Esquarium Today [Regional News, CLOSED]

[Geadland]

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TAXES ON THE RICH TO BE RAISED TO 55%
Rodgar Stenvik threatens to move abroad

11th November 2012 Last updated 04:32 Geadish Standard Time

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DA HEGNER - Finance Minister Kjel Hammervik (Liberal Party) has announced that the next national budget will raise the income tax rate from 50% to 55% for all incomes above the level of Γ400,000 a year. "Such tax increases are necesesary as part of our plans to cut the deficit by 10 billion guilders. At the same time, it is important that we avoid making draconian spending cuts or raising taxes on the majority of the population at all costs. The Liberal Party will ensure the government does not get carried away with tax increases, however."

Prime Minister Andras Verbåten (SDLP) pushed for the plan, saying "We're not declaring war on the rich, but we're ensuring that everyone pays their share and contributes to society at a time when the gap between the rich and poor is widening. But I don't plan to raise it any higher."

The right-wing opposition parties have opposed the plain. Conservative Party leader Efa Nordland said that "Verbåten's government has done nothing but tax and spend. Relying on tax increases to keep the deficit under control does not work if the economy is contracting, because revenues will fall and force the government to raise them higher." The Progressive Party and CDP said that they would only support the plan if it was coupled with a cut to the basic tax rate and accused Verbåten of engaging in tax demagoguery".

A few notable businessmen and celebrities such as Valdmar Johansen, chairman of the Alliants-SG Group, and Rodgar Stenvik, a footballer, have threatened to move abroad if the tax increase was implemented. Verbåten said that "Many of these are just empty threats. A few high-profile celebrities will move abroad, but nearly all of them will stay behind. Besides, if they move abroad where do they want to go? Luziyca? Ha." He also responded seperate to the Progressives seperately "It is ironic they accuse me of demagoguery when you consider their views on immigration. "

Hammervik will not deliver the budget will not be delivered until next year. The centrist Liberal Party have a policy of agreeing to the stimulus spending proposed by the left-wing Social Democratic & Labour Party in return for keeping the deficit "no higher than 4% of the GDP" - currently Γ40 billion.

[Geadland]

ELDA SUPERMARKETS FINED 64 MILLION GUILDERS
Judge brands Luziycan chain "dishonest and disgraceful"

11th November 2012 Last updated 04:32 Geadish Standard Time

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DA HEGNER - Luziycan-owned discount supermarket chain Elda have been fined Γ64 million for paying 1,300 employees below the Γ24 per hour minimum wage.

An inspection by the Ministry of Employment found that despite the fact the company advertised jobs as being at the minimum wage level, nearly a quarter of its 5,600 employees were paid below the minimum wage on their paycheck. The average de facto salary of the employees affected was Γ20 per hour. In order to achieve a minimum wage pay, many supermarkets required had to take certain conditiosn such as skipping their designated lunch break and working overtime. In practice, most employees at the checkouts and shelf-stacking could not fill these criteria. Furthermore, some branches of Elda deducted "VAT" tax from employees salaries.

At the Bondhaven County Court, Justice Gro Chelsen said that the company's actions were "dishonest and disgraceful. They were clearly guilty of breaking the law, really this case has just been about adding up numbers". The fine was calculated as being the amount of money the company would have to pay back the compensate the difference between the minimum wage and the actual wage of all employees affected. The fined money will be distributed accordingly among the employees.

Kirsten Den Age, the Minister of Employment (Liberal Party) said that "This is the third time this year that Elda have ended up in court over violation of employment laws. We will will continue to investigate the practice of what was until recently Geadland's fastest growing supermarket chain. I have heard similar stories for Iglesian branches of Karshev's and this has got to stop." The outgoing leader of the Progressive Party Jüte Rösengard said that "Luziycan companies are constantly showing contempt and disregard for the law."

Elda was founded two years ago as a venture by the Luziycan supermarket giant Karshev's and operates 140 supermarkets in Geadland. It sells food at discounted prices, often by selling food packaged in languages other than Geadish, especially Luziycan-packaged food. The company has already been been slapped with another fine of Γ24 million for VAT evasion, while an injunction from a court in Walen has halted construction of 4 branches over violations of the planning laws.

[Iglesian Archipelago]

Thursday, 15th November, 2012

(OOC: Image to come soon)

Anti-government demonstration in Sarleneska

Sarleneska has seen a massive demonstration against the Neyuzki Gim's regime, which included the destruction of much of the regime's propaganda

Five years ago in 2007 the world has known that an anti-government leaflet campaign happened in Sarleneska as a form of protest against the regime ruling that country, led by Neyuzki Gim, known in Sarleneska as the "Great Leader". Having tried to blame foreign countries for causing the leaflet campaign to happen, the Sarleneskan population went subtly indignated with the Sarleneskan government. But tonight, something different happened.

