in need of which had more center leaning Senators pushing hard for the Gulf Union to be approved but more radical members of the Senate felt that the Gulf Union would invite outside influence in the Gulf.

A member of the Socialist Party of Saratoga stated that, "We can't allow nations outside the gulf to think they have the authority to micromanage and simply not going to enable imperialism to dominate our friends, neighboring, and Saratoga herself. This is something that we are going to oppose and combat against in our international and domestic affairs, this deal was rigged."

The Senate approved the military assistance request from our neighbor Vvarden to assist in quelling the domestic terrorism issue the nations is dealing with. Soon after the vote, the Saratogan High Command issued order to send the fleet which was already deployed in the Gulf to get within airstrike range of Vvarden so that Saratoga can assist with carrier based air support. The Saratogan High Command also is in the process of redeploying the 110th Marine & the 86th Paratrooper Divisions to Vvarden help root out terrorist controlled stronghold.

The Commander in charge of those forces is Grand Admiral Simpson Wolf. Grand Admiral Wolf was is most notable for his close work with the Department of Defense & Armaments in constructing, organizing, and training a modern, sizable navy. He was awarded the North Star, which is the second highest military honor you can receive as a serviceman/women. He has been apart of the navy for 15 years, graduating from Upper Gulf Naval Academy 4th in his class.

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Chancellor Durr announced this afternoon that Saratoga would be serving as a neutral spot of negotiations between the Vvarden-Samakian Dulo Isles dispute. The Chancellor hope to serve as a mediator between the two parties and is hopeful that a solution will be found. The Chancellor has emphasized that any disagreements between any of the gulf nations affects every nation in the gulf and these disagreements should be resolved internally before resorting to outside influence in the matter or in a worst case scenario war.

The Department of International Affairs has vowed to keep affected parties and media informed on the nature and progress of the talks but will divulge any information until an agreement can be found then signed off on. Chancellor Durr will personally be leading the discussion but plans on only being involved in the conversation to make sure that it remains civil and on task. Prime Minister Templeman press secretary released a statement applauding the decision to come to the negotiating table and offers that all resources necessary for the talks will be provided to them.

The talks are to take place at the prestigious Proletariat Mansion, Home to the monarch of Saratoga, King Phillip Chamberlain & his family, who are vacationing in New Haven, Saratoga. The delegation will travel directly from Rogerbei International Airport to the Mansions but will have opportunities to travel around Saratoga if requested.

We will keep you informed of any more developments about these talks and are offering 24/7 coverage of the talks as they happen.

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John Hammerschmidt
Senior Political Correspondent
Saratogan Times

[Onza]

Kunta, Onza - President Xolani Kojo met and discussed the possibility of establishing international affairs at length with delegates from Vvarden, Trodenhiem, Columbia, and the Grand Duchy today, according to an administration spokesperson.

"The President did, indeed, meet with all four of them individually and discussed relations with them," said the spokesperson. "Afterwards, he thanked the four for their time and expressed a desire to establish strong ties with those seeking to promote principles that align with Onzaian values."

In a separate press conference, the President was asked about notices from two nations - Trodenhiem and Columbia - discouraging western expansion. "I don't think what they're asking for is unreasonable," began Kojo in response. "I think that our recent annexation of La Republica de Merida in the West may have prompted some concern, but I can assure to all those paying attention overseas and right next door that we have no interest in expanding into territories west of us," he said. "I consider those territories as belonging to Columbia."

He was then asked about the specifics of proposed deals that were published by media in Vvarden, Trodenhiem, Columbia, and the Grand Duchy. "I reiterate that I've met with these four nations' respective ambassadors personally and expressed where we stood, but for the sake of the question, we like the Vvardeni agreement as it is, we're happy to trade our linen and copper with Trodenhiem, we're happy to accept the territorial and non-aggression agreements coming from Columbia, and we're happy to trade with the Grand Duchy as well as any other proposals they may have," he said, adding that "We also acknowledge the land and border claims of all of these nations."

---------------------------

Kigali, Onza - Vice President Desta Tendai met with police leaders to praise the virtual eradication of the drug trade in Kigali today. "It is thanks to the efforts of you - the sacrifices, the daily risk of being a police officer - that this city is now proudly drug free," he said to an audience of several hundred police officers, detectives, special agents, and other police workers.

However, critics have already called into question the accuracy of Tendai's statement. "In order to declare your city 'drug free,' you need to take a walk down al-Khalifa boulevard. Look to your left, and look to your right - if in either direction you see people smoking out of a pipe, then your city isn't drug free," wrote a prominent police-culture writer, Zuberi Enitan, who also lectures at the University of Kigali on police brutality and corruption. "I have no doubt that Mr. Tendai knows exactly how baseless his statement is," the blog post read, which charged the Vice President with intentionally deceiving the public about drug arrest figures.

While the drug trade has been down in Kigali since then-Police Commissioner Xolani Kojo oversaw the arrest of prominent Meridian cartel bosses, reports have surfaced suggesting that drugs still flow through the city. "We believe that these are drugs left over from the cartel days," said KPD Chief of Police Gwandoya Olukayode. "From what we can tell, there is no significant flow coming from any exterior sources any longer, which is what I think the Vice President was referring to," he said.

But critics like Enitan still maintain that the Vice President spoke erroneous during his speech. "Cutting off the supply is not enough alone. The city isn't drug free until there are proper resources in place to deal with addiction," said Enitan in a follow-up with the OCNA. "One step has been taken towards repairing the problem - we are still a far cry from being able to properly declare mission accomplished," he said.

[Promethius Prime]

The Celestial Empire of
Trodenhiem

---

Government Communique
Formal Economic Proposals toOnza

His Supreme Imperial Majesty the Emperor, Konstantin IX, and his Chief Minister to the Foreign Office, the Markgraf von Ulrics have met with numerous advisors, ministers, and civil servants - as well as with Onza's diplomatic delegation, and have discussed at length a trading agreement that the Empire wishes to forward for your consideration. We wish to outline the formal terms of the agreement as follows:

ARTICLE I: Both the Celestial Empire and Onza agree to the relaxing of immigration and visa controls between the two nations, so as to encourage tourism, business, and educational exchanges. This would include more streamlined visa and immigration procedures, greater ease of travel and fully recognised travel rights and freedom of movement to all passport holders.

ARTICLE II: Both the Celestial Empire and Onza agree to the mutual opening of stock, money, and financial markets. This will mean that businesses from both nations may operate freely within these aforementioned markets so long as they adhere to the laws and regulations of the nation in which they are trading, and pay the appropriate taxes on their earnings through this business.

ARTICLE III: The Celestial Empire agrees to the untaxed movement of Onza's economic shipping as far into the Troden controlled sector of the Taranmerea Strait as the Troden Free Economic Zone, in Czerniy. And shipping wishing to pass beyond this point will have to pay the usual trading tariffs as imposed by the respective owner of the territorial waters in question.

---

Government Communique
Proposed Treaty of Mutual Recognition with Onza

In addition to the aforementioned economic agreements it is the wish of His Supreme Imperial Majesty that a Mutual Recognition Treaty be signed between our two countries; this Treaty would set out the formal terms of mutual recognition for each nation and form the basis of future diplomatic relations.

ARTICLE I: The Celestial Empire of Trodenhiem shall recognise Onza's maritime and territorial claims within the Weeping Sea as of the signing of this Treaty.

ARTICLE II: Onza shall recognise the Celestial Empire of Trodenhiem's maritime and territorial claims within Taran and the Three Straits.

ARTICLE III: Onza shall recognise of the terms of the Tri-Strait Agreement, as negotiated between Columbia and Trodenhiem.

