Greater Olympus News *OUTDATED*

[Shepmandy]

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
AMBIGHT OF OUTLANDISH HAPPENINGS
NEWS MEETING (Press Conference)

-Pictured in foreground Foreign Minister Lieutenant General Athelwine-Rudolf Edwardson Rdr.

Following votes in the Rikething: passing 89-31 in the Folkmoot and 43-17 in the Athelmoot, the Rikewarden has signed the provisions of the 2019 Treaty of Loxmouth, confirming Shepmandy’s accession to the Council of Stability and Order (CSTOR) as a junior member. Earlier this week CSTOR diplomats met with Foreign Ministry, War Ministry, Commerce and Trade Ministry officials with negotiations spearheaded by Lieutenant General Athelwine-Rudolf Edwardson. Shepmandy, as a junior member is signatory to all three aspects of CSTOR membership though chiefly defence and technology related matters. However also agreed was a free trade agreement, hardly contested and picked over by commerce officials. The National Farmer’s Alliance and the Shepmandish Miners and Quarrymen’s Union however gave assurances that their ‘interests and concerns had been met and assured’.

The First Minister Cuthbert Edmundson Rdr. today, speaking to journalists whilst visiting an alehouse in Cotstowshire said that ‘Shepmandy has secured for itself global prominence and security, security being the foremost concern of the national government. Membership will allow us to greatly increase the strength of our military and have access to martial innovations to ensure that our forces have the edge on the battlefield. This will also be excellent for our farmers and bauxite mines as our products will be greatly desired, particularly our meat and leather and of course bauxite itself. I look forward to working with our new allies.”

Debate in the parliamentary chambers was intense and hotly contested with impassioned speeches on all sides. Though supported by the two main parties: the National Integralist Parties and the Progressive Democratic Party, both parties had rebels who voted against the treaty, but opposition was chiefly mounted by the Sons of Ingwine who whipped all their members to vote against the treaty. Their parliamentary leader in the Folkmoot: Leofric Sigwardson said of the treaty: ‘This is an impediment to Shepmandish autonomy and will involve us in parts of the world the average Shepmander does not give a ram’s horn for. We are now in the hands of foreign financiers and are ending a long held tradition of idolisationism. Shame on this government and the so-called opposition’.

The Shepmandish Armed Forces are expected to participate in upcoming joint manoeuvres in the near future.

[Velkanika]

2000-2019 Shipbuilding Plan Completed On Schedule

Velkanika Wire Services
By Dariya Volkova, Reporter
December 28 at 6:05 PM

The 20-year shipbuilding plan was completed today following today's launch of VSS Grompunkt, the fourth Velden-class super carrier. The launch of the capital ship wrapped up the buildup of the Velkanikan Navy ordered by former President Ferdynand Krupin, and one of the busiest shipyard periods of the last 50 years.

President Krupin's administration ordered the four Velden-class aircraft carriers along with the first eight of the controversial Thundersnow-class battleships to maintain superiority over Carelia's potent carrier battle groups. The combination of super carriers and the Carelian Strike Cruisers led to severe alarm in Velkanikan Navy circles and the Deputies of the Soviet, which resulted in the design and construction of both classes of warship. Both weapon programs were dogged by cost overruns and redesigns, with the battleships of the Thundersnow-class attracting intense criticism over their utility in an age dominated by carrier air power. Despite these challenges, both classes entered service on schedule and the Thundersnow-class received an expansion to twelve warships earlier this year following advocacy from some quarters of the Velkanikan Navy.

The capital ships were joined in the shipyards by large numbers of smaller warships, with the nuclear-powered Lillydalina-class cruisers and Furious-class destroyers being particularly common sights in the drydocks and slips of the navy yards. The abortive Silvertip-class submarines proved an exception to this rule, as technical difficulties resulted in the cancellation of all but the first two subs in that class and their replacement by the cheaper Blackfin-class. The Silvertip scandal continues to cast a shadow over Velkanikan submarine production, and the frequent problems both subs experience are routinely covered in the foreign press.

This marks the first time in 60 years that the 20-year shipbuilding program was completed without reduction in the number of warships requested in the original draft. The previous three featured extensive modifications by the time they were ended, with the 1980-1999 program in particular featuring a large number of cancellations for budgetary reasons. By contrast, the 2000-2019 plan had a single high-profile cancellation, with ongoing discussion of the 2020-2039 plan being centered around replacing old classes rather than downsizing the fleet.

[Produzir]

Tragedy at Cabecan Independence Rally
JULIO BARROS - 12/29/19 - 0 Comments



Tragedy stuck last night at a Cabecan independence rally in San Aurelio when after the scheduled end time, the protesters fired fireworks and flares without consent from the city of San Aurelio, an action illegal in the city of San Aurelio. Riot police showed up about 20 minutes after the scheduled end time at 18:00 to find protesters harassing supporters of staying within the Kingdom of Produzland and protesters refusing to leave Aintzira Street on the banks of the Urdinak Bay. Around 18:35 a few protesters struck down a police officer and began beating the officer. This resulted in the few protesters on the ground being fired upon and hospitalized, no deaths of protesters have been reported yet. However the officer in question was Lino Azconaga, a thirty-one year old and San Aurelio native. Azconaga was pronounced dead from his wounds this morning. 12 were arrested for their involvement in Azconaga's death and a further 168 being arrested on charges for not leaving their positions after the scheduled end of the rally, over 100 of them being Parthonopian nationalists and supporters of rather than an independent Cabeca, joining the Kingdom of Parthonopia that has been unifying over the course of the last decade.

Cabecan nationalism and support for leaving Produzland hasn't been uncommon since Cabecan territories began being integrated into the Kingdom of Produzland. A significant growth in Cabecan nationalism arose when after the Olympic War, Cabecans gained an independent republic. However the Republic of Cabeca ended in 1937 when it was annexed into the Federal Republic of Produzland, ruled by the infamous Frederico Deusro. However Cabecan nationalism had never became a problem, or even outnumbered supporters of unification with Produzland until the 2000s, possibly due to most of central Orthuria reuniting into Parthonopia under their own free will to be with their own people. Cabecan nationalism also appeared more prominently under Prime Minister Agostinho Valdez as Cabecans were known to be heavily against him and the Green Party for their policies on more centralization of the country and the famous Basarte Square Rally of 2004 for Cabecan nationalism that was brutally put down, which most people put the blame on Valdez for.

This incident will most likely turn out not in favor of the government in Burlon with the unapproved Cabecan independence referendum scheduled to take place in March, which the government has officially declared illegal back in November. The government was heavily divided on the issue because on one head Produzland is one of the more progressive countries when it comes to free speech, however Cabeca is a heavily important area of the country being of the richest states when it comes to GDP per capita, Cabeca is also a country that gives more money to the central government in tax revenue than the state receives, and it holds some of the most notable banking companies in the country such as CBFZ. Cabeca also is host to one of the largest cities in the country, Biscegona.

[Parthonopia]

December 30, 2019

International News
Article by
Teressa Rizzi

Over 100 Parthonopian

Nationals Arrested in Produz

During Riot Aftermath

In Cabeca Yesterday

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"This is unacceptable! Certainly not something that will be overlooked, and I can assure that a Parthonopian will not be unjustly arrested abroad without a response." - Spokesman for King Carlo I on international affairs, Hugo Baldassaro, speaking out about the events in Cabeca.

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Protesters gathered in mass for the Cabecan Independence Rally marching down Aintzira Street through San Aurelio on December 29th.

The Porduzinate, heinous crimes against the Parthonopian people by the Porduzi, is still a stain on the 'progressive' Orthurian nation to this day. Many in the higher echelons of the Kingdom's government and military are within the camp that believes the Porduzinate never truly ended, continuing on for almost a century in some shape or form. After the bloody events that took place yesterday in San Aurelio, Cabeca, this position seems to hold up to scrutiny on some level.

Advertised for weeks in advance across several social media outlets, such as Sign Post and Hurler, there was a tremendous turn out for the planned Cabecan Independence Rally in San Aurelio on the 29th of December. By the scheduled start time of noon, over a thousand fervent independence supporters had amassed on Aintzira Street at its inland end. The crowd marched from the start point through the city and to its conclusion at the banks of the Urdinak Bay where protesters rallied and chanted for several hours. As dusk settled in and the scheduled conclusion around 6pm rolled by, it quickly became clear to local authorities that the rowdy, unsettled crowd was not going anywhere, anytime soon.

Hope for Cabecan independence has been prevalent since the creation of an independent Cabecan state after the end of the Olympic War, and its subsequent destruction and occupation in 1937 by the Porduzi dictator Deusro. Unrest at the time was brutally quelled by the savage dictator's armed forces, similarly to what befell the Parthonopians under the same circumstances in the Subparrania region. Since the fall of the Federal Republic of Produzland and Deusro, the neutered Cabecan people had taken the rest of the 20th Century to regain the courage to stand up to their Porduzi oppressors. A new wave of independence support has surged through the northernmost province of Produzland, stirring up sometime in the early 2000s. Taking ques from the Risorgimento movement which resulted in the unification of Parthonopia, Cabecan activists have been hard at work to present their case of independence and to be prepared to fight for it if necessary.