During today's early hours, the Niyazki Square in the homonymous Sarleneskan capital had been filled by several young people, contrasted with an otherwise almost empty city. The demonstration has been divulgated via tapes which show us the details of the protests against the Sarleneskan government and were quickly divulgated throughout the world.

These people have gathered on the Niyazki Square in an unprecedented display, having sung and danced songs banned by the Neyuzki Gim's regime, both popular music from other countries and songs highly critical of the government. When it all ended, all have left the square before the police came on. The statues of Neyuzki Gim and his predecessors were destroyed in a few minutes.

The already strict Sarleneskan border security was stepped up as the demonstration happened, as the Sarleneskan government would try to track down those who were responsible for the destruction of Niyazki Square's monuments. Little is known what is going to happen next.

More news and information 24/7 on:
http://news.rti.ig

[Luziyca]

My Time at Karshev's
By Yania Soluo

Today, I am a free woman. I am 29 years of age, and I have emerged from my personal hell, one that I do not want to ever encounter again: Karshev's.

This store, was the trap. I was 22, and I needed a job. My parents kicked me out of the nest that I grew up and I had to find a job. Oh look, they had "Now Hiring." I ran to it, after all, we shopped there when I was little. So, I got out of my car and walked there. And yes, they wanted a cashier. So, I showed them my resume, and thus, I was accepted.

I would work at the store for seven years. Seven years, I was chained, to this store.

They assured me that I'd be paid 20 salfaces per day and that they'd give me job training, and sick days too. And I believed them. I was just a naive young lady back then. I knew I was going to be treated well. Or so I thought.

But, I was wrong.

I worked at Los Vientos for seven years. I was assured I will work from 9 am to 5 pm. Instead, I was paid 2 salfaces per hour, or around 16 per day. But, I was not paid overtime. I had often had to work,8, 9, sometimes even 12 hours of overtime. By my third month, I had been sleep deprived, but they kept insisting I work.

As for sick days, sick days my ass. If I called in sick, the next day, I was lectured of "leaving my post unguarded," and how "it can easily allow burglars to steal stuff." As if!

The shops, were ALWAYS empty and when they do come, I had to not speak, not complain, just say the usual things and pretend my enthusiasm. I did not really. Heck, gallows humor regarding this store always made the rounds. The only thing they really made good on is that I get things at the store for a reduced price, of 30% or more.

They operated stores throughout the world, and I could get discounts anywhere, but I never was able to leave because of my work.

I had to be on welfare, but they pretty much cannot even do anything to improve the conditions, claiming it will hurt sales. Well, if a store is fucking empty most days, I know that it is because they KNOW of our plight. But, do they even come inside, knowing of our pathetic PLIGHT?

NO!

My final straw, was in 2011, when I got a call when I was sleeping at 2:30 in the fucking morning and asked me to go to a shop to apply store-approved glazier. I claimed that the police will arrive sooner, but they did not care. So, off I fucking went. And when I got there after an hour, the police applied their glazier. Now, I was stuck there. I wandered around aimlessly, when someone asked me the following.

"Why are you here?"

I replied that I was an employee and he said: "Go get another fucking job. Just get one, for your own safety and sanity." So, I gave my 2 weeks notice, but I had to jump through many hoops. It was only in August was I finally terminated. At last, no more calls, no more discounts, and no more stress.

I had been burned out so much that I was hospitalized, but they lectured me AFTER I came back. I ask you, would you want me to work at a store, where I would... be abused, burned out and deprived of dignity? Or should I work digging ditches? Yes, digging ditches is much better than working at this goddamned store.

Thus, in conclusion, I leave you with this gallows joke:

"This is Joanna Jones, I am calling in sick."
"Sure, but we will lecture you when you get back of theft and abandoning your position at work."

POSTED BY YANIA AT 7:16 PM 0 COMMENTS

[Shiruni]

DEFENSE BUDGET INCREASES


A spokesmen for the Ministry of Republican Defense has said: The President of the Neutral Federal Republic of Shiruni has increased the defense budget to 1 percent of the Shirunian GDP. More updates will be made with in 24 hours.

[The Void realm]

If this is for your region arent you supposed to use an offsite forum and NOT clog up our nice, clean, really freaking insane forums?

[Swilatia]

sbc News
15 November 2012

Sarleneska closes borders, revolution imminent?

The government of Sarleneska has announced that it will be increasing security along its borders, already some of the most strictly controlled in the world. They did not give any official reason for the new security measures, but a videoclip which was smuggled into neighbouring Zeleneska, and shown to the world through the internet, may hold the answers.

The clip shows a large public gathering at the Niyazki Square, in the similarly named Sarleneskan capital. It may appear to be a celebration, with the young Sarleneskans singing and dancing to popular songs, but this is actually a political demonstration. These songs are all officially banned in Sarleneska, and some of them have lyrics which are openly critical of the government. Towards the end, the purpose of this gathering is made clear, as the monuments to Neyuzki Gim and his predecessors are destroyed, as everybody leaves the square, with the police still yet to arrive.