ARTICLE IV: The Celestial Empire shall recognise Onza's right to expand its territories east as far as the Vvardenni border, unimpeded through the use of diplomatic, economic, or military sanctions.

ARTICLE V: Onza shall recognise The Celestial Empire's right to expand its territories north as far as the Kavoan Ocean so long as no territorial expansions are made east of the Blucher-Herzog Line, unimpeded through the use of diplomatic, economic, or military sanctions.

ARTICLE VI: Onza and the Celestial Empire agree to a state of mutual non-aggression, of a military nature, so long as the terms of this treaty are not infringed, and so long as Onza retains a state of non-aggression with Columbia.

The Blucher-Herzog Line.

---

Government Communique
Specific Trading Proposals to Onza

Finally His Supreme Imperial Majesty the Emperor, Konstantin IX, and his Chief Minister to the Foreign Office, the Markgraf von Ulrics wish to forward the following agreement for Onza's consideration:

ARTICLE I: Onza shall agree to prioritise the export of LINEN to Trodenhiem by reducing export tariffs to said nation and offering subsidies to businesses for specific exportation to Trodenhiem. HOWEVER the Onzan government accepts that prior trading agreements which the Celestial Empire has with Columbia take precedence in this regard - therefore tariffs shall not be eliminated altogether.

ARTICLE II: Onza shall agree to prioritise the export of COPPER to Trodenhiem by reducing export tariffs to said nation and offering subsidies to businesses for specific exportation to Trodenhiem. HOWEVER the Onzan government accepts that prior trading agreements which the Celestial Empire has with Columbia take precedence in this regard - therefore tariffs shall not be eliminated altogether.

ARTICLE III: The Celestial Empire shall encourage the export of TEA, SILKS, DYES, and SPICES to Onza by reducing export tariffs to said nation and offering subsidies to businesses for specific exportation to Onza. HOWEVER the Onzan government accepts that prior trading agreements which the Celestial Empire has with Columbia take precedence in this regard - therefore tariffs shall not be eliminated altogether.

---

All Communications Signed And Sealed
Imperial Foreign Office & Office of HSIM Konstantin IX
His Supreme Imperial Majesty, Konstantin IX, Autocrat of Arcadia Once Great; King of the Troden, Promethians, and Zues; Tyrant of Thedes and Emperor and Autocrat of the Four Cadias, and Prince of the Ruhr; Elector of the Crimson Throne; By the Grace of the Thirteen, Emperor of Trodenhiem and Defender of the Realm.

[Croxoco]

DELETED

[Vvarden]

The sun was high in the Vokun steppe as Official Torvos and his men sat in the seats of their vehicles in one large convoy. Close to ten vehicles, each with ten soldiers sitting in the open back of the trucks passed over the muddy paths.
"How much longer do we have to drive across this steppe?" He asked the driver sitting next to him
"Only twenty minutes, sir."

Suddenly the tires burst with an almighty blast, jolting the Official, almost catapulting him onto the dashboard.
"Damn!" Official Torvos shouted as he saw the trap. It was hastily built, but clever. It was well hidden in the grass and mud, a line of small sharp metal spikes in the valley, connecting from hill to hill. It was a small valley, the Vvardeni on the path in the middle of it, hills on either side.

A shot rang out through the cold air. A figure at the front of the Vvardeni line fell. Everyone paused for what seemed like forever. Then it started. Suddenly multitudes of shots rang out, finding marks in the unprepared Vvardeni. Vvardeni took cover behind their vehicles and aimed their guns at the Vokun at the top of the hill. Several of the few Vokun that stood up to get a better view were shot. For what seemed like an hour the two sides shot at one another, with sub machine and rifle fire. Based on Official Torvos' watch, it had only been three minutes. He took cover behind one of the trucks, shooting vaguely at shapes lying down at the crest of a hill. A figure fell, rolling down the hill, revealing the patterned cloth and padded leather clothing of the nomadic Vokun. But there was something else at the top, something long and metallic.

"Take cover!" Torvos called as he recognised the rocket launchers just over the crest of a hill. But it was too late for some. A large missile flew through the air and hit a truck side-on, detonating the engine, bursting it into one great fireball. The Vokun cheered in a long guttural tribal cry and climbed their mounts before charging down into the valley. Some fired guns whilst charging down. The soldiers started to form up lines and fired. Vokun mounts fell, but still they charged on. The lines clashed with a massive roar of metal hitting metal and the crackle of gunfire at point blank range. Some of the Vokun were dismounted but more came down from the hills.

It was chaos. A dismounted Vokun stabbed a Vvardeni in the chest before kicking off the body from his sword. A Vvardeni kicked a Vokun with a spear off of him before firing his rifle, shooting the Vokun square in the chest.

"Shoot!" Official Torvos shouted to the few soldiers that had formed up and they fired into the flanks of the men in combat, shooting down both Vokun and Vvardeni alike. The Vokun then charged again at the remaining Vvardeni, like a living wave of sharp weapons and bayonets and gunfire. The Vvardeni parried but were slowly losing. More Vokun came over from the hills. Torvos dodged a Vokun's spear and grabbed it, before thrusting a sword into his throat. His braided ponytail was now let loose, revealing long silver hair. He roared like a lion and kicked a Vokun in the groin before finishing his opponent off with a stab to the solar plexus.

Then Torvos spotted one of the figures fighting in the chaos. Torvos knew the ways of the Vokun. He knew their Ashkhans, their chieftains leading fights from the front, but this was the first time he'd seen one in combat. He made a short laugh of satisfaction before charging at the Ashkhan, bringing his sword down. The Ashkhan bathed in patterned red robes parried the attack, swiping Torvos' sword down. Torvos let his sword follow before punching the Ashkhan in the face with his spare hand. He dodged a desperate swipe, grabbing hold of the Ashkhans' sword, Torvos' hand incarnadine with red before smashing his head onto the Ashkhans', causing the Vokun to fall to his knees before getting up with furious strength. They fought like Ralos I and Shuripishi, the last Vokun, in Zoroshthurvan, when Shuripishi entered the Palace arrayed in arms and armour, demanding a contest over the rulership of the Old Empire. They stabbed and shashed. Around them the air filled with the groans of pain, guns firing, the sounds of bullets hitting flesh. Torvos managed to grab hold of the Vokun's arm and bring his blade into the Ashkhan.

The Ashkhan made a groan of pain and fell. Torvos removed his blade from the Ashkhan's waist. He didn't want to kill him instantly, Torvos wanted to savour the experience. An enemy of his, a Vokun Ashkhan who had refused to follow the laws made to protect others, making his tribe and the neighbouring tribes suffer for it. Now Torvos was to send this wretch to his pitiable polytheistic gods. The Ashkhan sat kneeling, his face contorted with pain. Torvos raised his sword high, ready to behead the barbarian in front of him. He let his sword swing, but suddenly it fell to the ground, Torvos writhing in agony as a dagger entered his shoulder blade. He screamed in a vocal mixture of rage and pain and pulled the dagger out, throwing it into the maelstrom around him. He saw the battle around him.

Most of the Vvardeni were now dead or had surrendered, the Vokun surging over them and overwhelming them with numbers. Torvos stood as the Vokun surrounded him in an arc. He let out a desperate smile and ran. He ran as fast as he could, his wounded leg and shoulder slowing him down. Torvos kept on running over the hills, across the grass. The Vokun were no longer pursuing. He looked over his shoulder and saw the bullet that a second later entered his spinal cord, severing it, killing Torvos immediately.

"Got him my Ashkhan." Said the young Vokun, putting down the scoped rifle.

"Good." Said the Ashkhan before he winced from the pain of his wound, standing onto his feet. "This will teach them not to come here any more." He turned around to the many grey skinned, red eyed warriors of his tribe. "Garlas Malatar foretold this! They gave us weapons and ammunition, and precious intelligence. Garlas Malatar will help us take back the steppe! They will help us restore our glory!"

