The Battle for the Red Sea (IC/APSIA Only)

[McFreedomstan]

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December 16th, 1979

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Chairman Xeng Diaoping, "Look to Hong Kong"



Commercial center in Port Indomie



The Chairman made several shocking statements today during a televised speech. We trust his guidance but there are great changes coming, comrades. We've included a transcript below:


I have spent the better part of 20 years pondering our economic model. Our desire to mirror the Sietskan miracle, though nobel, has given us tunnel vision. Our brothers in Hong Kong have found great success by allowing full free market control. That being said their nations are still plagued by massive amounts of inequalities that show the heartless nature of capitalism. But we cannot deny our nature. The Chinese people have always had an eye for business, and a heart for the commune. We can combine these pillars of society to bring prosperity to the masses without compromising our communist values. The means of production can belong to the people without a central planner. Over the next 2 years I will begin a soft privatization of current and future enterprises, where owners claim 85% ownership, while the people maintian 15%. These funds will be used to support and revamp existing welfare programs. I say again, let us look to Hong Kong and take the best from their model.

As for our foreign policy, we have been living in the shadow of Europe for far too long. Our isolationism has allowed the Japanese dogs to grow unchecked. We must engage economically, politically, and militarily if we wish to ever have a chance at maintaining and improving our global standing. I will start us off by guaranteeing the sovereignty of our communist brothers in Alexandria and maintaining a military presence in the Suez canal.

[Norman State]

Ministère des Armées 12/16/1979 Letter To Mr. Gustav Labrenz [On Behalf of The Executive War Council - For Public Release]: Mr. Labrenz, you're insistence is admirable, but your intent is not sufficient for this administration. You have the gall to champion European integration while simultaneously lashing out at nations with whom you disagree; the fateful actions of the past few weeks have cast the entire future of the Europe project into doubt. Upon seeing news of your increased military spending and increased troop movement, it appears apparent that neither the Gold Union nor the Swiss will be willing to look at a peaceful solution. We will act to protect a lasting European peace, and our own interests, if neither side can be compelled to seek a reasonable peace. Please reconsider the greater consequences of this war, we urge that you attempt a peaceful solution. Général d'armée Bruno Cuche

[Nationalist Gold Union]

Union Ministry of Defense December 17, 1979 Conscription and Defense Budget Increase ​Following recent developments and events in central Europe, the Union Ministry of Defense has requested increased spending and conscription for the Union Armed Forces. The Council of States approved the new supply bill, which was later given assent by His Majesty the Grand Protector. This supply bill increases the annual federal defense spending from 2% to the 5% of the national gross domestic product. Additionally, using the powers granted to the Union Ministry of Defense, a conscription of more than 300,000 able-bodied men will be put into place to guarantee the security and integrity of the Gold Union. Training for various military roles will begin immediately, and those who serve their country will be rewarded greatly for their sacrifice. General Josef Gulyás Union Minister of Defense Gold Union of the Danube

[McFreedomstan]

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December 17th, 1979

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Trademark Approved, Welcome to the Heinz Islands



Aberdeen street life, 1979



After five months, the National Name Lease trademark by H. J. Heinz Company® has been approved Hong Kong Intellectual Property Protection Agency. The Islands of Riau, Hong Kong, and Macau will now be known as the Heinz Islands™ until December 16th, 1981. No administrative changes will occur during this period outside of the scheduled election for the Presidency. Passports and official documents will not have to be changed, any official documents without the Heinz™ logo are still considered valid. Existing addresses and post codes will remain unchanged. Unofficial holidays are subject to H. J. Heinz Company® approval.




Goystein Holoshekel,
President of the Heinz Islands

[Worris]

12/17/1979

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Final Election candidates chosen

The final two candidates in the 1980 Worrisian election have been chosen by their respective parties to represent their parties. Representing the Egalitarian is current president Red Feather, who believes in social, economic, and political freedom. He has effectively removed all debt Worris had, and all of the problems in his previous term and created "a large number of jobs" according to his Organization. Representing the Republican Party is Jake Smith, son of wealthy entrepreneur Jerry Smith, creator of the calculator company "Pear Inc." Smith would like to "reduce taxes." Smith has had some controversy facing some previous immature, racist, and sexist, comments he made about Native Worrisians and women.