It is likely that the Sarleneskan government wanted to prevent the rest of the world from finding out about the demonstration, and to track down those involved in the demonstration. They have long relied on a "wall of propaganda" to stay in power, keeping ordinary Sarleneskans uninformed about the outside world, and the rest of the world uninformed about what happens in Sarleneska. Now, it seems that this wall is simply not as strong as they had hoped.

For some time, those who have managed to leave Sarleneska had a somewhat different story to tell. Though they would keep it subtle so as to avoid persecution, many ordinary Sarleneskans were clearly not satisfied with life under the "great leader". Five years ago, Neyuzki Gim himself made it known to the world that leaflets denouncing him were already being handed out in Niyazki, when he tried to blame it on foreign governments. With the latest demonstrations taking place, time may finally be running out for his regime.

[Luziyca]

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Uprising by terrorists in Niyazki

Leftist trying to attack a police officer in Niyazki

NIYAZKI - A few days ago, terrorists backed by Swilatia and Iglesiantis stormed the country and rounded innocent youths and those loyal to the regime and forced them at gunpoint to protest against the Great Leader, Neyuzki Gim, under the threat of a massacre similar to that of Hackney, in which Hippostanians rightfully massacred countless numbers of communists.

Our office in Niyazki is currently being evacuated for our own safety and protection, and our reporters saw Iglesian and Swilatian snipers, from their intelligence agencies and armed forces, forcing them to protest at gunpoint. Trembling shouts can be heard, even as we boarded the planes, wanting to protest, but clearly raised from birth to fight in the name of freedom that God gave to Sarleneska. It seemed like all of the population OF Niyazki was forced to protest. Memorials were blasted by gunfire and bombs set off by Swilatian spies, including Stevan Hasenof of "Idiot in Esquarium" fame.

A last interview was by someone who escaped with us and from the crowd.

"I am afraid," the 81 year old man, whose name will be kept secret for the safety of him, "that these rebels would kill me. I escaped quickly, but I have to go now. I need to try, come with you and be free. I was forced at gunpoint to chant anti-Neyuzki slogans, which made me feel cheated, of my strong unwavering loyalty, to freedom and democracy. Without him, I'm nothing."

Thus, this will be our final report from our offices in Niyazki, before they blow it up, or destroy everything we have. We packed as much as we can, but those too heavy in our helicopters have to stay behind. We are heading towards a boat, who then will take us home.

[Shiruni]

The Neutral Tribune

Terrorist Attack on the City of Wokaer reaches 100



WOKAER - Terrorists of the Shirunian Islamic Jihad Army has conducted a series of bombing and possible suicide bombings in the city of Wokaer. The initial death toll was at 57 now as of 4:30 PM it has reached to 102 killed and 540 wounded. This is Shiruni's worst terrorist attack since the April 5th 2011 nightclub bombing Tartara that killed 232 and wounded over 1,000 civilians. As the result the Ministry of Republican Defense has scrambled the Shirunian Republican Air-Force to conduct air strikes against enemy targets. General Yurt Al Yos has declared that: "These attack on innocent civilians is unacceptable and barbaric beyond a shadow of a doubt we don't intend to expand anymore military operations against the Region of Tarut that was part of an Islamic caliphate from 1998-2000 but we none the less shall keep our vigilance at high strength and condemn the cowardly terrorists." A survivor of the Attack Jenaq Yurtin was thankful to be alive, "I'll never forget those brave policemen and firemen for rescuing me I can't thank how fortunate I'm alive and I'm glad my sons weren't with me because I couldn't have imagined what would happen if I lost them." The President of Shiruni Geon has been notified of the attacks he says that "In these times it's tempting to restrict freedom in the name of security but we stick with the principles of defending all of basic human liberties and respecting the individual as a whole." He further went on to say that terrorist attacks occur everywhere it's never okay to restrict people's liberties for security.

[Geadland]

PROGRESSIVE PARTY ELECTS OPENLY GAY LEADER
Markus Matjassen promises "path to mainstream success" for populists

11th November 2012 Last updated 04:32 Geadish Standard Time

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DA HEGNER - The Progressive Party have voted Markus Matjassen to become their new leader by a landslide vote, in the party's election for a successor to the party's founder and outgoing leader Jüte Rosengard. He took 90% of the vote in an election with seven candidates. Matjassen was personally backed by Rosengard and the only candidate who was a member of the Storting. The Socialist Party even commented on Twitter by saying "For a party that preaches democracy, the Progressive Party isn't functioning like one."

Matjassen has served as a member of the Svade Kamer of the Storting for four years, before which he had worked as a city councillor, a university professor and a civil servant. Currently aged 52, his political views have dramatically changed over the last decade. Before joining the Progressive Party, he was the leader of the Liberal Party members on the Eskrau City Council, having previously been a member of the SDLP. In his years of studying sociology at university in Los Vientos, he was a member of the Marxist Society and the Stand-Up Comedy Society. He is openly gay and also a Christian (Church of Geadland).