He raised his spear into the air and the crowd cheered the name of Garlas Malatar. The Vvardeni robed in blue sitting beside the Ashkhan, it's face hiding under a silver mask smiled a grin, a grin of a predator that found an ally to share the sheep with.

[Airatania]

Airatania, Trodenhiem to sign sweeping treaty package
Package includes agreements on trade, non-aggression, and future expansion of borders
MIRACUS, Airatania -- Airatanian diplomatic officials announced today that the country will formally sign several new agreements with the Celestial Empire of Trodenhiem. According to Rebecca Helms, Deputy Press Secretary for the State Department, Airatania and it's neighbor to the southwest have agreed in principle to several deals, including deals on trade between the two countries, non-aggression pacts, and a deal which will regulate the future expansion of each nation's borders.

"We plan to sign the agreements in a formal ceremony as soon as we can arrange it with Trodenhiem," Helms said during the morning news conference. "All that is left now is to find a suitable location, print up the documents, and fill the pens with ink."

The treaty package, being referred to as the Trodenhiem-Airatania Regional Relations Pact (TARRP), includes several monumental moves, including creating an exclusive deal with Trodenhiem on the export of uranium to their nation. ANN Foreign Affairs Analyst Matthew Allen told ANN's NewsCenter today that the deal will make Trodenhiem the exclusive recipient of Airatania's uranium exports. "It's a critical deal, because it essentially gives Trodenhiem a monopoly on uranium from Airatania, which is really an unprecedented concession," Allen said.

Additionally, the expansion portion of the treaty will create a limit to Airatanian expansion westward, as well as a limit to Trodenhiem's expansion northward. This boundary is being referred to in the TARRP package as the Blucher-Herzog line. "This is significant because it allows Airatania to have room for a large expansion westward without impeding on Trodenhiem's ability to move northward on the west coast of the continent," Allen said during the interview. "I think this is a very reasonable deal that will give both nations what they want in terms of expansion, while still accommodating each other."

Helms says that Airatania's next goal is to secure more significant agreements with other nations, including Saratoga. "We invite any nation interested in such treaties to reach out to us. Our peaceful and beneficial involvement in world affairs is very critical to this nation and our own goals," Helms said.

Stay with ANN for all the latest information.

[St Saratoga]

'

Chancellor Durr arrive at the Proletariat Mansion with Deputy Chancellor Hussein Syed for peace talks over the Dulo Isles dispute talks.

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Proletariat Mansion, Saratoga -- Chancellor Durr & Deputy Chancellor Hussein Syed arrived at the Proletariat Mansion so to be followed by the Vvarden & Samakian delegations to discuss the Dulo Isles dispute. The talks are expected to take some time but the Chancellor has stated many times that she, "Is confident that a positive outcome will be agreed upon by the times the talks are adjourned."

Chancellor Durr will be assisting in the talks as a mediator to guide the discussion towards a peaceful resolution. Durr will also be assisted by newly appointed Deputy Chancellor Hussein Syed who will serve as support for the Chancellor for fact checking and resource management. The will be the Deputy Chancellor's first major event since being appointed.

These peace talks is the first step in Chancellor Durr's plan to introduce Saratoga to the international community. The Chancellor is expected to send Deputy Chancellor Syed to western nations to open dialogue once the talks are completed. The Deputy Chancellor's assignment is assumed to be to setup relations and trade deals with western nations to shore up the nations shortage of certain resources.

Schedule for the Dulo Isles talks was released by the Press office of the Chancellor which will proceed like this:

Day1
AverageDaySceduele
DayofAgreement

The Chancellor hopes that this will also serve as an opportunity to experience other nations cultures and hopefully bring the nations closer together in every aspect during these talks. The food & drink which is going to be served at the talks was directly imported from all of the nations involved in the talks and will be cooked in culturally traditional ways. After the talks are completed, the public will have a chance to try the leftover food & drink by stopping by their appropriate city halls, precincts, and other government buildings. The Administration hopes that by have Saratogans trying these foods it will create a demand for foreign food industries to come to Saratoga and open business.

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Gordan Yets
Senior Domestic News Reporter
Saratoga Republican News

[The Landfish Colonies]

Government Activity
Dulo Isles Summit

Samakian Prime Minister Kofi Ezekwesili surrounded by news teams near Rogerbei

Prime Minister Kofi Ezekwesili arrived in a Rogerbei airport shortly after 8am, along with a team of diplomats and Samakian officials set to represent the interests of the Socialist People's Republic of the Dulo Isles Issue. While eager to take part in negotiations, Ezekwesili has raised the question of the dubbing of the conference as "Peace Talks".

"Peace talks implies that we are at war with Vvardeni, and I can assure you that couldn't be farther from the truth." The Samak Prime Minister told press upon landing in Rogerbei International, "Peace talks are conducted after violence. And as far as I'm aware, there has been no violence. Only a misunderstanding."

At the same time, Samakian officials, including General Secretary Bankole, have called the Vvardeni demands unreasonable. "Those islands were inhabited by Samak for centuries, before they were expelled from their homes by Vvardeni Imperialists." General Secretary Tymeo Bankole offered local news agencies in the Samakian capitol of Gavanay. He young Head of State claimed that the occupation of the Islands is a blatant disrespect to Samakian Culture, and that the action was taken by the Vvardeni government to purposefully heighten tensions in the region, in an attempt to play the victim before the international community.

Tymeo Bankole has also condemned any outsider intervention in the matter, specifically any military advanced made by western nations, "This is a regional matter, and as such should be settled within our region. Not by outsider imperialists only concerned for themselves." Explained Bankole, "Threats of violence will in no way subdue tensions."

Grand Duchy-Samakian Trade Deal

The Samakian government has accepted the proposed trade deal by the Grand Duchy, though at this time will not consider becoming a member state of the Yukon Monetary fund. The trade agreement will, in the words of the General Secretary Bankole, "Help to form friendly ties with foreign states". Bankole has also offered to meet with Grand Duchy Communist Party leaders in Gavanay, Samakia.

[Onza]

President Accepts Troden Proposals

Kalahar, Onza - Following a lengthy meeting with his staff, President Xolani Kojo has announced that the Emirates will accept The Celestial Empire of Trodenhiem's Formal Economic Proposal, Treaty of Mutual Recognition, and Specific Trading Proposals.

The agreements include the prioritization of linen and copper exports to Trodenhiem, which the National Assembly is expected to accomplish by reducing tariffs and offering tax incentives to businesses. In exchange, Onza will import tea, silks, dyes, and spices from Trodenhiem. The treaties also include various acknowledgements of borders and territorial claims, as well as an agreement of mutual non-aggression between the two nations.

The accepting of these deals follows the President's decision to accept Columbia's trade and non-aggression propositions just a few weeks ago in what appears to be a trend among the Kojo administration. "As we've said before, we value our relations with our immediate neighbors as well as with our distant neighbors," the International Affairs Ministry said in an official response to inquiries by various Assemblymen concerning the Emirates' changing foreign policy. "We intend to continue pursuing these types of agreements with any nation that is committed to the stability of our international community."

Office of National History Issues Statement on Meridian Annexation

Former territories of Merida shown in black

Kunta, Onza - In response to President Kojo's recent invocation of the Onzaian Annexation of La Republica de Merida as a potential cause for concern amongst Columbian leaders, the Office of National History issued a statement reiterating the official rationale behind the annexation, which occurred 12 years ago, as quoted from then-President Añuli Ife herself. The statement also provided some background to the international community as well as Onzaians who are unaware of the events following the annexation.