Written by Stacy Anderson

[Panjal]

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12 December 1979

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​"Computer Library" initiative started by the DND





A Panjali class learning with the help of a new computer


On Monday, the Department of National Development announced it's first project in what it has called a "series of planned internationally assisted projects"-- the Computer Library initiative, or CL initiative for short. The initiative is a massive undertaking by the DND to establish public "Computer Libraries" which provide all citizens across Panjal free access to computers and the internet, along with the tools necessary to learn how to effectively use them, including experienced "Computer Technicians," and books written in multiple languages. Along with this, these same resources will also be brought to Panjali schools, and new "Computer Literacy" courses will be taught.

The announcement of the CL initiative comes shortly after the Kannsa-Minnesotan government announced that they would be sending 15,000 computers to Panjal with the help of their major computer manufacturers. The DND also stated that the CI initiative will be receiving funding from the GIAT, a Norman State-owned tech company. Secretary Sonar gave multiple thanks to the Kannsa-Minnesotan and Norman governments for their immense help to kick-start and sustain the CL initiative, and assured the leaders of both countries that their investments would not go to waste.

[Besgaria]

Försvarsdepartementet December 17, 1979 Involvement in Switzerland It is Besgaria's duty as a free nation to up hold the stability and liberty of Europe. Following the actions of Switzerland, and the subsequent actions of our ideological partner, the Gold Union, Besgaria will be assisting the GU in the conflict. It is our duty to protect Europe. 50,000 soldiers from the BEF (Besgarian Expeditionary Force) will make their way to the Gold Union via Brandenburg, who has kindly allowed us access through their lands. The 2nd Fleet will begin transporting troops over effective-immediately. Commander Nataniel Wikström Commander of the BEF United States of Besgaria

[Kannsa-Minnesota]

Anchorage Post
Decmber 17, 1979

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Reagan Soars in Election Polls

Libery Party candidate, Ronald Reagan, has soared to 45% in national polling for the 1980 Presidential Election. Reagan has continued to soar in the polls over the past week as his competitor's support has fallen. Reagan has promised to greatly reform Kannsa-Minnesota. He has produced to greatly reduce taxes across the board. He has also promised to reduce regulations to make Kannsa-Minnesota a more business-friendly country. Reagan has promised to reform years of Social Democratic and more left-leaning to centrist economic policies and allow for more privatization of government provided services.





Reagan Speaks to a Crowd of Supporters


Reagan represents what many have wanted in this country for a long time. Ever since the end of the Civil War, left-wing economic policies have dominated Kannsa-Minnesota. There has never been the rise of a true "Economic Right" and many say this has damaged the economy of Kannsa-Minnesota. This resent towards this system has lead to the rise of the National Liberty Party, a party promising to greatly deregulate the economy of Kannsa-Minnesota. The charismatic and optimistic Ronald Reagan has taken the nation by storm and stands as the prime representative of this party. It seems very likely that the NLP and Reagan will win the election and pass the reforms that their voters have asked for.

Tim Cook

[Besgaria]

December 17th, 1979




Panjali development efforts underway

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Armed with millions of kassas in funding, promises of tax cuts and maybe just a little kindness, companies and their workers are bound for Panjal to assist in the development on the nation. Panjal severely lacks infrastructure and educational institutions however the PDI (Panjali Development Initiative; the collection of companies and government organisations working Panjal) aims to change that. Director of the PDI (and CEO of Intelligent Computer Researching) Janina Fornberg stated that "It is IRC's pleasure to assist in the development of such a resourceful nation. IRC will be supplying computer products, as are the staple of our company. Other companies are assisting in other ways too.". Manchester-based construction company Larssonbyggnad, the company responsible for much of Besgaria's Superway Network, will be building many roads in Panjal.

The PDI's main focus is on the Uttar Pradesh regions, which is typically regarded as the poorest region in Panjal, then will move on from there.