The Progressives are currently the fourth-largest party in Geadland, having won 10% of the vote in the previous election back in the year 715 GNC, with the best showing being 11% in 711 GNC. Current polls suggest the party could win as high as 17% of the vote in the next election, with Matjassen's election boosting it by 3 percentage points. Rosengard spoke at a party conference in a "passing the torch" ceremony. She said that "When we first enterred the Svade Kamer, we were told we were racists and that our party would be gone in four years because no-one would ever work with us. Now, it is clear that voters are getting used to us and are ready to bring our support to new levels. I believe Mr. Matjassen is the man to lead us through this phase."

Matjassen then gave his acceptence speech:

This is a fantastic honour to lead the Progressive Party, which we can confidently say that after stagnant growth over the last six years, has now returned to become Geadland's fastest growing party. We are the only party with concrete plans to put a rein in on uncontrolled immigration, protect our national identity and get tough on crime. We will promise tax cuts and an end to government expansion, but at the same time we will promise to protect the muscle and bone of the welfare state from the Conservative Party's austerity program. Through this platform, I offer our party a path to mainstream to success.

Matjassen has dabbled in stand-up comedy, which may have inspired part of his acceptence speech while discussing foreign policy: "I've never been to Luziyca. You see, I used to belong to a Communist organisation," he said, before then bowing his head in apparent shame, to the laughter of the audience. "So I have been indefinitely barred from entiring Luziyca." He then raised his hands in the air as though he was cheering loudly, resulting in more laughter.

Multiculturalism has failed us. Under eight years of Andras Verbåten [the Prime Minister], the government has encouraged immigrants for congregate in "communities" rather than integrate into a society. We've seen our cities - including Eskrau, where I served as a councillor - becoming increasingly racially divided. Unless we take measures to protect our national identity and put immigration under control, our country will go the same way as Iglesiantis - our culture will cease to exist. Well the Progressives will ditch multiculturalism in favour of uniculturalism - there will be one Geadish culture which everyone is part of, no matter what your race or religion.

Prime Minister Verbåten responded by warning that "The Progressive Party haven't changed. This is a dangerous party for our country - this is a party that scapegoats the ethnic minorities of our country and claims that their religions are 'fascist'." He said the SDLP would maintain its cordon sanitaire (policy of non-cooperation) with the Progressives, saying "Geadland needs solutions, not populist nationalist rhetoric." On the other hand, both the Liberals and Conservatives have previously said that they would not rule out forming a government with Progressive support after the next election.

At "Question Time" on GRK, Socialist Party leader Marianne Valdmarsen was asked "Is the Socialist Party concerned by the rise of the Progressive Party?" She replied that "Nationalism is meaningless to us. The problem is that conservatives are promoting it in order to distract Geadish workers from the real causes of their problems in the country - the actions of big businesses and bankers - and cut them off uniting with workers in other countries."

[Namor]

If this is for your region arent you supposed to use an offsite forum and NOT clog up our nice, clean, really freaking insane forums?

If this is not your region, why the hell do you care?

[Geadland]

TUNNEL COLLAPSES DURING CONSTRUCTION
Båpperden line to be closed for "at least six weeks"

3rd December 2012 Last updated 05:14 Geadish Standard Time

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BONDHAVEN - The busy railway line from Harlo to Grönching has been put out of action by a partially-constructed tunnel in Båpperden which collapsed in the early hours of the morning. Gaudste Sporbane have said that it could be "at least six weeks" before the line is back in service.

Båpperden-Nord station and the track approaches to it are located in a cutting. The Swilatian chain REAL were recently given approval to build a new supermarket which would be located directly by the station, spanning the railway on the northern approach. To do this, Stormbjerg Construction were contracted to build a tunnel over the railway, which would subsequently be "buried" under earth and the new building.

Stormbjerg have been working on the tunnel for nearly a year. However, at 06:03 earlier today, a section of the tunnel caved in. A spokesman for Gaudlundste Sporbane (Geadish Railways) reported:

There was a train standing on the platform at Båpperden-Nord at the time, facing the tunnel. Had the tunnel collapsed about a minute and a half later when the train was passing through, hundreds of people could have been killed. We were very lucky. Another train was on the way to Nord station from Båpperden-Sentral. They stopped while halfway there and reversed back to Sentral station.

The driver of the train at Nord station, Paul Den Age, described the scene.

I was sitting in the driver's cabin looking into the tunnel ahead of me. There was a small but clear light at the end of the tunnel. Then suddenly - there wasn't one. And there was this massive rumbling sound. I climbed out to take a look and as soon as I saw what had happened, I ran to contact the control centre.

"It was an almightly sound of thunder," said Efe Kärin, a commuter who was present at the station "I thought it was an earthquake or something."