Many of the official records maintained by the Office of National History are used by various political movements to further their agenda. Therefore, it was written into our Office's Establishing Charter that we refrain from partaking in partisan or other subjective politics at all times. However, we have decided after much thought and deliberation that it is important for the sake of the general knowledge which our Office is sworn to promote that we issue this response to the recent invocation of the Annexation of La Republica Merida on the global political stage, purely for the sake of assisting all who intend to debate the merits of this debate by providing an official statement from then-President Añuli Ife on the day of the annexation. Part of her statement follows.

"My fellow Onzaians, it is without a doubt that you know that our military has been working around the clock and risking their lives to bring peace and stability to our neighboring nation, La Republica de Merida. However, as of today, I am proud to declare that our mission in that region has succeeded. Top diplomats from the Emirates have met with Meridian leaders and have reached an Annexation Agreement, which will include the United Democratic Emirates of Onza fully admitting Merida into the union. This agreement took much thought and a lot of debate, and I have no doubt that there will be critics who suggest that I've overstepped my bounds by authorizing this admission, but I assure you that what I am doing, I am doing with all of our best interests at heart. We simply cannot turn the other cheek while drug cartels run the nation and torment innocents by the thousands on a daily basis. Our military was doing its best to stop this, but with this annexation, we will be able to allocate police resources to the region, and therefore begin to stop the flow of harm, and repair the damage that has been done. I am very proud to announce that the National Police Commissioner, who has accomplished more in his tenure than nearly any other public servant in our history, Xolani Kojo, will be in charge of organizing the police's efforts in that region. We're doing this because human rights are deserved by every single human being - no exceptions. We will continue fighting until that goal is accomplished."

Following this, the National Assembly called an emergency session in which a ten-hour hearing panel was held to determine whether or not President Ife overstepped her boundaries as President. The hearing found in a narrow vote that Ife did not abuse any of her powers, but public outrage remained high. Within the same year, however, police approval ratings reached an all-time high as the campaign to bring stability to Merida was highly publicized and widely portrayed in media as a major success. Ten years later, Police Commissioner Xolani Kojo announced his intention to run for President. Following his election, however, groups began to question just how effective the campaign in the West was, and a prominent political bloc now continues to challenge the perception that the police effort was successful.

We hope this provides a bit of context to those who were not previously knowledgeable about the Onzaian Annexation of Merida, which still maintains its status as a city-state, but under Onzaian jurisdiction.

[Vvarden]

Zoroshthurvan News Service: Foreign Edition

Skyscraper Collapse in Zoroshthurvan


There are many antique buildings in Zoroshthurvan in poor condition
"A building has collapsed in central Zoroshthurvan today, killing twenty and
injuring five hundred, mostly for minor wounds. The C Tower, a residential
building built near the end of the Old Empire, was in a state of repairs for that time
and so there was extraordinary little loss of life. "

---

Crackdown on nomadic Vokun after soldiers wiped out in ambush Northeast Vvarden


A Nomadic Vokun warrior in traditional armour
"A team of soldiers today travelling in the Vokun steppe to monitor a nomadic
tribe has been ambushed and wiped out, with no survivors. It is believed that
the group of nomadic Vokun may be aligned with Garlas Malatar and that they
may be responsible for organizing such an ambush. A crackdown policy
on the nomadic Vokun has just narrowly been defeated in the Senate, with
Co-Speaker Samarus refusing to pass it through until the Grand Speaker
returns."

Top Headline: Saratogan Summit

The Grand Speaker has now arrived today after a short flight from Zoroshthurvan to Rogerbei with his team of diplomats and Vvardeni Speakers of the Senate, including his Foreign Affairs Speaker Luaosi Telaandil. The Grand Speaker was interviewed quickly after arrival, during which he reinstated his core points and spoke about his position with who should control the Dulo Isles.

I have stated, I am stating and I will be stating my view that a majority of the Dulo Isles, if not all of them should belong to the Senate and the people of Vvarden." The Grand Speaker spoke at Rogerbei International. In reply to the Samak allegations he spoke "I personally do not agree with the Samak statements made on Vvardeni imperialism. I am willing to compromise, to share if needs be, unlike the Samakian Government. I will agree with the decision reached at the end in a show of respect, whether it fits with my goals or not. This is a very controversial issue and we shall solve it in a timely and diplomatic manner."

The Speaker for Foreign Affairs, Luaosi Telaandil, also talked with press at the airport. "To be honest I find, and the Senate finds the Samakian claims on the entire Dulo Isles to be unnecessary and somewhat childish. We are fighting and arguing about the past when we are here for the present. I know our races have had very troubling relations in ancient times, but that is no excuse to exercise wargames and claims on Vvardeni land that has for centuries been uninhabited and unpopulated, except the Isle of Sehaambelnim, of which the Samak populations on Sehaambelnim are still there to this day. Hardly what the Samak Government claims to be exile."

The Grand Speaker's plane arriving in Rogerbei

The Grand Speaker is now on his way to the Proletarian Mansion after meeting the Saratogan Prime Minister Templeman, after which meetings, conferences and discussions shall continue through the day.

Missing Sections Of Sword Of Hlervin Llervu Found

A relief of a section of the Sword Of Hlervin Llervu, where the
Vvardeni Emperor Ralos I defeats and kills a Vokun pretender
in a duel

In a recent recovery mission organised by the Restorers, a secretive group in Vvarden seeking to find lost knowledge from the Old Empire, several missing sections of The Sword of Hlervin Llervu written by the Warrior-Poet Emperor Ralos III in 11371 has been found in the entrance chamber in a ruin under the Zoroshthruvan city sewers. It is believed the ruins under the city sewers are large and expansive based on geophysics ground surveys, which may indicate a possible location for the legendary Library of the Old Empire, or even an ancient tomb complex. The now recovered parts are now undergoing translation.

The Sword of Hlervin Llervu is an epic saga written by Emperor Ralos III on his campaigns against the Draddeni (Westermen in Vvardeni) on the Neck Landbridge (Llan Thoreri in Vvardeni). It details the life of a family man turned mercenary captain named Hlervin Llervu set against the backdrop of the Collapse of the Vokun Empire. Hlervin Llervu witnesses atrocities by his mercenary group under command of the Vokun and is shocked and apalled. He is forced to commit attacks against innocents and then one day he fakes his own death, then retiring to become a hermit, meeting with several priests and telling them of his crimes.

In the end he finds acceptance and goes back to the world to find the Vokun Empire is in the process of collapsing. He finds his family and his children all grown up, and Hlervin decides to take his eldest son, Feldyn with him when he joins an army under Gamris R'zamrethi, a key leader in the rebellion against the Vokun. His son dies in the Battle of Gulsndras, the biggest and most bloody battle of the rebellion, with a million men taking part within it, and half that number becoming casualties. After which, Hlervin harbors a lifelong hate against Vokun. It is unclear what happens next due to missing sections but presumably he becomes a soldier in the Kingdom of Endusid, as that is where it begins again. Hlervin meets the future Emperor Ralos and becomes one of his guards after saving his life when the Kingdom of Endusid fractures into civil war. Hlervin then accompanies the now-King Ralos through all his battles, and then at the Battle of Falsdstar he is almost killed in a cavalry ambush.

Hlervin once again becomes a hermit and visits the temple where he visited before, going on a path of redemption. Inspired, he joins back up with Ralos' bodyguards at the Siege of Zoroshthurvan, killing the last Vokun Emperor's chief guard. Hlervin is then appointed a Duke. He then returns home to see his house burnt down and his family killed by a Vokun raid. Depressed, he commits suicide by falling on his sword, the one he carried through all his battles, and the Emperor Ralos, saddened by his loss, builds a statue in the Zoroshthurvan Central District, as one of the many 100 statues of the Saviours of Vvarden, statues of prominent figures throughout the Old Empire, and allegedly his statue is there today. There is an element of truth, in that there is an unidentified statue of a warrior in the Central District, probably where Ralos III got inspiration from.