The Cabecan Independence movement is not without merit or even international support. Here in Parthonopia, public opinion on the matter is largely in favor of it. Parthonopian nationals, here and in the Porduzi occupied areas of Subparrania, have voiced their concerns with the Produzland continued subjugation of Cabeca. Some so strongly opposed to the occupation as to appear for the independence rally in solidarity with Cabecans rallied in their streets. What was considered a peaceful and successful protest quickly turned deadly after Porduzi riot police attempted to break up the gathering when it extended half an hour past its scheduled conclusion time. This aggression was quickly reacted to by the protesters with fireworks before it spiraled into chaos and violence.

In the wake of the turn for the worse, once the streets were cleared and protesters dispersed, there was one dead Porduzi police officer and many shot and injured Cabecan protesters. Mass arrests took place, over five hundred activists rounded up as riot police used teargas as well as live ammunition to disperse the crowd. It later became clear, to the displeasure of Parthonopian state officials, that over 100 Parthonopian nationals were among the arrested and injured in San Aurelio.

To the Kingdom's government was quick to formulate an official response, spokesman for King Carlo I on international affairs, Hugo Baldassaro, taking to the television and airwaves to address the situation. "This is unacceptable! Certainly not something that will be overlooked, and I can assure that a Parthonopian will not be unjustly arrested abroad without a response."

Signore Baldassaro made clear that the Kingdom was taking a strong stance on this issue and would not let it fade away. He went on to insist to reporters that diplomatic channels between the Kingdom and Produzland would be underway to ensure the release, or at least the extradition of imprisoned Parthonopians.

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[Lykens]

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State Counselor Kenneth Diaz begins to muscle through his agenda

12/05/2019

- Esteban Domínguez

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Opposition members shout down the State Counselor

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As the year hurtles towards a close, last minute policy items are being brought back to the forefront for continued debate and possible vote. To name a few items that managed to make it through the year end basket of goodies include new funding and authorizations for several thousand miles of new tracks for both freight and passenger trains, funding for repairs and updates to the ports of Lykens, Salta, and Aguadilla, a new law regulating animal welfare, and lastly one of the most important pieces of the State Counselor's agenda, mandating of nationwide penalty rates for professions across the country.

The large list, especially compared to years prior, makes sense when put into the context of the Assembly’s five year term coming to an end in the next two months. Many would find it odd if, five years ago, upon the crushing reelection victory of Nicolas Rodriguez that the popular State Counselor would not see his party through a third election. 2015 would be the last election he led the ARP into, as he would pass the reins of power to his protege and now incumbent State Counselor, Kenneth Diaz, in early 2017 prior to his death from lung cancer a few months later. This coming election will be the ARP’s first test under the leadership of Diaz, although many expect the ARP to maintain its majority or even increase it as numerous provincial elections have attested to the popularity of the policies of Kenneth Diaz. His home province of Arecibo saw a record reelection victory for the ARP over the Civic Union and other opposition parties, which itself came on the heels of a historic ARP victory in the river province of Aguadilla, where the entrenched 30 year incumbent PF government was toppled amid a corruption scandal.

Ever a parochial politician, especially one who came up in power behind the scenes in his home province, Diaz is a retail politician who understands how to keep constituents happy. The year end goodie basket is chocked full of pork barrel spending that Diaz hopes voters will reward by maintaining or expanding his current majority of 490 seats. Diaz himself has been extremely bullish about his reelection prospects, pointing to the achievements of his government so far, including international successes on the Isthmian Peninsula, the preponderance of the Mu-Kal Union, continued infrastructure investments, broadband connections in rural areas, and as the State Counselor noted, several possible year end goodies that he believes have a chance at passing. When asked about the item that he wished to see pass the most, the State Counselor pointed to nationwide penalty rates for factory workers, longshoremen, stevedores, and other agrarian based professions.

“I think that you’ll see there is a sizable chunk of the Grand Assembly, on the opposition benches, mind you, that agree with my position and wish to see a bill on the floor bringing about this much needed reform. The only problem seems to be that their leadership will oppose wholesale anything that even remotely smacks of good policy, only to enhance their position ahead of the upcoming election. It’s rather sad, but if need be the bill will be passed with ARP votes alone, and the opposition parties will have to explain to voters exactly why they opposed legislation to put more money in the pockets of everyday hardworking Lykensburgers.”

It remains to be seen whether or not the State Counselor has the votes for his signature agenda item, as the policy has caused rifts among the factions of the party, with the Industrial League in particular grumbling about the giveaways to unions without adequate compensation for employers who would be required to dole out increased wages for certain times. The Labor Forum has been intensely lobbying the Leadership to bring the bill to the floor, confident that enough defections from other parties will ensure passage of the bill, even if the Industrial League defects.

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even more retconned

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State Counselor Kenneth Diaz muscles through election reforms and sets election date

10/15/2019

- Esteban Domínguez

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Election reforms foreshadow looming election.

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As the year hurtles towards a close, last minute policy items are being brought back to the forefront for continued debate and possible vote. Items that managed to make it through the year end basket of goodies include new funding and authorizations for several thousand miles of new tracks for both freight and passenger trains, funding for repairs and updates to the ports of Lykens, Salta, and Aguadilla, a new law regulating animal welfare, and lastly, one of the most important pieces of the State Counselor's agenda, mandating of nationwide penalty rates for professions across the country. Another piece of the State Counselor's agenda was one that was not believed to be on the board for any possible action, election reform. While the electoral system of Lykens has been set in stone for seventy years, dissatisfaction over the high threshold for election and the provincial allotment of seats have ebbed and flowed over the years. In a bill to amend Basic Law VI: Elections, the State Counselor seeks to abolish provincial constituencies in favor of a nationwide electorate where all votes are pooled together, increase the total number of Assembly Members to 950 from 650, and lower the election threshold from 10% to 7%. As the summer progressed, committee action on this bill seemed to stall, and many expected the State Counselor to shelve the bill or move on to other priorities, but sources say that he kept up a steady drum to keep progress moving, even if it was glacial paced.

Committee negotiations forced the State Counselor to accept a paltry lowering of the threshold to 9%, but otherwise received the bulk of what he was seeking. He was forced to accept an election on January 11 of the new year, and upon passage of the bill, the Grand Assembly adjourned its five year term for campaigning. The effects of the law were immediate, as the Fatherland Union was quickly abandoned by numerous center right politicians who together with the center right factions of the Association of Ranchers and Planters, founded a new party, the Civic Union, to fight in the next election as a unified center right bloc that could feasibly pass the new threshold. The Fatherland Union a few weeks into the campaign eventually folded, as two new right wing parties, one religious in nature and one populist, were founded and absorbed enough support from politicians to become formidable forces. The Popular Democratic Party has taken up the mantle of the right wing of Lykens, quickly supplanting FU and absorbing most of its support, however Familia, Dios, Pais, or the FDP has come to dominate with the socially conservative voters who once comprised a substantial amount of FU support, as well as the minority Conservative Millennial sect throughout the country. It remains to be seen whether these right wing religious voters will be able to pull enough support to maintain a party all alone. They have found natural allies in the PDP and CU however, so a possible right wing coalition is already forming.

With the right wing of the ARP having bolted, the remainder of the party is mostly center to center left, still buoyed by its strong support in the rural regions of the country, especially with unionized farm workers, other rural based unions, and agrarian magnates. The Progressive Front has maintained itself in light of the new political environment and electoral system, and its leaders are bullish about ending the ARP dominance of the last ten years. New on the left wing scene however, is the newly minted Millennial Democratic Alliance, or Millennial Democrats, a party which espouses Liberal Millennial doctrine in political policy, a left wing counterpart to the FDP. For the most part, the left and right wings of the country seem relatively balanced, and although the incumbent ARP government is relatively popular, it remains to be seen whether or not it will maintain its popularity throughout the campaign season, and whether or not they will be able to pull off a majority again. State Counselor Kenneth Diaz was very bullish about his chance of being reelected to a full term, as his came into his position in the middle of the previous term due to the death of his mentor, State Counselor Nicholas Rodríguez.

"I think that this government has done many of the things it campaigned on during the 2015 election, we have achieved many things to make life better for Lykensburgers across the country, we have boosted exports, agricultural production, manufacturing production, we are doing well. I think that voters will reward us with another mandate, and we will continue to lead the country into greater prosperity. We've worked closely with our regional neighbors to create the Mu-Kal Union, we've planned and began to authorize and search for funding to initiate regionwide infrastructure projects, worked to lower barriers to bolster trade with our partners, we've done a lot of good work in the last five years. Delivering new electoral reforms will give voters new choices, as we've seen with the emergence of new parties, and I am confident that we will receive a new mandate."

With the election only ten weeks ago, it could be anyone's game, though polling shows ARP with a sizable ten point lead over its competitors.

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[Meronnia]

Cabeca Alba votes, not interested
Yolande Devereux, Mèronie 24
^{January 9th, 2019}

Palacio Coba, home of the Cabeca Alba Métropole, was awash with activity today.