Stormbjerg Construction released an official statement in response to the incident:

We apologise to all commuters who will suffer severe disruption as a result of the tunnel collapse. We are working as quickly as possible to clear the debris to get trains running. We also review the design and the construction progress to determine the cause of the accident to ensure that the project can be completed. We also apologise to REAL supermarkets for the massive delay in the construction of the supermarket which this will result in.

Gaudlundste Sporbane have said that a replacement bus service will be introduced to link Båpperden-Sentral, Båpperden-Nord and Hartfeld stations. Direct trains from Harlo to Grönching will be directed through Elhaas. In addition, a special hourly service will be introduced between Båpperden and Bondhaven-Sentral to provide a direct link. This train will travel from Båpperden to Grönching, will reverse and head to Bondhaven via Sväring.

Construction of the tunnel at Båpperden, eight days prior to the collapse.

[Shiruni]

The Neutral Tribune

President Yurt Aslamov scores victory in the elction!


After a long and strenuous year of debating and attack adds against the candidates, the election of 2012 is finally over. At 10:30 PM on December 4th 2012 the new president of the The Neutral Federal Republic was voted in 1st Secretary of the National People's Democratic Republican Party of Shiruni Yurt Aslamov has been elected as President of the Nation. He won by 340-293 in a landslide against Quasid Yorgo of the Marxist Leninist oriented Communist Party of Shiruni, and also against Wahlid Yurga of the Islamist Freedom Party. Yurt Aslamov had gave a speech in regards to his victory in the 2012 Presidential Election.

"My fellow countrymen today is a victory for democracy true democracy not the imperialist ambitions the West and the communists seek for but for true progressive and conservative democracy. Our Homeland has also been special since the birth of our native land. The Shirunian people are united in the cause of Freedom,Liberty, Glory, Neutrality, and Republicanism. We will speak those words tonight and forever. I would like to thank our competitors of the Communist Party and the Islamist Freedom Party of their efforts and their participation of Neutral Republican democracy in the Shirunian homeland. Long live the Land of 6 Rivers, long live the ancient people who have for eons resisted imperialist rule and glory to our Republic!"

Such words of wisdom have been received quite well by the people. In Gabaragod residents gave their reaction to the election of Yurt Aslamov:

"I for one am glad that the election is over I didn't want the communists to win and I certainty didn't want the Islamist Freedom Party to win. After years of my relatives living under their oppressive authoritarian system. So I'm glad it's over." Risa Yuogt

That was Risa Yugot a mother of 2 at age 43 she had lost her cousin in the breakout region of Al Qusism when it was under a Islamic fundamentalist regime.

[Swilatia]

sbc News
6 December 2012

"Real" Hypermarket chain opens first store in Bulundia

The Swilatian hypermarket chain "Real" has opened a store near the main railway station of Kiwanaye, Bulunda. This is their first store in the poverty-stricken South Esquarian nation, where much of the population grows its own food, or buys it from local marketplaces. The capital city, Kiwanaye is something of an exception to this, its streets are lined with shops and restaurants like almost any other city. Yet, many of the people of the city can not afford to shop in them often.

The new store will be only the second hypermarket it Bulundia, with Karshev's having opened three weeks earlier, on the former site of a typical marketplace. It had proved popular on its first few days, but their business has significantly decreased afterwards, as many of its initial customers realised they could not afford to shop there regularly, or simply preferred the old marketplace, now relocated only 700 metres away. With this in mind, Real chose a vastly different location for their store, the site of an unused stadium, near the main railway station and many high-end stores and restaurants.

The store has opened in time for the 6th of December, which is considered the start of the Christmas shopping season in Swilatia, but is not likely to hold any significance in Bulundia, even in the area around the new store. This may well be a different world than the rest of Bulundia, where most people have to live without modern conveniences. It will be quite a while before any stores open in other parts of the country.

[Luziyca]

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Destruction of a Medieval-Era Cemetery in Khilok

The picture of the Khilok Cemetery, 1968

KHILOK - Footage and testimonies from Luziycans still residing in Khilok have uncovered that since 1992, the Jamin Chen clique occupying Namor and continuing the policy of "Namorization" had been razing the Khilok Cemetery, the first tomb from 1185, and the last one dating in 1969.

The Khilok Cemetery, just 3 kilometers southwest of Khilok, or what the communists call as Kinsai had around 100,000 tombstones prior to 1992, when it was last visited and recorded. Since 1992, it has been razed, ostensibly for infrastructure projects, but in reality is a way to "Namorize" Oteki, to erase ALL trace of Luziycan culture, which had resided, EVEN when it was ceded by the Duchy of York in 1707. It has further proof now because of this that the occupying communists are trying to commit cultural genocide against the Luziycans, akin to the Azerbaidzhanis against the Armenian Cemetery in Jugha/Julfa.

We got an interviewer, whose name will be kept secret. "For the past 20 years, I saw the cemetery, razed to the ground. This cemetery of nearly a thousand years, falling to the ground. Now, only a few stones remain standing. Some have been taken west to Luziyca, but this cemetery is gone. The dead will curse the region now, so long as God lives."