A movie series is in the works about the The Sword of Hlervin Llervu, starring notable actors Navirvam Sathandil, Dalvhes Tedahelas, Gilshelus Gorvim along with Delyena Mathrani and Mirnrose Uloos. The upcoming series will allegedly be four movies, in order to fit as much of the story in as possible.

More news updates will occur shortly.

[Promethius Prime]

The Celestial Empire of
Trodenhiem

---

Government Communique
Formal Economic Proposals to Saratoga

His Supreme Imperial Majesty the Emperor, Konstantin IX, and his Chief Minister to the Foreign Office, the Markgraf von Ulrics have met with numerous advisors, ministers, and civil servants - as well as with Saratoga's diplomatic delegation, and have discussed at length a trading agreement that the Empire wishes to forward for your consideration. We wish to outline the formal terms of the agreement as follows:

ARTICLE I: Both the Celestial Empire and Saratoga agree to the relaxing of immigration and visa controls between the two nations, so as to encourage tourism, business, and educational exchanges. This would include more streamlined visa and immigration procedures, greater ease of travel and fully recognised travel rights and freedom of movement to all passport holders.

ARTICLE II: Both the Celestial Empire and Saratoga agree to the mutual opening of stock, money, and financial markets. This will mean that businesses from both nations may operate freely within these aforementioned markets so long as they adhere to the laws and regulations of the nation in which they are trading, and pay the appropriate taxes on their earnings through this business.

ARTICLE III: The Celestial Empire agrees to the untaxed movement of Saratoga's economic shipping as far into the Troden controlled sector of the Taranmerea Strait as the Troden Free Economic Zone, in Czerniy. And shipping wishing to pass beyond this point will have to pay the usual trading tariffs as imposed by the respective owner of the territorial waters in question.

---

Government Communique
Proposed Treaty of Mutual Recognition with Saratoga

In addition to the aforementioned economic agreements it is the wish of His Supreme Imperial Majesty that a Mutual Recognition Treaty be signed between our two countries; this Treaty would set out the formal terms of mutual recognition for each nation and form the basis of future diplomatic relations.

ARTICLE I: The Celestial Empire of Trodenhiem shall recognise Saratoga's maritime and territorial claims within the Weeping Sea as of the signing of this Treaty.

ARTICLE II: Saratoga shall recognise the Celestial Empire of Trodenhiem's maritime and territorial claims within Taran and the Three Straits.

ARTICLE III: Saratoga shall recognise of the terms of the Tri-Strait Agreement, as negotiated between Columbia and Trodenhiem.

ARTICLE IV: The Celestial Empire shall recognise Saratoga's right to expand its territories east as far as the Kavoan Continental Border and south as far as the Central Merean Border, unimpeded through the use of diplomatic, economic, or military sanctions.

ARTICLE V: Saratoga shall recognise The Celestial Empire's right to expand its territories north as far as the Kavoan Ocean so long as no territorial expansions are made east of the Blucher-Herzog Line, unimpeded through the use of diplomatic, economic, or military sanctions.

ARTICLE VI: Saratoga and the Celestial Empire agree to a state of mutual non-aggression, of a military nature, so long as the terms of this treaty are not infringed, and so long as Saratoga retains a state of non-aggression with Columbia.

---

All Communications Signed And Sealed
Imperial Foreign Office & Office of HSIM Konstantin IX
His Supreme Imperial Majesty, Konstantin IX, Autocrat of Arcadia Once Great; King of the Troden, Promethians, and Zues; Tyrant of Thedes and Emperor and Autocrat of the Four Cadias, and Prince of the Ruhr; Elector of the Crimson Throne; By the Grace of the Thirteen, Emperor of Trodenhiem and Defender of the Realm.

---

Top Headlines
Sponsored by

Brought To You By
The ZetaResh News Corporation

---

Foreign Affairs Update

"Diplomatic successes in Airatania and
Onza announced as economic and
recognition treaties are signed."

---

The Northward Advance

"Troden settlers advance northwards to
claim territories along the Taranuko
Strait."

Welcome to the ZetaResh News Corporation Hub, where you can read all the latest news from the Celestial Empire of Trodenhiem. The ZetaResh News Corporation has been broadcasting and publishing since the twelfth era and has remained one of the principle Arcadian and Troden news corporations ever since, publishing the most widely circulating newspaper in the country as well as the most watched 24 hour news channel. The ZRNC is incorporated in the IMA of Geddon, and operates out of its headquarters within the city; for more information about the ZRNC and its parent company ZetaResh Incorporated you can visit us online or contact us directly via telephone, post, or email.

Foreign Affairs Update
Diplomatic successes in Airatania and Onza announced as economic and recognition treaties are signed.

A fresh series of key diplomatic successes were today announced by the Foreign Office with Trading, Economic, and Recognition treaties having been agreed. These treaties follow the standard template which most of the Celestial Empire's foreign policy proposals have been based upon; starting with an initial economic agreement to set the stage a second agreement outlining details of specific trade arrangements, and following with a treaty of mutual recognition. In this manner firm relations have now been secured with the Grand Duchy, Airatania, Onza, and Columbia with further proposals to Saratoga having recently been issued. With so many treaties and agreements having been formed the government has decided to begin preparations for a large diplomatic Gala in Geddon which will also serve as a formal occasion for the signing of these documents.

The treaties with Onza and Airatania have not only secured the future of foreign policy relating to these two nations, but also the future relations with them; an additional success has been the agreement with Onza, Airatania, and the Grand Duchy that they shall recognise the Tri-Strait Agreement which was signed between Trodenhiem and Columbia. This recognition lends strength to the treaty itself, while also raising the international prestige of both Trodenhiem and Columbia as powerful diplomatic and political players.

Airatania Update!
The diplomatic mission to Airatania is being led by a respected Diplomat, Hans Gustav, who has served as an analyst and theoretician within the Foreign Office for the last six years. Though he has little direct diplomatic experience he is one of the most qualified and well educated diplomats within the Office thanks to his lengthy period of study at the Collegiate University in Jakocz. Following his arrival in Airatania. and the warm welcome offered to him by their officials, the Foreign Office announced that the principle goal of the diplomatic mission was to form an embassy and consular exchange and to broach the subjects of mutual trading agreements, immigration and customs agreements, educational exchanges, and an extradition treaty.

Following a series of intense negotiations Herr Gustav secured the key Articles sought as the goal of the mission, resulting in key concessions over the trade and control of Uranium internationally, as well as a slew of more mundane agreements relating to the minutia of trade and economic policy. As a result of the agreements reached as of the 31st of next month Airatanian and Troden citizens will enjoy freedom of movement and relaxed visa restrictions between the two nations, with Airatanian shipping being granted key concessions and tax relief on shipping into the port of Czerniy. Not only this but principle agreements which should preempt any future tensions over territorial expansion have been reached, which sets a precise boundary for mutual expansion along the Blucher-Herzog survey line, thus allowing Airatania a free hand to expand northwards to the Kavoan Ocean and westwards into the Taran Interior, while allowing Trodenhiem to expand northwards along the Taranuko Coast.

Onza Update!
The diplomatic mission to Onza is being led by a respected Diplomat, Amir Graumann, a scholar on Onzan demographics and diaspora who is of mixed Troden-Onzan descent; Mr Graumann has been advising the Foreign Office for the past three years. Though he has little direct diplomatic experience he is one of the most qualified and well educated diplomats within the Office thanks to his lengthy period of study at the Collegiate University in Jakocz. Following his arrival in Onza. and the warm welcome offered to him by their officials, the Foreign Office announced that the principle goal of the diplomatic mission was to form an embassy and consular exchange and to broach the subjects of mutual trading agreements, immigration and customs agreements, educational exchanges, and an extradition treaty.