(M24) — While the world has been entirely focused on scrambling to respond to the new global recession, eyes in a small part of the world have been directed elsewhere. Cabeca is a linguistic/cultural region with rich history, currently divided between the Liran nations of Produzland, Parthonopia, and Mèronie. In Produe parts of the region, tensions have kicked up recently with the strengthening of calls for Cabecan independence.

This culminated in injuries and one death at a pro-independence rally, and has collapsed even further into a diplomatic incident when it came to light that many of the arrests made in the aftermath were on Parthonopian nationals. It remains to be seen how this specific situation will be resolved (Mèronie has called for calm and restraint on both sides), but general talk of Cabecan independence has been on all lips in the region in the past few weeks.

In Cabeca Alba, a Métropole in the Federal Republic, the local government has surprised many by acting quickly and without consulting the Federal Government. Several referenda were managed by the Métropole, up to and including a question on the declaration of independence of Cabeca Alba. Federal police were called and oversaw the voting areas, but did not intervene. It is constitutionally unclear whether such a referendum would have been valid without the support of the federal government, but the answer will not be decided tonight.

The voters of Cabeca Alba voted with more than 65% in favor of remaining in the Federal Republic. Pro-independence votes are higher than opinion polling from last year, but some experts have claimed that local Cabecans feel safer within Mèronie, particularly taking into consideration the economic recession that a new country would be immediately responsible for.

While the vote fell against independence, several measures of solidarity with Cabecans south of the border were approved by a majority. This includes material aid to Cabecans who are disadvantaged by the Produe or Parthonopian governments, a donation drive to help southern Cabecans hurt by the recession, and a blood drive to donate to hospitals in the area of San Aurelio, where the rally injuries occurred.

Secretary Brassard had this to say:

"We respect the autonomy of all parts of our Federal Republic. Our government is extremely grateful for the mandate of continued support the people of Cabeca Alba have given us in the local referendum, and we do not intend to intervene in any of the efforts organized by the Métropole, other than to ensure they are done safely and abide by local and international laws."

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NEXT
| Mèronie to "take on the recession in economic combat" | Globalespace prepares for takeoff | Is the First Deputy married to his mistress? |

[Parthonopia]

January 10, 2020

International News
Article by
Vito Rossi

Air Produzland Passenger Jet

Crash Lands

Near Campobasso,

Cause Unknown

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"It all happened in an instant, first it was in the air flying above, next there was nothing left of but rubble" - A firsthand eye witness account of the carnage of the crash landing, only twenty miles outside of Campobasso.

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Firefighters on the scene of the Air Produzland plane crash wreckage

Around 10am local time, a passenger jet liner operated by the Produzland based company, Air Produzland, departed from the Burlon-Barricada Airport (BUR) destined for Revais, Carelia. En route on its predetermined flight plan, the Porduzi air liner inexplicably crash landed twenty miles east of Campobasso in the Subparranian region of Parthonopia.

The Air Produzland aircraft leaving Burlon International contained 153 passengers and staff, all of whom were pronounced dead after the tragic crash. Parthonopian first responders were quick on the scene of the wreckage, identifying the aircraft and recovering the black box. The damage was clearly apparent with the Parthonopian farmland that the crash occurred having little but scattered materials left of the plane. Within an hour of the crash, subsequent fires from the wreckage put out by firefighters, there was nothing left to be found of the plane save for airplane parts and wrecked aluminum spread about.

The potential cause of the crash are still unknown but investigators on the scene have been quick to blame it on either mechanical error or the fault the pilot. The area of the crash has been cordoned off by local first responders and Miliziani officers that have since taken over the containment of the destruction. The black box of the aircraft is in the possession of Parthonopian officials who are currently refusing to release it to the Porduzi company or government.

This event comes on the heels of a tense disagreement with the Parthonopian and Porduzi governments after over one hundred Parthonopian nationals were arrested in connected to an alleged riot during a Cabecan independence rally in San Aurelio last week. The black box and any information on the extent or cause of the crash are currently being withheld at this time.

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[Meronnia]

ENCRYPTED BRIEFING DOCUMENT
RESTRICTION LEVEL VERMEIL

Date	12/01/2020	Director	Clément Auclair
With Regards To:	AP Flight 818	Addressee	Cabinet-Level, Vermeil

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BUR flight logs corroborate estimates of 153 individuals onboard AP Flight. Analysis of tickets and checkins give best estimate of 26 citizens on flight. Takeoff investigation wound down, resources reallocated.

2200: FOXGLOVE and MAGNOLIA rendezvous at Maison Bleue with INI personnel. Both had returned from the crash area by 1100 and carried out regular daily activities.

AC analysis of communication from the craft indicates little sign of distress prior to incident. Photographs provided by field agents display extreme damage, beyond what could be expected from an engine failure leading to crash. Further direct investigation of crash site is discouraged, field agents indicate high security provided by Miliziani. CNES cooperatives unable to provide high-def satellite coverage from time of incident.

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REPORT SUMMARY
Citizen Casualty Estimate: 26
Crash: Accident unlikely. Parthonopian direct intervention probable.
Further Action: Continued local investigation difficult. Diplomatic measures advised.

[Produzir]

Several Tiombora Province Leaders Arrested With Charges of Sedition and Treason
JULIO BARROS - 1/12/20 - 0 Comments



Produese police raided multiple homes in the Cabecan province of Tiombora, and a hotel in downtown Biscegona that hosted several leaders in the province's government. In wake of the recent tragedy of a Burlon airline heading to Carelia being allegedly shot down by Parthonopia, the Cabeca state government in Cartaganca ordered the leaders, including Deputy General of the province Urdinso Idorriaga be arrested for charges of sedition and treason.

The leaders arrested were allegedly involved in efforts to have both Province of Tiombora annexed into Parthonopia and Cabecan independence movements. The Province of Tiombora, along with the Province of Lucca, collectively referred to as East Cabeca, were awarded to the State of Cabeca after the Treaty of Oliveira in 1898. The two provinces remained as a fully integrated part of Cabeca through Cabeca's short phase as an indepedent republic between 1925 and 1937, and after Cabeca was annexed East Cabeca remains a part of the Produese state. Support for East Cabeca to join Parthonopia has been prevalent since Parthonopia reunited over the course of the 2010s. The population of East Cabeca is according to a 2007 poll split evenly between support for joining Parthonopia and becoming independent with the rest of Cabeca, however support for remaining within Produzland has always been higher, with 65% of the vote in 2006 reporting they'd like to stay in Produzland. Some recent independent surveys say both support for Cabecan independence and reunification with Parthonopia are higher than remaining in Produzland.

The parliament of the province of Tiombora is currently mostly occupied by the party of IMD, a pro-Cabecan separatist party, which Deputy General Idorriaga was a part of before being arrested this morning. Despite pro-Cabecan separatist parties being legal in Produzland, it is illegal to encourage people to gain independence in ways other than diplomacy with the government in Burlon, including rebelling and commiting acts against the Produese government, which the Produese police had accused nine total members of the IMD party, and several other members in the province government of. Idorriaga and company have yet to stand trial in the supreme court in Burlon.

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[Parthonopia]

January 13, 2020

International News
Article by
Pepi Panforte

King Carlo I

Addresses the Porduzi Situation,

Denies False Slanderous Claims

And Issues an Ultimatum

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"These crimes cannot go unanswered! Justice for the repeated aggressions against Parthonopia has been eluded for too long." - King Carlo I spoke defiantly today during a previously unscheduled public address.

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King Carlo I during his address.

In the afternoon today King Carlo made an impromptu public address, televised and on the radio nationally. It is the second public address of the sort in the new year, the first last week amidst growing concerns of a potential economic downturn. Today's speech was a direct response to the devolution of Parthonopian-Porduzi diplomacy. In recent weeks the Porduzi government, under Prime Minister Riccardo Bonadeo, has taken a hard line stance in a complete reversal of its recent diplomatic strategy with the Kingdom.

While the government of Produzland has been no friend to the Parthonopian people, both in the past and present, in recent decades they have taken are a more laid back and less hostile approach to relations with central Orthuria. There was a precedent set by the previous Prime Minister, to quietly accept Parthonopian unification and avoid agitating the state. Prime Minister Bonadeo had continued that policy so far in his term until relations have unraveled over the past few weeks. The increasingly supported and active independence movement throughout the Cabecan region of Produzland was a first straw in the decline between the two nations. When over 100 Parthonopian nationals were illegally arrested before the new year, King Carlo's government issued a near immediate response.

Avoiding furthering a destructive course, the Kingdom has taken no actions against Produzland thus far other than through diplomatic means. Yesterday Bonadeo's government answered this by arresting more identifying Parthonopians in the Porduzi occupied region of Subparrania. This revelation came shortly after Porduzi officials have falsely and slanderously alleged that the Air Produzland jet that crashed near Campobasso was supposedly shot down by Parthonopians.

Today's speech by King Carlo directly addressed this series of events and issued a clear and concise description of Parthonopia's platform in context to Produzland. This was the first official public words on these subjects from King Carlo, rather than spokes people. He was stern in his address and announced a briefer version of an ultimatum to Produzland that he personally wrote and sent to Prime Minister Bonadeo.