The residents of Khilok, the Namorese majority however supported the project, stating it was "good riddance" to "Luziycan invader culture," who "annex lands and commit ethnic genocide," which we all know it is blatantly false. The Luziycan minority living for generations though have left the region, many fleeing to Luziyca for the name of freedom.

[Shiruni]

The National Republican Times

Population Reaches 810 Million!



GABARAGOD-The Ministry of Republican Health and Wellness today has confirmed by our top scientists that the population has grown to 810 Million people in the Neutral Federal Republic of Shiruni. The government today celebrated this wonderful achievement in Shirunian history however there are signs that one day the population will swell to over a billion people and it may require the government to implement some sort of family planning in Shiruni. Nonetheless this day was celebrated by throwing a grand display of fireworks and the singing of Shirunian folk songs.

[Swilatia]

sbc News
10 December 2012

Sarleneskans approve new constitution

Yesterday, the people of Sarleneska went to vote in a referendum on a new constitution. Today, the votes have been counted, with the people of Sarleneska having overwhelmingly voted to approve the new constitution, with 67% of votes in favour. The referendum was declared to be fair vote by international observers, with none of the ballot stuffing that was said to be common under the old regime. For the first time, Sarleneskans living abroad, most of them refugees, were allowed to vote. There was a long queue at the embassy in Vilvek.

The new constitution introduces an elected president, replacing the old appointed and de facto hereditary position of "great leader". The parliament would now be elected proportionally, instead of the old first-past-the-post system, and anybody is allowed to form a political party. The newly adopted constitution also introduces an extensive bill of rights, something which was completely absent under the previous constitution.

Elections will be held in the next few weeks, with many new parties and presidential candidates expected to run. The pre-revolutionary Sarleneska National Party has officially been banned, but some of its former members have announced plans to form their own political parties, or to run for president as independent candidates. It remains to be decided if they will be allowed to run in either election.

[Kalakmanit]

I would like to congratulate Neutral Federal Republic of Shiruni for the growth of population to 810 millions. The is gradual growth of the population represents a health and prosperous nation. The image displayed is very nice, we imagine the happiness in the nation. It is also important to take precautions for not reaching the over-population situation.

ethiopian news

[Namor]

I would like to congratulate Neutral Federal Republic of Shiruni for the growth of population to 810 millions. The is gradual growth of the population represents a health and prosperous nation. The image displayed is very nice, we imagine the happiness in the nation. It is also important to take precautions for not reaching the over-population situation.

ethiopian news

.....Esquarium only, please.

[Geadland]

SCHOOL EXCHANGE STUDENTS ESCAPE FROM LUZIYCA
An Iglesian and a Swilatian student make heroic border jump via Westerholm Peace Park

17th December GNC 718 Last updated 06:32 Geadish Standard Time

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SOFJASTAD - Two exchange students - one Iglesian and one Swilatian - have successfully escaped from Luziyca into Geadland while on the run from the Luziycan authorities.

Yarel Nadnyva, of Los Vientos, and Lena Najranse, of Rudolice, travelled to the Petrov Jaurelski High School in Gijirokastra. The school is located in the district of Petrovia, which was built during the communist era and is one of the poorest neighbourhoods in the city. Both students said they were horrified by the conditions of poverty they encountered.

While studying at the school, both students made some friends but encountered rude, incompetent and bullying teachers and were landed in severe trouble several times for criticising the Luziycan regime and trivial cases of rule-breaking. In the end, they decided to leave, and were immediately reported as being missing persons.

Najranse said that a friend from Luziyca had driven them across the country to Novi Bondhaagen and "The border itself was tightly controlled, but we found a way to sneak out...We were asked not to tell anyone how we got across, otherwise the Luziycans would find out."

There have sometimes been cases reported of people escaping across the border, despite extensive measures from the Luziycan government taking to prevent fleeing refugees, as well as by the Geadish government to prevent undocumented immigration. Last year, the Luziycan border patrol discovered a 500m-long hand-dug tunnel under the border fence near Bodron, which led from inside a church on the Luziycan side to a henhouse on the Geadish side.

According to the Commissioner of the Border Patrol, Johannes Verpingen, "It would not be the first time. Last year we documented 9 instances of people crossing into here via the Peace Park while avoiding the Luziycan border controls. However, we only let 2 in; the other 7 were deported for not having a visa or permit."

Nadnyva, whose parents are reportedly sympathisers with Luziycan, was delighted on their safe arrival: "We have been facing an oppressive regime...I have a hope that Luziyca will have a bright future when they escape the regime led with an iron fist by Breuvi Shjoraski. May Luziyca get an inspiration from really free and democratic countries and I hope the voices of the populations will be heard."

The two students are staying overnight in Sofjastad. Tomorrow, they plan to catch a train to Slochterdam and fly to Vilvek.