Following a series of intense negotiations Mr Graumann secured the key Articles sought as the goal of the mission, resulting in key agreements relating to the minutia of trade and economic policy. As a result of the agreements reached as of the 31st of next month Onzan and Troden citizens will enjoy freedom of movement and relaxed visa restrictions between the two nations, with Onzan shipping being granted key concessions and tax relief on shipping into the port of Czerniy. Not only this but principle agreements which should preempt any future tensions over territorial expansion have been reached, which prohibits westward expansion by Onza while also giving Onzan recognition to the Blucher-Herzog and Tri-Strait Agreements.

---

The Celestial Empire of
Trodenhiem

---

Government Communique
Formal Invitation to the Heads of State and Government Of
The Grand Duchy, Airatania, Columbia, and Onza

His Supreme Imperial Majesty the Emperor, Konstantin IX, his Chancellor the Markgraf von Adenaur, and his Chief Minister to the Foreign Office, the Markgraf von Ulrics cordially invite you to attend a diplomatic reception in the Imperial City of Geddon; as Heads of State and Government of respected and valued friends overseas you shall be afforded every courtesy. Each nation's delegation shall be housed within private apartments within the Kaiserpalast for the duration of their stay where their safety shall be assured by the Troden Oberpolizei and GSD. The reception shall culminate in a State Banquet with the Emperor in personal attendance, which shall be followed by the formal treaty signing ceremonies. Entertainment during the event shall be provided by the Imperial Orchestra and Geddon Imperial Theatre Company.

---

All Communications Signed And Sealed
Imperial Foreign Office & Office of HSIM Konstantin IX
His Supreme Imperial Majesty, Konstantin IX, Autocrat of Arcadia Once Great; King of the Troden, Promethians, and Zues; Tyrant of Thedes and Emperor and Autocrat of the Four Cadias, and Prince of the Ruhr; Elector of the Crimson Throne; By the Grace of the Thirteen, Emperor of Trodenhiem and Defender of the Realm.

[46566]

Grand Duchy proposes trade deal with Airatania
Midgar-The Imperial senate barely passed a trade bill towards the country of Airatania 260-240. The bill is exactly the same treaty given to Samakia. The bill eliminates any tariffs from resources and gives a little protection to the local business by placing by allowing at maximum a 5% Tariff on manufactured goods. The hopes are that the tariffs can help protect the manufacturing sector of the Grand Duchy. The trade bill is as follows:

1)Agreement on mutual none tariffs trade in raw resources between the two(2) countries.
2)Limits tariffs on manufactured goods to no more then five(5) percent.
3)Limited investment opportunities in each nation.

The Grand Duchy has already sent a treaty detailing mutual recognition of each country and to start the process of regulating immigration,visas and other diplomatic matters. A interested rumor going around is a potential clause being discussed is a possible clause in containing Laurentia to it's current borders. Laurentia is a current nation sandwiched between 46566 and Airatania.

[Airatania]

President Kucera to attend treaty signing and gala in Trodenhiem
GEDDON, Trodenhiem -- Presidential Press Secretary Mirella Hansen announced today that President Kucera has accepted an invitation to attend a diplomatic reception in The Celestial Empire of Trodenhiem. The reception is a formal event meant to celebrate recent diplomatic successes between Trodenhiem and several other nations around the world, including Airatania. The event will include a formal gala, as well as a signing ceremony for the various treaties that have been agreed to by the attendees.

President Kucera, the First Lady, Vice President Mitchell and Secretary of State Meredith Tierney will all be attending the event as part of the Airatanian delegation, along with Airatanian Ambassador to Trodenhiem, Vanessa Schroder. The delegation is scheduled to arrive on Friday and will attend all five days of the reception.


Airatania set to sign trade agreement with Grand Duchy
MIRACUS, Airatania -- Both houses of the legislature agreed today to give President Kucera final approval to sign a trade agreement with the Grand Duchy, which was proposed earlier in the week. The agreement removes all tariffs on resources between the two nations, as well as setting a five percent cap on tariffs on manufactured goods. Additionally, the State Department said in a press release that they hope the trade deal will lead to future agreements in other areas between the Grand Duchy and Airatania.


Airatania National Sporting Council to propose worldwide sports competitions
AMANA CITY, Airatania -- The Airatania National Sporting Council (ANSC) voted unanimously yesterday to approve a proposal that it will submit to all of Airatania's diplomatic partners to establish international sports competitions. The proposal calls for the creation of soccer (football), baseball, and basketball leagues, with the addition of rugby and tennis competitions in the near future.

The ANSC, which oversees all major national sports leagues, and also regulates most educational sports programs around the country, hopes the creation of international sports competitions will help promote tourism between nations, generate revenue, and help to establish friendly terms with nations across the region.

[Croxoco]

DELETED

[46566]

Grand Duchy first to recognize the new Empire
Midgar- The Grand Duke officially recognized the new Empire of Columbia. He stated that the Grand Duchy will shift the trade treaties formally signed when the Empire was the Union of Columbia. The Grand Duchy also welcomes the nation into the Yukon Monetary Fund. The Grand Duke has also shown interest in joining the Yukon investment bank should such a proposal be written up. Though such a move must meet with Senate approval which at this time should pass without a problem. The Grand Duke expressed interest in retaining close ties with the new Empire.

[Croxoco]

DELETED

[Vvarden]

Zoroshthurvan News Service: Foreign Edition

Vvardeni National Swordplay Competitions Started


The stadium
"The Vvardeni National Swordplay
Competition has begun today, starting
an even that will judge the swordplay
of all competitors in three tests. The
winner will be judged as a Champion
of Swordplay. "

---

Crackdown on nomadic Vokun after soldiers
wiped out in ambush in Northeast Vvarden


A Nomadic Vokun warrior in traditional armour
"A riot and several protests have
broken out in Vokun populated
areas such as Draahran as a crackdown
is enforced on Vokun areas. The
move comes after an ambush wiped
out a team of Vvardeni sent to monitor
a tribe believed to have connections
to Garlas Malatar. Co-Speaker Samarus
has started drafting a bill that will give
Vokun more autonomy."

Top Headline: Saratogan Summit

The Grand Speaker and his diplomatic team have now entered the Palace in Rogerbei and have been recently greeted at the door by Chancellor Durr and Deputy Chancellor Syed and their ambassadors are now being taken on a tour of the Palace and it's grounds and soon discussions will begin. The Grand Speaker has spoken of his confidence in the trust of the Saratogan Government to enact this summit in a neutral light, and he has also stated of looking forward to meet the Samakian delegation and their Prime Minister Kofi Ezekwesili.

The Grand Speaker's plane arriving in Rogerbei yesterday.

The Grand Speaker has also responded to the Columbian request for his arrival to attend a summit at the Columbian capital on a Yukon Momentary Fund, stating that he already is in the process of being in a summit unfortunately and has opted instead to send a team of diplomats under Lesser Speaker Toros Retharan. He also expressed his condolences for not being able to arrive in time, hoping that this will not damage relations between the two nations.