"From the heinous acts befallen our people whilst the Produzinate, to its lingering after affects. From the malicious serious of deliberate lies propagated by the Porduzi criminal government. Lies denying their crimes, lies blaming other crimes on us, to lies they predicate the completely illegal and unjust arrests of Parthonopians. These crimes cannot go unanswered! Justice for the repeated aggressions against Parthonopia has been eluded for too long."

King Carlo voiced the general sentiment of the public in the nation, addressing several major concerns. The public has been unsure what was to come after the retaliatory and spiteful arrests. Public discourse has shown signs of leaning towards having a favorable opinion towards a potential war with Produzland, surpassing that of a similar sentiment towards the Revolutionary Republic.

He designated a significant amount of time of his address to cover the issue in Cabeca. The increasing ferocity of the wish for the populations of Cabeca to be determined by their chosen nations, an independent Cabeca or Parthonopia, was a prominent point of his. King Carlo declared an official recognition of an independent Cabeca if one were to arise and stated that Parthonopia "wholeheartedly supports [their] cause."

"There are only two options that remain for that region of Orthuria, the renewed free state of Cabeca and a reunion of the Parthonopian peoples there. There is no more room for Produzland in any ending."

King Carlo I concluded his speech with the brief outline summary of his ultimatum to Bonadeo and Produzland. He went across the main points of it, choosing to paraphrase the document in a concise manner. He was stern when he made direct eye contact with the cameras, issuing to the Porduzi Prime Minister that he beware and heed the demands of his letter. King Carlo called for the release and potential prisoner exchange of the recently arrested and illegally detained Parthonopians as well as demanding that the Porduzi took a specific course when it came to Cabeca.

"Which brings me back to my previous point. There is no room left for Produzland in Cabeca or Subparrania. The Prime Minister has by this Friday, January the 17th, to decide how he wishes go about returning the Subparranian marches to Parthonopia as well as the course to independence a future Cabecan state will take."

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[Lunderfrau]

Salzewinde Times
“3 Lunders Dead in Produz Airline Crash in Parthonopia, Matriarchy demands international investigation into crash, Suspicions of Cause mount”

Laubenhugel Lunderfrau-

A spokesman from the Foreign Ministry addressed the Media this morning in regards to the Crash of a Produz Jetliner in Parthonopia 3 days prior. Information from the airline in the form of a passenger manifest indicates that 3 Lunder nationals we’re aboard the flight and perished in the ensuing crash. The spokesman called the crash a “tragedy on all levels” and that the “Kaiserin had been in contact with the families of the deceased.
The Foreign Ministry also made a statement regarding the investigation.
“While the Matriarchy respects the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Parthonopia and their right to conduct the investigation how they see fit, the sheer scale and international scope of this crash demands that a international investigative team be assembled. The Matriarchy is willing to send its best crash investigators from the Matriarchat Luftverwaltung to assist in the investigation.”
However it seems unlikely that the Parthonopians will allow international investigators to look at the crash. The kingdom has continually refused to hand over the black box and other critical crash components to the jet manufacturer or Produzland.

Suspicions abound on Crash

Without a formal cause for the crash being given, people across the globe have speculated on the cause. Among the top causes listed is that of foul play. Several experts including retired crash investigators and airospace engineers have commented that the sever damage and crash trajectory aren’t in line with a typical malfunction or issue. Additionally uncomfirmed reports have suggested the jets transponder went silent several thousand feet above the ground, which would indicate something severely impacted the aircraft that tore it apart mid flight. For now those, these speculations remain such.

[Meronnia]

"Immediate Answers Will Be Necessary"
Yolande Devereux, Mèronie 24
^{January 14, 2019}

A stern-faced First Deputy Sardou, taking questions today.

(M24) — République Fédérale de Mèronie has a reputation as a peacemaker, and something of an Éminence Grise, on the comparatively combative continent of Lira. One word has defined foreign policy strategy in Mèron governments more than any other over the past twenty years, Détente. Treating sometimes aggressive and ideologically opposed international actors with respect and cooperation has seen some surprising successes, seeing the normalization of relationships with the absolute monarchs of Lunderfrau and Zanaro, as well as the Socialist regimes in Velkanika and the TSPR. However, it finally appears that lines have been crossed.

In a press conference today the First Deputy, flanked by the Foreign and Defense Secretaries, announced that a general reassessment of foreign policy had been undertaken, particularly with regards to Lira. Accordingly, the new order of the day is Détente et Affirmer, with the First Deputy promising that the Republic will be open to asserting the interests of itself and "the oppressed" whenever they are questioned. The Premier's office issued a short letter expressing support for the sentiment several hours after the press conference.

The change appears quite squarely directed towards Mèronie's southern neighbors, Parthonopia and Produzland, who exist on the Orthurian Peninsula. Tensions have heated up recently between these nations, including the arrest of more than a hundred Parthonopian nationals during a protest for an independent Cabeca. In regards to Produzland, the First Deputy had this to say:

"The Parthonopian Government, for its flaws, has expressed valid concerns. At minimum, internationally observed trials should be held for those Parthonopian nationals who were arrested for supporting an independent Cabeca. Further, the right to self-determination must be respected. A referendum offering independence and/or devolved powers should be held when the situation allows it. I have faith that the government of Produzland can continue their progress in establishing strong democratic principles."

First Deputy Sardou was less forgiving in regards to the Parthonopians, when he followed up by saying:

"I am now able to release that we believe twenty-six Mèron nationals were onboard the Air Produzland flight that crashed over Parthonopia. I have already spoken with the families of the deceased. It is not for us to conclude, without evidence, what the cause of this crash was. However, if the Parthonopian government continues to stonewall international investigation, it casts a very poor light on the situation in general. "

"Immediate answers will be necessary. If the Parthonopian government will not provide them, then we must draw what conclusions we can. Further, I must stress that under no circumstances will we tolerate the issuance of an ultimatum by King Carlo towards Produzland. Any attempt to force the situation to the Parthonopian King's advantage will be met by force of arms."

Sardou's strong words provided a direct threat of military intervention by Mèron forces, unheard of for decades in Lira. The First Deputy's words have already been backed up by action however, with forces of the Mèron Army entering the Republic of Cisparrania to be stationed near the border. Drills have reportedly begun in the Air Force and Navy, and of particular note, several divisions of the Mèron Foreign Legion have reportedly received orders to be shipped back to the motherland from their overseas bases.

The Mèron government has placed a call for those nations willing to join an "Entente des Consentants", to promise intervention in Western Lira for the opposition of dictatorship and oppression. To little surprise, the Cisparranian Republic has already signed up. Mèronie has also extended an invitation to Produzland and Parthonopia to hold a conference of Heads of State/Government in Senone, with the hope of addressing concerns peacefully.

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NEXT
| CNES Orbits Moon, all eyes on landing | Cabeca Alba votes, not interested | Mèronie to "take on the recession in economic combat" |

[Winst]

Tourne:Without the Black Box Parthonopians Will Be Held Culpable.

Michelle Tourne in a speech today went on the offensive against Parthonopia. Claiming that if they do not hand the black box to an independent authority than the assumption of guilt falls on them. The words came with other news the suspension of all travel payments through Parthonopian Air Space, and redirecting flights away from the region.

Tourne has also stated that due to the threat to civilian life, Wintonian Jets will regularly escort Commercial flights to and from Winst over Parthonopian Airspace. Wintonian respect for Parthonopian Airspace has been minimal with frequent incursions into the occupied Republic of Marcomer, but such a plan would be taking it a step further.

When asked to comment on Produzeland and Mèronie's response. Tourne Saïd simply "It's nice to see they are finally waking up to the Parthonopian threat."

[Carelia]

LOR / MER

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HOME | WORLD | CARELIA | BUSINESS | TECH | SCIENCE | ARTS | MORE >>

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65 Carelians on Flight 818, Foulke Demands Transparency
Jan. 13, 2020

One of very few images released of the aircraft crash site.

Sixty-five of the 153 victims in the recent crash of Air Produzland Flight 818 have been confirmed to be Carelian citizens.

The flight, which left Burlon on January 10th and was bound for Revais, suddenly crashed in the Subparrania region of Parthonopia less than an hour after takeoff. Details on the wreckage have been sparse, and Parthonopian officials have kept a tight grip on any information, refusing to release data from the aircraft’s black box. The identities of the Carelian citizens killed in the disaster were confirmed yesterday. President Foulke met the families of the deceased this morning, then later gave a press conference in which he made clear Revais’ position on the continued Parthonopian information blackout.

“This is a very serious matter. Carelia and many other nations have questions- questions that must be answered quickly. It is essential that there be an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation of this tragedy and how it occurred. I must state that this continued withholding of vital information regarding the disaster reflects extremely poorly upon the Parthnopian government.”

President Foulke additionally threatened action against Parthonopia, should this state of affairs continue.

“In the event that Carelian and international requests for information and clarity continue to fall upon deaf ears, the Federal Congress and I are fully prepared to institute strong economic, diplomatic, and other measures against Parthonopia. We are prepared to do this in conjunction with our friends and allies who have lost their own citizens, and have been in contact with them regarding this catastrophe.”