Negative criticism is being directed towards the PDI and the companies involved. Former Minister of Foreign Relations, Karl Blomquist, stated that "Almost all the companies involved are just looking for a tax cut and cheap labour. Many of them will be looking to build factories in Panjal too under the guise of 'bringing jobs to the local populace' while only doing it for cheap labour."

Uttar Pradesh, the first place of development planned by the PDI


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In other news...
• Mall shooting in Frihetsstad: A 34 year old man gunned down 11 people and injuring 7 others with an AK-47. A memorial is being held for the victims in the Gardens of Beauty in Royal park on the 28th. The man is facing from life in prison to the death penalty.

[McFreedomstan]

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December 17th, 1979

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Crusade Against Fascism Continues in Africa



Botsuwana Samurai on patrol near the Sudafrika border.



Our will to crush the remnant fascists who cowered away in Africa remains unshaken. We will continue funding our protectorates in Botsuwana and Merina until they are capable of carrying the banner of democracy on their own. We will continue our strikes against the cruelest regimes and try their leaders in our courts.




Chinen Yoshifumi,
President of the Japanese Federation

[Clanzia]

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Saturday, December 22nd 1979

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"GU actions worry the Council" says Federico Piazza

"The situation in Switzerland is terrible" commented today Federico Piazza, Head of the High Council. "We did not expect from the Gold Union and Begaria, two nation with which we had several meetings discussing a peaceful European cooperation, such a violent intervention without any chance for a diplomatic meeting. We hope that they will reconsider this acts of war without at least trying to establish a diplomatic dialog with the Swiss Federation. War is not what Europe needs right now, and we join our Norman friends in a call for a diplomatic solution."
In the meantime, to be ready for a war between two nations on our border that seems inevitable, the Council has voted with a large majority the state of emergency level 2. Military spending is up and reserves have been activated and put on stand-by in the event of a war.

[Norman State]

Your Daily Parisian Paper, December 25th, 1979 Cambre Forms "Christmas Coalition", Allows Recon Flights The Premier Minister has managed to form an emergency coalition between the Front Populaire, Front Nationale, and Parti Socialiste. The so-called "Christmas Coalition" has vowed to remain a source of stability until the planned February 1980 elections. The heads of each party involved are being given access to Cambre's Executive War Council, which has been called in an attempt to curb further foreign aggression and establish peace in Switzerland. The new coalition comes on the heels of the Gold Union's war in Switzerland, which Foreign Minister Mersault characterized as "deliberately destabilizing and a reckless waste of life". The government's response to the war, largely directed by the conservative Bruno Cuche, has been well received by the public. According to a poll in "L'Parisian", nearly 61% of the public thinks our response has been appropriate, but the same poll also revealed that 72% thought the government should consider greater action to shorten the conflict. So far, the Norman military has had minimal involvement in the conflict (the only military actions have been observation missions flown by the air-force) but the Gold Union was warned that a Norman intervention was possible if neither said came to the negotiating table. The War Council appears willing to take that step if need be, with General Cuche personally ordering that the 3rd Fighter Wing be readied for potential air-strikes, and mobilized for recon missions. The government has not yet struck, and is remaining ready for a fight, but hopeful for peace. On the 23rd of December, Cambre stated at a socialist fundraising event that his government remains hopeful for a peaceful outcome, and that his government would be willing to step in and organize a cease-fire and a no-fly zone during any potential peace-talks. A Dassault Mirage F1CR being prepped for take off near Lyon, Image released by the Ministère des Armées on December 22nd 1979

[Nationalist Gold Union]

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25 December 1979

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Chancellor Augustin Bogdanic announces "Christmas Agreement" with Switzerland



Swiss foreign minister and the Danubian chancellor


Chancellor Augustin Bogdanic announced today that he established a communique with the government of Switzerland, forming a "Christmas Agreement" and establishing a ceasefire with the Swiss Unitary Republic. Bogdanic told reporters:


It was mutually agreed that things were escalating way too quickly, that there were mistakes made on many sides, and that what was happening was greatly harmful to our mutual economies and societies. I just finished discussions with the Swiss foreign minister, Mr. Hanno Gebralt, where we agreed on a ceasefire between our two countries.