Hlaao Capital Believed To Have Been Found Following Archaeological Expedition

An early sketch of the site now confirmed to be a much, much larger
metropolis with over a million inhabitants

In a recent archaeological expedition to uncover ruins in Northwest Vvarden, close to the border of the Grand Duchy which controls most of the Vvardeni homeland, a stronghold believed to be the capital of the Hlaao Kingdom has been found. The Hlaao Kingdom was a state in the Seven States period that became a vassal of the Kingdom of Endu before both were destroyed by the Vokun. The site was discovered today after a surveyor noticed patterns in geophysical surveys which were formerly believed to be a cluster of villages but is now revealed to be a massive hill fort, believed to have as much as a million occupants. The capital of the Hlaao Kingdom was said to have been a fort built on a massive hill, surrounded by ridges and cliffs, and that the Vokun were given orders to dislodge every stone and bury it, in fear of guerillas occupying it and becoming a power. Their fears were justified though, as they lost a great amount of men besieging the capital, and were then outnumbered by the Vvardeni, though despite this they beat them in several massive battles, leading to the Vokun Empire conquering the remaining Seven States. Already coins have been found and documents and texts have been found in pots, possibly in an attempt to preserve them from destruction by the Vokun.

More news updates will occur shortly.

[The Landfish Colonies]

Government Activity
International Sports

Members of a Samakian Football Team Celebrate in Qadar City

The Samakian Government, upon reviewing the proposals made by Airatania, had expressed intrest in taking part in international sporting competitions. The nation has a massive culture surrounding football (soccer) which many take part in, either casually or professionally. Prior to the Revolution, and Rise of Bankole's Communist Party, the Samakian Republic had a large and prospering Football Leauge. Though the bloody civil war did put a damper on festivities involving the game, the Government has taken steps over the last two years to revitalize the league.

A national team of Samakia's most promising young athletes are being trained, with the possibility of becoming a national team. General Secretary Tymeo Bankole, while speaking at a press conference, jokingly remarked, "Perhaps we could settle the Dulo Isles issue over a game of football. We would win of course, but we'll let the Vvardeni pretend they stand a chance."

Samakia Prepares for Storm Season

The Government in Gavanay have warned the citizens of the Samak Home Islands to prepare for what meteorologists have predicted to be one of the harshest storm seasons in recent history. Cities and towns along the Northern coast are in particularly in danger of being hit by record winds and rainfall. Elements of the People's Revolutionary Army Reserves have been sent into particularly vulnerable locations to prepare for the coming storm.

Dulo Isles

Samakian officials have responded to the Vvardeni foreign speakers remarks over the current situation, alleging that the Samakian government was "Childish" for exercising claims over the islands, and calling the conducting of war games unnecessary. Assembly Chairman Anthony Turay spoke with press, during a Party Meeting in the Mainland City of Qadar.

"We have obliged by international law, and not once, crossed into Vvardeni waters. If we had, then I would see ground for aggression against our nation, but the fact is, we have never. Never, crossed into territory that was disputed."

Prime Minister Kofi Ezekwesili remains in Rogerbei along with his delegation, including: Foreign Affairs Chairwoman Nkiru Ihejirika, Cultural Chairman Oghenero Afolayan, and Defense Chairman Adebola Ayotunde. The team now waits in the "Proletariat Mansion" for the upcoming press conference.

---

The Samakian Prime Minister and Defense Chairman

One might have though the Samakian Prime Minister and angel, what with the halo of smoke floating above his head. A fat cigar was pinched tightly between his lips, as he took ever occasional puffs while reading the local newspaper. Kofi leaned back on the Sofa he had chosen to rest on, flipping the pages, searching for something to grab his attention. The Proletariat Mansion was a rather comfortable place, and while not the usual from Prime Minister Ezekwesili, it would suffice for the time being.

"Comrade!" The Prime Minister's eyes rose from the paper, looking across the room to see the Samakian Defense Chairman striding towards him. Chairman Ayotunde was an old man, white fuzz resting atop his wrinkled head, and he walked with a slight limp. In his Prime, the Chairman had been one of the best generals in the Republic Army, and an even better revolutionary. Ezekwesili folded his paper, laying it down on the sofa before he stood up to meet the man.

"Comrade Ayotunde." The Prime Minister placed a hand on the mans shoulder, "I trust you're settling in?"

The old man grunted, heading towards the sofa where he plopped down, "This place... It's too posh for my taste."

"Aye." Ezekwesili sighed, leaning against the wall. He reached into his breast pocket, removing a second cigar and offering it to the Chairman.

"You know I don't smoke." The old man waved the offering away, and Ezekwesili only shrugged, taking another puff. "Besides, we must be in the proper mindset. This meeting is to important."

"I'm aware, Comrade Chairman. It helps me focus..." The Prime Minister responded.

"What of their speaker? What do we know of him?"

"He's nothing special, just like any of those point eared pieces of..." Ezekwesili trailed off as a pair of Saratogans walked past, "Can't imagine he'll bring anything strong to the table." He paused, letting out a long breath of smoke, "Suppose we should scout out the competition?"

"I'm sorry, comrade?"

"We introduce ourselves, try to see who the Speaker really is, aye?" He exhaled one last time before he pushed off the wall, the Chairman rising from the sofa. The two men prepared to leave the room.

[St Saratoga]

'

Saratogan National Team Manager Christian Reinhardt discussing news of an international sports competitions.

---

National Sports Center, Yorktown, Saratoga -- The Senate today approved the proposal for Saratoga to participate in international sports around Yukon. The proposal was supported heavily by Minister of Sports & Culture & Saratogan National Team Manager Christian Reinhardt today. The The Senate overwhelming approved the request after Manager Christian Reinhardt made a 2.5 hours address in the Senate Chambers about benefits if international sports.

Saratogan National Team Manager Christian Reinhardt has mixed feelings about the international sports proposal made by the Airatanian National Sporting Council. The Soccer Manager feels that more sports just than soccer (football), baseball, basketball leagues, with the addition of rugby and tennis should be included, "These sports are a good start but I feel that the addition of Lacrosse, Track & Field, and Hockey should be considered by all of those nations involved in this great oppertunity."

Manager Reinhardt also proposed there should be an international, independent, elected organization that will manage all of the sports. "An organization that is independent of national governments which would govern all of these sports would best guarantee the fairness and quality of the sports. My government & I am willing to work with all interested parties to get an organization like this going." The Minister of Sports & Culture has sent out an invitation to all interested parties of international sports to come to the National Sports Center to discuss the future of international sports.

For the local prospective, Saratoga currently has Baseball, Soccer, Lacrosse, and Hockey prepared international teams. This would mean that unless a Basketball, Tennis, & rugby leagues can come up with the players and funding for these teams Saratoga would really miss out for a good chance for international sports. Many league teams have organized multiple fund raising games to pay for an international teams until the Senate can renew it's budget which would allocate more funds to pay for the sports teams or their push for a private corporations to be formed to help run them.

(OOC: I'll get my factbooks for my international sports teams completed either today or tomorrow.)

[Vvarden]

It was a good day, it seemed to the Grand Speaker. It seemed a good day. Hopefully the crucial next days will be good as well. The Grand Speaker often wondered, and here he was wondering as he walked down the halls of the Proletariat Palace.
His robes shimmered in the light. He wore his usual attire and choice of fashion, with earrings and a circlet. He sighed to himself somewhat intrigued at the decoration and the furniture in the corridor before sitting down on a nearby sofa.

Suddenly he heard nearby footsteps, and a similarly dressed female Vvardeni arrived before sitting down beside him. "Ah, Grand Speaker." She spoke in a mixture of surprise and anticipation.

"Good to see you again Luaosi. How was your room?" The Grand Speaker asked in a surprised tone.

"Too posh, as always. Everything here is exquisite, almost makes me guilty for being in such a grand palace. Though mind you, some of the decor," She made a pained face. "You know I can't stomach art. I swear, the one above my bed is just a bunch of incessant squiggles." Luaosi smiled unceasingly.