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See Also
>> Tensions Flare Over Cabecan Independence
>> Third Fleet at Aloisio Reinforced
>> New Spending Bills: A Breakdown
>> Internet Craze Over “Olympic War Two”

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˅ Comments (77)

[Lykens]

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Election Results

01/13/2020

- Araceli Bosque

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Election results shock the nation

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Pundits and analysts alike woke up in shock today, as the complete results of yesterday’s election were tabulated and released by the Lykensburgish Electoral Commission. While polling going into the election weekend showed the race tightening, the ARP was projected to maintain its majority in the Grand Assembly. The results released today show that the party has lost its majority in their bid for a third reelection, although they still are the largest party by number of seats and percentage of votes, sweeping more than a third of the vote, at almost 19 million, and 442 seats, down from the 490 before the election. State Counselor Diaz issued a statement about fifteen minutes after the results were released, lamenting the loss of his majority but pledging to form a coalition to continue on as State Counselor. Although the election was a shock and losing a majority is never a good sign, behind the scenes portrays a picture of calm, as very rarely do governments in Lykens achieve outright majorities without having the form coalitions, a feat only achieved ever by the ARP and only on seven occasions after Unification.

Valentín Escamilla, leader of the Civic Union and current Leader of the Opposition, immediately called for Diaz to step down and allow the Assembly to throw its support to whichever candidate can achieve a majority of support. Diaz fired back shortly after that he would achieve majority support and pointed out that even if combined in a coalition, the right leaning parties would still fall almost 160 seats short of a majority. He did not, however, rule out the possibility of a grand coalition with the Civic Union, bringing his left leaning ARP into government with their right leaning rivals, to combat the unfolding recession afflicting Olympia. Another possibility would be to join the ARP with the Progressive Front, a feat which has not been repeated since 1999, when a coalition government with the ARP as junior partner collapsed in spectacular function when Baltasar Contrera went back on his word to Geraldo Sosa, and worked to undermine the ARP in hopes of securing a PF majority in the 1999 elections. This backfired heavily when the ARP was rewarded with a majority and the Progressive Front was banished to a deep minority status along the coast. While they rebounded and managed to rebound in 2004, and were able to govern with the support of the Millennial Democratic Alliance, that too collapsed under the strain of the hard charging Contrera, and the PF government was brought down and relegated to the opposition benches, where they have remained since 2007.

An ARP-PF government would command 615 out of 950 seats, enabling the State Counselor to move his agenda with ease, although it would come with the restraints of a pronounced leftward bent that would constrain a State Counselor known for forging his own path independently. The State Counselor could go it alone, poaching off at least 34 members of opposing parties to pass appropriations and budgets which are also used to establish confidence in the government of the day. So far, Condado Street has been mum about potential government coalitions, although the Opening of the Assembly will take place in two days time, and in order to remain State Counselor, Kenneth Diaz will need to demonstrate the support of at least 476 Assembly members on Wednesday.

While relatively no one expects Diaz to step down, especially with only three years under his belt and barely having turned 40, the path to his continuing place in power is murky and unsure at this time, although he does have several paths. Ever the sagacious and wily political operator, Diaz has shown time and again that he can get out of pinch, and this will be one of the highest political tightrope walks he has ever attempted. At approximately 8:35 am EMT, several factional leaders and cabinet officials were spotted entering the State Counselor’s residence, most likely to assist in charting a course forward for the ARP. Interestingly, at approximately 9:40 am EMT, the leader of the Civic Union, Valentín Escamilla, Amaranta Chavarría of the Progressive Front, and Amelia Mendoza of the Millennial Democrats all arrived together at the State Counselor’s residence, implying that coalition negotiations are underway with all three parties.

Party	Total Vote	Percent	Seats Won	+/-
Association of Ranchers and Planters	18,924,639	36.8%	442	-48
Civic Union	12,753,059	24.8%	204	+8
Progressive Front	10,076,678	19.6%	173	+17
Popular Democratic Party	5,277,031	110.3%	76	+8
Millennial Democratic Alliance	2,969,476	5.8%	37	+12
Familia, Dios, País	1,433,604	2.8%	18	+3

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Election Results are In

01/12/2020

- Araceli Bosque

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Election sends shockwaves through the political arena.

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Results have been fully counted today, released by the National Election Bureau at approximately 8:00 am this morning, and ARP has emerged as the undisputed front runner, with 74 more seats than their nearest competitor, the newly established center right Civic Union. Although their previous majority of 1 has been erased and the party lost nearly seventy seats, the ARP has shown that they still maintain a grip on the rural areas of the nation, even with a bevy of new parties. Nearing nearly a third of the vote and almost 3 million more votes than the party trailing it, the ARP has shown that it can adapt to the new changes, and is here to stay. Party insiders are not faulting the loss of seats on State Counselor Diaz, instead blaming the losses, the only ones suffered by a previously existing party, as a factor of the new voting system, which many had previously accused of being rigged in the ARP's favor due to its provincial basis for allotting seats.

The Progressive Front also added almost 40 seats to its previous total, making them one of the big winners of tonight, bringing in under 20% of the vote and nearly tying with their center right rivals in the CU. At 182 seats, the party is at its largest since being routed out of government in the 2010 elections which were disastrous for the party. Analysts and pundits believe that the party's errant old left voters with more socially conservative views have either come back home to the PF banner or split off to power the newly formed Millennial Democrats, who were direct beneficiaries of the lowering of the electoral threshold to 9%. Overall, the Lykensburgish left controls 529 seats, far clear of the 476 seats needed for a majority. Although State Counselor Kenneth Diaz has not ruled out any coalition partners, stating that the ARP would form a coalition with whichever party was best suited to working with the ARP for the betterment of the country, many expect a coalition with the Progressive Front and Millennial Democrats, although some have mentioned the possibility of an ARP-CU coalition, although those parties would fall short of an outright majority by about 36 seats.

Some sources are saying that there is a possibility that the ARP and Millennial Democrats could join together in a minority coalition government that is guaranteed by PF confidence and supply, as the leader of the Progressive Front, Amaranta Chavarría, has had a longstanding rivalry with Kenneth Diaz that many believe preclude any government partnership. Diaz having been the architect of the ARP sweep of 2010, while Chavarría was his opposite and worked to mitigate the damage eventually lost out, and big. It was a humiliation that carried through her bruising leadership contest, trying to convince her caucus that she would not repeat the mistakes of 2010, only to reach third place in both elections afterward. Her position atop the caucus is also allegedly shaky, as the third election loss in a row has caused some consternation among her inner circle, and more broadly the rest of the caucus. The addition of almost 40 new AMs will likely come as a welcome reprieve but it remains to be seen whether she can pull it off.

For now, Federal President Nicolás Gonzales is expected to invite State Counselor Kenneth Diaz to form a government and subsequently draft the President's Opening Speech. Many expect a heavier involvement in international affairs, the Mu-Kal Union, the situation in Lira, as well as the regular domestic items, to be heavily mentioned in the Opening Speech. The Grand Assembly is due to open Wednesday the 15, so it remains to be seen which coalitions can be hammered out in the three short days until then.

Party	Total Vote	Percent	Seats Won	+/-
Association of Ranchers and Planters	9,062,610	27.07%	258	-68
Civic Union	6,484,794	19.37%	184	+184
Progressive Front	6,413,515	19.16%	182	+38
Popular Democratic Party	4,516,289	13.49%	128	+128
Familia, Dios, País	3,846,516	11.49%	109	+109
Millennial Democratic Alliance	3,152,849	9.42%	89	+89

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[Parthonopia]

January 14, 2020

International News
Article by
Pepi Panforte

Marshal Vico Bartolomeo Ongaro

Stationed in Subparrania,

Local Legion Divisions

On Standby

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"...if [...] their independence is not guaranteed, it may be time for them to call upon their Parthonopian brethren for assistance..." - Grand Marshal Ongaro, supreme commander of the Parthonopian Legion, during a rally for elements of the Escercito dall'Parrania based near Campobasso.

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Grand Marshal Ongaro along with officers of the Escercito dall'Parrania.

Tensions along the three-state border between Parthonopia, Produzland, and Mèronie have been at an all time high in recent days. Contributing to the steady growing tension has been the increase of Mèron troops in what remains of the Cisparranian Republic as well as First Deputy Sardou's recent public statements. Earlier today the Mèron First Deputy lambasted King Carlo, mildly scolding Produzland as well, during what would be the unveiling of a total foreign policy turn around for the Federal Republic.

Something unheard of in decades, the Mèron government issued an aggressive warning to King Carlo over the recent debacle with Produzland. Referencing King Carlo's ultimatum delivered yesterday, Sardou's press conference described a written statement delivered to both the involved nations. Laced with threats of military intervention, the Mèron First Deputy stated, "Any attempt to force the situation to the Parthonopian King's advantage will be met by force of arms."

While King Carlo nor his government have made an official response to the threat, spokespeople for Ancona have informed La Nazione that one of the points of Sardou's statements was being looked into. This was specifically in regard to the invitation for a diplomatic conference between the heads of state of Produzland and Parthonopia to be mediated by Mèronie in their capital Senone.