[Habtai]

Due to gradual growth of the population in the Neutral Federal Republic of Shiruni is to 810 millions represents a health and prosperous nations, We hope this happiness will continue with their growth in technology in their nation. It is also important to take some precautions for not reaching the over-population situation.

eritrean news

[Geadland]

VERBÅTEN FACES UPHILL BATTLE TO STAY IN POWER
Progressives flying high in opinion polls

21st December GNC 718 Last updated 17:35 Geadish Standard Time

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DA HEGNER - Prime Minister Andras Verbåten admitted that "next year's election will be tougher for us than the last", as he faces six months to go before the deadline for holding the next general election. Polls have shown that a potential alliance between the Conservatives, Liberals and Progressives are likely to win a majority in the Svade Kamer.

"I'm still optimistic that I could win a third term. I expect we'll win support back once the country goes into election mood. Unlike the polls around the same time last year, we're not in danger of being overtaken by the Conservatives. But it won't be easy."

The most recent poll still puts the SDLP on course to remain the largest party:
SDLP: 26%
Conservatives: 21%
Progressives: 16%
Liberals: 14%
Socialists: 6%
Christian: 5%
Green: 3%
New Alliance: 3%
Swedish: 2%

In particular, last week Finance Minister Chell Hammervik said that "The Liberal Party agrees and always has agreed that we still prefer coalitions with the Conservatives over those with the SDLP. For now, the government will stay together until the election." He also said that an alliance with the Progressives "may be necessary if such a coalition is to be formed".

One alternative is for the SDLP-Liberal coalition to stay in power. Since Verbåten has refused to work with the Progressives, the coalition would have to rely on support from the two minor left-wing parties, the Socialists and Greens, and neutrality from the Swedish People's Party. The poll suggests they would scrape a majority, but Hammervik has said that "having five parties running the country is far too many".

Another alternative is a "grand coalition" between the SDLP and Conservatives, with the Christian People's Party being the most likely to provide support. Efa Nordland, the leader of the Conservatives, has said this option would be "a last resort".

The largest shift noticed in opinion polls is from the SDLP to the Progressives, suggesting that Markus Matjassen's strategy of moving his party's economic policies to the centre is helping draw in support from working class voters who are disatisfied with the government's policies on immigration. Matjassen has also worked to "detoxify" his party and reach out to ethnic minorities who previously were put off by Rosengard's controversial views.

[Zokoria]

Dagsrekord

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Prohibition Bill Passes

The Folkparlamentet has passed Bill Z-116, which makes alcohol and tobacco products illegal in Zokoria

STARKEVILLE -- The long-awaited Prohibition Bill (Bill Z-116) has been passed by the Folkparlamentet yesterday, after a long, heated debate on whether it affects the lives of Zokorians or not.

Søren Ludlom MP, the sponsor of this bill, reacts: "Like I said, alcohol and tobacco are a threat to society, and I am so pleased that it was passed, because we have been envying Hippostania, which is a freedom-loving country with no beer, liquor, cigarettes, and drugs, for so long. Thank God I can't believe that we are finally becoming sober."

It was passed by an overwhelming margin in both chambers of the Folkparlamentet, even though it encountered some opposition, most particularly from the alcohol and tobacco industry. The passage of this bill is seen as a wake up call to Zokorians to combat alcohol and tobacco addiction, which have been seen as major problems for so long.

The Supreme Leader, Henrik Müller, who supported the bill's passage, has said that he will sign the bill.

[Namor]

The Liberator
COMMENTARY

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Zokoria is NOT a threat to the Free World, says Professor

December 23, 2012 NAMOR 2352

BY ODIN CHO
PROFESSOR FROM THE YUNGLANG ANTELOPE UNIVERSITY OF POLITICS

Recently, as all may know, the Zokorian Henrik Muller regime has issued the "Axis of Evil" watchlist, its purpose is to "highlight" all the so-called "communist" countries, in which Namor was included. The whole reason behind the reason of this list was to show that Zokoria is a first-world superpower, and that it is an "active participant" in international affairs.

Many Namorese fear that Zokoria, like the Luziycan Breuvi Shjoraski regime, is threatening our national security as well as threatening the peace and stability of Western Esquarium. But I, like my colleagues and fellow professors, beg to differ.

Why? The reason, or reasons, are simple.

First off, let's take a look at Zokoria's geographical position. It is a Scandinavian-sized state, about the size of Norway, located to our southwest. Namor is Zokoria's only neighbor, meaning that if Zokoria wants to take over the world, it will need to pass Namor first. That is an imperative these Norsefire leaders cannot avoid.

Zokoria has a population of around 150 million or so, according to the latest census. Compared to our population of 810 million, Zokoria's pretty puny as population can tell. Given the fact that Zokoria only has around 3 million troops mobilised compared to our active 5 or more million troops, the outcome of a Namo-Zokorian War is pretty....obvious.