The Chancellor later followed up, stating that further negotiations would take place in a venue hosted by the government of Clanzia.

The sudden change in direction comes with disarray in the governing coalition, where Bogdanic's dovish Federal Autonomy and Justice Party and Vice Chancellor zu Elbestrand's hawkish Union Constitutionalist Party have had varied approaches on the Swiss conflict.

Many feared for the collapse of the government after the invasion of Switzerland, with inside sources claiming that Bogdanic opposed the war entirely and was simply letting it happen to give concessions to the increasingly-power-hungry UCP.

Rumor stated that Gustav Labrenz, the foreign minister and a UCP member, originally took a strong and hardline position against the Swiss but eventually cooled his rhetoric after pressure from the FAJP coalition ministers in the government.

The Christmas Agreement will cease the fighting between the Gold Union and Switzerland until the negotiations in Clanzia are made. The agreement also calls for all airborne missions to end, but does not require Gold Union soldiers to leave the country.

The Gold Union government has not publicly stated what they will be demanding in the upcoming negotiations, but it's assumed that de-centralization, neutrality, and European integration will be on the table.

[McFreedomstan]

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December 26th, 1979

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Red Guard Storms into Al-Fashir, Captures Lord Macron



Alexandrian tanks in Khartoum


The Party, with support of the Chairman, pushed for a pre-emptive strike into Al-Fashir to contain Hargeishan ambitions. Two armored divisions with CPC air cover pushed deep into Al-Fashir over the course several days and crushed the poorly organized fascist troops. Lord Macron was captured trying to flee in his private jet and will be deported to the Gold Union along with any POWs to face trial. An emergency ceasefire with Hargeishan forces has been signed to prevent further casualties. Nigerian instructors have been given free passage out of the country.

[Norman State]

South-East Asian Trade Report 12/26/1979 Summary of Agreed Stipulations [Status]: [Approved] Following discussions between our trade officials and the government of Palauraya, a series of agreements were made. Those agreements call for Norman investment in Palauraya to increase by 15% over the next year, and for increased foreign aid spending. By the end of 1980 we are predicted to spend 2.38 billion Francs to build infrastructure in Palauraya. In 1978 we spent a mere 1.82 billion Francs on foreign aid to South East Asia. Our Asian counterparts have pledged to double their exports of coffee, cocoa, and tobacco to our nation. They have also agreed to lower trade limitations on goods from our nation, giving us new markets to export to. Due to the diplomatic initiative in Panjal, agreements have been made to double our foreign aid budget over the next 3 to 4 years, and increase our aid to South East Asia for the foreseeable future. This agreement is subject to renegotiation at a later date. Ministre Manuel Vallois

[McFreedomstan]

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December 26th, 1979

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Hargeishan Military Command




Containment Plan: Legionnaire





THE FOLLOWING IS A MEMO TO G.FEDERATION-HARGEISHA COMMAND:
-------------------------------------------------------------
Alexandrian interference in Al-Fashir has offered us a rare
96 hour window to engage them at significantly reduced strength.
4 x F16 squadrons of the Gulf Federation stand ready to pierce 
through Alexandrian Air Defence and destroy all major military
and political installations. Hargeishan ground forces and the 1st
Airborne Battalion will lead raids against any Alexandrian troops
attempting to leave contested Al-Fashir territory.

[McFreedomstan]

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December 27th, 1979

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Brave Pilots Fight the Marxist Threat!



Air Force Raids on the Sinai



A credible report was received by the Center of Army Intelligence stating that Alexandria artillery purposely struck Hargeishan allied troops near Khartoum. This act could only be construed as an open declaration of war against the democratic people of Hargeisha and shows the true nature of the Suez Socialists. Following an executive order by President Fahmi al-Molla, several squadrons of top of the line imported fighters moved in to destroy military installations and the corrupt offices of the Politburo. Let it be known to the world that we will not allow true democratic governments to be bullied by communists.