However, an unofficial response came out today in the form of a rather large military parade and rally in Campobasso where Grand Marshal Vico Bartolomeo Ongaro was in attendance and gave a poignant speech on the unfolding conflict in Lira. Comprised of six Corps, the Escercito dall'Parrania is stationed across the Aniene River as well the Cisparranian-Parthonopian border and much of the Cabecan-Parthonopian border.

The Grand Marshal Ongaro has been spotted in and out of the Campobasso command centers over the past few weeks, today making an official announcement of his direct oversight of field operations in the region. A tremendous procession of military hardware and armed forces paraded through downtown Campobasso before congregating in marching order at the town square where the supreme army officer of the Parthonopian Legion addressed the troops.

During an enthralling speech, the Grand Marshal spoke of the Legion's duty. He specifically referred to the rumors of potential future conflict, issuing support for the independence movements occurring in Produzland, "The gentle people of Cabeca have been given our word, rest assured, that if steps towards their independence is not guaranteed, it may be time for them to call upon their Parthonopian brethren for assistance and guidance towards that goal."

Grand Marshal Ongaro also made sure to take a jab at his potential Mèron adversaries, making jest at their abandoned Detente policy. "The Détente has been dropped and replaced with an Entente; this does not frighten me for a moment. The day I fear sabre rattling cowards for huddling together to cry should be the day I am stripped of my rank. Whatever force of arms the Mèron could unleash upon Parthonopia we will return tenfold! Let the Entente des Consentants throw a tantrum, in the meantime we continue what have been doing for years and ensure the protection of our homeland and her bright future."

This is the flashiest case of the more recent major division movements and drills in the Parthonopian controlled Parranian regions. Since 2014 there has been a concerted effort towards establishing and maintaining a heavy military and defensive presence in these border regions. The common sight of large collections of military assets and forces has reportedly increased in recent months, with a more rapid reaction since the arrests of Parthonopian nationals in Cabeca before the new year.

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[Produzir]

Bonadeo Reacts to Conflict with Parthonopia
Martí Pujolriu, Noite de Proádusia
^{January 14th, 2020}

After an ultimatum by the Parthonopian monarch and potential meeting proposed, Prime Minister Riccardo Bonadeo Responds

— There has been tension in Orthuria for decades, but it looks like it's beginning to erupt. However, Prime Minister Riccardo Bonadeo is working with the governments in Meronnia and Parthonopia to resolve issues. King Carlo I, the absolute monarch of Parthonopia published an ultimatum to the Produese head of state stating quote: "The Prime Minister has by this Friday, January the 17th, to decide how he wishes go about returning the Subparranian marches to Parthonopia as well as the course to independence a future Cabecan state will take".

Bonadeo held a press conference this morning responding to the threat by giving out that former Prime Minister Agostinho Valdez's government in Burlon and the first year of Bonadeo's prime ministry had been attempting to compensate the Parthonopians and stay out of their affairs, figuring the Parthonopians would not retaliate against the Produese if they stayed out of their affairs, and agreed to let Parthonopia exist as a nation state. A point that Bonadeo stands by to this day, however Bonadeo stated: "While we can embrace a Parthonopian state in Orthuria, we will not stand for it at the expense of sovereign Produese territory". Potentially however Bonadeo hinted that he may be inclined to give up territory if Produzland receives massive financial compensation for the losses, most notably in the heavy mining industries of gold and iron in the state of Subparrania. He is not sure if the Parthonopian government would agree to such an endeavor however.

First Deputy Sardou of Meronnia has embraced the idea of a meeting between the heads of states of Produzland and Parthonopia, which the topic of was brought up during the press conference. Bonadeo said he would be happy to meet with the King Carlo to negotiate peace, which despite expansion of cracking down on foreign policy and the situation in Cabeca, Bonadeo states his main goal is to avoid war. When asked about the demands for a legal referendum for Cabecan sovereignty the prime minister refused to speak.

Bonadeo also said in the press conference he will be formally requesting the blackbox to AP Flight 818 on behalf of the Produese government, he will not pressure a Produese sponsored investigation team, but as a plane registered in the country Produzland has a right to the blackbox of its flight, said Bonadeo.

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[Zanaro]

Reformation of the Imperial Diet!
26JAN2020
Written by: Miyaka Hasamoto 3rd writer

The Kotonashi recently announced through the Voice of the Kotonashi a major reformation of the legislative body for the Koto'Ara. In a bid to give increased rights to the commoners of Zanaro the Kotonashi has formed the House of Commons and the House of Lords which together will make up the Imperial Diet. The House of Commons will make up the lower house of the legislative body and all members will be elected to their positions by the commoners of Zanaro. Individuals who seek to run for political office must have attained the position of Heisho, but commoners do not need to have attained this position to vote for their representative to this new legislative body.



Elections for this new governing body will be held next month on the final day of February, with those seeking to run needing to finance their own political campaigns or pooling together money from supporters to run for political office. Individuals seeking to run for political office must submit form 127.32b to the Ministry of Public Welfare who will then verify that you meet the requirement of having attained the rank of Heisho. Voting shall be done in a ranked system, with commoners ranking the candidates from most supported to least supported, the goal here is to allow the best representative for the Ara to be elected to the position.

With this change though comes questions regarding the individuals making up the House of Lords which is the official new upper house of the Imperial Diet. The House of Lords will consist of three Representatives from each of the Inpuku, two Representatives from each of the In'Ara, one Representative from The Dai'Ara of Ashahieru, and one Representative from the Kota'In of Torman. These individuals will be hereditary in nature with the heads of the various major and minor noble houses holding these positions, the exception to this is the representative from Torman who will be the head of the Ryuken family. This removes the ability for the heads of these noble houses to appoint representatives and instead requires them to reside in Torman to serve in the House of Lords.

These changes also change the way laws, committees and Imperial Diet commissions are formed. This also allows for the first time the creation and joining of political parties. Bills will be written and created by the members of the House of Commons and submitted to the House of Lords who will scrutinize, review, and amend before presenting them before the Kotonashi who will then either sign into law or veto. In the case of a veto the Kotonashi must release a statement as to why it was vetoed. This defeated bill will return to the House of Commons who can then rework it and resubmit it through the process again if they so wish. In addition any committee's or commissions created by the Imperial Diet must contain an equal number of members from the House of Lords and the House of Commons.


Democratic Activist Sato Morida

This is seen as a massive victory for the democratic movement who had long been writing letters and staging planned protests before the Imperial City in Torman. The head of the movement, Sato Morida, had the following to say. "This is a great day for the people of Zanaro, for the first time in our history the common people of Zanaro will have a voice and a say in our governance. I intend to run for a position and I am founding the People's Democratic Party to help support the election of those who fought for this day for many years. This also proves that our peaceful protests and negotiations with the government has borne fruit."

We will continue to watch as these changes come into effect throughout Zanaro but it is believed to be the first step in the 'democratization' of Zanaro in an attempt to stabilize the nation during these trying economic times. It is also expected that there will be an increase in volunteers to join the military with the promise that afterwords they can pursue a political career on the national level. It is unknown how the rest of Greater Olympus will react to this news.

[Winst]

Military Restructuring in Marcomer-Lafida Underway.
Port Lafida, Marcomer-Lafida

With tentative peace between the Marcomer-Lafida Republic and the Parthonopian Kingdom, President Ferarra has announced a major overhaul of the military structure.

In a press conference Ferarra outlined comprehensive changes to military structure. The mandatory conscription period was raised from 1 year to 3 years as well as the inclusion of Women. Further all men between the ages of 23 and 40 and women between the ages of 23 and 35 without children, are to participate in militia training once a month.

The Marcomer Guard and Lafidian Defense Force has been reorganized into the Republican Guard serving as the country's new standing army.

The picture is of a country very much aware of its defensive position in the Orthurian peninsula. Last year's brief conflict has had a profound affect on the small republic.

"We are a people who live along a rocky shore line. A people with the Rosel to our backs this is our bastion. We shall not waver for all that would be left is the cold ocean." Ferarra's closing remarks struck home with the audience as he received a standing ovation.

[Meronnia]

The Tendrils of Mèron Influence Grasp Further
Yolande Devereux, Mèronie 24
^{January 14, 2019}

Foreign Secretary Beaudouin is seen as one of the masterminds behind recent moves the Federal Republic has made in international affairs.

(M24) — République Fédérale de Mèronie is a well-known soft power influencer throughout the world, often present with careful words and full wallets to point international politics their preferred way. The current government has proven to be particularly capable in foreign affairs, in fact internal polling shows that most respondents feel it is the policy area this government has performed the best in.

In recent years, thanks to the interventions masterminded by members of the Sardou cabinet such as Secretary Beaudouin, Mèronie has approached a level of global influence very rare outside the established and heavily ideological power blocs, despite the fact that it's military forces do not nearly have a comparable capacity. Now, the newest tendrils of influence carry forth.

With the ongoing global recession and financial crisis, Mèronie has found itself in a better position than most, but the general global slowdown will still have negative effects on the economy. The Mèron government, both through taxing extreme savings and encouraging investments, has spurred forth the already powerful investments sector, and along with the government many private firms are breaking the piggy banks to get the financial juices moving again. Particularly, it is noted, a recession is perhaps the best time to be buying provided there is robustness to hold the investments to maturity.