"That seems better than my room," The Grand Speaker spoke mirthfully. His expression was one that he always made when he spoke stories. "Besides, they're only trying to make us feel welcome here. My room had quite a few Vvardeni novelties, some of which I was curious to why they put them in there. There was even a Vvardeni sword, not the tacky type people give to tourists wanting to see the most alien land in Yukon, but an ornate one, it even had a name on it, Rorthos Zahedan. I do wonder how they came into contact with it. Probably stolen off a body and handed down through the ages, though I'll be surprised if it was bought."

The two pushed themselves off the sofa and walked down the corridors, their long robes fluttering from their movements.

Luaosi turned her head to look at the Grand Speaker. "Are you confident about the meeting, Grand Speaker?"

The Grand Speaker nodded. "Yes. Yes I am. I do hope things will work out well regardless of the decision, whether we stay or go."

"But what if we lose this summit, what if there is a decision made for us to withdraw from the Dulo Isles, cutting us off from the minerals and tourist sites there, diminishing our economy?" Luaosi asked.

"Well then, that is what we must do, and adjust in the process. It would be idiotic to not comply after this. The Samak would definitely see it as a provocation." The Grand Speaker spoke to his foreign minister in a shrewd voice, before turning to see where he was walking, and he saw the The Samakian Prime Minister and Defense Chairman down the other side of the corridor, exiting a room.

"And speaking of the Samak, let's go meet them. Remember, this is not our country nor theirs, any act not in the light of amnesty and co-operation here could mean disaster. Know that."

[Onza]

Kunta, Onza - President Xolani Kojo accepted invitations to summits from both, Columbia and Trodenhiem earlier this afternoon, confirmed a spokesperson for the administration.

"The President was very happy to receive an invitation," said the spokesperson. "He is happy to attend both summits in the pursuit of promoting international relations."

Kigali, Onza - Vice President Desta Tendai denied allegations that he spoke erroneously in his recent address to police academy graduates where he declared the city of Kigali to be "drug-free."

"Of course I didn't lie," he said in response to OCNA's Asha Alinafe. "When I said that the city was drug free, I meant that the city is drug free," he said. "Have we completely exterminated the use of drugs? No, that is simply not an attainable goal. Have we completely dismantled the drug trade and reduced the amount of users heavily in the city? Yes, and that is why I called the city drug-free," said the Vice President.

When asked about how the Kojo administration felt about calls to increase funding to drug addiction rehabilitation programs, the Vice President indicated that he thought an increase in funding was a good idea, but ultimately up to the National Assembly and Senate. "Of course I think it's a good idea," he said. "I would say you'd be pressed to find somebody who would call that a bad idea, but I must also remind people that Xolani and I alone cannot pass this sort of measure. It's up to your Assemblymen and Senators, but you can have my assurance that I'll stand beside the city of Kigali in calling for an increase in financing," he said.

[St Saratoga]

Chancellor Durr to signs Trodenhiem Economic Proposal; Senate rejects Treaty of Mutual Recognition over details.

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Executive Tower, Rogerbei, Saratoga -- Chancellor Durr has reviewed and signed the Trodenhiem Economic Proposal. The Senate fought over the legislation with the Centre-Liberals and some conservative parties in support of the proposals but the far right & left wing parties felt that the proposals opened Saratoga too much to the manipulative priorities of foreign corporations.

Chancellor Durr pushed the Senate to pass the proposal but the extremist parties felt that Saratoga should be enable itself to be "raped by foreign governments and corporations" according to the chairman of the Far Left Alliance (Coalition between the Socialist & Communist Parties). The other proposal on the table was the Treaty of Mutual Recognition which was also proposed by Trodenhiem. The proposal created a dead split in the Senate particularly over Article III.

Article III is a Tri-Strait Agreement which divides the control of the Taranmerea Strait between the nations of Trodenhiem and Columbia. When asked to comment on this, Chancellor Durr stated that, "This help guarantee the safety of the Strait from foreign invaders, this will give Saratoga a buffer against aggressors." That statement was quickly booed by the Fascist Party as well as the Far Left Alliance. Article III was agreed to by Airatania, the Grand Duchy, and Onza as well as the original creators.

Ultimately, the Senate worked out an agreement which was that the Far Left Alliance would split its vote with half going in favor to give majority and the other half to show that the party was against the legislation which passed the Trodenhiem Economic proposal but in return the Treaty of Mutual Recognition was rejected. The Senate sent a message back to the Trodenhiem legislation stating the reason for rejection being that that the Senate believes if it were to pass the legislation it would be enabling imperialism. The message also stated that the Senate would be willing to sign the Treaty of Mutual Recognition as long as Article III was removed.

Chancellor Durr has order Deputy Chancellor Hussein Syed to take over the leadership role of the Dos Isle Dispute negotiation in the event of a Trodenhiem invitation to attend the signing event and/or to negotiate a compromise of the Treaty of Mutual Recognition.

---

Fascist Party under investigation after leaked docs show election fraud & sabotages

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Rogerbei, Saratoga -- The Fascist Party is under Federal Investigation by the Election Fairness Commission after top secret documents revealed that the Fascist party was involved in election and voting fraud as well as sabotage of election equipment and results. The leaked documents number at over 3500 documents and another 15000 emails. The Fascist Party has stated that it will comply with the investigation because "The party has not partaken in any of these accusations and will assist in proving its innocents."

Prime Minister Templeman has not commented on the issue yet but his press secretary has stated that a statement is expected to come when the entirety of the leak is investigated. According to Senate laws, if that party is found guilty of these charges that it would be fined for damages to the Saratogan people which at this point already are estimated to be over 20 million international dollars which is double what the party has on file according the latest Federal Election Commission report on party funds.

Micheal Grove, the Majority Whip has stated that,"These accusation are very serious and if true an immediate election should be sought to correct the injustice that has been brought on to the Senate by the Fascist party." He also stated that there should be serious consideration to "Suspend the Fascist Party from the Senate in the next election cycle if charges or more are all found guilty."

[The Landfish Colonies]

Proletariat Mansion
Rogerbei

The halls of the Proletariat Mansion were rather quiet except for a faint muttering and heavy footsteps. Prime Minister Ezekwesili and Chairman Ayotunde casually made their way through the ornate corridors, the Prime Minister slowing his pace ever so slightly to accommodate the old mans limp. It was not simply old age effecting them mans leg, instead a bullet which had found a home for itself in the chairman's knee cap during the Battle of Freehold. None the less, he did his best to hide the fact that he was in fact a cripple, something Ezekwesili found a respect for.

"Where we headed, comrade?" The old man asked.

"To be honest, I'm not sure." The Samakian Prime Minister scratched his chin, "Let's see... If I were a rat, where would I be?"

"Comrade, be civil."

"Aye, you needn't worry about me old man." Ezekwesili snorted, putting his cigar back into his mouth, "This meeting is important. We cannot lose the Dulo Islands."

"And in the event we do?"

"We wont. We are a young nation, Comrade Chairman, and we will not start our history by being pushed around by capitalist dogs. Those islands are to important to lose, not only in resources..." The Prime Minister trailed off, "It is a matter of principal. Now, to find the Speaker."

The men stepped into a small rotunda, leading down several other corridors around the mansion. Ezekwesili grinned, seeing a pair of Vvardeni approaching down one, "Speak of the devil, and he shall appear." He whispered, before a smiled warmly and invitingly to the pair of Vvardeni, the Grand Speaker and one of his acolytes, "Seems we're not the only ones out for a walk, aye?" He laughed a loud, booming laugh, "Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to finally meet you!"

The two Samak strolled over to the other diplomats, Ezekwesili looking friendly and inviting as he offered a hand to the Grand Speaker, grinning with his teeth clenched in order to keep the cigar from failing from his mouth. "How are we settling in, aye?"