Zokoria's Navy is also in a developing status, given that it had collapsed following the Norsefire coup there in 1999, and has been refounded. According to a report from the Norsefire state newspaper, we can see that Zokoria's navy consists of fishing boats which contain Chinese slaves armed with AK-47s. That's IT. No warships, no aircraft carriers, no anything. Indeed, the Norsefires hate swimming, do they...

But what makes me question Zokoria's might the MOST are their missiles. Indeed, Zokoria posesses nuclear weapons as well as long-range nuclear missiles which can reach our capital, Namo, in a matter of minutes; however, according to a recent study done by Hippostanian scientists in the Norsefire Republic, I can confirm to you that Zokoria's missiles tend to fall apart at an altitude ranging from 100 to 500 metres. That is no surprise, seeing that all these Zokorian missiles are made in a place where scientists always get Fs in their report cards. So if these Zokorians expect to see Namo blow up in bits, they should ALSO expect too see STARKEVILLE blow up in bits as well, given that their missiles are not tested.

Now that you know why Zokoria is powerless in terms of international influence, one question lingers in our minds: is the FREE WORLD capable of liberating Zokoria? Perhaps so.

Our Namorese Liberation Army has hundreds of nuclear missiles, all of them tested by Nobel Prize winners and top scientists, so there's no doubt that our missiles will NOT fall apart at an altitude of 100-500m. Our missiles can reach Starkeville in a matter of minutes, concluding what could be the shortest possible war in the future.

Or what if we DIDN'T USE our missiles. Our Army would still be capable of invading Zokoria and occupying every major city in Zokoria there within six hours, according to Dr. Liam Zu, Professor from the University of Namo.

Rest assured, guys. Chances are, we'll catch Muller before he catches us. We Namorese, as history's truth-seekers, must realize the truth: there IS no menace from our southwest. The only country we SHOULD fear is Luziyca. But that not might be the case in a decade or two....

[Zokoria]

Dagsrekord
Meininger (Opinion)

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We are not Esquarium's "laughingstock"
By Ervin Grunhild

24 December 2012

As you all know, the Namorese have spouted numerous offensive and laughable lies against us, claiming that our navy "consists of fishing boats and Chinese slaves with AK-47s", that "we have no warships or aircraft carriers", that "our missiles tend to fell apart", and that "we are a weak and powerless nation".

Those are all untrue and unfounded, as I say. In fact, the Namorese are pretty scared of us, since our economy and military have strengthened considerably since the Norsefire Revolution in 1999. We are strong allies with the Christian Republic of Luziyca ever since its reunification, and they are willing to assist us, in case of an invasion by Namor or any other communist regime.

So do are we allies with the Republic of Hippostania, which has recently established a military base at Steinfjord, located in the Northern part of Zokoria.

While we distrust the current Namorese regime, and recognize the Relocated Government as the legitimate government of Namor, I don't think that we should go on war with our neighbours to the east.

Why? Here are the reasons.

First, the Namorese "Liberation" Army is bigger and stronger than us, whilst our army, which is strong and well-capable by international standards, is still "small", as the Namorese have claimed. We need military aid, assistance, and reinforcements from Hippostania, Luziyca, and other members of the Anti-Communism Alliance in order to defeat the "Liberation" Army and invade Namor.

Second, our Navy, although the Namorese claimed that "it has been collapsed since 1999 and was refounded", is well-developed ever since, though it is still much smaller than that of Hippostania and Luziyca, so assistance between the two countries are necessary.

Third, Namor's allies will come to its defence, and probably will invade us without mercy. Even if Hippostania, Luziyca, and the ACA came to our aid and defence, we doubt that we will win in a battle between us, Hippostania, Luziyca, and the left-wing forces.

Perhaps the most offensive thing that the Namorese have said is that "our missiles and nuclear programme are indeed failures" and that "our scientists receive failing grades". I don't think what they've said was true. We have the second largest nuclear stockpile in Esquarium, behind Luziyca, and several Zokorian studies have shown that our missiles are 100% proven not to fall apart at an altitude of 1,000 metres, that's because all of them are tested by one of Esquarium's top scientists. Our missiles can even reach Los Vientos and Vilvek in just 2 hours, making a future war very short.

But what if we didn't use our missiles? Don't worry, our Army, together with the Hippostanian and Luziycan armies, still have the guts and manpower to invade Namor and any other communist country. We might be able to occupy every Namorese city within six to eight hours, unless we are aided by Hippostania, Luziyca, and the Anti-Communism Alliance.

Never fear, fellow Zokorians, There is an extremely small chance by these Namorese communists to invade us, considering that we, as the Namorese have claimed, along with Hippostania and Luziyca, are "fascist dystopias". Despite our suspicion towards the People's Republic of Namor, they are, however, not a threat to us. We should fear Iglesiantis more often since they don't have a military, and that they are a weak, powerless socialist regime. But they are not just a threat to national security. We've got East Chorea, Nevanmaa, and Swilatia in our region and many other communist or socialist regimes outside of Esquarium.

As I would like to say: "It's better to consult with the enemy first before invading them."