Internationally investments are spread thin, but in particular several areas of strategic interest the Mèron government is partnering with Private firms to provide effective and significant investment operations, such as in Carelia. The most significant example is in Storsnia, which has started issuing government bonds and offering direct incentives for foreign investment in the hopes of turning around the recession locally. Mèron firms have snapped up incentives rabidly, very quickly providing a source of capital in a number of Storsnian industries such as agriculture, energy extraction, and manufacturing, and the government bonds have started going quickly too. Mèron businesses and government can expect a pretty return when times are better, and will enjoy some economic sway in Storsnia for the time being, but the capital flow into the large nation is expected to have significant positive impacts for battling recession and restoring local investor confidence.

Meanwhile, the news of partial democratization in Zanaro came as a shock to all, including the Mèron government, who scrambled to put together a response. They ended up offering a warm congratulations to Zanaro and the Zanarite people, and encouraged the removal of sanctions on that state. Further, Mèron groups that support international democracy, such as NORIFREE, have started charity drives to offer non-partisan funding to candidates in the first Zanarite election so they can register, as well as providing technical and legal aid to support a transition towards an, at-least, partial democracy. The Free Legions, notably, withdrew the Konotashi from the list of International Oppressors, available online on their website.

In other news, tensions in Ackesia have been concerningly high in the past weeks, particularly since the oncoming of the recession. While the Mèron response has been officially fully to support stable democratic principles in that nation, there is no doubt that Mèronie does not want to see any sort of protracted violence in one of the major energy exporters to the entirely of Western Lira. Mèronie has made no official statement on the violence in Beldon, but has nonetheless offered security aid to the Ackesian government, as well as offering an increase to development aid conditional on a Mèron-observed free election at the scheduled time.

Finally, most eyes have been on the direct south, in the Orthurian Peninsula, where the showdown of the century may be beginning. It has been confirmed by anonymous sources that the governments of Produzland and Parthonopia have agreed to participate in a conference in Senone, to hopefully avoid in the peninsula. Mèronie has not let down their guard however, as the recalled MFL Divisions arriving in the Homeland have been deployed to mutual training exercises with the Cisparranian Defense Force. Additionally, Secretary Beaudouin today announced official recognition of the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Marcomer-Lafida, a stronger view than the previous recognition of Lafida alone. These moves are seen to represent Mèronie showing a strong face coming into the Senone Conference, but many observers expect they may be talked down on some points.

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NEXT
| "Immediate Answers Will Be Necessary" | CNES Orbits Moon, all eyes on landing | Cabeca Alba votes, not interested |

[Yuzhou]

HOME | POLITICS | ENTERTAINMENT | TECHNOLOGY | HEALTH | TRAVEL | LIVE*

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Yanette Porpata (@YanPor.AnoInt.LV)

February 2nd, 2020

Senior News Agent

BREAKING NEWS!

Rastan II Speaks

It was a quiet yesterday evening when field agent Amang Ouro by sheer fortune was across the street from Yuram temple when he heard shouting. Moments later people rushed across towards the gate set among the great fortress walls of the complex. Before he could ever register what was happening, people announced to him that the Bas'kan was going to make his first speech. Amang forgot to lock his moped as he too ran in a frenzy to get a spot inside before the gates closed.
Amang is eternally grateful he was standing on that street, and so are we.

The Bas'kan's first public address came as a shock after complete silence following his ascension. So little had come out of Yuram that it was assumed the Bas'kan likely had some severe health problem preventing him from actually leading. Not even Prime Minister Tale'va was kept in knowledge of the Bas'kan's condition. Yet, the speech proved that this Bas'kan has not only recovered from any ailments but is ready to compensate for his time MIA.

Like all the speeches of decades past, this one was provided to us through transcript only. Those lucky few who were able to see it in person are the only ones that actually witness Rastan II make his address. Recording equipment is not allowed inside for the speeches and is thoroughly prohibited. Yet we can glean from just the words the general tone the Bas'kan wishes to take. The first half of the speech beautifully outline the direction the Bas'kan wishes to take with the faith, requesting that Maists act selflessly in pursuit of the faith. The second half has much more subtle and wider implications for the international community.
Just as in the act of choosing Rastan as his regnal name in light of the last crusading Bas'kan, Rastan II's speech promises a far more active role in international relations. It is likely that the Bas'kan will be more proactive in dictating the monastic community, even in foreign countries. More so, his words indicate Jashnagar becoming much more stringent in foreign affairs. Rastan II promises to be an agent of positive change. Within this promise, he has made it known that he wishes for foreign leaders sincere in their convictions to reach out to him. Regardless if this invitation is taken, it's clear that the Bas'kan is focused on fulfilling his role as an international spiritual leader. Whether this is a result of the Bas'kan being a member of the Avalaran order of the Jai Maist school, or stemming from his previous stint of inactivity, it is unclear.

Amang Ouro had already received the opportunity of a lifetime when he heard all this with his own ears. Yet he could never have dreamed he would be approached by an security director at the temple, allowing him, with formal permission, to bring a camera into the complex for a single photo.
Tradition has seen photographing or recording the Bas'kan as forbidden since the invention of actions. The government has gone through very diligent efforts to prevent this and has punished offender severely in the past, creating an effective mask where only those standing in his presence could truly view the Bas'kan. Though the civilian identities of the past Bas'kans had been leaked quickly, media of them post-ascension had been inaccessible to the public.
Ouro had been selected as the first agent to break this restriction at the behest of the Bas'kan himself.

With this monumental change in the mindset of the clergy, there is no telling what direction will be taken as we move into the new decade of the century.
I for one, am excited.

This has been Yanette Porpata reporting for Anomai International News. Until next time.
Yakayarana, Mayu'sa Anomai!

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© Anomai International NBC 2019
All Rights Reserved


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[Sepura]

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Tewah Post

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Abdication Vote Fails in Diet

Wan Razaleigh
02/07/20

Pembela Setiawan Survives Vote to Remove Him
In late December a sacred and vital process of the people's democracy went underway in Tewah without the knowledge of much of the rest of the Republic. This process, the Abdication Vote, is a means through which the Diet, and therefore the people, have a recourse with which to remove a Pembela that has performed poorly. This legal method of ejecting bad leadership was personally included in the binding documents of our law by the founder, and first Pembela, Wayan. When adding this facet, he had intended for it to be used even upon himself, were the path he was bringing the People's Republic on a lost one. This was not the case for Wayan, however over the course of the the lifespan of the People's Republic there have been three votes of the sort, two of which were successful in removing the targeted Pembela.

Before the New Year, Wibawa Ilham Setiawan learned that he was to become the fourth Pembela in history to face an Abdication Vote. From that moment on the Diet has been entrenched in fiery debate on this matter. Prior to the announcement there had been near violent altercations between party members of various factions. Tensions between labor, military, and industry representatives has been a point of contention for the last few years of Pembela Setiawan's term. Ideological and agenda differences between these Diet factions was brewing for quite some time, held over by the stable economy and domestic situation. After the affects of Cyclone Yue, the stress of the damages reignited feuds in the legislature that culminated in the Abdication Vote process becoming utilized.

The People's representatives in the Diet had varying reactions to the outcome of the vote.

As per the tradition of the Abdication Vote, as it has been created by the precedents set in previous ones, a trial against Pembela Setiawan began to demonstrate what some Diet members considered failure of leadership. The Diet first had to agree to bring up the vote of the abdication process by gaining a simple majority in the legislature that there was no confidence in the Pembela. Once that vote was pushed through, right before the New Year, the process was fully underway. Lawmakers then were tasked with presenting a case against the Pembela, outlining whatever they deemed as failures of his, and finding an agreement on the timeline of the process.

Diet factions struggled to come to an agreement, however by mid January they were in line with one another and the next phase of the Abdication Vote was able to begin. The Diet's case against Pembela Setiawan focused on three major issues of policy, both domestic and international. The first major infraction against Setiawan was the handling of Cyclone Yue and the seemingly irreparable damages that storm caused; large sections of Tewah are still shut down from the flooding caused by the storm and the subsequent surge from the damage at Wayanda Dam. The other two main points for those in favor of removal hinged on the global economic recession and the People's Republic's foreign policy and alignment with the International Revolutionary Pact (IRP). Critics of Pembela Setiawan have claimed that his response to the global recession was lackluster, and even more so for the failure to mitigate the issue prior to it becoming one.

A timeline was agreed upon by the majority and the cases thoroughly hashed and rehashed by the end of January, leaving the official Abdication Vote itself as all that was left to do. Unlike other votes in the legislature, this vote would need a two thirds majority instead of the normal 51%. It was settled that vote would take place on the first Friday of February, 02/07/20, and lawmakers spent much of this week continuing to plead for or against the removal of Setiawan. Today it all came to a conclusion, the vote finally happening; Pembela Setiawan became the second Pembela to survive an Abdication Vote. Those who voted in favor of removal were more than those against, however they were less than the necessary total of votes for removal. This was due to an extreme number of abstains or people not present for the vote.