[McFreedomstan]

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December 16th, 1979

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78 Comrades Killed in Illegal Gulf Federation Bombings



The capitalist dogs of the Gulf Federation, in an act of avarice, have struck the peaceful Republic of Alexandria. Dozens of military and political installations lie in rubble, including the Canal Zone barracks housing a battalion of our nation's finest. Chairman Xeng has yet to comment, though we can only assume that it's because he's waiting for the right time to lash out at the Federation! While we await our inevitable counter-attack, we encourage our readers to ration petrol usage in order to tank the Federation's economy. Every drop counts!

[McFreedomstan]

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December 27th, 1979

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Alexandrian Military Command





Status Report:
1st Division: Scattered
2nd Division: Scattered
3rd Division: Deployed
Chairman: KIA
Vice-Chairman: KIA
People's Secretary: KIA
Commandant: Alive, sworn in
Air Wing 1: 4% strength
Air Wing 2: Destroyed
Suez Flotilla: 40% strength

[Besgaria]

January 1st 1980




Electoral convention • Manufacturing boom

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The 1980 Electoral convention kicked off with a bang in Frihetsstad when CEO of Westermarck Military Technology (Georg Westermarck) announced that his new party, the Besgarian Capitalist Party, will be running in the 1981 election. In his words, "The BCP will embody the Besgarian spirit of wealth and success, while bringing the more combative parts of our culture and history. I truly believe in a world plagued with darkness and rivalry, this is what Besgaria needs."

Leader of the Capitalist-Liberal Party, Amanda Ekberg, has gone on record stating that given Westermarck's reputation and obvious nationalistic goals for the party, "a vote for the BCP is a vote for a warmonger." Ekberg's statement has being widely criticised by many, and it seems many are quite eager to break the 2 decade hold that the CLP has had in elections.

The other parties running (in order of previous election placement):
Capitalist-Liberal Party
Conservative Party
Progressive-Greens
Worker's Party
Besgarian Capitalist Party (Debut)
True Freedom Party (Debut)

Amanda Ekberg at the convention



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Following recent innovations in the computing and industrial departments, Besgaria has been experiencing a manufacturing boom as of recent. Industrial output has been at an all time high, and Besgaria is packed full of factories. However, former Professor of Economics at Royal University, Theodor Sjöholm, "Besgaria is producing a large amount of products, but if we can't find more export partners than it's useless.


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In other news...
• Besgaria Day Parade on January 18th: The day marks 720 years since the founding of the Duchy of Frithetsstad, and 81 years since the founding of the United States of Besgaria. Parades to be held in major cities.

[Vanavoy]

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1st of January, 1980




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USFCR Centennial

This January of 1980 sees the 100th anniversary of the New Year's Revolution. To celebrate, parades are being held across the Union, the most flamboyant of which is the Bielefeld Centennial Celebration which will last for another 6 days. In the wake of the new decade, Chairman Georg Krahl has announced a decade of celebration in remembrance of and respect for the century of struggle that brought socialist freedom to the USFCR. The Centennial also marks the implementation of the 19th Five-Year Plan, which has become one of the most divisive political symbols that has ever implemented in the history of the Union. Chairman Krahl made an announcement, however, encouraging the public to forget about politics for the week to focus more on celebrating the gift of socialism to 'improve the national spirit'. Many may find it hard to leave politics behinds this week, however, as the elections held on Freedom Day (May 1) are fast approaching.

[Noorizadeh]

56,293 Torals

The Mashahdi Lights
01/10/1980

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The Noorizadean Briefing.