People's Army units on patrol in exterior districts of Tewah.

What Does this Mean for Sepura?
As news of the outcome of the vote hit the streets it was received with mixed reviews. Pembela Setiawan enjoyed a significant public approval rating for much of his time in office but has seen a steady decline in support recently. Towards the end of the Abdication Vote process, protesters have been gathered in central Tewah, despite floodwater that still lingers. Rallies against the Pembela swelled today to await the announcement of the outcome. The failure of the vote to pass has many of the citizens at these protests upset. There has been a fear of these protests becoming violent, especially after today's news and as the crowds become rowdier. Tewah security forces have assured the public, as have activist leaders, that the protests will remain peaceful and civil.

The People's Army has had an increased presence in Tewah after Cyclone Yue, a major assistance to relief efforts. Despite much of the damages having been already cleaned up and civilian organizations beginning the rebuilding process, Army units have continuously been positioned in and around the city. Unlike in previous Abdication Votes and Pembela succession issues, military representatives and factions in the Diet did not find themselves within the same camps. Specifically, the People's Army representatives were decidedly split between for and against removal. This divide is largely rooted in the disagreement between People's Army command officers on Sepura's position within the IRP. Pembela Setiawan has been apathetic towards the IRP during his terms, however his policy has displayed some sort of favoritism towards the organization. During Setiawan's reign, IRP forces based in Sepura have grown exponentially, specifically the Air Army Sepura division from TSPR. Sections of the military staff, as well as chunks of the Diet, have voiced opinions of wishing to pull the People's Republic away from the IRP and slowly remove their forces from bases in the nation.

With the failure of the Abdication Vote to pass, that leaves opposition to Setiawan no other recourse but to wait another two years to retry the proceedings or come to some sort of compromise with him and his supporters. Leaders of the removal movement will have to make this decision quickly as the Diet wasted no time in bringing up resolutions involving the global recession and cyclone relief after the conclusion of the vote. Opposition leader People's Chairmen Wayan Bunnag, who was on a hiatus from Diet sessions for much of January, had seemed to change his previous tone when making a statement on the outcome today. Bunnag seemed open to cooperation and compromise stating, "we must do what is best for Sepura, for now the Gods have decided that is still Pembela Setiawan."

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Sepura Media & Broadcasting ©

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[GO Archive]

Tewah is burning; Sepura reacts to Abdication Vote
Dara Chey, The Gate Post
^{February 8th, 2020}

Police and protesters clashed in the streets of Tewah yesterday afternoon and into the night.

— Already rowdy protests quickly turned violent yesterday as news spread of the failure in the Diet to remove Pembela Setiawan. For over a month now, TGP field annalist, Kulap Metharom, has been on the ground and feeding out information on the political struggle in the nation. Metharom's original mission, to discover the true cost of Cyclone Yue and the extent of the damages, quickly evolved into covering the secretive crisis that was unfolding for the leadership of the People's Republic of Sepura. Metharom was the first foreign journalist to discover, and report to the world, the ongoing situation in Sepura when in December it seemed that a recurring crisis for the island nation, Pembela succession, was impending.

Trouble has been brewing since the announcement of the proposed Abdication Vote, a process in Sepura of which their legislature, the Diet, may remove the executive Pembela. The markedly biased state media in the People's Republic has had little to no coverage on the removal process, leaving it up to foreign outlets to struggle to research and reveal what was truly happening. Metharom and TGP have been vital in discovering and disseminating information on the evolving situation in Sepura. The Abdication Vote process was largely kept hushed and covered up, although impossible to completely contain.

News of the vote was quickly common knowledge but at what stage the process was or how it was going was unknown. Leaked footage from some of the sessions have been made available and it paints a portrait of a divided Diet and ruling classes of Sepura. The nominally communist International Revolutionary Pact (IRP) member state has seen an uneven share of strife in recent months, brought on by Cyclone Yue and the world's economic crisis. These troubles have been passed on to the lowest levels of the nations society while three key factions have seemed to form in politics. These Diet groups, a labor led union coalition and two military influenced factions, clashed among each other over whether or not to remove Pembela Setiawan.

It seemed clear from the start that Setiawan would be removed; his failure to respond to Cyclone Yue and an issue of disapproval from the Sepuranese theological leader, the Kaimiri, were leading factors that leaned towards this outcome. When the vote was publicly announced to occur on Friday, February 7th, protesters rallied throughout Tewah to display their support for his removal. When it was announced yesterday afternoon that Setiawan had survived the vote, these rallies quickly devolved into violent confrontations between security forces in the city.

Kulap Metharom was on the scene and has provided much photographic evidence of the escalating confrontations, as well as the unacknowledged actual actions of Sepuranese police and army forces against civilian protesters. The People's Army, which has had its presence in Tewah significantly increased, has cordoned off the city and officially shut it down to all traffic. Meanwhile, towards the center of the populous city, civilians and police continued fight into the night with no immediate end in sight.

Pembela succession's have been historically violent and these developments are a check mark in the list of steps towards a violent a coup taking place in the nation. Pembela Setiawan, despite all of this, still holds support among many leading political and military leaders and officials, in Sepura. His massive assistance towards IRP build ups in the Southeast Nori region also helps shore up the defense that he has for remaining in power if it were to come to blows. For now, a close eye is being kept on Sepura as the situation seems to deteriorate while official media sources from there paint a much different picture.

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[Meronnia]

Mèron Government "Unimpressed" With Sepuran Pembela
Yolande Devereux, Mèronie 24
^{February 16, 2020}

Foreign Secretary Beaudouin made a statement today representing the Federal Republic.

(M24) — Most eyes on Mèronie at the moment are preoccupied with the ongoing conference with the Orthurian powers in order to avoid a war in Lira, but the Mèron Government has shown its capacity to multitask today, with significant revelations about Mèron policy in relation to Southeast Nori revealed by Foreign Secretary Beaudouin in a regular press conference.

In regards to Jashnagar, an important strategic partner in the region, it seems more or less like business as usual. When asked, the Foreign Secretary said he "broadly agreed" with the sentiment of the speech of Bas'kan Rastan II, but that it was not his nor his government's place to make any determination on the theological aspects of the global message. He did confirm, however, that the Mèron government has taken Rastan II at his word on building further earnest cooperation, and it is believed that the two governments are collaborating on setting up high level meetings between representatives of both states.

Also ongoing in the region, the local elections in Ile de Taveteaux are coming up in the near future, though the Foreign Secretary refused to comment for a number of reasons, stating "The state of association with Taveteaux means its affairs are outside my portfolio, and in any case it would not be proper to comment on such things. We wish all candidates the best of luck in the spirit of democracy."

Most prominently today, the Mèron government came out with a strong stance on the crisis in Sepura. With the recent dissatisfaction with the government of the current Pembela in Sepura, it seems the tension has boiled over into full on riots after a vote to force the Pembela to abdicate failed in the Diet. The Mèron government questioned the legitimacy of that vote given the large number of absent members, and expressed concern that there may be an ongoing suppression of civil liberties and political rights in the nation.

With the current crisis, combined with the poor response of the Sepuran government to Cyclone Yue, experienced first-hand by intervening Mèron NGOs and naval officials, the Foreign Secretary used the word "Unimpressed" to describe the opinion of Pembela Setiawan's government. Seeming to be fairly fed up with Setiawan's antics, the Mèron government which still has volunteers in the country for Yue rebuilding efforts has warned that further intervention by Sepuran forces to disrupt and delay reconstruction efforts will lead to the view that the Pembela is acting in bad faith, and further warned that any attack on Mèron-listed NGOs was considered an attack on the Federal Republic.

The Foreign Secretary stressed that calm should be the order of the day in the tense Southeast Norian nation and Mèronie would do its part in ensuring that, but also that an international investigation into the legitimacy of recent acts by the Pembela would be necessary for a restoration of trust.

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NEXT
| The Tendrils of Mèron Influence | "Immediate Answers Will Be Necessary" | CNES Orbits Moon, all eyes on landing |

[Meronnia]

ENCRYPTED BRIEFING DOCUMENT
RESTRICTION LEVEL VERMEIL

Date	16/02/2020	Director	Clément Auclair
With Regards To:	Sepura Opposition	Addressee	Cabinet-Level, Vermeil

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Investigation into purposeful disruption of rebuilding efforts for sake of concealing extent of damages from CY, as requested per IntMemo I214, continues to find examples provided by contacts within cooperating NGOs as listed in previous report. Find summary attached.

State of legal opposition to PEM remains unclear, field agents continue to suspect suppression by loyalist military forces. It has proven difficult to establish reliable contacts with legal opposition without raising suspicion. Agent ALYSSUM has continued to observe SIT Bunnag, as of yet no reported assassination attempts. No attempt to make direct contact with SIT as of yet.

Underground opposition to Pembela more open to collaboration, but high likelihood that providing arms will result in prolonged conflict, and direct intervention by IRP forces would then be expected.

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REPORT SUMMARY
Pembela acting against international interests.
Further Action: Will continue establishing links and support networks to legal opposition. Recommend diplomatic pressure.