In the past few weeks, Noorizadeh has faced major advancements. The Pashtun separatists were steamrolled by a few loyalist peasant militias and armed Hazara tribesman following a tank full of sleep-deprived parliament members originally assigned to be generals to recapture Chaghcharan. The corporatists surrendered shortly after, ending the Noorizadean civil war. Prime Minister Ioshaaf is taking a more and more dominant role in politics, while the sleepless parliament has passed out and is being treated for sleep deprivation after revealing their Grand Project; a coalition government, Social Democracy. Officially on the throne currently sits a duck named Shah, a figurehead to bring a brief moment of levity to the people. Hassan Reza, a corporal who helped lead the Hazara to fight in the war, is the driving force behind the Shah cabinet, and recognized as the true ruler, and as of now, he has been anything but ineffective, quickly restoring order in Afghanistan. Cleric Tabayee, a minister in Shah's cabinet, has declared the official religion of Noorizadeh to be Zoroastrianism, which the populace loves so far. The gas reserves along the Caspian are quickly being pumped bone dry, and the economy is staying the same, a welcome improvement. Meanwhile cracks are beginning to show with the policies of diplomat Avetis Taqi-Khan, an eccentric man who had spent the last month rushing between nations to establish embassies. One nation in particular, Khanates, has developed particularly chilly relations with the Karakiliclar Khanates, a fact worsened by the recent reforms, and analysts predict a rivalry blossoming. All in all, Noorizadeh's civil war may be over, but it's problems have just begun.

Ali-Reza Arfa, former jounalist and homeless man.

[Norman State]

Your Daily Parisian Paper, January 17th, 1980 Cambre Under Fire As Right Leads Polls Premier Minister Cambre is under heavy fire this week for his attempted intervention in the Suez conflict. Ironically, the criticism is coming from members of his traditional allies: the left wing. Emily Vierra, party chairman for the Parti des Travailleurs, called Cambre's joint effort with the Clanzian navy "ill-advised and disastrous". Emily Vierra is up for reelection in her native Brittany. The other opposition party, the left-wing Front Radical, released a statement from their board, condemning in the widest terms Cambre's last ditch "Christmas Coalition." The statements appear to be an attempt by the anti-establishment left to galvanize supporters, as the right wing blows past the left in the polls. Even in Brittany, a long time leftist stronghold, the Front Populaire is leading Cambre's Parti Socialiste by nearly 5%. John du Pont, former national assembly representative and now political journalist, wrote in the opinions' section of yesterday's edition of Le Normand that many voters around the nation won't respond well the leftist attacks on the Christmas Coalition, which helped affirm the nation's political stability when the ongoing Swiss Crisis reached a climax. The conservatives appear to be capitalizing on stability and have campaigned on their "peace through strength" doctrine and firm diplomatic style. Many of the conservatives in the national assembly have attributed the new-found willingness of the Gold Union to seek peace to the successful Norman high-pressure response (fronted and implemented by conservative Foreign Minister Mersault and General Bruno Cuche). Voting will begin on February 1st and the results will be announced in the following days. Minister Dubois, head of the right-wing Front Populaire

[Lukasovia]

The Union Morning, the official newspaper of the Party, January 19th, 1980 Lukasian Government condemns all acts of agression "The Government condemns all acts of aggression and appeals to other nations to stand-by and find a way to peace," the official Government spokeswoman said. "Lukasovia declares itself neutral, but this position can be renounced," Leader said during a brief press conference with industrialists. The Party issued no other statements. Ś. Żirskï ((Image)) National Army, firing new BR-18 rockets

[Besgaria]

Riksdagen January 22nd, 1980 Public Report from the Riksdagen Following discussion in the Riksdagen concerning our development efforts in Panjal, specifically our PDI (Panjali Development Initiative). Our efforts included tax cuts for companies and funding for said companies to develop Panjal. Schools, railroads and roads are the primary items on our agenda, then we will move on to agricultural development. The development has already started in the Uttar Pradesh region. Today, we hope to benefit even more lives. It has come to our attention that another nation is South Asia can benefit from the kindness and generosity of the Besgarian people. We will be extending our tax cut and funding initiative to Palauraya along with Panjal. We will be creating the Palaurayan Development Initiative (PaDI). In addition, the PDI and the PaDI will be branches of the Asian Development Initiative (ADI). We hope for a long and prospering relationship with Palauraya. Rikesprasident Oskar Sjokrigare Rikesprasident of Besgaria United States of Besgaria